Gift Shop Plus Spring 2024

From the Editor: New Ventures By Carly McFadden

This issue’s column is a bittersweet one to write.

Julie McCallum Packard has been at the helm of Gift Shop® Plus since Great American Media Services (GAMS), the publishing company she co-founded, acquired the publication more than a decade ago. During her 20-plus years in the specialty retail world, Julie has served on a variety of boards, been invited as a guest on industry podcasts and walked countless trade shows — no doubt making friends with many of you.

At the end of March, Julie stepped down as a co-owner of GAMS after a 35-year career in publishing and began a new adventure. Julie’s heart remains in the industry — this time, as a retailer. She now owns Pursuit Paper & Gifts, a gift and stationery shop in Ada, Michigan.

Julie brought me into the gift and retail industry. She walked beside me at my first Atlanta Market, making introductions along the way. When she visited gift shops during her travels, I’d often find a package delivered to my door with products from that store. I quickly felt right at home in the industry, and I have Julie to thank for much of that.

One of Julie’s greatest strengths is her ability to curate product pages that were not only representative of the industry’s current gamut of products, but also exactly on-trend and aesthetically pleasing. As she now takes on a role as a buyer in the industry, I have no doubt that her gift shop will exhibit those exact traits.

It is with a full heart that I bid farewell to Julie and her magazine involvement. Thank you, Julie, for everything you’ve done!

ONE MORE ‘GOODBYE’

Our editorial director, Abby McGarry, is also embarking on a new journey: motherhood. Abby is due at the end of April with her first baby, a girl.

Abby is dedicating herself full time to her new bundle of joy once she makes her debut into the world, and will therefore not be returning to the magazine. Her eagle-eye editing combined with immense empathy, patience and kindness made her one of the best editors I have ever worked for and with. Abby undoubtedly improved Gift Shop® Plus during her time, and I have so greatly enjoyed learning from her every step along the way.

TAKING THE LEAD

Change can be disruptive and feel unsettling. But from it also comes fresh opportunities, perspectives and exciting dynamics.

I have taken on the role of editorial director as Abby’s sweet girl arrives, and I’m so thrilled for what’s ahead for Gift Shop® Plus. We have some fantastic issues slated for the remainder of the year, and our plans for 2025 are already underway.

As a self-admitted visionary with a deep love for the industry, I am genuinely brimming with elation as our remarkable team of sales, designers, marketers and editors comes together to further cement a magazine with its finger on the pulse of the industry.

From our trend reports to market previews, we are wholly devoted to you, our readers, as a resource to help guide you through buying decisions, operations, display inspiration and everything in between.

Until next time,

Featured Image: Pictured (left to right): Abby McGarry, Nancy Brooks, Sarah Schwartz, Carly McFadden, Julie McCallum Packard.