Archives: News
Ladybug’s in Webster Groves
Webster Groves, MO – Ladybug’s in Webster Groves might be predominantly known as a gift boutique, but they also have a lot of unique clothing options for women.
If you’re in need of an all-white look to celebrate the last days of summer, go for a pair of white pants ($15), a white tee and a sleeveless white sweater with a floral pin ($46).
Beau Interiors: A Unique Coastal Lifestyle Store
Grayton Beach, FL – Upon entering Beau Interiors you immediately feel relaxed by the calming environment created by the soft color palette of the beautiful furnishings and use of natural elements.
Beau Interiors owner Margie Perry and her talented sales associates focus on providing a comfortable shopping experience and assistance selecting that “perfect something.”
Whether it’s home furnishings or simply a gift for a special occasion, Beau interiors has a wide variety to offer.
Retail sales up 4.4% in August from 2010
Los Angeles, CA – The nation’s retailers weathered stock market turmoil and Hurricane Irene in August, managing to post solid sales during the key month of the back-to-school season and offering hope for the crucial holiday shopping period just around the corner.
Sales at major chain stores rose 4.4 percent year over year, according to Thomson Reuters’ tally of 23 retailers, offering a barometer of steady consumer spending in an otherwise sluggish economy.
The hurricane had a mixed effect on retailers, helping discounters but hurting mid-priced apparel chains and department
Go Wild for Canadian Creatures Eco-Stationery
Coming this fall to Chapters Indigo stores, ‘modern rustic’ cards and notebooks feature iconic forest creatures dressed in plaid or wood grain.
New Toronto eco-stationery company Artistry Cards is unleashing a new collection of cards, notebooks and calendars depicting 12 animals from the Canadian wilderness.
A selection from the line – whimsical silhouettes filled with plaid or wood grain patterns and surrounded by natural elements such as falling leaves – will be available for the first time this fall at retailers across the country, including Chapters Indigo.
NYIGF Accepting Applications for Design-Focused Divisions
White Plains, NY – Designers, artists and manufacturers are invited to submit applications for several juried, design-focused divisions at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®): Accent on Design®; A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design;Handmade® Designer Maker; and Handmade Global Design.
Applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, are due by Friday, September 30, for Accent on Design, Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design; and by Friday, December 2, for A+.
Modern Day Masala Indian Spices Celebrates Fourth Anniversary by Going Salt-Free
Atlanta, GA – Modern Day Masala, a Georgia based line of Authentic Indian spices, increased sales by 85% over the past year. New packaging, an expanded production facility, and removing salt from its product line are credited with the growth. In addition to eliminating salt, benefits to consumers include standardization of serving size to the industry norm of 4 – 6 servings per package and new shelf prices.
“Moving to a larger space has resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency and production,” says President & Founder Kristin Sharma.
Focused Sales Launches
Focused Sales officially launches their new sales agency on September 1 in states west of the Mississippi River and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Their business model revolves around a limited line package and is anchored by History & Heraldry. Dale Manson, the President of both History & Heraldry and Focused Sales is leading the initiative.
“The current sales model has not allowed H&H to achieve it’s potential in many territories and this is an experience shared by many vendors that we have spoken to.
Last Minute Fall Buying Opportunities at Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace, today announced that the September Total Home & Gift Market (September 10- 12) will offer attendees the opportunity to buy last minute fall and winter merchandise, as well as a head start on products for the coming spring retail season. Available products range from home accessories, furniture, holiday and seasonal items to gourmet food, floral, stationery, toys, jewelry and fashion accessories.
Twice the Fun! Cookbook Publisher Gooseberry Patch Expands its Partnership with Central Ohio Morning Show
Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin, co-founders of independent cookbook publishing company Gooseberry Patch, are ready to share more recipes, demonstrations, food and fun with Central Ohio viewing audience
(Columbus, Ohio) — August 31, 2011 – On the heels of a successful year in which they shared dozens of recipes and tips with Central Ohio viewers, Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin — aka “The Gooseberry Patch Ladies” — have big plans to fill their newly expanded time slot on Good Day Columbus with even more food and fun.
Hutchins and Martin are co-founders of Gooseberry Patch
Las Vegas Design Center Releases Top Trends of the Season
Las Vegas Design Center reveals the season’s top design trends introduced during Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market, the biannual home furnishings tradeshow that attracts tens of thousands of industry retailers, buyers and interior designers.
These trends took center stage during the show and are now available to the public at Las Vegas Design Center months before they hit retail floors. Top trends include a return to the American Experience and craftsmanship; the modernization of classic French; and vintage modern decorative accents.
Pub Grub Black Casserole
The traditional British & Irish Pub is a national institution, it is a place where friends & strangers can enjoy good beer in good company in a friendly laid-back atmosphere.
