Dallas means business this summer with the FIRST MARKET of the season.
It’s the EASY market for travel and working every hallway and aisle. Plus, Dallas was voted the SAFEST CITY in the U.S. and has plenty of AFFORDABLE hotels.
That is why visiting Dallas this June means INSPIRATION around every corner—including NEW SHOWROOMS and inspiring TEMPS with new and unique products in five must-see neighborhoods!
DALLAS TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET
Showrooms JUNE 19 - 25 | TEMPS JUNE 19 - 22
dallasmarketcenter.com | @dallasmarket SCAN TO PRE-REGISTER
From rising costs and inflation to staffing shortages, the challenges facing retailers in 2023 were similar to that of 2022, and yet our survey respondents continue to thrive. Here's the data scoop.
Sustainable processes and responsibly sourced materials have become the new standard for stationery. Here's how the paper industry is protecting Mother Earth and consumers' futures.
From surprising sheer accents to mixed metals, here are the top fall and winter fashions that are hot off the runway. Plan to source a few of these trends at the summer shows.
Back-to-school season is about to be in full swing. Consider these products as you stock for students and teachers that are readying themselves for another year of learning.
Small items near the register, like these gourmet goodies and clever giftables, encourage impulse purchases, which can add up to big sales numbers. Spruce up your cash wrap with these finds.
On the Cover: Butterfly Noir Notebook in Lemon and Romance Dress Greeting Card by Petal & Pins. (Original product photography by Sandra Alcorn.) petalandpins.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Lenise Willis 336.605.3817 | lwillis@giftsanddec.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Pamela Brill, Linda Cahan, Michael Mathias, Warren Shoulberg
RESEARCH EDITOR Joanne Friedrick
SENIOR GROUP PUBLISHER, EVP CREATIVE SERVICES Liz Irwin
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES Donna Bischoff | dbischoff@furnituretoday.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, MIDWEST AND CANADA Garry P. Grenier | 224.558.9996 | ggrenier@giftsanddec.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, WEST COAST AND EAST COAST Betsy Malito | 925.998.6706 | bmalito@giftsanddec.com HONG KONG, INDONESIA, KOREA, MALAYASIA Quentin Chan | 852.2366.1106 PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THAILAND fax 852.2366.1107 | quentinchan@leadingm.com INDIA Kaushal Shah | +91 22 2305 9305 | kaushal@kaushals.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bill McLoughlin
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST John Reno | jreno@bridgetowermedia.com
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Ariel Perez
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS Chris Schultz
DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS Dan Sage
DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Randy Melton
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CREATIVE SERVICES Melanie Bingham
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER John Coughlan
Rounded Metal Wall Plaque
Wood Wall Décor
Magneঞc Metal Calendar
Embossed Street Sign
Project Your Voice
If there’s one thing I know as the editor in chief of a national trade publication, it’s that your voice matters and projecting that voice can have quite a few benefits.
We talk a lot about how store brands can gain followers by tapping into local influencers, but what about how stores or store owners can become influencers themselves? Retailers are local experts — and their voices can be much more powerful than you might think.
By reaching out to your local news outlets and organizations, you can become a local influencer for your community and a go-to resource for gift-gifting ideas, smallbusiness initiatives or needs, green business practices and much more.
Write a letter to the editor or volunteer to write an opinion piece for a local paper, especially around the holidays when readers will be looking for gift-centered content. Volunteer to write a blog about top-selling fragrances during World Candle Month or share your experience with eco-friendly manufacturers ahead of Earth Day. News outlets are always starved for content. Even if they don’t like your content idea, reaching out to them will put you on their outreach list. The next time they need a quote from a local retailer, they’ll come knocking on your door.
Don’t forget to spread the word about your accomplishments, too. If you win an award or receive recognition, reach out to your local newspaper or radio station to let them know; news outlets love telling local business' stories and it will add even more credibility to your endeavors.
By participating in webinars, market panels and gift-industry organizations, you could make a voice for yourself in your business community, too. Either way, having a voice matters and can help you in the long run. Several retailers and fellow GDA readers have already created a name for themselves by participating in panel discussions at market, webinars or magazine surveys — such as our Gifted Retailer Survey in this issue. Or they get involved with gift-industry organizations like Gift for Life and Heart on Main Street and other community events. Even better, some retailers have authored books about retail and volunteered to write a column for our website. All of these are good avenues to becoming an influential voice and gaining recognition.
“Change only comes about when we voice the need for it.”
Doing so helps you shape your community to your benefit. Consider those retailers that participate in panel discussions and focus groups. They’re able to express their concerns and even communicate their needs to key vendors more effectively. Tell manufacturers your needs — retailers’ needs — as a voice in the industry and you’re more likely to solve the problem or reach a compromise than if you simply wished for it silently.
Change only comes about when we voice the need for it.
Whether you’re looking to remind local customers of your presence or wanting a more influential voice in the gift industry, participating in a meaningful way can increase your impact. Look for ways to participate. Or, at the very least, say “yes” to opportunities. Answer the call to fill out a survey or vote on the best manufacturer for the Retailer Excellence Awards. It’s all about participation — and the benefits are far greater than some consolation ribbon from elementary school.
Lenise
Willis
Editor in Chief
NRF Says Economy Remains ‘Sturdy’ Despite Forecast for 'Slower Growth'
Despite expectations for slower growth of both gross domestic product and retail sales, Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist for the National Retail Federation (NRF), said that the economy should continue to do well the remainder of this year.
“No one can accurately forecast what surprises the next year might hold, but the foundation of the economy is relatively sturdy and still on a sustainable path,” explained Kleinhenz, adding that the continuing recovery remains “highly reliant” on consumer spending. “Barring unexpected shocks, it should continue growing in 2024, although not spectacularly.”
Kleinhenz’s comments came in the April issue of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, which noted that the NRF forecast last month that 2024 retail sales will grow between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent in 2024. While that marks a slowdown from the “unusually rapid growth seen since the pandemic,” per the NRF, the projection is in line with the 10-year pre-pandemic average of 3.6 percent. Overall economic growth is expected to be modest, but consumer spending should hold up as inflation slows gradually and job growth remains positive even as unemployment rises.
“No one could have imagined when the COVID-19 recession ended in April 2020 that we would have experienced such a resilient expansion that is now headed toward its fifth year,” added Kleinhenz.
Adjusted for inflation, GDP is expected to grow about 2.3 percent year-over-year, slower than last year’s 2.5 percent but still strong enough to sustain job growth that drives consumer spending. Consumer spending is expected to be up about 2 percent, which compares with 2.3 percent last year.
“Consumers’ behavior and spending power are tied to their financial health, and the consumer sector looks good at the
moment,” explained Kleinhenz.
While wage growth should ease toward 3.5 percent by the end of the year and employers should create about 100,000 fewer new jobs each month, disposable personal income was up 4.1 percent year-over-year in February. Rising home and stock prices outpaced inflation in 2023, helping boost household wealth by 8 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter and stimulating consumer spending via the “wealth effect,” which should carry over into 2024. While many consumers are feeling a pinch from tighter credit and inflation, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported in February that more consumers said it was easier to access credit than a year ago, and the University of Michigan said consumer confidence reached its highest level since July 2021.
Nonetheless, NRF is watching payroll and income data “very closely” since the slower job and wage gains are key factors behind the slower growth expectations for GDP and spending.
Meanwhile, a combination of moderating wage growth, supply chain healing, slightly weaker consumer demand and higher interest rates have helped bring down inflation meaningfully. While there was a slight reacceleration in prices at the start of 2024, Kleinhenz expects inflation to steadily move down and be at 2.2 percent year-over-year by the end of the year.
Interest rates could also be on their way down. Citing remarks by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell last month that the economy has made “considerable progress” and that inflation “has eased substantially,” Kleinhenz expects the Fed to hold rates steady until June, when it will likely cut rates a quarter of a percentage point. Subsequent cuts in September and December could bring the total reduction to three-quarters of a percentage point.
Dallas Temps Heating up with Expanded Selection, New Location
The Temps in Dallas are on a roll. The Dallas Total Home & Gift Market taking place in June is trending to be the largest summer edition of temps at the show in a decade, according to show owner Dallas Market Center.
The June show will include design resources together in a new location on the 11th floor, an expanded gift selection on the 12th floor, the addition of tabletop to Trade Mart 1 Pavilion, more fashion accessories on WTC 13, and the return of Go Texan together with Immediate Goods in Market Hall.
“We are anticipating the largest selection of exhibitors in 10 years and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “These very early figures make it clear that Dallas is in high demand by brands who want exposure in the markets buyers are attending.”
A DMC survey found that more than 87 percent of buyers who come to market shop The Temps.
New and expanded neighborhoods in The Temps include the following:
• High Style Dallas, High Style Boutique, and Home & Fine Linens have a new home on the 11th This is the spot for gifts and décor including home accents, artwork, decorative soft-goods, tabletop, gifts, accessories, children’s items, paper products, and more.
• Trade Mart 1 Pavilion will have a juried selection of products from all categories of merchandise. Featured
exhibitors include Albert Punkt, Oh My Mahjong, B's Knees Fragrance, and Tart by Taylor and will be joined by dozens of other companies.
• World Trade Center 12 is the largest collection of new exhibitors and trending products across a wide range of categories. Home exhibitors include Allie and Eddy Designs, Vittoria Collection, and Red Bird's House. Season/ Outdoor will feature K & K Tabletops, Lazarus Design Studio - Songbird Grove Collection, and New World Arts. The In-Demand neighborhood will feature Saturday Silks, Home Malone, Fabuplates, and Kanga Coolers.
The show takes place June 19-22. More information can be found online at dallasmarketcenter.com.
MarketTime Appoints Industry Vet as New CEO
Wholesale B2B commerce software company MarketTime has a new CEO, longtime industry veteran Christine Lee.
"We're thrilled to have Chris take on this leadership role at MarketTime," said Jacob Teplin, chief operating officer of MarketTime. "Her proven track record of success, combined with her strategic vision, positions MarketTime for continued growth and leadership in the wholesale commerce software space."
To her new role, Lee brings a “wealth of experience in the software and payments industries,” per a release, having worked with a number of organizations over the course of her career to cultivate “growth and innovation.”
