GDA May 2025

Donna

Biscayne

Melanie Acadia

Lyla

Bryce

Shay

Canyon

Edna

DALLAS LEADS THE WAY

Retail Rules Are Changing. Be at Market To Rewrite Yours.

The first market of the summer is critical to your business. As rules change your best decision is to experience market in-person to make smarter decisions with confidence.

TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET

June 18 - 24, 2025 | TEMPS June 18 - 21

Retailers aren't as optimistic about sales this year as they were in 2024, according to our latest survey. Respondents share their concerns — from inflation to inventory woes — for the year.

Greeting cards are straying from the beaten path. While birthdays and traditional holidays still reign supreme, consumers are now sending cards for more out-of-the box life events, too.

As the cooler seasons move in, make sure you're stocked to keep your customers warm. Animal prints, puffy vests and chic wraps are all the rage for this upcoming fall and winter.

Stocking for the school year can be tough. Whether you're looking to please the littlest students, the university-bound teens or the experienced teachers, we've gathered products sure to please.

Budget-conscious shoppers don't need to skimp on giving; they just need to get creative. Entice them with these impulse buys, gift-basket fillers, party favors and little ways to say thanks.

DEPARTMENTS

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Lenise Willis 336.605.3817 | lwillis@giftsanddec.com

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Erd | 773.570.4187 | aerd@bridgetowermedia.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Adelaide Elliott | 336.605.1145 | aelliott@giftsanddec.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Pamela Brill, Linda Cahan, Angela Schmook, Warren Shoulberg, Jaime Zepeda

RESEARCH EDITOR Joanne Friedrick

SENIOR GROUP PUBLISHER, EVP CREATIVE SERVICES Liz Irwin

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HOME FURNISHINGS DIVISION 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

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At Home with Tariffs

After constantly changing news and back-and-forth decisions regarding the placement of higher tariffs on a number of countries, it seems the gift industry — and consumers — are getting used to the idea and planning accordingly.

This issue highlights our Today’s Gift Retailer survey, which delves into which categories retailers plan to expand, which categories have been their bestsellers, which experiences are bringing in the most customers and so much more. And, judging from the results, it seems retailers are being cautious this year, and are placing bets that customers will be, too.

For example, the top-growing categories retailers say they are carrying are home, holiday and those associated with at-home gatherings for consumers who will likely be cutting down on going-out expenses.

“The top-growing categories retailers say they are carrying are home, holiday and those associated with at-home gatherings for consumers who will likely be cutting down on going-out expenses.”

According to the survey, 88 percent of responding gift retailers have stocked home goods and 83 percent have stocked holiday products, tapping into traditions and family time, for the top-sourced categories.

Interestingly, fashion was the No. 1 category responding retailers said they planned to carry more items for in 2025.

Flip through the survey for more helpful insights, like bestselling price points by category, top ways retailers are enhancing the customer experience, and the most popular social media platforms to use to reach customers.

Also included in this issue is a feature on greeting card trends. Read up on the latest in more sophisticated salutations, which make for great stand-ins when a customer can’t afford a gift or to go to an event in person. This year will be all about helping the customer use their bucks wisely and convincing them that an item is well worth the investment. The latest in cards is also addressing the more out-of-the-box occasions that consumers will plan to celebrate this year. Be sure to check out our style pulse, too, which highlights creative thankyou gifts and party favors. With more customers choosing to celebrate occasions at home, special take-home items will help make the event feel more festive, even if it’s just in the living room!

Finally, though I’m sure you’re all aware by now, this issue will be my last issue before my maternity leave. Though I’ve written and planned some thoughts for future issues, I won’t “see” you all again until the September issue. I hope everyone has a fabulous summer, makes lots of sales and has a great time sourcing at summer markets!

Lenise Willis Editor in Chief

Tariffs Paused for 90 Days, Except for China

After initially announcing on April 2 that “reciprocal” tariffs on 180 countries would go into effect on April 9, President Donald Trump took to social media on the 9th to announce a pause.

Trump posted on Truth Social that he has authorized a 90-day pause on the specific reciprocal tariffs. The 10 percent universal tariff, however, implemented April 5, still seems to be in effect.

“Based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non-Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 percent, also effective immediately.”

Dealing with the Fallout

News of the initial tariffs sent shockwaves through the country, including the gift and home industry, and though the sweeping tariffs on other countries have been paused, a 145 percent tariff on China will still greatly affect the gift and home industry. Many industry professionals have been left trying to navigate how the costs will be passed down should they hold and what this chain reaction will mean for independent retailers in the industry.

Bob Negen of Whizbang Retail Training assured store owners that they aren’t as bad off as they might fear.

than it’s worth.”

“Anytime you have a hot political and financial issue like this, it sparks far more negativity

— Ashley Alderson, CEO of the Boutique Hub

At the time of the original announcement, it was noted that the now-paused tariffs are not reciprocal in the literal sense, but instead are more like discounted from rates the countries impose on the U.S. For example, a rate of 34 percent will be applied to China, compared with the tariff rate of 67 percent China imposes on the U.S., according to the Trump administration.

China, however, will not see a pause on tariffs. Instead, the president raised the tariff on China to 145 percent, which was still the case at the time of this issue's print date, April 15.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125 percent, effective immediately,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.”

“Independent retail stores aren’t nearly as price sensitive as big-box store brands because people are getting an experience in-store; one of the things they’re paying for is the experience in the store. It is going to have an effect, but it’s not going to have nearly the same effect as it will have on big-box brands and stores, where the experience isn’t as important as the assortment and the pricing.”

Many retailers are debating whether they should raise their prices or not. So far, retailers have varied on this issue. Some independent retailers have already increased their prices by 15-20 percent on incoming merchandise and have said they’ll revisit the issue after several months. Others have said they will instead focus their energy on calling vendors and canceling any orders that have too high of a “tariff tax” or price increase, so they don’t have to raise the prices on as much of their stock.

Inevitably retailers will likely have to increase the costs of their goods to keep up with the price hikes likely to be caused by tariffs, though the top follow-up question is: Should they communicate the price hikes to their customers?

“Across our community, the resounding answer to this is, ‘No, keep it positive,’” said Ashley Alderson, CEO of the Boutique Hub, which gathered hundreds of comments from retailers on the subject of tariffs. “Anytime you have a hot political and financial issue like this, it sparks far more negativity than it’s worth.”

Negen echoed this sentiment: “Just raise your prices and don’t make a big deal about it,” he advises. “Prices go up all the time; just don’t bring attention to it.”

As part of President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements on April 2, the Administration eliminated duty-free de minimis status for low-value import from China.

The executive order impacts imported goods from China and Hong Kong sent through means other than the international postal network. Previously, when such goods were valued at or under $800, they were exempt from duties. As of May 2, they will be subject to a tariff of 30 percent of their value or $25 per item — increasing to $50 per item after June 1.

The de-minimis exemption had generated huge business for inexpensive goods sold by companies such as Shein and Temu. Amazon jumped into the mix last fall, quietly launching a mobileonly service called Haul that offered extremely low-price items that mostly came from China.

On average, U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes over 4 million de minimis shipments into the U.S. each day, according to a U.S. government fact sheet issued yesterday. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported processing more than 1.3 billion de minimis shipments in 2024, up from more than 1 billion shipments in 2023.

As of May 2, carriers transporting postal items that had been

Trump Slams Door on De Minimis Loophole Import Cargo Levels Forecast to Plummet as Tariffs Take Their Toll

With President Trump’s slate of tariffs expected to hit most U.S. trading partners, import cargo levels are forecast to slump by double-digits in the second half of the year.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” said Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation (NRF) VP for supply chain and customs policy.

As a result, imports during the second half of 2025 are now expected to fall at least 20 percent year over year, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the NRF and Hackett Associates. Even balanced against elevated levels earlier this year, that could bring total 2025 cargo volume to a net decline of 15 percent or more unless the situation changes.

“In this environment of complete uncertainty, our forecast for import cargo will be subject to significant adjustments over the coming months,” said Hackett Associates founder Ben Hackett. “At present, we expect to see imports begin to decline by May and that they will drop dramatically during the remainder of the year.”

subject to the de minimis policy must now report shipment details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), maintain an international carrier bond to ensure duty payment, and remit duties to CBP on a set schedule.

“Closing the de minimis loophole was the right move for Main Street and for the country,” said Gavin Marks, CEO of DM Merchandising. “I’ve been a vocal critic of the clause for a long time. This was an obvious step forward.”

This marks the Trump Administration’s second go at the de minimis exemption. In February, Trump ended the policy abruptly, but both the CBP and U.S. Postal Service were unprepared to handle the new requirements, so the President lifted the order.

In issuing the new order yesterday, the Administration asserted that some Chinese-based shippers have exploited the loophole to hide illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, in low-value packages bound for the U.S.

The executive order also requires the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to submit a report within 90 days assessing the impact of the new policy. The department is also to weigh in on whether to extend these rules to packages from Macau.

Imports have been elevated since last summer, first as retailers brought in cargo ahead of an October strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports and then in anticipation of an escalation of tariffs after the November elections. Imports during 2024 totaled 25.5 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent (TEU) — which was up 14.7 percent from 2023 and the highest since 2021’s record 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.

At the time of print, ports had not yet reported March’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.14 million TEU, up 11.1 percent year over year. April — which includes cargo shipped before the new tariffs were announced — was forecast at 2.08 million TEU, up 3.1 percent year over year. But May is expected to end 19 consecutive months of yearover-year growth, dropping sharply to 1.66 million TEU, down 20.5 percent from the same time last year. June is forecast at 1.57 million TEU, the lowest volume since February 2023 and a 26.6 percent drop year over year. July is forecast at 1.69 million TEU, down 27 percent year over year, and August at 1.7 million TEU, down 26.8 percent.

Gift and Home Industry Reacts to ‘Trump Tariff Tsunami’

Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs shocked business owners, government officials and consumers across the globe. And while they are currently on a 90-day pause, the uncertainty is still casting worry over nearly every trade industry, including gift and home businesses, and the challenges posed by the increased tariff on China are still astronomical.

“When one economist called April 2 — the day the Trump Tariff Tsunami was unleashed — ‘Obliteration Day’ he nailed it,” said industry commentator Warren Shoulberg. “Indeed, it was. These are catastrophic hits on the way the gift and home industry goes about their business. There's no way companies can absorb these kinds of cost increases when much of its merchandise is extremely price sensitive and their margins are often infinitesimal.”

As news of the tariffs started to spread, we asked several brands, consultants and independent retailers to weigh in and share what they think, how they're preparing for the worst, what's next for their business and what they need from each other during this turbulent time.

Industry Professionals Respond and Strategize

With so many countries on the list should the tariffs hold, dodging higher import costs will be nearly impossible for gift and home businesses, resulting in new challenges and higher costs for brands and consumers, alike.

“The initial impact will be that consumers simply shut down when they see these higher prices,” Shoulberg said. “Sure, many companies have stockpiled extra inventory in anticipation of this, but it won't last indefinitely. In fact, it will run out over the summer, at the latest, meaning the important fall and the even-more-important fourth-quarter holiday seasons will be devastated with higher prices. It's going to be ugly in the short term — and even uglier in the longer term.”

JJ Hjalmarson has been prepping for this announcement for months. Hjalmarson is the founder of First Sale Tariff (FST), a consultancy designed to help guide importers through the complexities of international trade in 2025. In a recent op-ed piece, he shared suggestions for importers looking to reduce their Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) through strategic tariff

management. His company preaches “agility and resilience,” Hjalmarson told Gifts & Decorative Accessories in an email.

