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NRF says stopping the virus remains key to restoring sound economy

In the April issue of the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Monthly Economic Review, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz says the coronavirus pandemic “has triggered shocks” – but that the underlying economy is sound. “How quickly... more »

Dallas Market Center cancels June Lightovation show

Dallas Market Center, a residential lighting marketplace in North America and host of the twice annual global trade event Lightovation, has canceled the June 24-27 edition of the show amid continuing coronavirus concerns. The show draws exhibitors representing top brands, retail buyers and other lighting professionals from around the world to... more »

ASTRA cancels Marketplace & Academy 2020

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) canceled its annual Marketplace & Academy, scheduled for June 7-10, 2020 in Orlando, Florida, has been canceled due to COVID-19. “ASTRA’s leadership and staff care deeply about our... more »

Peking Handicraft offers free drop-ship program to assist retailers

Peking Handicraft, a global manufacturer specializing in home textiles, decorative accessories and gift items, offers a free drop-ship program to assist retailers in this new selling climate. In an email, Peking Handicraft noted: "Our warehouse... more »

FedEx honors Willow & Birch Apothecary as finalist in small business grant contest

Willow & Birch Apothecary, the Victorian-inspired beauty brand in Bloomville, NewYork, is a finalist for the FedEx Small Business Grant. Among a field of thousands of contestants from across the country, the Catskills-based business was... more »

Pet Krewe switches production to make masks and other PPE products

Pet Krewe, a maker of pet costumes and toys, has shifted its factories from making costumes to creating masks and other PPE products to help pandemic efforts. In the past two weeks alone, Pet Krewe... more »

Christmasworld receives positive signal with over 670 registrations

Despite coronavirus and the emergency situation world-wide, more than 670 exhibitors have decided to attend Christmasworld in Frankfurt am Main from  Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2021. This means that 90% of the exhibition space is... more »

Gift Shop offers a way for retailers to connect with one another

As retailers across the nation are being forced to close, we are seeing incredible determination and creativity from small business owners trying to quickly adapt to the changing times. Gift Shop's "Show Us Your Shop"... more »