Cypress Garden Combines Boutique with Landscaping Business

Monterey, CA - More than just a nursery, Cypress Garden in Monterey has expanded over the years to reflect the interests and expertise of its two owners. Ray Sumida and his sister, Ann Tsuchiya, operate... more »

Palm Springs Area Shop Owners See a Rise in Holiday Sales

Palm Desert, CA - At Uncle Don's Hobbies in Palm Desert, train sets are flying out the door, along with helicopters and remote-control cars."We're up 34 percent over last year," said owner Kevin Koch, who... more »

Greenwich Orchids Opens in Bedford Hills

Bedford Hills, NY - A little over 30 years ago, Greenwich Orchids' owner Wendy Siegel received her first orchid."My late husband bought me my first orchid and I was so excited when I got it... more »

Air Penguin Soars Into Aurora World

Aurora World Inc. (http://www.auroragift.com) today announced its newest plush license for Air Penguin, the number one adventure game for iPhone, iPad and Android in 2011. Using sea turtles, starfish and whale blowholes to avoid obstacles... more »

Wild Things Museum Store

Where products keep a natural heritage aliveAccording to Sarah Wilcox, Wild Things Museum Store manager at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Va., the Commonwealth of Virginia is blessed with an "uncommon-wealth" of natural... more »

Artist Spotlight: Karen Ehart Art Glass Inc.

Branding and blending glass with classMost companies know that in order to distinguish themselves from the crowd, they need to brand their products. In the case of Karen Ehart of Karen Ehart Art Glass Inc.,... more »

2012 Trend Outlook

What will 2012 bring for the specialty store market? A little birdie - make that a trendy owl - let me in on a few tips and tricks to help retailers prepare for the year... more »

Plush Profits

There's nothing soft about sales in this popular category Unlike other giftable items, plush lends itself to every retailer and just about every customer. It's a great impulse or add-on purchase and can appeal to... more »

The Science of a Gift Store

Experiment for successful sales What are the scientific odds that, in 1797, the first members of the amateur scientific society known as The Maryland Academy of Sciences could imagine that their informal discussions might one... more »

Editor’s Letter: Make Your Presence Known

Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer the feel of a book in my hand, a greeting card or walking the aisles of a store to their electronic counterparts. There's just something to be... more »