Archives: News
Las Vegas Markets New Social Media Campaign, First Look: Ready Your Repin at Summer Market a Huge Success
Las Vegas, NV – First Look: Ready Your Repin, a social media campaign that debuted at the 2012 Summer Las Vegas Market, July 30-Aug. 3, was a hit among attendees and social media enthusiasts alike.
Zak Expanding Popular Gallery Tray Line with New Clear Options
Spokane, WA – Most hosts will agree that a quality tray is the centerpiece for any serveware line. For years, the simple, effective design of Zak Designs’ Gallery Trays –combined with the various sizes that stack inside of each other – have made them some of the most versatile and popular trays on the market.
Earlier this year, Zak increased the functionality of these serveware staples by creating a tray that included a non-skid surface, and now, Zak is adding even more options to the line with the new Clear Gallery Trays.
Made In America: MIXT Studio Makes Good on Local Goods
Most of us have heard of the local foods movement, but what about local goods? Marcie Carson, founder of MIXT Studio, is striving for just that.
“It’s about taking ‘Made in America’ a step further,” says Carson, who often roller skates to her Hermosa Beach, California studio.
MIXT was founded this year by Carson, who was looking to reinvent herself after almost 20 years as a founding partner of the award-winning graphic design firm IE Design + Communications (who has a roster of clients that include the Academy Awards, Mattel, Getty, Dole and Hilton to name a few).
Frank Joens Joins L.A. Mart as Senior Vice President, General Manager
PHR L.A. Mart, LLC proudly announces the appointment of Frank Joens as Senior Vice President, General Manager of the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles, California.
Joens returns to the L.A. Mart after a brief break in his decade-long tenure of service with the building. He began his career at the L.A. Mart in 2001 as Director of Marketing and then two years later was promoted to Director of Leasing, where he helped his team achieve an over 90% showroom occupancy rate. In 2004, he initiated and managed the opening of a temporary venue on the second floor, which became the L.A.
California Fashion Association (CFA) to Host “New Business Issues for Retailers” Panel Seminar at the CMC During Market Tuesday Sept 11
The California Market Center (CMC)’s Market Tuesday hosts a complimentary seminar presented by the California Fashion Association (CFA); moderated by Ilse Metcheck, President of the California Fashion Association – www.calfashion.org
WHAT:California Fashion Association (CFA) presents and moderates a complimentary interactive discussion “New Business Issues For Retailers” during Market Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at the CMC.
Winston’s Gift Shop Celebrates Launch with Open House, Book Signing
Lexington, SC – White House Florist is introducing its newly redesigned gift store this week with an open house and book signing.
Winston’s Gift Shop will host an open house with local authors Dr. Phil Sawyer and Tom Poland from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Sawyer and Poland will be signing copies of their newly released book, “Save the Last Dance for Me,” which tells the story of the shag dance and its presence on South Carolina beaches.
New Owners of Sackets Harbor Building Plan on Operating Gift Shop
Sackets Harbor, NY – The new owners of the building at 201 W. Main St. plan to operate their gift shop, A New Attitude, on weekends and build on their operation next year.
The property was purchased by Nicholas D. Jr. and Dedra J. Morgia, with a filing from the Jefferson County clerk’s office showing it was bought Aug. 24 for $170,000. The building’s previous owner was Andrew F. Hanzlian, who operated an antique shop in the space.
Ms. Morgia said a love of the village’s downtown sparked her interest in setting up shop.
Chateau La Wren Antiques and Gifts Holds Ribbon-Cutting in Downtown Hagerstown
Hagerstown, MD – A new antiques and gift shop officially opened Tuesday in downtown Hagerstown.
Chateau La Wren Antiques and Gifts, which opened July 2 at 20 Public Square, held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials, including Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II.
“There’s a lot of vacant buildings in downtown Hagerstown, and I think antique stores and other businesses can change that and make it thrive,” said Patrick Burke, co-owner of the store with his wife, Corina Curtis-Burke.
New Ephrata Store Caters to Young at Heart
Ephrata, WA – You don’t have to be a kid to be a kid at heart.
At least that’s how store owner Vicki Schwab wants her customers to feel when they walk into Ephrata’s newest specialty gift shop.
Kidz’, which has only been open for two weeks, specializes in old-fashion sweets, slush puppies, toys and home items. The store also features women’s clothing and jewelry.
An Accessories Boutique with Rustic Chic
Andover, MA – The owners describe Nest, at 3 Barnard Street, “as a unique boutique which offers a wide selection of carefully selected, reasonable priced fashion accessories.”
Taylor Simpson, a fifth generation Andover native, along with Stacia Glancy ran their interior decorating, home staging and contracting businesses out of their homes.
When Michelle Corey of Carina and Company, a friend of Simpson, offered to sell them her accessories business, last December, they jumped at the opportunity.
