Archives: News
Despite higher fuel costs, retailers cut shipping rates
Over the past few years, retailers have increasingly discovered a powerful way to entice shoppers to buy during the crucial Christmas season: slash shipping costs.
Much higher fuel costs this season raised fears that free or cut-rate shipping would go the way of $2.50-a-gallon gas. But as retailers grapple with the shaky U.S. economy, many have calculated that they can’t afford to put off shoppers with hefty shipping costs, even if it means eating higher fuel costs.
Case in point: Harry & David.
Tips for creating holiday retail vignettes
Regardless of whether you greet customers with a hearty “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” make sure your retail vignettes and merchandise put shoppers in the mood to leave a little green this holiday season.
Oversized ornaments, tabletop decorations, and holiday dinnerware and textiles can be used to dress up even the most basic home furnishings––a white dining table, charcoal Windsor chairs and a burgundy rug––and create dazzling retail vignettes.
Decorative accessories, tabletop products and textiles with seasonal designs (think snowflakes), rather than h
Lawsuit hits new Borden attraction
A new Salem attraction devoted to one of the state’s most enduring murder mysteries is itself the subject of controversy, including a federal lawsuit.
The True Story of Lizzie Borden features exhibits about the celebrated 1892 case in which Borden was accused of killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet in their Fall River home.
The Gradual Greening of Americans
One of the most significant social trends we highlighted for you in the 2008 How America Shops® MegaTrends survey was the “Greening of America.” Despite rising gas prices and the mortgage mess, half of all shoppers are buying products which are good for the environment and a third were pro-actively looking for such products in stores. It’s cool to save the planet.
The most recent PULSE survey tested a range of specific “Green” behaviors for the second year in a row.
Planet Dog offers Branded Spinner
PORTLAND, MAINE – Planet Dog is now offering a new branded 2-sided spinner aimed to provide retailers more flexibility, turns and profitability.
Over the past decade, Planet Dog has worked hard to create one of the most visually pleasing and effective brands in the pet industry, which has earned the company high brand equity and awareness not only in the United States, but around the globe.
Consumer body draws up list of guidelines
Ireland — A set of draft guidelines on the display of sale prices, advertising and the use of gift vouchers by retailers has been drawn up by the National Consumer Agency (NCA).
The guidelines recommend that no time limit be applied for redeeming gift vouchers, and no restrictions be placed on using them during sale times and other promotions. The guidelines say shops should be flexible in dealing with gift vouchers.
“Businesses benefit significantly from the gift voucher scheme. They have immediate use of the money paid upfront to purchase these vouchers.
Organic gift shop opening today
Berwyn — At Mainline Green Home, the merchandise is eco-elegant.
Take for example the line of vases for sale. An old bedspring and empty cobalt-blue wine bottle are combined and elevated to a work of modern art.
The new store in Berwyn’s Primary Shops specializes in gifts made from organic materials for babies, teens and adults.
“We want to be good stewards of the earth,” said the Rev. Karen Parsons about her family’s store.
Shop opens with excitement; Otterbein North Shore will offer many home gifts
Otterbein North Shore Gift Shop has opened at 9400 North Shore Boulevard.
Excitement is swirling around the unique items offered. Ruth Freeh, an Otterbein North Shore resident, was instrumental in setting up the gift shop.
Having managed the Magruder Hospital gift shop for 18 years, her knowledge and experience has helped make this gift shop truly special.
“I’m very excited about the quality of the items we have and the variety.
Jackson Street growth Restaurants, shops coming to district
The West Jackson Street Overlay District just keeps growing and growing.The historic shopping, dining and service district in Ridgeland has added some new locally owned stores in the past few weeks, including Smitten Gift Boutique, Jammin’ Beignetz beignet shop and Blue Moon Café.
Several other tenants are in the process of opening. They include Amy Head Cosmetics, Fine Eyes eyewear, Libby Story & Co.
Habersham to Expand Hearst Castle Collection
TOCCOA, GA – Habersham will showcase the newest additions to its new Hearst Castle Collection during the October 20-26, 2008 International Home Furnishing Market in High Point, NC.
Making its debut during the April 2008 High Point Market, the new collection received an enthusiastic response from upscale furniture retailers and interior designers who found the dramatic architectural influences and striking interior design styling of the legendary California estate reinterpreted in grand scale case goods and elegant accent furnishings.
