News
Retail sales jump in May 2024 after April slowdown
Retail sales jumped significantly in May, showing strong increases both month over month and year over year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). “Consumers have clearly retained their ability to spend and are driving... more »
Las Vegas Market unveils programming for summer 2024
Las Vegas Market announces a full slate of programming designed to round out summer sourcing with live seminars, including five CEU-eligible courses, community-focused parties and elevated amenities at the July 28–Aug. 1 market at World... more »
Papersalt, Broken Top Brands launch candle collection
With summer shows around the corner, Papersalt will debut the latest addition to its growing brand of gifts, books and stationery items — a clean, cocktail-scented candle collection, inspired by their retro Pop Life! line.... more »
OneCoast partners with new brand Questionables
OneCoast, an omnichannel wholesale sales and marketing company, established a partnership with Questionables. This partnership marks a strategic expansion for OneCoast, aiming to further enhance... more »
Aurora World acquires Mary Meyer
Aurora World, a global brand in gift plush and plush toys, acquired Mary Meyer, an established, branded plush toy company specializing in baby, general and seasonal plush products. This strategic move not only aims to... more »
Abbott celebrates 75 years
Abbott, a wholesaler in the home décor and giftware industry, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. From its beginnings, this family-run business has grown to become a trusted supplier for retailers across Canada and the U.S.... more »
She Said It collaborates with The Blue Angels
She Said It, a mother-daughter owned stationery company based in Milwaukee, launched a new product collaboration with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. She Said It stationery products, including greeting cards, stickers,... more »
Casual Market Atlanta adds 100+ temporary exhibitors
Casual and outdoor furnishings brands will have more than 100 temporary exhibitors confirmed for the second annual Summer Casual Market Atlanta, running July 15-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta. "Casual Market’s temporary exhibits showcase a dynamic collection... more »
Astra names 2024 Play Award winners
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (Astra), named the winners of its Astra Play Awards at its annual Marketplace & Academy event in St. Louis. The program has independent and neighborhood specialty toy retailers vote... more »
NRF: Consumers still ‘willing to spend’ as growth slows
Shoppers are still willing to buy even as smaller job and wage gains and high interest rates are slowing the growth of consumer spending, reported Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist of the National Retail Federation (NRF).... more »
NRF responds to Warehouse Worker Protection Act
The National Retail Federation (NRF) issued the following statement from executive vice president of government relations David French after members of Congress announced plans to introduce the “Warehouse Worker Protection Act.” “Data from the Occupational... more »
Postal regulators approve July stamp hike — with warnings
Keep US Posted, a nonprofit advocacy group of consumers, nonprofits, newspapers, greeting card publishers, magazines, catalogs and small businesses, commends The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for questioning DeJoy’s twice-annual mailing rate hikes, but is disappointed... more »
