consumer trends

March retail sales are up

Retail sales were up 1 percent in March seasonally adjusted from February and up 0.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “March’s numbers... more »

Las Vegas Market partners with American Institute of Floral Designers

Las Vegas Market is partnering with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) to host a one-day event that connects market vendors with buyers and designers in the floral industry. The event will take place... more »

Trend expert shares latest lifestyle trends at 2019 International Home + Housewares Show

"People aren't buying objects, they're buying experiences," said consumer trend expert Tom Mirabile. We’re now in a consumer-centric period of retail where the consumer is in control, said Tom Mirabile, trend expert for the International... more »

AmericasMart’s Spring Market shines with gift, holiday and floral must-haves

{Sponsored} The Spring Market at AmericasMart is right around the corner, and we’ve got the scoop on what buyers can expect to find! Hot categories for Spring Market are Floral, Holiday and Gift; retailers are seeking... more »

Back to Basics: Why young customers love physical stores

In the coming years, the combined population of the millennial and Generation Z demographics — essentially people 40 and under — will make up more than half of the United States. In 2019, Gift Shop will present... more »

Young adults most likely to spend more this holiday season

Holiday shopping is in full swing and consumers still have a lot more spending to do as they check off every item on their holiday wish list, according to a new consumer sentiment survey released today... more »

A Customer Service Gem for You

At Zingerman’s we’re big fans of clear expectation and simple, teachable and trackable tools. We find that they are invaluable no matter who we share them with — tenured employees, newbies, skeptics, enthusiasts, introverts, extroverts.... 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 »