Archives: News
From the Aisles of the NYIGF, Part 1
Twice a year, in January and August, an incredible array of the world’s best home, gift and lifestyle resources gather in Manhattan for the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). This August was no exception. Over 35,000 gift industry professionals walked the aisles of the Javits Center and Piers 92 and 94 in search of the latest trends and offerings in gifting and design.
The show gave access to designers, industry leaders, buyers and more than 2800 exhibitors.
Uxbridge Boutique Owner Shoots for the Stars
Uxbridge, ON – A local business owner is bringing her popular products to Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Ginny Van Veghel is a self-taught entrepreneur whose business, Elemi Organics, has soared from booths at a farmers’ market to the streets of the rich and famous. On Sept. 13, Ms. Van Veghel will be packing up a few of her customer-favourite body products to offer them to the stars.
The LUXE hotel on Rodeo Drive will be filled with fan favourites from noon to 7 p.m.
5 Offbeat Design Picks From a Flash Sale Guru
New York, NY – As Bradford Shellhammer knelt on the floor of the Jacob K. Javits center during the New York International Gift Fair, he was fishing for something special in his purple and white striped backpack. What he pulled a out was a gadget not terribly dissimilar to ’90s fad, the Trapper Keeper, to show one of the fair’s exhibiting designers: a Grid-It organizer, a board covered in elastic bands that neatly holds and displays the contents of your backpack. “This is one of my favorite things ever,” he said.
GLM to be Acquired by Providence Equity Partners
George Little Management (“GLM”) and Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”) today announced that GLM and affiliates of Providence have signed a definitive merger agreement under which affiliates of Providence will acquire GLM from Daily Mail and General Trust plc (LSE: DMGT.L) for approximately $173 million in cash.
GLM creates face-to-face and online buying, selling and networking platforms for designers, product developers, manufacturers, reps, retailers and operators through tradeshow and event production, online community development and association management.
7W Gift & Home Textiles Market Week Delivers On All Fronts
7 W New York’s most recent Gift & Home Textiles Market Week® was upbeat, as the building was bustling with a steady flow of high-caliber buyers. 7 W suites were widely optimistic about the market, reporting healthy sales and happy clients.
The Sky was the Limit at Gift for Life Benefit
The breathtaking Las Vegas skyline was the perfect backdrop for attendees of the inaugural Gift for Life “Up on the Roof” charity cocktail reception on opening night of Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market, Aug. 1.
George Little Management Sold for $173 Million
Trade show company George Little Management [GLM] announced early Wednesday that it will be sold by its parent company, the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail and General Trust [DMGT], to the Rhode Island based firm Providence Equity Partners for $173 million.
GLM currently produces 15 trade shows in the industries ranging from giftware, home furnishings and social stationary to art and design, antique jewelry and board sports, among others. Events under the brand include the New York International Gift Fair, Surf Expo and the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show.
Md. Shop Features Locally Created Arts, Crafts
Salisbury, MD – Kathy Stempel knows artisans who scramble for a short-lived space at area festivals or fairs. They show their wares for a few hours, often paying for a vending booth well over the amount they realized in profit. For at least 18 of them, those days have passed.
“Most vendors found it to be expensive to set up for a weekend or a day,” Stempel said. “Now, I have a building with five rooms and a workshop, and vendors are happy to have their stuff here where people can see it any time, all day.
Smith & Company Expands
Caldwell, NJ – While the U.S. and world finances are unstable, one independent shop owner in Caldwell knows how to grow a business. For Lisa Smith, owner of Smith & Company, even in tough times business is booming. So booming, in fact, she’s expanding.
Less than a year after moving to a bigger retail space in the heart of the borough’s business district, Smith & Company is growing again. The Bloomfield Avenue gift shop owner has taken over an additional space on Smull Avenue, two doors down from her original location.
“My business hasn’t quieted down,” said Smith.
Redbird Boutique to Open at Cambridge Market at 21st and Webb Road
Wichita, KS – Longtime Newton shop owners Ken and Vicki Stobbe and their daughter, Tina, are opening their first store in Wichita next month.
“We’ve always wanted to expand to Wichita,” Tina Stobbe says. “We debated a long time whether to go east (or) go west.”
The family has chosen Cambridge Market on the southeast corner of 21st and Webb Road to open Redbird Boutique.
They’ve owned High Street Co., a home decor and gift store, for 25 years in Newton.
