Archives: News
The Purple Tree moves next door
The Purple Tree gift shop has moved a couple of doors south to a bigger store at 516 Second St.
The family-owned and operated business has gone from 287 square feet of selling space that was “cramped, cramped, cramped,” in the words of manager Sarah Bruch, to a shop of almost 1,100 square feet.
The biggest advantage of the new shop, Sarah says, is the obvious one.
Dogeared Presents: Breast Cancer – Find a Cure
Dogeared Jewels & Gifts, a trendsetting fashion brand that creates handcrafted jewels and gifts in Los Angeles, has long supported the efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. The company’s Breast Cancer, Find a Cure necklace is a best seller and raises money for the cause all year long.
“Our company mission is all about putting good energy into the world,” comments Marcia Maizel-Clarke, founder and designer. “We truly believe that by putting good energy, in this case a wish to cure breast cancer, toward a common goal, that goal will become a reality.
Lessons Learned: Keepsakes Etc Owner Bob Shirilla
Bob Shirilla and his wife JoAnn own and operate the online gift store Keepsakes Etc and the tote bag store Simply Bags. Keepsakes Etc was originally established in 1982 as a traditional brick-and-mortar gift store in Canfield, Ohio. The Shirillas created the ecommerce component in 2000 and then closed their two mall locations due to “17 years of constantly increasing rent and chain store competition.” They launched Simply Bags in January 2008.
New card shop opens today in Fulton
Some of the shelves were empty, unpacked boxes were stacked next to the counter and there was a fine coating of sawdust on the floor and tables Tuesday afternoon, but manager and purchasing agent Carol David said The Gift Shop at Fulton Commons will be ready for business when it opens its doors at 9 this morning.
“We’re not fully stocked, but there’s no shortage of people who are ready to buy cards,” David said.
Pizzaz offers that personal touch
More than a year ago a local mother and daughter decided to open up a gift shop together in Gulf Breeze. The Gulf Breeze women knew they wanted their business to sell items not necessarily found in other local shops.
Valuing independents
To encourage residents to shop at locally owned businesses, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and the group Shop Local Raleigh last Thursday issued a statement declaring July 1-7 to be “Independents Week.”
“All of those businesses you know and love, you need to shop with them today if you want them to be here tomorrow,” Meeker said.
That’s true in Raleigh, and it’s also true here in Clayton.
Do you like locally owned restaurants that have their own character, where the owners and servers know your name and family? Then make sure you opt to dine at those places.
Three Bears for three times the shopping fun
Three Bears Gift Shop is open at Parkside Place in Invermere.
World Market Center Las Vegas to Honor Influential Designer Vicente Wolf as Design Icon at September Market
Las Vegas — World Market Center Las Vegas and Las Vegas Design Center will honor design visionary Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates Inc. as its Design Icon September 16 during the Fall Las Vegas Market, Sept. 14 – 17.
Wolf is a New York-based designer, whose wide-ranging portfolio includes photography, art collecting, interior design and global travel.
House Beautiful named Wolf one of the 10 most influential designers in the United States, and Interior Design Magazine inducted him in its Designer Hall of Fame.
Cloud B Wins Creative Child, PTPA Media and Dr. Toy Awards
Los Angeles, CA – Cloud B®, a children’s toy and accessories company specializing in sleep products, announced that it has won prestigious awards from Creative Child, PTPA Media (Parent Tested Parent Approved) and Dr. Toy.
Gentle Giraffe™, Gentle Giraffe On The Go™, and Dozy Dolphin On The Go™ have been awarded Creative Child’s Top Choice of the Year Award. Creative Child has also given their Seal of Excellence Award to Sleep Sheep On The Go™ and Polar Cuddle Cub™.
Downtown Denver Partnership to focus on retaining business
Downtown Denver Partnership officials will put a new emphasis on attracting and retaining businesses in the coming year, going as far as communicating with every significant office whose lease is up for renewal.
