NRF: February 2025 sales down amid tariff concerns

Retail spending declined on a monthly basis in February amid concern over tariffs, but continued to grow year over year as the economy remained strong, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released... more »

Lightovation sets new date pattern for January shows

Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, has announced a date shift for January editions of the show, beginning in January 2026. The new January date pattern will have the show begin... more »

April Buying Week highlights cross-category sourcing

ANDMORE is gearing up for the first ever April Buying Week, offering three markets – Atlanta Apparel, Formal Markets and Spring Gift & Home Market – together as one cohesive sourcing destination, April 1 –... more »

Cathy Steel retires after 37 years

Cathy Steel, a veteran B2B public relations specialist, has announced her retirement, effective March 28, wrapping a successful 37-year career in the U.S. gift and home industry. Steel started... more »

Dallas Market Center couples Apparel & Accessories Market, Total Home & Gift Market in March

Dallas Market Center is bringing together Apparel & Accessories Market and Total Home & Gift Market, March 25-28, creating an unparalleled buying opportunity for retailers. This combined market experience offers an efficient way to source... more »

New Great Lakes Gift Show shows success

The new 2025 Regional Great Lakes Gift Show debuted at the Kalamazoo Expo Center on Feb 25–27, 2025 was a great success. A variety of industry newcomers and first-time exhibitors, local, regional and national companies... more »

NRF urges U.S. to negotiate tariffs with Canada and Mexico

The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation (NRF) Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect... more »

Mindful Play: WerkShoppe’s colorful, creative puzzles

Puzzles gained popularity during the 2020 pandemic and are not going away anytime soon. “What we are seeing and hearing is that... more »

NRF Chief Economist says data is strong, but policy uncertainty clouds 2025 outlook

Strong economic performance seen in 2024 is expected to carry over and influence growth this year, but there is a wide range of uncertainty as the White House and Congress make decisions that will impact... more »

Gift for Life announces changes to board of directors

Gift for Life announced changes to leadership of its board of directors with Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts and Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X transitioning to Chair and First Vice Chair, respectively,... more »