by Janine DePaulo

 
The New Year is a time when everyone is thinking about changing their lives for the better—and that’s a perfect fit with your product assortment. Take advantage of this annual tradition with a powerful display of interesting, unusual, and thoughtful products that will help support your customers in becoming more spiritual, centered, stress-free, healthy, wise, or happy. Start by making a list of possible resolutions people who frequent your store might pursue. If you have employees, poll them for ideas, as well. A few examples are:

• Keep a journal
• Live in the moment
• Go vegan
• Find a more fulfilling career
• Become debt-free
• Practice daily gratitude

Once you have your list, scope out your products—what do you stock that either could tap into what your customer is already thinking about or might become their spark of inspiration? It’s important to think outside the weight-loss books and exercise DVDs that every “Mart” and big-box store will have displayed next to the front doors. Changing one’s life can be a daunting challenge. Your store is uniquely suited to creating a supportive, encouraging atmosphere in which customers will feel a sense of sanctuary, rather than pressure to conform to a popular ideal.

Be creative—even humorous. For example, try numbering some unusual and not-so-unusual resolutions on shelf talkers as a way to get people thinking. You might list “Resolution #34: Go vegan,” on a tent card with a display of vegan cookbooks and animal figurines. “Resolution #112: Become debt-free,” could be placed next to a group of prosperity candles, worry stones, and fun wallets or handbags. Even more tongue-in-cheek might be “Resolution #65: Be more decisive,” posted near your pendulum display or “Resolution #10: No more coffee,” beside a book about the wonders of tea.

Combine giftware and books that support transformation in unexpected ways, along with classic resolution products such as yoga mats, Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, and other goal-oriented staples that many customers will look for in January. Clever, insightful, and unique items such as the following will find a receptive audience in those trying to make big changes in the New Year.

GIFTWARE

Transform Your Life Through Handwriting Kit
Sounds True
800/333-9185, www.soundstrue.com

Kit from handwriting expert Vimala Rodgers emphasizes changing one’s inner psyche by changing one’s penmanship habits. Includes 97-page illustrated guidebook, blank journal, 26 reference cards, and two audio CDs.

Enchanted Dreams Flex Journal
Brush Dance
800/531-7445, www.brushdance.com

Whimsical, colorful design and inspiring quote about gratitude from Henry Ward Beecher on a 120-page journal (5” x 7”). 
 

Promise Rings
Whitney Howard Designs
818/884-8478, www.whitneyhoward.com

Recycled pewter cuff rings with promises to “stay positive,” “count my blessings,” and more. One size fits most adults.

Catalyst: The Game of Insight and Inspiration
Catalyst Personal Growth
888/922-8259, www.catalystpersonalgrowth.com

Fun board game that invites players to examine different areas of life and make positive changes (10” x 10” x 3”).

Increased Finance Script Rune Pendant
The Silver Dragon
401/737-4603, www.tsdjewelry.com

Made of sterling silver, this pendant (1.5” long) features ancient runic symbols for those seeking financial abundance; includes 18” sterling cable chain and story card. Designs for love, health, and more also available.

Buddha Board Box
Buddha Board
604/709-5667, www.buddhaboard.com

Designed to encourage “the art of letting go,” the reusable Buddha Board allows the user to paint designs with water which slowly fade away; kit (10.5” x 8.5” x  2”) also includes The Art of Letting Go book by Kim Meisner, meditation bells, a bamboo brush, and more.

Serenity Prayer Round Tea Light Holder
Handcrafted Pewter
800/344-3820, www.hcpewter.com

The Serenity Prayer is etched around the rim of this glass and pewter candleholder (3” x .75”); includes tea light candle and story card.

BOOKS

Being True to Life: Poetic Paths to Personal Growth
David Richo
$14.95 QP, 9781590307427, Shambhala Publications, www.shambhala.com

Spirit of Service: Your Daily Stimulus for Making a Difference
Various authors
$23.99 HC, 9780061922145, HarperOne, www.harperone.com

Riches Within Your Reach!: Discover for Yourself the Astonishing and Simple Keys to Success—And Put Them in Action Today
Robert Collier
$10 QP, 9781585427673, Tarcher/Penguin, www.penguingroup.com

The Mindfulness Workbook: A Beginner’s Guide to Overcoming Fear & Embracing Compassion
Thomas Roberts
$21.95 QP, 9781572246751, New Harbinger Publications, www.newharbinger.com

The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life
Chris Downie
$24.95 HC, 9781401926458, Hay House, www.hayhouse.com

The Mandala Workbook: A Creative Guide for Self-Exploration, Balance, and Well-Being
Susanne F. Fincher
$18.95 QP, 9781590305188, Shambhala Publications, www.shambhala.com

Janine DePaulo is associate editor of New Age Retailer.