GDA November 2024 by BridgeTowerMediaDigital

Winter Woodland

GAME CHANGER

As a former retailer, vendor and over 20 years as a strategic consultant, Randy Eller has gained unique insights that have led to multiple successes in helping owners sell their company. Randy uses the EllerEdge that enables his intuitive knowledge of the industry, and his hands on experience as a former owner/partner and CEO of a large vendor, to seek the true value of your company, as he guides a potential buyer on how to rapidly grow the business they are about to buy.

Randy creates a “multiplier effect” when he works with owners and their financial advisors to achieve superior valuations. Eller Enterprises should be the first step of your journey in any exit strategy. And remember, every successful strategy always has an Edge.

WOMEN MAKING THEIR MARK

Our first-ever 20 Women of Influence list honors some of the amazing female entrepreneurs in our industry who are keeping it moving forward.

With so much momentum around Reps are Local Too and the support of local sales reps, we decided to add a new 20 Sales Reps to Watch list, recognizing some of the top reps in the industry.

Our annual list of talented independent retailers is back! These shop owners are full of personal touches, from creating a "relax room" for employees to hosting "sip 'n' paint" classes.

Customers are looking more closely at ingredients lists when purchasing facecare products and more. So, we've gathered a selection of products that can pass the test of skincare gurus

Spring will be here before we know it, and customers will be ready to celebrate the season just as soon as the weather starts warming. These bright, fresh picks will be just the thing!

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Page 25 20 Women of Inﬂuence

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20 Sales Reps to Watch

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25 Gifted Retailers

On the Cover: Past & Presents in Lenexa, Kan. pastandpresentsks.com

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, Austin Bunch, Angela Schmook, Carol Schroeder, Warren Shoulberg

RESEARCH EDITOR Joanne Friedrick

SENIOR GROUP PUBLISHER, EVP CREATIVE SERVICES Liz Irwin

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SALES Donna Bischoff | dbischoff@furnituretoday.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, MIDWEST AND CANADA Garry P. Grenier | 224.558.9996 | ggrenier@giftsanddec.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, WEST COAST AND EAST COAST Betsy Malito | 925.998.6706 | bmalito@giftsanddec.com HONG KONG, INDONESIA, KOREA, MALAYASIA Quentin Chan | 852.2366.1106 PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THAILAND fax 852.2366.1107 | quentinchan@leadingm.com INDIA Kaushal Shah | +91 22 2305 9305 | kaushal@kaushals.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bill McLoughlin

PRODUCTION SPECIALIST John Reno | jreno@bridgetowermedia.com

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Ariel Perez

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS Chris Schultz DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS Dan Sage

DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Randy Melton DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CREATIVE SERVICES Melanie Bingham

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER John Coughlan

336.605.0121 bridgetowermedia.com

People Focused

One of the things I love about the gift industry is how centered on people it is. Not only are there so many amazing people that make up the industry, but the business itself depends on good relationships and connections. Our industry runs on personal touches and depends on the people in it. And, thankfully, we have plenty of awesome people that are keeping our industry moving.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our ﬁrst-ever People Issue! This November, we’re honoring some of the wonderful professionals in our industry that are making a difference. We have three special lists in this issue: 25 Gifted Retailers, 20 Women of Inﬂuence and 20 Sales Reps to Watch.

Our annual 25 Gifted Retailers calls attention to independent retailers who are succeeding in business and excelling in visual merchandising displays, store events, social media and more. Our new 20 Women of Inﬂuence list recognizes some of the amazing female entrepreneurs in the gift and home industry, from retail consultants who are helping store owners stay up to date to brand owners who are leading by example with businesses that give back.

Finally, our new 20 Sales Reps to Watch list gives us a second chance to honor some of the amazing sales reps that keep our industry connected and moving. Featured in the list are some of the most helpful and inﬂuential sales reps in the gift industry that we believe are on the shortlist for a future Sales Rep of the Year award. Honorees include all of the regional sales rep of the year runners-up for the 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards, as well as notable entries from the original 2024 REA nomination form.

“Thankfully, we have plenty of awesome people that are keeping our industry moving.”

To read more about each Women of Inﬂuence and Sales Reps to Watch honoree, head to our website, giftsanddec.com, where you’ll ﬁnd Q&As with each subject and hear more about their accomplishments.

This new people-focused presentation will be our new format for future November issues, and while the majority of the names mentioned were determined by our editorial team, our plan for future issues is to open it up to recommendations from the industry. Stay tuned for news of the new recommendation form to go live next summer.

Of course, we haven’t shied away from one of our main duties of bringing you the latest product introductions and trends, either. Though we’ve dedicated much of this issue to honor the people that make up the gift industry, we still have some valuable product-focused content, too. Peruse the issue for trendy bath and body products, baby gifting items, seasonal spring décor and Valentine’s Day gifts.

We hope you enjoy the issue and take the time to leisurely ﬂip through before the holiday chaos reaches its apex!

Lenise Willis Editor in Chief

Shoppe Object Reveals New Location

Shoppe Object is moving into a brand-new location for its 2025 show and beyond. The home and gift trade show has announced a new home after six years at Pier 36.

Starting in 2025, Shoppe Object will call the iconic StarrettLehigh Building home, taking up nearly 200,000 square feet of space on the third and fourth ﬂoor. The new space comes with an abundance of natural light and views of the Hudson River, along with access to an outdoor terrace on the 10th ﬂoor for events and gatherings.

The location also gives a 30 percent increase in space, allowing ample room for expanded exhibitors and enhanced experiences for attendees, according to a release. After splitting into two locations between Pier 36 and the recently added Skylight at Essex Crossing, this new home will help streamline the show’s operation and allow for a more eﬃcient show experience.

