Happy New Year!

As we take on 2025, it was my intention to gain an accurate perspective on how our industry feels and present it to you in the most clear, concise way possible. Enter Gift Shop® Plus’ State of the Industry survey, where we heard hundreds of retailers’ thoughts on 2024 and expectations for 2025.

Honestly — and perhaps unsurprisingly — reviews were mixed. For the most part, retailers did not have their most smooth-sailing year in 2024 as shoppers tightened purse strings, looked for smaller-ticket items and cut back on “fun” spending to counteract inflation. This, of course, trickles down to the wholesale level. While some wholesalers reported to me successful buying seasons last year, most reports echoed the tensions that retailers are feeling.

But you’ll see in our report, beginning on page 92, that there were bright spots last year, and many retailers are looking to 2025 with hope, optimism and determination to succeed regardless of extraneous factors outside of their control.

I’d like to think that Gift Shop® Plus Winter 2025 — a jam-packed 132-page issue — is a good representation of where we’re at as an industry. While it’s my job to acknowledge the headwinds we’re facing, I am also here to bring you the very best and freshest inspiration — and trust me, there is a lot! From three diverse makers who are thoughtfully impacting gift (page 74) to a preview of holiday 2025 trends (page 84) to all the new-to-market arrivals (page 98), you’ll see that, despite any challenges, our industry’s wholesalers are as creative, bold and innovative as ever.

AN EXTRAORDINARY DOZEN

Also worth a callout in this issue is our 2025 Class of Gift + Stationery Spotlight Award honorees. This spectacular dozen was nominated by their industry peers and selected by a panel of judges — shoutout to Eleanor Hunt, Carlos LLanso and Andrea Padilla for your wonderful help here as guest judges! The 12 winners include retailers, wholesalers, trade show specialists and sales representatives, and they are all individually doing a tremendous part to shape the future of retail. Meet them on page 105 and join us celebrating them at Atlanta Market at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16 for a breakfast ceremony. All are welcome to attend — please RSVP at giftshopmag.com/spotlightRSVP. We hope to see you there!

Remember — together as an industry, we are stronger and tremendously resilient. Let’s build each other up and embrace all the bright spots that undoubtedly lie ahead in 2025!

Until next time,