Features

Spontaneous Inclinations

Retail basics seem to work best when it comes to impulse-gift options — it’s about the item, its location and its price. Shoppers gravitate towards products that “speak” to them or provide a gift-giving solution,... more »

#coolestcardstoreintheworld

In January 2020, Victoria Venturi, founder and creative director of Paper Epiphanies, was enjoying a great trajectory with her fiery, distinctive letterpress cards and stationery. Her designs were in over 2000 stores across the country,... more »

On the Table

Gathering around the table has taken on a special new meaning in the last two years. As large holiday gatherings, parties and dining out were all put on hold, consumers put extra energy and creativity... more »

The Medium is the Message

The ties that bind us all together have perhaps never been more important — hence, stationery has received renewed focus these past few years, especially in the speciality gift shop format. Greeting cards don’t only... more »

An Informal Hub

Donna Paz Kaufman and her husband, Mark, opened Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, an independent bookstore café in Amelia Island, Florida in 2018, but have devoted their careers to helping others launch bookstores since the... more »

The Bookstore Training Group

Donna Paz Kaufman, owner of  Paz & Associates, a bookstore training group that was formed in 1992 to help independent booksellers develop business skills. Since its inception, this training and consulting group has worked with... more »

A Penchant for Words

In 1992, Jodee Stevens created Cardthartic, a greeting card company that is “dedicated to honoring emotions.” Stevens, founder and chief creative, launched the business to fill what she considered a void in the industry. “I... more »

Level Up Your Product Business Branding

When it comes to small, product-based business, it’s important to focus on building a solid brand versus building only a business. A brand is something that lives and breathes, and is truly unique to YOU.... more »