A Half Century in Business | Art Store Hits 50 Years Through Planning, Adapting to Market
Bellevue, WA – A lot can happen in 50 years.
In that half century, the world has seen nine presidents, the first missions into space and the moon, and a series of economic booms and busts.
Rare is the business that has lasted and thrived through all of the tumult that can come over five decades, but Bellevue Art Frame can boast such an accomplishment.
The art, framing, toy and gift store will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month, making it one of the city’s longest lasting businesses. In fact, the business is only nine years older than the official city of Bellevue.
Shop Small and Locally to Make a Big Difference
Canada would find itself in a lot of trouble without hard-working entrepreneurs, but it isn’t easy to go into business for yourself. Squeezed between big government and big business, on one hand you must contend with taxes and red tape from all levels of government, on the other you must deal with outrageously high credit card fees from the payments industry and compete for customers with giant corporations that have nearly unlimited budgets for marketing, advertising and public relations.
We can all help make a difference if we shop small this Oct. 20.
Sweet Stuff on Offer in New High Street Shop
Weston, UK – FANS of gobstoppers, sherbet lemons and other sweet-toothed delights can rejoice with the opening of a new sweet and gift shop in Weston’s High Street.
Munchies and More was launched by David Bleakman after he decided he wanted to open up a shop so he could spend more time with his new-born daughter.
With both him and partner Holly Whittington working full-time, after the birth of Teresa Mr Bleakman decided to take the plunge and become his own boss.
Cash Mob of 50 Serenades Venerable Store Owner
Dartmouth, NS – During the 53 years that Gloria Fisher has presided over her stationery store in Dartmouth, she’s seen a lot.
But the 90-year-old likely never imagined that she’d see a bagpiper leading a procession of shoppers directly to her door.
That’s exactly what happened Saturday morning as Dartmouth held its first cash mob.
“A cash mob is a shopping party organized online,” explained Tim Rissesco, the executive director of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission.
Karen’s Hallmark Celebrates 28 Years at Piedmont Mall
Danville, VA – Karen’s Hallmark was one of the first stores in Piedmont Mall when it opened in 1984.
This month the store is celebrating 28 years in business and is still going strong.
Although at first glance it seems to be only a small shop, Karen’s Hallmark has become a major behind-the-scenes advocate for the community.
Karen Johnston, who owns the shop, said she feels very fortunate to have such loyal customers that come to buy cards, Christmas ornaments, souvenirs and gifts. “I do think that we truly live in a great community.
The Art of Business: Waxwing Succeeds in Shorewood
Shorewood, WI – “So, how ya doing here? Is it working out?”
Proprietor Steph Davies of the Waxwing hears this question a lot. And the answer is a resounding “Yes,” with a big smile. The warm, cheery and engaging Davies always has time to hear her customers and visitors, while managing 96 artists and their work, as well as creating her own pieces. Everything at Waxwing is handmade, largely by local artists, and everything changes out every two months. Starting Tuesday, you can expect a fresh look for Fall.
Decor Corner Opens Downtown
Point Pleasant, WV – A new business in the business of home decor has opened on Main Street.
Decor Corner, on the corner of Third and Main Streets in downtown Point Pleasant, had a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. The business, a joint venture between Alia King and mother Pauletta R. King, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.
Alia said she’s always been fascinated with interior design and has previous experience designing windows for stores like Kohl’s and Deb.
Milford Gifts Holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
Milford, DE – The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford and Downtown Milford Inc. celebrated a ribbon cutting and grand opening of Milford Gifts Aug. 23 at 42 N Walnut St. in historic downtown Milford with a live broadcast with Eagle 97.7, refreshments, store specials and raffle drawings.
Milford Gifts offers cards, gifts and decorative accessories for the home.
Who Knew? A Hidden Gift Shop Under the Wynn Casino
Las Vegas, NV – Through a private door near the Wynn buffet, past a security guard and down an escalator, sits a small, brightly lit convenience store. Its shelves are lined with nylons, makeup, aspirin and snacks. Discounted Wynn merchandise hangs on racks.
Directly above it, slot machines ring and gamblers shout.
Resort guests would never know it is there. They aren’t supposed to. The store is for Wynn employees only.
Blue Mangrove Gallery Owner Grows Business by Diversifying
Marco Island, FL – Businesses have come and gone around her at the Town Center, but Christie Marcoplos has for close to a decade simply kept building on her presence in the Blue Mangrove Gallery.
Originally establishing herself where Dunkin’ Donuts now tempts with its assortment of aromas, Marcoplos started with an inventory of mainly art and some curios.
Today her store is a true Pandora’s Box of art, glass, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, photography, furniture, accent pieces, solar lanterns, wind chimes, cards and fun novelties.