Prepare Now

Although many retailers may still be experiencing stay-home orders, others have reopened. How the public will respond is still an unknown as of the writing of this article. Rest assured, retailers will pursue the final... more »

Retail Lens

In times of uncertainty, we look to our trusted institutions to lead the way. Our beloved and respected museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and historic sites that have long earned public trust are... more »

How #MeToo Movement is Fueling a Training Revolution in Retail

The Feb. 24, 2020, rape and sexual harassment conviction of media mogul Harvey Weinstein culminated five years of accusations; eight women testified against him. The #MeToo movement it fueled brought media attention and ultimately meant... more »

Why SEO Matters for Specialty Retailers

Today, independent retailers aren’t just competing with other owner-operated shops in town. Online retailers of all sizes are trying to take a piece of the gift industry pie, and it is up to shops to... more »

Great Things Come in Small Packages

There are several things to consider with a small-spaced store, but the “wow” factor can still be achieved. Overall, there are three factors to consider: layout, inventory and product. LAYOUT This is a notable challenge... more »

Selling CBD?

As the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) products continues to grow, many specialty gift retailers may be wondering if that's a market they should serve. And with a new study from BDS Analytics and Arcview Market... more »

Going Green

As “green” and recycling initiatives become more common across the art and gifting industries, a movement toward zero- and low-waste operations is taking center focus in showrooms and manufacturing facilities across the country — changing... more »

Free Money

Institutions are under continued pressure to make their budgets stretch further and are always looking for additional revenue to help fulfill their missions. Nonprofit stores are increasingly being asked to supply more significant portions of... more »