News

December 10, 2007
Trapped in the gift card web

People are increasingly turning to gift cards as spending hours in a crowded mall looking for that last Xbox, iPod or Elmo grows less and less appealing. But shoppers should do a bit of research... more »

December 10, 2007
Not your typical toy-buying season

San Francisco (MarketWatch) -- Before the recent spate of toy recalls, Ashley DiGeronimo never bothered reading the fine print that revealed where a toy was manufactured."I never gave it a second thought," said DiGeronimo of... more »

December 10, 2007
Friends Take ‘Leap Of Faith,’ Buy Eclectic Gift Shop

Dade City - You could call it "Margaret and Brenda's excellent adventure," the tale of two middle-aged women who took an unanticipated career turn into retailing just as the pivotal holiday-shopping season unfolds.Margaret Angell and... more »

December 9, 2007
Muskegon stores hope their ‘Synergy’ helps all

Synergy" is a term used by urban-planning wonks who talk to each other in their own language. But it has a dollars-and-cents meaning for a group of more than two dozen specialty retail shops in... more »

December 9, 2007
Want a unique gift?

Cookeville -- A Wii for your teenager. Check. Golf clubs for hubby. Check. A nice, fuzzy robe and slippers for grandma. Done and done. But what do you buy for that best friend with eclectic... more »

December 7, 2007
Claire Murray Launches Signature Boutique Program

Claire Murray has introduced a new division of her company that will give existing retailers and new store owners the opportunity to carry her entire product line of hand-hooked rugs, home accessories and apparel. The... more »

December 7, 2007
Compass Kidz Collect Treasure on a ‘Round the World Adventure

Fremont, CA - If you offered a 12-year-old a chest full of golden treasure and an open-ended ticket to travel around the world do you think they'd take it? An adventure where they would collect... more »

December 7, 2007
ChappyWrap Announces Participation in the January Atlanta Gift Show & February NYIGF

ChappyWrap has confirmed its participation in the Atlanta Gift Show, running January 11-15, 2008, at AmericasMart and The New York International Gift Fair, running February 2-6, 2008. ChappyWrap will be exhibiting their exciting new collection... more »

December 7, 2007
Season looks bright for smaller shops

Schodack-While many people say they are going to cut back on holiday shopping this year, local independent shop owners say they're doing just fine. "Percent-wise, we're ahead of last year," said Patti Varga, owner of... more »

December 5, 2007
Highway signage gets traffic into gift shop

Hurricane - Among the blue signs pointing travelers to the fast-food restaurants, gas stations, a motel and attractions at the Hurricane exit of Interstate 64 is a colorful and eye-catching sign that has nothing to... more »

December 5, 2007
Boutiques offer unique gift options for the hard-to-shop-for

It's December again, time to begin the annual gift hunt for the in-laws, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. And many retailers or businesses that offer consumer services have gift guides to entice shoppers.Finding the "perfect" gift... more »

December 5, 2007
Gift store opens next to Red Flower Barn

Friends and business partners Patricia Van Pelt and Jacqueline Parent have teamed up to open their first retail enterprise, Trail West Merchants at 350 North Tegner.The 1000-square foot, completely remodeled store features an eclectic assortment... more »