"I'm honored to lead MarketTime into its next chapter of growth and market expansion," said Lee. "I love talking about technology and how software products can help grow businesses. As the leader of MarketTime, I am focused on
continually improving customer experiences, operational excellence, and business growth. The MarketTime team's dedication to innovation and customer success is inspiring. I'm excited to work with this talented team and build upon MarketTime's impressive track record."
Before joining MarketTime, Lee served in leadership positions at other prominent companies including BillingTree, Moneris, WorldPay and Bank of America. In her new role, Lee will oversee all aspects of the MarketTime business, with a focus on delivering on the company's vision to “be the technology platform of choice for the most innovative B2B sales teams.”
MarketTime and its B2B technology currently facilitate more than $5 billion in orders annually for more than 300,000 retailers, with 350 sales agencies, 7,000 sales representatives and 6,500 brands making use of the platform.
Atlanta Market Updates Categories Ahead of Summer Edition
Atlanta Market’s Summer 2024 edition is preparing to bring new opportunities to buyers and exhibitors as it introduces major changes across its top categories — including reorganized gift and home temporary exhibits — in an effort to streamline shopping for buyers.
The summer edition of Atlanta Market is slated to run July 16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta and there is plenty of buzz already generating with the recent changes being announced.
“Andmore’s commitment to delivering efficient, effective and compelling markets thrives this summer with updated categories and curated sourcing across campus,” said Andmore CEO Bob Maricich.
“From retailers searching for new product and best-selling resources to augment their merchandise mix to designers looking for the perfect match for their projects, Atlanta Market offers the industry more opportunity and more connections this July.”
In its efforts to streamline the buying process across all categories, Atlanta Market will launch its newly consolidated
gift and home temporaries this summer. The seven categories — High Design, Home, Kitchen + Table, Cash & Carry, Makers Hub, Gift and Fashion Accessories neighborhoods — will be home to some 1,400 temporary exhibitors across eight floors in Buildings 2 and 3, all better placed for cross categorization and optimal viewing by interested buyers.
In addition to the change in temps, The Gardens has been remerchandised to create a one-floor sourcing destination on Floor 9 of Building 2 for all things garden gift. Casual Market Atlanta will also be running concurrently with Atlanta Market, offering seven floors of permanent and temporary exhibitors across the casual and outdoor categories.
During the market, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a robust schedule of programming including tours, demos, seminars and more. Atlanta Market will also continue its influencer program, The (A) List, to offer an inside look into design and retail trends through the eyes of top-tier designers.
Registration for the upcoming Summer 2024 Atlanta Market is now open online.
Following its record breaking 2023 ToyFest event, ToyFest has finished up its 11th tradeshow in Las Vegas, and event organizers are already setting dates and making big plans for 2025.
Toy and gift stores from across the U.S. attended the March 2-5 show, including stores from 48 states and 24 international countries.
“What a week! ToyFest 2024 was filled with buyers from all over the country,” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest’s president. “The show had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all ToyFest had to offer. Resorts World was once again a lovely host hotel. I can’t wait for 2025 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.”
Highlights from the show included the Morning Masterpieces Kit Session, which gave buyers the opportunity to see and learn in a hands-on fashion about new and creative kits and crafts on the market. Two seminars — one focused on sales, trends and the future of indie toy stores with Rick Derr and the other on using toys as tools for kids with Colleen Clifford — offered practical knowledge for members of the industry.
The ToyFest Gala was held at Resorts World during the market. Lepire and Bill St. John kicked off the awards portion of the gala with an introduction of the volunteer Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) board of directors and ToyFest officers. Industry peers who passed away in 2023 were recognized with a moment of silence and then honorees were inducted into the Western Toy & Hobby Hall of Fame.
This year’s inductees included: Jan and Ken Hatch, The Erin Griffin Group; Tad Kato, Wildthings Sales & Marketing; Sandy Lepire & Andrea Peterson, Sunshine Sales; Bruce Reynolds, Toyology; The Dinosaur Farm in South Pasadena, Calif.
Looking forward to next year’s event — set for Feb. 19-21 at World Market Center Las Vegas — organizers are excited for new show improvements and events, set to be announced at a later date.
“We are set for 2025, and we improved on all aspects of our 2023 show,” said St. John. “Retailers, vendors and reps gave ToyFest and the Gala rave reviews. After 62 years, we continue to get it right.”
Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft’s founder Cassie Osterloth uses the phrase “a lot of moving parts” often when describing her St. Petersburg, Fla.-based business. The team prides themselves on juggling multiple tasks. “Every day is different.”
SEE MORE PAGE 20
“ “Having a diverse team in both skills and perspectives is so helpful to running a successful small business.”
Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft
by Adelaide Elliott
Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft’s founder and lead designer Cassie Osterloth uses the phrase “a lot of moving parts” often when describing her work and St. Petersburg, Fla.-based business.
Part gift store and part retail and event florist, Osterloth and her team pride themselves on juggling multiple tasks. From dealing with the variables involved with working with perishable flowers to hosting classes, stocking a store, and setting up and breaking down floral installations and more for events, no day is ever the same in the shop, according to Osterloth.
“Every day is different. What I can create, the flowers I design with, the weddings and events I design, it is a constantly evolving craft,” she said.
Osterloth’s store began as a combination gift store and floral studio, though the store’s gift offerings and floor have grown and changed considerably.
“Over the last 11 years, it has certainly evolved,” explained Osterloth. “We have increased our gift selection, built custom displays, and enhanced our window display that faces a busy street and extends 50 feet. Right now, we have a spring Alice in Wonderland theme complete with mushrooms that are lighted and change colors.”
Today, on the gift side, the store carries personal care spa products, multiple candle lines, greeting cards, stationery, plush, holiday giftware and accessories, gourmet items, plant care products, vases, plant accessories and more.
“The main challenge is getting customers in the door that are looking for a gift that is not floral and being sure potential customers know we have a wide range of gifts to choose from that are not flowers or a plant,” Osterloth said of the assortment. “There is also a balance to be made between the space utilized for our giftware and the needs of floral design production.”
Osterloth’s daughter, Jessica Silva-Culbreath, also works at Wonderland and is responsible for several of the store’s window displays from the last few years — including an “Elf” themed Christmas display and a “Little Shop of Horrors” window for Halloween last year that was complete with a mannequin-eating Audrey ll.
Family makes up the bulk of the team behind Wonderland. In addition to her sister Melissa "Missy" Barnes, Osterloth's husband, Tom; her sonin-law, Mitchell; soon-to-be daughter-in-law Claire; her son, Reid; and her nephew Sebastian all help in different ways.
“I really like working with my family,” said Osterloth. “There are three of us in our 50s, three in their 30s and one in their 20s. Having a diverse team in both skills and perspectives is so helpful to running a successful small business.”
Osterloth also teaches and hosts floral arrangement making classes, offering multiple themed events a month and even special kids’ class offerings when the team’s schedule allows.
“I love to teach,” added Osterloth. “This store and hosting these workshops has allowed me to combine my love of flowers and my knowledge from the last 35 years of being a florist and share it.”
Today’s Gift Retailer
Another year, similar challenges
The economy, especially the impact of inflation on both retailers’ costs and consumers’ willingness to buy, remained top-of-mind for gift retailers who participated in Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Today’s Gift Retailer survey. Inflation’s toll on retailers was the No. 1 challenge in 2023, according to about 66 percent of respondents, while the hardship it caused for customers was noted by about 59 percent. Staffing shortages (37 percent) remained an issue as well as did competition (39 percent) and, to a lesser extent, supply chain issues (24 percent) and excess inventory (22 percent).
Offering some specific examples of the issues faced last year, retailers noted the challenge of “turning lookers into shoppers” and overcoming “customers’ mediocre attitudes toward brick-and-mortar shops.”
Despite the ongoing economic concerns, half of the respondents said sales were up in 2022 compared to 2021, while about one-quarter experienced a downturn in year-over-year sales. Among those noting a decline, the percentage ranged from a low of 3 percent to a high of 25 percent.
Looking ahead to how this year will shape up, 52 percent projected sales growth and 12 percent are expecting a decline between 7 percent and 20 percent. The rate of decline is more than twice as high as was projected for 2023, when just 5 percent of respondents expected a decrease in sales.
Happy at home
Home, holiday, fashion and candles are the leading categories that retailers stocked in 2023, with 95 percent opting to carry home décor items, up from 88 percent who offered such products in 2022. Holiday was close behind, sold by 93 percent of the retail respondents.
Fashion products, which include accessories and jewelry, were stocked by 88 percent of those surveyed and, at 41 percent, was the top sector cited for planned additions or expansion this year. Home décor was also high on the growth list, with one-third saying they want to bring in more products. Candles and related accessories and home fragrance tied with fashion as the third most-popular item to stock and was slated for in-store expansion by about a third of retailers.
The best-selling price point, however, was held again by wall art at $105 — up from 2022’s average of $79. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and locally sourced products were also high on the average price list at $91, $70 and $63, respectively. About two-thirds of retailers said they stock handcrafted pieces, while about half (48 percent) offered eco-friendly/sustainable items and 57 percent made locally sourced products part of their mix.
Although collectibles garnered an average price of $57, putting it fifth on the list of best-selling price points, just half of retailers stocked these items and only 2 percent had plans to expand or add this category. CBD-themed products were another category that few retailers offered (7 percent) and even fewer (5 percent) considered a growth opportunity.
Nine out of 10 retailers said they carried Made in America products and 71 percent had plans to expand this category.
The source of in-store merchandise came fairly evenly from several channels. Sales reps, with the biggest share, accounted for 28 percent of products, while shopping at markets produced an additional 23 percent, and third-party platforms were just a percentage point behind at 22 percent. Vendors’ wholesale websites accounted for another 20 percent.
