Archives: News
Coffee shops holding their own in shaky economy
Cranberry, Pa. – Steam releases in a long psssssssssss. Coffee drips and glasses clink.
Valentine’s spending declines somewhat, but retailers still bet on romance
Kacy Culp and her husband agreed not to exchange big gifts this Valentine’s Day.
Surprise increase in retail sales
New York — Retail sales unexpectedly rose in January, giving hard-hit retailers some respite after six straight months of sales erosion, the government reported Thursday.
The Commerce Department said total retail sales rose 1% last month versus a revised drop of 3% in sales in December. December sales were originally reported to have declined 2.7%.
Economists surveyed by Briefing.com on average had forecast a decrease of 0.8% for January.
Sales excluding autos and auto parts rose 0.9% compared to a revised 3.2% drop in the measure in December.
Newark florist blossoms with unique gifts
International Florist Gift Shop & Fruit Baskets Inc. 283 Lafayette St. Valentine’s Day inspired my selection this month. I know there are many who argue that it is a commercial day, but the truth remains just as many are looking for a good gift for their significant others. International Florist Gift Shop & Fruit Baskets offers options that might satisfy the romantic and the cynic.
In the interest of full disclosure, I probably lean more toward the romantic side. I don’t need flowers, but I appreciate a thoughtful gesture, which is why I like this spot.
Madison Park Greetings and Whomi Form New Partnership
Seattle, WA – Nina Korelitz Matza needed something that could enable her – in one glance – to see her business appointments, her personal appointments, and her children’s whereabouts. But it didn’t exist in the marketplace. An experienced, big-picture thinker, Nina in 2005 came up with the concept of Whomi – a color-coded calendar to help women manage their busy schedules.
Now, in February 2009, Whomi and Madison Park Greetings have forged a partnership to continue to build on Whomi’s growing momentum in the marketplace.
Detroit retail fund created
With the economic downturn killing downtown Detroit retailers at a brutal pace, a $5 million loan program is being launched to create more storefront businesses from the New Center area to the Eastern Market to Corktown.
The Detroit Urban Retail Loan Fund was announced Monday by the private Detroit Investment Fund and the state’s Michigan Economic Development Corp. Each entity will contribute more than $2 million, organizers said.
Retail sales hold steady during week
Washington, DC — Retail sales in the United States were unchanged in the week ending Feb. 7, the International Council of Shopping Centers-USB reported Tuesday.
Sales were unchanged on the week but down 1.8 percent from the same week a year ago, the report said.
Around the country, “consumers …
Locally Owned: Owner uses retail experience to start own business
Bowling Green, KY — Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.
Name of business: Heart Strings Gifts; When did it open? 1995; Owner: Kathy Scariot; Number of employees: 20
Heart Strings Gifts specialties are gifts of every kind for adults and children. Jewelry, home fragrances, purses, totes and luggage, and lots of personal items to pamper yourself or someone else. We also have a children’s specialty store next doors, Chatters. There, we sell clothing and shoes for birth to size 17 and baby gifts and accessories.
How did the business get started?
Two Markets—One Spectacular Place: Americasmart
Atlanta, GA— Top lines and new designs in home, gift, fine linens and more make The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market and Atlanta International Fine Line & Home Textiles Market the two-in-one destination for endless selection, value and convenience March 14-16, 2009.
Las Vegas Market Panelists Say 2009 is the Year of Opportunity
Las Vegas, NV — A panel of thought leaders with different perspectives in the design and home furnishings industry discussed “2009: The Year in Anticipation” with a large group of designers and retailers during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market.
Design Management Company’s Lloyd Princeton moderated the panel, which featured Sims Bray, Jr.
FungusAmongUs Introduces Truffle Mustard!
Snohomish, WA – FungusAmongUs®, purveyor of a full line of organic and natural dried mushrooms and mushroom products, introduces the first Truffle Mustard to America.
This unique and whole grain mustard (with pieces of delectable black truffle) is from the Forcoli region in the heart of Tuscany. It is the latest addition to the FungusAmongUs® Truffle Product Line!
Perfect for entrees, sauces, meats, salad dressings, marinades, and more- anywhere you would use mustard!
