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INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

Cradle Rock Transforms Iconic Songs and Albums Into Lullabies

Brash Music and Tree Top Records, companies that partnered to create and produce “Cradle Rock” (http://www.cradlerockstore.com), will release U2, Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd lullaby albums on November 8th. These titles join Cradle Rock’s existing catalog including Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash and Kenny Chesney. Cradle Rock uses soothing sounds from instruments such as the vibraphone, glockenspiel and mellotron to create lullabies that are true to the melodic structure and tempo of the original songs.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

Who is Tatty Teddy? Ask Douglas Company it’s their new License!

Tatty Teddy is an adorable tattered gray teddy bear with a blue nose that currently has an amazing following in the UK. Douglas Company recently signed a licensing agreement with bestselling British brand Me to You by Carte Blanche Greetings and will be introducing Tatty Teddy to the US market in 2012.

But, who is Tatty Teddy and why is he so well loved? It’s a great story of unconditional love that starts out in a broken down abandoned home. A brown teddy bear was mistakenly left behind among the rubbish of the forgotten home. The little bear was all alone and bitter cold.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

February 2012 – Denver Merchandise Mart

The Denver Merchandise Mart will hold its Gift, Home, Jewelry and Resort Show February 23—28 for permanent showrooms and February 25—28 for temporary exhibitors. Information about the Denver Show is available at www.denvermart.com.

The semi-annual Denver Gift, Home, Jewelry and Resort Show, with over 450 exhibitors representing more than 4000 lines, is the number one destination in the country for lodge, rustic, western and Native American products.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

Christopher Guy to Join Las Vegas Design Center in May 2012

Las Vegas Design Center announced a deal today with Christopher Guy to bring the luxury designer furnishings to a year-round showroom in May 2012.

The renowned designer and maker of modern classic designs will open a new, custom-built atrium showroom on the first floor of Building A.

“We are delighted that the Las Vegas Design Center will soon be home to the Christopher Guy brand,” said Randy Wells, vice president of the LVDC.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

New Fort Wayne Gift Shop Opens on a “Green” Mission

Fort Wayne, IN – Gift-giving has taken a “green” turn inside a newly opened Fort Wayne business.

Zelena Handmades opened Saturday at 2326 Hobson Road with an advertised dedication to environmental awareness.

Business owner Mary Easterday has stocked her shop with items created by Fort Wayne area artists and crafters who have recycled various materials to design products for sale.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

Nubble Gift Shop May Grow

York, ME – A gift shop serving the thousands of people who visit Cape Neddick “Nubble” Light each year is currently no bigger than a 12-by-12 box of a store.

Yet the small shop at the Sohier Park Welcome Center generates approximately $250,000 in annual gross profit from the sale of postcards, sweatshirts, and any item worthy of an illustrated red lobster or a photo of the well-known lighthouse.

“They call it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country,” said Mike Sullivan, director of York’s Park and Recreation Department.

To make the gift shop even more prof

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

The Candy Jar Hosts Kid-Friendly, Official Grand Opening

Collingswood, NJ – Two years after selling Sweet Tooth Candy Shop in 2009, 59-year-old Laurie Cohen decided to reclaim her sugary throne.

And this past Saturday, Oct. 15, Cohen held an official grand (re)opening of the sweetest spot on Haddon Avenue, which she now calls The Candy Jar. Cohen welcomed around 75 people to the event, which ran from noon to 2 p.m.

“I am the original owner (of Sweet Tooth Candy Shop). I opened it in 2002, in this exact storefront,” said Cohen of the shop, located at 742 Haddon Ave.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

Cause-Conscious Clothing Company Project Iris to Unveil Striking New Women’s Shirt Styles

Trendsetting women’s apparel company Project Iris (www.ProjectIrisClothing.com) today announced that it will reveal the newest additions to its lauded cause-conscious casual wear shirt line at the International Spa Expo to be held in Las Vegas November 7-9, 2011, booth No. 739.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 18, 2011

New Orbee-Tuff Bone Glows for Good

Just in time for Daylight Savings, Planet Dog is pleased to offer the Orbee-Tuff Glow Bone. The new dog toy is being launched in celebration of the socially responsible pet industry leader’s 10 years of giving through its non-profit – the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF).

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

AmericasMart Forms Alliance with Georgia Retail Assn., Florida Retail Federation

Atlanta, GA – AmericasMart Atlanta, the Georgia Retail Association and the Florida Retail Federation have joined forces to give top retailers from the two states preferred access to the nation’s single-largest home, gift and apparel wholesale marketplace, according to Jeffrey L.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

Two’s Company Opens Concept Store on Greenwich Avenue

Two’s Company, a family-owned, privately held, entrepreneurial wholesale distributor of gifts and decorative accessories, is pleased to announce the opening of their first retail concept store in the heart of the Greenwich, CT shopping district.

