Pet products stand out at gift fair; Annual event lets retailers see what might leap off shelves

It was at the San Francisco International Gift Fair that the Pet Rock was discovered in the mid-1970s, and later the Cabbage Patch Kid.Now 54 years old, the fair -- which opened Saturday and ends... more »

Publicity is sweet for Jeff shop

Jill and Warren Schimpff know what to expect. They will be greeted tomorrow by 30 or 40 e-mailed orders, maybe twice that many far-flung questions and requests. It happens each time The History Channel features... more »

burton + BURTON Wins Retailers

burton + BURTON's 4900 sq. ft. showroom was recently named as a winner of the 2007 Retailers' Choice for Most Inspiring Showroom at the Chicago Market. The Chicago Market: Living and GivingTM, is a weeklong... more »

Competing to Win

Stowe Just Says No The approximately 70 independent retail shops in Stowe, VT, compete only with one another, not any big-box stores, thanks to the tourist town's commitment to mom-and-pop businesses. "Definitely Stowe doesn't want... more »

What marketing and sales techniques do you use in your post-holiday sales?

Siobhan Connolly of MoonRiver Siobhan Connolly of MoonRiver Pearl River, NY 845.920.0272 MoonRiverGifts.net "We send postcard specials to our loyal customers inviting people to an 'after-holidays' party that gives them exclusive special discounts. We say,... more »

Online Buying

I have a 75+-year-old mother-in-law who took a computer class at her local junior college. She now whizzes around in her golf cart assisting her friends and neighbors with her computer-savvy ways. Go exploring with... more »

Top Ten Tax Tips

The bottom line is simple: Each year, many gift shop retailers miss all kinds of deductions simply because they are not aware of them—or because they neglect to keep the records necessary to back them... more »

Happy New Year!

The start of a new year is always a clean slate—for new resolutions and new ideas. I hope you had a wonderful and profitable holiday season. With holiday sales winding down, and new inventory lining... more »

Trending Up: Winter 2007

Jen Chase of BostonJen Chase reversible belts are designed by combining different colors, patterns, and the latest fashion trends to create a unique accessory that will complement every outfit.781.223.0398JenChase.com Scottevest Inc.The Classic Vest has 29... more »

Show Me the Money! Saying Yes to POS

How POS Software Can Help POS software can give you a massive boost in profits by reducing pricing errors. Because each item's price is entered into the computer only once, and not every time an... more »