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NYIGF Taps New Sales Managers For Accent on Design and Details
White Plains, NY — George Little Management, LLC (GLM®), a dmg world media business, has announced staff changes for the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), with two sales managers – Melissa Engongoro and Randi Mohr – assuming additional responsibilities for Details® and Accent on Design®, respectively.
Engongoro and Mohr will continue to report directly to Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF manager.
Hartwood hits Hollywood
Oscar ceremony celebrities from Anne Hathaway to Stephen Baldwin got the word from Hartwood Elementary School students this week that they’d better work harder to help the environment.
“I said that in many ways, they have more power than the president,” said 10-year-old Mazzen Shalaby.
Dogeared Jewels & Gifts Celebrates 5th Year of Growth
Los Angeles, CA—Dogeared, a trendsetting fashion brand that creates handcrafted jewels and gifts in Los Angeles, has announced its fourth year of substantial growth. The 80% increase in sales in 2008 was accomplished while maintaining the company’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and producing products in the USA. An expanded international network, increased presence with national retailers, and a redesigned online flagship store, all contributed to Dogeared’s record breaking year.
NRF Welcomes Legislation to Fight Organized Retail Crime, Says Retailers Can’t Afford Losses from Theft During Recession
Washington, DC — The National Retail Federation today welcomed legislation intended to help law enforcement fight the $30 billion-a-year problem of organized retail crime, saying introduction comes at a time when the nation’s economic crisis has more shoppers turning to “bargain” merchandise they might not realize is stolen or tainted.
“Organized retail crime is a rapidly growing problem, especially as challenging economic times increase the market for stolen merchandise,” NRF Vice President for Loss Prevention Joseph LaRocca said.
Gastonia pitches incentive for new businesses to open downtown
Susan Anthony said she has long considered relocating her popular gift shop to downtown Gastonia. But in this day and age, she can’t do it on her own.
“Small businesses can’t afford these enormous spaces with enormous prices,” said Anthony, owner of Susan C. Anthony Gifts and Accessories, which was previously on Union Road.
The reason Anthony will soon be able to open her showroom at 170 South Street is that the city of Gastonia will likely subsidize her rent for the first year.
Zak Launches Redesigned Website
Spokane, WA – In today’s society, a Web site is a vital link between a company and its customers. This March, when it launches a completely renovated version of its Web site, Zak Designs will ensure that its link to its customers is as friendly and informative as possible.
“This new site really improves our capabilities,” said Irv Zakheim, President and CEO of Zak Designs. “When we designed it, we wanted to make sure that we had a platform that could not only service our customers’ needs today, but grow and adapt so that we can offer them even more in the future.
Raffit Ribbons Celebrates our 20th Year
Raffit Ribbons is proud to celebrate our 20th year of offering beauty raffia, ribbons and trim on our trademark vintage spools. In 1989 we produced the first raffia ribbons in vibrant colors showing designers how to create beautiful presentations with great ease. The packaging was simply a vintage spool, logo and label of sepia and crème.
Our ribbons and trims are used for gift packaging, floral, fashion, crafts, and home décor. Inspired by the runways of fashion, careful consideration for each new addition includes selecting the finest materials, textures, styles and colors.
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Dip Available Year-Round
Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – Guylian Chocolate is repositioning its Guylian Belgian Chocolate Dip as a year-round product.
Guylian Chocolate Dip had a “soft introduction” last year as a fourth-quarter item. But according to Guylian USA president, Brad Maslan, sales exceeded all expectations.
Guylian Chocolate Dip is made of premium dark Belgian chocolate with 70 percent cocoa. The product is ready-to-use; just heat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Christofle Plans for Three New Boutiques in 2009
NY, NY – In 2009, the foremost leader in fine silver craft, Christofle Silver, Inc, finds itself preparing to make its mark in three of the biggest, trendiest, most cosmopolitan cities in the U.S. The nearly 200-year-old company is set to take 2009 by storm with plans for new stores in Boston, Atlanta, and Las Vegas, its first openings since 2000.
The North American subsidiary of Christofle has already broken ground for the first store in Boston, MA.
