people news

Gift Shop Plus’ Carly McFadden awarded Editorial Director of the Year

Gift Shop® Plus, part of Great American Media Services (GAMS), is proud to announce that editorial director Carly McFadden has been named Editorial Director of the Year at the prestigious 2025 FOLIO: Eddie & Ozzie... more »

Aurora World unveils key promotions across company

Aurora World — a company specializing in plush toys, high-quality gift products and brands such as Palm Pals and Miyoni — has promoted Michael Kessler to executive vice president. Kessler began his career in 1984... more »

Russ Ward, partyware and stationery innovator, dies

Russ Ward (1924-2025), an innovator in the field of party goods and stationery, has died. Based on his wife's retail store, the first non-Hallmark store in Fairfield County, Connecticut, he founded the trade magazine Party... more »

Transpac Brands expands leadership roles

Transpac Brands made changes to a number of leadership positions at the company. Tara Dikos, executive vice president, will expand her leadership role to oversee product development. In this... more »

Accent Decor adds 2 members to leadership team

Accent Decor, a provider of decorative accessories and home décor, appointed two new leaders to its organization. Jason Neal joins as vice president of sales and Melissa Burke assumes... more »

Melrose International appoints new president

Melrose International promoted of Karl Venvertloh to president, effective June 26. This marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and evolution of Melrose International, according to the company. ... more »

Primitives by Kathy names national independent sales manager

Primitives by Kathy, a wholesaler and manufacturer with more than 25 years of experience in the gift and home décor industry, named Sydney Woern as its new national independent sales manager. According to the company,... more »