Gift Shop Plus’ Carly McFadden awarded Editorial Director of the Year
Gift Shop® Plus, part of Great American Media Services (GAMS), is proud to announce that editorial director Carly McFadden has been named Editorial Director of the Year at the prestigious 2025 FOLIO: Eddie & Ozzie Awards, which celebrate editorial and design excellence across the media industry.
This national recognition honors McFadden’s editorial vision, leadership and dedication to producing meaningful, high-quality content that informs and inspires the specialty retail community. Under her direction, Gift Shop® Plus has continued to evolve its voice and coverage — highlighting trends, products and people that shape the gift and retail landscape.
“We’re incredibly proud to see both our publications and our people recognized on a national stage,” said Matt McCallum, CEO of Great American Media Services. “Carly’s award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her editorial vision, leadership and dedication.”
The honor was one of several earned by Gift Shop® Plus and its parent company, Great American Media Services, at this year’s FOLIO: Eddie & Ozzie Awards, which celebrate the best in media publishing. In addition to McFadden’s win, Allison McKenzie, creative director, and Wesley Sykes, sports group editorial director, both were named finalists in their respective categories — Art Director of the Year and Editor of the Year. Several of GAMS’ other titles were recognized as finalists in various editorial and design categories.
“This recognition is truly an honor,” McFadden said. “Our team is passionate about telling the stories that matter most to independent retailers — from trend insights and product inspiration to the people driving creativity in this space. I love retail and gift, and I’m so proud to be part of a team that pours its heart into serving this industry every day.”
McFadden’s win highlights Gift Shop® Plus’ ongoing commitment to editorial excellence and innovation, reaffirming its position as a trusted resource for the retail and gift industries.
Great American Media Services is home to trusted, industry-leading media brands serving agriculture, retail and sports. For more than 60 years, GAMS has delivered the news, insights and connections that drive success through its magazines, digital products and events. It also offers marketing services for businesses looking to connect with customers across platforms.
