Archives: News
An early bloomer: Flower shop under new ownership
Baraboo — Missi Selden got what she wanted five years earlier than expected.
That’s a good thing, right?
Champagne Wishes Come True for Las Vegas Markets $250,000 Grand Prize Winner
Las Vegas – The atrium of World Market Center was alive with excitement on Wednesday, January 30 when the home furnishings complex gave away a quarter of a million dollars to a very lucky retailer.
Thousands of Winter 2008 Market attendees flocked around the stage when World Market Center CEO Bob Maricich, joined by uber celebrity host Robin Leach, conducted the grandest, most exciting giveaway the home furnishings industry has ever seen.
Tim Koerner of the Coeur D’Alene, Idaho-based Koerner Furniture was speechless when Leach pulled his winning entry in World Market Center’s first-ever
Trend Tracker Discusses Fusion of Fashion & Home Furnishings
Jayne Mountford, director of trend reporting for Stylesight, enlightened Las Vegas Winter Market attendees about the growing overlap between fashion and furnishings in a seminar sponsored by Furniture Style magazine.
Stylesight is a leading provider of trend forecasting and product development tools for creative professionals in the fashion and style industries. Jayne Mountford has more than 20 years of experience working in the U.S. fashion and retail industries.
Mountford said the home furnishings industry is more in tune with the runway now than ever before.
The Pet Set Stationery Collection Returns to the National Stationery Show a Success
New York, New York – The Pet Set, has confirmed its participation in the National Stationery Show, running May 20-23 2007, at the Javits Convention Center in New York, New York. The Pet Set will display the entire The Pet Set Stationery Collection of greeting cards, social stationery, invitations and more.
The Pet Set – an award-winning line of high-end stationery and greeting cards for dogs — will debut its entire collection at the National Stationery Show this May.
Skip Hop Transforms the Nursery With its New Bedding Collection
New York, NY- – Skip Hop, a New York City company devoted to designing innovative products for today’s parents, has introduced its premiere collection of baby bedding and room accessories. The crib sets and coordinated accessories will be available at specialty stores nationwide in February 2008.
In keeping with the Skip Hop spirit, the bedding sets are modern and functional, while speaking to new moms and dads who want to maintain their sense of style even after becoming parents. The distinct interpretation of patterns and unique color usage creates chic nursery settings.
Some retailers tighten return policies
No, you’re not imagining it: In the past two holiday seasons, retailers have imposed stricter return policies. Among those surveyed by the National Retail Federation, about 40% said they had tightened the rules covering what merchandise they’ll take back, and under which conditions.
Keep that in mind if you’re still dithering about whether to keep that hot pink sweater or iPod you got as a gift. Time might be running out to get an exchange, much less a refund.
Salesville gift shop offers items by local artisans
The Magickal Cottage, a gift and curio shop, has opened in Salesville. The store offers a variety of unique gifts and hand-crafted items by local artisans.
The shop carries crystal balls, scrying mirrors, pendulums, fortune-telling decks and books, wands, spell kits, crystals, athames, cauldrons and other curiosities.
Buffalo Games Breaks New Ground with Interchangeable Board Game
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Games, the makers of multiple award-winning party games, card games and jigsaw puzzles, will launch a new strategy board game entitled Ruin in 2008 at the American International Toy Fair scheduled for February 17-20 in New York City.
Ruin is a ruthless race to fortune and glory. Players move around an unpredictable and interchangeable game board toward the center of a Mayan ruin, where hidden treasures await.
Pantones Leatrice Eiseman Shares Color Trends and Design Impact
Las Vegas – Pantone, Inc. Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman presented a forecast of color trends during the Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market this week. She previewed what she called one of the most directional furniture palettes in the ever-evolving home furnishings palette.
Presented by Furniture Style, there is not one hot color of the year.
Ten Las Vegas Market Attendees Hit the Jackpot
Las Vegas – World Market Center today announced the names of 10 Las Vegas Market attendees who each won $5,000 as part of The Fashion 500 Runway Rewards promotion.
The Fashion 500 Runway Awards is a first-of-its-kind promotional event that will randomly select 10 winners each day of market to receive $5,000. On Wednesday, Jan.
