Product Features

Greening Home Accents

Boring to beautiful It is a truth well known in retail: When form and function are married together well in a product, it sells well. When it comes to green products, there is even an... more »

The Dawn of New Age

New Age goes mainstream The term New Age embraces a wide spectrum of products. Just ask Susie Hare, show manager for the International New Age Trade Show headquartered in Denver, CO. Hare points out that... more »

Profit From Private Label

Brand reinforcement It would be safe to say that at least in New England, the Black Dog Tavern on Martha's Vineyard has quite the following. What started as a simple eatery decades ago is now... more »

Seasonal Stores, Year-Round Sales

Summer Sizzler at the Blue Beetle Kris Kinsley Hancock Photography by Kris Kinsley HancockThere is a definite sense of history about Nantucket's Blue Beetle. For one thing, owner Liz Hughes shares a kindred spirit with... more »

Trending Up: Winter 2009

Morse Code Jewelry LLC Bracelets and necklaces have beads laid out in the dot and dash pattern of Morse code to "spell" words. The jewelry is made of solid 14k gold, solid .925 sterling, and... more »

GIFT SHOP Magazine’s 2008 Ultimate Makeover

It was the letter that sealed the case. When GIFT SHOP announced an open call for entries for its 2008 Ultimate Makeover Contest, all the entries we received were equally compelling. But one letter, written... more »

Trending Up: Fall 2008

Baby Bunch Onesie Cupcake gift sets are bundled as cupcakes and packaged in colorful, see-through polka dot "bakery" boxes.Each set features 100% cotton onesies in either pink, blue, yellow or white for infants ages 0-6... more »

Party Your Way to Profits

Trend drivers Your customers are entertaining now more than ever. Anecdotal evidence points to more cozy parties, intimate gatherings and events. Today, entertaining is all about creating memorable moments rather than "jumping through gastronomic hoops... more »

Fab Finds: Fall 2008

Daddy's BBQ Award-winning company features barbecue rubs and sauces. Sauce flavors include brown sugar and honey and sweet and spicy. The rubs, which are all natural, are available in two flavors: Sweet Love Original and... more »

Permanent Botanicals: Make Your Profits Blossom!

Smarty Plants J M. H. Schwanke, a floral industry expert, believes the word "permanent" is a better qualifier for the stunning and gorgeous variety of flowers, bushes and greenery sold by many wholesalers. The care... more »