Stationery/greeting
Baby/infant products
Handcrafted products
Gourmet food
Inspirational products
Garden products
Locally sourced Ceramics/pottery
Religious/faith based Collectibles Kids' products
Eco-friendly/sustainably sourced
Licensed products
Cause related
products
Best-selling Price Points on average
Top-growing Product Categories
Fashion products/accessories/jewelry
Home décor/home accents
Candles and accessories/home fragrance
Bath and body/aromatherapy
Baby/infant products
Locally sourced
Handcrafted products
Gourmet food
Ceramics/pottery
Wall art
Eco-friendly/sustainably sourced
Tabletop
Home textiles
Gift baskets or product bundles
Holiday products
Kids' products
Stationery/greeting cards
Religious/faith based
Garden products
Pet products Toys
Inspirational products
Private label/custom for store
Gourmet tools
Snarky/punny products
Licensed products
CBD-themed
Cause related
Collectibles
Bath and body
Candles and Accessories
%
Jar
Flameless/LED candles
Loose (votives/pillars/tapers)
Holders/vessels
Warmers/melts
Air
Natural/eco-friendly candles
Painted/sculpted/designer
Fashion Products and Accessories
Holiday/event Products
Gourmet foods
Gourmet tools
Home décor
Decorative
Wall
Decorative
Tabletop/serveware Photo
Blankets/throws
Permanent/faux
Stationery Products
Greeting
Calendars/planners
Coloring/activity
Writing
Stickers/buttons/patches
Desk/home offfice
Garden Products
Courting customers
Retailers continued to rely on product discounts as a way to lure customers into stores in 2023 with nearly three-quarters offering deals to close the sale. Other popular enhancements to the customer experience included free gift wrap (62 percent), extended hours (55 percent) and curbside pickup or buy online/pickup in-store services (48 percent). Just 2 percent of respondents said they didn’t offer some form of added service, with one respondent calling such perks “a thing of the past.”
However, the vast majority still see a benefit to offering extra customer experiences, especially as they seek to set themselves apart from online retailers, chain retailers and discounters.
“We need to offer an experience that can only be had here,” explained one respondent. Another retailer said with the rise of online shopping, “the friendly face, the live interaction, the personalized touches … [are] even more important to the brickand-mortar store.”
Such interactions, said a retailer, “build community and trust with our customers” while another sees extra efforts as showing customers “how much I value their business.” Put simply, “it builds loyalty,” wrote a respondent.
Retailers continue to step up their social game with 88 percent using Facebook and 76 percent posting on Instagram. Other channels were far less popular among gift retailers: Pinterest (29 percent), YouTube (19 percent) and X and LinkedIn (17 percent). One-tenth of respondents said they don’t use social media at all,
although that is down from 14 percent a year earlier.
The ways in which gift retailers use social to connect with customers is dominated by the posting of videos, reels and stories (60 percent) and through responding to comments and direct messages (60 percent). However, more than half (52 percent) sold via social platforms as well.
At 63 percent each, social media and trend forecasting led the list of topics that retailers said they wanted to learn about. Other topics of interest included customer loyalty programs (46 percent), website development and management (44 percent) and visual merchandising (41 percent). Among the 48 percent who attended a training class, seminar or workshop in 2023 on various subjects, 90 percent learned about social media, while 60 percent explored how to grow their e-commerce business.
When asked about what POS systems they are using, no one system emerged as a clear choice; rather, retailers used a variety of systems and extolled the benefits of them such as simplicity and ease of use, but also their functionality for report generation, integration with Shopify for online sales, inventory management, history of customer purchases and tax tracking.
And for those without a POS system, “inventory management” means remembering all that information. “It’s all in my head and obviously that needs to change,” said one retailer. “Our store has been open 14 years so it is daunting thinking of all the inventory we’ll have to enter.”
Top ways retailers are enhancing their customer experience
Where Retailers Source Their Products
Retailers tell us why it's important to offer extra customer experiences
"Our customers could shop anywhere; even from their home while in pajamas with a cup of cocoa. We need to offer an experience that can only be had here."
Biggest
"If you treat them with gift bags and fix their package with it ready to go, they know that they can always shop on the way to a gift-giving event and get a package ready to give."
"I want my store to be a place that they remember and want to come back to."
"Anything that we do that is 'extra' or 'special' just sets us apart from other retailers. Every customer has many choices on where to spend their money and we want to be at the top of their list."
"Since online shopping is more common, the oneon-one customer service is even more important to a brick-and-mortar store. The friendly face, the live interaction, the personalized touches will be the driving factor in getting customers into the store and away from online."
"Without customers you have no business, so you better take care of the customers."
"Customer experiences show my customers how much I value their business."
ATLANTA MARKET
Showrooms: July 16–22, 2024
Temporaries:
LAS VEGAS MARKET
Showrooms: July 28 – August 1,
Temporaries:
Carried Made in America Products in 2023
2023 Total Sales
How Did 2023 Sales Compare to 2022?
How Do Projected Sales for 2024 Compare to 2023?
Most Popular Social Media Platforms
How Retailers Used Social Media to Connect with Shoppers in 2023
Source: Strategic Insights, 2023 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Today's Gift Retailer study
About the data
Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Strategic Insights fielded an annual online survey to gift retailers in February and March 2024. The findings contained in this report are qualitative in nature. They are derived from a small sample of respondents and should not be projected in numeric terms to larger populations. As such, the findings are directional and should be considered descriptive rather than explanatory.
Product categories
Baby/infant products
Bath and body: Soaps, hand lotion, body moisturizers, lip care, bath bombs/ bath salts/shower bursts, men’s personal care, beeswax/honey-based, personal fragrance, face care, CBD oil/CBD-based, hair care
Candles and accessories: Jar candles, soy candles, diffusers, flameless/LED candles, loose (votives/pillars/tapers), holders/vessels, natural/eco-friendly candles, air fresheners, warmers/melts, painted/sculpted/designer candles
Caused related
CBD-themed
Ceramics/pottery
Collectibles
Eco-friendly/sustainably sourced
Fashion products and accessories: Jewelry, face masks, handbags/totes, scarves, hats/hair accessories, eyewear, wraps, slippers, socks, stretch jeans and other women’s pants, athleisure wear, men’s accessories, resort wear/beach coverups, general footwear, other apparel
Toys: Games/puzzles, plush, arts and crafts, books/music, dolls, outdoor toys, pretend play, STEM/educational, blocks, action figures, construction sets, STEAM
Wall art
Attract attention with an intriguing display of our Dark Academia home décor. Build an atmosphere with a hint of mystery using dense color palettes and captivating portraits that highlight the intense aspects of nature.
Look forward to this collection in our 2024 Supplement catalog.
The Grove is a long, somewhat narrow shop. This long table greets customers as they walk in and Molly has noticed they usually veer to the left — shopping a little at the front and then making their way down the wall featuring home accessories and the jewelry table.
SHOPPING ALL 360 DEGREES
by Linda Cahan
This past summer I received a lovely necklace for my birthday from a good friend. I asked her where she found it: The Grove in Lake Oswego, Ore., — her favorite gift shop. I had never heard of it and went to visit as I’m always looking for new shops. What I discovered is my new “must” shop location for gifts for all my friends — and for me. I have a friend who is difficult to buy for as she has “everything.” I knew I would find something perfect for her at The Grove and after about 20 minutes of poking around, I found exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for and she loved it.
Lake Oswego is about fifteen minutes from downtown Portland but feels like another world. Its main shopping area is filled with upscale shops and restaurants and the homes around the lake include some of the highest priced real estate in Oregon. The Grove caters to the “LO” customer base but intelligently has a wide variety of price points for all shoppers.
Molly Walton opened The Grove in 2018 with her sister-inlaw, Lauren. Lauren had her own candle business and had outgrown her kitchen. Two of Molly’s other sisters needed space for their “Potted in Portland” plant business. So, they all rented out a space together. Business was very good, and
eventually Lauren and the two sisters outgrew the location. They all three moved on to larger spaces, while Molly bought out Lauren’s cut and filled The Grove with a wide variety of jewelry, gifts, decorative accessories, clothing, wearable accessories and art. She also kept some plants for décor and, of course, her sister-in-law’s great line of candles. The Grove is also home to many very local makers, all of whom live within a few miles of the store.
When I scout a shop for this column, I look for merchandising and display that is photogenic and easy to see in the photos. This shop is fully packed and while each area is beautifully merchandised, there is little to no wall space between merchandise stories and fixtures. Even so, it’s very easy to shop as collections are separated and identified by fixtures and/or buildups. The exceptionally long table in the center creates a racetrack pathway around the store. The table is filled with different jewelry makers and vendors.
Every floor-standing fixture is merchandised 360 degrees. Wherever you look and however you walk, you’re seeing something new. Your shop should look as fabulous from the back as it does from the front!
Looking from the cash/wrap area to the front of the store, the patterned carpet stands out and defines and softens the jewelry table. The huge pillow has a quote from Christopher Robin. The children’s merchandise on the right was recently moved from the rear of the store and is doing much better sales-wise. Movement is great for sales!
Thanks to the advice from an online visual merchandising consultant, Molly rearranged her candle wall so the lines were merchandised horizontally rather than vertically. Candle accessories were grouped in cubbies to break up the lines of product. Sales improved for both categories as customers were inspired to buy add-on gifts.
This multi-level merchandise display is in front of the cash/ wrap area. Its lake/water theme is carried around the back for 360-degree shopping. While people are waiting at the desk, they often shop the front and back of the table, seeing new items and buying more than they originally intended.
The Grove carries many lines of jewelry. To differentiate them, unique fixtures are used for each line. In this case, the weathered wood is cut to hold necklaces and adds height and texture to this section of the table.
Since 1992, Gift for Life has united the gift and home industries for common good. Together, we have raised more than $6 million—first to fight HIV/AIDS and now to support crisis-related hunger relief via World Central Kitchen.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
I have nothing against licensed brands and affixing well-known names to products to give them visibility they might not have without that connection. The gift and home industry has some of the best licensed brand successes in the world of consumer products. But does anybody else think this has all gone a little nuts?
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“
“Brands are really important and, where the tie-in makes sense, adding a celebrity name is a terrific way to market a product. But, folks, let’s not get carried away with all of this.”
Celebrity Smackdown
Hey, I heard Hemingway was in High Point last month. And did you see Drew Barrymore at the housewares show in Chicago? What about Paris Hilton at Walmart? And Shaq and Snoop just about everywhere?
Let’s face it, it is Kim Kardashian’s world, we just live in it.
I have nothing against licensed brands and affixing wellknown names to products to give them visibility they might not have without that connection. The gift and home industry has some of the best licensed brand successes in the world of consumer products.
that shoppers are more likely to buy something if there’s some name attached to it, however vague or disconnected it is.
