consumer trends

WILLIAMSBURG Announces New Licensing Partnership with Royal Heritage Home

WILLIAMSBURG will kick off a new licensing relationship with Royal Heritage Home, a leading marketer of fine bedding, at the New York Home Fashions Market, March 14-18. Royal Heritage Home will expand the WILLIAMSBURG top-of-the-bed... more »

Warren Store Features Fair Trade Gifts Alongside Valentine Bouquets

It all started 10 years ago with a found wallet. Bridget Tierney, who was living in New York at the time and working as a theater electrician, found the wallet and sent it back to... more »

Woman Hopes Business Better Across The Street

You wouldn't think that a stoplight could influence a critical business decision, but Sharon Clark will tell you it has.Clark is moving her Pepperberries gift shop from the west to the east side of Main... more »

Valentine’s Day and the Economy Rekindle Their Romance

The economy definitely is feeling the love this month as the annual "Hallmark Holiday" descends on consumers.According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, Valentine's Day spending will be up 11 percent from last... more »

Gift Shops Feeling The Love As Valentine’s Day Nears

The love, apparently, is back.Indications are growing that total consumer spending this Valentine's Day is going to be up nearly 7 percent over last year, with merchants divvying up a $15.7 billion heart-shaped financial pie."Having... more »

Retail Sales End 2010 On A Positive Note

Retail sales ended 2010 on a positive note and most retailers continued to perform well in January. Whenever you have turmoil in the economy, as we have for the past few years, change and adaptation... more »

Las Vegas Market Delivered Powerful and Energetic Start to 2011 for Home Furnishings Retailers, Designers and Manufacturers

LAS VEGAS -- The combined forces of Las Vegas Market and Gift+HomeSM, held Jan. 24-28 at World Market Center, exemplified optimism and delivered impactful increases in buyer attendance over a year ago. Moreover, with new... more »

More confident consumers break out credit cards

Washington — Americans are putting more money on their credit cards after more than two years of cutting back, a sign that they are gaining confidence in the economy.The first increase in credit-card debt since... more »