“Candidly, the outcome of the April 2 announcement is worse than we could have imagined at FST,” he said. “The unseen costs of these tariffs and the years of work that have gone into our industry diversifying our supply chains out of China to places like Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines are incalculable. When you layer in the real added cost of 54 percent new tariffs out of China and other increases across the board, the impact on pricing and resulting sticker shock to consumers is unavoidable. There are still plenty of practices and policies importers can implement to help mitigate these costs, but the need to raise prices will be all but universal."

"In an ideal world, all U.S. trading partners come to the table with concessions and tariffs reduce and U.S. imports abroad rise," Hjalmarson added. "The worst-case scenario is that the countries of the world band against the U.S. and say, 'Do your worst,' or even raise their own tariffs. If that happens it is highly likely that we experience a period of 'stagflation' as both prices and unemployment start to rise.”

John Toler, CEO of Richmond, Va.-based Evergreen Enterprises, has also been busy preparing for these changes — with the help of his team and manufacturing partners — for months. And he shared similar advice to other businesses preparing to ride out these uncertain times.

Evergreen Enterprises has been bracing for tariffs by “amassing cards,” diversifying its sourcing and preparing to cut manufacturing costs to help mitigate the impact of tariffs.

“As I told employees, we’ve been building war plans, but we did not know what was going to be dealt to us,” he explained. “We got our hand dealt to us last night, and now this morning, I understand where China fits in, I know where Mexico fits in. I know where all these countries fit. Now we, as a global sourcing organization, are looking to see where the advantage is going to be.”

Assortment and production will shift based on the announcement, Toler said, as the company tests the waters to see what products and price points will be possible, and as its retailers learn more about what consumers will be willing to spend money on in the coming weeks and months.

Retailers Shocked and Uncertain

For retailers of all sizes, news of these tariffs has brought on unprecedented levels of uncertainty.

“I was simply shocked that the tariffs reached all of the manufacturing hubs — locations that affect our industry,” said Ken Ludwig, an interior designer who also operates a Retailer Excellence Awards-nominated retail store, Kenneth Ludwig Chicago. “It will now affect all our imported lines from furniture to lighting to accessories."

And, thanks to the wide-reaching economic implications of these tariffs, even businesses that do not carry large quantities of foreign-made goods are facing down changes, according to reports, thanks in large part to the stress these tariffs will put on American consumers.

“More tariffs equal more anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers," noted David French, the National Retail Federation's executive vice president of government relations. "While leaders in Washington may not care about higher prices, hardworking American families do.

“Eighty-eight percent of voters say that small businesses play an important role in their local economy, according to an NRF poll conducted by Morning Consult. These tariffs will have a disproportionate impact on local communities and will be particularly harmful to small retailers ... Tariffs are a tax paid by the U.S. importer that will be passed along to the end consumer. Tariffs will not be paid by foreign countries or suppliers."

What Can Businesses Do?

For retailers looking to open up a dialogue with their vendors and sales reps at this time, Toler suggested starting with a request for price transparency.

“If I were a retailer, I would like to know what my cost is going to be on items that I’m ordering now that are shipping in the future,” he explained. “‘That Christmas order I gave you in January that's going to ship in July, can you tell me, or give me some guidance or understanding, on if that price is still good?’ Retailers need to know what they’re going to pay for product because they’re going to be dealing with their own complications, store demand, foot traffic concerns. Vendors don’t need to be putting their retailers in a bad spot with surprise surcharges."

There is also still time for businesses to reach out to Washington with their concerns and complaints, though some industry insiders worry that might not be enough.

"The sad part is that the industry doesn't have the lobbying muscle or high-visibility profile of larger sectors like motor vehicles and computer chips to get any attention from the federal government," Shoulberg said. "It's going to suffer along, getting caught up in whatever happens. Some people believe this is all a negotiating tactic, and while you might see some deals cut, the overall impact of these tariffs is not going away. We can only hope that calmer, more rational and smarter legislators step up and reverse all of this. That's a big hope to ask for."

Editor's note: Industry reactions were gathered April 2-4, prior to the announcement of the 90-day pause.

22_0470_Retail_RedBows_HalfHoriz_US Mod: March 13, 2025 12:11 PM Print: 03/13/25 page 1 v2.5

MAKING Scents

Eckman Returns to Andmore as President

Scott Eckman is returning to Andmore as president of the omnichannel wholesale market organizer, effective April 7.

As president of Andmore, Eckman will help lead the company alongside Pertchik, who joined Andmore in June 2024. Eckman will oversee a broad range of activities, including sales, leasing and marketing, and partner with Pertchik and the rest of the leadership team to "enhance how Andmore serves customers and guests." Eckman’s appointment follows Dorothy Belshaw’s transition from Andmore president to an ongoing advisory role in February 2025.

“Andmore is recognized for its industry-leading creative marketplace solutions and customer-centric values, and I am excited to return to the enhanced Andmore family in this new role.”

—

Scott Eckman, Andmore president

Striped Metal

Waterless Diffuser

“Scott is a collaborative leader with deep connections across our industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Andmore team in a bigger and broader capacity to help lead this great company,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of Andmore. “As Andmore continues to grow and adapt to industry opportunities, Scott’s strong customer relationships and experience leading teams across functions, including sales, leasing and marketing, combined with his recent experience supporting Loloi’s continued growth, will be an asset to our business and all of our partners.”

Eckman brings “significant cross-functional experience in physical and digital marketplaces across the industries Andmore serves,” according to a release. Since 2023, he has served as president at Loloi, a rug, pillow and wall art resource. Prior to that, Eckman spent more than a decade at Andmore, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief revenue officer. During his time in that role, he oversaw permanent showroom and temporary tradeshow leasing across all product categories and campuses. Eckman began his career at Boston Consulting Group and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“Andmore is recognized for its industry-leading creative marketplace solutions and customer-centric values, and I am excited to return to the enhanced Andmore family in this new role,” said Eckman.

“Working alongside Jon and the rest of the team, I look forward to leveraging my previous industry experience, including the invaluable perspective as a wholesaler and market exhibitor gained during my time at Loloi, to support Andmore’s continued innovation and growth as the go-to provider of wholesale market experiences for buyers and sellers.”

For hundreds of years, Native American tribes made months-long pilgrimages to the Sedona area they believed to be sacred ground. Now, Sedona is home to numerous Native American sacred sites and is also home to some terrific retail shops filled with local artists' works, including many Native American artisans.

SEE MORE PAGE 38

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"So happy to see you again. Are you shopping for a special occasion?"

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Today’s Gift Retailer

Reality sets in during challenging times

by Joanne Friedrick

In a year when tariffs are grabbing the headlines and carryover concerns such as inflation and a tight labor market persist, retailers participating in Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Today's Gift Retailer survey are more cautious about predicting a better sales year.

While more than half of retailers surveyed last year felt 2024 sales would be better than in 2023, this year only 38 percent are projecting sales to improve in 2025 vs. 2024. More are also expecting a sales decline (18 percent this year vs. 12 percent last year).

Looking at actual sales year-over-year, just 18 percent said 2024 outperformed 2023 — far below the 52 percent that had projected an increase. Another 26 percent reported sales fell vs. 2023, while the remaining 56 percent maintained the prior year’s level. Of those citing a loss, the percentage ranged from 9 percent to as high as 20 percent.

Inflation, whether impacting a retailer’s costs (47 percent) or a shopper’s willingness to buy (50 percent), remained the top concern store operators tackled in 2024. Those numbers are down a bit from last year’s survey, but the issue of staffing shortages gained traction, jumping into the No. 3 spot on the list at 44 percent. Having too much inventory was also more concerning in 2024, rising as an issue for 32 percent of respondents vs. 22 percent when reflecting on business in 2023.

What’s in Stock

Gift retailers continued to be bullish on home décor and holiday-related items, with 88 percent stocking home goods and 83 percent stocking holiday products. Candles and related products, at 75 percent, edged out fashion and stationery (74 percent each) for the No. 3 spot.

However, when asked about which categories they are looking to expand in 2025, fashion came out on top with 41 percent of respondents citing it as a new or expanding area for their business. Also high on the growth list were home décor and bath and body products (36 percent each) and candles and accessories (31 percent). Those were the same four categories that led the list in 2024, although candles were slightly ahead of bath and body in that ranking.

Tabletop and holiday made significant moves up the list among categories targeted for growth, with 28 percent citing both in the current survey vs. 19 percent and 17 percent, respectively, the previous year.

Home-related items had the highest average price points among the various gift categories, with home décor/home accents coming in with a price of $107 and wall art at $87. Products that have more of a niche following, such as collectibles, were third with an average price of $76, while locally sourced items and private label offered average selling points of $59 and $45, respectively. About half the store operators participating in the survey carry collectibles and local items, while just one-third offer private label.

The lowest average price point was for stationery at $12. CBD-related products were the ones least stocked by retailers and lowest on their growth list. As with last year’s survey, 71 percent again said they plan to add or expand products made in America, which are carried by 86 percent of respondents. About 74 percent said they would be expanding or adding locally made items as well.

Where retailers sourced products for their stores in 2024 shifted toward third-party platforms slightly, making that the highest among the options at 26 percent, up from 22 percent using them in 2023. Vendor’s wholesale websites were second at 23 percent while sales reps and major markets tied with a 19 percent share each.

An encouraging sign for gift entrepreneurs and new brands, just more than 44 percent of respondents said they dedicated 10 percent to 20 percent of their inventory to new vendors, product discovery or new trends. Furthermore, about one-quarter devote 21 percent to 30 percent and nearly 9 percent put that figure in the 31 percent to 40 percent range. Another 20 percent, however, are only willing to devote less than 10 percent of their inventory for this cause.

Top categories carried in 2024

Home décor/home accents

Holiday products

Candles and accessories/home fragrance

Fashion products/accessories/jewelry

Stationery/greeting cards

Tabletop

Bath and body/aromatherapy

Wall art

Ceramics/pottery

Baby/infant products

Handcrafted products

Gourmet food

Kids' products

Home textiles

Garden products

Locally sourced Toys

Inspirational products

Collectibles

Pet products

Licensed products

Eco-friendly/sustainably sourced

Religious/faith based

Private label/custom for store

Snarky/punny products

Gift baskets or product bundles

Gourmet tools

Cause related CBD-themed

Best-selling price points on

product

Fashion products/accessories/jewelry

Home décor/home accents

Bath and body/aromatherapy

Candles and accessories/home fragrance

Tabletop

Holiday products

Handcrafted products

Private label/custom for store

Locally sourced

Baby/infant products

Gourmet food

Ceramics/pottery

Gift baskets or product bundles

Stationery/greeting cards

Inspirational products

Wall art

Garden products

Pet products

Gourmet tools

Snarky/punny products

Licensed products

Collectibles

Eco-friendly/sustainably sourced

Home textiles

Kids' products

Toys

Religious/faith based

Cause related

CBD-themed

Candles and accessories

%

Jar

Flameless/LED

Holders/vessels

Loose (votives/pillars/tapers)

Warmers/melts

Natural/eco-friendly

Fashion products and accessories

products

Gourmet tools

Home décor

Stationery products

Greeting cards

Calendars/planners

Coloring/activity

Stickers/buttons/patches

Cutting/cheese/charcuterie

Glassware/crystal Serveware

Stemware/barware Centerpieces

Business Builders

From a long list of options to create in-store excitement and buoy sales, product discounts and in-store food and beverages tied for the most popular means of attracting customers with just less than half of respondents (49 percent) opting for both. Free giftwrap service continued to be high on the roster as were extended hours (43 percent each).