Of course, who’s to say what is truly disconnected? Anybody in the housewares business knows that the best-selling kitchen appliance in the history of the industry has been the George Foreman grill and I don’t think it gets more disconnected than having a heavyweight prize fighter known for being mean and nasty endorsing a cooking device that promised it was lean and mean. So, who really knows what works?
But does anybody else think this has all gone a little nuts? Are there some licensed brands that just are utterly ridiculous and have absolutely no reason to exist ... much less cause a shopper to purchase these products?
“These days it seems that anybody can put their name on anything and somebody will see if it works.”
Not that this is something new. One of the first licensed programs ever featured child star Shirley Temple on children’s products and that kind of made sense. Less so, many years ago, was a bed and bath collection from the actress Mary Martin. C’mon, what does Peter Pan have to do with having a nice set of sheets?
These days it seems that anybody can put their name on anything and somebody will see if it works. Part of this is the TJX syndrome. The off-price channel — and it’s more than just the TJX brands, but they seem to be taking the lead — has decided
Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg are probably the most licensed names in America right now. They are not approaching Pierre Cardin territory yet, though — the late French designer was reported to have had some 100 products bearing his name over the course of his licensing career.
Shaq endorsing muscle pain creams and Snoop putting his name on CBD products make some sense. But Shaq on cruise ships or Snoop shilling barbecue grills? And yes, there’s a distinction between just endorsing a product and putting your name on it but the effect to the consumer is the same.
It's why I don’t get Walmart rolling out a Paris Hilton collection of home goods. Has she ever even been in a kitchen? And I’ve lost track of how many times Hemingway’s name and likeness have been used on furnishings products. He wasn’t exactly the biggest homebody from what we understand.
Listen, I think brands are really important and, where the tie-in makes sense, adding a celebrity name is a terrific way to market a product. But, folks, let’s not get carried away with all of this. Unnecessary celebratory gunfire can be very dangerous.
Warren Shoulberg has reported on the gift and home industry for most of his career. He is often quoted in national media like the New York Times and CNN, and contributes to several trade publications, Forbes.com and the Robin Report.
Retailers Hit the Books
Toy- and gift-store buyers are big on reading. According to the 2024 Gift Book Consumer Survey, books were one of the best-selling categories across the board, from infants (22 percent) and toddlers/ preschoolers (39 percent), to grade schoolers (48 percent), tweens (54 percent) and teens (48 percent). As parents seek out educational opportunities to engage their children, books merchandised alongside toys and other gifts fulfill this need. Here’s how three toy stores are writing their own success stories by helping cultivate future bookworms in their communities.
Reading is Fun-damental
Books are a natural fit at The Toy Post in Westport, Conn., where owner Annie Hedrick makes reading a prominent attraction. “We view [our shop] as a children’s bookstore within a toy store,” she said. “We choose our titles very carefully and customers have come to appreciate the broad, but thoughtfully curated selection.”
While books for age 0-12 make up about 10 percent of the 5-year-old store’s total inventory, they have earned their own floor space, with a large corner display and seasonal vignettes. New titles arrive weekly and sell alongside classics in all genres, including board books, picture books, chapter books and graphic novels. This spring, Easter-themed board books and activity books were merchandised alongside bunny plush and puzzles.
Like The Toy Post, The Curious Bear Toys & Books in Fircrest, Wash., has been in business for five years and devotes 10 percent of its inventory to books. Store owner Jennifer Luna, who also runs the Paper Luxe gift shop next door, has created a special Book Nook, with child-sized stools and a faux grass rug where readers can page through the thousands of books in stock.
Among the titles that do well are those with a Pacific Northwestern theme, as well as books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Top-selling book/gift combination brands include Jellycat and Douglas plush, while spinner displays featuring Little Golden Books and the I Can Read series are another big draw. The Curious Bear customizes its seasonal displays with themed books, like outdoor toys with adventure books in the summer. “During November and December, we intermix our favorite holiday books with holiday plush, candy and toys in a three-dimensional magical display,” said Luna.
In-store events like story times and meet and greets effectively promote reading. The Curious Shop recently hosted local firefighters for a read-aloud, followed by a hands-on tour of their firetruck. Patrons were also treated to a visit from Rhubarb the Reindeer, the Tacoma Rainiers mascot who read and met with young baseball bibliophiles. Later this month, the store will
participate in Children’s Book Week festivities, which will include author visits and giveaways.
Book lovers can also expect plenty of Children’s Book Week activities at Funky Monkey Toys & Books. The seasoned retailer, which opened its doors 20 years ago in Greenvale, N.Y., and now has locations in Greenwich, Conn., and Scarsdale, N.Y., allocates 10 percent of its merchandise to books. “Among our best-selling titles are interactive books featuring sound, light-up elements, pop-ups and lift-the-flap pages,” said owner Jared Greenman.
During Book Week, Funky Monkey will continue its tradition of book readings with characters in costume, author readings and book signings. Participating in the annual literary event is a no-brainer for Greenman, who believes that the power of a good book speaks for itself. “Books hold a special place in our children’s gift selection because they offer more than just entertainment — they provide opportunities for shared experiences and intellectual growth,” he noted.
Pamela Brill has covered the toy industry for 20-plus years. The former senior/managing editor of Playthings magazine, she serves as an ambassador for the Toy Association’s Genius of Play and writes for numerous national business and lifestyle publications.
The Toy Post in Westport, Conn., crafted an Easter-themed display, coupling books with plush bunnies and puzzles.
8 PERCENT of consumers DO NOT PLAN TO BUY any holiday or seasonal décor in the next 12 months.
Source: Strategic Insights, 2023 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study
BY THE NUMBERS HOLIDAYS
Holidays are a favorite time of year for consumers — and oftentimes retailers, too, because consumers are out shopping. We all know and expect the traditional holiday shopping season for Christmas, November through December. And a lthough Christmas is the most popular among all generations (according to the 2024 Gift Book Consumer Survey), consumers still spend on other holidays throughout the year. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual surveys, consumers were expected to spend $12.2 billion on Halloween in 2023 and $22.4 billion on Easter in 2024, showing that each holiday has its market and can be worth stocking for.
Christmas categories consumers are planning to buy this year
Source:
Dollars By Region 2023 vs. 2024
How non-top 100 retailer regional receivables in the U.S. compare year over year: March
GAIN AR Statistics show the March 2024 overall receivables of non-top 100 retailers are down 21.6 percent compared to receivables of non-top 100 retailers in March 2023. Year to date, 2024 overall receivables of non-top 100 retailers for the first quarter are down 14.3 percent from 2023. The March 2024 receivables of top 100 retailers are also down 38.7 percent compared to March 2023. This year’s overall receivables of top 100 retailers are down 19.0 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023. This chart is created from data provided by the Gift Associates Interchange Network (GAIN).
March 2023
March 2024
Source: GAIN
GET TECHNICAL
Whether it’s my first or 50th time attending the gift, home and furniture markets, the unbridled energy of trade show season never gets old. But eventually, the lights turn off, the escalators clear out and we drag aching feet to the nearest airport. My question is then: how will manufacturers fuel that magic year-round?
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““Whether you’re a manufacturer that needs to stay relevant in between markets or a retailer that wants to engage with their customer, pay attention to your online presence.”
It’s Showtime!
Whether it’s my first or 50th time attending the gift, home and furniture markets, the unbridled energy of trade show season never gets old. The excitement is palatable; the business focus is laser-sharp; the sense of community is celebratory. Then, we get down to business and get swept up in the magic that is market season.
But eventually, the lights turn off; the escalators clear out; and we drag aching feet to the nearest airport. My question is then: how will manufacturers fuel that magic year-round?
The answer is easy: Their websites are the showrooms, which means they should aim to inspire that same sense of awe and eagerness to explore. Whether you’re a manufacturer that needs to stay relevant in between markets or a retailer that wants to engage with their customer, pay attention to your online presence.
I’ll state the obvious and then we’ll dig deeper: Unlike a physical store or showroom, your website can attract new customers and drive sales 24/7, 365 days a year.
In fact, 51 percent of B2B buyers said they research their purchases online, before purchasing offline. Similarly, 29 percent of buyers said that they research offline by talking to a sales rep or visiting a store in person, before buying online.
Digital sales complement showroom or store sales — they do not replace them. By investing in both, you’re empowering customers with the options, variety and flexibility they crave.
For this column, let’s look at three core ways manufacturers can use their website and showroom in concert to grow business and meet buyers’ expectations for self-serve shopping.
PLAN
Seasonal markets are huge investments and when successful, can make or break a vendor’s annual sales goals.
Carrying the right inventory, merchandising the showroom to capitalize on trends and interest, offering motivating incentives, and targeting the most interested and in-market customers are critical and anxiety-inducing parts of the trade.
What if you could confidently test and measure product category trends, complementary upsell bundles, popular seasonal items, highest converting incentives, customer propensity to buy, and more — and then use this information to personalize how you target different audience groups? Then you could hand all this information over to your showroom sales teams, to make sure they have the most genuine and helpful conversations with each customer.
Your website is a treasure trove of this information, readily available at a moment’s notice.
You can analyze annual trends to pinpoint product categories that are selling in different seasons, upsell items frequently purchased together, spot sales offers that were successful or flopped, and so much more.
Take this information to your showroom teams to build a market strategy around what is proven to work. Leave guesswork behind and get as close to a safety guarantee as possible.
PREPARE CUSTOMERS
Your rich website experience and content strategy is a huge part of your customers’ decision-making process.
Customers are receiving your marketing messages and browsing your website to form their market plan. Market passes by at breakneck speed, and retailers are selecting their must-visit showrooms and inventory buys, long before they get on a plane.
Ahead of market, buyers are often:
• Checking out products and comparing prices against the competition.
• Sharing product links with sales reps and asking questions.
• Checking previous purchases in your portal and recalling how well they sold in-store.
• Looking for store merchandising and product use ideas to share with their customers.
• Checking out your social profiles to see what customers say and share about your products.
FOLLOW UP
Like all good things, market season comes to an end. Packed showrooms thin out, boozy dinner invitations slow, and we drag ourselves home. But your website? It never closes.
Through an integrated showroom, website and marketing strategy, you’ll be able to continue to engage and sell your customers online, at their leisure, and learn what attracts and motivates your customers to inform next season’s market.
Try delivering hyper-personalized marketing campaigns, like sending complementary products to their last showroom purchase or clearing on-sale items based on when they last purchased and personalize your website content based on their in-person product interests or purchases.
