News

Buy local for holidays, group urges

MN — A St. Paul-based think tank wants to expand the "buy local" mantra this holiday season to strengthen Minnesota's economy.Minnesota2020, which believes it makes economic sense to support local manufacturers and retailers when possible,... more »

Mud Pie Names Tim Roberts Visual Director

(Atlanta, Ga.) -- The award-wining international gift company, Mud Pie, announces the appointment of Tim Roberts as visual director, a newly created position on the product development team. In his role as visual director, Roberts... more »

Retailers gearing up to dial for dollars

In need of a shopping companion to help you navigate the upcoming blitz of holiday bargains and specials? This season, the best partner already may be in your pocket or purse. Cellular phones, with an... more »

Toy Recalls Drop 46 Percent

Toy recalls are down 46 percent from last year, when manufacturers and retailers were forced to clear shelves of toys containing lead paint, dangerous magnets and in one case, a chemical that left children temporarily... more »

Web Sales Tax Looms

Attention, online shoppers! This may be the last holiday season you can dodge sales taxes by buying presents on the Web. (Admit it, you do this.) State legislators, retailers and lawyers say 2009 may be... more »

Green education program takes center stage at CHA winter show

(ELMWOOD PARK, NJ) – The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) 2009 Winter Convention & Trade Show today announced an innovative program of over 130 educational sessions designed to provide industry professionals with sustainable business techniques... more »

Retailers hope for (early) gift-wrapped Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.While Halloween decorations of cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns have barely come down from doorsteps and lawns, many retailers have already frosted storefronts, hung white lights and... more »

Find kitchenware – and inspiration – at Acorn Farm

More than a quarter century ago, Kathy Magaluk was the proud owner of a new gift store in downtown Milford, the Village Peddler.Running the business was rewarding and enjoyable, she said, but after a few... more »

Ambiente features Design Plus exhibition

(FRANKFURT, Germany) -- Authentic design, ideas that work and products that meet ecological standards but still look good -- at Ambiente in Frankfurt from Feb. 13-17 2009, trade buyers from all over the world will... more »

Jishaku jumps at judges of the Parents’ Choice Foundation

(Tampa, FL) – Face it, toy award judges know a lot about children's products. They assemble a plethora of puzzles, cuddle a coterie of plush and play a glut of games. So when these folks... more »