News

June 14, 2009
Owning several small businesses adds to Rancho Cordova success

How do you get through an economic downturn?Meet quintessential capitalist Albert Garcia. Garcia's got what many financial experts will tell you is the perfect answer. He doesn't have one business, he's got at least five... more »

June 14, 2009
Getting down to basics: Small shops

Wenatchee, WA — Peggy Nichols' customers send her flowers.She got some just last month, after Pickle Papers, her specialty paper and gift shop, won this year's Wenatchee Downtown Association award for Best Downtown Retail Business... more »

June 14, 2009
Sweet sales: Comfort food indulgences going strong for candy retailers

Loveland resident Janie Ritchie wants chocolate to get a larger space in the food guide pyramid than the "use sparingly" top layer of fats, oils and sweets. Ritchie told this to Ida Suppes, owner of... more »

June 14, 2009
Malls court smaller, private retailers on temporary leases

Merchandise isn't the only thing on sale at the malls these days. Good deals abound on all that space left vacant by bankrupt national retailers, and locals are seizing the opportunities.Some are start-ups, like the... more »

June 14, 2009
Living the Good Life, LLC has changed its name to Under Stella’s Umbrella, LLC.

Atlanta, GA – Fine Whines, Bellemonde, Noble Initials, Gerard Puvis Collection, Mi-Pops and Pewter-A-Peel, formerly shipped and billed as Living the Good Life, LLC will, in the future, be basking Under Stella's Umbrella, LLC. These... more »

June 13, 2009
Riviera Village gift shop will stay open after all

In just about a month's time, Michael and Royce Morales posted closing signs at their Riviera Village gift shop, marked down merchandise and said goodbye to customers as they prepared to shut their doors.It was... more »

June 13, 2009
Eco Choice Awards Debut at NYIGF

White Plains, NY — Retailers will have a decisive role in selecting the winners of the first-ever Eco Choice Awards, voting to decide the gift and home industries' best "green" products in three categories: "Most... more »

June 13, 2009
Toymakers fight complex new safety rules

Washington, DC -- For toymakers, the world changes on Aug. 14. That's the day a new regulation takes effect that small manufacturers say could force them out of business."I hear gut-wrenching stories every day, like... more »

June 13, 2009
US consumer confidence hits nine-month high

US consumer confidence rose in June to its highest level in nine months as a recent stock market rally and signs of economic stability have begun to peel away some of gloom cast by the... more »

June 12, 2009
Upper Canada Names Andrew Joyce – Director of Sales – USA

Mississauga, ON. Upper Canada Soap has appointed Andrew Joyce as Director of Sales - Independent and Specialty, for the US.Joyce will ultimately be responsible for the independent and specialty gift channel along with Key Accounts."Having... more »

June 11, 2009
New jobless claims drop to 601K; retail sales rise

Washington, DC—The number of newly laid-off Americans filing jobless claims fell more than expected last week and retail sales grew in May for the first time in three months. But a rise in the number... more »

June 11, 2009
Save That Driftwood for Them

"Driftwood is the new Costa Rican mahogany" is Mark Welsh's new sound bite.As a copywriter and brand consultant for companies like West Elm and Cole-Haan, Mr. Welsh (in foreground at right) is a seasoned sloganeer.... more »