Ultimately, you’ll stay on customers’ radar year-round and create organic moments to drive repeat business. You’ll become the go-to resource for product inspiration, education and merchandising, cementing the likelihood they walk through your showroom doors six months from now.
As chief executive officer of digital agency Whereoware, Michael Mathias leads Whereoware’s strategic vision and culture of innovation, comprehensive digital marketing, and flawless performance. Mathias has an impressive track record accelerating growth for companies at all stages, with expertise spanning marketing, software, professional services, big data, analytics and technology.
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TABLETOP TRENDS
Stay on top of tabletop trends by catching up on the articles we published about the New York Tabletop Show, which ran April 9-12. From the “fiesta effect” and new brand introductions to event recaps and more, our content has you covered even if you weren’t able to attend the show in person. giftsanddec.com
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Need to know more about what is going on in your customers’ heads while they shop? Want to learn about the factors impacting their shopping decisions? Keep up with the latest consumer research and retail sales data by following our Facebook page where we post highlights and links to full articles every day.
@giftsanddecmag
“While TikTok feels synonymous with Gen Z, you can’t underestimate the power of other social platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Both have embraced video-driven content with YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, and [they] continue to grow in popularity, should TikTok cease to exist.”
— Meghan Stabler, senior vice president of marketing at BigCommerce
@gifts_and_dec
MARKET PREPARATION
As the official start of summer market season creeps closer, our editorial team is getting ready to hit the road, and we know you are, too! Whether you are attending multiple markets or just one this season, be sure to follow our Instagram to get a look at markets through the eyes of our editors all summer long.
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You may already know what a “selfie” is, but do you know its cousin the “shelfie?” First appearing online as a hashtag in the early 2010s as a variation on a selfie devoted to standalone photos of book lovers’ bookshelves, the shelfie has evolved over the years to include photos of curated pantries, wardrobes and even bathroom shelves stocked with makeup and skincare products.
Today, if it sits on a shelf and you want to show it off, it can be a shelfie! Take a look at a few shelfies from retailers across the country to get inspiration on how to showcase your displays and post a shelfie of your own.
TRENDING GIFTS
HOME | GOURMET | FASHION | HOLIDAY | STATIONERY | BATH & BODY | GIFTABLES | CANDLES | KIDS
Sustainability has become a prominent factor in just about every category in the gift and home industries. Consumers are looking for products that have eco-friendly attributes or are made by companies that give back to the green lifestyle. In fact, 78 percent of U.S. consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, according to a 2023 study by NielsenIQ.
The stationery category is no exception. With the ability to create greeting cards, envelopes, folders, notebooks and more from numerous recycled materials, it’s a given that consumers would be drawn to the companies that do so, like Petit Collage.
Petit Collage started with a hand-crafted collage made from recycled materials — and they have not wavered from that principal since their inception in 2006. As the business has grown in the nearly 20 years of its existence, they’ve remained focused on using
Printed with vegetable inks
Made with recycled materials
sustainable materials and working to create a more sustainable future overall.
All of Petit Collage products — toys, games, gifts and activities — are created with FSC-certified wood and paper, recycled PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET), organic cotton and vegetable inks. Plus, products are all packed with recyclable packaging and protected by recyclable materials during transit.
The Animal Pals My Stationery Set is no exception. The set encourages kids to write short notes on the 12 animal notecards and also includes a blank journal to use on their own. It’s all packaged in a reusable storage tin with a comfy cotton handle, making it perfect for taking on the go.
Animal Pals My Stationery Set. Petit Collage. petitcollage.com
STATIONERY SAFARI
by Amanda Erd
Crane Stationery on display at Paper Affair Dallas. paperaffairdallas.com
THE SUSTAINABLE Standard
No longer just a perk, sustainable practices and materials are must-haves in the wholesale industry, especially in the stationery category. Here’s how the paper-product industry is keeping Mother Earth — and the eco-conscious consumer — a top priority.
by Lenise Willis
Deemed a “megatrend” for 2024 and beyond by several companies including Ambiente and the Inspired Home Show, sustainability has been making waves for several years. As the next generation of consumers continue to seek ways to curb global warming and negative impacts on Mother Earth, more companies are doing the same, especially stationery manufacturers.
“As climate change becomes more prevalent in media and personal discussions, people are becoming more interested in what they can do to help, and I think most agree that small steps, taken by millions, can make a big difference,” said George White of greeting card company Up With Paper.
Sustainable stationery has become so popular that some companies believe it to be more of a standard practice now than an innovation.
“We don’t advertise or build displays or signage around sustainable or eco-friendly stationery products, as we have gotten to the point where almost every vendor we use is working hard at being eco-friendly,” said Melissa Wayte, store owner of Paper Affair Dallas. “Customers just assume that most everything is being produced with the environment in mind, and for the most part, that really is the case.”
To help create and maintain this new standard, there are several regulating organizations and certifications that help verify whether a manufacturer is truly eco-friendly, including:
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) — an organization that ensures proper management of the world’s forests and that suppliers are sourcing materials responsibly.
• Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) — proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable source such as wind power.
• Green-e — an organization that verifies that renewable energy that is purchased by manufacturers is, in fact, from a renewable source and meets strict requirements.
• Green Seal — a badge of approval given by an independent non-profit organization that certifies products meet their strict environmental standards, as well as verifies the advertising claims made by products.
• First Climate — a German company that helps brands achieve their climate goals with carbon management and green energy.
• EKO Energy — a globally active nonprofit ecolabel for renewable energy that is owned by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.
The two most prevalent areas where stationery companies are making sustainability efforts are with the increasing use of eco-friendly materials such as tree-free alternatives or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper and in reductions in the use of plastic, particularly the polybags used with individual products, like greeting cards and wall calendars.
Two Love Letters Collection greeting cards. Petal & Pins. petalandpins.com
“The trend for sustainability in the stationery industry is gaining momentum,” said Sandra Alcorn of Australian stationery brand Petal & Pins. “I see a lot of it driven by small independent brands who want to make a difference and it’s much discussed in our community of how we can do things better.”
Eco-Friendly Materials
Using more sustainable materials like cotton, recycled paper and even agricultural waste is one way that stationery manufacturers are reducing their footprint and making a name for themselves.
Crane Stationery products, for example, are made from 100-percent cotton, tree-free paper that prevents deforestation.
Caspari, which Wayte says is her store’s largest stationery vendor for gift wrap, paper plates and napkins, gift bags and stationery, uses water-based dyes for its napkins and plates, and the tissue for its napkins uses oxygen instead of chlorine, eliminating the use of an environmentally harmful chemical.
“Everything they manufacture has a green focus,” Wayte said.
On its website, Caspari says it is committed to producing its goods with environmentally responsible raw materials and processes. In addition to sourcing from Mohawk Fine Paper, a responsible paper mill, for more than 50 years the company has been using a Swiss FSC-certified printer, Graphische Anstalt J.E. Wolfensberger AG, which operates a production plant that qualifies as a certified carbon-neutral site by First Climate. The energy used to run the printing machines is recycled to provide heat for the building.
Up With Paper has also made an impactful green statement, beginning its transition last year to produce only sustainable products. “We now only publish our pop-up cards on FSC-certified paper and replaced our polybags with FSC-paper packaging that includes clever branding and a pull-strip tamperresistant seal,” said Monika Brandrup, creative director at Up With Paper. “Retailers love the new packaging and the elevated look associated with our pop-up cards.
“In 2024, we are particularly excited to launch an all-new floor display system. This system replaces Lucite clips with an upgraded wood and brass wire fixture, further demonstrating our commitment to moving away from plastics and towards
more sustainable materials.”
Chronicle Books is another large stationery brand that is keeping eco-friendly practices at the center of its corporate goals.
The company has an internal paper policy that requires FSC or comparable certifications and it has also reduced its use of shrink wrap and moved to plastic-free packaging.
“One of our biggest success stories has been our embroidered journals,” said Christopher Marcic, director of sourcing and production at Galison/Mudpuppy, a division of Chronicle Books. “The paper is made from upcycled post-industrial cotton waste.”
Petal & Pins, which produces notebooks, greeting cards and more inspired by the founder’s background in fashion, uses 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper stocks for all its cards and stationery products and prints its art prints in house, on demand, using cotton-rag paper with water-based archival inks.
The Petal & Pins studio runs on clean energy from a combination of solar, wind and hydro power sources and has a “reduce, reuse, recycle” policy for its office.
“Almost a quarter of our island state is a UNESCO world heritage area, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular temperate wilderness areas,” said Alcorn, designer and founder. “We feel privileged to have that on our doorstep and it’s a reminder of the responsibility to consider the impact our choices make on the environment.”
The Writing Fields, which displayed its eco notebooks in Ambiente’s Ethical Style showcase this year, uses paper made from agricultural residue to reduce its impact on the planet. The covers of its Ecosmiles notebooks are made from coffee beans, kiwi, olive, cherry, citrus, almond and lavender.
Responsible Suppliers
The key to determining if a company is sustainable requires research into its background. Every step must adhere to a standard, so retailers should not only be cognizant of their own processes and that of the manufacturers they sell, but also that of the suppliers the vendors are using, too.
Two prevalent names that have been mentioned as responsible suppliers in the industry are Mohawk Fine Paper, an eco-friendly paper mill that is used by many brands including Caspari, Ampersand M Studio and Crane Stationery, just to name a few, and Favini, an Italian paper manufacturer.
Favini is known for its Crush paper, which is created from by-products from citrus fruits, grapes, cherries, lavender, corn, olives, coffee, kiwi fruits, hazelnuts and almonds. The natural materials are saved from landfills while minimizing the need for tree pulp. The paper is produced with EKO energy and is biodegradable, GMO-free, acid-free, Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF), and carbon black free, resulting in 20 percent less of a carbon footprint.
Mohawk Fine Paper works closely with the FSC to ensure the materials it uses come from managed forests, and 38 percent of its energy comes from wind power. In addition to reforestation, they focus on green energy, and non-toxic production practices. All of their papers come with detailed spec sheets so retailers and manufacturers are fully informed.
Alcorn puts it plainly: “The more we can reuse materials such as paper, the less waste we produce and there is now such a wide range of recycled papers on the market, why wouldn’t you make that choice?”
The same principles apply to ink suppliers, too.
