News

June 19, 2009
Perfumers Breathe in Sales Data, and Strategize

Long after most other consumer goods companies were getting detailed reports on how their products were selling, giant perfume makers like Estée Lauder, l'Oréal and Coty operated mostly by intuition.While they might know that orders... more »

June 17, 2009
Merchants expand, despite slow economy

Birmingham — At a time when many local business owners are exhausting all their energy just keeping one store open, several savvy merchants are setting their sites on expansion.Rather than riding out the recession, Stacie... more »

June 17, 2009
Buttercup saves by sharing with similar stores

As The Buttercup stationery and gift shop celebrates its 34th anniversary this month, its owners are taking steps to ensure they can mark many more milestones.In February, for instance, the store ended its Monday hours... more »

June 17, 2009
The Flower Shop Offers Warmth, Variety, Gifts

Bethlehem - The world according to Julie Clifford and Kelly Kennedy is one filled with chrysanthemums and candles. The two women, who have worked together for approximately 20 years, own The Flower Shop at 151... more »

June 17, 2009
Green’s the new black at eco-friendly shop

If you green it and mean it, Ekotik boutique is for you. Located inside the Doubletree Grand Hotel just north of downtown Miami, the shop houses natural, organic, recycled and eco-friendly items good for gift-giving.''Hand... more »

June 17, 2009
Daycare Owner Rocks Two-Month-Old Tea Store

With his Steamboat Springs, Colo., daycare up and running and his daughter soon heading to kindergarten, Josh Bodden began thinking about what to do next. In deciding, he looked both back to his upbringing and... more »

June 16, 2009
Tweeting for profit

A year ago Kris Drey couldn't care less about Twitter.With 13 years of Web site experience, Drey is no technophobe. He serves as vice president of product marketing at Fliqz, an online video-hosting service with... more »

June 15, 2009
Sister Team Launches Clip-On Purse

Sandy Christiano's idea for a hands-free, clip-on purse was conceived by accident. About four years ago, while unloading her young daughter from a car seat, the heavy, shoulder-strapped pocketbook that she was wearing swung around... more »

June 15, 2009
Wichitan’s love of fashion, design serves her well at Mik’s

Wrapping packages at McClurkans at the age of 14 was one of the best experiences Kim Womble ever had."Beautifully wrapped packages are as important as anything in retail stores," she said.Years later, Womble is still... more »

June 15, 2009
Pop-up Shop Gallery Highlights Future of Retailing

New York – One of several exciting attractions during 7 W New York® Gift & Home Textiles Market Week® will be the Pop-Up Shop Gallery created in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology. Officially... more »

June 15, 2009
Local San Francisco businesses given economic boost with “Show Your Badge” Programs during San Francisco International Gift Fair

San Francisco, CA: Area businesses get a boost – and not just for those in banking, the auto industry or in real estate. Now America's cities, both large and small, are getting in on the... more »

June 15, 2009
Jellybean Expands into New Markets

The parent company of popular accent rug brand Jellybean™ reports a sharp increase in alternate markets outside of traditional "Gift" stores as a direct result of increasing categories, as well as the introduction of their... more »