Side by side: In business and in life

They met over a coffee maker.Three years ago, Kirk Miller ventured into a Lexington kitchen store, looking for a Krups coffee maker. It wasn't in stock so Tina Lowry, the owner of the store, Ladles... more »

Toy charms at hospital gift shop found to have high lead levels

Action by an alert Health Department employee visiting a gift shop at Fletcher Allen Heath Care has triggered a state attorney general's investigation into a line of children's jewelry with potentially high lead levels. Mike... more »

‘Expert’ consumers spread word on retail

The most influential group of consumers, opinion leaders who talk more frequently with friends or online about products and retail experiences than others do, are more likely to pass on positive recommendations than negative ones,... more »

Urban Expositions Announces Staff Appointments for Gift, Souvenir Trade Shows

Atlanta, GA - Urban Expositions, leading producer of regional gift, souvenir and resort merchandise shows, has announced a series of staff appointments related to the Philadelphia Gift Show, Virginia Gift Show, Ocean City Resort Gift... more »

Gift Cash and Carry Show Offers Timely Fill-In Merchandising Opportunity for Holidays

White Plains, NY - The fall 2007 edition of the New York Gift Cash & Carry Show Gifts to Go is an ideal buying opportunity for retailers, offering timely inventory growth options in advance of... more »

LearningCents Teaches Kids Financial Responsibility by the Seat of their Pants

Atlanta, GA - Have you ever watched a kid empty his or her pockets before shoving their jeans into the hamper? It's like a Harpo Marx coat: empty candy wrappers, bleeding pens, lint balls, sundry... more »

San Francisco International Gift Fair to Put Spotlight on Green Resources

White Plains, NY - In line with the sharp rise in consumer demand for 'green,' sustainable products, this summer the San Francisco International Gift Fair will provide forward-thinking retailers with a list of exhibiting companies... more »

Popping up in downtown?: City eyes plan for temporary stores

The city is working on a short-term marketing initiative to keep foot traffic flowing at Downtown Crossing after Filene's Basement closes for two years for the $625 million redevelopment of the former Filene's complex.Ideas for... more »

The Most Popular Email Days of the Year For Retailers

As a follow-up to my column last week about the most popular days of the week to email among retailers, I looked at the 20 most popular days of the past 12 months. It's no... more »

It’s a woman’s world at Softer Side

Frankfort -- From the pink walls to the sweet scents to the long counter filled with baubles and beads, it's clear The Softer Side gift shop is a woman's world.The store, at 621 N. LaGrange... more »