Making ‘Made in USA’ mean more

"Buy American" and "shop local" are more than just concepts for Julie Deemie. They're the base of her new business.She opened American Made Toys & Gifts this spring in the existing storefront of Art Allure... more »

Papel Giftware License and Trademark Becomes Available to the Industry

Los Angeles, CA - The licensing agreement between Stanley Papel, owner of the Papel Giftware trademark, and The Encore Group will expire on December 31, 2009. Accordingly, the trademark and numerous Papel Giftware designs will... more »

Mall patrons returning buzz to Arizona Center

Throngs of tourists and a neighborhood building spree have helped turn things around at Arizona Center, a 19-year-old outdoor mall that was a pioneering downtown Phoenix redevelopment project.There are questions about the mall's future.In April,... more »

Veggie Art Girl Boutique now open

The Veggie Art Girl Boutique is now open in Holderness, offering creative designs, unique finds and earth-friendly art and gifts.From the Smoky Mountains to Squam Lake, freelance artist Stacey Lucas has done some traveling and... more »

A dot-com chant; Cash-strapped monasteries use Web to make ends meet

Georgia - More than half a century into a life at one monastery, Father Anthony Delisi is busy experimenting with fudge. After chocolate, maple walnut and peach brandy, he's unveiled the new eggnog flavor —-... more »

Jellybean Goes to the Dogs

Jellybean™ brand accent rugs offers 16 dog themed designs for the gift and specialty retailer.Among the designs offered in 2009 are both general dog themes, like Doggie Treats by designer ©Caroline Forbis, as well as... more »

Hinsdale shopping plan would boost local economy

Amid a challenging economic climate, a Hinsdale business organization has a challenge for shoppers: spend $50 a month at small businesses in the village.The concept, being adopted by other municipal and business leaders across the... more »

Store owners create a custom lifestyle

Walking through Lauren Smith and Derek Fagerstrom's Mission District apartment, it's hard not to get inspired to make something.With ingenuity to spare, the couple have filled their 500-square-foot rental with one-of-a-kind furnishings and accessories. Their... more »

For retailer buyers, a tall order for the holidays

Bradley Hilton is looking for bargains.As buyer for San Francisco-based Gump's, Hilton is in Dallas looking for lower-priced versions of pillows and throws than ones traditionally featured in the Christmas catalog.He is among the thousands... more »

Local woman on mission to “offer Tennessee products” at all state parks

Shirley Knight is on a mission – and she has already been partially successful.The Dover woman, who has already mounted a successful initiative to have the Kentucky State parks sell locally-produced products rather than things... more »