New Anna Griffin Designs from C.R. Gibson Score in Atlanta
Nashville, Tenn. – Don French, president of C.R. Gibson, announced today that new Anna Griffin designs were among the company’s best-selling products at the Atlanta Gift Show earlier this month.
“Anna’s work is rich, textural and beautifully detailed,” he said. “Her designs offer the broad-appeal looks that buyers need and want in a challenging retail climate. These are luxurious, upscale designs with exceptionally high perceived value.”
C.R. Gibson’s new offerings from Anna Griffin include a large photo album and social book collection, as well as patterns for baby and wedding.
Melissa Borrell introduces brand new Pop-Out Pendant designs at the New York Gift Fair
Houston – Melissa Borrell will introduce the latest additions to her globally recognized “Pop-Out Jewelry” collection at the New York International Gift Fair from February 2 to 6, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Her booth (# 3873) will be located in the Accent on Design section of the fair.
Borrell’s exciting Pop-Out pendant and earring line has taken on even more designs and colors. Recently added are five new design series including Leaves, Deco, Seeds, Garden and Starburst.
Ancient Mosaic Studios Opens Showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart
CHICAGO, IL – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is proud to announce that Ancient Mosaic Studios, a manufacturer of unique Italian marble tabletop alternatives, is opening its first ever showroom on the 15th floor of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart as a Casual showroom on Market Square. Market Square is a one-stop resource for retailers and designers that offers a diverse, affordable selection of on-trend home furnishings and decorative accessories.
Wellspring Introduces the Mobile Gear Sphere
Lancaster, PA – Wellspring, the company that brings art and organization to everyday life, introduces the Mobile Gear Sphere, a new organizational product that brings order to one life’s most cluttered spaces—the car. Mobile Gear Sphere conveniently holds pens, cell phones, notepads and more, keeping drivers from dangerously fumbling for these items while driving.
The Mobile Gear Sphere provides a safe protective holder for a cell phone or mp3 player. The cushioned design fits neatly in a vehicle’s cup holder and allows for the use of a charge or connecting cord.
New shop brings owners back from Florida
A new Pendleton gift shop owner retired backward — he moved to Indiana from Florida.
“I made a dumb promise,” Sonny Woods said jokingly. “Before we married, I told my wife I would bring her back home to Indiana after I retired. And she remembered.”
Sonny Woods and his wife, Vicki, recently opened Gifts From Hearthstead Way at 128 W. State St. in downtown Pendleton. Vicki Woods is an Anderson native who met her husband when she moved to Florida with her parents during high school.
She had always wanted a gift shop of her own.
Betty’s Gift Shop to Close
Minnesota — After 38 years in business Betty Rupp is taking down her shingle. Although she is selling out her gift shop business, Betty plans on keeping busy giving piano lessons at her home, something she has done since 1950, sewing, and selling Watkins products.
Betty and her late husband Reuben opened their first shop in what used to be Nimmefroh’s Barber Shop in 1970.
Super Bowl sales kickoff
Despite growing worries about a possible recession, U.S.
Strawberry Bazaar store closing after 38 years in Portsmouth
Portsmouth — Another landmark store is closing.
Bickford’s restaurant at the Portsmouth traffic circle and KFC on Woodbury Avenue recently announced they will not renew their leases. Now Strawberry Bazaar on Market Street is closing its doors.
“Not that I really want to retire right now,” said Dan Kovel, co-owner of the store with his wife, Betsy. However, he said, the timing was right and the sale is a done deal.
But the owners’ decision is a sad story for all the store’s fans and customers.
Jewelry to Fall Slightly as Valentine’s Day Gift
The average consumer plans to spend $122.98 on Valentine’s Day, similar to last year’s $119.67, according to a National Retail Federation survey.
Inspiration Sets the Stage for Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market, January 28-February 1
Las Vegas – The year’s first major international event for home furnishings industry professionals kicks off in high style today in Las Vegas. From products to programming, entertainment to inspiration, cash giveaways to sheer cache, this Winter Las Vegas Market promises to be the best yet.
“As the first major Market of the year, we are making an unprecedented run at reinvigorating the industry,” said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations for World Market Center.
In the midst of a challenging economic climate, Las Vegas Market is still moving at full speed.