Americans reach for small luxuries amid sour economy
San Francisco, CA — As it does for many these days, life feels a bit on the bleak side for Leanne Falise. Soaring heating bills have managed to pick off what luxuries she and her husband used to regularly enjoy, from dinners out to vacations.
But relief — however temporary — is on the way.
Ballston Spa businesses look to prosper as seasons change
Ballston Spa, NY — Like every small town, Ballston Spa is struggling against the tide of a downward spiraling economy.
The difference is that this village has undergone a revitalization in the past few years that business owners hope is strong enough to overcome current trends and lead a continued resurgence as summer draws near and conditions hopefully improve.
Throughout the village, entrepreneurs are investing in all kinds of operations, from eateries to antique shops.
“I’m sold on it enough to put another $100,000 across the street,” said Carolyn Frances, owner
Gifts guided by God
Jason Mitzel’s Fargo business is more like a ministry to him and his wife, Dana.
They bought the Rainbow Shop in the 45th Street Marketplace Shopping Center from Jason’s parents, Jim and Betty Mitzel of Bismarck, in February 2008.
Jim and Betty Mitzel started the Rainbow Shop in Bismarck in 1983. The Christian bookstore opened in Fargo in 2004.
“We wanted to carry on the legacy of what my parents started,” Jason Mitzel said.
The business is truly a family affair.
Fairhaven business owner shifts gears, starts pet gift store
Home décor is one of the toughest retail businesses to be in during this economic crunch, so Anne Kneesch has revamped her business to target a different client base – pet owners.
Kneesch, who owned Artesano’s in Fairhaven for more than three years, phased out that business earlier this month and replaced it with Animal Crackers, a pet-themed gift store. It’s at the same spot at 1010 Harris Ave., Suite 102. The new store offers a variety of gift options, including pet pillows, all-natural treats and some supplies, such as collars and leashes.
Boutique dresses, quaint gifts, community ties
Bradenton, IL — To set the record straight: Rusty Crickett’s Coastal City Cottage is not an antique store, even though it began as a booth in one on Anna Maria Island.
Instead, the store in a quaint two-story cottage in downtown Bradenton is part gift store and part dress boutique that is a favorite of local teenage girls.
“We had originally started with gifts and cottage furniture,” says co-owner Charlie Kennedy of Rusty Crickett’s, 615 15th St. W. “And when I did college tours with my youngest daughter, every college town had clothing boutiques.
IKEA Social Initiative Adds $48 million to UNICEF India Child
New York, NY – UNICEF today announced that IKEA, through its corporate philanthropy arm, IKEA Social Initiative, is further expanding its support for children with a $48 million donation for UNICEF programmes in India.
Pacific Market Center Announces Spring Home Decor and Gift Show
The Home Décor & Gift Show provides retailers and designers the opportunity to discover the latest trends in home décor, gifts and lifestyle products and buy for the upcoming fall season. Pacific MarketCenter’s featured guest speakers will provide attendees with inspiration and new ideas to drive business in a down economy. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for daily “Ask the Expert” sessions to discuss topics including business planning, merchandising and online marketing including using social media.
Shore artisans find an outlet
Princess Anne — Charlotte Sharf didn’t attend the Atlanta Gift Show just to shop.
Crafting partnerships: Six women start co-op gift shop in Arnaudville
Arnaudville, LA -Six St. Landry Parish women have turned to a trusted business model to grow their new gift shop during challenging economic times.
Acadiana Country Crafts opened earlier this month in Arnaudville using some of the principles of a co-op business.
The gift shop was formed by six women who met selling wares a local flea market.
“Each person had a different product and a different interest,” said co-owner Ginger LeCompte.
Believing in Wilkes-Barre, mayor’s wife to open downtown store
Wilkes-Barre – One person with every reason to believe the downtown is experiencing a comeback will open a business in the Midtown Village in March.
Patty Leighton, wife of Mayor Tom Leighton – the man who coined the rallying slogan “I Believe” – will open a gift shop called The Bee Hive in the former site of Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound.
Des Moines tea shop providing gifts for Oscar party
A central Iowa shop that sells tea is among a very select group of merchants that will have its products featured at an exclusive star party in Hollywood prior to the Oscars on Sunday night.
Rusty Bishop, of Gong Fu Tea in Des Moines, says they sent 200 gift baskets to L.A.