Customization Sells

Many businesses have been creating customized products to feature branded names, locations, images, unique stories, and more. Gift Shop discussed customization with a few manufacturers to learn more about how and why they began offering... more »

Ways to Create an Instore Experience to Wow Millenials and Gen Z

Want to know something strange? Less than one-third of millennial consumers are motivated by advertising — according to a Retail Dive article — and Gen Z is more easily swayed by endorsements from what Forbes... more »

Mobile Boutiques: The Boutique Truck

The Boutique Truck operates in Columbus, Ohio and is owned by Catherine Turner. From an early age, she knew she wanted to own a business, but wasn’t exactly sure what kind until about six years... more »

Mobile Boutiques: Uzuri Mobile Boutique

Uzuri Mobile Boutique has been on the move and selling fashion and accessories since June 2018. Ebone Marlowe opened this mobile portion of her business less than a year ago, but she has been on... more »

Mobile Boutiques

Food trucks are popular, so why not reinvent the proverbial wheel and create a mobile fashion and accessory store? Many retailers use trucks to sell merchandise at festivals, art fairs, private parties, and more. This... more »

Mobile Boutique: Avabelle Boutique

Amy Stevenson, owner of Gracie James Clothing truck, is a full-time medical sales professional and mother of two small children. Her fashion career began in New York, where she worked on the wholesale side for... more »

#ShopFredericksburg

Located about an hour south of Washington, D.C., Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a thriving economic center for entrepreneurs who capture the hearts of their patrons. The quaint historic downtown Fredericksburg area is bustling and affords visitors... more »

#ShopFredericksburg: Dog Krazy

This store is definitely for the dogs. Owner Nancy Guinn opened her flagship store, Dog Krazy, in 2006 and now has five storefronts and a total of 42 employees. The Fredericksburg store is “the heart... more »

Soapy Gnome entices and inspires with creative displays

Retail stores around the world incorporate creative displays to entice and inspire customers. Artistic, creative, subtle and sometimes bold arrangements allow shoppers to experience merchandise, view complementary products (to spur on additional purchases), and to... more »

Meet the Maker: Floral Treasure

For two decades, Debbie Garza has been cultivating flowers and curating amazing pieces of work.“From the seed to the wreath” is the motto, and farm-to-door is the game. In a time when creating your own home... more »