3.15 oz. each; Six to a Case. Suggested Retail Price: $16.75
Coyne’s & Company Expands Hot Rod™ Licensed Products
Minneapolis, MN.—Under license from Hot Rod™ Magazine, Coyne’s & Company has added new cars and ornaments to their Monster Rides brand. These 2009 introductions hit the street at the January gift shows and have been tearing up the road ever since.
Hot Rod Magazine the keeper of all things rodding licensed Coyne’s & Company to bring their magazine covers to life by interpreting the essence of their covers.
‘Shop Yorkville’ aims to beef up business
Yorkville — In an effort to keep dollars within the community, one alderman is proposing a “Shop Yorkville” campaign that would boost business for local retailers large and small battling a tough economy.
“It’s just another marketing tool to increase business in Yorkville. We’ve invested a lot in some of these, and have given a lot of incentives to get some of them going,” 3rd Ward Alderman Marty Munns said.
The campaign proposal has not come to City Council for discussion.
Chattanooga: Sweet hop north Candyland gains in move to Frazier
Dealing with the rent and little parking for his customers, downtown Chattanooga candy store owner J. Maddox packed up his jelly beans and gummy bears at the end of November and moved across the river.
In his new home three-fifths of mile away on Frazier Avenue, Candyland’s owner said he has lower rent and a lot behind his building with free parking.
Already Mr.
Camille Beckman Supports The Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho
The World Winter Games of the Special Olympics are being held in Boise, Idaho this year from February 7th-February 13th and Gift Manufacturer Camille Beckman in nearby Eagle, Idaho was asked to donate lip balms for the Special Olympics athletes.
The games budget was cut in half and then trimmed again and again. Says Camille Beckman founder Susan Roghani, “We wanted to make sure they experienced a warm Idaho welcome and felt we could do much better than a tube of lip balm.
Winter Las Vegas Market Attendance and Spirits High; February Market Registration Reflects Optimism and Enthusiasm
Las Vegas, NV — Buyers have spoken: They’re doing, not just dreaming. And they’re attending the 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market in droves. The first major home furnishings market of the year kicked off on February 9 at World Market Center Las Vegas – and with registration higher than expected.
Buyer and designer attendance on the opening day is down a mere 2 percent, when compared to last year’s January 2008 Market.
Retail Sales To Improve In Second Half: NRF
Washington, DC — Retail sales are expected to begin to rebound by the second half of the year, according to a recent economic forecast from The National Retail Federation (NRF).
The trade group’s quarterly Retail Sales Outlook report, which projects retail industry revenue (excluding car dealerships, gas stations and restaurants), forecast a 3.6 percent increase in fourth-quarter sales due to a strengthening economy and easy year-over-year comparisons.
Sales declines will begin to slow in the third quarter, when retail revenues will decrease just 1.1 percent, the report said.
Debra Valencia Lands Licensing Contract with Industry Leader Design Design
Los Angeles, California – Licensed artist Debra Valencia™ will be making her debut with Design Design in their March 2009 catalog.
Valencia’s designs for three Thank You cards made the final cut for the spring supplemental catalog. Designs themes include:
Floral Abstract Thank You features a feminine font, single magenta flower with flowing paisley-like leaves in shades of green and cyan
Circulo With Gratitude in khaki, brown and teal blue scheme with urban chic feel in tailored circles and stripes
Downtown clothing store starting to make its mark
As the economy continues to force downtown business closures, Fresh of Nashua, a boutique that opened June 1, appears to be gaining the support of local shoppers and other storeowners.
“I’ve developed quite a base of regulars since June,” Owner Cheryl Plunkett said. “New ones daily.”
Among the fans are other downtown merchants, who say Plunkett’s energy for the new business has been inspiring.
“She’s a wonderful, great addition to downtown Nashua,” he said.
Despite economic storm clouds, local merchants stay hopeful for Mardi Gras
Batool Ali is worried that the feather boas and Carnival masks she usually can’t keep on the shelves during Mardi Gras season will be slow to move this year as visitors to her French Quarter store pay closer attention to their spending in the down economy.
“We are hoping this year will be good,” said Ali, owner of the Bayou Blue gift shop. “But people aren’t buying like they used to buy.”
Ali is not alone in her worry.