News

Gear up for bazaar season

The October sun is bright and the autumn breezes are brisk -- both signals that bazaar season is upon us in the Ozarks.Luckily for shoppers in the region -- with scores of holiday bazaars on... more »

Retailer Survey Results to be Revealed at 2009 GHTA Conference

Grand Rapids, Mich. – How do retailers respond to catalogs, email campaigns, show invitations, press releases and telemarketing? What are the most effective marketing communications tools, according to retailers? The Gift and Home Trade Association's... more »

Business blooms in Carlisle

When the snow and cold weather hits this winter a new business in Carlisle will seem more like a tropical paradise. Jen Worthington of Pleasantville opened Flowers Island - a floral and gift shop -... more »

For Retailers, Holiday Season Has No Place To Go But Up

Retailers won't uncork much champagne this holiday season, as worries over jobs and the economy likely will take a lot of the cheer out of gift buying.But at least things won't be as gloomy as... more »

Showing its true colors

Ruskin - As consumers focus on the essentials these days, perhaps the businesses most hurt by the current recession are the local mom-and-pop stores.And this concerns Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of... more »

Mary Beth Babcock Offers Oklahoma at Dwelling Spaces

Mary Beth Babcock owns Dwelling Spaces, a downtown Tulsa boutique that specializes in items made by Oklahomans. The store is just over three years old and has already expanded to a second location. Babcock is... more »

Sisters team up to offer Burkburnett the finer things

In August 2001, sisters Janey Roberts and Pam Baber opened Gabby's, a gift store, in Burkburnett.At the time, they said, retail traffic for such a store was lacking."All we had in Burkburnett was Wal-Mart," Baber... more »

Galleries make Paoli a destination

A funny thing happens to Theresa Abel at Madison cocktail parties. Abel manages Artisan Gallery in Paoli, a 5,000-square-foot gallery showcasing more than 140 artists from around the country. When she tells people what she... more »

Layaway plans making a comeback for holiday shopping season

Nostalgic shoppers are more likely to find something in stores this holiday season that hasn't been widely available for a long time -- layaway programs. Driven by the credit crunch and sagging economy, Toys R... more »

Showing Customer Appreciation During the Holidays

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's essential for small business owners to think about what they can do to make sure their best customers know they are appreciated. While it's always important to let... more »