Buyers' Top Picks - Q3 2023

Summer is so close we can almost touch it and the weather has been fantastic in recent weeks. More glorious weather, BBQ’s, beach days, summer holidays and garden parties are on the horizon and personally, we can’t wait. It’s time to start planning ahead for quarter three to ensure you’re stocked up in plenty of time for school holidays and dare we say it…Christmas!

We know, we know, it’s too early to mention the C word but you’ll find this blog filled with travel accessories, summer medicines, back to school stationery and outdoor toys with a small mention of Christmas at the end, so do read on to find out what products our expert buyers have chosen for the summer months!

At Harrisons, our buyers:

• Select new products and review old ones, so you get products that are more likely to sell.
• Find the right suppliers – so we can price our goods competitively.
• React to any changes in customer demand, so you get the products you need when you need them.
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers while seeking out new ones – we’re always looking for new, innovative products that improve your sales lines.
• Getting feedback from customers – we want to hear about how products work for you and what we can do better (we’re rated 4.8/5* on Feefo!).

Travel Accessories

Summer holidays are what we all look forward to year on year and whether that’s flying abroad or doing a staycation, there are essentials your customers will be looking to purchase. Here are Chris’ recommended travel accessories to stock:

• Xpel Bite & Sting Pump Spray 70ml
• Germolene Antiseptic Cream With Local Anaesthetic 30g
• Handy First Aid Kit
• Foster Grant Sunglasses – Square – Shiny Tort
• Bucket Hat – Pale Blue
• Fluorodine Dental Travel Kit

Summer Medicines

Unfortunately, colds and bugs are still a problem for many in summer, even if we don’t associate them with this time of year. Add in hay fever, allergies and general aches and pains and it’s safe to say your customers are still going to be purchasing GSL medicines to alleviate their symptoms and get them back on their feet. Below are the recommended summer medicine essentials:

• Sudafed Nasal Spray 15ml
• Imodium Original Capsules 2mg
• Piriteze Allergy 10mg Tablets 7’s
• Benadryl Allergy Relief for Children 6+ Oral Solution 1mg/ml 70ml
• Nuromol Dual Action Pain Relief Tablets 12’s

Back to School Stationery

School is nearly out for summer, but the new school year will be upon us before we know it. Due to the current climate, research shows a mixture of well-known brands and lower-priced brands of back to school accessories and stationery is likely to perform the best. Availability is also key in the run up to September so here are Anne’s recommendations to help maximise your sales:

• Busy Life 4 Retractable Ballpoint Pens Hang Pack
• Pukka Pad B6 Exercise Book 3 Pack Bloom Design
• Ultratape Biodegradable Clear Biotape 24mm x 30m
• Helix Ultimate School Set Hang Pack
• Double Hole Metal Pencil Sharpener & Eraser Hang Pack
• Helix Scientific Calculator
• Clear A4 Punched Pockets 10’s

Outdoor Play

So far throughout Spring we have had fantastic weather, and it’s set to continue throughout the summer months. Family time is so important and can be rare, so when the sun is shining it’s the perfect time for your customers to get out to the beach, the park, and the local football field to spend some quality time together. Sports and games are a huge part of that, so here are the products we recommend for a summer of fun:

• Beach Set – 15cm Castle Bucket with 26cm Spade & Accessories
• Kickerball
• Catch Ball Set Hang Pack
• M.Y Badminton Set – 2 Player CDU
• Rounders Bat with Ball Set 18 Inch
• Soccer Special 23cm Football Assorted Colours Deflated

Watch out for…

Autumn / Winter Toys

We are currently working on the Autumn / Winter range of toys to make sure we bring the best trending lines to you and your customers for the busy period. A lot of research is going into sourcing the newest and most popular toys for your store. Our buying team attended the London Toy Fair earlier this year to meet with new and existing suppliers to ensure we’re brining you only the best. Keep your eyes peeled for new lines coming soon.

Christmas Launch

We promised a small Christmas section at the end of the blog, so we’ll keep it short! Our Christmas range which will include Toys, Sweets, Chocolate, Gifts, Gift Wrap, Greetings Cards, and more will be launching in September. Shop early so you don’t miss out!

For any Christmas bulk requests, please send these to sales@harrisonsdirect.co.uk. The earlier, the better to avoid disappointment.

That’s it – we’re done! We will see you in August for our Q4 top picks.

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