consumer trends

NRF says economy experiences ongoing expansion despite uncertainty

The Federal Reserve faces “a tricky job” in addressing inflation but continuing growth in employment, wages and consumer spending make it unlikely the effort will backfire into a major setback for the economy, Jack Kleinhenz,... more »

NRF expects consumers to spend $20 billion on Father’s Day gifts 

Consumer spending this Father’s Day is expected to total $20 billion, nearly on par with last year’s record-setting figure of $20.1 billion, according to the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF)... more »

Retail sales grow in April

Consumers accustomed to inflation continued to spend in April as retail sales overcame higher prices to show both monthly and year-over-year increases, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said. “April retail sales demonstrate consumer strength and... more »

2022 Color of the Year

In the gift and stationery industry, color and design go hand in hand. Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has declared a particular color "Color of the Year." The company is known for its proprietary... more »

A Nice Ring to It

Of all types of jewelry, the ring contains perhaps the most personal meaning for the wearer. Since the dawn of humankind, finger rings have been symbols of love, religion, status and affiliation. Today they are... more »

Spontaneous Inclinations

Retail basics seem to work best when it comes to impulse-gift options — it’s about the item, its location and its price. Shoppers gravitate towards products that “speak” to them or provide a gift-giving solution,... more »

The Need for Immediate Sales

Gift Shop® Plus connected with Landon Metts, sales manager — gift division for Creative Brands, to learn more about the importance of retailers offering impulse buys and strategy behind this type of merchandise. In this... more »

Q&A with Emily Teters

Gift Shop® Plus connected with Emily Teters, museum store manager for Dayton History to learn more about the importance of impulse buys and works best with this type of merchandise. In this Q&A Teters shared... more »