Since 1968 Two’s Company has maintained a solid reputation as a gift and home décor resource. They pride themselves on providing their customers with fashion-forward, popularly priced and steady flow of new products throughout the year.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

Retailers Stock Wishing Watch for 11/11/11 and the Holidays

Just in time for the “ultimate wish” on 11/11/11 at 11:11 and the Holiday gift-giving season, savvy retailers like Claire’s are replenishing shelves with the one-of-a-kind Wishing Watch (www.wishingwatch.com). Thanks to its daily alarm at 11:11a.m., the fashionable, fun jelly band accessory makes wishing easy and exciting all year round. Search 11:11 on Facebook and Twitter or ask just about anyone to learn 11:11 is not a passing fad or trend, but the ideal time to make a wish.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

Aurora Announces Spring 2012 Plush Collections

Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) today announced highlights from its Spring 2012 catalog featuring 90 spring and Easter-themed plush toys and gifts including the all-new Powder Puff Bunny. New additions to the company’s best-selling line, YooHoo & Friends, include “Springtime WannaBes,” “Bright Bunny Ears” and a “Mermaid” assortment.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

Cyan Design Coming to Las Vegas Design Center in 2012

Cyan Design has inked a deal announced today to open a year-round showroom inside the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas in January 2012.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based manufacturer of lighting, decorative accessories and home furnishings will open a new 8,468 square foot showroom in Building A, Suite A-230.

“Cyan Design is a trendsetter in the home décor and lighting industry, and having them as a year-round partner at Las Vegas Design Center is a perfect fit,” said Randy Wells, vice president of LVDC.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

Pet Boutique Opens in Bridgeport

Bridgeport WV – The Barkery, a specialty boutique for dogs and cats, will hold a grand opening Oct. 22 in Bridgeport.

The shop offers all-natural, gourmet treats for dogs and apparel, collars, leashes and more for the pampered pet — the first such boutique in the area, according to owner Mendi Simon.

“The Barkery grew out of my love for my dogs and I knew there were other folks in the area that felt the same way for their pets,” said Simon. “I enjoy showing people what’s available for their four-legged family members.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

New Westminster Decor Shop a Barometer for Changing City

New Westminster, BC – When the industry you work in begins to shrink and move away, you can try to change with it, or follow it wherever it goes, or you can be like Joanne Leblanc and use your industry skills in a new business entirely.

Leblanc spent 15 years decorating the film sets for movie and TV shoots around the Lower Mainland.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 17, 2011

William Arthur and Mountaincow Partner to Create Easy Printing Templates for Holiday and Everyday Boxed Invitations and Note Cards

William Arthur Inc., the signature of fine stationery, and Mountaincow LLC, developer of innovative professional invitation printing software, today announced the immediate availability of Easy Printing Templates for the entire collection of William Arthur printable boxed holiday and everyday invitations and note cards.

“William Arthur is pleased to announce this new partnership with popular, easy printing software provider Mountaincow,” said Lisa J. Blinn, Vice President of Design and Innovation for William Arthur.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 16, 2011

Couple’s Sweet Idea Aims to Lift Spirits in Tough Economic Times

Sterling Heights, MI – It was one year ago this Sweetest Day weekend that Casey Petz and Lauren Tignanelli Petz took the plunge and opened their Detroit Chocolat shop in Sterling Heights.

It wasn’t something the two teachers had planned when they married three years ago.

But if you trace their families back about 90 years and believe in fate even a little bit, you could easily think it was inevitable — especially considering the economy.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 16, 2011

How Soon is Too Soon? Stores Decked out With Christmas Decorations

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even though it’s not even Halloween.

Many retailers are ignoring the fact that Oct. 31 is still two weeks away and decking their halls and walls with red and green along with – or sometimes instead of – orange.

“I think historically it’s earlier than pre-recession, but over the last maybe 10 years retailers have recognized that there has been quite a demand from their consumers when it comes to holiday decor,” said Kathy Grannis, director of media relations for the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation.

INDUSTRY NEWS | Oct 16, 2011

Bijoux Jewelery and Gift Shop Takes on a Sparkling New Look

Berwick, UK – Saturday, October 15 sees the exciting relaunch of West Street jewellery and gift shop Bijoux following a major refurbishment.

Bijoux is a family-run independent jewellery and gift shop in the heart of Berwick. Owned for the past nine years by Pam Paine and her daughter Louise Martin, the company’s aims are to offer a wide-ranging choice and excellent customer service.

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