Archives: News
Flourish Boutique Defies Market Odds
South Bend, IN – More than 50 percent of new small businesses fail within the first five years of operation, according to the Small Business Association.Some owners run out of cash; others run out of steam doing everything themselves.
Some businesses fail because of a poor location, or the owner loses sight of the competition or falls short in customer service.
Vanessa Cooreman Smith was well aware of the risks associated with starting a business when she opened the doors to her South Bend boutique in July 2008.
The local native and Saint Mary’s College graduate was dete
New Gift Shop Opens, Artisan’s Palate
Temecula, CA – New business owner Pia Maffei has found a way to marry technology with her other love, gourmet food.
After 25 years in the high-tech industry, Maffei, 45, opened on Monday, June 10, a specialty store in Temecula designed to showcase unconventional gifts and their creators.
Called Artisan’s Palate, the shop carries about 50 hand-made and natural food products, drinks, clothing, dog treats and soaps from a 100-mile footprint.
Girls Night Out Gets People to Shop Local
Caldwell, NJ – The rain did not dampen shoppers from filling Caldwell businesses Thursday evening for the first ever Girls Night Out.
More than 25 local businesses in Caldwell’s business district kept their doors open late on Thursday to encourage residents to shop locally. The event drew dozens of people out to shop and meet local merchants.
June Cowell, owner of Lovely Living Interiors and president of the Caldwell Merchants Association, said the event reminds people to stay local when they are shopping.
National Retail Federation Reports Father’s Day Spending up From Last Year
Raleigh, NC – When it comes to buying the perfect gift for dad on Father’s Day, shoppers are spending a little more.
The National Retail Federation reports that the average person will spend $119.84, up more than $2 from $117.14 last year.
At the Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Raleigh, the store was filled with last-minute shoppers on Saturday. Clothing, sporting goods and electronics remain among the most popular items. Employee Stacy Murphy said she’s seen a different trend.
Home Decor Store Opens In Monroe
Monroe, MI – Inside Looking Out, a shop featuring home decor items, custom draperies, window treatments and various home accessories, including original artwork, has opened at 415 N. Monroe St.
“Basically we are about enhancing the beauty of a home,” said Lisa Doan of Monroe. She said she thinks her shop will fill a void in the area.
“I feel like the time is now, the economy is coming back strong, and I feel Monroe people deserve a place to buy beautiful things for their home,” she said.
Armen Living Returns to Las Vegas Market after Two-Year Hiatus
Contemporary furniture designer and manufacturer, Armen Living, is returning to Las Vegas Market after a two-year hiatus. The company will be showing its colorfully sleek, classically retro collections at the Summer Las Vegas Market, July 29-August 2, in a 2500 square foot showroom in Building B-755.
“The gravitational pull of Las Vegas Market is too strong to ignore,” said Kevin Kevonian, president of Armen Living. “The Market attracts both domestic and international customers who are increasingly demanding our types of products.
Multiple Dallas Temp Show Categories Sold Out for June
Dallas Market Center recently announced that multiple Dallas Temp Show (June 19-24, 2013) categories are sold out for June.
Sold out categories include Handmade Fashion & Accessories FINDS (World Trade Center 13), Home FINDS (WTC 6), Design FINDS (Trade Mart 1) and Party & Paper FINDS (WTC 12).
“We’re seeing remarkable growth and demand for space at our Dallas Temp Show,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “New companies as well as existing exhibitor expansions account for an excellent range of resources.
Artisan Resource Doubles in Size For Third Semi-Annual Edition
Demand for global artisanal resources has resulted in a 100 percent growth in Artisan Resource™, a first-of-it-kind market offering U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to meet with international artisanal producers.
Phillipsburg Cash Mob Visits Thomian Gallery & Gifts
Phillipsburg, PA – A quaint Victorian shop on Phillipsburg’s Main Street got a fast infusion of business today when a cash mob of shoppers arrived this afternoon, armed with $20 bills.
About a half-dozen shoppers arrived at Shappell Park just after noon and proceeded to Thomian Gallery & Gifts, where owner Elaine Malcolm greeted them. The shop sells Victorian accessories, gifts, home wares, soaps jewelry and linens — lots of everything, Malcolm said.
She said she knew the cash mob was coming, but she was surprised by the size of the group.
Vance Kitira Introduces Jewelry
Vance Kitira International, famous for its Timber® Candles and nature-inspired lifestyle products, is proud to announce the debut of Kitira Jewelry at trade shows this summer.
It has long been Vance’s dream to design and produce original jewelry creations.