Collaboration among other local stores was embraced by more than one-third of retailers, replacing curbside pick-up among the top five choices. Virtual events, which proliferated during the pandemic, and designer or celebrity appearances were the least popular offerings, with just 6 percent of respondents offering one or both of these perks.

Retailers continue to believe that in-store experiences are what differentiates them from online retailers, major chains and even other gift retailers. “Experience is what brick-andmortars have going for them,” noted one retailer. “Customer service and experience is everything!”

“Shopping should be a fun and exciting experience,” said another about why they offer extra in-store perks. “I always want my shoppers to feel special when they are shopping here.”

Another means retailers use to connect with customers is via social media. Once again, Facebook (97 percent) was used most often, followed by Instagram (74 percent). Use of X (formerly Twitter) to reach out dropped to 6 percent from 17 percent, and those saying they don’t use social channels at all fell to 3 percent

from 10 percent.

About two-thirds (63 percent) found posting videos, reels or stories to be the best way to reach their audience. Around half also sold products through posts and 40 percent connected with customers through direct messages or by responding to comments. Slightly more than one-third (37 percent) invested in social ads or boosted posts.

Along with improving their customer experience through events and social media efforts, retailers also stepped up their personal game with 40 percent acknowledging they took part in some form of training program, seminar or workshop during 2024. Most-explored topics included social media (86 percent), website management (57 percent), trend forecasting (50 percent) and visual merchandising (43 percent).

Looking more closely at in-store technologies currently used by retailers, more than half (54 percent) have embraced design tools for their business and about one-third use some form of AI assistance.

Several, however, mentioned that they don’t use any tech tools at this time. “I probably need to use them all, but I haven’t taken the time,” a retailer said.

Asked about their current POS system, 91 percent responded they were happy with their current set up, primarily citing benefits such as ease of use and the ability to integrate with other programs for reports and inventory management.

Top ways retailers are enhancing their customer experience

Retailers tell us why it's important to offer extra customer experiences

"Being in a seasonal coastal community, I think it's important to encourage locals to visit in our off season. Inviting another artist into my shop and partnering with other businesses has brought in customers from other small communities nearby."

"More relational experiences make small businesses stand out from big box stores. They enjoy the personal interactions and one-on-one assistance."

"Any experience can also be great customer service such as carrying something out for a customer, opening the door or thanking them for their business and taking the time to listen."

"I had a customer tell me the other day that coming into my store was a relaxing experience that she very much enjoys."

"Experience is what brick-and-mortars have going for them. Customer service and experience is everything!"

2024 total sales

How do projected sales for 2025 compare to 2024?

did 2024 sales compare to 2023?

Most popular social media platforms

How retailers used social media to connect with shoppers in 2024

Source: Strategic Insights, 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 2025. 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/aromatherapy: Soaps, hand lotion, body moisturizers, lip care, bath bombs/bath salts/shower bursts, men’s personal care, personal fragrance, sleep wellness, face care, CBD oil/CBD-based, hair care

Candles and accessories/home fragrance: 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/accessories/jewelry: Jewelry, 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

Garden products: Wind chimes, bird feeders/baths, flags, outdoor mats, statues/ accents, planting pots, garden tools/accessories, outdoor lighting, outdoor canvas art

Gift baskets or product bundles

Gourmet food: Chocolate, candy/treats, jams, shelf-stable food, tea, coffee, pet treats, other grocery items

Gourmet tools: Kitchen textiles, wine/bar accessories, cookbooks, kitchen utensils, kitchen gadgets, baking accessories, tea accessories, coffee accessories

Handcrafted products

Holiday products: Christmas, Easter, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Graduation, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, Juneteenth

Home décor/home accents: Decorative accents, wall art/signage, decorative pillows, photo frames, accent lighting, tabletop/serveware, permanent/faux botanicals, blankets/throws, clocks, mirrors, accent rugs

Home textiles

Inspirational products

Garden and Gifts

Licensed products

Locally sourced

Pet products

Private label/custom for store

Religious/faith based

Snarky/punny products

Stationery/greeting cards: Greeting cards, books, journals, notepads, coloring/ activity books, writing instruments, calendars/planners, stickers/buttons/ patches, desk/home office accessories, gift wrap, party products, paint/art kits

Tabletop: Coffee cups/mugs, cutting/cheese/charcuterie boards, serveware, vases, table linens, stemware, melamine, glassware/crystal, centerpieces, dinnerware, tea/coffee pots/sets, flatware, bamboo, sustainable

Toys: Games/puzzles, plush, arts and crafts, books/music, dolls, outdoor toys, pretend play, STEM/educational, blocks, action figures, construction sets, STEAM

Wall art

The terra cotta wall at All-A-Glow in Sedona, Ariz., is warm, welcoming and friendly. The turquoise wood shelves were hand cut and painted and help add both height and visual interest to the space. The row of wood jewelry displays creates a consistency in repetitive images and they are spaced far enough apart that each necklace is highlighted and looks worth what it costs. The tile wall behind the long wood table adds some brightness as well.

(All photos by Linda Cahan)

AGLOW WITH LIGHT AND LOVE

by Linda Cahan

Sedona, Ariz., was on my go-to bucket list for years. I happily visited there a few months ago with my sister and am already ready to go back for more. People in the area often talk about the energy vortexes that can help you heal. According to our knowledgeable guide, the entire area has a positive energy that has attracted people for centuries. For hundreds of years, Native American tribes made months-long pilgrimages to the Sedona area they believed to be sacred ground. They felt the red rocks held ancient powers and connected them to the Great Spirit. Sedona is home to numerous Native American sacred sites and it is also home to some terrific retail shops filled with a mix of local artists' works — including many Native American artisans.

Sedona is a shopper’s paradise with over two million visitors a year who come for the relaxing and healing vibes and leave with suitcases full of art, crafts, clothing, mementos and iron dust on their shoes. While waiting for my sister to finish her yoga class, I wandered into a shop that inspired this column, where I immediately felt welcome and at home. All-A-Glow was created by Mike and Glow Mendoza. Originally born and

raised in Santa Barbara, Calif., Mike and Glow have known each other for most of their lives and each moved to Sedona when they retired from their separate careers. As artists, they have an educated eye for great work. Glow creates jewelry and uses some ancient basket weaving techniques from her Native American roots in her creations.

What drew me to this store initially were the window displays. Once I walked in, I knew they were doing something different from the typical touristy southwestern crafts shop. Each piece felt curated and placed with consciousness and care. Their display and visual merchandising techniques were well executed and every area made sense. The wall colors and fixtures highlight the merchandise categories without overwhelming them. Bottom line — they know how to edit their merchandise in a way that makes each piece feel as special as it’s meant to be. Space equals importance and space is created for each item.

Go to Sedona for the relaxing and reinvigorating vibes and stay for the shopping — especially the merchandise combined with smart display techniques at All-A-Glow.

All-A-Glow is a free-standing shop in a strip mall. It’s positioned so it’s not immediately visible as you drive into the parking lot. Thanks to their strong sign with the yellow sun, it pops into view once you start walking around. The wreath in the front window also helps capture attention because of the warm colors and strong focal image. The use of three planters in front shows good taste, too. Three is a magic display number as it has more energy than even numbers.

This space is inset in the middle/rear of the shop. The turquoise sets it apart, but that color is spotted on smaller focal walls throughout the store, so it makes visual sense to tie things together. This gallery-like space shows off different artists, but the focal point is the wood armoire in the back. This well-lit area looks and feels special thanks to the balance of colors and geometric placement of fixtures.

I am rarely a fan of open shelves in the center of the selling floor, but I became one when I saw how these pieces were displayed. Usually, the problem is too much merchandise, so nothing stands out. In this case, pieces are positioned carefully, allowing visual space between them. Each shelf has pieces that relate to each other, helping every shelf tell a story and encourage multiple sales.

Pops of purple and bright green showcase the lines of body products. Green is the color of nature and health while purple is imaginative, spiritual and individualistic. This painted cabinet is a brave and creative way to get rid of what could be an awkward corner and highlight very different merchandise.

This window display (at left) is vastly different from almost all the other displays I saw in Sedona. It has a balance of colors, patterns and materials, along with strong vertical and horizontal fixtures. It’s softened by the curtain on the left. I walked into the store because this window told me that the people within have good taste!

Gift for Life UNITING INDUSTRY.

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.

PARTICIPATE. DONATE. FEED THE HUNGRY. FEEL THE GOOD.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

While the average consumer loves new stuff, increasingly they have more interest in what’s old too. I’m not talking used, second-hand, gently repurposed or any of the other euphemisms floating around there these days. This is about vintage and the ever-growing number of retailers that are mixing in some of this merchandise into their assortments.

SEE MORE PAGE 42

“ “We’re not talking whole departments or even walls — just some items mixed in with your regular offerings.”

Old ... and No Longer in the Way

The old saying about “everything that’s old is new again” is going to have to be updated. I’m thinking maybe “everything that’s old is good again.”

While the average consumer loves new stuff, increasingly they have more interest in what’s old too. I’m not talking used, second-hand, gently repurposed or any of the other euphemisms floating around there these days. This is about vintage and the ever-growing number of retailers that are mixing in some of this merchandise into their assortments. It's always been out there, but it's something gift and home retailers should be thinking about more than they used to right now.

“This is about vintage and the ever-growing number of retailers that are mixing in this merchandise into their assortments. It’s always been out there but there seems to be more of it in stores right now and that’s something gift and home retailers should be thinking about more than they used to.”

If you’re going to try to make your store different from every other guy on the street, vintage merchandise could be just the ticket. It’s a technique some retailers figured out years ago.

Anthropologie and its sister brand Urban Outfitters have always mixed a few one-ofa-kind vintage pieces into their stores and it served several purposes. These items contrasted with the in-line new goods, making for a more interesting presentation. They undoubtedly carried better margins than the rest of what was for sale, too. Finally, the shopper knew that if they didn’t buy it when they saw it there was an excellent chance it wouldn’t be there next time. It was that treasure hunt theory, but with real treasure.

These two certainly weren’t the only ones doing this. Ralph Lauren has had vintage in its big stores for years and continues the positioning now online with its one-of-a-kinds under its RRL brand, proving this is not just an in-store thing and there is a way to manage this kind of inventory online, too.

The old ABC Carpet & Home in New York City probably had a higher percentage of vintage merchandise on its selling floor than any other retailer in the home space. They had dedicated teams out scouting and buying these products and they were a huge part of the draw of that legendary store. The resurrected ABC, under new ownership and management and significantly smaller than its predecessor, has continued the tradition — albeit on a more modest scale.

And now we’re seeing more retailers get in on the vintage train. Outside of the home space, but along the same lines, Gap has just launched GapVintage, rare pieces from its lines from the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s, that it will be selling in stores.

Of course, these are big stores with large merchandising staffs and often a lot more space (not to mention open-to-buy) than the typical independent specialty store. But that doesn’t mean specialists can’t find a way to do vintage.