“The venue we were seeking didn’t exist, so we set out to ﬁnd a way to create it.”

— Jesse James, Shoppe Object founder and director

“We began our search for a permanent new home in earnest last year, and we needed a space that could carefully balance complex needs,” said Jesse James, founder and show director of Shoppe Object. “The venue we were seeking didn’t exist, so we set out to ﬁnd a way to create it, and a broad search brought us to every corner of the city until a conversation sparked with the perfect partner in Starrett-Lehigh.

“I’ve known and loved this building for years, and it truly ticks all our boxes. It’s an ideal location in a vibrant neighborhood that answers the call of our customers, and our custom

footprint gives us room to welcome more great brands into our community, while maintaining the intimacy, the energy, and the careful curation that’s at the heart of what we do.”

As the parent company for Shoppe Object, Andmore President Dorothy Belshaw added: “The move to this iconic New York venue enables continued growth, as the show has experienced with each edition since its launch. We are fortunate that the industry has responded with such enthusiasm to the vision and vibe of Shoppe Object. The goal for 2025 is to enrich our scale and scope while maintaining the unique community and experience that Jesse and his team have created.”

The Starrett-Lehigh Building spans an entire block from 26th to 27th Streets between 11th and 12th Avenues. It was built in 1931 as a manufacturing hub and has since been transformed into a city landmark offering creative space. It is within walking distance of the Javits Center and “positions Shoppe Object at the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant West Side,” the release said.

“We are happy to welcome Andmore and Shoppe Object trade shows to The Starrett-Lehigh Building,” said William Elder, executive vice president and managing director of New York City Leasing, RXR.

"Their decision to relocate to the building is reﬂective of the desire of forward-thinking companies to position themselves in highly amenitized buildings in bustling and walkable neighborhoods like West Chelsea. With Andmore and Shoppe Object’s specialty trade shows set to take place twice a year at Starrett-Lehigh, we look forward to introducing new visitors to this iconic property, where they can observe the great care we’ve taken in our renovation and to experience the whole building, including the popular Olly Olly Market food hall and Hav & Mar restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson after attending the trade show.”

The show will debut in its new location Feb. 2-4, 2025.

The Starrett-Lehigh Building will be the new home to Shoppe Object starting in February 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shoppe Object.)

Neck Hanging Reader

Neck Hanging Reader - Bronx

The upcoming edition of Atlanta Market is being slated as a “can’t miss” event this January thanks to the winter debut of the reimagined Gardens and temps.

“Whether retailers are seeking innovative products ... or designers in search of ideal solutions for their projects, Atlanta Market presents unparalleled opportunities.”

— Jon Pertchik, Andmore CEO

Running Jan. 14-20, 2025 at AmericasMart Atlanta, Atlanta Market is preparing to introduce new resources across every category for buyers to adequately stock for 2025. Several resources that debuted the past summer will be available for new buyers to discover, too.

After launching in July, the gift and home temporaries will offer buyers 1,400 exhibitors across seven categories redesigned as

Atlanta Market Ramping Up for Big January Debut of Fresh Temps Dallas Market Center Releases 2025 Market Dates

Wholesale marketplace Dallas Market Center has set dates for its 2025 markets and made a few changes to its previously announced dates for the year.

Notably, the dates include a shift in its March 2025 markets to “better serve retailers and to manage regional holidays including spring breaks,” according to a release.

“Our mission is to help retailers succeed by maintaining a calendar with market dates set well in advance, but also making adjustments to provide the most convenient and inspiring experience possible,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center.

A full schedule of dates for all trade events is available on Dallas Market Center’s website including its monthly First Monday and Tuesday events when select showrooms are open every month.

Some of the major dates announced include the following:

• Jan. 8-14: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (Temps Jan. 8-11)

• Jan. 21-24: Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market / KidsWorld

• March 25-28: Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market + Total Home & Gift Market

neighborhoods throughout eight ﬂoors of Buildings 2 and 3. Attendees will be able to ﬁnd the latest in High Design, Home, Kitchen + Table, Cash & Carry, Makers Hub, Gift and Fashion Accessories.

Also new from summer, The Gardens will welcome winter buyers with more than 50 outdoor living gifts and accessories exhibitors on Floor 9 of building 1.

“Andmore is dedicated to providing a dynamic and impactful experience this January with iconic categories and thoughtfully curated sourcing throughout the campus,” said Jon Pertchik, Andmore CEO.

“Whether retailers are seeking innovative products to enhance their offerings or designers in search of ideal solutions for their projects, Atlanta Market presents unparalleled opportunities and connections this January.”

The winter edition of Atlanta Market will also host its fair share of events, demos and celebrations, including the Market Kickoff Party on Wed., Jan. 17 in the Atrium in Building 3.

Registration is now open online.

• April 8-9: Dallas Design Days

• June 18-24: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (Temps June 18-21)

• Sept. 16-18: Dallas Design Week

• Sept. 16-17: ArchLIGHT Summit

According to Dallas Market Center, markets held in Dallas since 2020 have “welcomed an increasing number of buyers from coast to coast and internationally,” with speciﬁc gains in buyers attending from the Southeast, Upper Midwest, and Western U.S. Dallas Market Center has also welcomed what the market called a “record number of ﬁrst-time buyers.”

Dallas’ fashion marketplace spans more than one million square feet and includes leading brands in women’s, men’s and children’s, together with Western and English, showing in permanent showrooms and temporary booths. For January 2025, a new neighborhood of Western and English showrooms will debut, complementing existing exhibitors.

