Archives: News
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.
From the Negev Desert, Ethical Arts Debuts at New York International Gift Fair
Wilmington, DE – Ethical Arts will debut its new line of fair-traded handmade decorative pillows, table runners, handbags, dolls, wastebaskets made from recycled magazines, and other gift items at the New York International Gift Fair, Feb. 2-5, 2008. The products will be showcased in the New York’s Newest section at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th Street, in New York, N.Y.
Ethical Arts works with Bedouin Arab women from the Negev desert to develop beautiful, contemporary products that are marketed to exclusive shops in the U.S. and abroad.
Apparel Recession? Maybe, Maybe Not
Even before consumers rang up the weakest Christmas in five years, retail shares were beaten down and plagued by worries of just how slow the American consumer will become in 2008.
That’s why it is ironic to see retailers in the green last week and at the beginning of this week. Will it last?
For many entrepreneurs, business begins at home
As of Jan. 22, Vallejo boasted 2,599 home-based businesses, a city official said – an alternative that has been growing locally and nationally for at least a decade.
In Vallejo, the number of applications for home-based business licenses has steadily increased since 2000 at least, said Armi Navarro, who’s been dealing with such licenses for the city since then.
“A lot of landscapers and house cleaning companies operate out of their homes,” Navarro said.
Say hi to places to go buy, buy
Clark County shoppers have shown their approval of new and expanding retailers in this market by increasing the amount of retail spending they do at home, and retailers are responding with even more new stores and shopping centers.
During 2007, major new openings included two new Best Buy stores; Steve and Barry’s, which opened for the first time in this market; a second Kohl’s department store in Hazel Dell; and LA Fitness, which also entered this market for the first time.
Mishawaka store is dream come true
Stefanie Buysse made a vow on her 25th birthday. She told herself she would open a retail store in the next 10 years.
The native Mishawakan has accomplished that goal — just in the nick of time, with Interior Elements & Design studio, 422 W. Seventh St. The shop is nestled into a tiny building next to Mishawaka’s popular West Side Bakery.
From soft relaxing music to cookies on the counter, Buysse has created a unique nook for shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind home accessory or gift.
Seniors Center gift shop benefits from merchandise made locally
Not many people knew that the Oshkosh Seniors Center had a gift shop.
That’s no longer true since the store moved to a new location with a new marketing strategy, said Antonia Anand, Oshkosh Seniors Center store volunteer manager.
Originally located in the main building, the gift shop moved to the entrance of the north building two months ago, Anand said. The store originally had limited merchandise, specifically jewelry and plain sweatshirts. Then, Anand’s friend Patsy Pomplun painted snowmen on the sweatshirts for the new store.
Store owners worried about economy
Fayetteville — Tough economic times can hit businesses hard, particularly if their products are considered luxury items rather than necessities. For one Fayetteville store owner, her business has dropped dramatically over the past few months, and she feels it is due to the uncertain economy.
Gisela Walston makes much of her money selling expensive collectors’ items at the Gift Boutique. Over the past few months, she said customers have been looking for something different.
“They come in, ‘Do you have a sale? Is there anything on sale?
So long PDA, here comes PMA – your Personal Magnetic Assistant
Kids today just have no sense of time!
GLM Appoints New Advisory Board Members for New York International Gift Fair
White Plains, NY – Three new members have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Two retailers, Walter Lowry of Los Angeles-based TableArt, and Sallie Stutz of the Brooklyn Museum Shop, and one show exhibitor, Enrico Bressan of Artecnica, Inc., have been appointed to the eight-member Board.
Comprised of attendees and exhibitors, the Board meets semi-annually with show management to offer strategic feedback related to the gift and home accessories market in general and about the NYIGF in particular.
Mariposa Baby Launches New Snuggle Sets and Coordinates at the SF Gift Show
San Francisco, CA – Gift set offerings for children’s stores and gift boutiques just got even better as baby gift line Mariposa Baby launches its new Snuggle Set collection. Packaged in the same eco-friendly keepsake boxes that Mariposa Baby is known for, the new line combines the soft baby-rib and popular cotton-rich velour fabrics that have been part of their assortment for several seasons.
New Introductions by Kat Nouri
San Francisco, CA – Modern-twist offers an innovative take on placemats by taking the use of silicone to a whole new level—one that is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but also silky to the touch. The placemats imbue hand-silk-screened patterns on non-toxic silicone. Providing an incredibly easy-to-clean surface, the silicone placemats also allow the natural grain of your table to be revealed under the non-intrusive, nature-inspired patterns.