Retailer Features

Smitten with Style: Chicago shop offers curated retail, custom stationery

Smitten Boutique first opened in May 2008 — a difficult time to start a new venture with the financial crash late that year. However, the Chicago shop has remained successful over its almost 18 years.... more »

Top 3 retailer profiles of 2025

Here we present the most-read retailer profiles of 2025 at Gift Shop® Plus. 1. A Worthy Pursuit: Former Gift Shop® Plus editor opens retail location Former Gift Shop® Plus editor Julie McCallum Packard channeled her... more »

Celebration Central: Presley Paige creates celebrations with boldness and whimsy

As seen in Celebrations and Occasions 2025. At Presley Paige in Fayetteville, Arkansas, celebration is a lifestyle. From bold design and playful gifts to her much-loved holiday tradition of “Pinkmas,” owner Maggie Owens has established... more »

Budding Business: Sprout Home

What began as a single neighborhood garden center has blossomed into a pair of thoughtfully curated shops — one with an emphasis on design, tabletop and décor — in downtown Chicago. ... more »

On Island Time: The Cottage Shop

As seen in Waterfront Living 2025. Located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Cottage Shop aims to be a lifestyle shopping experience for customers who are decorating their beach homes — or taking... more »

Haute for the Holidays: Tips for hosting and entertaining

The holiday season is the hostess’s time to shine. Holiday gatherings are shifting toward more relaxed, intimate celebrations with close friends and family — moving away from formality in favor of comfort and connection, explained... more »

Selling Christmas: 21 tips for the holiday season

The National Retail Federation (NRF) numbers for winter holiday 2024 were surprisingly positive. Core retail sales grew an unexpected 4% over 2023 to... more »

A Worthy Pursuit: Former Gift Shop® Plus editor opens retail location

For longtime readers of Gift Shop® Plus, this retailer profile features a familiar, friendly face. Julie McCallum Packard, former Gift Shop® Plus editorial director and co-owner of parent company Great American Media Services, has always... more »

Where it’s Always Christmas: The Christmas Loft

As seen in Holiday Shop 2025. What started as an attic in a country store turned into 40 years of spreading Christmas cheer on the East Coast. Photo courtesy of The... more »

Retail Revolution: Wholesalers leading in sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword in retail — it's an expectation. Even as purse strings tighten, consumers look for items that are high quality, durable and make an impact. They are increasingly more aware of... more »