Archives: News
Las Vegas Market Awards Three Gift+Home Exhibitors
Las Vegas, NV – Three gift and home décor exhibitors were recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Merchandising at Gift+Home at the 2011 Summer Las Vegas Market.
Yessica’s, Couronne Company and Alef Design were among those recognized for creating innovative and visually appealing displays to attract strong retail buyers and traffic to their spaces.
“We’re very pleased with ourselves,” said Amanda Cotcher, sales representative for Couronne Company. “Sales numbers have increased from last summer. The award is a great way to cap off the show season.
India’s Participation Showcasing Indian Gifts and Crafts
The New York International Gift Fair will be held at New York City from 14 – 18 August, 2011. The Venue of the show is Jacobs K. Javits Convention Centre which is known world over as one of the largest, finest and technologically the most advanced exhibition and conference venues.
India has been participating in this show for the past three years. Indian participation is organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). EPCH is an apex organization in India engaged in the promotion of business and trade for hand crafted products.
California Gift Show Honors Kentia Hall Exhibitors at 3rd Annual World Style Stories Award Ceremony and Reception
MMPI and California Gift Show® announce the five outstanding winners of World Style Stories from exhibitors in Kentia Global Marketplace. This vibrant division of the California Gift Show is home to exhibitors that source products made by artisans from around the world, and who’s ethical and responsible business practices serve to strengthen communities with minimal impact on the planet.
Seven NYIGF Exhibitors Awarded Highest “Sustainability” Status
Of some 200 participants in the SustainAbility: design for a better world® display at the summer 2011 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), seven have been designated as achieving SustainAbility3 – the highest level of sustainability for their products, production processes and business practices.
NYIGF’s “Degrees of SustainAbility” initiative outlines industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking indicates the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co!
The Old Prague Market
Pflugerville, TX – The first thing visitors might notice when walking into The Old Prague Market, a gift shop in downtown Pflugerville, is the smell—an aromatic perfume issuing from the many shelves of scented candles.
The Old Prague Market, nestled on the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue, was established in 1992, long before many of the businesses that surround it existed.
One Family, Two Businesses
Lafayette Hill , PA – Over the past few decades, families have trended toward having both parents working full-time jobs. The Bernsteins have stayed ahead of that curve. For nearly 20 years, the Lafayette Hill residents have not only both worked full-time jobs; they’ve also both owned and operated their own businesses.
Howard Bernstein started Nuts to You, a gourmet nut and candies shop, 35 years ago, and now has stores in both Center City and his native Northeast Philadelphia.
U.S. Posts Stronger Job Growth in July
New York, NY – The United States economy continues on a wobbly course, but there was a momentary sigh of relief on Friday as the government reported that employers added 117,000 jobs last month, slightly more than expected. Jobs Private Rate
While hardly robust enough to produce a substantial change in the employment picture, the jobs growth calmed investors who feared that the stock market plunge on Thursday might pick up speed if the number had signaled a worsening of the already weak economic outlook.
Hours after the market closed, however, the economy was dealt a new blow w
Bigger Box continues to Launch Unbeatable Deals
Launched in May 2011, the company has already gained a loyal following of retailer’s eager to get a 40-50% discount off wholesale on best-selling items from vendors they know and trust. Deals have “tipped” in two hours and have sold out in less than 2 days surpassing all targets the company has set in place.
Roman’s Chairman Surprises Young Leukemia Victim with Dream Come True
Roman’s Chairman, Ron Jedlinski, continues to support and deliver ill children happiness on behalf of the Sunshine Foundation. This August was no exception; yet another young boy by the name of Kevin Cox-Loren receives the gift of his dreams.
Early on August 4th, 2011, a boy diagnosed with acute leukemia was surprised at his front door with a gift that could leave a permanent smile on any child’s face. This gift included a visit to Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village, along with toys like a SpongeBob and Mickey Mouse doll.
Swimming into business success
Writing a business book might not be an obvious choice for a former swimming champion, but Hayley Lewis – who has run a swim school and a gift shop – has just released a new book to help inspire would-be female business owners.
