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Downtown Shops Report Strong Holiday Sales
Nashua, NH – Local business owners were happy to awake this week to a white Christmas. But, earlier in the month, less white meant more green, according to business owners across the region.
Mild weather, along with an extended shopping calendar, combined to make this holiday season a strong one, business owners and managers said this week. The lack of snowfall encouraged customers to hit the stores early and often, owners said.
Nearly 400 International Companies From 43 Countries Will Participate in Winter NYIGF
Nearly 400 companies representing 43 countries around the world will participate in the winter edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), January 26-30, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal’s Piers 92 & 94.
Most of these companies will be grouped together in 12 government-sponsored pavilions or organized groups, located in three of NYIGF’s ten divisions.
Southworth Announces Acquisition of The Madison Park Group
Southworth Company, manufacturer of the most popular retail brand of premium cotton and other fine papers for over 170 years, has acquired The Madison Park Group, a leader in the social expressions and gift industry. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone from The Madison Park Group into our family of companies,” shares David Southworth, 5th generation company President. “They have an impressive and unique business model and we have long been aware of their success in the competitive social expressions and gift industries.
GCA’s 25th Anniversary LOUIE Awards Judges Announced
The 25th Anniversary LOUIE Awards Committee is pleased to announce the judges for this year’s competition. The panel of judges includes 20 well-respected industry retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, educators, and designers who will evaluate the entries to determine the finalists and winners in more than 50 categories. An impressive 997 submissions have been entered this year, from a record-breaking 212 companies, reflecting the increasing interest of the high-profile competition.
“I am thrilled with the judges for the 25th Anniversary LOUIE Awards.
Hospital Gift Shop Open Again and in Full Bloom
St. Albert, AB – When Jackie White re-opened the SHAVA Gift Shop at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in November, she pushed the biggest wheelchair through it first.
That way, volunteer Dorothy Branson says, they really made sure that was enough space at their new location.
Branson has volunteered with the Sturgeon Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Association (SHAVA) since 1988.
White volunteered with them for 26 years, 21 of which she spent working Monday evening shifts at the shop.
She is now the president of the association.
Shop all Year For Little Ones in Marshfield
Marshfield, MA – As holiday shopping days quickly vanished, business was bustling at Olivia Rose, the children’s boutique nestled among Marshfield’s Ocean Street storefronts.
Within the shop fanciful and festive Christmas dresses of velvet and satin were on display with cheerful, bright pajamas and whimsical sweaters for little ones.
As customers browsed and explored the racks and shelves of unique and distinct children’s clothing many sought gifts to purchase for occasions other than imminent winter family holiday events.
Vintique Leads the Way for Local Boutiques
Neenah, WI – Find a career that inspires you to do more every day, and work is no longer a job. That’s Tina Palmer’s outlook on life as owner of Vintique, a designer boutique in downtown Neenah.
She has an eye for vintage style with a modern flair that is infused into everything she does.
I stopped into the store only days after she had returned from a Chicago buying trip, which followed earlier stops in key fashion markets from Las Vegas to New York City. Each market is an opportunity to connect with brands from all over the world.
Mom and Pop Christmas III: Davis Trading Post Continues to Evolve in Norwood
Norwood, PA – At the corner of Winona Avenue and Chester Pike in Norwood stands a testament to the staying power of adaptability, loyalty and what Deborah Davis likes to call “the personal touch.”
Davis Trading Post has been a staple of the community since Deborah’s grandfather, H. Tracy Davis, first opened his pharmacy at 8 W. Winona Ave.
Finding’s Etc. Relocates to Coldspring Square
Coldspring, TX – Finding’s Etc. has relocated to the courthouse square in Coldspring to offer its unique gifts and furniture in a more visible location.
The shop is owned by Linda Stevens and is now located on the courthouse square in Coldspring. It opened on Nov. 8 and was previously located at the Coldspring business center.
She started the business over a year ago to help her husband, Jack Stevens, sell some of his inventory at his store. Some of his inventory included granite, glass and bricks.
The Rusty Wagon is a Success
Orland, CA – The Rusty Wagon gift store is closing in the black for 2012, and is looking forward to continued success.
That is the assessment of Glenn County Office of Education administrators who organized the Orland shop to help people with developmental disabilities get a job.
It employs four associates and a manager, and plans call for additional staff in 2013 if it continues to grow, said Project Coordinator Candice Spielman.
Thanks to the generosity of customers the store has had a “decent first year,” Spielman added.
