Archives: News
Las Vegas Market Announces a Full Slate of Networking Events and Daily Hospitality
International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries announces the exhilarating line-up of networking events, entertainment and hospitality planned for the Summer 2013 Las Vegas Market, taking place July 29 – August 2.
The campus will be abuzz with energizing entertainment in the Grand Plaza as well as receptions hosted throughout the Market floors.
Dallas Market Center & Dwell with Dignity Announce Partnership
Dallas Market Center today announced its corporate sponsorship of Dwell with Dignity to offer continued support of its effort to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design. Throughout the year, Dallas Market Center will make monetary and in-kind contributions to support Dwell’s mission.
“We’re proud to partner with Dwell with Dignity, an organization that tremendously impacts families with the help of the design and home industries,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center.
Bestever Licenses Their Popular Baby Mats to Mary Meyer New License
Plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator, Bestever, has licensed their most popular animal-themed Baby Mat™ line to Mary Meyer Stuffed Toys. These same Baby Mats™ garnered A-list celebrity attention from Jennifer Lopez’s twins, Salma Hayek’s baby as well as Kourtney Kardashian’s baby and many others.
Effective immediately, Mary Meyer® will be bringing the top rated Baby Mat™ line to the gift and specialty market nationwide. Mary Meyer® is a family owned and operated stuffed toy company nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
NY NOW Winter Market Includes Extra Day & Additional Venue
Extending its scope as the nation’s premiere home and lifestyle marketplace, NY NOW®, the Market for Home & Lifestyle (formerly known as NYIGF®), has added an extra day to the winter 2014 event, and will expand its use of multiple locations, including the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and both Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. With the addition of one weekday to the winter schedule, the six-day market will open on Saturday, February 1, and will run through Thursday, February 6 (rather than Wednesday, February 5, as previously announced).
NY NOW NEW! Collection Debuts at Summer Market
NY NOW NEW! – one of four new product collections to debut at the summer edition of NY NOW®, the Market for Home & Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF®) – will introduce some 250 new-to-market exhibitors at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94, August 17-20, 2013.
“Based on high demand for exhibit space from new suppliers, we’ve already increased the NY NOW NEW!
Ganz Acquires Noelle Brand of Popular Women’s Fashions, Accessories and Gifts
Ganz, through a U.S. subsidiary, is pleased to announce it has acquired the Noelle brand, known for its popular women’s fashions, accessories, gifts and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Noelle will continue to operate as a stand‐alone company under its current management team, staff and operational infrastructure.
Starting August 1, the Noelle product line will be sold through the Midwest‐CBK sales force which Ganz acquired in 2012.
Momma’s Jewels Sterling Silver Teething Jewelry to Debut at Atlanta Gift Show
Momma’s Jewels, the first line of stylish sterling silver teething jewelry, will debut at the Atlanta International Gift Show in July. Designed for trendsetting moms, but safe for their little ones, the Momma’s Jewels collection is safety tested and proudly made in the USA. Featuring patent-protected designs of sterling silver necklaces and bracelets, each piece was made “for you to wear…for your baby to love.”
“We are so honored to be making our trade show debut in Atlanta,” says Beth Sturm, Momma’s Jewels President.
SCOUT Debuts Fall 2013 Collection
SCOUT by Bungalow (www.bungalowco.com), a leading supplier of fashion and lifestyle bags, bins, insulated totes, and travel accessories is currently debuting its fall collection at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. This 100% new collection offers 20% more product selection than the fall line from a year ago, and it features 6 new forms as well as 17 original prints.
Retail Sales, Traffic to Increase in Back-to-School Season, Says ShopperTrak
This August, retailers can expect that prepared parents will shop and spend more during the “back-to-school season” than they did last year.
According to ShopperTrak — the world’s largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic — national retail sales, when compared to the same period last year, will rise 4.3 percent in August, and retail foot traffic will increase 0.6 percent.
“Back-to-school shopping is the first major ‘shopping season’ of the calendar year, and has the potential to set the tone for the holidays,” said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder.
Las Vegas Market Attracts 1,200 New and Expanded Lines in 18 Months
The city of Las Vegas has long been known for unprecedented booms and dramatic growth. Now, that explosive growth is ever apparent and squarely set on Las Vegas Market with a whopping 1,200 new furnishings and gift lines that have been added or expanded since Winter 2012.
At the upcoming Las Vegas Market, held July 29-Aug. 2, buyers will see 1,200 new exhibitors and lines—representing the total home experience. More than half of the growth has come from the rapidly emerging gift category with 510 new permanent gift showrooms and lines, and 405 new gift temporaries.
