Archives: News
Zutano Inc. and Bananafish Seal the Deal for New Licensed Baby Bedding Collection
CABOT, VT- Zutano Inc. an industry leader in specialty baby fashion is proud to announce a new partnership with Bananafish, manufacturer of upscale baby bedding, nursery decor and newest division of The Betesh Group. Under license Bananafish will produce the much-awaited collection of Zutano baby bedding and room decor accessories. The collection will marry Zutano’s whimsical mix and match approach with the interior design expertise of Bananafish.
“I am trilled about our new partnership with The Betesh Group”, stated Michael Belenky, founder and CEO of Zutano Inc.
September Total Home & Gift Market Can’t Be Missed
Dallas, TX – – Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource, today announced that the upcoming Total Home & Gift Market, taking place September 15 – 17, 2007 will introduce Dallas Market Center’s new brand campaign and offer buyers a wide range of resources across all product categories and price points to prepare them for the busy holiday season.
Mud Pie Participates in Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk
Atlanta, GA – On October 12-14, 2007, Adrienne Boyer, executive vice president of Mud Pie, will join thousands of other dedicated women and men at the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, benefiting Susan G Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. Millions of dollars are expected to be raised for breast cancer research and patient support programs.
New Creative Debuts Outdoor Living Collections for 2008
August 2007 – New Creative’s newest introductions to its Outdoor Living Collection are sure to ‘wow’ consumers with innovation, great quality and value pricing. The firm’s three new collections include Daffodil, Watercolor Garden and Block Party. Each collection provides a variety of new products for creating fresh, new looks in outdoor decor.
“Our mission is to create product that makes you feel good and energizes the spirit,” says Benno Duenkelsbuehler, president of New Creative Enterprises (NCE).
Being in business together can be better
Even after nearly a decade in business together, Shakoor and Marissa Watson, the husband-and-wife team behind Brooklyn bakery Shakoor’s Sweet Tooth, find that being together 24/7 isn’t exactly a piece of cake.
“When you don’t have any space, you don’t appreciate each other as much,” said Shakoor, 49, noting that it sometimes causes them to bicker over small things.
The duo tries to work separate shifts at their tiny shop and find time for their own hobbies “so when we do come back together, we’re refreshed,” Marissa, 47, said.
Studying Your Competitors; Looking for new ideas to keep your store fresh and dynamic?
I admit it. I’m absolutely no fun to go shopping with.
The reason is simple. I’m not like other shoppers. I’m not like the mother out looking for the bargain for her family, or the kids looking for something exciting to catch their attention, or the dad on a mission to bring home the perfect gift. When I go shopping, I tend to see things a little differently than other shoppers. I tend to stop and linger on things, and make comments about things, that make little sense to whomever I’m with.
I’m a retailer, a retail consultant specifically, a student of retailing.
Paper Works and More
Andrea Ceasar’s stationery and gift business hasn’t just survived the era of Evite and e-mail — it has thrived.
This September, she’s celebrating her one-year anniversary at her spacious storefront.
Disney to Test Character Toys for Lead Paint
Reacting to three separate recalls of Mattel toys found to contain unsafe levels of lead paint, The Walt Disney Company said it would begin its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters, including random testing of products already on store shelves.
Executives at Disney made the decision to institute the testing on Thursday and intend to inform Mattel and other toy manufacturers today.
“It sends the message that we are looking over their shoulders,” said Andy Mooney, the chairman of Disney’s consumer products division.
Disney’s plan represents a significant shift in the toy busi
Recall Repercussions: Hot Toys will be Even Hotter this Holiday Season
West Chester, Pa.–Parents have been waiting in line for the “must-have” gifts for years (remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?), but this year consumers should expect even more out-of-stock toys, frazzled parents and disappointed children than ever. Although customers are likely to blame the store for being out of a hot toy, the reality is: the supplier is the one who is out.
Jane Hoffer, president and CEO of Prescient Applied Intelligence, Inc.
The Knockoff Won
The drawstring anorak that Faran Krentcil considered buying one recent Friday at the Forever 21 store in Union Square was just like a signature look of the designer Stella McCartney. Ms. Krentcil, 26, the editor of a blog about fashion and style, was interested, particularly because the price of the knockoff — $35 — had several fewer digits.
She had sympathy for Ms. McCartney. She really did. “At the same time,” said Ms.
