News

NRF urges U.S. to negotiate tariffs with Canada and Mexico

The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation (NRF) Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect... more »

NRF Chief Economist says data is strong, but policy uncertainty clouds 2025 outlook

Strong economic performance seen in 2024 is expected to carry over and influence growth this year, but there is a wide range of uncertainty as the White House and Congress make decisions that will impact... more »

Gift for Life announces changes to board of directors

Gift for Life announced changes to leadership of its board of directors with Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts and Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X transitioning to Chair and First Vice Chair, respectively,... more »

ToyFest 2025 wraps up, celebrates the thriving toy industry

ToyFest concluded its 63rd exhibition and 12th year in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy & Gift Stores from across the United States attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 40... more »

Keep US Posted responds to Trump plan to merge USPS into Department of Commerce

Keep US Posted, a nonprofit advocacy group of consumers, nonprofits, newspapers, greeting card publishers, magazines, catalogs, forestry and recycling interests, and small businesses, responded to President Trump’s plans to merge the U.S. Postal Service into... more »

Transpac Brands expands leadership roles

Transpac Brands made changes to a number of leadership positions at the company. Tara Dikos, executive vice president, will expand her leadership role to oversee product development. In this... more »

MarketTime appoints Terri Harwood as COO

MarketTime, the B2B sales enablement technology provider for the gift, home and toy industries, announced the appointment of Terri Harwood as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately.  ... more »

Aurora World acquires license to distribute WubbaNub products

Aurora World, a leader in the plush toy industry, acquired the exclusive license to manufacture and distribute WubbaNub products. With this new licensing agreement, Aurora World will take over the production and distribution of the... more »

GeoCentral acquires Red Carpet Studios, expanding its wholesale presence

GeoCentral, a leader in the wholesale gift industry known for its expertly curated souvenir, wellness and children’s offerings, announced its acquisition of Red Carpet Studios (RCS Gifts), a well-established brand specializing in garden décor, home ... more »

Beatriz Ball upholds craftsmanship, sustainability

Beatriz Ball has always believed in craftsmanship and sustainability, even when it wasn’t fashionable. The designer’s longstanding commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability began when she began working with the... more »