The new initiatives, announced at a breakfast Tuesday by partnership president and CEO Tami Door, also include creating an appreciation week for downtown employees and improving the quality of vending carts on the 16th Street Mall.
“Cities across the country rush to define themselves by catchy logos and marketing, but we believe a city is defined by what kind of experi
Appleton jewelry designer Susan G. Allen finds sparkle in business
Appleton — Good things come in small packages.
That saying can apply both to jewelry boxes and to jewelry businesses.
Susan G. Allen, owner and designer of her self-named jewelry manufacturing company and boutique in Appleton, has kept her small business small to keep a good work/home balance.
Danielle and Company® Announces 4 New Product Launches This Season
Scranton, PA. – Danielle and Company, manufacturers of award-winning organic products for your bath, body and home, will be launching 2 new product lines, 1 gift line and 2 new scents this tradeshow season.
First to launch is Danielle and Company’s Organic Beeswax and Pure Soy Candle, available in 14 authentic scents. This proprietary blend of organic bee and soy wax allows for a clean burning, long lasting and perfectly scented candle. A pure cotton wick provides a soft glow and the scents are created from essential oils and natural aromas.
Wine, gift store in downtown Bloomington plans expansion
Bloomington, IL — A. Renee, a wine and gift boutique in downtown Bloomington, will more than double in size by fall.
The 1,200-square-foot store at 306 N. Center St., which already offers gourmet foods, chocolates, candles, linens and wine glasses, will add another 1,500 square feet for a wine cafe.
“It will be a place for adults to escape,” said Amy Calhoun, co-owner, adding that the cafe will offer wine tasting as well as wine by the glass and bottle, cocktails, gourmet finger food, coffee and tea.
The cafe will be lit by candles and have a piano.
Calhoun, who opened A.
Profile: Countryside Cottage
Countryside Cottage is a gift shop that also carries home decor, jewelry and much more.
“We try to have a selection of gifts that the customer is happy to purchase and the recipient is excited to receive,” said owner Ann McCoy. “We try to make the shopping in here fun.”
Pandora and other lines of jewelry are available as well as costume jewelry and sterling silver. McCoy just got back from market with a new supply of jewelry.
In addition they have Vera Bradley handbags and travel bags, Tyler candles, candlesticks, Aromatique potpourri, florals, greeting cards and more.
Crowds help shore merchants breathe easier
Atlantic City — Last week, Judy Urban admits, she felt she was walking on eggshells – or seashells.
Marketing musings with no blarney
Just back from the Emerald Isle and a long overdue vacation. It was a bit of a pilgrimage…
CK Special Report: How to Deal With Difficult Customers
Every jewelry professional is likely to encounter challenging customers. JCK has identified seven classic difficult customer types and offers tips from jewelry sales experts to turn them into satisfied clients.
1. The Arguer is ready to haggle and looks to establish an adversarial relationship, believing it will help him get the best deal.
Disarm this customer by remaining calm and professional, listening to him and showing him respect. Do not get into a debate or allow him to make you feel inadequate.
7 W New York Quickly Becoming the Go-To Venue for New York’s Hottest Events
New York – On the evening of June 24th, 7 W played host to a truly star studded affair. Gen Art, the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists organized “I Heart Gen Art” on the 11th floor. The event was the organization’s first fundraiser in nearly ten years. Mingling among the full capacity crowd were Zac Posen, Adrian Grenier, Nick Cannon, William H.
Urban Expositions to Acquire San Francisco, Seattle Gift Trade Shows from DMG World Media
Atlanta, GA – Urban Expositions announces its acquisition of the San Francisco International Gift Fair® (SFIGF) and the Seattle Gift Show® from dmg world media. The ownership transition will take place following the August 2009 editions of the semi-annual shows.
Off-Beat Business: Potpourri House Serves Up Food, Fun Items For All
Tyler, TX — Everything about Potpourri House in Tyler underscores its name.
Women’s clothing items hang within sight of Pandora jewelry. A 1977 Led Zeppelin concert poster sits on the floor near a candle display.