GHTA RAB Member Solves Keystone Challenge

Earlier this year, the Gift and Home Trade Association, the industry's non-profit professional trade association, issued a challenge to its members: find the origin of the word "keystone" as it's used in our industry. After... more »

Years of record growth for handbag sales could be over

New York: The $7 billion market in the United States for handbags, the fastest-growing product in the fashion industry, might be slowing from the record growth seen in recent years.Some analysts and retailers say that... more »

Local retailers stock up for Halloween

The bloodied, bandaged, gruesome-looking mask on display at Feeney's Halloween Warehouse is the last thing anyone would want to face in real life.But when it comes to the spooky season, scary is definitely in --... more »

GIFT SHOP Magazine announces successful completion of first annual Ultimate Makeover Contest

Hanover, Mass. - GIFT SHOP magazine is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Ultimate Makeover Contest. This year's winner was Donna Trottier, owner of Blue Hydrangea in Wickford, RI.Donna Kent, a visual... more »

After 100 years, Albuquerque’s oldest trading post is still thriving

An aura of age enfolds Wright's Indian Art like a fine Navajo blanket. It rests light but unmistakably on the shoulders of those who enter.It's an odd sensation because, on the surface, the store in... more »

Downtown merchants try to sell through gift cards

For the first time, downtown merchants will have a gift card designed specifically for them, which they hope will draw more shoppers to downtown businesses.The new gift card program began last week, and it can... more »

Spiceberry Lane moves up the street

Bucyrus -- Sarah Garrett and her mother, Patty, like shopping at the new location of Spiceberry Lane."It's a very nice, hometown store. We don't have very many locally owned businesses in Bucyrus," Sarah said as... more »

Christmas in October? No thanks, shoppers say

New York -- Retailers are slashing prices to try to jumpstart holiday sales, but many Americans plan to wait until after Thanksgiving to buy gifts, according to a new survey by market research firm NPD... more »

Holiday retail: Bah, Humbug!

New York -- As shoppers get ready to start the annual frenzy over holiday shopping, retailers are strapping in for what is likely to be a bumpy ride.A field of retail experts surveyed by CNNMoney.com... more »

Holiday sales to grow by 4 percent to $447.5 billion: NRF

Holiday sales are expected to grow by 4 percent this year to $447.5 billion, which is the slowest holiday growth since 2002, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).In a holiday preview call, titled "Hot... more »