If you’re like many retailers, you probably love to go shopping, especially at flea markets and vintage sales, from the big ones at places like Round Top, Texas and Brimfield, Conn., to the local garage and yard sales. Chances are there are items there that would fit into your store — and they would do so at great margins. And let’s not forget that the wholesale markets in High Point, Dallas and elsewhere also have vintage sections that make it even easier to buy from. We’re not talking whole departments or even walls — just some items mixed in with your regular offerings.

All you’ve got to do is remember the lines from the song: “And don't throw the past away; You might need it some rainy day; Dreams can come true again; When everything old is new again.”

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.

Stick Invisible Deodorant

Learn and Grow Garden. Boppy. boppy.com

What’s Trending at ABC Kids Expo

All eyes and ears are on this year’s ABC Kids Expo (May 21-23), where kids’ brands take center stage in the retail world. From adorable infant and toddler apparel to cuddly plush toys, retailers are ready to restock their shelves with goods that welcome new arrivals — and new customers. To find out what’s big with little ones this year, we consulted ABC Kids Expo’s Jill Hegstad, manager of marketing and sponsorships, who forecasted the latest product trends. Here’s what new parents and grandparents will be buying for baby in 2025.

First Fashions. Springtime may be blossoming outdoors, but inside the show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the aisles are sprouting with childrenswear. “We’re excited to have more apparel brands than ever exhibiting at ABC,” said Hegstad. Color palettes vary from bold prints to lowkey neutrals, offering something to suit every taste. “It’s all about marrying form and fashion,” she added. “Parents want comfortable materials that look great.” While bamboo, organic cotton and muslin continue to reign supreme in infant apparel, buyers can expect to see hints of the ’90s in toddler fashion, with rompers, smocking, retro florals and lace accents. Loulou Lollipop is showing its Celestial Adventures line for Fall/Winter 2025, while Poppy & Rows is displaying its bamboo sleepwear designed for babies with sensitive skin.

Play with Your Food. Buyers can satisfy consumers’ unrelenting appetite for plush with foodie-themed playthings. What was once a popular niche with tweens and teens has since moved into the infant/toddler terrain. Baby Paper is featuring its Baby Sensory Cupcakes crinkly plush toys for teething tots,

while Boppy has expanded into the developmental toy space with its Learn and Grow Garden activity set of vibrant veggies. For older kids, versatile soft toys that clip onto backpacks or double as purses and totes are making a statement. Mon Ami is offering its plush bunny, cat and dragon backpacks, along with cuddly animal purses.

Feeding Frenzy. Bottles, bibs and bowls … oh my! Feeding essentials are a new baby gift favorite, and the latest accessories are designed to be versatile and hardworking. Silicone bibs and sippy cups have become a staple because of their durability and ease of cleaning, while an old-fashioned feeding favorite is returning to store shelves. “We are seeing glass making a comeback in the bottle category for its preservation of quality, sustainability and non-toxic properties,” said Hegstad. BIBS is showing glass baby bottles in a variety of sizes, which can be personalized with decorative sleeves. Multi-pack mealtime products are a big hit with consumers looking for more bang for their buck. Boon’s Drizzle Popsicle and Ice Cream Holder 2-Pack is a must-have for summertime treats.

From Tub to Towel. Bathtime has presented a tremendous opportunity for product innovation. While colorful bath bombs have proven their allure, cleverly designed packages of soaks, scrubs and other accessories are turning this nightly ritual into a playful experience. Poppymint Pals presents its playfully packaged pouches of foaming fizzies and soaks designed for stuffy noses, bedtime and everyday bathing. Also on tap are Boo Pals by Spongellé, a collection of Halloween character-shaped sponges with built-in body wash for spooktacular suds.

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 Accountability Complex: Why Musk's Email Gets It Wrong

In late February, a directive from Elon Musk ricocheted through corporate America: "Email me the five things you did this week by Friday EOD." The memo, blunt and unadorned, ignited a firestorm about workplace accountability. But in our rush to either condemn or defend, we're missing the real story.

The problem isn't accountability — it's how we pursue it.

The Low-Trust Tax

Musk's email carries an unmistakable subtext: "Prove you deserve your paycheck." This approach exemplifies corporate America's most persistent delusion — that policy can correct culture. Companies craft elaborate systems to catch the 5 percent of underperformers while subjecting the productive 95 percent to a bureaucratic tax of suspicion.

The math doesn't work. When organizations optimize for the lowest performers, they create drag on their highest performers. Each "prove yourself" demand saps energy that could be directed toward innovation and execution.

Microsoft research reveals that 85 percent of managers doubt their team's productivity. This uncertainty stems from multiple sources: remote work challenges, underdeveloped management skills, and fundamental trust deficits. Rather than address these root causes, leaders too often reach for blunt instruments like Musk's five-item confession booth.

The Mirror Test

Before demanding accountability from your team, try this one-minute exercise: Without preparation, list the five specific actions each team member should prioritize to excel in their role.

If you're stumbling, the accountability problem isn't with

your team — it's with you.

Clarity precedes accountability. Always. No exceptions.

The Clarity Prescription

Want genuine accountability? Start here:

Reset role expectations — even for veterans. Make observable behaviors and metrics the centerpiece of performance discussions. Create psychological safety for clarifying questions by designating a "devil's advocate" in your next meeting who can model the art of seeking clarity.

Unsure where you stand? Implement a proper employee engagement survey. Companies like Best Companies Group have helped thousands of organizations diagnose and address these exact issues. To start a conversation on how we can help, visit: bestcompaniesgroup.com/programs/best-employersurveys-product-page.

The Anti-Musk Approach

Cultivating accountability isn't about Friday email reports or performative productivity. It's about creating conditions where excellence is both expected and achievable.

Great leaders don't demand proof of work — they create clarity about what matters, why it matters, and how success will be measured. Then they get out of the way.

The next time you're tempted to implement a sweeping accountability measure, remember: Big problems require deep thinking, not panic-induced policies. But better yet — prevent the problem entirely through clear, consistent communication from day one.

When leaders fail to communicate effectively, eventually they're reduced to counting widgets — or worse, demanding Friday email confessionals. Don't be that leader.

Jaime Raul Zepeda is EVP, principal consultant for Best Companies Group and COLOR Magazine, part of BridgeTower Media. Best Companies Group can analyze your organization’s health, team dynamics and leadership’s effectiveness. It has helped more than 10,000 companies understand and improve their workplace using data-driven strategies. Email Zepeda at jzepeda@bestcompaniesgroup.com.

ON THE ROAD WITH Julie Dakin

Julie Dakin has spent years in the retail world. Working on both sides of the industry, she has developed a special perspective for connecting with buyers. Now, as a territory sales rep for Gib Carson Associates, Dakin is thriving and helping her retail customers thrive, too.

by Angela Schmook

Julie Dakin is no stranger to the hustle of the retail world. With a background that spans every corner of the industry — from buyer to executive director of a major regional wholesale gift mart to her current role as a territory sales representative for Gib Carson Associates — Dakin brings a rare, 360-degree perspective to the gift and home industry.

Covering Central and Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, Dakin is known for her tireless work ethic, deep understanding of the market and genuine passion for helping independent retailers thrive. But ask her what keeps her motivated after all these years and her answer is refreshingly simple: “I love working with store owners and building a profitable business that surpasses their expectations.”

“Reps today need to know their customers and local market. How can you help your store stand out and compete successfully in their environment? That’s

the question we need to be asking every day.”

Dakin has witnessed the retail industry’s many evolutions firsthand. “There was a time when store owners were, rightfully, upset with Amazon and all the resellers offering products below MSRP,” she recalled. “Today, most vendors enforce MSRP guidelines and Amazon rarely comes up in conversation. The real challenge now is navigating the many different channels available for buying.”

From market appointments and road visits to rep agency websites and vendor portals, buyers have more options than ever for placing orders. But with more options comes more complexity — and that’s where a seasoned rep like Dakin becomes invaluable.

“Reps today need to know their customers and local market,” she explained. “How can you help your store stand out and compete successfully in their environment? That’s the question we need to be asking every day.”

For Dakin, that means constant communication, education and attention to detail at every stage — from order followthrough to managing damages. “Store owners are wearing so many hats. They rely on local reps willing to straighten shelves, write reorders and go the extra mile,” she said.

It’s this level of service that builds long-term trust. Dakin still celebrates those moments when a buyer realizes that “free freight” on a platform doesn’t always mean better value. “When they understand they can actually make more margin dollars

by shopping smart and buying local, that’s a win,” Dakin said.

But Dakin’s success didn’t happen overnight. It’s built on decades of experience, wisdom from mentors and a willingness to embrace change. Since she understands what it’s like to be on both sides of the table, she brings a unique perspective that makes her a good sales rep, a true partner and a problem-solver all in one. “I just love it when I get a buyer who challenges me,” Dakin said. “That’s when the real magic happens.”

She thrives on collaboration and is energized by buyers who “think outside the box.” Dakin sees every account as an opportunity to learn and grow together. One of the earliest lessons she learned came while working as a buyer for a major department store: “The only thing permanent in retail is change.”

That mindset has served her well across every role she’s taken on in the years since her time as a buyer. As the former executive director of the Columbus MarketPlace, Dakin gained a deep appreciation for the wholesale side of the business, connecting vendors and buyers in meaningful ways.

A favorite quote she always carries came from a retail executive who once told her team, “If you’re going to fall, fall on your face — at least it shows you’re moving forward.”

Dakin laughs when she shares that memory, but it’s clear she’s taken that advice to heart. Her persistence and forward momentum are legendary. “It can take up to seven contacts for a store to respond,” she said. “It took me seven years for one buyer to give me an appointment — and yes, I got an order!”

In her career now, Dakin isn’t just placing orders — she’s building businesses. Her partnerships with independent retailers are based on trust, transparency and mutual success. She recalls a recent appointment where the store owner thanked her for supporting their modest $250 quarterly reorders during a tough financial stretch. “Those reorders are now over $2,500,” she said. “When the store wins, the vendor and the rep win.”

“I’ve built my business with small independent retailers. Those relationships and success stories keep me on the road every week,” she added.

And the results speak for themselves. And though Dakin may be too modest to want the details in print (sorry, Julie!), all of her strategies, experience, hard work and dedication are paying off tenfold. She was recently acknowledged by her company, Gib Carson Associates, with a sales award, and she was also named one of Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Top 20 Sales Reps to watch.

With her impressive order volume, unwavering commitment to her retailers, and love for the ever-changing world of retail, Dakin is the kind of rep every store dreams of having in their corner.

Q & A

4 QUESTIONS WITH Ashley Alderson

The CEO of the Boutique Hub and Hubventory responds to President Trump’s April tariff announcement and offers advice to independent retailers.

Q: How will these new sweeping tariffs affect independent retailers?

A: “We are already seeing the tariff costs added to wholesale orders. Some brands have chosen to maintain pre-negotiated pricing but add on costs to future orders, while others have added costs immediately.

"While the immediate frustration with these increases does impact retailers trying to operate on thin margins, it has forced some new strategies and changes that many retailers needed. We are seeing some positive direction and new focus on diversifying product lines, sales channels, financial understanding and new marketing campaigns.”

Q: How should retailers prepare for these new tariffs?

A: “No one likes a price hike, but it is the nature of the beast at this time. To prepare, retailers should focus on how they are presenting their products to increase the idea of value. Price is the point at which value and the pleasure of owning a product outweighs the pain of spending your hard-earned money. Value is portrayed through branding, quality photography, merchandising, video, detailed descriptions and brand recognition or affinity.”

Q: How can retailers handle price increases or pass them down to the consumer? How should they be communicating with their customers?

