Archives: News
Winter NYIGF seminars emphasize strategies for challening economic times
(WHITE PLAINS, NY) …A comprehensive series of educational sessions covering business issues pertinent to retailers will be among highlights of the 156th semi-annual New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Sunday, January 25, through Thursday, January 29, 2009, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 and 94. Exciting special events, displays and buyer promotions also will enhance the market experience for buyers and exhibitors.
McEvoy Ranch brings more to Ferry Building retail shop
(SAN FRANCISCO) — McEvoy Ranch, the pioneering and leading U.S. producer of certified organic extra virgin olive oil, has unveiled its redesigned Ferry Building shop. One of the first tenants to lease space in San Francisco’s bustling Ferry Building Marketplace five years ago, the retail shop has been reconfigured to bring more of the signature elements of the 550-acre ranch to Ferry Building shoppers. The refreshed McEvoy Ranch shop captures the style and beauty of the picturesque ranch, while providing customers with a greater selection of their McEvoy favorites.
Creative Co-Op to host Kate McRostie signing
(Wilmington, NC) – Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc. announced today that Creative Co-Op, Inc., of Memphis, TN, will host a signing event at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market on Saturday, January 10, 2009, to launch several new holiday and everyday collections featuring Kate McRostie’s artwork. McRostie will meet retailers and sign a complimentary gift while supplies last from 2-3 p.m.
Simply Retail and Bellin Health announce the opening of two new retail locations
(Minneapolis, MN) — Simply Retail Inc., the nations leader in customized healthcare retail systems, is pleased to announce the opening of two new retail locations at Bellin Health in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Both stores are located in the Bellin Health Family Medical Center-Ashwaubenon. A “Grand Opening” is scheduled for Nov. 17 to celebrate boh new locations.
The “Pharmacy & More” is a 689 square foot store that combines the convenience of a full pharmacy in a relaxing specialty health & care store environment.
Industry trends eyed at Portland winter show
(Portland, Oregon) — Think of it as the Inauguration of the Gift Show Season – naturally! From January 10–13, the Oregon Convention Center is the country’s independent retail capital as nearly 300 exhibitors and thousands of buyers elect to be at the Portland Gift & Accessories Show.
As the first industry showcase of the year, the Portland Show has come to be a must-attend expo for trend spotting and access to many exhibitors unique to this most-important entry point for the Great Northwest market.
Company C unveils first-ever holiday collection
(Concord, NH) – Company C is pleased to announce the introduction of its first-ever holiday collection.
It’s Christmas all year-round
Montgomery, Ohio – The mother-and-daughter team who run the Little Red Gift Shop here have expanded their business to encourage yuletide shopping year-round.
Betty and Kelly Donnellan last week opened the Christmas Shop next door to the Little Red Gift Shop at 7925 Remington Road.
The new store features a variety of holiday-related gift items for people and pets that it will sell year-round.
The Donnellans opened the Christmas store to compliment the Little Red Gift Shop, which carries more than 7,000 items ranging in price from $1.50 (candles) to $400 (Baldwin lamps) as w
Pessimistic Consumers Seek Value in Holiday Shopping
With the economy weighing heavily on their minds, many Americans plan to spend less and shop differently and more carefully during this year’s holiday season, according to Deloitte’s 23rd Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends, reports Retailer Daily.
Among the findings of the study:
A record number of consumers say they are pessimistic about the economy:
- More than half (53%) say they expect the economy to weaken next year – the highest in more than 10 years of responses to this question – compared with 43% last year.
- Almost one in five consumers (
Deco Breeze offers decorative fans for baby’s room
(San Diego, Ca.) — Deco Breeze, a leading manufacturer of decorative floor and table top fans, offers an innovative combination of function and high design in over 160 styles to create a decorative dimension to any room.
GHTA hosts sold out sales training events spurred by sponsorships
(Grand Rapids, Mich.) – The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), the industry’s non-profit professional trade association, continues to host successful education seminars, with many thanks to market center sponsorships. The sponsorships, which allow individuals to attend training seminars at a discounted rate, have made the important seminars both affordable and accessible.
