Horny Toad sponsored its second Dealer Merchandising Contest, and retailers took part by creating unique and artistic displays featuring Toad’s “Every day is an adventure” theme. For Fall, the company has also produced a brochure entitled, “A Blueprint for Merchandising,” which offers ideas for successful merchandising techniques such as how to fold or hang clothing to highlight special details and create “shelf appeal,” ideas for easily accessible props and tips for displaying products together.

The Merchandising Contest’s Grand Prize, an additional 10% credit towards the retailer’s Fall 2005 Horny Toad purchase, went to Water’s Edge Trading Company, based in Tofte, Minnesota. The Team at Water’s Edge merchandised Horny Toad product and props, including vintage license plates and suitcases, into a travel-related theme that was quirky, retro and fun. Runners-up included Island City Group in Minocqua, Wisconsin, which featured a front porch Halloween theme, and Appalachian Ski & Outdoors in State College, Pennsylvania, which chose a women’s theme and collected donations for Breast Cancer Research. Each of the runners-up received $500 retail value worth of Horny Toad Product. Every participating retailer will receive a cd with images of each entry, to help spark new ideas for merchandising.

According to Linda Brine of Water’s Edge, “The display’s biggest impact was the enthusiasm it generated in our employees. When customers inquired ‘what’s new?’ or ‘what’s fun?’ it was evident that the merchandised display resulted in a high level of awareness of Horny Toad among the staff.” Horny Toad sponsors the Merchandising Contest twice a year, because, according to Marketing Director, Tami Snow, “It helps retailers understand how merchandising increases brand awareness, in-store energy and sales.”