News

Patience Brewster Will Depart Dept. 56, Start Her Own Manufacturing Company

Designer Patience Brewster has announced that PATIENCE BREWSTER, INC. will begin manufacturing her ornaments, enamel boxes and gift items in 2009. Since 2000, Department 56, the Minneapolis-based manufacturer of gift and specialty items, has produced... more »

Planet Dog Receives 2008 Maine Governor’s Award for Business Excellence

Portland, ME - Planet Dog is proud to announce that it is a recipient of the 2008 Maine Governor's Award for Business Excellence. Governor John Baldacci presented the prestigious award to Alex Fisher, Planet Dog's... more »

GHTA Announces 2008 Dates for Sales Associate Training

The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) announces new dates and locations for its popular two-day training course for sales associates - Selling in the Gift and Home Industry. Courses are scheduled for the following... more »

Savory Spice Shop about the customer

Janet Johnston says that you can smell her store from half a block away.Although most people wouldn't admit that to their customers, it is a point of pride for her.Janet, along with her husband Mike... more »

Buying power of women on display

More women are making household buying decisions across the country and business owners and marketers are tailoring services to reflect the shift."There is a pretty huge, emerging trend," said Ruth Winig, senior vice president at... more »

Mom, daughter keep boutique going strong

In the world of superstores, running a small, self-owned retail store isn't easy.But Samantha Stokes and her mother, Susan Stokes, are fighting the odds with an Indian Trail boutique, One Sassy Chic, that celebrated its... more »

Sweetness always for sale here

I ran into Peter Cottontail the other day. He's about 36 inches tall, weighs 22 pounds and is made of dreamy chocolate. He's also being raffled off at Kilwin's over in Ballantyne Village.What is Kilwin's?... more »

Busy lifestyles shift leisure shopping time

Family calendars fill up quickly with the hustle of organized activities and bustle of responsibilities that have resulted in a change in the way we shop."Research shows that time is the most precious commodity," says... more »

Mall of America: Miles and smiles

Bloomington, Minn. — Minnesota isn't known for moderate weather. But blizzardlike winters, blinding rainstorms or muggy summers don't deter shoppers at the Mall of America, where it's always a dry, comfortable 70 degrees.In fact, you... more »

Downtown merchants form business alliance

Before the modern-day malls and shopping strips, people had only one place to shop — downtown.Some got all dressed up in their Sunday best, while others simply wore their everyday attire as they shopped for... more »