Archives: News
Five Best New Product Awards Presented at Baby & Child
Five companies were presented with Baby & Child Best New Product Awards today, with Manny & Simon receiving the “Blogger’s Best” distinction for its collection of eco-friendly, wooden push toys in vehicle shapes. Baby & Child, one of 10 divisions presented semi-annually at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Wednesday, August 17, at New York City’s Jacob K.
Four Accent on Design Exhibitors Awarded For Excellence
Four companies exhibiting in Accent on Design® at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) were presented with awards yesterday to recognize excellence, innovation and creativity in product design. Accent on Design runs through Thursday, August 18, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
“Across product categories, these Accent on Design participants have incorporated superlative design qualities which stand above an already impressive collection,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president.
Six Best New Product Awards Presented at Ex-Tracts
Six companies were presented with EX·TRACTS® Best New Product Awards today, with Worker B receiving “Best of Show” honors for its Worker B Rescue Putty. EX·TRACTS, one of 10 divisions presented semi-annually at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Thursday, August 18, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
In addition to the “Best of Show” distinction, EX·TRACTS® awards are presented semi-annually in five categories: Bath & Body; Beauty Accessory; Cosmetic & Fragrance; Natural/Organic; and Packaging.
Think-a-lot Toys Introduces Holiday-Themed Think-ets Game
Santa vs. the Polar Bear? Yes, it’s a possible storyline in the new holiday-themed Think-ets game from Think-a-lot Toys. The growing popularity of Think-ets has encouraged the company to release yet another themed Think-ets game in its growing collection of games that stimulate imagination and creativity. Along with the existing “themed Think-ets”, including the Fairy Collection, Sports Collection, and Beach Collection, the Holiday Collection has fifteen adorable, tiny trinkets–this time with a holiday theme.
Five of Ten Fab Finds from the 2011 New York International Gift Fair
As always, the NYIGF was full of fantastic finds for the gift retailer. Walking down the aisles, it’s hard to whittle down the wonderful selection to a few choice finds. Here’s part one of what I loved at the show—and what you will too! Paulette Rollo
Business Snapshot: Laughin’ Ladies Combines Art, Classroom, Studio
Brandon, FL – It would be an injustice to call Laughin’ Ladies a specialty gift boutique. The store at 800 West Lumsden Rd. in the La Viva Plaza is much more than that.
The store opened last November and boasts an array of handmade, custom items, ranging from jewelry to artwork, furniture, charms, spiritual and meditative adornments, home decorations, clothing accessories and kitchen/glassware.
Retail Sales Show Growth in Maine
Augusta, ME – There’s a bright spot in all the gloomy economic news: Maine consumers shelled out more for retail goods in June, compared with the same month last year.
Retail sales for the month grew 4.3 percent, when compared with June of 2010, according to the most recent figures from the Maine State Planning Office. The jump was led by gains in building supply sales, which posted an increase of 12.5 percent compared with last June. Sales dropped last June after the expiration of federal tax credits for first time homebuyers.
Alex McCord Announces Aluxe Home – Debuting This Fall During New York Home Fashions Market
Alex McCord, who is best known as one of the stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City” is thrilled to announce the launch of Aluxe™ Home, a joint venture between Alex McCord & Simon van Kempen and Vivian & Joseph Douek along with Nile Textile Industries SAE of Cairo, Egypt.
Aluxe™ Home has taken a showroom at the New York City’s prestigious textile building at 295 Fifth Avenue, and will be open for wholesale customers in time for the market week starting September 19th, 2011.
Ateliers d’Art de France to Showcase French Design in the NYIGF Accent on Design Pavilion
Ateliers d’Art de France, the French federation for craft professionals, unites four design-driven French manufacturers to showcase their collections at the CreatedinFrance® pavilion in the Accent on Design® division of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).
The pavilion, which will feature a blend of contemporary products alongside timeless French classics, include stunning collections in the home decor and tabletop sectors in addition to displaying fine, leather accessories and innovative eco garden products.
NY Metro Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers Selects NYGIF “Best of the Best” Products at NYIGF
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) NY Metro Chapter recognized seven exhibitors in At Home at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) as “Best of the Best” at the 2011 summer market. At Home, one of 10 divisions presented semi-annually at the NYIGF, runs through Wednesday, August 17, at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94.
