news

IHA releases letter to the industry

The International Housewares Association (IHA), located in Rosemont, Illinois, released a letter to the industry, which discusses the hard-hit home and housewares industry and changes in consumer behavior that should be taken into consideration as... more »

Retailers welcome Federal Reserve expansion of Main Street Lending Program

The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed the Federal Reserve’s decision to allow larger midsize businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic to participate in its $600 billion Main Street Lending Program, a move that was proposed... more »

Mail helps Americans feel connected during pandemic

Now more than ever, consumers rely on cards and mail to keep in touch with family and friends and to overcome feelings of isolation, according to a recent survey conducted by the US Postal Service.... more »

Allport Editions launches fundraiser to support local museums

Allport Editions, a local greeting card and tea towel publisher, is launching a Tea Towel fundraiser to support local museums. Each cotton tea towel is custom-made in collaboration with the participating museums, and proceeds from... more »

OneCoast partners with Caren Products

OneCoast, a nationwide sales and marketing services company, has announced a long-term partnership with Caren effective May 12, 2020. Caren offers luxurious products for beauty, personal care and home keeping. The nature inspired formulations of... more »

U.S. toy industry experiences +7.6% growth in the first quarter of 2020

The U.S. toy industry saw dollar sales increase by $256 million to $3.6 billion in the first quarter from January 2020 through March 2020, a 7.6% increase over the same time period last year*. While... more »

Gift Shop provides webinar and retail panel discussion sponsored by Mud Pie

Join Julie McCallum, Gift Shop's editor-in-chief, for an insightful webinar and retailer panel discussion offering tips for a successful and comfortable customer experience as you get ready for reopening. The webinar will be held on... more »

Crane Stationery remains an operational business

In correction to a news article published elsewhere, Crane Stationery is not going out of business. The company has sustained a shutdown since March 18, creating challenges that necessitated significant adjustments to its business operations.  ... more »