News

Following job gains in November, retailers scale back in December

Retail industry employment decreased by 20,200 jobs in December from November, the National Retail Federation said today. The number, which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, reverses the increase of 20,500 jobs seen in... more »

Top tips for building a retail brand story that sells

  In an era of increasing competition from both online and brick-and-mortar retailers, modern shopkeepers find themselves continually questioning what they need to do to stand out. According to Jerrod Sumner, founder of branding and storytelling... more »

Mud Pie Celebrates 30th

Mud Pie rings in the new year, celebrating its biggest milestone to date – 30 years as a business in the wholesale gift industry. Mud Pie has experienced tremendous growth since it was founded in ... more »

John C. Portman Jr. 1924 – 2017

John C. Portman, Jr., one of Atlanta’s greatest champions, died December 29, 2017 at the age of 93. As an architect, real estate developer, entrepreneur, artist and altruist, Portman had a dramatic impact on Atlanta's... more »

Top shopping trends of 2018

If 2017 was the year of the retail apocalypse, then 2018 could be the year of a retail renaissance. The signs are promising. Retailers have come through a time of trial, and many of the... more »

‘The Toy Network’ launches January 2018

The Toy Network is a direct importer, marketer and wholesale distributor of impulse novelties, toys and plush. Headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts, The Toy Network is targeting the wholesale toy, gift and book specialty channel and will... more »

U.S. retail holiday sales jump 4.9 percent, biggest increase since 2011

Despite thousands of store closings this year, Americans supplied a final flurry of spending to give retailers their best holiday season sales since 2011, figures released Tuesday show. U.S. year-end holiday retail sales rose 4.9% compared to... more »

Animoodles kickstarter raises 400 percent of goal

Introducing Animoodles, A Building Set Made Of Stuffed Animal Parts! The Toy Jungle Just Got Really Wild (In A Lovable Way) Traditional children’s toys, like stuffed animals and building sets, have not changed much over the... more »

New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada debuts latest book at Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Award-winning author Kobi Yamada will be signing copies of “What Do You Do With a Chance?” on January 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Tango showroom (Building 2, 10th Floor, #1000B) of the Atlanta International Gift... more »

NY NOW Winter Market spotlights gift trends

As the 2017 holiday season wraps up, buyers looking to restock their store shelves in 2018 can find all of their gifting product needs at NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift. This February 4-7,... more »