Archives: News
Diane Carnevale Jones Joins International Consulting Firm, ROCG
ROCG (www.rocg.com) is an international consulting firm that specializes in the areas of strategy, finance, operations and business transition for privately owned and emerging growth enterprises, with offices throughout North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
Diane Carnevale Jones, former owner of Professional Marketing and former executive director of the Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), has joined ROCG.
MVP Group International Hires Former President of Ty Inc. to Lead Midwest-CBK
Today, MVP Group International, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of premium home fragrances, candles, and holiday and gift products, announced the addition of Scott Wehrs as president of Midwest-CBK, a leader in holiday and seasonal décor and gifts. Wehrs brings more than 11 years of experience as the former president and chief operating officer of Ty Inc., creator of the successful Beanie Babies brand.
“Scott’s knowledge and experience with independent specialty retailers is second to none,” said Troy Propes, president of MVP Group International.
Furry Couture Kicks it Up a Notch at Douglas Company
There is something about peace signs and animal prints that make little girls swoon, and plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator Douglas Company has its finger on the pulse when it comes to making little girls happy. Douglas’ very fancy, very glam Furry Couture™ collection continues to impress as it graces the coming year’s runway.
Urban Expositions Acquires Airport Revenue News
Airport Revenue News (ARN) has been acquired by Urban Expositions. Urban Expositions is the largest gift and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 21 shows each year. The company was established in 1995 and is based in Kennesaw, GA.
“We are very excited to be operating as a division of Urban Expo, and look forward to this new era at ARN,” says Pauline Armbrust, executive director for ARN.
iota Introduces Expanded Lifestyle Categories at Winter 2012 Markets
Iota, a purveyor of trend-setting stationery, accessories and gifting essentials, expands its brand into more lifestyle categories and collections for 2012, adding the new gifts by om iota collection, sustainable iotaSAKS, the new Bloomin’ design to its iota chic women’s accessories and a tone-on-tone kitchen collection called Astro Chef.
Brand new gifts by om iota inspire acts of calming self care as well as focus and reflection while at the same time create beautiful living spaces accented with color.
Industry Veterans Launch Stock The Shop, an Online Marketplace Offering Deals To Retailers in the Gift and Gourmet Industry
Retailers can now take advantage of the daily deal phenomenon with the launch of Stock The Shop (www.stocktheshop.com), an online marketplace that links retailers and wholesalers through great deals. Stock The Shop will debut at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® January 11- 18, 2012, Building 3, 4th Floor, Booth 509B.
Unlike traditional deal sites, Stock The Shop requires that all members be approved resellers; no general consumers are permitted to purchase through the site.
Trollbeads Introduces Chinese Hidden Zodiac Signs
Trollbeads introduces one of the most fascinating and culturally rich collections to date that is inspired by thousands of years of legends and mythology surrounding the Chinese culture, specifically in relation to the Chinese Zodiac. The NEW Trollbeads Chinese Zodiac Collection pulls from many elements of this culture including the symbolism behind astrology, animals, elements, and Feng Shui. Just in time for the Chinese New Year on January 23, 2012, Trollbeads brings a new dimension of creative design that represents all that is magical and mystical in Chinese culture.
The Next Big Give Finalists Announced
Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale resource, today announced the 10 finalists for The Next Big Give, a national search for specialty retailers that give back in their communities. The finalists are retailers involved in a variety of ways through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods.
“Congratulations to all of The Next Big Give finalists,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center.
Cast Iron Panini Grill – Gourmet du Village
Excellent for the BBQ Summer Entertaining season, Gourmet du Village introduces its’ Cast Iron Panini Grill. Cast iron is an ideal cooking utensil; it’s a perfect heat conductor, use their Panini Grill on the BBQ or on the stove top. Panini sandwiches hot pressed from the grill pan, or grilled vegetables in olive oil over low heat, all are delicious. The grill comes as a set with a cast iron press, as well as Gourmet du Village’s seasoning and recipes to make great sandwiches.
Purse Store Opens at Columbia Mall
Grand Forks, ND – Purses of every color hang on the wall of a new boutique that has opened in Grand Forks’ Columbia Mall.
Elegant Lady, owned by Marina Nerby, 29, opened Nov. 19 near the food court. The lime green walls of the space’s former tenant have since been replaced with beige, but will soon be transformed as Nerby continues remodeling the location.
“Right now it looks like a temporary store,” she said.
Sidmouth Shops Fare Well this Christmas
Sidmouth, UK – MILD weather and lack of town centre road closures helped make Christmas 2011 a better one for Sidmouth’s shopkeepers.