Because of the economy, more agencies have turned to the GHTA for sales training advice and information.
Gift and Home Trade Association goes “high tech” with networking
(Grand Rapids, Mich.) — The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), the industry’s non-profit professional trade association, is taking networking to the next level with a new initiative — MeetMaker, a speed networking tool.
Barry Dixon Designs for Living exclusively at Atlanta Gift Mart
(ATLANTA) – Celebrated designer Barry Dixon unveils his exclusive new area rug designs with Megerian Oriental Rugs in the landmark presentation Barry Dixon Designs For Living , a signature area rug and home furnishings collection world introduction at the January Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show.
Focused on environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and dyes, the Megerian rug collection by Barry Dixon offers unique pieces as no two are alike.
Blogs Influence Purchases More than Social Networks
The number of those who read blogs at least once a month has grown 300% in the past four years, and what they read strongly influences their purchase decisions, playing a key role in ushering them to the point of actual purchase, according to a BuzzLogic-sponsored study, reports Retailer Daily.
“Harnessing the Power of Blogs,” a research study of more than 2,000 online consumers in the US, was conducted by JupiterResearch, a Forrester research company.
The study aimed to uncover changing behavior around blog discovery and consumption, how blogs factor into consumer purchase deci
Shoppers To Spend 1.9% More This Holiday, Compare Prices on Internet
US consumers plan to spend, on average, $832.36 on holiday-related shopping, up only 1.9% over last year’s $816.69, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, reports Retailer Daily.
That’s the lowest increase in planned holiday shopping since the survey began in 2002, NRF said.
Holiday towns, Christmas, Holly, Frankenmuth, offer high-spirited shopping
Christmas, MI — Whatever your holiday budget, you won’t feel Scrooge-like for long when shopping in Michigan’s most over-the-top holiday destinations.
Just be prepared for the unexpected when exploring the towns of Christmas and Holly on streets such as Jingle Bell Lane. Jokester street actors may haul you off to pick-pocket school. Or snow might fall on your head — indoors.
Clothing store owner enjoys giving special attention to help customers look their best
AL — Clothing and gift store owner Candace Love takes pride in the appearance of her clients.
Picture Perfect becomes Canadian distributor for artisan studio
(Burbank, CA) – artisan studio Collection – a leading designer and crafter of stylish, high-quality and affordable multi-dimensional metal sculptures – is pleased to announce the finalization of a Canadian distribution agreement with Toronto-based Picture Perfect International, manufacturer and distributor of framed art and other wall décor items.
“Canada is an important market for artisan studio and its parent company Artisan House,” says John Shilling, the firms’ president.
GANZ Contracts With Brandwise For SalesOptimizer
(Toronto, Canada) – GANZ, a manufacturer well known for their giftware, fashion accessories, fragrant candles, finishing touches for the home and loveable plush animals including the popular Webkinz interactive stuffed animals, announced it has contracted with Brandwise, an application service provider noted for its software solutions, to implement its SalesOptimizer program in order to drive sales and increase efficiency.
Boston Gift Show returns in March
(ATLANTA, GA) – Now managed by Urban Expositions, the Boston Gift Show returns March 28-31, 2009 to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center with a fresh, new energy, an expanded product selection, as well as a number of other business-building buyer initiatives for New England retailers.
“The Boston Gift Show has a long tradition of success and we look forward to partnering with regional buyers, sales representatives and other industry members to build upon the show’s strengths and future growth potential,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.
Village Wrought unveils wine caddies, accessories
(FABIUS, NY) — From the heart of Central New York comes Village Wrought Iron’s unique and creative line of wine caddies and accessories. Whether entertaining at home, attending a party or looking for a unique gift, Village Wrought Iron has something for everyone. A leading producer of wrought iron décor, Village Wrought Iron’s wine accessories present a simple yet elegant way to set the owner apart from the crowd.
With the introduction of several new designs, there is sure to be a model for every occasion.