A: “A big question is, 'Should I be telling my customers about my price increases due to tariffs?' Across our community, the resounding answer to this is, ‘No, keep it positive.’ This is mostly a B2B concern more than a B2C. Anytime you have a hot political

and financial issue like this, it sparks far more negativity than it's worth. Retail is an escape for many consumers, a place to find joy and move away from the political and heated nature of our world today.

“If you still choose to, a more generic statement could be an option, such as, ‘Yes, our business has been impacted, but we are doing our best to keep (name) the business you've always known and loved! Thank you for supporting us, and all small businesses! Shopping small and shopping local keeps our local and national economies going!’”

Q: What else can retailers do during these challenging times?

A: “[Retailers should be asking their sales reps and vendors] questions about the costs of tariffs and where they are shown on invoices, along with questions about reorders or policies on what dates orders will or will not have fees included. Also, when tariff rates change or decrease, how those decreases will also be shown to retailers.

“Perhaps the most important advice I could give retailers is if you are someone who has historically not been comfortable with understanding your retail reports, now is the time. Sales are a lagging indicator of success, but studying what the leading indicators are is really shifting the focus and action of those winning right now. Lean into what can be done with average order value, traffic by channel, acquisition costs and ultimately margin and profit.

“At the end of the day: Create relationships and build community in your content; solve customer problems and drive value by telling a story with what you sell; get busy with your content — video is king and is the No. 1 strategy now; know those numbers and reports and lean into them; and protect your energy and your peace.”

For Dads Who Take Their Showers Neat.

After minutes of research, we discovered that an overwhelming majority of dads like bourbon and roughly 97% of these same men enjoy getting Father’s Day gifts. Seeing an obvious parallel, Duke Cannon wants you to know that our lineup of Buffalo Trace grooming goods are an easy way to get pops a 100-proof gift on his big day.

Source: Strategic Insights, 2024 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study 10% of consumers DO NOT PLAN TO BUY any holiday or seasonal décor in the next 12 months, up from 8% in 2023.

BY THE NUMBERS

HOLIDAYS

The traditional Christmas season, which is still the most popular holiday by a wide margin according to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, always brings a push of people shopping both in stores and online. In fact, the unoffi cial kickoff to the holiday season — the period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — saw an estimated 197 million shoppers in 2024, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Cyber Monday shopping alone attracted 64.4 million consumers.

When consumers start

Source: Strategic Insights, 2024 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Study

Consumers spent an average of $235 on HOLIDAY GIFTS during THANKSGIVING WEEKEND in 2024.

& Decorative Accessories Study Source: National Retail Federation

Source: Strategic Insights, 2024

Dollars By Region 2024 vs. 2025

How non-top 100 retailer regional receivables in the U.S. compare year over year: March

GAIN AR Statistics show March 2025 overall receivables of non-top 100 retailers are up 19 percent compared to receivables of non-top 100 retailers in March 2024. This positive signal is further supported with March 2025 current receivables of non-top 100 retailers being up 18.8 percent from March 2024. Additionally, the March 2025 receivables of top 100 retailers are up 39.6 percent compared to March 2024 and again the March 2025 current receivables of top 100 retailers are up 34.2 percent compared to the same period last year. The average days delinquent in March 2025 are up, but only about a half a day from last March. So, the growth in receivables looks to be driven potentially by new sales growth. This chart is created from data provided by the Gift Associates Interchange Network (GAIN).

GET TECHNICAL

If you’re looking to encourage your customers to make more purchases, you better start putting together more product content online, according to 1WorldSync. Studies show content found on e-commerce product detail pages is increasingly used by shoppers in brick-and-mortar stores.

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“ “They can unify their product content experience across the omnichannel or they can continue to execute in silos that take for granted how shoppers behave in a hybrid retail environment.”

Consumers’ E-commerce Site Usage rising, Report says

If you’re looking to encourage your customers to make more purchases, you better start putting together more product content, according to 1WorldSync.

In the Chicago-based tech company’s 2024 Consumer Product Content Benchmmark Report featuring insights from 1,750 shoppers across the U.S. and Canada, data shows consumers rely on product content in three crucial stages of the shopping journey, regardless of shopping channel:

• Discover, where shoppers find products that match their needs.

• Align, where they assess product features, details and specifications.

• Validate, where they confirm their choices through user-generated content like ratings, reviews and customer-submitted videos and imagery.

In all, 41 percent of shoppers report they increased their use of retail e-commerce sites and marketplaces compared to 2023, while only 9 percent reduced their activity in these channels. Conversely, only 15 percent say they're browsing brands’ direct-to-consumer sites more than in 2023, compared to 21 percent who are using this channel less.

Content found on e-commerce product detail pages (PDPs) is increasingly used by shoppers in brick-and-mortar stores. The number of shoppers who always use smartphones for product research while in-store doubled from 2023, with 11 percent pulling out their smartphones during every shopping trip. On average, consumers use their devices on more than half of shopping trips, (54 percent). This is up five percentage points from both 2022 and 2023.

Nearly seven in 10 shoppers, or 65 percent, often or always read ratings and reviews, with customer-submitted images, videos and FAQ sections outlined as the most important factors for consumers. Meanwhile, 49 percent of shoppers say they leave PDPs that have too few customer ratings and reviews.

"Brands and retailers face a pivotal juncture with their commercial strategies,” said Steve Sivitter, CEO of 1WorldSynch. “They can unify their product content experience across the omnichannel or they can continue to execute in silos that take for granted how shoppers behave in a hybrid retail environment. Our study is clear that no matter where consumers shop, they demand rich, accurate and consistent product information. Brands and retailers that excel in orchestrating this content across all channels will be the true champions of commerce."

The data backs that up, too. Nearly eight in 10 shoppers state that they often choose not to buy products due to poor quality or lack of product content. Conversely, more than half (51 percent) of shoppers admit that compelling rich content on an e-commerce page has swayed them into making unplanned purchases.

Two Retail Worlds

The report paints a vivid picture of a retail landscape where digital and physical shopping experiences are increasingly intertwined. With 73 percent of consumers purchasing items online that they previously only bought in-store, the line between e-commerce and traditional retail continues to blur.

Online, AI tools are increasingly influencing purchase decisions. Thirty-one percent of shoppers now use AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to be more informed in their choices, a decent jump from 22 percent in 2023. While use of AI tools is increasing in frequency, consumer trust in these tools is still lacking. Just 35 percent of consumers who use AI tools find them to be accurate often or always. These trends emphasize the importance of optimizing product content for both physical and digital interactions.

Established and emerging technologies are crucial in shaping consumer behavior both online and in person. The addition of store apps and the ability to research a product on a whim is changing how consumers shop. In fact, 64 percent of consumers say they have scanned QR codes to compare prices, check reviews, view detailed product information and access digital coupons while in store — up from 46 percent just last year.

Other Key Points

Here are some other key findings from the report to consider when creating your e-commerce platforms:

Most customers online will leave reviews. A strong majority of online shoppers leave product reviews, with only 18 percent citing that they never do. These contributions are critical to the shopping experience, as 65 percent of shoppers often or always read reviews and 67 percent say that ratings and reviews, as well as customer-submitted content like videos and product photos, have persuaded them to purchase a product they didn't think they needed or wanted. The most valued features of product reviews include accurate descriptions of size and color, balanced feedback and the inclusion of product images.

Influencers do actually influence purchases. Nearly half (49 percent) of all consumers made a purchase based on an influencer's recommendation in the past year, up from 40 percent last year. Notably, consumers aged 25-34 ranked influencer recommendations as the most impactful factor aside from price.

Consider the TikTok Shop. Despite not always scoring high marks for being trustworthy, more than a quarter of consumers (26 percent) have made a purchase through TikTok Shop. Some of those purchases (27 percent) were primarily driven by influencer recommendations, while others were persuaded by attractive discounts (26 percent).

Editor's note: This article was written by Adelaide Elliott and was originally posted on giftsanddec.com.

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Used to poke fun at trends, people and more, “Starter pack” memes playfully highlight stereotypes about specific personas using recognizable items and traits. Last month, thanks in part to ChatGPT’s recent image generation advancements, the meme format began trending again as businesses used the AI platform to create “starter packs” or “kits” of their brands.

Jump on the next AI-generated meme trend by taking a look at a few ways that retailers, manufacturers and even business coaches in our industry made use of the “starter pack” trend on their own accounts.

TRENDING GIFTS

HOME | GOURMET | FASHION | HOLIDAY | STATIONERY | BATH & BODY | GIFTABLES | CANDLES | KIDS

When Vicky Barone started her creative journey more than a quarter century ago, she never imagined she would end up in the world of greeting cards.

Barone first started creating designs in the engineering industry before flipping to artistry and, after spending time designing for major card companies, decided it was time to take a leap of faith. Now, as a self-taught graphic designer, she creates pieces for her own stationery brand, Barone & Co. and proudly works with small boutiques and independent retailers.

“Barone & Co. was born out of a love for thoughtful gestures and the belief that life’s too short to take too seriously,” Barone said, noting that each card is “unapologetically fun, delightfully colorful and crafted

Printed on 100-percent recyclable or sustainably sourced paper

Designed to be boldly colorful with positive messages

with messages that go beyond the surface.”

Freshly launched in January 2025, Barone designs each card in her Cary, N.C., studio. The greeting card line features options for everyday and seasonal cards, with an emphasis on being all-inclusive. “They’re an invitation to celebrate everything from big milestones to simple, everyday joys,” she said.

As the daughter of two foresters, she carries her personal commitment to being eco-friendly into her business, too. The cards are all printed on 100-percent recyclable or sustainably sourced paper and can be shipped with or without cello sleeves.

Assorted greeting cards. Barone & Co. baroneandco.com

STRIKINGLY BOLD STATIONERY

by Amanda Erd

All-inclusive designs that celebrate all people and all occasions

Friendship greeting cards. Willow & Ivy Press. willowandivypress.com

NOT-SO-EVERYDAY

Greetings

In a world increasingly driven by digital communication and fast-paced messaging, the enduring charm of greeting cards proves that tangible, physical connections and the written word still hold powerful meaning. From birthday wishes and heartfelt sympathies to celebrations of life’s evolving milestones — both traditional and unconventional — greeting cards continue to reflect the complexity and beauty of human relationships, thanks in large part to their ever-evolving styles and designs.

by Adelaide Elliott

According to a report from the Greeting Card Association and statistics from the United States Postal Service, nine out of every 10 households buy and send greeting cards each year, a number that has gone up — along with the total number of greeting cards mailed — each year. But what kinds of cards are consumers actually sending?

A Special Occasion

According to statistics from the Greeting Card Association, the most popular everyday card-sending occasion remains birthdays, followed by sympathy, thank you, wedding, thinking of you, get well, new baby and congratulations.

Card makers are seeing subtle shifts in the types of occasions for which consumers are buying cards, though, especially when it comes to gatherings and social occasions. While many consumers who joined the pen pal and letter writing boom that arose during COVID-19 lockdowns have since dropped the habit, many have continued to give and send more greeting cards for more kinds of occasions.

Seattle-based Lucca Paperworks has seen interest in its Dinner Party Thank You Card skyrocket in the last year, as has California’s Ink.Paper.Crafts in its Dinner Party Invite Greeting Card. Cards with cooking, wine and cocktail motifs have also become more popular for pairing with gifts of food and spirits for friends, families and neighbors, and for inviting

and thanking others for having them over for drinks and meals. That rise in popularity can be attributed in large part to the popularity of at-home entertaining, a trend that began during the pandemic and has continued in reaction to economic pressure, according to consumer and market trend resources like Circana.

