News
September retail sales up after hurricanes increase demand for building supplies
Retail sales in September increased 0.5 percent over August on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 3.2 percent year-over-year unadjusted, according to calculations released today by the National Retail Federation. The numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline... more »
L’OCCITANE launches limited edition Shea Butter Trios for Fall 2017 in collaboration with Rifle Paper Co.
L’OCCITANE introduces two Shea Butter Trio Sets in collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. and their creative director and celebrated illustrator Anna Bond. Through the whimsical world of color and art of Rifle Paper Co., L’OCCITANE... more »
Focus On: Bath & Body
K. Hall Designs’ Triple Milled Bar Soap in Water Lily... more »
New Artisan Alley to debut at winter 2018 Philadelphia, Seattle Gift Shows
In an effort to connect even more artisans with retailers seeking one-of-a-kind designs and other unique finds at its regional gift shows, Urban Expositions will launch Artisan Alley at the Winter 2018 Philadelphia Gift Show (January 5-8) and... more »
Mohawk and The Opalka Gallery announce a fall exhibition: Paper is Part of the Picture: Strathmore Paper and the Evolution of American Graphic Design
Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty materials for commercial and digital printing announce the opening of Paper is Part of the Picture: Strathmore Paper and the Evolution of American Graphic... more »
The world gathers in Atlanta for AmericasMart January 2018 Market
When the global buying community convenes at AmericasMart Atlanta beginning January 9, The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market sets the 2018 wholesale trading year in motion with the world’s single-largest product mix fueling business growth in the... more »
Chicago Toy & Game Group now accepting submissions for 11th annual Young Inventor Challenge at ChiTAG 2017
Last Year’s Winner, Ship of Treasures, Soon to be Available at Target Video Entry and Remote Participation Available in 2017 Registration is now open for the 11th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) through October 28, 2017. Held annually as... more »
NRF forecasts holiday sales to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent
The National Retail Federation announced today that it expects holiday retail sales in November and December — excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants — to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent for a total of $678.75 billion to $682 billion, up from $655.8 billion... more »
Ace Hardware acquires majority stake in e-commerce startup The Grommet
Ace Hardware Corporation and The Grommet, today announced that Ace Hardware has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in e-commerce startup, The Grommet. The Grommet operates an e-commerce website that markets and sells new and... more »
LA Mart announces return of temporary exhibits during markets
LA Mart, the West Coast’s largest gift & home wholesale buying resource announced that they will once again produce 2nd floor temporary exhibits that will debut during the 2018 Winter Market, January 18 -22, 2018.... more »
SBA rolls out new lender match tool to connect small businesses with lenders
Administrator Linda McMahon, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, today announced the launch of Lender Match, the SBA’s online referral tool connecting small business borrowers with participating SBA lenders. Lender Match is an upgrade to... more »
Heartstrings closes its doors
"The decision to close an operation is always a very difficult and emotional one. There is no good time to implement such a decision. Our retailers and our employees remain a priority even at the time of this closure.... more »
