Dive Into a New Product Category

Minix agrees, adding that once you decide to test a product category, you really have to be in it. “If you’ve never sold footwear, for example, do a spread or state in some way that you’re making a commitment to the product line.”

And when it comes to creative, don’t hesitate to play up the new category, Minix adds. If appropriate, use a colored band on the pages featuring the new items, or put a burst on the cover announcing the new product category. At the very least, he says, place the new items together on an attractive spread or in a grouping.