Douglas Company Introduces All New and So Much Fun, Kidz Aprons by Sassy Kidz Fashion Designer Christine Clarke
Plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator, Douglas Company, introduces something brand new and so perfect for the holidays. Fashionable, trendy Kidz Aprons that are so much fun! When it comes time to make those holiday cookies or create holiday crafts, kids can now step up the fun and style factor by dressing up just like mom in their very own apron, in just their size.
There are four Kidz Aprons to fit the style of every young fashionista.
Yankee Candle Launches New Relaxing Rituals Collection
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced the launch of its new Relaxing Rituals™ line. Each blend of three different essential oils creates a special fragrance combination designed to soothe the mind, body and soul and provide an easy relaxing ritual that fits busy lifestyles. The Relaxing Rituals™ line offers a variety of options for creating a fragrant relaxation experience that is uniquely customized for each consumer.
Making Local Work: Strictly Local Selections
Prince of Wales, AK – It”s no secret the arts culture in Southeast Alaska is strong. Until recently, the ability to find it all in one place in Prince of Wales was difficult – until Strictly Local Selections opened its doors this spring.
Artist Cindy Wortman-Zeil was encouraged to open the shop by friend and fellow artist Stephanie Jurries.
Lebel Mansion Gift Shop Re-Opens
Pincher Creek, AB – After a much needed retooling, the Pincher Creek Allied Arts Council held a grand re-opening gala for their gift shop, located at Lebel Mansion.
The gift shop, operated by the Allied Arts Council, is intended as a means for local artists to showcase and sell their work.
Linde Farley, president of Allied Arts, is excited about what the gift shop offers local artists.
World of Beauty Found at Coveny Lane Boutique
Forest Park, IL – Polish pottery, Swedish linens, French soaps, Irish wedding bands: Forest Park”s newest boutique offers a selection of home decor items from all around the world.
Coveny Lane opens this week on Madison Street after 11 years in Riverside, and owner Margo Coveny Rodriguez is excited to join the village.
“I’m trying to bring beauty to the world,” she said. “I look for quality items that are beautiful and worthwhile.”
It’s Always Christmas at Kringles
Branson, MO – While there are all types of specialty shops that call Ozark Mountain Country home, there is only one where it’s Christmas all year long.
“If you like Christmas at all, you aren’t going to find many locations like this around the world,” said Mel Bilbo, owner of Kringles Christmas Shop. “I tell people if they have a scrooge in their family, this is the best place for them … people, when they walk in that front room, tell us they are overwhelmed. That is the word we hear most.
Shop Locally, Help Princeton Non-Profits
Princeton, NJ – Princeton will soon launch a shop local buying program it hopes will become a national model.
In September, the Princeton Merchants Association will unveil a Community Card, a refillable debit card/credit card and parking smart card that will not only save merchants money, but also tap into consumers” desire to support local businesses.
At the same time, a percentage of every purchase will go directly to support Princeton non-profits.
Funky Fleur De Lis Brings New Orleans gifts to Bossier City
Bossier City, LA – Looking for a gift with a distinctly Louisiana flair? Look no farther than Funky Fleur De Lis, Bossier’s newest gift boutique.
Opening her first location in Alexandria in 2009, Jeanne Rivers set out to create a store that showcased the unique home décor and specialty items she loved collecting during her frequent visits to New Orleans.
Children’s Boutique Opens in Richland
Richland, WA – There”s a new place in the Tri-Cities to shop for children”s clothes, gear and toys — Stars & Tykes Boutique.
The store, which sells new and gently used merchandise, recently opened at 2665 Queensgate Drive, Richland.
The owners — Amanda O”Keeffe and her mom, Julie O”Keeffe, and Sheila Barichello, all of Richland — are drawing on their collective retail backgrounds and experience as moms to make the store a success. Julie O”Keeffe and Barichello have five children and five grandchildren. Amanda O”Keeffe has one child.
Studio M Expands Painted Peace Collection
Studio M, the new artful home and garden division of Magnet Works, has added new items to its Painted Peace line. The products will debut at the gift and home markets this summer. With the addition of birdhouses, wall hooks, four new Art Poles™ and more, Studio M has nearly doubled the size of the Painted Peace collection.
Included in the expansion are four new Art Poles™ – the new garden category that captured the industry”s attention at the January markets. “There has been continuous buzz about Art Poles since we launched them,” says Curt Todd, CEO at Magnet Works.