Archives: News
Pacific Coast Lighting Signs with Brandwise for VMi iPad Sales App
Pacific Coast Lighting, one of the largest manufacturers of decorative lighting in the United States, has announced it will be working with leading technology provider Brandwise to incorporate its new VisualMerchandiser for iPad (VMi) sales presentation and order capture app. A successful test run of VMi in the Pacific Coast Lighting showroom during the recent High Point Furniture Market exceeded the company’s expectations and it plans to roll out the iPad app throughout its Vegas showroom in August.
“We’re extremely pleased with how VMi performed.
Palliser Furniture Signs Multi-Year Lease at World Market Center Las Vegas
World Market Center Las Vegas and Palliser Furniture Upholstery announced today that Palliser has signed a multi-year lease to display its products in Showroom B-770 of Building B in the Modern Trends area. After their first and successful showing at the Winter 2012 Market, Palliser is excited to make this commitment which will allow them to build upon their very successful business with their current retailer base and allow a focus on the western retailers in both the US and Canada, including international retailers who attend the Las Vegas market.
MVP Group International, Inc. Introduces Monkeez Makes a Difference, an Innovative Experience That Actively Engages Children in Helping Others
MVP Group International, Inc. is going bananas over its new educational, charitable initiative, Monkeez Makes a Difference.
AmericasMart July Market Is Unmistakably Extraordinique
When the world of wholesale buying and selling comes together at one time and in one place this July, the venue and the experience can only be AmericasMart and the incomparable The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market® – all unmistakably extraordinique.
The world’s single-largest home, gift, rug and apparel product collection – extraordinary by every measure – plus all the advantages of aunique global marketplace designed for business and built for buying assure retailers from every U.S.
Betting on Boutique
Austin, TX – A life-long dog lover, Lisa Conrad worked in dog boutiques throughout college. Upon graduation, she wanted to open up her own pet store. Her parents, Lauren and Mike, were in a position to retire from corporate life and try their hands at something new. The trio decided to take the plunge and launch a dog boutique together.
That boutique, Dogadillo in Austin, Texas, opened its doors in November 2007.
New Decor Shop a Family Affair
New Westminster, BC – Brick & Mortar Living almost crumbled before it came to life.
For more than a year, Jenn Pistone and her daughters Julia Dewhurst and Emma Nash had been formulating their idea for a home decor boutique selling unique reimagined and handcrafted items, forging connections with designers and artisans, acquiring stock, coming up with a name, looking for the perfect location.
Julia knew exactly what she wanted.
Larimore, N.D., Couple Purchase Local Flower Shop
Larimore, ND – For Amy and Larry Cronin, it was baptism by flower when they became Larimore business owners this spring.
The couple purchased Larimore Flower and Gift about a week before Valentine’s Day —typically a busy time for florists — and during the next few months, they also made and sold dozens of flower bouquets and corsages for the Larimore High School prom, Easter, Mother’s Day and graduation.
Co-op Hopes to Address Retail Challenges Downtown
St Louis, MO – Adam Foster, who makes custom jewelry at his namesake shop in Clayton, wanted to move his store to downtown St. Louis several years ago.
Sarah King, who runs Blush Boutique in Kirkwood, has flirted with the idea, too.
But a combination of inflexible landlords in Foster’s case and concerns about a shaky retail landscape in King’s case kept them both away.
Now they are finally dipping their toes in downtown — but without having to take a total leap of faith.
Knitters’ Paradise
Ellington, NY – Knitting and community service are being woven together at the Cala Lily yarn shop, 28th Creek Road in Ellington.
Examples of completed pieces, with the patterns and materials close by, Sue Cala, the shop’s owner, brings much knowledge and expertise of knitting and fibers. A reading teacher at Southwestern Elementary School, Mrs.
Davis Dollars are Homegrown Cash
Davis, CA – When a shop in Davis sells something, the merchant may just get bicycles and tomatoes for payment rather than Benjamin Franklins or George Washingtons.
Davis is one of a growing number of communities around the country that has adopted its own currency – a way to encourage residents to shop at local businesses, and to keep their money in town.
An old-fashioned bicycle – the logo of the city of Davis – adorns the Davis Dollars $1 bill. Images of tomatoes and horses decorate the $5 and $10 bills – nods to Yolo County’s agricultural heritage
New Boutique: Foggy Notions
San Francisco, CA – A former post office might not seem like the most obvious spot to open a hip little gift shop in the Inner Richmond, but to part-time photographer Alissa Anderson, its allure was obvious: an intimate floor plan, high ceilings and loads of beautiful light.
