Product Features

Tracking Trends: 2008

Ravishing Reds Reds run the spectrum from spicy adobe, to American-flag red, and onto a purple-infused red with Latin, European, and Asian influences. These softer reds are soothing. Adobe, a paprika-brown, is forecast for all... more »

2 days + $500 = Whole new store!

Blue Hydrangea, a chic and cozy gift store located in Wickford, RI, typifies many of the gift shops we reach. It has a loyal local customer base, gets a lot of tourist traffic and has... more »

Trending Up: Fall 2007

Zoobie Pets Squishy, plush animals transform into both pillows and blankets. Blankets can be easily detached for washing. The Safari line is the first of many planned. 888.966.2438ZoobiePets.com Knobstoppers Wine stoppers are made using vintage... more »

Lapping Up Luxury

Luxury = Profit Pam Danziger sees a rising trend in the luxury market—consumers are spending more on luxury experiences—travel, dining, spas, resorts, entertainment, home services and other experiences, and less on traditional luxury goods. "While... more »

Fab Finds: Summer 2007

Stiles in Clay "Bones" salt and pepper shakers lend a touch of whimsy to meals. Made from refined porcelain, each measures 5" X 1" StilesinClay.com The Lagoon Group For a touch of humor at the... more »

Reignin’ Cats and Dogs

$38.5 Billion Bob Vetere remembers growing up with Duke, his family dog. "[Duke] lived in a doghouse in the backyard. If he ever got into the house, it was by accident," Vetere, president of the... more »

Go By The Book

Gift Books Are Big Business The gift-book business is big business. For many publishers it's the gift books, or rather the sale of books in nontraditional outlets—called "special markets" in the book industry—that provide the... more »

Steeped in Success

Sell Tea, Make Money Robert Boewe has seen it happening. Over the years, an increasing number of customers at Spice Merchant, his store in Wichita, KS, are looking for and enjoying tea. In the rest... more »

Trending Up: Summer 2007

Sunblossom Solar Gifts LLC Lightweight SunSprite chimes are for indoor use. A wrought iron stand makes the chimes portable. Available in a variety of designs. 866.456.8357SolarChime.com My Little Shoebox The Awesome Blossom Card is a... more »

What Men Want

Men and Shopping Do Mix Sure, word on the retail floor might be that men and shopping don't mix, but Candace Corlett, principal of WSL Strategic Retail, a retail strategy consulting firm in New York... more »