“I always try to choose both the materials and the production
methods for my products that are sustainable,” said Marina Kishkovich of Ampersand M Studio, which sells an array of greeting cards. “All of my cards are printed on FSC-certified paper, and the A2 cards additionally contain 30 percent postconsumer recycled paper content. My wonderful printer, Indigo Ink, is also deeply committed to environmental stewardship. They have partnered with PrintReleaf and plant trees to offset their paper usage.”
Replenish
Though sourcing paper responsibly and being mindful of the materials used are important in helping to save the planet, repairing the damage that has already been done is just as pivotal.
According to 8 Billion Trees, a tree-planting and conservation operation, more than 200 million trees are cut down each day to make paper — that’s one tree every 2.5 seconds. Not only does this serious reduction in trees contribute to global warming, with less trees available to remove carbon dioxide from the air, the process of cutting down the trees contributes 20 percent of all global carbon dioxide emissions — about 28 million metric tons per year.
Stationery companies are helping to replenish what has been taken from the Earth in two key ways: Planting trees and incorporating seeds in its products to encourage customers to plan more growth themselves.
Many stationery manufacturers, like Woodchuck USA which makes wood-covered journals, participate in “Buy One, Plant One,” programs to help offset their use of trees. Most work with “automated environmental offset” companies, like PrintReleaf, to ensure a smooth process. Other companies, like Studio Oh, print products on seed paper, so that customers can plant an old calendar page or earring backing instead of throwing it in the trash. Sprout World creates pencils that can be planted thanks to the compartment of seeds near the eraser.
Reuse and Reduce
Beyond using more eco-friendly materials and sustainable energy, the stationery industry is also helping to reduce waste by putting to rest the mindset that paper products are “one and done.”
Chronicle Books homes in on the sentiment of keepsakes for many of its paper products.
“Our publishing is sustainable because it is both timely and timeless,” said Christina Amini, publisher of gift at Chronicle Books. “People return to the stationery products again and again. They are meaningful keepsakes and they last. Stationery products in the One Line a Day series, in the Letters to My series, and others have sold millions of copies and are beloved items that are meant to be saved and shared. What’s more sustainable than a five-year memory book that is meant to be saved as a time capsule?”
Kishkovich also aims to create products that are meant to be kept and treasured rather than thrown away.
“I try to create work that won’t be looked at once and then immediately get tossed into the recycling bin,” she said. “I hope my cards help strengthen the connection between the giver and recipient and remain treasured keepsakes.”
This reuse-and-reduce mindset has also been extended to the less alluring side of the business.
“I recycle everything I can in the business, reusing boxes and packing materials to ship orders and organize inventory,” Kishkovich said.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
To address global warming concerns, businesses must not only consider their processes and material use, but how they ship their product and conduct business internally, too. Product packaging, especially, has been an area that many businesses are targeting to reduce their footprint.
Up With Paper and Chronicle Books, for example, have introduced plastic-free packaging.
Ecosmiles Notebook with cover made of kiwi pulp. The Writing Fields. twf.gr
Continuous Greetings: A Shared Birthday Card for the Two of Us. Chronicle Books. chroniclebooks.com
“Our calendar program has moved to being 100-percent plastic free,” Amini said. “We removed the shrink-wrap from our wall calendars; we replaced the plastic stands on daily calendars with recyclable board, and we don’t laminate the covers so they can be recycled.”
Chronicle Books has also made significant changes to their packaging of notecards, one of their biggest sellers, in an effort to continue to grow their “sustainability footprint.”
“In the last two years, our new notecards have a new box construction that doesn’t require shrink-wrap and instead uses wafer seals,” Amini explained. “The box has a varnish instead of lamination, in order to use less plastic but to still be protected.”
Petal & Pins keeps its product packaging to a minimum by using recycled paper for its artist statement swing tags and apron belly bands and recyclable cello bags for its greeting cards.
“We offer retailers a cello-free option for cards with a narrow paper band from Self Seal Belly Bands,” Alcorn said. “We decided to give our retailers the choice as they know what is best for their retail environment — we work with many florists and garden centers that can have the challenges of dirt and water.”
Though the efforts it takes to be sustainable can be extensive and costly, leaders in the industry say they believe the overall benefit outweighs the challenges.
“While [sustainable practices] have contributed to higher costs, which are of course never popular, I do believe the trend of sustainability has helped our industry, enabling us to position ourselves not only as responsive on the issue, but playing a
Open Sesame die-cut greeting card and matching envelope inside FSC-certified, non-plastic packaging. Up With Paper. upwithpaper.com
leadership role,” White said. “I also believe this trend has led to more creativity, which is always good for our industry.”
The ARTS Awards is the premier awards program in the U.S. honoring top manufacturers, retailers, designers, and sales representatives.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominations are due by June 26, 2024.
Finalists will be announced August 2024 and winners will be revealed during a gala event on Friday, January 10, 2025. Join Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, in a celebration of home industry excellence.
www.dallasmarketcenter.com/artsawards
FASHION FIXES
by Adelaide Elliott
Each year, from February to March, the world’s fashion capitals play host to the latest and greatest designers and fashion houses as they showcase their fresh takes on what will be hot for that following fall and winter. This year, the catwalks of New York, London, Paris and more were full of decadent layers, plenty of bold color mixes, faux fur fixes and much more. To help you prep for fall and winter sourcing, our editors researched to find out which shades, textures, metals and defining styles you will see popping up at markets in apparel, accessories and more later this year.
Mixing Metals
Silver or gold? How about both. Fashionable folks won't be picking sides this year as they mix-and-match their metals for more impact.
Two-Tone Small Link Drop Earrings. Rho Jewelry. rhojewelry.com
Pixie Heart Necklace. Notions of Lovely. notionsoflovely.com
Silver and Brass Mixed Metal Knot Ring. Sojourn Well. sojournwell.com
Gold and Silver Double Layer Circle Link Toggle Necklace. Marlyn Schiff Jewelry. marlynschiff.com
Boho Silver Mixed Metal Bar Earring. Zad. zadwholesalejewelry.com
S HOWER DAD WITH SOME BOURBON THIS FATHER’S DAY.
He taught you to ride a bike, you help him smell great. Seems like a fair trade to us. And he’ll be thrilled to receive a Brick of Duke Cannon Big American Bourbon Soap and a 17.5oz. bottle of THICK Body Wash that enables him to enjoy a daily dose of whiskey without worrying about being pulled over. Here’s to you, pop.
Sheer Joy
Pretty in Plaid
Classic and comfortable, plaid went high fashion on the runways this spring and is set to have a style renaissance this fall and winter.
Despite the chilly weather, designers from Valentino to Eckhaus Latta incorporated see-through elements into their fall and winter collections in the form of sheer fabrics.
Sheer Organza Puff Sleeve Pinned Jacket. Blue B. bluebusa.com
Pearls & Jewels Black Sheer ankle Sock. Sock Candy. sockcandy.com
Crisp, cool sage green tones were all over runways this spring. Want some sage advice? Stock up now.
Sage Green cotton Stretch Jacket. Kurt Muller. kurtmuller.com
Green Opal on Silver HyeVibe Crystal Necklace. &Livy. andlivy.com
Luxe Sage Satin Skirt. Fika. thefikaedit.com
Sage Green Ski Chalet Beanie. Lorna Murray. lornamurray.com.au
JUNE
• Kids-Focused Features
• Retailer Excellence Awards Coverage
• Made in America Special Ad Section
• Summer Markets Coverage
• Best of Show – Product Highlights from the Summer Selling
JULY
• Summer Markets Issue
• Holiday Product Spotlight
• Made in America
SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
by Amanda Erd
Back to school season is a busy time of year. It’s also becoming one of the most expensive times of year for consumers. According to the National Retail Federation, back to school spending for 2023 was expected to reach a record $41.5 billion — with an average of nearly $900 on supplies.
Though consumers are always looking for ways to save, back to school comes with a certain level of style that some aren’t willing to give up. Cute, fashionable items are still must-haves for both students and teachers each school year. We’ve gathered a few products to help you give your customers a variety of items that are functional in (and around) the classroom without sacrificing style.
All Over Print Backpacks. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com
“Teachers Rule” Tote Bag. P. Graham Dunn. wholesale.pgrahamdunn.com
Wild Child Backpack. Jane Marie. janemarie.com
Garden Party Pocket Folder Set. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com
School Snap Scenes desk decor. P. Graham Dunn. wholesale.pgrahamdunn.com
Lunch Pal Cow lunchbox. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com
When it comes to add-on gifts and impulse purchases, the saying “sometimes the best things come in small packages” almost always rings true. The perfect impulse buy or add-on gift has to be the right size, price and style, and it needs to pair well with your bigger ticket items. To help you refresh your store’s selection of quick-grab giftables, we’ve gathered new and popular products that fit the bill into different themes and categories. Covering everything from kids’ gifts to gourmet goodies, these finds have a little something for everyone.
Light My Fire
Tasty Treats
Whether your customers have a sweet tooth or prefer a salty snack, these quick grabs have flavor enough for everyone.
Earl Grey Tea On-A-Stick. Tea-Pop. myteapop.com
Microwavable Popcorn On the Cob. Petersen Family. petersenfarm.com
Oat Milk Mini Chocolate Bars. Raaka Chocolate. raakachocolate.com
Infused Black Garlic Sea Salt Slide Tin. Jacobsen Salt Co. jacobsensalt.com
Encourage additional sales with fun and functional candle accessories like matches and wick trimmers.
Mexican Birds Matches. HomArt. homart.com
Candle Care Set. 54 Celsius. 54celsius.com
Tiger Match Cylinder. Archivist Gallery. archivistgallery.com
Short Emerald Green Matchstix Holder. Table Collectiv. tablecollectiv.com
Smart Buys
Stylish and useful, these giftable kits all serve a practical purpose, making them an even easier buy!
Active Plant-Powered Wellness Patch. The Good Patch. thegoodpatch.com
These grab-and-go giftables help your customers create, display and appreciate art any time of the day.
Flowers Mini Cards Set. Yeesan Loh. yeesan.com
Mini Pencils in Mini Paper Tubes. BCmini. bcmini.com
Art Supply Money Coin Pouch. Three Potato Four. threepotatofour.com
Sunset Mini Painting Kit. Lavendar Chai Co. msha.ke/lavenderchai
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HOME HAUL
What do you think of when you think of spring? In addition to s pring cleaning, many people — Gifts & Decorative Accessories ’ editors included — like to do a little home décor refresh in the spring. Get your store stocked for consumers — budget conscious or not — who are looking to do a little springtime sprucing up this year with three editor-approved home accents our team tested and loved.