“The growing trend in home entertainment is part of a larger cultural shift toward social connection as Americans seek affordable ways to entertain close friends and family within their homes,” wrote Circana in a release about 2025 home entertaining and purchasing projections.

Special occasions are also occurring more frequently for consumers according to Circana. The average U.S. consumer experiences more than one special occasion per month, 18 in total per year.

The proliferation of occasions and celebrations are opening up new opportunities for card makers. New occasions and celebrations added by card makers over the last year include cards congratulating people on their divorces, quitting their jobs, gender transitions, completion of apprenticeships, renovations and pet adoptions. Thank you notes have also expanded to include notes of thanks for delivery drivers and fundraiser contributors, like those looking to thank donors on platforms like GoFundMe. Sympathy cards have also added new milestones, with several card makers noting that they added

New Wardrobe, New Pronouns, New Name Greeting Card. Ladyfingers Letterpress. ladyfingersletterpress.com

“thinking of you” cards in honor of pets other than cats and dogs — think birds, snakes and fish — and in honor of one-year anniversaries of a loved one’s passing.

Consumers, according to card makers like Becca Gore, the designer behind stationery and gift brand Drawn Goods, are pushing for more specific and “honest” greeting cards because they crave more “sincere sentiments and authenticity.”

Willow & Ivy Press, a new division of Colorado-based greeting card company Leanin’ Tree, shared similar sentiments when it launched in 2024. The company started with the goal of crafting “the kind of cards that deserve a spotlight on your shelf,” achieved by merging art and design in today’s styles and colors with “authentic and meaningful” messages for friends, family and more. Topics covered by the line's cards include everything from general thank you messages for friends to its “Better Than A Text” collection that includes good luck cards, miss you cards, encouragement cards and more.

Seasonal Sensations

Looking more closely at seasonal and holiday cards, the most popular seasonal cards purchased in the U.S. are Christmas cards, with some 1.3 billion units purchased, including boxed cards. Christmas cards are followed by Valentine’s Day cards, which sold 145 million unites, not including classroom valentines, according to the latest Greeting Card Association research. In order from most to least popular, other occasions include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day.

Holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving have seen an upturn in sales for greeting card makers and retailers in recent years, reflecting a rise in popularity that has been observed for both holidays in other categories like décor. Some smaller holidays, and holidays that celebrate different cultures and people, have also been on the rise, including cards for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth. Cards for religious celebrations like Hanukkah and Ramadan have also been in more demand.

Dinner Party Greeting Card. Ink.Paper.Crafts. inkpapercrafts.com

Multipurpose Possibility

Blank cards are versatile options that can be used in a number of different situations, a trend that is actually popping up across other stationery categories.

While event- and holiday-specific greeting cards are important, blank cards give consumers a chance to flex their writing skills and send a note to a friend about any and everything, from themed parties to a simple hello. In a pinch, they can also work in place of event-specific greeting cards.

Blank greeting cards also stand out to buyers because they give a card’s art and design a special opportunity to stand out. While other greeting cards must marry art and verse, these cards focus solely on art and convey a multitude of emotions, making it even more important to stay up-to-date on what design styles, motifs and color palettes are popular among consumers.

Looking forward, minimalist themes will remain popular across greeting cards, leaning into single-tone color palettes and single focal-points for the design. These styles are popular in part because they provide lots of “white space” for customizing by the consumer. Simplified line art — described as a “scribble” style online — will also continue to be popular.

Opposite the minimalist look is the return to vintage that many card makers are observing. Bad Betty Greeting Cards, a Rockford, Mich., stationery company that aims to “revolutionize the greeting card game,” specializes in crafting vintage style cards that reimagine traditional art and art styles with bold and brash sayings. Vintage has come back into vogue across several categories — especially in home décor and tabletop where consumers are learning to love mixing and matching.

At art licensing agency Wild Apple, art and design continues to take cues from cultures around the world. Moroccan motifs, Asian minimalistic designs and Scandinavian simplicity have been of particular interest, adding unique fair that “resonates with consumers looking for product that reflects a worldly perspective.”

Material World

The materials on which a card is printed or stamped also makes a big difference in its overall design. Textural paper stock will continue to trend with consumers in the coming months because of its association with handmade processes — regardless of how the paper was actually produced. Die-cut edges, glitter adhesions and embossed finishes can also help add textural interest.

Paper weight is also being considered more often by consumers who continue to associate card and envelope thickness and weight with higher quality. The inclusion of non-paper materials in cards — like fabric backings, decorative metal and leather components — all increase the overall weight of a card and help them stand out to shoppers. Novel paper materials — like hemp, cotton, bamboo and flax — also score points with many consumers.

Consumers continue to enjoy unexpected additions to their card materials, especially when those additions are eco-friendly, like cards that utilize plantable seed paper. When sourcing plantable paper cards for your stores, consider requesting themed seed varieties — winter perennials for winter holiday cards, summer herbs for a food-focused greeting card — and seeds that are local to your area. In addition to being good for the planet, these features are also great selling points as consumers continue to seek connection to the things they buy.

Brands like Paper Baristas, started in 2019 by husband-andwife duo Jon Marc and Christy Asper, have been making cards that appeal to consumers seeking more connection to their purchases for years.

For the couple, their ethical manufacturing goals came first. “We want to raise awareness, we want to change the culture of manufacturing and we want to provide these products that are ethically sourced at a reasonable cost,” said Christy. Sharing their production process with consumers has been key to accomplishing all those goals.

Their cards are made fair trade by artisans using cotton rag

A Little Paper Hug Greeting Card. Willow & Ivy Press. willowandivypress.com

waste from the garment industry, making each card an entirely wood-free and upcycled product. Their handmade process — which utilizes the sun for drying — is chemical free, a method that helps to keep pollutants out of waterways. Cards are then finished in the U.S. in the Paper Baristas studio, with each design being hand printed, and the company donates 10 percent of all proceeds to organizations that help fight human trafficking.

More Than a Card

Whether funny, sweet or serious, greeting cards are popular for a wide variety of occasions, especially when they feature “extras” like digitally compatible components, removable keepsakes and elaborate design elements.

On the digital end, QR codes and other scannable elements have unlocked an endless number of possibilities for greeting cards. Cards that offer senders the chance to link custom video messages with a QR code and card designs that can “come to life” with movement and sound on a phone screen thanks to virtual reality technology are two great examples of that tech integration trend.

Physically interactive card elements also continue to be popular among consumers. Cards that feature removable gifts like ornaments, puzzles, magnets and bookmarks are perfect for consumers hoping to give something reusable. Built-in money and gift card holders also remain popular. Scratch-off elements, reveal cards and confetti-filled cards have also begun catching consumers’ attention.

As larger greeting card trends shift in favor of greater

authenticity, artistic expression and environmental mindfulness, the greeting card industry isn't just keeping pace, but innovating in new ways and with new materials that resonate deeply with modern consumers. When adding new cards to your store’s inventory, take some time to consider what elements and what stories might help turn that greeting card into a keepsake or art piece worth displaying for years to come — the artists who designed that card certainly did.

Absolute Legend Scratch-Off Card. Inklings Paperie. inklingspaperie.com

ON THE (CHILLY) CATWALK

by Lenise Willis

Animal prints — including deer patterns — quilted jackets, tied sweaters, oversized knits and chainlink mini purses were all in the spotlight during the fall and winter fashion shows this spring. And though the high-end luxury brands strutting down the runways aren’t exactly what most gift boutiques carry, apparel companies in the wholesale gift industry are following along the trends just fine and aren’t to be outdone.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun, fashionable and cozy attire and accessories that follow the top fall and winter fashion trends of 2025. Of note are oversized sweaters, wraps with creative ties and tucks, animal prints and faux furs, clutches, quilted or puffy jackets and vests, gemstone jewelry and fabric shoulder bags.

Quilted Nylon Vest with Ruffle Sleeve Detail. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Glinda Metallic Down Vest. Coco and Carmen. tgbbrands.com

Cotton Quilted Jacket with Custom Block Print. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Marvella Long Faux Fur Coat. Coco and Carmen. tgbbrands.com

Kyler Chunky Hooded Cardigan in Oatmeal and Hazel Tiered Maxi Skirt in Plum Floral. Howard’s. howardsinc.com

Kedzie Cloud 9 Tote with quilted “puffer jacket” material. DM Merchandising. 247dm.com

Animal-print faux fur coat and shoulder bag. Accent Accessories. accentaccessoriesinc.com

Animal-print clutch and mini bag. Myra. myrabag.com

Heathered Polyester Felt Poncho with pull-through loop front closure. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Handbag in Holiday Capsule Collection. Coco and Carmen. tgbbrands.com

Kiara Pull-thru Wrap with Rhinestone Crystal Embellishments. Coco and Carmen. tgbbrands.com

Allthreads Heritage Sweater Wrap. DM Merchandising. 247dm.com

Burgundy wrap. Top It Off Accessories. topitoffwholesale.com

Poncho and buckle-style tote bag. Accent Accessories. accentaccessoriesinc.com

Tylie Teddy Bear Knit Polo Sweater in Marshmallow. Howard’s. howardsinc.com

Mini purse. Chala. chalahandbags.com

Mini handbags and shoulder bags. Jen & Co. jenandcowholesale.com

Floral beaded bracelet. Rain Jewelry. rainjewelry.com

Neutral palette beaded bracelet. WorldFinds. wholesale.worldfinds.com Clutch. The Winding Road. shopthewindingroad.com

SUPPLIES FOR SCHOOL SEASON

by Amanda Erd

Back-to-school season is a lucrative time of year for retailers. A wide range of consumers venture out for supplies, from parents prepping their kids for the year ahead to college teens heading off on their own to teachers stocking their classrooms. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers were expected to spend nearly $40 billion on back-to-school expenses, averaging a whopping $875 per household, in 2024. Those off to college were spending even more, nearing $1,400 per household.

When it comes to planning inventory for the annual school season, the options are seemingly endless. Consider your customer base — younger customers might be drawn to bright colored journals, backpacks and accessories, while teachers might be on the hunt for desk organization and easily transportable storage options that are visually appealing. Flip through the next couple of pages for ideas perfect for this back-to-school season.

Stocking for Students

Young students love to show off their personalities through their school supplies, so consider these fun, colorful picks.

Print Backpacks. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com

Pencil Pouch Journal. Snifty. sniftypen.com/wholesale

Lunch notes. Papersalt. papersalt.com

Eraser Buddy Sets. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Small Color Pencils. Eeboo. eeboo.com

Bee Humble Stainless Steel Sports Bottle. Kerusso. kerusso.com

Kids Seersucker Belle Backpack. Jane Marie. janemarie.com

Lego Botanical Tab Notebook. Santoki. santoki.com

Crush Please Hold Water Bottle Pouch. DM Merchandising. 247dm.com

Galindo backpack. Rupt. rupt.com

Notebook Pouch. Denik. denikwholesale.com Back to School stickers. Stickers Northwest. stickersnorthwest.com Leather Laptop Case. Cole Wheeler. colewheeler.com Game Day Candle. HomeSick. homesick.com

Don’t Forget Teacher!

Consider stocking products to help teachers add a bit of flair to their desks, classrooms or personal style.

“Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice” Notepad. Design Design. wholesale.designdesign.us

Kedzie Essentials Only Cash & Card Wallet. DM Merchandising. 247dm.com

Fruit Scented Pens. Snifty. sniftypen.com/wholesale

Teacher cursive necklace. Jane Marie. janemarie.com

Leather Journal. Kerusso. kerusso.com

Rivets 4-piece Desk Collection. Roselli Trading Company. rosellitrading.com

Best Teacher Ever Tote and Acrylic Travel Cup with School Supplies. Burton + Burton. burtonandburton.com

MINI GIFTS, BIG IMPACT

by Adelaide Elliott

With their budgets tightening due to ongoing tariff challenges and economic uncertainty, consumers are becoming more intentional with their spending. At the same time, the number of reasons to celebrate continues to rise. A recent Circana report revealed that the average U.S. consumer now experiences around 18 special occasions per year — from birthdays and anniversaries to graduations, seasonal holidays and “just because” moments — and they’re looking for smaller gifts that pack a punch. Whether they’re making a fun impulse buy for themselves or hunting down some tiny giftables to use as stocking stuffers, party favors, gift basket fillers, table toppers and more, less really can be more. As these fun finds prove, gifts of all sizes can mean a lot to their recipients.

Disposable Party Camera. Xo, Fetti. xofetti.com

Little Surprizes. Tops Malibu. topsmalibu.com

Treat Size Flower Sidewalk Chalk. Hopscotch. hopscotchchalk.com

One Card Tarot Reading. Riley Grae. rileygrae.com

Mini Crystal Bracelets. GeoCentral. geocentral.com

Mini Magnetic Air Plant Mug. The Glazing Sun. theglazingsun.com

Star Blink Mini Cards. Isatopia. isatopia.shop

Beeswax Aromatherapy Tins. Big Dipper Wax Works. bigdipperwaxworks.com

Matches + Mini Cloches. Thankful Greetings. thankfulgreetings.com

One Shot Bath Soaks. Sonder and Soul. sonderandsoul.com.au

Mood Ring Cotton Candy Drink Glitter Bombs. Art of Sucre. artofsucre.com

Tiny Matchbox Ceramic Token. Lisa Angel. lisaangel.co.uk

Scratch-Off Oracle Cards. Sara M. Lyons. saramlyons.myshopify.com

"Good Vibes" Boho Shoelace Elastic Hair Tie. Tiny Gift Society. tinygiftsociety.faire.com

Rainbow Pocket Notes. Inklings. inklingspaperie.com

Eco Stars Party Pack. Crazy Crayons. crazycrayons.com

Seed Confetti Poppers. Modern Sprout. modernsprout.com

RETAIL THERAPY FOR STRESSFUL TIMES

Whether it’s a chilly spring night or a breezy summer evening, comfort is always in style. From buttery-soft robes to huggable stuffed animals, relaxing essentials aren’t just for the colder months — they are year-round mood boosters. With everything that has been going on in the news lately, tariff hikes included, comfort items are sure to be in high demand. To help you find your customers’ next favorite feel-good gift, our editors put three products to the test.

LENISE WILLIS

Wearable Blanket unhide.us

My husband and I joke about how many robes I both own and wear regularly. It has gotten a little crazy, but I can’t help it. I love wrapping up in a warm, cozy robe or blanket each morning and each night.

When I saw UnHide’s Shleepy Robe in the Fine Lines showroom one summer market, I knew I had to have one and decided to treat myself. Coined an “everywhere blanket,” the plush robe is made of 100-percent faux sherpa and features a hood and very roomy pockets. It is incredibly soft and comforting and has a good weight to it without being too heavy. It even looks good enough to wear for quick errands out of the house. It’s the first thing I throw on in the morning while I sip my coffee, and I’m happy to return to it in the evenings while we watch our favorite Netflix shows.

ADELAIDE ELLIOTT

Amuseables Happy Boiled Egg jellycat.com

Jellycat has been unbelievably popular over the last few years with both kids and adults alike. They have gone viral online and have gotten rave reviews from nearly every retailer I have spoken with throughout my job here.

This spring, I helped a friend prep an Easter basket for her niece. Naturally, one of my first picks for the basket when we visited our local toy store, Toys & Co., was Jellycat’s Amuseables Happy Boiled Egg plushie.

The perfect size for an Easter basket and adorably on-theme for the holiday, this little guy is as cute as he is cuddly and will hopefully kick off a lifetime of Jellycat collecting for her niece. If she likes the egg theme, there are tons more Boiled Egg characters and breakfast buddies — including Amuseables Oats and Fran Pancakes — to choose from.

AMANDA ERD

Lemon Lavender Hot & Cold Eye Mask 247dm.com

Turbulent times in the world are taking a toll on just about everyone. For me, couple that with the stress of moving and being a mom to a rambunctious young boy … you can safely assume I live in stress and chaos every day.

That’s why I picked up one of the If Looks Could Chill Hot & Cold Gel Eye Masks from Lemon Lavender. When I’m ready to wind down and get all comfy in bed after a long day, I grab this mask to help soothe away all my stress. It doesn’t take long to prepare — pop it in the microwave for 10-30 seconds and you’re on your way to a peaceful paradise right in your bed. For the days when I need cooling relief, I toss it in the freezer for a couple of hours. It’s great for everyday muscle/tension relief around my eyes, and also for relieving headaches and clogged up sinuses!

AMERICAN MADE

When Michelle Darnall first came across Gone Nuts Co., it was a project being run by two college students out of Western Kentucky University. Initially started in 2015, the company focused on creating delicious all-natural nut butters.

At the time, Darnall was operating a small business of her own delivering organic produce and eventually opened a small storefront where she began selling the nutty products. “My family was already using the product prior to then and loved it,” Darnall said.

But as time went on, the students who started the company began to have less involvement in moving the business forward. In 2018, Darnall inquired about purchasing Gone Nuts Co., and while her initial offer was declined, the students eventually changed their minds and handed things over in full.

More than five years later, Darnall and Gone Nuts are thriving. The company operates out of Bowling Green, Ky., where they have a commercial kitchen for processing, jarring, sealing and shipping the final product.

The unique thing about Gone Nuts is the ingredients. Each nut butter is made with five ingredients or less and uses only natural ingredients. The almonds are Blue Diamond, while the peanuts are Georgia grown, but all of the nuts sourced are non-GMO. There are also

no processed sugars in any of the butters — any sweetening comes from natural products like honey, dates or apple juice-infused blueberries.

“I am a foodie at heart but also love good clean food and ingredients,” Darnall said.

Currently, Gone Nuts offers multiple flavors yearround, including the original recipes that Darnall spent time perfecting. New flavors are periodically introduced on a seasonal or holiday basis, as she spends time “playing in the kitchen.” If a new flavor does well, it often joins the main product line. The flavors range from common, like the Naked Pure Almond Butter, to more creative like the Déjà Blue Blueberry Almond Butter or Stay Salty Salted Caramel Cashew Butter.

While new fl avors are currently in the works, Darnall also has her sights set on growing Gone Nuts even more as a brand. The company’s products are currently sold in about 30 retailers nationwide, but she says they are working hard to expand their footprint by attending trade shows. On the production side, they plan to grow their facility in the next 12-18 months to match demand.

Nut butters. Gone Nuts Co. gonenutscompany.com

FEELING NUTTY

by Amanda Erd

Remy Holwick, founder of all-natural beauty brand Baby le Bébé, grew up in Hawaii, where she grew accustomed to her mother’s home remedies over modern science.

“This meant we grew most of our own vegetables, ate the fish her friends caught for us, harvested calendula from our neighbors’ gardens for toners and took arnica for injuries,” she wrote on the company’s website. “We used castor oil to care for skin [and] aloe vera leaves for sunburns.”

But like many children, Holwick grew into an impressionable teen and was influenced by her friends to try more modern skincare products like those by Clinique. “[It was] the most processed thing I had ever put on my face,” she said. “I felt adult, upscale and beautiful with my little bottle of yellow moisturizer and black honey lipstick.”

She was later scouted to be a model in 2003 where she was further enveloped into the world of science-backed beauty, straying further from her mother’s natural tinctures and remedies.

Over time, her skincare routine grew to include more and more steps and more and more processed products that eventually led to cases of perioral dermatitis, a facial condition that causes skin to become inflamed, pink and patchy. “Whenever it flared up, I had to go on a six-week antibiotic course,” she explained.

Fast forward to 2020 and Holwick, like so many others struggling through the pandemic, picked back up a longlost activity: making her own beauty products.

“I made friends with farmers and started behaving more in the way that I had grown up learning to —

eating locally, serving communal dinners, and making more and more foods from scratch, canning, preserving and reusing until our kitchen use resembled witchcraft more than anything else,” she said.

“I also started to question my skin care routine … I had learned simple cosmetic formulation from years of working in beauty, and I knew exactly what I wanted — something as straightforward as the way we ate, plant based and super effective. I knew what plants could do the things that my synthetic actives had been doing.”

She started with a single Nourishing Face Oil that she then started making for her friends, too, and soon Baby le Bébé, donning “happy” packaging that features Holwick’s dog, was born.

“Because she symbolized all the joy of my return to natural ways of living, I put Baby [my dog] right on the label, jumping happily through a field,” she said.

Today, the brand sells a full line of plant-based products, from soothing body oils to lip balms to ultramoisturizing creams, that use only botanical ingredients and a little beeswax when needed. Each ingredient is chosen with a purpose, for example clary sage is an antibacterial that calms and cools the skin, while rosemary decongests pores and balances skin tone.

“I don’t want to look young; I just want to look happy,” Holwick said in an Instagram video about the purpose of her products.

All-natural Smoothing Body Oil, Rinse-Away Oil Cleanser and Skin Saver Winter Balm. Baby le Bébé. babylebebe.com

BOTANICAL BEAUTY

by Lenise Willis

PRODUCT PROFILES

PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS

VHC BRANDS

MUD PIE

SERENE HOUSE USA INC.

NORA FLEMING

WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA

UNEMPLOYED PHILOSOPHERS GUILD

TRASH TALK BY ANNIE

PRODUCT PROFILES

NOBLEWORKS INC.

FUNNY NEW BIRTHDAY CARDS

NobleWorks offers thousands of humorous cards to keep customers laughing and buying! All cards are printed on demand in the USA. Free UPS Ground shipping!

| 800-346-6253

@ www.nobleworksinc.com

# circle #301

LEANIN’ TREE

WILLOW & IVY PRESS™

New designs for summer from Willow & Ivy Press™. Every design is die-cut with foil and glitter embellishments, paired with champagne gold envelopes.

| 800-229-2753

@ www.willowandivypress.com

# circle #300

TRASH TALK BY ANNIE

TRASH TALK BY ANNIE GREETING CARDS

Shop our best-selling Trash Talk collection of greeting cards flaunting vintage photos perfectly paired with sassy sentiments that say it all.

| 866-295-2849

@ trashtalkbyannie.com

# circle #303

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

NOTEBOOKS FOR PET LOVERS (120361, 120362)

Stylish block print designs celebrating lovable furry friends on functional gifts perfect for expressing a love for pets every day.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com

# circle #302

PRESS THE BRICKS ‘N BLOOMS BEAUTIFUL AND EASY-CARE FLOWER GARDEN PLANNER

This comprehensive planner from master gardener Stacy Ling helps green thumbs design, plant, and grow their flower gardens in an organized, more manageable way. MSRP $19.99. Perfect Bound 7 x 9.

| 888-501-0160

@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers # circle #304

TEN PEAKS

PRODUCT PROFILES

LOL

MADE YOU SMILE CHAOS COORDINATOR STATIONERY ESSENTIALS

Fun teacher-themed gifts displaying unique hand-illustrated designs with relatable sentiments perfect for a classroom desk accessory or decorating.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com

# circle #306

GINA B DESIGNS, INC.