“I like that there’s opportunity here,” says Anderson, who lives nearby. “I think this building has the potential to become something really cool.”
Foggy Notion is a good start. With just a little paint and some beautiful reclaimed wood fixtures, it already looks as if a major transformation is under way.
New Toy Store Caters to Kids With Special Needs
Edmonton, AB – A minute or two after entering the Therapyware toy store, 10-year-old Logan Zadrey heads straight for the DVDs.
“For Logan, if it makes a sound or it lights up or it’s technology, he loves it,” says his mom, Wanda Zadrey.
The shop, which recently opened inside the west-end Maier Centre for Autism, offers a variety of activities designed to help kids with special needs. Its shelves are lined with crayons, flash cards, bouncy balls that light up, and even stickers incorporated in potty training.
“America’s Hometown” Earns its Name
Hannibal, MO – American Made, a store in Downtown Hannibal, sells nothing but products that are made-in-America.
“We’re becoming an American-made Walmart is what we’re becoming,” Shane Buthe, the owner of American Made said.
The all-American store has been doing well since its move to Main Street in September.
“We went from 19 crafters when we moved here, we have 43 right now,” Buthe said.
Feathering Their Nest
San Francisco, CA – FOR JUDY GILMAN and her daughter Marcella Madsen, owners of Nest, the eclectic gift shop at 2300 Fillmore, a shared love of art and eye for snagging old and new treasures has enabled them to nurture a loyal following over the past 17 years.
“I’ve been going to the antique markets since I was on my mom’s back in a carrier,” marveled Madsen, who now has a 9-year-old of her own.
While many of the individually owned stores on the street have disappeared under financial pressures, Nest’s owners say they’ve managed to weather the storm by relying on their w
Foreside Home and Garden to Premier in Las Vegas
Foreside Home and Garden, a decorative accessories and furniture division of Transpac, plans to expand its trade show locations with a new show space at the Las Vegas World Market Center this summer.
“This will be the company’s fifth new showroom in the eighteen months since we have re-launched the brand,” says Doug Lauer, Transpac President and CEO. “Foreside will be a big draw for the expansion of the HomeStyle sixth floor showroom in building C.” HomeStyle Vice President Nancy Lee adds, “Foreside offers a fresh, fun and unique design approach to home décor!
NYIGF’s Introduces Platform for Emerging Craft Designers
Emerging craft designers and up-and-coming artisan makers are invited to apply to the new “Emerging Designer Maker Platform” produced in connection with the Handmade® Designer Maker division at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®). This new initiative will showcase talented designers – in particular design students and recent graduates in business for one year or less – and handmade products across the gift home and lifestyle spectrum and created in all media.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 15, 2012.
Vera Bradley Soon to be Available at Von Maur
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq:VRA) continues to expand the multi-channel shopping experience for its customers by partnering with specialty department store Von Maur.
Beginning July 10, a select assortment of Vera Bradley’s handbags and accessories will be available at Von Maur stores across the Midwest and Southeast.
“Von Maur is known for featuring great brands and providing exceptional customer service within an open, attractive store concept,” says Cheri Lantz, Vera Bradley vice president of indirect sales.
Omni Sales and Marketing Completes L L Wright Acquisition
“The merging of the two companies completes the joining together of two longstanding professional marketing and sales organizations with over 70 years of combined experience. Omni’s Dallas Market Center showroom anchors the team that serves the strongest economic market in the U.S. today*”, said Jim Berk, Omni’s President.
“By joining forces with Omni, L L Wright Associates, now a division of Omni, brings added value to both the customers and lines we represent.
Gourmet Du Village Turns 30
“From our Village to yours for 30 years” is the headline in their latest catalogue. They go on to say how 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of creating their very first Herb & Spice blends to sell at the local farmers market up till today bringing their gourmet tastes and matching tableware to customers all across Canada, the United States and Europe. Quite an achievement for a business which started in the kitchen of Mike and Linda Tott in 1982 as a hobby while he still worked in the advertising business in Montreal. The article goes on to say that they have loved every minute of it.
NYIGF’s A Night on Broadway, featuring GHOST
This summer, the New York International Gift Fair® is proud to present its semi-annual Gift Fair tradition, “A Night on Broadway,” featuringGHOST.
In appreciation for your support for the Fair, on behalf of GLM, it is my pleasure to offer you a complimentary ticket to:
NYIGF’s A Night on Broadway, featuring GHOST
Monday, August 20, 8:00PM – 10:30PM
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street
Adapted from the hit film, GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love.