LENISE WILLIS
Vincent van Gogh Cypresses Vase modgy.com
I’ve always appreciated both fine and folk art, so one of my closest friends decided to send me a little piece of Vincent van Gogh for Christmas. Though we obviously can’t afford the real thing, she found a gorgeous — and affordable — vase featuring Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses, which she easily mailed to me since it’s flat and expandable. Not only is the Modgy vase incredibly vibrant and easy to mail, gift or store, but it’s also eco-friendly. Made of BPA-free plastic, the flat vase is shatterproof and recyclable, and it expands and stands on its own once it is filled with water.
The vase is now adding a splash of color to my foyer and holding the first buds of our Chicago spring. I always thought gifting a home accent would be difficult because of varying design tastes, but this vase has proved me wrong.
ADELAIDE ELLIOTT
Sun Fountain Face Matchbox johnderian.com
I’ve been an admirer of John Derian Co.’s style for a long time and have been steadily collecting dining and tabletop pieces from the brand over the last year after buying my first piece. As I have been expanding my tabletop assortment from the brand, I have also started buying some smaller home accents, too. Most recently, I purchased a few matchboxes from John Derian Co. for both myself and as gifts for a few friends, and I’ve been thrilled to find the matches are perfect for displaying and for lighting candles around my home. The matches are sturdy and long enough to use with any candle, no matter how burned down it may be, and the price point is approachable, making them a no-brainer repurchase. On the gifting side of things, the matchboxes make a perfect add-on to any candle I gift.
Pet Magnet Box Frame wholesale.mudpie.com
I’m the kind of person who loves displaying photos. There is just something about having a prominent photo wall in my living room that makes it feel like home. But I needed something that was more accessible for swapping in new memories. So, I started keeping little photo shelves around, too, and this Mud Pie frame is the perfect addition. This little frame is just under 5-inch by 5-inch in size, making it perfect for any shelf display. My favorite part, though, is the magnetic attachment that holds the photo in place. The small embellishment that houses the quote is secured through two small magnets on the back, which means I can just pop it off at any time and easily swap in a new photo of one of the fur babies in my house. It’s a cute addition to my frame collection — and it is quite efficient!
AMANDA ERD
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Vote For Manufacturer Of The Year
As part of its 73rd annual Retailer Excellence Awards, Gi s & Decorative Accessories asked its retail readers to submit their favorite vendors and manufacturers to be considered for the 2024 Manufacturer of the Year award.
Here are the top 10 companies that rose to the top of their list, in alphabetical order.
◉ Creative Co-Op
◉ DM Merchandising
◉ Mud Pie
◉ Stonewall Kitchen Family of Brands
◉ Old World Christmas
◉ P. Graham Dunn
◉ Primitives by Kathy
◉ Town Pride
◉ Two’s Company
But there can be only ONE final winner. Vote for your favorite three vendors by scanning the QR code and help GDA name the 2024 Manufacturer of the Year at the REA gala, to be hosted in Dallas on June 19.
◉ Warmies retailerexcellenceawards.com
AMERICAN MADE
Spiffy & Splendid founder Emily Spencer always had a passion for creating. It started with crocheting and selling her creations at local pop-up markets and on Etsy. Working on a small scale helped Spencer realize her mind was just as suited for business as it was for being creative.
Her crocheting expanded into jewelry making — and Spencer had a vision of a certain style that she couldn’t find anywhere on the market.
“I was tired of my earrings tarnishing or being too heavy and uncomfortable,” Spencer said. “I knew there must be other women like me who also wanted something better — but still affordable — so I set out to create it.”
That’s when Spiffy & Splendid, based in Indiana, really started to blossom. Spencer started experimenting with different materials, seeing what could be mixed together to create unique, appealing combinations. And now, what started as a one-woman business, has turned into a family affair backed by a team of local crafters. Spencer employs women from her community
who need a more flexible work schedule so they can help provide for their families while staying at home.
“As we grew, I knew I wanted to support local women in our community,” she said. “Our local team of women handcraft all of our dangle-style earrings.”
All of Spiffy & Splendid’s accessories are made with hypoallergenic materials. They sell direct to consumer online and through wholesale. Currently, consumers can find their products in more than 1,400 stores across the U.S.
For 2024, Spencer said their business goal is simple: continue to grow online and with in-person retailers so they can continue to support the women in their community.
“It’s so important to us to help our retailers see success in their business by carrying Spiffy & Splendid, and we want to continue to find ways to do that.”
Celebrating its 25th year in business, Beehive Handmade knows a thing or two about bespoke handicrafts and personalized gifts. What began as a small assortment of unique, handcrafted metal housewares in 1999 has developed into a collection of nearly 200 styles of housewares, baby gifts, jewelry and holiday ornaments. Cofounders and artists Jim Dowd and Sandi Bonazoli have been selling their handmade crafts online and to hundreds of large and small shops across the country for more than two decades — and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“We began with the idea that useful, everyday things could also be beautiful,” Bonazoli said, “and that the special things we made could add a little joy to everyday life. We also were committed to keeping the traditional craft of fine metalwork alive but wanted to create products that felt modern, too, and not too precious.”
True to the historic roots of their trade, Beehive Handmade recently renovated the historic Moyes Garage (c. 1915) in Warren, R.I., to be their studio and retail shop. It sits among one of Rhode Island’s best-preserved rows of seaport factory buildings that harken back to the days when sailboats and steamships were built on Warren’s waterfront.
“We’re working to keep the jewelry and metalsmithing business alive in Rhode Island,” Dowd said. “Our
business has grown steadily as jewelry manufacturers and tool makers have been closing over the past two decades, so we knew we needed a building large enough to house our prototyping, casting and assembly, order fulfillment and office.”
Today they ship thousands of pieces every year from their historic building.
“Our customers are looking for simplicity and meaning,” Dowd said. “Our housewares are not only beautiful but they’re also practical. They’re the centerpiece of how our business was founded and each piece is made by hand, right here in Rhode Island. We put a bit of our heart and soul into each item we produce.”
The company creates a wide variety of products, from measuring spoons to picture frames to keepsake boxes.
The artists attribute their success to their unique designs that were unlike anything else on the market, and the appeal to people who valued handmade things that were useful, meaningful and thoughtfully designed. Nearly half of all products sold directly are items that have been personalized to commemorate special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.
Two Tablespoon Heart Coffee Scoop. Beehive Handmade. beehivehandmade.com
by Lenise Willis
HEART OF PEWTER
PRODUCT PROFILES
WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY
TAG
TONY BY TONI
CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS
PARK DESIGNS
PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS
NORA FLEMING
ART BRAND STUDIOS
PRODUCT PROFILES
LEANIN’ TREE NEW CARD DESIGNS FOR SUMMER CELEBRATIONS
Our May catalog introduces more than 120 new card designs in sunny and humorous themes to celebrate everyday occasions.
| 800-525-0846
@ www.tradeleanintree.com
# circle #301
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY GARDEN-THEMED STATIONERY
Everyday stationery is enhanced with gardeninspired, hand-painted patterns alongside imagery of caretaking and sharing happiness.
| 866-295-2849
@ primitivesbykathy.com
# circle #300
NOBLEWORKS INC. THE FUNNIEST TALK BUBBLES!
NobleWorks has just introduced hilarious new greeting cards for birthdays and other popular everyday occasions! All cards are printed on demand in the USA.
HARVEST
HOUSE PUBLISHERS NEED TO KNOW FOR GRADUATES
This is an ideal gift for grads and provides inspiration for everyday living. Those seeking direction for their next phase of life will appreciate the helpful insights included in this book. MSRP $14.99. Hardcover.
| 888-501-0160
@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers
# circle #303
| 800-346-6253
@ www.nobleworksinc.com
# circle #302
B DESIGNS
SEALED WITH CHEER!
Gina B Envelope Seals add a special touch to everyday correspondence and greeting card envelopes. Hang pack of 36. Available in many fun and colorful designs. Proudly made in the U.S.A.
| 800-228-4856
@ www.ginabdesigns.com
# circle #304
GINA
PRODUCT PROFILES
NORA FLEMING
ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.
Celebrate the summer with nora fleming! choose a base, then a mini to match the holiday, season or occasion!
| 630-231-2500
@ www.norafleming.com
# circle #306
STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL GLASS S/4
Summer entertaining essentials! Level up your drinkware selection with this set of 4 strawberry cocktail glasses!
| 800-621-8350
@ www.tagltd.com
# circle #305 TAG
COUNTRY HOME CREATIONS
NEW RASPBERRY LEMONADE MIX
On steamy hot days when you want to cool down fast, our raspberry lemonade mix is just what you need.
| 800-457-3477
@ chcdips.com
# circle #308
WORLD BUYERS GIFT & HOME D é COR
BEST SUMMER BEACH GIFTS!
We’ve got what they want... a huge selection of beach gifts with popular themes like trays, boxes, cups, magnets, driftwood, candle holders and more! Register online for your wholesale account!
| 800-996-7531 or Chat Live on site!
@ www.worldbuyers.com
# circle #307
SAWDUST CITY LLC
SASS SELLS!
People can’t get enough of our snarky signs! These signs keep getting ordered over and over! Free shipping for qualifying orders. Solid wood, made in the USA.
| 800-528-6008
@ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com
# circle #309
PRODUCT PROFILES
KAILA KING QUILT
Kaila Collection features vintage florals, stripes and windowpane plaid in a pleasant mix of gold, navy blue, and dusty rose.
| 417-334-3099
@ wholesale.vhcbrands.com
# circle #311
ART BRAND STUDIOS
TWILIGHT TREE – LARGE DECORATIVE MIRROR
Decorate in style with this striking mirror printed with fade-resistant inks. Ready to hang with rustic barnwood moulding frame.
| 408-201-5832
@ www.artbrand.com
# circle #313
OPEN ROAD BRANDS, LLC
FORD MOTOR CO. DETROIT VINTAGE BUTTON LARGE ROUND METAL SIGN
Rev up your space with our Ford Motor Co. Detroit Vintage Metal Sign. Perfect for enthusiasts and Father’s Day gifting.
| 844-533-6890
@ www.openroadbrands.com
@ sales@orbrands.com
# circle #310
PARK DESIGNS ® TOFFEE COLLECTION
Add a sense of warmth and comfort that infuses a table with the rich colors, textures, and patterns of the season. This collection offers a placemat, napkin, and table runners.
| 800-326-3382
@ www.parkdesigns.net
# circle #314
SPLIT-P ® WATER HYACINTH BASKETS – SET OF 3
With rustic charm and organic appeal, this set of baskets in neutral tones provides understated elegance, which makes them the perfect accent piece for any space. Each set includes a small, medium, and large offering.
| 800-326-3382
@ www.parkdesigns.net
# circle #312
VHC BRANDS
PRODUCT PROFILES
KURT S. ADLER, INC.
