News

Hobby Grows Into Successful Firm

Rocky Mount, NC - More than 30 years ago, John and Carolyn Atkinson began selling homemade crafts out of a shop in the backyard of their home.The business became so popular, the Atkinsons opened their... more »

Italian Ingenuity Turns Gift Baskets into Thriving Multi-Faceted Business

Calgary, AB - When Franca Flaviano opened her gift basket business in the basement of her home just before Christmas in 2002, she was hoping to sell about 10 baskets.But the response to her concept... more »

Why Shopping Local Works

Newfoundland - The holiday season is well and truly over. I know that because I finally paid off all my bills. I had to makes some choices this year: go online or go to a... more »

Paper Dreams in Fairhaven Sells Fun, Frivolity

Fairhaven, WA - A seated dog Buddha statue looks out at a shelf of candles next to goofy magnets across from a rack of scarves beside the J.P. Patches doll. The scent of homemade fudge... more »

Store Owners Go Shopping

Huntington, WV - During a recent international gift show in New York City, six women from West Virginia strolled the aisles and pored over the exhibits, looking for the next unique item to bring to... more »

Mom-and-Pop Shops Still Backbone of S.J. Economy

Stockton, CA - Just a few decades ago, Americans did most of their buying and eating out in places such as Stockton's Miracle Mile or Lincoln Center: shopping districts dominated by locally-owned, independent retailers.But the... more »

Maynard’s Chocolates is Back

Winslow, ME - Wanda Theobald's shelves and display cases at Maynard's Chocolates were nearly bare after the recent Valentine's Day rush."It's a good problem," the 49-year-old veteran chocolatier said.Maynard's Chocolates has returned to the area... more »

Bohemian Store Has Stood The Test of Time

Hull, UK - Some shops seem to constantly reinvent themselves and some remain seemingly unchanged for years.Zebra, which has occupied several different sites in its existence, is one of those that appears to have stayed... more »

Scented Greatness

Rockwall, TX - Scent is commonly the forgotten sense. We as a people are always using our eyes, ears, mouth and hands to experience the world. Scent is just a second nature by product of... more »

Designer Gift Shop Opens in Winchester

Winchester, UK - IT has been 13 years in the making, but a boutique where shoppers can try as well as buy has opened in Winchester.Friends Sadie Marsh and Claire Vine have finally combined their... more »