Gift Shop® Plus has officially launched its 2026 State of the Industry Survey, opening the annual initiative to retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, rep groups, makers and other professionals across the gift and specialty retail community.

Designed to capture a comprehensive snapshot of the industry, the survey gathers insights on sales performance, category trends, inventory strategies, staffing, marketing, e-commerce, challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead. The results will inform editorial coverage in upcoming issues of Gift Shop® Plus and provide benchmarking data to help businesses better understand where they stand in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

“The State of the Industry Survey is one of the most important tools we have to reflect the real-time experiences of our readers and partners,” said Carly Yanik, editorial director of Gift Shop® Plus. “By hearing directly from retailers and suppliers alike, we’re able to showcase a more accurate picture of what’s happening on the ground — from the sales floor to the showroom.”

As an added incentive, survey respondents will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.

The 2026 survey comes at a pivotal moment as independent retailers continue to navigate shifting consumer expectations, tariffs, pricing pressures, inventory management challenges and the growing influence of digital engagement. At the same time, wholesalers, makers and rep groups are adapting their strategies to support stores with flexible minimums, faster turnarounds and trend-forward assortments.

Participants’ responses will remain confidential, and aggregated findings will be shared in a dedicated 2026 State of the Industry report, highlighting key data points, emerging trends and expert analysis. The report is expected to serve as a planning resource for businesses preparing for the next buying season and beyond.

Gift Shop® Plus encourages all sectors of the industry — from brick-and-mortar boutiques and multilocation retailers to emerging makers and established manufacturers — to take part and ensure their voices are represented.

Industry professionals can participate by visiting this link and completing the online questionnaire.