News
Trick or Treat: How much does the average American spend on Halloween?
While our level of involvement may differ, most of us will be taking part in Halloween festivities in some amount. For the youth, enthusiasm for Halloween begins in September when costume ideas start taking shape. Once... more »
Space going fast for Greeting Card Association event
The Greeting Card Association (GCA) announced that after a strong response from GCA members, the application process for Noted: The Greeting Card Expo, is now open to non-members who want to exhibit at this new... more »
A Haitian Journey
Online Exclusive: Last week, we spent some time with Bridgewater Candles and its Light a Candle Feed a Child initiative. The devoted owners and employees work with Rice Bowls to feed children across eight countries and... more »
Toy experts, top brands visit CHITAG 2018
For the first time ever, Santa Claus is coming to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair on November 17 and 18, 2018. The jolly old elf will meet and greet kids of all ages inside... more »
IHA members can donate inventory to aid hurricane victims
Victims of Hurricane Michael also will receive assistance from Good360, the charity the International Housewares Association has partnered with to provide hurricane victims with home goods products as they rebuild their lives and homes. Last... more »
Winter Philadelphia Gift Show offering three shows in one location
The Philadelphia Gift Show will co-locate with the brand new Philadelphia Souvenir & Resort Expo and the Philadelphia National Candy & Gourmet Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center from Friday, Jan. 4 through Monday,... more »
How to stand out from the noise of holiday shopping
Every year, shoppers are bombarded by retailer holiday marketing emails, digital promotions and in-store exclusives. There are more options than ever before when it comes to shopping, either in-store or online. So retailers need to... more »
ToyFest West is coming back for fun and games this March
Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association’s (WTHRA) Board of Directors and ToyFest West’s Slate of Officers have spent the summer planning the 3-day 2019 ToyFest West convention that will be held at the South Point... more »
Take-aways from last year’s healthy holiday season
Last holiday season was a bountiful one for retailers across the board, and this one is anticipated to be even more profitable if common pitfalls are avoided. The weather is finally cooling down, the leaves... more »
Retail sales up in September
Retail sales in September increased 0.4 percent over August on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 3 percent year-over-year unadjusted, according to calculations released today by the National Retail Federation. The numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline... more »
Kite Trade Association International blows into winter Las Vegas Market
Las Vegas Market announced a new partnership with Kite Trade Association International (KTAI) that will bring its annual tradeshow to 2019 Winter Las Vegas Market, running Jan. 27–Jan. 31, 2019. The co-location will bring 20... more »
Look for holiday sales to increase this year
The National Retail Federation announced today that it expects holiday retail sales in November and December — excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants — to increase between 4.3 and 4.8 percent over 2017 for a total of $717.45 billion to $720.89 billion.... more »
