News

Town Pride’s first full franchise launches in Pennsylvania

Town Pride’s first full franchise has arrived in State College, Pennsylvania. Offering a curated collection of exclusive apparel, gift and home that is designed to celebrate... more »

Census retail sales data shows consumers are ‘apprehensive’ despite ‘healthy’ economic fundamentals

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed modest month-over-month retail sales growth in February amid consumer worries over inflation and Washington policy decisions, National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Lower-than-expected consumer... more »

Gift for Life names 2025 Industry Achievement Award recipient

Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, announced that Doug Cofiell, CEO of Ivystone, will be honored with its 2025 Industry Achievement Award on June 18 in Dallas, Texas.... more »

Import cargo levels continue to rise among uncertainty over tariffs

Amid continuing tariff turmoil, imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to remain elevated through this spring but volume could see year-over-year drops this summer, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by... more »

NRF: February 2025 sales down amid tariff concerns

Retail spending declined on a monthly basis in February amid concern over tariffs, but continued to grow year over year as the economy remained strong, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released... more »

Lightovation sets new date pattern for January shows

Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, has announced a date shift for January editions of the show, beginning in January 2026. The new January date pattern will have the show begin... more »

April Buying Week highlights cross-category sourcing

ANDMORE is gearing up for the first ever April Buying Week, offering three markets – Atlanta Apparel, Formal Markets and Spring Gift & Home Market – together as one cohesive sourcing destination, April 1 –... more »

Cathy Steel retires after 37 years

Cathy Steel, a veteran B2B public relations specialist, has announced her retirement, effective March 28, wrapping a successful 37-year career in the U.S. gift and home industry. Steel started... more »

Dallas Market Center couples Apparel & Accessories Market, Total Home & Gift Market in March

Dallas Market Center is bringing together Apparel & Accessories Market and Total Home & Gift Market, March 25-28, creating an unparalleled buying opportunity for retailers. This combined market experience offers an efficient way to source... more »

New Great Lakes Gift Show shows success

The new 2025 Regional Great Lakes Gift Show debuted at the Kalamazoo Expo Center on Feb 25–27, 2025 was a great success. A variety of industry newcomers and first-time exhibitors, local, regional and national companies... more »