In addition to apparel and accessories, Dallas Market Center presents a collection of new and best-selling products across multiple lifestyle categories including gift, home décor, lighting, holiday and ﬂoral, housewares, gourmet and artisan products.

Noted Joining Las Vegas Market in Major Move, Expansion

The Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) Noted: The Greeting Card Expo is gearing up to move and expand to Las Vegas Market from its San Francisco home base next summer thanks to a new partnership with market organizer Andmore.

Beginning in summer 2025, Noted will be featured in a dedicated area within Las Vegas Market’s gift and home temporary exhibits at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. Featuring more than 50 GCA member brands showcasing their card designs, the area will include networking space and “unique activations to foster connections and promote collaboration among industry professionals,” per a release. Noted will oﬃcially take place July 27-30 alongside Las Vegas Market’s more than 500 gift and home temporary exhibitors, open for Las Vegas Market which runs July 27-31.

“GCA is excited to bring our members’ unique greeting cards and Noted’s artistic and paper design community to the vibrant Las Vegas Market.”

— Andy Meehan, GCA president

“We are excited to partner with the GCA to bring an elevated focus on stationery to Las Vegas Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, Andmore’s president. “This expanded platform promises to offer more opportunities for showcasing, networking and celebrating the greeting card category at the West Coast’s leading gift market.”

As part of Noted’s move, the GCA’s 36th annual Louie Awards ceremony will also be moving to Las Vegas. The Louie Awards

recognize the “best cards of the year” and “celebrate the intersection of editorial and design,” per the GCA. A display of the year’s winning cards will be featured just outside the Expo hall, giving attendees a sneak peek at the cards being honored in 2025. Andy Meehan, GCA’s president, said about the awards that “gathering in person allows buyers to select the very best cards, and we invite them to be a part of our community at events like the Louie Awards celebration.”

“GCA is excited to bring our members’ unique greeting cards and Noted’s artistic and paper design community to the vibrant Las Vegas Market,” continued Meehan.

“We are proud to help our members share their incredible card and paper newness for 2025!” Buyers value the tactile nature of greeting cards, and Noted gives them the ability to see, touch and feel cards.

In its announcement about the move, the GCA said more information about Noted’s relocation to the Las Vegas-based market will be available in the coming months.

Las Vegas Market is a biannual wholesale tradeshow that showcases temporary exhibitors in six curated categories: Gift, Design, Handmade, Home, Immediate Delivery and Luxe. Its permanent gift and home showrooms are spread out across three connected buildings on its campus.

Launched by the GCA in 2019, Noted is a stationery industry event that aims to gather the greeting card community to form new connections, encourage product discovery, and celebrate the diversity of greeting cards and the people behind them. During previous editions of Las Vegas Market and other gift and home tradeshows like NY Now and Atlanta Market, Noted has hosted pop-up “villages” to spotlight their members during other markets.

Pier Six Press, a Noted exhibitor, was awarded with a Best Use of Color award during the 2024 edition of Noted. (Photo courtesy of the Greeting Card Association.)

Holiday Spending Trending Up According to New Report

Despite initial concerns over shortages due to the now suspended port strike, consumers are still looking to spend this holiday season. According to a new report from Circana, consumers intended to spend more than they did in the last two years, but still won’t quite meet the levels hit in 2021.

“Spirits are up heading into the fourth quarter, and consumers are looking to hold on to that feeling of positivity.”

On average, consumers say they plan to spend $771 on holiday shopping this year. That's up 2 percent from last year’s spending intentions, but still 2 percent below what they planned to spend in 2021.

they are looking forward to the holiday season and 57 percent say going out shopping puts them in the holiday spirit — both ﬁgures are the highest they’ve been in four years.

“Spirits are up heading into the fourth quarter, and consumers are looking to hold on to that feeling of positivity,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor for Circana.

— Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor for

Circana

The increase in spending could be tied to the overall consumer mood. This year, 36 percent of holiday shoppers are feeling positive about the state of the economy. Sixty-four percent say

Some shoppers plan on using gifts to bring joy to others during hard times (40 percent), while others plan to use the concept of “retail therapy” to help bring themselves joy (28 percent). But don’t think they’re overlooking price in their quest for happiness. In fact, more than one-third of holiday shoppers (37 percent) say they will buy items that are on sale or promotion. Nearly a quarter (24 percent) think Black Friday will deliver the best deals of the season.

“Consumers continue their quest for value this holiday season, bringing the potential for renewed life to a graying Black Friday,” said Cohen. “It is up to manufacturers and retailers to keep holiday spirits high with deals that deliver that sense of value and inspire demand.”

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Trends, Trending Topics Lined up for Next Ambiente and Christmasworld

The next edition of Messe Frankfurt’s Ambiente and Christmasworld shows will highlight three new design trends, focus on visual merchandising and place greater emphasis on hospitality opportunities, show organizers said in a press conference.

The two shows will be held concurrently, along with Creativeworld, Feb. 7-11, 2025, and will include nearly 5,000 exhibitors from 90 countries.

“Those exhibitors will be working in a challenging marketplace marked by political upheaval in many countries, economic uncertainty, continued supply chain issues and the increase of digital retailers,” said Philipp Ferger, Messe Frankfurt’s vice president of consumer goods fairs.

“Right now is the time for our customers to seize opportunities,” Ferger continued. “For this, you need resilient networks. You need to intensify relationships with existing customers, ﬁnd new customers, identify new target groups, be more independent from markets, and increase your export range. Frankfurt is the ﬁrst and most important place to establish these networks.

“Our focus for the industry is clear — networking.”

