Archives: News
Utilizing Localized Internet Targeting For Your Small Business
Over the past few decades, American consumers have become very comfortable with big box stores. These are the Wal-Marts of the world, the one-stop shops that promise low prices, consistently stocked shelves and a sense of familiarity from one store to the next. This mentality has somehow managed to find its way into every aspect of American life — we have chain restaurants, big breweries and even massive websites that dominate retail. Recently, however, there has been a big push for supporting local businesses.
Woodstock Chimes Brings the Tranquility of the Ocean Home
Woodstock Chimes, a leading manufacturer of musically-tuned windchimes, is no stranger to combining the soothing sounds and iconic elements of the tropics with its renowned windchime designs. The company has done so once again with its new SeaScapes Chime – Seafoam Green. The chime features six seafoam green, sand-textured tubes, which play homage to brilliant colors of the ocean. Adding to its natural look are cherry-finished ash wood accents, reminiscent of the sand along the shore.
Fuzzle-mania Continues at Douglas Company
Fuzzlemania remains strong with the plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator Douglas Company. The Fuzzle frenzy lit fire in 2010 and continues to be full blown in 2013 with the addition of nine new plush designs.
Fuzzles™, branded the new species of plush animal, is the marriage of fashion forward cuteness and bold fabric designs in rich hues. Each brilliant color combination has its own personality, intricate detail and added texture.
Newest Sassy Pet Saks Take the Runway
Plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator Douglas Company is well known for designing the original pet carrying handbag called Sassy Pet Saks™. It’s a style and a trend that continues to be a mainstay in today’s young lady’s fashion world. Douglas is debuting nine new Sassy Pet Saks™ under the Christine Clarke Collection of Sassy Kidz Fashion umbrella in 2013.
Designers continue to push the envelope when it comes to sass and style in the design of these latest bags. Attention to detail, upscale fabric choices and the perfect accents continue to impress.
ARTS Awards Presenters Announced Including HGTV’s John Gidding
Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, today announced the presenters for the 24th annual ARTS Awards.
Sacramento Small Businesses Saw Boost In Sales Over Holiday Season
Sacramento, CA – Small businesses in midtown Sacramento are celebrating a boost in their bottom lines thanks to the holidays, whose numbers showed business was booming.
The first local campaign of keeping green on the grid proved to be just the push Birkenstock needed to keep their green going.
“The largest response we’ve ever seen from people really committed to shopping locally,” owner Toni Budworth said.
Budworth has owned her store in midtown for a decade, 27 years in the business and she’s glad to call her spot on 25th Street and J Street home.
ShopKeep POS iPad Mini Register Helps Merchants Move Through Lines Faster
ShopKeep POS, the simplest way to make smarter business decisions, announced today the launch of its new iPad mini register to help improve merchant operations. The new feature is a breakthrough in POS system technology and is currently on display at the National Retail Federation’s Convention and Expo (NRF) in New York City.
Designed to dramatically reduce wait times and enhance efficiency, the ShopKeep POS iPad mini uses the MagTek® uDynamo credit card swiper and allows merchants to take orders from customers right as they walk in the store.
Seminole Heights Shop Offers Creative Goods, Warm Welcome
Seminole Heights, FL – Wreaths, scarves, hats, pottery, delicate antique jewelry and more fill the walls and tables of Brooksie’s Market.
Some days there are fresh flowers and herbs, homemade pasta, breads and cake pops or cheese. But always there is a warm greeting and a smile for those who come looking for gifts or just to visit.
Brooksie’s Market opened in August in a Florida Avenue bungalow-style home, which had been the site of Dreams Music Showcase. It is owned by Michelle Brooks, known to her family and close friends as Brooksie.
AmericasMart Honors Area Rug Industry’s Most Impressive Introductions
AmericasMart recognized the best of the best in Area Rugs at America’s Magnificent CarpetsÒ Awards, the industry’s premier event. The ceremony is the centerpiece of the year’s most important show – The Atlanta International Area Rug MarketÒ featuring the National Oriental Rug Show, which runs Jan. 10-13, with Temporaries also Jan. 10-13. The Market runs in conjunction with the nation’s premier wholesale trade: The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings MarketÒ, Jan. 9-16.
Chef Appearances Highlight Total Housewares & Gourmet Market Launch
Dallas Market Center today announced that a host of high-profile celebrity and restaurant chefs will present cooking demonstrations on The Culinary Stage in World Trade Center (WTC) Hall of Nations to celebrate Dallas’ launch of the Total Housewares & Gourmet Market, Jan. 16-22, 2013. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 17
10 a.m. – Matt McCallister, FT33
Noon – Patton Robertson, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck
2 p.m. – Anthony Van Camp, SER
4 p.m. – David McMillan, Meddlesome Moth
Friday, Jan. 18
10 a.m.