As a compliment to their new Pub Grub line, Gourmet du Village introduces their black casserole dish, perfect size for 4 servings, the dish comes with a lid, as well as seasonings and recipes for home made chicken pot pie.
Dogeared Jewels & Gifts Presents: Dogeared Forever Fall/Holiday Line 2011
Dogeared is a trendsetting fashion brand that has been creating handcrafted jewels and gifts in Los Angeles for 20 years. Dogeared Forever, a catalog/look book featuring the full fashion line, has just been released. Four individual supplements, each showcasing a specialized collection, are also available.
Dogeared designers have incorporated new gemstones, metals, textures, and settings as they revise and reinvent classic styles, including Karma, Healing Gems, and word jewelry.
Williamsburg and Avanti Linens Unveil New Bath, Kitchen and Table Collections
WILLIAMSBURG and new licensee Avanti Linens will unveil the first of their collaborations in a collection of bath, kitchen and table linens at the New York Home Fashions Market, September 19-23. Avanti’s powerful design expertise and rich contemporary esthetic, paired with an understanding of WILLIAMSBURG’s roots, have led to the development of 11 beautiful new patterns.
Interlude Home Launches New Website
Washington DC, August 30, 2011 – Interlude Home, a premier design house and importer of accessories, furniture, lighting and art, proudly announces its new website atwww.interludehome.com. Designed and developed by Whereoware the site aims to create a unique visual experience for its users online.
The updated website reflects Interlude Home’s products by being both distinctive and sophisticated. The site allows users to be completely immersed in the brand as they browse online. The vivid imagery used on the site features the individuality of each product.
Local Treats and Friendly Faces at Front Porch Coffee & Gifts
Mokena, IL – Front Porch Coffee & Gifts is much more than just coffee and gifts. It’s a family-owned business that goes to the limits to make its customers happy.
Catherine Anderson began inventing homemade sweet creations, such as homemade fudge made with German chocolate and numerous flavors of roasted nuts, and later began selling her creations at festivals, markets and local businesses.
One local business that sold her products was Front Porch Coffee & Gift Co. in Palos. After the store relocated to Mokena, Anderson was offered the store in February 2010.
Straight from the Netherlands
Biltmore Park, NC – Oil and Vinegar was opened in mid-August in Biltmore Park Town Square by Dana and Terry Hunter of Arden. Besides the namesake items, the shop also carries tapenade, stuffed olives and other appetizers, plus pottery and other oil-and-vinegar accoutrements. The shop is part of a franchise birthed in the Netherlands, where the business was named Best Food Specialty Chain and Gift Shop.
What attracted you to open an Oil and Vinegar franchise?
WhoWhatWhereWhy: St. Brendan’s Crossing
Pittsburgh, PA – St. Brendan’s Crossing in Station Square has specialized in Irish-made merchandise for 32 years. Founder Elaine Manning passed the reins to her daughter, Eileen Manning, last year, and the shop has evolved into more of a boutique.
In addition to Irish crystal, home accessories including linen tablecloths and gift items, Ms. Manning has concentrated more on fashion. The traditional Irish tweeds and hand-woven and hand-knitted accessories are still there, but so is a selection of more unusual items including wearable art.
The Frick Pittsburgh Launches Online Museum Shop
Pittsburgh, PA – The Frick Art & Historical Center announces the launch of a new online museum shop, which offers select merchandise from the Museum Shop as well as a sampling of items to be sold at The Fabergé Shop, set to open October 23, 2011 at The Frick Art Museum, during the presentation of the exhibition Fabergé: The Hodges Family Collection. In addition to museum shop merchandise, shoppers may also purchase memberships to the Frick, including special Fabergé membership packages. Frick members receive a 10% discount on all purchases, as well as a many other benefits.
Strip Scribbles: Kardashians Set Opening Date for Boutique at Mirage
Las Vegas, NV – Rumors have swirled for months over the delays of the first Kardashian celebrity lifestyle retail boutique planned at the Mirage. Now I can confirm that the latest business venture of the Kardashian sisters and matriarch Kris Jenner is scheduled to open in November.
The flagship store will showcase products that sisters Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian Odom and mom Kris market, represent and endorse.
Strength Courage Wisdom
Every story has a bead and this one is inspirational. The Trollbeads Strength, Courage and Wisdom ring is comprised of three separate sterling silver rings that embody the three virtues representing the story of every breast cancer patient, activist and survivor. Beginning October 1, 2011 this unique Strength, Courage and Wisdom ring will be part of an exclusive Trollbeads gift set packaged with a pink glass bead–Pink Prism Bead or Rose Ribbon–that can be purchased together and shared with a friend, family member, survivor or important person in their lives.