Archives: News
Needham Business of the Month: Prelude Gifts, Located at 324 Chestnut St.
Needham, MA – Margo Heller-Levy, owner of gift store Prelude Gifts, talked to the Needham Times about her favorite product available in her store; why the store is located in Needham and what kinds of things shoppers might find in the store.
How long have you been in Needham and why did you decide to open a store here?
I have owned Prelude Gifts for close to eight years. I purchased the store from previous owners who opened the store approximately 18 years ago. Needham is a great community. My husband and I lived in Needham for 25 years.
AmericasMart Introduces Kitchen Inspiration Gallery to Showcase Kitchen and Lifestyle Trends at January Market
AmericasMart will introduce the Kitchen Inspiration Gallery at the nation’s only global wholesale trade event of 2012: The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market Jan. 11-18 (Temporaries: Jan. 13-17), with the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show taking place Jan. 12-15 (Temporaries: Jan.
Welcome Home Opens AmericasMart Showroom and is Already Planning for Future Growth at Nation’s Only Global Marketplace
“This is the place! Atlanta really is the premier location for the home and gift industry,” said Mark Andersen of Welcome Home LLC, a new company that is opening its first showroom just in time for AmericasMart to present the nation’s only global wholesale and trade event of 2012: The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market Jan. 11-18 Temporaries: (Jan. 13-17), with the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show taking place Jan.12-15 (Temporaries: Jan.
As Babies Grow, So Does C.R. Gibson: New Kids’ Collections Debut at Winter Shows
C.R. Gibson, a leading manufacturer of treasured gifts that preserve, create and celebrate memories, announces the launch of their brand new kids’ category, featuring the artwork of Emily Green and Jill McDonald, two fresh brands newly licensed for 2012. As all babies take their first steps out of babyhood, so does C.R. Gibson. Known as a market leader with a rich history built on baby memory keeping (books and albums), C.R. Gibson expands its offering to include fun and playful products with a sophisticated design style for kids.
In keeping with its tradition of excellence, C.R.
NYIGF’s Highest “Sustainability” Status Awarded to Seven Product & Producers
Seven of the 250 products chosen to be featured in theSustainAbility: design for a better world® display at the winter 2012 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), have been designated as “SustainAbility3,” the Fair’s highest level of sustainability for products, production processes and business practices.
NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers.
SnapRetail’s Market Seminars Made Fun, Interactive with ‘SnapBallot’ Polling System Allows Seminar Attendees to Instantly Give Feedback
SnapRetail, a technology company that provides the only integrated marketing and sales solution to drive increased sales and store traffic for local retailers, will add an interactive polling system called “SnapBallot” to their upcoming seminars at winter markets.
SnapBallot, a software used for the first time in the gift and home industry, collects seminar audience responses from handheld keypads using software designed by a leading audience response company.
Willow Group Opens New Dallas Showroom
Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace, and Willow Group, a wholesale distributor, today announced Willow Group’s new corporate showroom (Trade Mart 2-2901) including more than 2,000 square feet of baskets, home décor, and containers for floral and garden.
VHC, Inc. Names Rebecca Hurst Alston to New Role as National Account Sales Manager
VHC, Inc. has named Rebecca Hurst Alston to a newly created position as National Account Sales Manager. Alston will be responsible for reaching out to specialized mid-tier and larger buyers as the company improves its profile across three major product areas: bedding, table linens/kitchen/window/rugs and handbags/accessories.
“The potential at VHC/Bella Taylor is exciting,” says Alston. “I am thrilled to be joining VHC at this time.
Meet the Owner: Veronica Case
Shakopee, MN – Shopping for a unique gift in Shakopee just got easier. Two sisters, Veronica and Jessica Case, have opened Tupelo, a gift studio in downtown Shakopee. The unique shop is located in the main level of a home that dates back to 1905 on the corner at 210 Holmes St. S.
“We grew up around art,” said Veronica Case. “Our parents were both artists in their way, and so we wanted to open a store that fused art and gifts.”
The shop is set up with an old-school feel that matches the exterior of the building.
Zwynenburgs Still Going Strong with Multifaceted Business
Bennington, VT – Two points about Jay Zwynenburg, who with his wife, Joan, owns Jays Cards and Gifts and Art Shop and Frame Gallery in Bennington: He has a winning strategy for success in the tough business of retail, and he still enjoys coming to work while approaching 40 years in business.