Trending Looks

The fair is known for highlighting global trends across categories and across Ambiente and Christmasworld.

Trend expert Annetta Palmisano provided a peek at what will command attention in 2025. She called the three trends “deep,” “real” and “ease.”

“Deep” are powerful designs that leave a deep impression, are inspiring and innovative, Palmisano said. They are enhanced by light and shade, have an atmospheric aspect to their colors and include metallics that capture light. “Real” has an “engineering spirit” with meaningful, functional products that work to affect positive change and a sustainable future, according to Palmisano, and “Ease” is all about openness, joy and experimentation with unconventional patterns and “fruity” colors.

Visual Merchandising

Visual merchandising programming at Christmasworld will focus on display possibilities for professional end-users such as city centers, airports, train stations and restaurants.

“Emotional [displays] and lighting play an important role in business success” said Julia Uherek, vice president of consumer goods fairs at Messe Frankfurt. “People look for magical shopping experiences.”

There will be a guided tour and keynote speaker Matthew Brown, a retail expert and owner of a London-based agency for international retail and trend direction, will address the topic of visual merchandising.

A “Precious Moments” display at Christmasworld will combine product ranges from exhibitors and create an “emotional work of art,” Uherek said. The design direction will be pastel colors, gold and lilac, which will be dominant in the next year, she noted. Year-round decoration ideas will be presented as inspiration to buyers.

Hospitality Emphasis

Noting a consumer shift to experiential spending and more diverse product development for the hospitality segment, Messe Frankfurt is devoting more exhibit space and attention to professional end-users such as architects and interior designers with a more “holistic” portfolio and a broader offering across the living, dining and working segments of the fair.

Fair Designer

Messe Frankfurt has named Berlin-based architect and interior designer Fabian Freytag as the special designer for the 2025 fair. Freytag will design the lounge, a common space in Messe Frankfurt’s cavernous exhibit hall, showcasing his work in Midjourney, the generative AI tool, to create what he called “the ﬂexible guestroom of tomorrow.”

(Photo courtesy of Messe Frankfurt.)

Faire Launches New Advertising Tool

Online wholesale marketplace Faire has launched its ﬁrst wholesale advertising tool designed for brands on its platform.

Called Promoted Listings, this new tool will help brands “reach even more retailers, grow their business and accelerate sales like never before,” said the wholesale marketplace in its release on the launch.

“We created Promoted Listings in close collaboration with our brands, based on years of insight from working with them to grow their businesses,” added Ami Vora, chief product oﬃcer of Faire. “With our ﬁrst super-simple advertising product, we’re empowering brands to increase their sales opportunities and build long-lasting connections with retailers, right on Faire.”

“We’re empowering brands to increase their sales opportunities and build long-lasting connections with retailers.”

— Ami Vora, chief product oﬃcer of Faire

New advertising capabilities coming to the Faire platform with Promoted Listings include:

• Boosted visibility: Promoted Listings uses artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) and automatic targeting to effectively promote brands to high-intent retailers.

• Accessible design: Thanks to its user-friendly design, Faire said brands should not need any previous advertising experience to use Promoted Listings.

• Performance data: Brands have access to ongoing data to help them understand their ad performance and measure the return on their investment.

In its announcement, Faire wrote that Promoted Listings is “unlike any other wholesale advertising options that exist for brands today,” in part because of its implementation of machine learning-powered automatic targeting. Per Faire, brands who have been trying Promoted Listings as part of the beta program have seen a 25 percent increase in new customers versus what they acquired organically this year.

“There’s nothing else out there like Faire’s Promoted Listings,” said Eric Ludy, co-founder of Cheese Brothers, a Wisconsin-based cheese brand that used Promoted Listings in its beta. “With our new ads our customer base keeps expanding into new types of stores from specialty grocers to gift shops to small cafés – and the best part is these customers keep coming back. Promoted Listings is far and above my easiest sell on investments because these customers are supremely valuable.”

In a case study of Cheese Brothers' experience with Promoted Listings, Faire found that Cheese Brothers has "already seen a 49 percent lift in customer acquisition and a 49 percent increase in order volume, compared to what they drove organically in the same period."

Per Faire, brands who have been trying Promoted Listings as part of the beta program have seen a 25 percent increase in new customers versus what they acquired organically this year. (Photo courtesy of Faire.)

Housewares Industry Has a Unique Opportunity to Help Hurricane Victims

Housewares suppliers can help residents from Florida to North Carolina recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton by donating needed products to Good360, a nonproﬁt that works with major corporate donors to deliver needed goods to communities in need after a disaster. The International Housewares Association(IHA) is partnering with Good360 once again to provide hurricane survivors with home products as they rebuild their lives and homes. IHA partnered with Good360 several years ago to help with the recovery efforts of Hurricanes Florence, Michael, Irma and Harvey.

“Houseware products of all kinds will be needed to get families and individuals back into homes with a sense of dignity.”

— Jim Alvey, vice president of disaster recovery at Good360

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Florida panhandle and rapidly traveled north wreaking havoc in Georgia, South Carolina and western North Carolina. More than 225 people were killed in the impacted states and hundreds of thousands were left without power. On the evening of Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida, disrupting recovery efforts for areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Good360 is working closely with a number of private, public and nonproﬁt partners to provide needed supplies right now.

“Critical early recovery needs are being met through manufacturer and retail partners in the aftermath of Hurricane

Helene," said Jim Alvey, vice president of disaster recovery at Good360. "Simultaneously, efforts before Hurricane Milton made landfall were underway to preposition immediate response products. Communities in both events will move to rebuilding and re-homing phases that will last months and years. Houseware products of all kinds will be needed to get families and individuals back into homes with a sense of dignity.”

