If customers are constantly asking you for these items, and an area for them would fit into your store layout, then you may need to include them in your inventory.

Some stores carry pain relievers, candy, stamps and other novelty items as a convenience for their staff and parishioners. If you plan to do this, find a reliable and economical source from which to purchase these products.

Be sure to consider the cost of carrying these items in your inventory. Evaluate:

• time needed for ordering and restocking.

• product costs.

• display options.

• pricing (Will you make a profit off these items? If so, how much?).

Whether or not you decide to sell Advil is really an individual decision that each store must make. If every Sunday morning half of the nursery workers need Advil, then you have a ready-made market. But if you or your staff are eating up the candy profits, you just might want to reconsider.

Got a question for Betty Bookstore? Write to her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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