Archives: News
Retail Therapy In Your Own Backyard
Channahon, IL – The air is crisp, the wheel of the year is turning, and old man winter is right around the corner. With the cold weather comes the hustle and bustle of the impending winter holidays and of course, all the shopping that goes with it.
It is with thoughts like these that I encourage everyone to buy local in the coming months.
Why buy local?
Yankee Candle Launches Limited-time “My Favorite Things” Collection
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, announced today its new limited-time collection, “My Favorite Things,” just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Inspired by the song “My Favorite Things,” this collection brings together a fun assortment of six new fragrances: Rain Drops On Roses, Bright Copper Kettles, Warm Woolen Mittens, Crisp Apple Strudel, Moon On Their Wings and Blue Satin Sashes to fill the season with a nostalgic sense of enchantment.
Wellspring Introduces Purse Accessories Line in January 2012
Wellspring, the company that makes fun and functional products to keep consumers organized in style, is expanding its line of purse accessories in January 2012.
The Planet Dog Foundation Celebrated 10 Years of Giving
The Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), Planet Dog’s non-profit, is thrilled to announce the recipients of $68,580 in new grants. In honor of 10 years of giving, PDF has awarded grants ranging from $2,500 – $10,000 to 10 assistance dog, therapy dog and other canine service programs across the country.
Charles G. McCurdy Assumes Operating CEO Role at GLM; Doug Smith Named as CFO of the Holding and Operating Companies
GLM Holdings, created by Providence Equity Partners as part of its acquisition of George Little Management (“GLM”), today announced that Charles G. McCurdy, CEO of GLM Holdings, will also take on the CEO role for GLM at the operating company level. At the same time, GLM Holdings announced that Doug Smith, formerly CFO of Education Dynamics, will become GLM’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at both the holding company and operating company levels.
Alan E.
When Your Plant Needs Watering, Our Little Birdie Tells You!
Are you like the many novice gardeners who seem to lack a green thumb when it comes to taking care of your house plants by waiting until they wilt before watering them or provide TLC by drenching them every chance you get? Because plants suffer when the roots are too dry or too wet, it is important to ensure that your plants receive just the rightamount of water to keep them alive without causing root rot.
The new Plant Pal® Singing Bird Moisture Meter from Mark Feldstein & Associates, inc.
Magnet Works Hires New National Sales Manager
Magnet Works, Ltd., a leading provider of indoor and outdoor home décor accessories, has hired Debbie Glud to fill the role of National Sales Manager effective October 17, 2011.
Glud is a 20-year veteran of the gift industry, having boosted sales on behalf of retailers, rep organizations, and manufacturers alike. Before joining Magnet Works, Glud served as Director of Sales for Lineworks Family of Reps, which represents Magnet Works in several Eastern states.
Roman Expands and Renovates Atlanta Showroom
Roman, Inc., a leader in the giftware industry, will expand its AmericasMart showroom by 50% for 2012 the January Shows. Full-blown renovation starts mid-October.
For 2012, Roman will add 3,500 square feet to their existing showroom in Building 2, Suite 1400.
Dan Loughman, CEO/President of Roman stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to expand Roman’s showroom by an additional 50% in Atlanta. The increase in space will allow us to create small showcases for key product lines, while improving the overall appearance of the thousands of items Roman offers.
“The Greatest Cards on Earth” 24th Annual LOUIE Awards Call for Entries and Theme Announced
The Greeting Card Association (GCA) is pleased to announce the theme for the 2011 LOUIE Awards: “The Greatest Cards on Earth!” In addition, as of Tuesday, November 1st, 2011, the Call for Entries is officially open. Entries in all categories for the 24th Annual Awards can be submitted online at www.greetingcard.org.
Inspired by the exciting and classic circuses popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s, this year’s theme concept was designed by Katy Greenspan, Creative Director at Cardstore.com and this year’s Awards Chair.
Who Knew Cacti Have Skeletons
Artisan Clare Johnston who launched Lila Clare, a graceful collection of sterling silver jewelry, has made a line of jewelry from Prickly Pear Skeletons.