Glenwood Mall merchants optimistic
Retail has changed a lot since Terry Kates opened his West Wind Gift Shop in Glenwood Springs 30 years ago.
His humble beginnings started in 1977 downtown, where he spent nearly 10 years at 816 Grand Ave., the current home of Through the Looking Glass bookstore.
Then the energy bust happened in the early 1980s. It was then that he knew he had to do something different.
“I’m like a chameleon,” Kates said. “I do my homework. If I didn’t then I wouldn’t make it either.
New life for Garrison House as couple takes over landmark
Fort Montgomery — Holly and Bob Gokey always looked longingly at the yellow house on Route 9W as they drove past.
“I always said to my husband that if that house ever was for sale, I would buy it,” Holly said.This year, it went on the market, and in February they bought it.
What they bought isn’t just any little yellow house by the side of the road. They bought a piece of history. They bought the Garrison House.
And now it’s going to become a bed-and-breakfast-style inn. And the big red barn out back?
Focus on reviving north, south campuses leaves area across from heart of OSU hurting
Lackluster sales are forcing Jo Killian to close her gift shop, Ruby’s, after 30 years.
April Cornell Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with Certified International
August 2007 – April Cornell Holdings, Ltd., parent company for the April Cornell brand, announces its licensing agreement with Certified International, a leading manufacturer of ceramic tabletop. Certified International will debut its three exciting April Cornell collections Josephine, Field Flowers and Ajmeer at the New York Tabletop Market in October 2007.
The collections will feature April Cornell designs on colorful ceramic dinnerware, serveware and accessories in decal, embossed solid color and handpainted techniques.
Pacific Market Center Welcomes Buyers to Discover Current Trends in the Spa and Wellness Industries
Seattle – Pacific Market Center announces a complimentary educational seminar for buyers during the upcoming Spa and Wellness event September 17, 2007. The seminar will feature guest speaker Michelle Barry, Ph.D. and president of Tinderbox, who will lead a seminar titled The Worlds of Spa and Wellness; A Consumer perspective. Barry will inform buyers on how consumers are living, shopping for and using spa and wellness products as well as talk about key cultural trends that will define the high quality experiences that today’s consumers desire.
A Kinder Touch is three shops in one
Where people once sat to have their teeth filled and pulled, they now can have their hair cut and colored. A Beaverdale resident has transformed a former dentist’s office into the boutique, salon and spa called A Kinder Touch.
Becky Cracraft opened the shop at 2614 Beaver Ave. in April 2006.
Golden Key promotion stimulates retail sales
The Villages — Sales at The Purple Pig jumped over the past week or so, thanks to an unexpected boost.
The retail gift shop that Ellie Heiner owns and operates in Lake Sumter Landing isn’t the only business in this commercial district to benefit from the windfall, either.
And everyone is attributing this unexpected good fortune to the very popular Golden Key promotion sponsored by The Waterfront Inn.
“They just asked who wanted to participate,” said Ellen Harcourt, one of the gift shop’s co-managers.
Last Word Wins iParenting Media Award; Buffalo Games’ Last Word recognized as a 2007 Outstanding Product
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Games, makers of the Last Wordparty game, is an honored recipient of the 2007 Outstanding ProductiParenting Media Award. Last Word is the uproarious race to have the finalsay! Be the first player to advance to the finish by creatively connectingsubjects and letters, while racing a random-interval timer and the otherplayers! For example, subject: “vegetables”, letter: “C”, players yellout Carrots! Cucumbers! Corn! Cauliflower!
Peking Handicraft Offers New Designs by D.L. Rhein
“A romantic home, creative lifestyle and beautiful items” are the three signature trademarks reflected in the charming, colorful appeal of artwork by D.L. Rhein. San Francisco-based Peking Handicraft, Inc. offers new fashion-forward, chic designs with new introductions to its D.L.
Offbeat gift store on Broad expands
Asheville — The eye-catching assortment of giant metal flowers, twirling copper sculptures and other quirky garden decor items in front of the L.O.F.T. storefront is a familiar sight to passers-by on Broadway.
“I bet 40 percent of people come in here because of our display out front,” said Katie Skinner, who opened L.O.F.T. 11 years ago. “Initially, I had to do something to bring people down here. We were not in a real walkable area.”
As the area has evolved, so has the store.