News

Retail jobs decline in October as hurricanes continue to skew numbers

Retail industry employment declined by 18,000 jobs in October, the National Retail Federation said today. The number excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Overall, the economy added 261,000 jobs, the Labor Department said. “Retail... more »

Trend Lab introduces new line of diaper bags under license from French Bull

Trend Lab, LLC in a licensing partnership with French Bull is excited to offer a new line of diaper bags, available for immediate delivery! Live Vivid! Form meets function with the stylish French Bull Diaper Bags.... more »

Fashion, trade show industry veteran named vice president of fashion events for WWIN

Clarion UX (formerly Urban Expositions) has named Desiree Hanson vice president of Fashion Events overseeing the Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) portfolio. She reports to Clarion UX CEO, Greg Topalian. In her new role, Desiree will... more »

Niche Fair forges new connections between retailers and the maker movement

Take a cue from big box retailers: Niche is here to stay. Bon-Ton's "Close to Home" initiative has placed locally-made apparel, accessories, jewelry, and gifts in Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers... more »

Eight teams named semi-finalists for NRF Foundation’s 2018 Student Challenge

The NRF Foundation today announced eight teams as semi-finalists for the 2018 Student Challenge, a business case competition for NRF Student Association members to demonstrate their creativity and business acumen to retail executives, sponsored by KPMG. The finalists will attend... more »

When Disaster Strikes

By Keith Loria, Special to Gift Shop It seems every time one... more »

New layout for The Gardens debuts at AmericasMart January 2018 Market

It’s a new season for The Gardens at AmericasMart Atlanta and change is in the air. The nation’s largest collection of casual furniture, accessories, holiday and innovative garden gift merchandise takes on a new look for January... more »

Nation’s largest Creative Co-Op showroom to open at AmericasMart

Creative Co-Op is reimagining the showroom buying experience in a spectacular 28,000-square-foot AmericasMart space that will set the bar for new product resources with inspirational presentations, new categories and a dedicated events space for networking,... more »

Brand Keys 2017 holiday shopping survey finds increase in consumer spend doubles YOY

A robust stock market and high levels of consumer confidence have coalesced to double the increase in anticipated 2017 holiday spending over 2016. “Generally good economic news has consumers signaling a 4% increase in their... more »

Demdaco introduces artist Sharon Nowlan’s pebble art collection

DEMDACO, the Leawood, Kansas-based wholesale distribution firm specializing in gift and home décor products, is delighted to partner with fine artist Sharon Nowlan in debuting The Sharon Nowlan Collection to the gift industry. This collection... more »