In Lila Clare’s Botanic line, the Opuntia Collection is made from actual pieces of Prickly Pear skeleton. When a pad from the prickly pear cactus dies, the outer skin and pulp decompose, leaving a woody skeleton behind. Clare chooses a section of the skeleton and, using the lost wax casting process, creates sterling silver jewelry.
As an Arizona resident, Clare gets her inspiration from the desert and nature around her.
FedEx Giving Away $1 Million in Holiday Gift Cards to Support Small Businesses
It’s the $25 question. Will $1 million in American Express gift cards, available through the FedEx Facebook page, spur the buy local movement in metro Detroit this holiday shopping season?
Halloween is behind us, so ready or not, it is time to focus on the holidays and all that shopping.
And online today there’s a chance to get a $25 gift card and help support the stores that line main street in your town.
For the second year in a row, credit card company American Express is teaming up with more than 200 organizations to declare the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Nov.
Support Local Toy Stores During Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Matawan, NJ – As a child, nothing compared to the enchanted feeling of shopping for toys at your local toy store. Gazing with wonder at the aisles of exciting choices…holding your new toy for the very first time…anticipation building inside you as you finally took your new gifts home.
On Nov.
Simply Southern Offers a Unique Shopping Experience
Santa Rosa, FL – If you haven’t noticed SIMPLY SOUTHERN, the new “shopping Mecca” on the west side of Canal Street just north of the traffic light at Highway 90, you have most certainly overlooked a resource that you will unquestionably wish to visit soon, and again!
Located at 5165 Canal Street at the Elva Street intersection, SIMPLY SOUTHERN is a treasure trove of almost anything you can imagine in the line of fine gifts, home décor, garden art, or simple but attractive personal items such as stationary or greeting cards.
Ted Teele Finds Opportunities for SnapRetail LLC
Pittsburgh, PA – Ted Teele left his job as CEO of one of the largest sales organizations in the gift and home décor industry for an opportunity he saw as new and different. He saw the growth and potential of social media and how that platform could be used in the industry. His idea formed a company called SnapRetail LLC, a 55-employee wholesale supplier of marketing solutions.
“We were looking around and we could see how social media was in an uptick,” says Teele, CEO.
Museum Shop has New Wares
Aiken, SC – The Aiken County Historical Museum’s gift shop is in good hands despite the retirement of its former manager Sally Barrett.
Nancy Goelz took over the reins as store manager in May and has given the shop a new look and feel – and an inventory overhaul.
“Putting in a rocking chair and fresh flowers by the cash register was the first thing I did, to make the store more homey and inviting,” Goelz said. “We’ve just finished up our summer and fall clearance sales, and this week I’ll be transforming the store into Christmas. It’s going to look like a winter wonderland.”
Dallas Market Center Presents “Digital Day”
Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace, today announced that it will host “Digital Day,” a full day of educational seminars led by digital marketing experts, during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market being held January 18-24, 2012.
Byers’ Choice Announces Spring 2012 Products
Byers’ Choice, Ltd.—makers of the handcrafted Caroler Figurines—are debuting 11 new spring products. As the holiday season approaches, artisans at Byers’ Choice are busier than ever preparing for the company’s favorite time of the year. While stuffing stockings and souping up Santa’s sleigh, the Byers’ family is also looking ahead to 2012 by unveiling additions to their line.
These Carolers and decorative goods include:
– Spring Colonial Woman: The Spring Colonial Woman is dressed for the changing seasons in her scarf and sun bonnet.
Independent Business Advocates Unite for Joint “Shift Your Shopping” Holiday Campaign
November 1 marked the launch of an unprecedented collaboration among advocates for local independent business. Representing over 38,000 locally owned and independent businesses across the U.S. and Canada, Shift Your Shopping will encourage residents and businesses to make a “Shift” by buying from local independent businesses for the holiday season.
Petals & Twigs: The Gift Shop That Keeps on Giving
New Lenox, IL – Turning off Francis Road onto the driveway of the victorian home where Petals & Twigs is located, time suddenly slows down.
Mature trees surround this charming home that seems to welcome you as you drive around the back to park. Most guests will enter the New Lenox gift shop through the back entrance into one of the nine rooms that serve as showcases for the plethora of craft, jewelry, home decor, holiday and gift items. P>Manager Jan Nemeth lights up when she speaks of the business and the charitable services it helps fund.