News

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 »

Gift For Life, NY NOW partner for 2025 AIDS Walk New York

Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the... more »

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor shows March sales grew moderately amid tariff concerns

Retail sales grew in March after two straight months of declines, but gains remained moderate as consumers continued to be concerned by rising tariffs, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released... more »

Two’s Company appoints Majda Rensberger as chief strategy and brand officer

Two’s Company announced the appointment of Majda Rensberger as chief strategy and brand officer (CSBO). Rensberger brings nearly 20 years of experience in the gift and home industry, most recently serving as president of OneCoast,... more »

Las Vegas Market brings style, sourcing to West Coast for summer 2025

Las Vegas Market boasts an exciting lineup of gift and home products, at-market brand experiences and industry inspiration this summer as the west coast’s premier buying event prepares for another season of commerce and connection.... more »