News

Shopping Early? Shop Local

Lake Gaston, NC - The holiday shopping season may not "officially" kick off until Black Friday, but early bird shoppers are already out in force, perusing stores in search of those peerless gift items at... more »

The Store at Mesa Arts Center Sells Unique, Affordable Gifts

Mesa, AZ - When it comes to finding distinctive gifts, I've long been a fan of gift shops inside arts and culture venues, such as Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Desert Botanical Garden and Heard... more »

Holiday Retail Sales Expected to Make an Impact

Poor forgotten Thanksgiving Day. Once Halloween ghosts disappear, vampires lie to rest and zombies go back into hiding, the Christmas holiday shopping season begins with a vengeance.For many households, November is the start of planning... more »

It’s All Fun and Games at Downtown Plainfield Shop

Plainfield, IL - If you're looking to spend some quality time with family or friends — or just hoping to snag the perfect gift for that hobby gamer in your life — you'll find what... more »

Hip Chics Focuses on Collectibles, Gifts, Christian Focus

Clemmons, NC - Word-of-mouth, from her years working as a wedding consultant, helped Kristina Prysiazniuk when she opened Hip Chics Boutique on Lewisville-Clemmons Road in March 2007. The Webkinz didn't hurt, either. Those furry creatures,... more »

How to Find the Perfect Gift and Support Local Businesses

It's hard to imagine a community that thrives without the help of local businesses. One of the best ways to show that you value a community with unique local businesses is to shop at those... more »

Museum Shop at Fall River Historical Society Features Season’s Eatings

Fall River, MA - The brandy butter and brown bread with raisins are surely going to be in more than a few Christmas stockings this year. Add some beach plum jam, a tin of biscuits... more »

Brass Lantern Brings Specialty Gift Store to Growing Sycamore Street Corridor in Newtown

Newtown, PA - Sycamore Street continues its transformation into a vibrant, walkable business district with the arrival of The Brass Lantern, a specialty gift store brimming with Christmas.After 30 years at Carousel Village in nearby... more »

Twigs & Tides is The New Kid on the Block

Wareham, MA - Less than a week after opening her store Twigs & Tides, Margee Millspaugh is a natural who seems like she's been doing this forever.The former marketing executive for several high-tech Boston corporations... more »

On Wisconsin: Small Towns Gear up for Holiday Season

Evansville, WI - Shelley Meredith was a little hurried when I met up with her last week at the business she manages in this city's quaint downtown.Christmas can do that to a retailer.Meredith doesn't sell... more »