Presenting the Past

Grouping like items together emphasizes a trend, indicates popularity and encourages multiple purchases and collections. Photo courtesy of Cracker Jax, Dekalb, Illinois. “A good display will set the mood and theme long before the customer... more »

Fall 2014

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Personal Stories of Hope and Investment by Young Business Owners in Retail-rich Northampton

Northampton, MA - On the day Ben Glushein opened Port MA, his new Main Street clothing store, he received a small potted cactus. The cactus came from the home goods store Kestrel on Masonic Street,... more »

P. Francis Reopens in More Intimate Location on Asbury

Ocean City, NJ - Missing the charm of a smaller boutique, Paul Cunningham happily relocated his popular P. Francis gift shop from larger digs in the 700 block of Asbury Avenue to its new perch... more »

Kids’ Ketch to Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day Nov. 8

Lewes, DE - Kids' Ketch in Lewes will join hundreds of locally owned stores across the country in celebrating the fifth annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day, Saturday, Nov. 8, coordinated by the American Specialty Toy... more »

The Grommet Wholesale Makes its Dallas Debut This January

The Grommet, an influential platform for launching new and innovative products, will debut in Dallas for the very first time at the Dallas Temp Show, January 15-18 during Total Home & Gift Market, January 14-20,... more »

Joni Groves Likes Centering her Business on Tillotson

Muncie, IN - Different people like different things. Joni Groves? She likes Tillotson Avenue.“I have a ‘thing’ about Tillotson,” said Groves, her glasses hanging from a strap around her neck. “I don’t know what it... more »

From Romanian Orphanage to Ocean Grove Flower Shop

Ocean Grove, NJ - Let's set the stage for this story this way:It was 2002 and Jay Sullivan visited an orphanage near Bucharest, Romania, to make a documentary. Maybe it was the energy of the... more »

Eclectic Shop to Open on Shell Point Road

Ruskin, FL - A new store is big news in South Shore, and area residents are especially excited when it’s something interesting and different. That’s what owners Lola Foster and Sarina Correa are counting on... more »

Meet Your Makers: Nathan & Co Hosts Receptions for Local Artisans

Oakland, CA - Nathan & Co doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Oakland gift shop, with locations on Piedmont Avenue and College Avenue, reflects owner Nathan Waldon’s quirky sense of humor and lifelong love for... more »