The stars are bright at Texas Star Trading

Abilene, TX - If what it means to be a Texan can be defined, the answer, most certainly, can be found in Texas Star Trading Company.The specialty store, located on the corner of Cypress and... more »

Afternoon plans Midtown Crossing store

Omaha, NE - When Marie Clifford was on a buying trip to New York last week, the owner of the Afternoon, a popular Omaha gift shop, let herself go a little."I ordered things I haven't... more »

A Gift to Gab is a cornucopia of unique recycled treasurers

To say the "A Gift To Gab" gift shop is a green business would be a gross understatement. Nearly every item in the Spring Grove store is recycled from something else.Co-owners Cristi Schulte and Sandy... more »

Brisk Business & Exciting New Changes at NYIGF

White Plains, NY - Strong order-writing by buyers and favorable reactions from exhibitors contributed to palpable energy at the summer 2010 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) – the largest edition since summer 2008, with... more »

It’s Still Too Early to Value Location Services, Businesses Say

Are location-based services going to be the next social-networking step for businesses?The big debate lately has been whether Facebook's new location-sharing service, Places, will overwhelm pioneers like Foursquare. But the real question for the market... more »

Bernardsville floral designer enjoys her unique gift

Bernardsville, NJ - Laura Clare Pugsley earned a degree in horticulture as part of her training before becoming a florist, but it wasn't until she lived in Europe that she said she saw how flowers... more »

10 Tips for Building a Revenue-Generating Mailing List for Email Marketing

While the philosophers debate whether a tree falling in a forest makes a sound when no one is around to hear it, small retail business owners are more concerned about the realities of email marketing... more »

A Retail Lease Primer for Gift Shop Owners: Survive to Thrive

The recent economic downturn has created a tough sales environment for many retailers, especially the so-called independent "mom and pop" stores and those operated by franchisees. Declining sales due to high unemployment and depressed home... more »

After 14 years, Turtle factory makes home at new location

The turtles in Sneads Ferry have been on the move lately, but rest assured their flippers didn't take them too far.The Turtle Factory and The Turtle Factory II merged and have been gradually settling into... more »

Montana Merchants Making it Through the Economic Crisis

When the über hot Santa Monica Place opened this month, you could practically hear retail forecasters licking their chops. This new, 524,000 square-foot shoppers' paradise was designed to entice, ensnare and withdraw as many dollars... more »