Spring 2017
From the Editor: Refresh & Renew By Julie McCallum

A strong winter show season has the gift industry inspired for the year ahead. Spring is blossoming into a hopefulness we all look forward to. Pantone’s latest color of the year, Greenery, symbolizes our need for regeneration, renewal and “turning over a new leaf,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute. Discover the color trends and forecast for the year ahead and how to use them for a year’s worth of engaging displays and windows on page 68.

It’s time to celebrate all things paper at the National Stationery Show in May at the Javits Center in New York City. Of course it’s more than just paper — distinctive gifts, decorative home office products, writing instruments and more all basking in the collective creativeness. See some of my favorite picks on page 20.

We visit two great stationery stores in Chicago to see first hand how these retailers share their love of paper with their customers. All She Wrote and Art Effects are featured beginning on page 98.

It’s no surprise that the stationery industry follows the fashion scene quite closely. In fact, the creative team at Design Design makes it a point to attend all of the major fashion weeks here and abroad to stay tuned to upcoming trends. Learn more about their creative process in our special Meet the Maker feature on page 156.

If you’d like to add fashion to your scene, check out our feature on page 72 to see what’s new in apparel. If your customers like a more individualized look, personalization might be a service you can offer. We break down the basics to adding monogramming to your mix on page 80.

At the end of the day, who doesn’t enjoy a nice cocktail in a beautifully decorated home? We’ve rounded up the tastiest cocktail products on page 94 and seasonal home décor on page 86. Inspire your customers to celebrate spring and make sure to take time for yourself to enjoy the blossoms.

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Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.