The summer 2011 ASID “Best of the Best” honorees are:
Imaginative Product Presentation: Gold Leaf Design Group, Inc.
Lady Gaga – Lady Gaga To Open Pop-Up Gift Shop For Festive Holidays
New York, NY – Lady Gaga will turn Santa Claus this Christmas season (11) with her own line of gifts at a pop-up store.
The Bad Romance hitmaker will team up with Barneys New York department store and her designer pal Nicola Formichetti to provide shoppers with Gaga-style gifts over the holiday period.
The store, called Gaga’s Workshop, will feature books and CDs curated by the singer, along with sweets, toys and a make-up range.
Business Beat: Florist Offers Large-Scale Sale on Gift Inventory
Criag, CO – A floral bouquet makes for a nice pick-me-up for the people in your life.
But, if you want to add a few extra trinkets to that package, now is the time.
The Flower Mine & Gift Shop, 410 W. Victory Way, is hosting a sale to clear out its inventory of gift items. Nearly all gift items are discounted between 50- and 75-percent off original price.
Sewickley Children’s Boutique Opens Today
Sewickley, PA – The affordable, modern boutique for children and babies opening its doors today is the brainchild of owner Kelsey Rhea.
“I’ve always had a passion to open a children’s store, and it is even more special that I can do it in the community that I live in,” Rhea said.
pink and blue opens to the public on Monday at 449 Beaver St., in the heart of Sewickley.
C & F Enterprises “Dreams” big in Canada
C & F Enterprises is pleased to announce a partnership with the Dreamline Agency of Canada, for them to represent C & F Enterprise’s home linens to the Western Canadian retailer market.
Jennifer Sheridan, National Sales Manager, comments “We are excited to expand the reach of C & F quilted bedding and tabletop designs throughout Western Canada with Dreamline Agency.
July 2011 California Gift Show Culminates in a Strong Market Performance
MMPI and California Gift Show® (CGS) report a robust Market experience with positive indicators on multiple fronts defining an encouraging CGS trajectory. The show’s California-centric focus delivered, in a uniquely L.A experiential manner, a broad array of new and on-trend merchandise across all of the most popular, volume generating categories. More than 10,000 lines from over 1,200 temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms, at two dynamic venues, provided buyers a myriad of product offerings, with emphasis on the region’s emerging product designers, artists and craftsmen.
Squishlanders Hug Each Other to Celebrate Winning the 2011 Creative Child Award
Hugs all around! As those who play in this fabulous, virtual world know, the fun-loving Sqwishlanders are always smiling and having fun, so all the hugs must be to celebrate an especially happy occasion. And it is… the judges at Creative Child just bestowed Sqwishland with its 2011 Media of the Year Award.
To receive a Creative Child award, products are thoughtfully reviewed by the very folks who buy them – moms, educators and caregivers. Only one product per category can win a Media of the Year award.
Small Business Rising to Challenge
Gympie, AU – Gympie small business owner Anita Glover’s outlook is always positive.
The Mary St retailer expects sales will eventually pick up, but until they do, the savvy business woman will do whatever it takes to keep operating her boutique gift shop.
Staying afloat during these tough economic times is a challenge Mrs Glover has taken on with gusto.
Island Deog Design Meets the Needs of the Interior Designer and Big Dogs
Island Dog Design introduces eco-friendly dog beds designed with the big dog in mind and the demands of the discriminating interior designer. With six design options in Coral, Sand Dollar, Moroccan, Finial, Ironwork and Ring, all on natural tone fabrics with complementary piping, these premium quality, beds come in a range of sizes, squares and rectangles, to fit and support dogs 50 pounds and over.
“It is difficult to find an attractive, big dog bed that doesn’t end up dominating the room,” said Nicole Webster, interior designer and co-founder of Island Dog Design, LLC.
Iola Now has Soul: Gift Shop Offers Unique Items, Jewelry, Decor and More
Iola, WI – Tracy Ambacher said she always wanted to own a gift shop, and wanted to do so right in her hometown of Iola.
Ambacher has realized that dream with Soul to Sole, a gift shop featuring spiritual gifts, Norwegian-themed items, home decor, purses, jewelry, art, food and more.
“I always liked the idea of decorating, and having a little place in Iola with good prices that people could come to,” Ambacher said.