Cash donations are also accepted by Good360 as they allow the organization to provide exactly what support is needed in a timely fashion. For every $1 donated to Good360, the organization can distribute at least $30 worth of donated products.

There are no charges or fees for companies to donate, Good360 is just in need of products. Housewares items can be donated year-round; they are needed for all kinds of missions including disaster recovery, housing insecurity and community rebuilding. Donor shipping is appreciated but not required.

“We’re pleased to partner with Good360 and leverage the generosity of the housewares industry to help make a difference for thousands of hurricane survivors,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “Good360 is an organization with an impeccable track record of distributing needed products in a well-managed and structured way, and they work with hundreds of socially responsible companies in order to do so. We encourage our members to work with Good360 to support disaster recovery efforts in the most eﬃcient and effective way possible.”

Members with questions about donating product can contact Jim Alvey at jalvey@good360.org or 703-299-7554 or visit Good360.org for more information.

Old abandoned wooden house after Hurricane Helene. (Photo by user SaNYa00971 via Depositphotos.)

BE MORE INSPIRED WE’RE

Only a few people can inspire others to achieve greatness. You are one of those people.

Congratulations Dorothy Belshaw, and the other Women of Influence in the industry on our achievement! Your drive and passion is infectious.

We are changing and adapting to offer MORE for our customers every day. We’re creating opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper.

020 Women of Influence

Honoring the incredible businesswomen and female entrepreneurs that keep our industry thriving.

by GDA Staff

One thing that’s incredible about the gift industry is that it is ﬁlled with female entrepreneurs and businesswomen who keep it moving forward.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories is proud to celebrate the amazing women in our industry, who not only have achieved their own worthy accomplishments, but have also helped others to thrive, too. Our new annual “Women of Influence” list honors 20 of the most influential women in the gift industry. From impacting the sales rep community to coaching new independent retailers, these women are making their mark on the industry and deserve a round of applause. Read their profiles below, then head to giftsanddec.com for a Q&A with each honoree.

Devanie Adams of Adams & Co

The president and co-founder of Adams & Co Home & Holiday Décor, Devanie Adams is an innovator in the home space, as well as that of social media. By sharing behind-the-scenes takes on her personal and company social channels, she has become an influencer in the home design space and fostered connections with her customers. She is a model example of how to build a brand on social media and gain a loyal following, and she has also worn almost every hat in the industry, from manufacturing products in her start-up’s garage to managing sales and marketing.

Ashley Alderson of the Boutique Hub

Since 2013, Ashley Alderson, founder and CEO of the Boutique Hub, has been working to solve retailers’ problems and help them adapt to industry changes. Her global retail resource company serves more than 100,000 retailers and hosts the industry’s largest retail conference, the Boutique Summit. Alderson has been named to Inc Magazine’s Inc 5000 list four times and works directly with more than 1,000 wholesale brands helping them reach retailers in person and online through her wholesale marketplace, Hubventory.com. Not only is Alderson helping the world of retailers and wholesalers to stay connected, but her programs are a valuable resource for new and seasoned retailers alike.

Dorothy Belshaw of Andmore

As president and chief growth officer of Andmore, Dorothy Belshaw is a force in the trade show industry. One of her biggest, most recent, accomplishments was heading up the acquisition of Shoppe Object and the brand’s expansion into High Point Market. In her decades of experience, Belshaw helped with new business development at George Little Management, ran the California Gift Show, Canadian Gift Shows and the New York International Gift Fair, and launched gift and décor in Las Vegas as part of the International Market Centers (now Andmore) team. She was also instrumental in the acquisition of AmericasMart. This year, she was honored with Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award and raised more than $36,000 for World Central Kitchen. Anyone who would still like to donate in her honor can at giftforlife.org/donate.

Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It

Now vice president of business development at Just Got 2 Have It, Kelly Bristol has spent her career helping brands connect with retailers and guiding retailers to discover exciting new products. For nearly 20 years, she worked on the National Stationery Show, ultimately serving as show director. Afterward, she held roles at Dallas Market Center, Brandwise and Purchasing Power Plus before joining the JG2HI team in 2023. Her latest accomplishment, and what she calls a highlight of her career, is co-founding the Reps are Local Too movement, which highlights the value of local sales reps and reminds retailers to prioritize business relationships built on trust and expertise they won’t find anywhere else. The movement gained fast support from the industry. Bristol also serves on the board of Gift for Life, which raises funds for World Central Kitchen.

Adriana Carrig of Little Words Project

The founder and CEO of Little Words Project, a jewelry brand on a mission to inspire a kinder world through handcrafted, wearable affirmations, Adriana Carrig started a multi-million-dollar enterprise that keeps positivity and kindness at its center. But running a nationally recognized brand isn’t the only way Carrig contributes to the industry. She also serves as the founder and president of Herself Co., a non-profit organization developed to foster a thriving community of compassionate young women through its confidence curriculum and programming. The group’s aim is to enhance the self-worth and general mental wellness of tomorrow’s leaders.

Kristin Fisher of Kristin Fisher Coaching

A former corporate buyer for retail brands like Urban Outfitters and the former founder of an e-commerce corporate and client gifting business, Kristin Fisher knows plenty about product and scaling businesses, and she is not afraid to share it. Now working as a product strategy educator and consultant for both independent retailers and gift brands, Fisher uses her more than 18 years of experience in product selling to help her clients take the guesswork out of scaling their product businesses. Dedicated to promoting good business for all in the industry, Fisher also hosts the Buyerside Chat Podcast. Fisher describes the podcast as a “motivational, action-focused wholesale and product strategy podcast” that covers everything from product trends and pricing to outsourcing and e-commerce marketing.

