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GENERAL NEWS www.kitchenwarenews.com n JULY 2016 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 3 General News Kitchenware Tourism in Action 'We're back!'" Laura and Stephen Havlek, owners of Sign Of The Bear in Sonoma, have made a point of offering souvenir-worthy products in their store. "If you want to be a tourist store, an awareness of what makes a good gift is important," says Laura. " Tourists are as likely to choose non- souvenir gifts that are our regular stock merchandise. We have all of these 'dear in our hearts' people. What is it that would be lovely for you thinking about them? The Charles Viancin lids were a miracle, people realized it was a functional product that was beautiful. Here's a memento that will make your daily life better." "A lot of times, what appeals to the locals will be viewed as unique and interesting to someone outside the area. Our success with tourism is auguring more to the local aesthetic," adds Stephen. Tourists in the Sonoma area will often buy items such as high quality stoneware and cutting boards to create cheese platters at home like the ones they enjoyed at local restaurants. Janie Williams, co-owner of The Biggest Little Kitchen Store in Jackson, California, has arranged a kitchen area where customers can relax during their visit, the same way that Disneyland has both paths that encourage guests to wander and benches for resting. "I have a full working kitchen with a big bar that overlooks the store. We have a cute bench and a water bowl; we have a couple high top tables with chairs. One of the customers will just sit at the table and visit with other customers," says Williams. "There's always coffee in the store; people can get something to drink. A lot of times they ' ll spend an hour in the store, go downtown for lunch, and come back." Disneyland is constantly ref reshing the park with new attractions to keep guests coming back for more. All of these retailers do the same in their stores. "It's completely changing all the time. Different areas in our store change constantly to adopt different features that come out. We' ll downsize one item and put a new fixture in," says Williams. Stephen Havlek adds that up to 60 percent of Sign Of The Bear's fixtures have been moved in the last year. " We'll rip down fixtures and build new fixtures, whatever it takes to get stuff in," he says. "Can we make this so it reads to people to roll through? The more confusing it is for people, the less engaged they'll be…. As people are looking at cards or at books; you need a place people can stand. If you're in an aisle where they feel rushed, that isn't good for them." KN govino Hires Jeff Conner as New Chief Operating Officer govino, which makes shatterproof drinkware, has appointed Jeff Conner as the company 's new Chief Operating Officer. In his role as COO, Conner will oversee all aspects of govino's corporate strategy and operations, including supply chain, logistics, fulfillment, and customer service. Conner joins govino after 15 years of working with Innovate Partners, LLC, where he served as both Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and COO for majority- owned portfolio companies. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Conner graduated f rom California State University at Northridge with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and finance in 1996. Since the beginning of the year, govino has also brought on Public Relations and Social Media Manager Amy Pellegrini to manage efforts in house. She reports to Paulette Estrella, who was recently promoted to Marketing Director. In addition, Todd St. Sure joined govino as the Vice President of Sales, and Alexa Cutler was promoted to Sales Manager. KN (cont. from Page 1)

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