Downtown Boutique Serendipity Celebrates 10 Years of Business
Pittsburgh, PA – Serendipity is defined as the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.
So it was a perfect name for Kimberly and Peter Coppola to choose for their Downtown women’s accessories boutique. The store offers items to “express yourself.”
“Sometimes, you just meet people by chance, or things happen which steer you in a different direction than you were originally heading,” Peter Coppola says. “It’s amazing how we have met so many wonderful people in this business … just by chance.
The Gold Trout
Manchester, VT – If you are looking for custom stationery, a special present or a perfect little hostess gift, check out The Gold Trout in Manchester. Located in the historic Depot Street district, this new boutique is run by owners MaryBeth O’Donnell and Holly Mirenda.
O’Donnell and Mirenda are friends and share much in common, both being busy moms of young children, but bring different strengths and experience to the business.
Several Categories Strengthen Within NYIGF’s Baby & Child
Several juvenile product categories, including design-oriented accessories, natural products and educational play toys, are expanding within Baby & Child at the winter 2013 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), January 27-30, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Following its successful summer 2012 relocation, Baby & Child will hold its first winter market in the Javits Center’s 1D Hall, with 150 suppliers – including new, returning and relocating exhibitors.
American Heritage Billiards Moves to New Permanent Showroom for Winter Las Vegas Market
American Heritage Billiards — a leading producer of billiard tables, home bars, barstools and game room furniture — is moving to a new permanent showroom at the Las Vegas Market taking place Jan. 28 to Feb. 1.
American Heritage will show in a 4,000-square-foot showroom in space B-0818 for the winter market.
“The market team found us a great location in a high-traffic area, and have made the whole transition very simple,” said John Hoffman, vice president.
Studio M, Stephane Burgess to Launch Painted Peace Collection
Studio M, the new artful home and garden division of Magnet Works, announced that they have partnered with artist Stephanie Burgess to launch a collection called Painted Peace. The collection includes chalkboards, address plaques, wall art, and a new category – Art Poles.
“The style of Stephanie’s Painted Peace collection is simple, yet remarkable – rich in color and in message.
L.A. Mart Announces 6 New Showrooms and 9 Showroom Expansions in time for the January 2013 Show Season
The L.A. Mart, the pre-eminent market center for gift and home furnishings products on the West Coast, today announces tremendous increases to its showroom line-up during the fourth quarter. Six new showrooms join another four major industry companies in time for the upcoming January Gift & Home Market, January 23-28, 2013 including S.P. Larner, International Gem & Minerals, E. Barrett, Carol Solomon & Associates, Roozt, Alan & Leigh, Kiss the Frog, Be Home, Sunshine Sales and Ty, Inc.
The new ownership six months ago has galvanized the building while staying true to its roots.
Breadth & Depth of Better Home Products Expands for Winter 2013 Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market
With the addition of leading soft goods supplier CODARUS WEST to its rapidly growing roster of better home goods tenants, International Market Centers will expand its assortment of A-level home resources for the forthcoming GIFT+HOME at Las Vegas Market, January 28-February 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
Dallas KidsWorld Studio Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Dallas Market Center today announced that Dallas KidsWorld Studio will celebrate its fifth anniversary during the Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 16-22, 2013.
KidsWorld Studio, an 8,000-square-foot shared showroom, features leading manufacturers of gifts, home décor, lighting, toys, books, furniture, apparel and accessories. The Studio is located on the 8th floor of the World Trade Center (WTC), a complete floor devoted to products for infants, children, tweens and expectant mothers.
burton + BURTON Announces New Permanent Showroom at Las Vegas Market
Maxine Burton, president and COO, is pleased to announce the opening of the new burton + BURTONTM 10,000 square foot permanent showroom in the World Market Center Las Vegas. The new showroom is located on the 8th oor of the newly expanded Gift + Home area in Building C, Showroom 852.
Steve Casso, general manager, stated, “We are excited to be opening for the January 28–February 1, 2013, gift show.
Shop Has Unique Pieces Old and New
Ellsworth, ME – A new shop has opened on Main Street filled with Maine-made décor and jewelry as well as ornaments and items from Germany and France.
Washing Baby Elephants is the creation of Wendy Preston-Ward of Lamoine.
“It’s a mix of new and old,” said Preston-Ward. The logo is “from the unique to the antique.”
Preston-Ward most recently had been The Ellsworth American’s accounting manager for eight years.