Leading with Heart: Diverse makers that enhance the industry

At the heart of the gift industry are makers with unique stories, products and voices that enrich the market. Retailers know well that the products filling their shelves collectively tell a larger story. When a... more »

A Second Wind: Second owner brings new life to Tinseltown shop

When a cozy card and gift shop survives several decades and two owners, that’s pretty impressive. But the fact that the second owner was once a shopper working in a completely different occupation, who now... more »

Top 3 retailer profiles of 2024

Here we present the most-read retailer profiles of 2024 at Gift Shop® Plus. 1. ‘Not Your Grandma’s Gift Shop’: Luster makes bold statements through its stylish goods The specialty gift shop is situated in Shaker... more »

One-Stop Party Shop: Paper Goat Post

Twin sisters Cedar Jayson and Megan Gingerich, who have long worked in event planning for corporate events and grand openings, opened Paper Goat Post’s brick-and-mortar store in Orlando, Florida, nine years ago, driven by their... more »

Let’s Soirée!: Creating Celebrations with Bonjour Fête

When Rachel Huntington, CEO and chief creative at Bonjour Fête, was planning her daughter’s second birthday party in 2014, she was disappointed by the apparent lack of a singular destination for elevated and modern partyware,... more »

Heartfelt Evolution: MiCA 12/v serving Cincinnati for decades in an ever-changing retail landscape

Through its 21 years of operation, MiCA 12/v has showcased what a business can achieve when it’s led with heart and able to adapt to an ever-changing market. Carolyn and Mike Deininger opened MiCA in... more »

Going mobile: Considerations for incorporating a food truck at your retail event

You have a store full of customers — how can you get them to stay longer? Feed them of course. Two garden centers share the different roads they followed to having food trucks on their property and... more »

Madison Marketplace

As seen in Waterfront Living Katie Ann Oakley, senior sales associate/social media coordinator for Madison Marketplace shared its retail story with Gift Shop® Plus and Waterfront Living in this great Q&A. Describe store and local... more »

The Cottage Shop

As seen in Waterfront Living Amy Smith, merchandising and marketing manager of The Cottage Shop, shared her insights with Gift Shop® Plus in this Q&A. Describe how your business started and how it has grown... more »

Studio Luxe Boutique

A warm welcome greets shoppers at the quaint Studio Luxe Boutique in Warrenton, Virginia. In 2019, Brandi Norrell opened the boutique featuring stylish womens’ apparel and accessories and even home décor merchandise. The focus from... more »