PARTY DOGS BIRTHDAY CARD

This charming birthday card features a watercolor design of three festive pups in party hats, making it ideal for all ages. Printed in the USA on richly textured, recycled cardstock. MRP 3.75.

| 800-228-4856

@ www.ginabdesigns.com

# circle #305

TEN PEAKS PRESS FARM-FRESH CHARCUTERIE SPREADS

From the author of The GraceFilled Homestead Cookbook comes this collection of 40+ recipes for creative and delicious charcuterie spreads featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients. MSRP $22.99. Hardcover 6.5 x 8.

| 888-501-0160

@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers

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LEANIN’ TREE NEW RANCH REBEL CO.™

The West just got wilder with Ranch Rebel Co. a new collection designed for modern cowgirls everywhere. With 61 designs across four distinct styles, cards feature foil trim, glitter, and die-stamping. Available from Leanin’ Tree June 1.

| 800-525-0846

@ www.tradeleanintree.com

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SINCERE SURROUNDINGS

CDL1512 BOOK LOVER

Elevate your senses with our Caramel Latte scented candle. This 11 oz soy wax, 2-wick candle offers the perfect gift for book lovers everywhere. Dimensions 3.5" x 4.25" x 3.5".

| 712-472-2290

@ sinceresurroundings.com

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PRODUCT PROFILES

CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS COUNTRY COTTAGE COLLECTION FALL GROUP

The Crossroads Country Cottage Collection is now available in charming 7-ounce jars with black lids. Available in six seasonal designs, they make a perfect gift.

| 866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

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SERENE HOUSE USA INC. STRIPE WATERLESS DIFFUSER

Take your aromatherapy to the next level with Serene House’s new ultra-sleek waterless portable diffuser.

| 856-673-4117

@ www.serenehouseusa.com

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SERENE HOUSE USA INC. VAPOR ULTRASONIC AROMA DIFFUSER

The Ultrasonic Diffusers in Serene House’s 90mm collection run up to 4 hours continuously or up to 8 hours intermittently. All feature optional timer and LED lights.

| 856-673-4117

@ www.serenehouseusa.com

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TAG

MUSHROOM CITRONELLA CANDLES

These unique candles are a musthave for your outdoor living section. Stylish and effective, they’ll keep your customers enjoying their patios all season long.

| 800-621-8350

@ www.tagltd.com # circle #312

TWINKLE

BAT CANDLESTICKS & GHOST TAPER SET

Hand-painted tin bat candlestick with LED twinkle lights. Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included. Set of two handpainted wax taper candles.

| 800-998-1633

@ wholesale.mudpie.com # circle #314

MUD PIE

PRODUCT PROFILES

MY COUNTRY 1776 WOVEN THROW 50X60

Elevate the patriotic spirit in your bedroom and living room with the VHC Brands My Country 1776 Woven Throw, Measuring 50 x 60".

| 417-334-3099

@ wholesale.vhcbrands.com

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MUD PIE

FOOTBALL HELMET CHIP & DIP

Hand-painted ceramic football helmet chip server with top dip well.

| 800-998-1633

@ wholesale.mudpie.com

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CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS/BLOSSOM BUCKET

CARDINAL SNOW GLOBE

Our cheery red cardinal snow globe can bring a ray of sunshine to the most dreary winter day. With a base of twining holly garland and pine cone accents, it is the perfect wintertime décor piece. Measures 5.5" high.

|

866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

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CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS/COOPER’S MILL

BIRTHDAY CAKE FUDGE WITH TRAY

Cooper’s Mill premium fudge is handmade in small batches with only the highest quality ingredients. With so many tempting gourmet flavor choices, including new Birthday Cake, it is impossible to pick a favorite!

| 866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

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KURT S. ADLER, INC.

HOLLYWOOD NUTCRACKERS™ GINGERBREAD & CANDY SANTA NUTCRACKER

Sweeten your holiday decor with Kurt Adler’s delightful 15" Hollywood Nutcrackers™ Gingerbread Candy Santa Nutcracker!

| 212-924-0900

@ www.kurtadler.com

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VHC BRANDS

PRODUCT PROFILES

WORLD BUYERS GIFT & HOME D é COR

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY GARLANDS

In every color of the rainbow! Monarchs to jeweled styles. Register now for your wholesale account!

| 800-996-7531 or Chat Live on site!

@ www.worldbuyers.com

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SAWDUST CITY LLC

FUNNY AND FRESH!

Keep customers laughing with new impulse buys perfect for gifting! Handmade in the USA from solid pine. Fast shipping!

| 800-528-6008

@ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com

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NORA FLEMING ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.

Our “jumpin’ puddles” mini brings a splash of fun and a dash of garden-inspired joy to your table—just right for gardeners or rainy spring days!

| 630-231-2500

@ www.norafleming.com

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UNEMPLOYED PHILOSOPHY GUILD

BEE GARDEN MUG

A beautiful garden. A profusion of blooms. This Bee Garden mug features watercolor paintings of 13 species of flowers irresistible to pollinators (and the people who love them.) 14 oz. / 400 mL

| 718-243-9492

@ www.philosophersguild.com

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FUNATIC

MEOWDY PARTNER EMBROIDERY KIT

Stitch a sassy cowboy cat with this purrfect embroidery kit!

Order through your Anne McGilvray rep, on Faire, or email service@funatic.com.

| 855-386-2842

@ funatic.com/wholesale

# circle #322

PRODUCT PROFILES

NORA FLEMING

ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.

Our “lime & salt, please!” mini adds a twist of fun to your table—sip, savor, and celebrate every festive moment!

| 630-231-2500

@ www.norafleming.com

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DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO.

PROPER COLOGNE SAWTOOTH

Sawtooth is a woodsy blend of fresh air, dense cedar, and raw amber. Smells like exploring the open skies above densely forested terrain. Does not smell like hiking up the steps of a parking garage in El Paso.

| 855-354-4438

@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com

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TO

THE MARKET MUG

Perfect for farmers market enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. This adorable mug is a guaranteed hit with your customers.

| 800-621-8350

@ www.tagltd.com

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BEEKMAN 1802

NEW! GLACIAL MINT & EUCALYPTUS BODY SCRUB

A blend of goat milk, oat milk and jojoba beads gently exfoliates and evens out skin tone for smoother, more vibrant skin.

@ wholesale@beekman1802.com

@ beekman1802.com

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BEEKMAN 1802

NEW! GLACIAL MINT & EUCALYPTUS MILK STICK INVISIBLE DEODORANT

A natural deodorant with antimicrobial properties. This transparent formula applies streak-free and helps fight body odor all day.

@ wholesale@beekman1802.com

@ beekman1802.com

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PRODUCT PROFILES

PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

INSPIRATIONAL ACCESSORIES

Inspire joy with our collection of functional accessories featuring calming hand-illustrated artwork perfect for gifting or daily motivation.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com # circle #331

PROPER COLOGNE MIDWAY

Midway is a refreshing woodsy citrous blend of sandalwood and citrus notes. Smells like a cool breeze blowing through palm trees in the pacific.

| 855-354-4438

@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com # circle #330

PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS

SHASTA POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

A style for daring dressers, these prominent square sunglasses are complemented by striking gold pin details and rich color options that always make an impression.

| 219-872-4413

@ wholesale.peepers.com # circle #333

FUNATIC

I’M THE FAVORITE

CHILD SOCKS

Socks for the spoiled sibling (whether they know it or not)! Order through your Anne McGilvray rep, on Faire, or email service@funatic.com.

| 855-386-2842

@ funatic.com/wholesale # circle #332

I HEART EYEWEAR PICKLEBALL SUNGLASS CASES

Our customers are raving about our new Pickleball sunglass cases. Makes the perfect gift for any Pickleball player. Cross merchandise with our microfiber Pickleball cloths (sold separately).

| 800-247-7667

@ www.ihearteyewear.com # circle #334

DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO.

PRODUCT PROFILES

WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA

EVERYONE LOVES WARMIES®

Check out our adorable new 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.

@ warmies.com

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DOUGLAS CO., INC.

PJ CREW IN “SWEET BOWS” PRINT (15912, 15913, & 15915)

DOUGLAS’s PJ Crew is back wearing an allnew “Sweet Bows” print. The crew includes a small and medium white lab wearing pjs with matching red bows and a Sassy Sak with Reindeer that has festive sparkly antlers.

| 800-992-9002

@ douglascuddletoy.com

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DOUGLAS CO., INC.

HOLLY

& BERRY

TEDDY

BEARS (15908 & 15910)

Meet Holly and Berry by DOUGLAS. They are classic teddy bears offered in new rich, colorful shades of jade and garnet, perfect for the holiday season.

| 800-992-9002

@ douglascuddletoy.com

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SANTOKI LLC LEGO® STATIONERY CREATIVITY SET

This activity set combines building, coloring and playing. Includes 10piece LEGO bricks, markers, and 25 duck-building instruction coloring sticky sheets. MSRP: $26.99.

@ santoki.com

# circle #337

WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA

EVERYONE LOVES WARMIES®

Check out our adorable new 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.

@ warmies.com

# circle #339

Market Calendar

MAY

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. 2-4 5-6 5-7 7-9 13-14 13-15 5-9 May – June 2025

SANTA ANA, CALIF.

West Coast Gem and Mineral Show

Holiday Inn Orange County Airport mineralshowslld.com

SEATTLE, WASH.

Spring Buying Event

Seattle Mart seattlemart.com

ATLANTA

Spring Cash & Carry AmericasMart americasmart.com

BALTIMORE, MD.

MSA Forward Baltimore Convention Center museumstoreassociation.org

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

International Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories Show

Embassy Suites by Hilton ifjag.com

LONDON, ENGLAND

London Stationery Show

Business Design Centre stationeryshowlondon.co.uk

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Indiana Convention Center sweetsandsnacks.com

GREENSBORO, N.C.

GTS Gift & Jewelry Show

Greensboro Coliseum Complex gtshows.com

NEW YORK, N.Y.

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

Javits Convention Center icff.com

LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas Licensing Expo Mandalay Bay Convention Center licensingexpo.com

LAS VEGAS

ABC Kids Expo Mandalay Bay Convention Center theabcshow.com

JUNE

3-6 1-4

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

ASTRA Marketplace & Academy

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center astratoy.org

ATLANTA

Atlanta Apparel AmeriacasMart atlanta-apparel.com

ANN ARBOR, MICH.

Michigan’s Women’s Wear Market Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel by Mariott silverliningshows.com/michigan-ww-market

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

Minneapolis Gift, Home, Apparel & Accessory Show

Minneapolis Mart mplsmart.com

DALLAS

Apparel & Accessories Market

Dallas Market Center dallasmarketcenter.com

LOS ANGELES

LA Kids Market & LA Market Week

California Market Center californiamarketcenter.com

DALLAS

Total Home & Gift Market

Dallas Market Center dallasmarketcenter.com

Customer Favorite Noodle Bowls

Icon-ic Glassware Best-selling Iridescent Glassware

Wide Selection of Colored Candles

Classic Kitchen Dishtowels

Fun & Festive Doormats