Last year’s snow and gas pipe replacement road closures caused grief among many traders, some of whom received compensation from Wales and West after complaining over their loss of trade.
Trevor Roberts, managing director of Fields of Sidmouth department store, said trade had built up during December “which was pleasing” and sales in the week before Christmas and before the new year had improved on last year.
Striking Oil, Olive Oil, on Main Street
Gloucester, MA – Gloucester has not seen anything quite like the rows of gleaming “fusti” decanters towering above the shining copper counters at Main Street’s new Cape Ann Olive Oil Company.
Imported from Italy, the 56 stainless steel, 15-liter “fusti” contain enough oil and vinegar to dress a salad large enough to feed all 28,000 residents of the city, if not all of Cape Ann.
It’s not the quantity but the quality of the contents, however, that may catch the attention of even the city’s most jaded, seasoned foodies later this month.
Local Quilt Shop Continues Traditional Hobby Long Into 21st Century
Howell, NJ – Walking into the Mouse Creek Quilt Shop it is almost impossible to not be overwhelmed by the variety of fabric the relatively small shop offers.
Looking around her shop, owner Claire Berg said one of the best parts of her job is the fact that not only do her and her employees know each of the more than 3000 bolts of fabric but they also know how to help their customers find just the right one for their project. “I think it’s because we all love what we do,” she said.
She Knows How to Start a Business and Help Others
Charlotte, NC – Reinvention isn’t a scary term for Ballantyne entrepreneur Holly Bretschneider.
In fact, shifting focus and adapting has proven to be a successful business strategy for this California transplant.
Bretschneider, 47, gave up her high-powered role as general counsel for a San Jose-based health-care firm 10 years ago to move east and try her hand in the world of fine stationery and gifts.
Inspirational Meets Trendy in New Abbey Press Line
Featuring bright floral and paisley designs, the new “Prayerfully Yours” line from Abbey Press lends inspirational giftware a fresh, updated look. The canvas-wrapped wood plaques and crosses are the latest creations of versatile artist Amie Jones and inspirational poet Lisa O. Engelhardt.
Scheduled for Spring 2012 introduction, the six colorful designs with prayerful sentiments offer customers attractively priced keepsake gifts geared to Mother, Grandmother and Friend.
Carriage Creek is a Local Gift and Craft Shop That Has a Rich History in the Syracuse Area
Syracuse, NY – It’s not new, in the scheme of things, but it might be new to you.
Check out Carriage Creek, a gift and coffee shop in the Kirkville/North Manlius flats.
Carriage Creek has been a labor of love, and long in the process, for owners Vince and Karen Spicola, who live nearby.
Under one Roof: Mahalo and The Paisley Pig Boutique
Catskill, NY – Success is measured in many ways, but one local business owner measures it in knowledge of her community and the people who live in it.
Operating since 2008, Mahalo, a gifts, accessories and jewelry shop, located on Main Street in Catskill, is moving to a new location that more than doubles in size but it’s not going far away.
Formerly located at 401 Main St., proprietor Tina Gagliardy picked up and moved right next door to 397 Main St.
La Jolla’s Sweet Papers on Move
La Jolla, CA – Local stationery boutique Sweet Paper has relocated to the Village Corner shopping center at the corner of Fay and Kline. “The space was just too perfect to pass up,” said Julie O’Brien, who co-owns the store with her sister Theresa Anderson. “We are lucky to have been very successful in our first year of business, which has enabled us to make this strategic move. We can still offer our customers parking, and we are closer to the heart of the Village, making a visit more convenient for many people.
Small Businesses End Year on Positive Note
Macomb, IL – While the holiday shopping season isn’t quite finished and many retailers are still handling gift returns, processing gift cards and offering post-Christmas clearance sales, a number of small businesses in Macomb say they ended 2011 better than they expected, in spite of the still-struggling economy.
Pam Kelso, co-owner of No Place Like Home on West Jackson Street, said the gift shop she owns with Diana Mayhew did especially well over the holiday shopping season, thanks to a loyal base of steady customers.
Although Kelso is still working on final numbers, she said,
Pair has Business all Sewn Up
Rocky Mount, NC – You name the item, and Monogram Sew Cute likely can sew personalized letters or picture images onto it.
Examples include a picture of one of your children can be monogrammed on a pillow or your favorite college football team’s logo can be sewn onto a jacket, co-owner Renee Holloman said.
The business at 540 S. Wesleyan Blvd. also includes a gift shop.
“We have capability to personalize anything a person may have with monogram initials or images,” Holloman said.