The landmark business, which includes several components, is located in the historic Drysdale building on South Street, but that only represents the most recent chapters in the Zwynenburg family’s role as a downtown fixture in the town.
Zwynenburg’s son, Dan, and his wife, Melody, operate a
Luv Bugs Caters to Pet Lovers; Expands Merchandise at New Location
Midland, TX – Tina Elliott and her family had always had big dogs as pets.
So when the time came for them to select a new member of their family, Elliott told her husband it was her turn to choose. She wanted a little dog. One she could cuddle with.
He surprised her with a 10-week-old Maltese they named Lily Bell.
MOGO Design Previews New Collection at Accessories TheShow
MOGO Design, Inc. (www.mogocharm.com), a Seattle-based company that has developed a line of magnetic accessories for tween/teen girls, will be previewing the company’s entry into the women’s accessories market with The Paige Collection at Accessories TheShow in New York. The Paige Collection is a modern magnetic charm bracelet line inspired by and targeted toward an older female demographic.
The Paige Collection bracelets will be available in two colors – black or smoke – and feature a ¾ wide, adjustable ribbon band with a large silver ring closure.
Beckman’s Handcrafted Show set to Open January 21-24 at the Merchandise Mart’s Chicago Market
Over 150 “artrepreneur’s,” the artist/entrepreneur heart of Beckman’s Handcrafted Show will delight specialty retailers when they converge on the 8th floor of one of the world’s largest buildings, The Merchandise Mart in Chicago on Saturday, January 21.
Beckman’s Handcrafted Show showcases the best in original work to discerning specialty retailers looking to differentiate themselves from their competition.
FundHub Partners With Wellspring
FundHub, the first sales agency focused on the fundraising channel announced their new partnership with Wellspring. Wellspring is the latest addition to a line package that includes Mud Pie, Bridgewater Candle, Greenleaf Gift and Boston International and is limited to 12 vendors exclusively. In addition to its sales force, FundHub will be leveraging their state of the art website that will debut in January to allow even the most remote of schools opportunity to participate in an exciting fundraising campaign.
Ganz Signs Permanent Showroom Deal at Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market
World Market Center Las Vegas announced today that major gift manufacturer and importer Ganz has inked a multi-year deal for a permanent showroom space, opening for the upcoming Winter 2012 Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market, Jan. 30 – Feb. 3.
The company’s new showroom will encompass more than 9,200 square feet and will be located in Building C, Suite C-912.
“Opening a permanent Ganz showroom at Las Vegas Market is the perfect way to continue growing our company on the west coast,” said Howard Ganz, president.
Gregg Gift Company Announces Licensing Agreement With LET GOd Work
The Gregg Gift Company division of Enesco, LLC, a global leader in gifts and home décor, has entered into a licensing agreement with LET GOd Work to create a broad assortment of high-quality apparel and accessories inspired by and for Christians everywhere.
LET GOd work was created as a lifestyle brand that reflects today’s friendly and positive Christian movement. The world needs change, but true change can only occur when we let go and LET GOd Work. The designs are fun and cutting edge for the next generation of Christian.
Aurora’s New Dinosaur Plush Roars into 2012
Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) today announced details for its all new dinosaur-themed plush toys, debuting at New York’s International Toy Fair, February 12-15, 2012 (Booth #1803, Javits Center). Aurora’s five life like dinosaur designs and three hand puppets join an existing line of over 15 plush dinosaur pieces and puppets for 2012.
“We anticipate the five new, realistic dinosaurs and the newest puppets will be a very big hit with the boys at retail,” says Michael Kessler, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Aurora.
Aurora Releases Signature Premium Plush
Details announced today for “Signature by Aurora®”, describe a brand new, high-end plush animal line handcrafted using sumptuous materials and personal attention to detail. Toy and gift manufacturing giant Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) will unveil its all new Signature collection at New York’s International Toy Fair, February 12-15, 2012 (Booth #1803, Javits Center).
‘Shearing’ the Love at Cowboy Camelids Alpaca Ranch and Gift Shop
Bosque Farms, NM – Tired, anxious, stressed?
Maybe you need to spend a day with an alpaca. Or a whole herd of 16 for that matter at Cowboy Camelids Alpaca Ranch in Bosque Farms, where Bill and Angela Richardson and their 3-year-old son, Travis, raise alpacas and operate an alpaca ranch and gift store.
The ranch and store are open to the public 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, or by appointment. They provide the public with the opportunity to meet and learn about these fascinating creatures.