Lewis, 37, first achieved fame in 1990 when she won five gold medals at the Auckland Commonwealth Games. In 1992, she won silver and bronze medals at the Barcelona Olympics and later competed in the Sydney Olympics.
NYIGF Launches “Like for Life” Facebook Campaign
Gift For Life, the gift, stationery and home décor industries’ sole charitable organization, today announced that GLM and the New York International Gift FairÒ have launched a “Like for Life” fundraising campaign on Facebook benefitting Gift for Life.
Throughout the month of August, GLM will donate $1 to Gift for Life for each Facebook user who “Likes” the NYIGF Facebook page. A fundraising minimum of $1,000 has been established. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/nyigf.
Island Bamboo™ Expands into Australia’s Gift and Homewares Market
Wilshire Industries, LLC is launching their signature brand, Island Bamboo™ into the Australian market. It will debut at the Home and Giving Show in Melbourne, Australia with distributor Peter McInnes Pty Ltd.
Peter McInnes is a distributor of major brands throughout Australia and New Zealand, including KitchenAid and Vitamix. “We know our brand will be well represented with Peter McInnes.
Ancient Concept, New Artistry – Bay Area Designer Launches Unique Line of Environmentally-Friendly Planters This August at SF Gift Fair
Marduk Productions, LLC today announced it will launch its new brand of unique self-watering planters at the San Francisco International Gift Fair being held at the Moscone Center August 6 – 9.
Tastemakers Get Ahead of the Curve of Interior Design Trends
Three of the nation’s most celebrated interior designers, Anthony Baratta, Jeffrey Alan Marks and Nathan Turner shopped five-million-square-feet of showrooms during this week’s Summer Las Vegas Market. Today they uncovered what will become next season’s most popular trends during their presentation, Ahead of the Curve, moderated by style guru and “Today” show contributor Susanna Salk.
Longtime Resident Stocks Boutique With Unique Items
This & That Gifts owner Nancy Cartolano just smiles when people stop in her store, thinking they’re coming for tea. Located in the former home of the Pickwick Society Tea Room, Cartolano still gets visitors who don’t know that Pickwick moved west down Kansas Street.
But that’s OK.
The Airport Experience Now Includes Shopping for the Family
After visits to malls plummeted during the recession — and have yet to bounce back — many mass-market retailers stepped up their search for other locations to lure shoppers.
Places where people might be bored. And unable to leave. One time-tested answer: airports.
While luxury stores set up shops in airports long ago to attract duty-free international shoppers, retailing in many domestic terminals was limited to newsstands and the occasional shop selling coffee mugs and local smoked meat.
Studio Loaded with Ammunition for Nose
Fort Wayne, IN – In the first light of day, the scent of a dew-drenched garden is earthy, floral, airy.
Renée Gabet captures this essence as she blends oils into a perfume that will be named Morning Garden.
Roses grow at its heart, musk covers the ground and delicate hints of water add a decorative touch, she explains, as she carefully mixes the oils, considering several rose-scented blends from the dozens of small bottles that line the shelves at Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio in Ligonier.
Award Winning Menswear Designer Opens Gift Shop in Salem
Salem, MA – Marblehead resident Jamie Burns, an award winning menswear designer who began in the fashion trade with Giblees of Salem, has opened a gift shop in Salem. Adjacent to the popular In a Pig’s Eye Restaurant, the shop is called The Pig Next Door.
Burns, along with his partner Sharon Coletti, have merchandised the store to be a fun place to shop for gifts and impulse items that have a humorous edge. Included in the assortment is t-shirt and cap art, exclusive to the store created by Jamie and local artist Jesse Moore.
Feather Your Nest at Three Birds, a Lovely new Home Decor and Gift Shop in Queen Anne
Seattle, WA – Queen Anne just got a new home décor and gift store to explore. Three Birds opened in late July to the delight of top-of-the-hill shoppers. Right on Queen Anne Avenue North, it’s a well-placed addition to the neighborhood’s retail scene.
Owned by professional singer Robin Johnson and her husband, Douglas, Three Birds is a beautiful and well-merchandised ode to good style, with an inventory that includes furniture, jewelry, tabletop, wall art, textiles, body care and pillows.
“We wanted the space to be filled with interesting pieces,” Robin explains.