NYIGF Showcases Emerging Design Talents at Winter Market
Two special New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) initiatives – A+: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design® and Emerging Designer Maker Platform in Handmade® Designer Maker – will showcase emerging design talents, January 26-30, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers.
New ‘Deco Shop’ Serves Growing Downtown Residential Market
Tulsa, OK – Part convenience store, part gift shop, a new store in downtown Tulsa called “The Full Deco” makes the most of its small space.
“It’s in 200 square feet plus our counter and cash register, so it’s interesting to stay the least,” said co-owner Pat Kroblin.
The Full Deco opened recently at 15 East 5th Street, between Boston and Main streets.
Meet Your Merchant: The Potlatch Offers Gifts, Souvenirs and More For Locals, Visitors
Incline Village, NV – One the oldest retail stores in all of Lake Tahoe is located in the middle of Incline Village. The Potlatch, known for its Native American jewelry, opened its doors in 1970 and has been a family operation since.
The store was originally founded by the grandparents of current owner, Lisa Nelson. Nelson’s mother, Lynn Brown, took over in 1987, and eventually passed the business on to Lisa and her husband, Aaron Nelson.
The Potlatch is named after a Northwest Indian gift giving ceremony, the couple explained.
Home Décor in Sidney With an Emphasis on Friendly Service
Sydney, NE – Kathy Assad has been bringing the residents of Sidney a mixture of home accents for the past 16 years.
From modern to the more traditional in style, Accent Home Décor, formerly known as The Crafty Corner, sells a variety of things to spruce up any home environment and then some.
Assad’s store is broken down into several sections, accommodating every room of the house from the kitchen to bathroom, and even includes a baby section and specialized gift section.
Dallas Market Center Reaches Social Media Milestone
Dallas Market Center (DMC) recently announced that its Facebook page has reached 10,000 “Likes.” To celebrate, DMC is offering special hotel rates, up to 50 percent off for three nights at select Dallas hotels during March Markets (21-24) to any person who “Likes” the page.
“We’re thrilled to see our Facebook page reach 10,000 ‘Likes,'” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “We believe engaging with buyers, exhibitors, reps and others on social media platforms like Facebook is key to building relationships.
Kevin Strawbridge Named EVP of Marketing & Technology at Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center (DMC) today announced that Kevin Strawbridge has been named executive vice president of marketing and technology. In his position, Strawbridge will be responsible for integrating marketing and technology efforts to best serve both buyers and sellers; while further enhancing the Market Center as the leading digital marketplace in the country.
“Kevin is an experienced and acknowledged leader and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our team,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center.
Zak Designs Brings Back Treasure Craft Favorites Featuring Disney Classic Characters
Zak Designs is bringing back a classic with a fresh new look. With the launch of the new Treasure Craft Ceramics line, some of the most beloved Disney characters of all time will once again be available to liven up tables and countertops across the country.
The Treasure Craft Ceramics line includes cookie jars, sculpted mugs, salt and pepper shakers, and even a cookies and milk set. All of the products are crafted with the same attention to detail and quality that have made the Treasure Craft brand a fan favorite for years.
Spring/Summer 2013 Stars in Atlanta Apparel’s Style Runway
Cool colors for warm temperatures will brighten the stage when Spring/Summer 2013 looks are introduced at the Style Runway show during Atlanta Apparel’s first market of the year, January 24-28, 2013 (temporary exhibits, January 24-27). Tresics, Esley and T.C.E.C./C. Luce play starring roles as the three trendy lines unveil their newest designs ranging from fun and easy to sophisticated and glamorous.
Tresics, an L.A.-based fashion label targeting the junior market, will present another “fun-spirited collection extraordinaire,” according to Grace Oh, Design director.
Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market Enhances Showroom Offerings for Winter Market
With an influx of new and expanded showrooms, as well as continued remerchandising of current tenants, GIFT+HOME at Las Vegas Market continues to increase momentum for its repositioning as the industry’s premier western marketplace. Some 20 new showrooms and 40 new lines, as well as five expanded showrooms, will debut at the Winter market, January 28 – February 1, 2013, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Interest in and excitement about the Las Vegas Market is at an all time high,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift & Home Décor, International Market Centers (IMC).
The Range Neighborhood Fully Leased in Dallas
Dallas Market Center today announced that The Range, its western home accents neighborhood on the World Trade Center (WTC) 6th floor, is fully leased and will be a highlight of the Total Home & Gift Market (Jan. 16-22).
THB Designs (6-6868) and Viking Log Furniture (6-6850) will debut during January Market. THB Designs offers one-of-a-kind jewelry and crosses created out of barbed wire. Though each cross is hand crafted by the same team of artisans, no two are exactly alike.