That’s where they also have the 15-year-old boutique Main Street Co.
Alexa’s Angels Makes Inc. 5000 List Second Year in a Row
Alexa’s Angels, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the gift industry specializing in original jewelry designs that inspire and connect with women, has been officially selected for Inc. Magazine’s exclusive list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation for the second year in a row. This annual list is based on remarkable growth over a four-year period and represents a comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.
“Never have the successes of small-business operators been as significant as they are today.
Aurora Spices Up Shelves For Valentine’s Day 2012
Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) announced today highlights from its newest catalog featuring over 130 Valentine’s Day and affectionately themed plush toys and gifts for 2012. The company’s best-selling line YooHoo & Friends sees new additions including, “One for me, One for you” – two YooHoos connected by a magnetized heart. Luv Bug, is a loveable ladybug featuring heart-shaped spots.
Dallas Market Center Reaches Social Media Milestone
Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale resource, today announced that its Facebook page has reached more than 5,000 “likes.” This important milestone comes just over 18 months after the company launched its Facebook in January 2010.
The Dallas Market Center Facebook page has become a community for ongoing conversations with customers and those interested in the industries the company serves. Participants engage with the brand every day and receive useful information on their own schedule.
Bijoux Terner opens first AdiXion shop at Miami International Airport
Miami, FL – Bijoux Terner, the leading one-price gift specialist in travel retail, unveiled its new AdiXion retail concept at Miami International Airport last month, at a dedication ceremony attended by company, airport and industry executives.
The 1,000sq ft AdiXion store in Miami International’s South Terminal expands Bijoux Terner’s one-price product strategy with an enhanced assortment of fashion jewellery, handbags and accessories for men and women, presented in five different brands at retail price points ranging from US$20 to US$50.
New Seneca Lake Winery Set to Open
Lodi, NY – New York’s newest winery, Eremita Winery, will open Tuesday on Seneca Lake after a month-long delay caused by licensing and label-approval issues.
The tasting room will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays at 2155 E. Church St. in Lodi, Seneca County. It will be closed Mondays.
The owner, Joshua Parker, said a grand-opening party is planned for Sept. 3.
Obama Souvenir Sales in Tailspin
Washington, DC – In a downtown D.C. gift shop, a table teems with T-shirts, squared off and neatly folded. On one row: an iconic pop art-inspired image of President Obama, culled from a campaign poster, atop the one-word caption “Hope.” On the next: a smiling, waving George W. Bush, backed by the U.S. flag, behind a caption asking, “Miss Me Yet?”
One nation. Two shirts.
Polls, focus groups and fundraising tallies have their place — but if you really want to take the electorate’s pulse, go souvenir shopping.
‘Cardigan Cards’
Lake Leelanau, MI – Baabaazuzu, a Lake Leelanau-based boutique that has gained national attention for its wearable art and accessories, has been “upcycling” vintage wool sweaters for almost 20 years.
Actress Sean Young even donned the firm’s fingerless gloves during her stint on “Skating with the Stars.” Now, the company’s founder, Sue Burns, recently announced a new endeavor – a partnership with Goodwill’s Paperworks Studio to produce an exclusive line of double-recycled wool stationery, affectionately named “Cardigan Cards.”
WABA Fun’s “Watcha-Ma-Call-It” Receives a 2011 “You-Know-What”
When WABA Fun first announced it would include a “Watcha-Ma- Call-It” in the Superstructs Wacky Machine set, people were a bit fublibbled. But once kids got their hands on these crazy-creative construction sets, they were not only building “Watcha-Ma-Call-Its,” but it’s rumored that several “How-Cool-Zees-Eez,” “Thing-A-Ma-Huhs” and “Who-Zee-Whats-Its” were built, as well.
Zappos’ Robert Richman Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2011 GHTA Conference
The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), the industry’s non-profit professional trade association, is pleased to announce that Robert Richman, product manager of Zappos Insights, the Zappos Family company dedicated to helping businesses develop their business cultures, will be its keynote speaker at the 2011 GHTA Conference.
SnapRetail Announces the Promotion of Tara Dikos as Vice President of Sales
SnapRetail, a technology marketing company that helps independent retailers nationwide grow their sales and profits by using social and other digital marketing, has announced that Tara Dikos has been promoted to their Vice President of Sales position.
“We are delighted that Tara Dikos has accepted this promotion to Vice-President of Sales for SnapRetail,” said Ted Teele, CEO of SnapRetail.