NOBLE GEMS™ GLASS BIRD FEEDER ORNAMENT
This Noble Gems™ Bird Feeder Ornament is a charming and natureinspired holiday decoration that captures the beauty of wildlife and the joy of outdoor activities.
| 212-924-0900
@ www.kurtadler.com
# circle #315
CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS
“GOOD FRIENDS WARM THE HEART” SNOWMAN
Our adorable resin “Good Friends Warm the Heart” snowman measures 2.75 x 4.25 inches and features a red heart for all your besties. Visit our website for our complete line of unique holiday home décor.
| 866-247-0156
@ www.crossroadsfamily.com
# circle #316
TAG
REINDEER AND SNOWFLAKE TAPER CDU ASMT/20
Stock up on this Counter Display Unit (20 pack) of taper holders in festive snowflake and reindeer designs. Perfect impulse buy near checkout – elevate tablescapes or grab a hostess gift!
| 800-621-8350
@ www.tagltd.com
# circle #317
CARDINAL SALT AND PEPPER SET
3-piece set. Pair of handpainted ceramic cardinal salt and pepper shakers. Set rests in woven basket caddy.
| 800-998-1633
@ wholesale.mudpie.com
# circle #318 MUD PIE
PRIMITIVES BY KATHY SEASONAL
PUZZLES
From vintage to modern, our giftable puzzles feature artist-driven seasonal designs packaged in a decorative cylinder box and resealable plastic bag.
| 866-295-2849
@ primitivesbykathy.com
# circle #319
PRODUCT PROFILES
CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS
ROOM SPRAY
Get a quick blast of fragrant comfort with Crossroads’ authentic room sprays any time of the year. Available in 20 outstanding fragrances, including new Blueberry Pancakes and Avocado & Sea Salt.
| 866-247-0156
@ www.crossroadsfamily.com
# circle #321
SINCERE SURROUNDINGS
THANKFUL SMALL THINGS CANDLE
Experience the warmth of autumn with our Sweet Pumpkin Pie candle, a delicious fusion of pumpkin, spices and sweetness.
| 712-472-2290
@ sinceresurroundings.com
# circle #323
VILLAGE CANDLE BERGAMOT & AMBER BOWL CANDLE
Crafted with food-grade paraffin wax, this sophisticated candle offers a clean, even burn with fragrance notes of soft cashmere, bergamot, lemon, amber, and tonka bean.
| 888-326-5678
@ stonewallwholesale.com
# circle #320
MICHEL DESIGN WORKS
ISLAND PALM ROOM SPRAY
Conjuring an idyllic island scene with every spritz, this room spray boasts fresh notes of lush flowers, sweet tropical fruits, and tuberose.
| 888-326-5678
@ stonewallwholesale.com
# circle #322
CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS
CANDLES
These humorous pint-sized jar candle sets are sure to bring a smile. Available in packs of 12, they feature two label designs in our best-selling Buttered Maple Syrup® scent. See our website for other fun pint candle choices.
| 866-247-0156
@ www.crossroadsfamily.com
# circle #324
PRODUCT PROFILES
TRAPP FRAGRANCES TRAPP ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER OILS
Capture the essence of luxury in every drop with our premier selection of scent oils.
Our new sensitive skin-safe fragrance is like a spa day for tired skin and provides instant relief for dry, cracked hands.
@ wholesale@beekman1802.com
@ beekman1802.com
# circle #328
BEEKMAN 1802
HAND CREAM TABLE TOP DISPLAY
Our top-selling 2 oz. hand cream is available in a convenient tabletop display.
@ wholesale@beekman1802.com
@ beekman1802.com
# circle #326
DAILY DEFENSE FACE LOTION SPF32
Dermatologist tested, non-greasy, and lightweight formula make this SFP32 face lotion perfect for every day use.
| 855-354-4438
@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com
# circle #327
BIG ASS BAR OF SOAP –SUPERIOR
An impressive 10 oz. offering of our newest Big Ass Bar of Soap with an outdoor-inspired scent featuring fresh water and neroli.
| 855-354-4438
@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com
# circle #329
DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO.
DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO.
PRODUCT PROFILES
CO., INC.
SOFT AXOLOTL COLLECTION
(4655, 4752, 4811)
DOUGLAS axolotl plush captures the charm of its real-life counterpart with its bright, friendly eyes and soft, huggable body. Crafted from the softest materials, they’re designed to bring joy and comfort to anyone who holds them.
| 800-992-9002
@ douglascuddletoy.com
# circle #331
DOUGLAS CO., INC.
MANTIS SHRIMP (1626) AND SEAHORSE (1674)
Discover the ocean’s wonder with DOUGALS, featuring a vivid mantis shrimp and serene seahorse. Intricately detailed and huggably soft, both inspiring marine fascination and the deepest companionship.
| 800-992-9002
@ douglascuddletoy.com
# circle #330
WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA
EVERYONE LOVES WARMIES®
Warmies® are the number one selling brand of heatable stuffed animals and wellness gifts. Filled with real dried French lavender, Warmies are great stress and anxiety relievers, calming sleep aids, perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly night and are naturally weighted to provide a relaxing sensory experience. Simply warm in a microwave and enjoy hours of soothing warmth and aromatic comfort. Warmies are safe for, and loved by, all ages. PS... we now have Warmies pajamas and matching socks, too!
@ warmies.com
# circle #333
WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA
EVERYONE LOVES WARMIES®
Warmies® are the number one selling brand of heatable stuffed animals and wellness gifts. Filled with real dried French lavender, Warmies are great stress and anxiety relievers, calming sleep aids, perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly night and are naturally weighted to provide a relaxing sensory experience. Simply warm in a microwave and enjoy hours of soothing warmth and aromatic comfort. Warmies are safe for, and loved by, all ages. PS... we now have Warmies pajamas and matching socks, too!
@ warmies.com
# circle #332
MUD PIE
GOLF ROLLNECK SWEATER
Cotton yarn rolled neck sweater with putting green icon.
| 800-998-1633
@ wholesale.mudpie.com
# circle #334
DOUGLAS
PRODUCT PROFILES
PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS
DAHLIA – AVAILABLE IN NO CORRECTION BLUE LIGHT & READER STRENGTHS
Say hello to your newest signature accessory. With a distinctive cat-eye shape and captivating ombré colors, Dahlia perfectly enhances the natural beauty of your eyes.
| 219-872-4413
@ wholesale.peepers.com
# circle #336
I HEART EYEWEAR
NEON SUN MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTH
Neon Sun is just one of our many novelty print microfiber cleaning cloths. Each cloth is 6" X 7" and is good for cleaning eyewear, computer screens, and so much more. Check out our full line of cleaning cloths sold in bulk packs and/or in pouches.
| 800-247-7667
@ www.ihearteyewear.com
# circle #338
PRIMITIVES
BY KATHY CROCHET ACCESSORIES
Trendy accessories with handmade charm! This collection features a variety of nature-inspired designs in an eye-catching crochet style.
| 866-295-2849
@ primitivesbykathy.com
# circle #335
MATCH THE FAMILY IN STYLE
The perfect summer vacation gift idea for the whole family, including grandparents! Our products are handmade in Peru with the softest, high-quality cotton you must feel to believe. We’re size inclusive carrying 3-6M up to 4X. Find us on Faire: https://faire.com/direct/tonybytoni
| 713-254-4036
@ info@tonybytoni.com
@ www.tonybytoni.com
# circle #339
LIZAS USA LP QUDO INTERCHANGEABLE
QUDO Interchangeable Rings and Jewelry. Handmade in Germany. Retail starts at $30.
| 678-756-2817
@ www.lizas.com
# circle #337
TONY BY TONI
PRODUCT PROFILES
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
AMONG THE POTS AND PANS
FLEMING ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.
Elevate your summer soirée with nora fleming! select your favorite mini and base to make every celebration memorable.
| 630-231-2500
@ www.norafleming.com
# circle #340
Part cookbook, part theology, Among the Pots and Pans celebrates the connection between food and faith in the Bible and explores how cooking can be used not only to nourish our bodies but also to feed our souls and build community.. MSRP $34.99. Hardcover with photos.
| 888-501-0160
@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers
# circle #341
Market Calendar
MAY JUNE
SANTA ANA, CALIF.
West Coast Gem and Mineral Show
Holiday Inn Orange County Airport mineralshowslld.com
ATLANTA
Spring Cash & Carry AmericasMart americasmart.com
LOS ANGELES
Unique Makers LA California Market Center californiamarketcenter.com
LONDON, ENGLAND
London Stationery Show
Business Design Centre stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
Indiana Convention Center sweetsandsnacks.com
LAS VEGAS
ABC Kids Expo
Paris Hotel and Casino theabcshow.com
ORLANDO, FLA.
International Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories Show
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando ifjag.com
15-19 19-24
BALTIMORE, MD.
MSA Forward
Baltimore Convention Center museumstoreassociation.org
NEW YORK, NY
International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center icff.com
LAS VEGAS
LIVONIA, MICH.
Metro Michigan Show
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center fancyfoodshow.com 21-23 9-11 11-14 19-25 19-22 23-25 2-3 4-7 2-5
Note: In most cases, shows are open to the trade only. Dates listed are provided by show managements. Before traveling to an event, however, please verify the particulars with the organizer by visiting the website. 3-5 6-8 11-12 14-16 15-17 15-17 14-15 May – June 2024
Las Vegas Licensing Expo Mandala Bay Convention Center licensingexpo.com
