News
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 »
National Retail Federation president and CEO to host media briefing on 2017 holiday forecast
WHAT: Following the release of NRF’s annual holiday forecast on Tuesday, October 3, National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay will host a special media briefing to provide an in-depth analysis of NRF’s holiday forecast and the factors... more »
NRF launches new quarterly report on consumer behavior
The National Retail Federation today launched Consumer View, a new quarterly report designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to stores, online channels, customer loyalty, technology and other issues. “The retail industry is changing... more »
Social media, retail executives among keynote speakers at NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show
Senior executives from two of the internet’s largest social media platforms, the founder of one of the nation’s best-known online political publications and the head of a global food brand will be among the keynote... more »
Wise Olde Owl celebrates third anniversary
For Fremont residents looking for the perfect gift, one downtown store has it all. Whether it is greeting cards, gift towels, baby gifts, jewelry, stuffed animals, candles, hair care products, tea, wine accessories, Husker items,... more »
Primitives by Kathy Appoints New Chief Operating Officer
Primitives by Kathy announces that Eric Pritchard has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, a new position within the fast-growing gift and home décor company. Pritchard joins Kathy Phillips, Chief Executive Officer in leading the growth and market... more »
New product sectors, features draw industry’s top buyers to September ’17 edition of Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
From top concessionaires, museums, and zoos to destination retailers and other specialty stores, buyers from across the nation flocked the Las Vegas Convention Center for the September 13 - 16, 2017 edition of the Las... more »
Chicago Toy & Game Week announces preliminary lineup, 2017 theme
From the larger-than-life game of Build or Boom and the Rummikub National Championship to the Illinois State Yoyo Competition and the opportunity for inventors to develop their craft, expand their networks and pitch industry heavyweights, the 2017 Chicago Toy... more »