Christyne Gray of She Profits Now

As the founder and CEO of She Profits Now, a financial service provider and retail education resource, Christyne Gray is helping to empower women entrepreneurs and ensure they have the skills and support to succeed. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be the Financially Fabulous Coaching Program, an all-inclusive, data-driven financial framework tailored specifically for independent retailers. A seasoned accountant and certified tax specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the retail and wholesale sectors, Gray has empowered countless boutique and brand owners to take control of their finances, develop sustainable growth strategies and achieve financial success.

Julia Higgins of Two’s Company

The director of sales for Two’s Company and an active participant in the Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), Julia Higgins is well known in the industry. She is currently the chair of GHTA after serving on the board since 2018. Before taking on her role at Two’s Company, helping the 50-plusyear-old-company grow, she was a vital team member at Corkcicle and lead sales efforts for the tween lifestyle brand Iscream and fair-trade focused accessories company Bamboo Trading. Higgins discovered her love of the gift industry while spending summer breaks working in the Atlanta showroom and Florida retail stores owned by her stepmother, while she attended the University of Florida.

Gretchen Hollingsworth of Ink+Alloy

After 20 years in the gift industry working as founder and creative director of Paddywax, Gretchen Hollingsworth was looking to make a change in 2016 after selling the Nashville-based candle business. Inspired by the people and products she saw during a trip to India that year, Hollingsworth returned to the U.S. and started Ink+Alloy, a jewelry brand committed to ethically crafting pieces that inspire and empower its wearers to explore. Today, Ink+Alloy is expanding its product offerings to include other fashion accessories while maintaining its commitment to doing good. Every product from the brand is made entirely by both women artisans in India and women designers in a studio in Atlanta. Additionally, as part of the brand’s commitment to doing as much good as it can, Ink+Alloy has partnered with nonprofit Commit2Change to donate a portion of its proceeds to help improving education for impoverished girls in the country.

Robin Kert of SE Marketplace

The president of SE Marketplace who is much loved by her reps, Robin Kert has created a positive company culture that has helped many women thrive in a nurturing but challenging environment. Kert says the spirit is manifested in the loyalty, longevity and drive of the SE Marketing reps and administrative staff, which fuels their high performance. With an undergraduate degree in English Literature and an MBA, Kert got her start working for General Foods (now Kraft) where she learned the corporate life was not for her. She discovered the gift industry from a blind date, of all things, and fell in love with the business. She’s been nurturing its growth ever since.

Jenna LeBlanc of Winton and Waits

An influential retailer and manufacturer in the apparel and gift industry, Jenna LeBlanc, designer and owner of Winton and Waits in Fort Worth, Texas, is a role model retailer who has spoken on panels, including that of Gifts & Decorative Accessories and the Boutique Hub. She is well-known for her wholesale apparel and her retail in-store events, which garner high engagement and participation from the community. With more than 20 years in the event planning space, she has a knack for creating engaging make-and-take classes and other events that pull in shoppers and wisely advertises them online for digital engagement, too. The Winton and Waits retail and wholesale divisions are both woman-owned, women-run companies working with small artisan groups around the globe.

Cindy Lo of Peking Handicraft

Born into the gift and home industry by parents Dicky and Annie Lo, who founded Peking Handicraft 47 years ago, Cindy Lo is now the gift division manager who helped see the pillow and textile company through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Lo says the accomplishment she is most proud of is “surviving COVID” and seeing how the team was able to adapt and react to the changes and unknowns for years. Under Lo’s guidance, the family-owned company continues to offer on-trend products to a diverse range of retailers and collaborate with numerous licensed artists. She is very involved in the industry and happy to share her wealth of knowledge.

Shannon McLinden from Farmhouse Fresh

Not only does Shannon McLinden, founder and CEO of FarmHouse Fresh, have a passion for all-natural skincare, but she also has a soft spot for animals. McLinden has run the company for 20 years with a unique mission of “Rescue for 2.” Her skincare company not only “rescues complexions” with freshgrown botanicals from its farm, but it also rescues neglected farm animals using 10 percent of profits for products sold. Her mission is the perfect example of how a company can successfully do business while doing good, and her product designs are influential in the skincare industry. The company has also been recognized by FastCompany Magazine as one of the most culturally relevant, socially impactful and authentic companies in the world.

Nora Napientek of Nora Fleming

The owner of Nora Fleming, which makes highly collectible tabletop and add-on decorations, Nora Napientek has created a company that is not only known for its products that drive sales, but also for its positive work culture and charitable mission. She has remained true to her original business plan of “small and steady growth,” and made the independent retailer a priority. The company is committed to zip code protection and serving its community. “There have been numerous opportunities where saying 'no' to big-box stores, even when they seemed exciting, was essential to maintaining our vision,” Napientek said. Also, the company's partnership with St. Jude has raised more than $1.1 million, to date.

Kathy Phillips of Primitives by Kathy

Although she’s known as the founder and CEO of gift and home décor company Primitives by Kathy, Kathy Phillips got her start in the industry by owning and operating a retail store with her mother for 10 years. Managing the shop gave her the opportunity to learn firsthand what is important to a buyer and over the last 27 years she has incorporated that experience into her company. Besides being a powerhouse in the gift industry, Phillips is a role model for business owners looking to do good. In 2018, Phillips founded Kathy’s Circle of Friends, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that hosts a variety of themed social events for adults with various mental and physical disabilities as well as their family, caregivers, PBK employees and guests. Her Benefit Collection of items has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for various organizations.