Midwest‐CBK Launches CURIA: Company’s Debut of Unique, Hand‐Crafted Jewelry and Accessories
Cannon Falls, MN – Midwest-CBK, LLC, national designer and manufacturer of seasonal, everyday gifts and home accents, introduces CURIA, the company’s debut launch of jewelry and accessories featuring nearly 200 boutique‐inspired, hand‐crafted designs. The new collection will debut during summer markets including Dallas, Atlanta and Las Vegas, and will be available for shipping beginning in September.
Seaside Shopping a “Shore Thing” in Brant Rock
Marshfield, MA – Driving around the Esplanade several years ago, Betsy Howley noticed a storefront vacancy in the row of business structures steps away from the beach.
Still cherishing memories of childhood summer visits to Marshfield beaches, the Green Harbor resident long envisioned a beach shop thriving in the town.
“Marshfield has so many beautiful beaches and there were no beach shops,” she said. “The next thing you know, I was negotiating the rent with the building owners.”
Elements Trade Event Begins International Expansion With Outstanding Dubai Premiere
Elements, the dynamic trade event focused on beauty and fragrance design, presented its first international exhibition last week in Dubai. In cooperation with Beautyworld Middle East, Elements took over a destination space within the prestigious Al Multaqa Hall and welcomed over 20,000 visitors.
“This is the first international show we have produced,” said Elements Co-Founder Jeffrey Lawson. “For Elements Dubai, it was imperative that we presented a very well edited group of global brands. We showcased 20 top tier labels from North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
High Profile Firms Headline Debut of c-One at las Vegas Market
Las Vegas Market announced today that an additional 14 of the industry’s leading tabletop, gift and home décor suppliers have confirmed their participation in the debut of the new c-ONE cross-category showcase at the Summer 2013 Las Vegas Market, July 29-August 2. In total, c-ONE is expected to present some 45 iconic and inspirational design resources in both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitions, as part of an overall redefinition of Las Vegas as the industry’s premier Western U.S.
Annaleece Launches New Designs for Summer
High quality fashion jewelry and accessories manufacturer, Annaleece by DeVries (www.annaleece.com), announces the launch of their summer new releases.
With 14 new designs to add to their overall collection and an additional two designs for their Holiday jewelry, Annaleece continues to focus on retailer demand as well as consumer trends and style.
Showing the importance of classic designs as well as variety in color, Annaleece features their “Dazzling” necklaces and matching earrings within their new release.
Douglas Fashion Is Tu Tu Cute!
Tutus and Tutu skirts are a hot fashion trend and Douglas Company has married this trend with their latest fashion accessory bags. Tutu Clutch and Tutu Cute Ruffle Tote are two new pieces in the Christine Clarke Sassy Kidz Fashion Collection. Tutu’s are no longer just for ballerinas but rather for every girl.
Whether you are going to a play, or a party, or just out for the day, Tutu Clutch and Tutu Cute Ruffle Tote are sure to turn heads. Both bags are created from soft carnation pink satin fabric.
Family Business Thriving at Dorothy Cox Chocolates
Taunton, MA – In 1928, Mary Dorothy Cox started selling buttercrunch and other candies that she made at home at the New Bedford Dry Goods store and today, the chocolate-covered, butter brickle-style candy remains one of the most popular at Dorothy Cox Chocolates.
It’s also a favorite of Mary Dorothy Cox’s great-niece, Dorothy Cox, who co-owns the family business with her brothers, Francis Jr.
The Art of Giving Relocates to Downtown
Freeport, Grand Bahama – The Art of Giving, one of Freeport’s premiere boutique gift shops, has moved to #9 Seventeen Plaza, downtown. Conveniently located immediately across from the Post Office, the shop is a licensed vendor of Starbucks coffees, teas, and iced blended drinks and carries a distinctive line of gifts and fashionable décor for the home.
“We’re excited about our new location. We feel that Seventeen Plaza is the ideal place to be,” stated store manager, Michele Coburn.
Knot & Bow Stationery Studio Comes To Gowanus
Gowanus, NY – Gowanus has seen a flurry of food-related activity over the last year, what with multiple restaurants opening and the ongoing construction of Whole Foods. Now a new studio may signal the beginnings of an increased retail presence in the neighborhood.
Knot & Bow stationery quietly opened a production studio in Gowanus last week, and plans to include a shop by early fall. Already, owner Erin Ozer says passersby have been knocking at her door.
“We’re not a retail shop quite yet,” she says. “But we’re planning on opening that portion of the business in September.
Hip Children’s Boutique Breathes Retail Life Into North Pine
Long Beach, CA – Sitting on a vintage pedal car inside his boutique, his bow tie neatly arranged below his thick rimmed glasses and cabbie cap, Rajh Kirch recites the odyssey that lead him to Long Beach and the many hats he’s worn along the way.
Kirch worked as a retail window display designer. He studied cosmetology. He even released a hip-hop album under his stage name, Rajh.