We had this range of Rollmatz in-store for less than three months, as part of a broader toy offer, before selling out. They have proven to be a profitable line, easily sold when working with a customer on the shop floor who is looking for something for their kids to play with (on) or as a gift. Adding a $34.95 item (with a 50% margin) to a shopping basket containing a couple of greeting cards makes for a nice sale. I saw this happen last Saturday. A shopper wanted something difference for her niece’s birthday. The suggestion of the Rollmatz worked, doubling the value of the sale to that point.
Having gifts and other stock items which sell easily with the cards we carry is the smart way to leverage greeting card generated traffic to its full potential. This is where working with our customers is important, talking with them about what else they are looking for, listening for what could sell with their destination purchase.
The other key is to have products which are not easily price compared. This provides valuable margin opportunity.
I can think of plenty of reasons to not try Rollmatz in a newsagency. Our recent experience, however, encourages me to look for more items we might reject at first glance.