Carolyn Rafaelian of &Livy

Jewelry has always been a family affair for Carolyn Rafaelian, founder and former designer of jewelry line Alex and Ani and now founder of &Livy, a made-in-Rhode-Island jewelry brand that is making waves for retailers. Her father opened his own costume jewelry factory — the Cinerama Jewelry Factory — in Rhode Island the year she was born, and Rafaelian later launched and named two of her three jewelry brands after her daughters. There is no escaping that personal connection for the designer, and for Rafaelian, who first founded Alex and Ani in the hopes of creating more thoughtful, personal and meaningful pieces, that is just fine. After leaving Alex and Ani in 2020, Refaelian made her return to jewelry with the launch of Metal Alchemist, a line of energetically charged jewelry in 2022, and launched her latest brand of American-made jewelry, &Livy, in 2023 “with retailers in mind.”

Beth Rich of Mix It Up Home & Gift

The owner of two stores, Mix It Up Home and Mix It Up Gift in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Beth Rich has quickly become a strong voice in the gift industry in her six short years as a retailer. She has 35 years of sales and marketing experience and is passionate about sharing the keys to her success with other retailers. Rich aptly represents retailers’ needs, voices concerns and shares advice with other retailers. As a Retailer Excellence Awards winner and finalist, she regularly participates in panels, roundtable discussions and virtual conferences, whether it be for GDA, Dallas Market Center, Andmore, NY Now, GHTA or Heart on Main Street. She has also spoken at the 2024 Evolve conference and sits on the board of directors for the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association and Heart on Main Street, a national retail industry nonprofit.

Angela Schmook of Road Runners

The vice president of operations and marketing for sales rep company Road Runners, Angela Schmook is well versed in product trends, bestselling product and what it takes to be a good sales rep. After working in food management for 10 years, she changed industries and entered the gift industry as a sales rep in central Florida. After 10 years on the road, she moved to management with Road Runners and has helped the company grow into what it is today. She also serves on the board for Gift For Life and writes a guest column for Gifts & Decorative Accessories that highlights model sales reps. Her latest accomplishment is co-founding the Reps are Local Too movement, which gained fast momentum, garnering support from retailers, media outlets, trade shows and more than 50 sales rep agencies and industry partners.

Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media Co.

The founder of Crystal Media Co, Crystal Vilkaitis is an industry-renowned social media trainer, speaker, author and all-around respected social-media guru. She first entered the gift industry in 2010 when she gave a presentation at GHTA and realized how far behind the industry was in social-media practices. Since then, she has shared her wealth of social-media advice with countless members of the industry through consultation services, her popular Rooted in Retail podcast, presentations at trade shows and interviews with gift-industry media outlets. More recently, she’s furthered retail education by developing a custom ChatGPT social-media framework and her own educational bootcamp, Evolve. Vilkaitis has helped thousands of retailers master social media, sell digitally and beat sales records with the help of Facebook and Instagram posts.

Cathy Donovan Wagner of Retail Mavens

A former retailer herself, Cathy Donovan Wagner loves to empower retailers. Now a retail coach and consultant and the founder of RetailMavens, she started in the industry while working in a kid’s clothing store. Convinced she could help the store grow, Wagner suggested again and again that the owner add baby and nursery gifts to its product assortment, but the retailer would not hear it, telling Wagner that “if you have so many great ideas, you should open your own store.” So, Wagner did just that, opening her own kid’s lifestyle store and eventually growing that store to three locations before moving into consulting. Today, Wagner gets to share her ideas on how to help independent retailers optimize operations, profitability and customer experience every day as she and her team continue on their “mission” to help retailers thrive.

20 Sales Reps to Watch

0Taking notice of some of the incredible sales reps in our industry who go above and beyond for their clients.

by GDA Staff

Recently Gifts & Decorative Accessories added ﬁve new sales rep categories to its annual Retailer Excellence Awards (REA) in order to recognize the importance of these professionals to our industry and to the success of independent retailers. But with so many amazing stories pouring in through the nomination form, we decided to add another annual list, “20 Sales Reps to Watch.”

This list recognizes sales reps who didn’t win Retailer Excellence Awards, but are deserving just the same! The honorees include all of the regional runners-up for the annual Retailer Excellence Awards, as well as notable candidates from the original 2024 REA nomination form. We believe all of these reps are on the shortlist for a future Sales Rep of the Year award. Read through the proﬁles and recognize each of these reps for their excellence in the industry, then jump to giftsanddec.com to read more about the honorees and share in their accomplishments.

Tom Barr of OneCoast

Tom Barr is a sales rep who is never afraid to lend a helping hand, according to his customers, making him an invaluable resource to all. From assisting with selling and set up at special in-store events to taking inventory and preemptively expediting orders for his customers to help keep their bestselling products in stock, Barr goes out of his way to be helpful to every retailer he works with. Barr got his start in the industry immediately after graduating from Kansas State University, working in outside sales selling wholesale men’s apparel to retailers. As a salesperson, he has sold to all types of retailers and distributors across 13 states.

Carrie Childerston of DNA Sales

Carrie Childerston got her start as a sales rep in 2019 right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Currently with DNA Sales, Childerston covers western Michigan where she stays in tune with the community to know which products will sell for each of her clients. She says she’s “learned to ask very specific questions to best inform and educate” herself on what is working in her area. With a background in communication and marketing, Childerston prides herself on her ability to listen and observe, as well as her quality of customer service, and customers take notice of how quickly she answers calls and emails, even after normal business hours.

