News

Mother’s Day spending expected to reach $34.1 billion

Consumer spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach $34.1 billion this year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount is up from... more »

Revamped gift resources set to energize Summer Atlanta Market

Atlanta Market will deliver even more unique finds with six exciting updates to it’s 700+ sales agencies and branded showrooms, July 15–21 at AmericasMart Atlanta. “Atlanta Market... more »

Dallas Market Center launches anti-tariff initiative

Dallas Market Center unveiled a new initiative to support Main Street retailers: “Stand With Main Street. Turn Off Tariffs.” The core message of the campaign is to advocate for a 90-day pause on all tariffs... more »

Las Vegas Market Summer 2025 presents dynamic mix of gift, home temporaries

The Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits at Las Vegas Market showcase more than 400 standout brands in six easy-to-navigate categories, offering buyers direct access to must-have products and emerging trends at the Expo at World... more »

Aurora World unveils key promotions across company

Aurora World — a company specializing in plush toys, high-quality gift products and brands such as Palm Pals and Miyoni — has promoted Michael Kessler to executive vice president. Kessler began his career in 1984... more »

Tell us how tariffs are impacting your retail operation

How are tariffs impacting your buying decisions, product pricing and expectations for the year ahead? Gift Shop® Plus is conducting a quick industry survey to better understand how independent retailers are navigating these challenges —... more »

Industry leaders say tariffs threaten to cancel Halloween and cripple Christmas

U.S. costume and toy companies are sounding the alarm that newly proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could wipe out Halloween and severely disrupt Christmas unless urgent action is taken. With production already underway and orders... more »

*Noted Expo co-location with Las Vegas Market marks new era for stationery industry

*Noted: The Greeting Card Expo will make its Las Vegas Market debut at the July 27-31 buying event, as North America’s leading greeting card showcase. The sold-out showcase features some 50 members displaying the best... more »

Russ Ward, partyware and stationery innovator, dies

Russ Ward (1924-2025), an innovator in the field of party goods and stationery, has died. Based on his wife's retail store, the first non-Hallmark store in Fairfield County, Connecticut, he founded the trade magazine Party... more »

Census data shows retail sales grew in March but consumers worry as tariffs rise

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau showed retail sales grew in March even though consumers continued to worry about the impact of rising tariffs, National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.... more »