First summer extracts at Javits exceeds expectations
WHITE PLAINS, NY … For nearly 100 exhibitors in EX·TRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness, the first summer edition following its integration into the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center proved to be a profitable success.
Artists invited to apply to exhibit at upcoming January show
NEW YORK– The One of a Kind Wholesale Show NYC is requesting top artists and artisans selling to upscale, independent retailers to apply to exhibit in the upcoming show, January 24-27, in New York City.
Potential exhibitors can apply now online at www.oneofakindwholesaleshow.com. Click on the “Application” link under the “Artist Services” heading in the left side menu. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 15, 2008.
The One of a Kind Wholesale Show NYC will be held on the 11th floor of 7W New York, 7W 34th St., New York, during The New York Gift Week.
10 unique boutiques
Shopping is often a high priority for Twin Cities visitors, usually because of Mall of America. But if you stop there, you’re missing out. The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is rich with retail innovators — perhaps the names Target and Best Buy ring a bell? To get a sense of the talent, style and creativity that help make this community so cosmopolitan and unique, you’ll need to shop beyond the mall.
Here are 10 distinguished stores that help to make the Twin Cities cool.
Stephanie’s, 758 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul, 651-690-3802. St.
Entrepreneur’s tide comes in with beach souvenirs
The little souvenir bottle filled with seashells and sand that you brought back to Milwaukee from Sanibel Island may have made a round trip.
That’s because your keepsake, which evokes memories of golden days on the beach, could have been made by Visionary Products, a Glendale company that does a million-dollar business in beach bubble ornaments, starfish-wearing sunglasses and trinket boxes topped with mermaids.
“We brought some of the creativity of the gift industry to souvenirs,” said owner Peter Engel, who started the company in 1991.
Tea Forte Holiday Gift Guide
NEW YORK, NY: Totally unexpected and uniquely personal, Tea Forté offers deliciously healthful, design-forward gifts for everyone on your holiday list:
THE STOCKING STUFFER
Holiday Duo
There are only so many times you can get away with sticking candy canes in your family’s stockings. Replace staid treats with something healthier: The Holiday Duo. Boasting limited-edition Sweet Orange Spice and Crimson Nectar infusions, these teas are a unique seasonal indulgence.
FOR THE “DO-IT-ALL” HOSTESS
The Holiday Ribbon Box
Buyers Active at NYIGF
WHITE PLAINS, NY … A considerable selection of new merchandise, strategically categorized among nine product divisions, lured 36,000 attendees to the summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center; Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94 and Metropolitan Pavilion.
Neocon East Annual Trade Show announces Keynotes, Special Exhibits, Events
BALTIMORE, MD – NeoCon East scheduled to be held Oct. 29-30 at the Baltimore Convention Center, is the premier exposition in the Mid-Atlantic region for the design and management of the built environment. In addition to featuring hundreds of new products for the industry, NeoCon East will include exciting keynote speakers, educational offerings, and special events and exhibits.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Iris Amdur
Mission, Creativity and Value as Essential Green Building Elements
Noon, October 29. Theater, Show Floor
2008 Holidays are on MyWares.com
ATLANTA, Ga. — MyWares.com, the site that uniquely connects retailers to hot products, has created a 2008 Holiday Gift Guide, making it easier than ever to stock store shelves with the best gifts available this season.
Boutique and gift shop buyers have free, 24-hour access on MyWares.com and a connection to products in 33 categories — from jewelry to home to green and organic goods. Line sheets, catalogs and seller contacts are just 1 click away.
MyWares.com emerges to uniquely connect retailers and independent designers
Atlanta, Ga. — Two veteran national gift market participants – one a vendor and one a buyer – have launched MyWares.com, a new concept in on-line wholesale product showcasing and buying.
“We were frustrated with the fact Trade shows are sporadic and the Web is so large. We needed one spot for Wholesale Buyers and Sellers to connect all year long,” said Stephanie Cartwright, MyWares.com co-founder and Watkinsville resident.
Taglio & Co. Joins 888 BRANNAN Community
SAN FRANCISCO — 888 BRANNAN, formerly the Giftcenter & Jewelrymart, proudly announces the addition of Taglio + Co. to our gift and home decorations showroom lineup.