Sweet Shop Candies produces PPE during global pandemic

Sweet Shop Candies, Inc., also known as Sweet Shop USA, a leading chocolate manufacturer of specialty truffles, caramels, toffee, and other chocolates, announced that it is dedicating 20,000 square feet of its 80,000 square feet... more »

How #MeToo Movement is Fueling a Training Revolution in Retail

The Feb. 24, 2020, rape and sexual harassment conviction of media mogul Harvey Weinstein culminated five years of accusations; eight women testified against him. The #MeToo movement it fueled brought media attention and ultimately meant... more »

Retail sales decline in April due to the pandemic closures

Retail sales dropped almost twice as much during April as they did in March as the nation’s economy saw its first full month when most businesses were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National... more »

Gift for Life celebrates industry’s Gift of Giving

Over time, there have been 14 Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award recipients. The award, which is named for the late Bert Tonkin, industry benefactor and president of Western Exhibitors, recognizes philanthropic industry endeavors and... more »

Mud Pie offers tools and support as retailers reopen

During these unusual times, Mud Pie’s primary goal remains the same — to support their retail partners. Over the past two months, the gift industry powerhouse has been helping retailers with everything from reorders to adjusted... more »

Why SEO Matters for Specialty Retailers

Today, independent retailers aren’t just competing with other owner-operated shops in town. Online retailers of all sizes are trying to take a piece of the gift industry pie, and it is up to shops to... more »

IMC modifies format for June Atlanta Apparel Market

Following a comprehensive survey of apparel industry buyers and suppliers, International Market Centers (IMC) announced that Atlanta Apparel will resume its market calendar with all markets confirmed as scheduled beginning with the June Atlanta Apparel... more »

IMC updates Summer Gift & Home Market plans

Following a comprehensive survey of its gift and home furnishings buyers and suppliers, International Market Centers (IMC) announced updates to its summer 2020 markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas. IMC is postponing both markets until... more »

Leader Paper Products launches A Million Thanks! campaign for essential workers

Leader Paper Products, a leading supplier of premium envelopes and other specialty paper products, has launched a community campaign, called A Million Thanks! As part of the initiative, the 119-year-old Milwaukee-based company designed and produced... more »

Earth Rugs

Eco-friendly is the buzzword in the gift industry at the moment. It seems to be defining everything good that humans are able to do and inspire hope for the future. With so many new companies... more »