Shelia Coke of OneCoast

Shelia Coke has an attention to detail that her customers love — from sending samples to complimenting displays to courteous reminders of deal deadlines so they don’t miss out on sale opportunities. Described as “outstanding” and a “joy to work with,” Coke is a reliable and consistent rep for her clients. She stays on top of the latest products from vendors and recommends products to her customers based on their audience. Coke currently works with OneCoast covering the southeast territory.

Susan Cox of The Link Companies

Raised in south Florida, Susan Cox graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in marine biology before getting her start in the gift industry in 2007. Her clients boast about how she is very responsive, answering calls and emails almost immediately, and how she makes wonderful product recommendations based on current trends. She works in a timely manner and is known for her great customer service, especially when items arrive damaged. Clients describe her as cheerful and friendly, making her a “pleasure to do business with.”

Julie Dakin of Gib Carson & Associates

Julie Dakin describes herself as a “very determined, numbersdriven person who is willing to put in the work to do the best job.” According to her customers, she acts as a business consultant for her retailers and takes the time to learn about the store and its area to make the best recommendations. She keeps up with trends, is hyper-organized and works tirelessly for her buyers. She graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in textile and clothing before starting work as a buyer for a department store. Since then, she has never strayed from the retail and wholesale industry. Dakin says her experience in buying, inventory planning and merchandising have equipped her with the passion and skills needed to achieve a high level of success as a multi-line road rep.

Irene Frank of Wynne Enterprises

Irene Frank cares about all of her customers and follows through on all aspects. She has shown impressive knowledge of not only products, but how to merchandise them for optimal sales. “She goes to bat for her accounts” and educates her vendors about the market differences for each of her stores. Frank has worked for Wynne Enterprises as an independent sales rep for more than six years, representing more than 30 high-end home décor, tabletop and gift brands. She covers the New York City, Queens and Long Island territories.

Andy Gill of Two’s Company

Having worked with Two’s Company for more than 25 years, Andy Gill’s customers trust they can go to him for advice, because of both his extensive product knowledge and his honesty, with one customer noting that he always “shares freely what and why he thinks a product is good for [the] shop or not.” In addition to good advice, Gill’s customers report that they also rely on his help when it comes to perfecting displays — he even goes as far as to change out photos in display frames to help them stand out and sell better. Gill started his career in print ad sales for a weekly publication in Knoxville, Tenn., where one of his ad campaigns won a prestigious ADDY award. Fun fact: He was hired at Two’s Company on April Fool’s Day.

Dana Golden of Two’s Company

Dana Golden takes the time to understand her vendors and retailers’ business inside and out. As a former retailer herself, she makes well-informed recommendations to her retailers that “are always sell-through hits” and she lightly pushes her retailers outside of their comfort zone when she believes in something. Golden graduated from Syracuse University with a retail/marketing degree and gained experience working at Lord & Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. She also ran her own small boutique in Nantucket for 10 years. She will be celebrating her 15-year anniversary with Two’s Company in 2025 and says her greatest accomplishment is her ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with clients.

0Ruth Grigson of Ivystone

Perseverance is something Ruth Grigson prides herself on. When everything hit the fan during the pandemic, Grigson went above and beyond to continue delivering for her customers. She even went through the trouble of setting up her own mini trade show out of her house for her close clients when shows were still on hold. During that time, she sold more than $100,000 in just three days. In the years since, she has continued to deliver top-tier work for her customers by helping with marketing ideas, merchandising, event planning and everything in between. Grigson brings an attention to detail to each store she works with that is unmatched.

Heidi Lee of Road Runners

A finalist for Sales Representative of the Year in 2023 and 2024, Heidi Lee is a leader in the industry who has transformed her area into a top-producing region for the brands she represents. Her wonderful reputation among retailers, sales reps and vendors is obvious through her sales numbers, but her leadership extends beyond just great sales. Lee has cultivated a culture of respect and is committed to taking care of her retailers, vendors and coworkers. Lee is also well known for her product knowledge and her ability to share it with her buyers. She’s well versed in what her customers’ needs are and what will sell well in their stores, making her a valuable business partner. She is also quick to respond to emails and is a great communicator.

Skip McCarter of Tyler Candle Co.

Skip McCarter is well-known in the industry for both his unwavering dedication to his customers and his upbeat personality. A longtime rep for Tyler Candle Co., customers praise him for “consistently supporting” their business by protecting their territories and providing support no matter what else is going on, even going so far as to help customers with emergency needs while on vacation. In a recommendation written by a fellow sales rep, McCarter was praised for his careful handling of every customer and noted that reps “all strive to duplicate” his work in the industry.

Paula Russell of Road Runners

Paula Russell sets the standard for the independent sales reps around her, according to a coworker that nominated her for Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards, always going above and beyond for her customers and brands. She is a wealth of knowledge and always quick to offer educated, thoughtful suggestions about everything from products to the best dinner spot for after-market meetings. Detail oriented and the “queen of follow-ups,” Russell has been a “driving force” behind Road Runner’s successes in Missouri and Kansas, according to Angela Schmook, vice president of operations for Road Runners.

Teri Michka of Diverse Marketing

Teri Michka is an important resource for her customers. Having been a part of Diverse Marketing for more than seven years, Michka has cemented herself as the go-to source for questions about products, displays and more for her customers. Clients trust her with everything from W-9 forms to information on the larger gift and retail market. One customer, who nominated Michka for Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards, wrote that they work with “several dozen vendors” at their gift shop and had never considered submitting a nomination until they thought of Michka, who is also their first appointment at every market.

Anjie Simmons of OneCoast

In just two short years of being a sales rep, Anjie Simmons has accomplished a lot. She got her start working as a market associate for Mud Pie before taking a position as the OneCoast North Houston Gift Territory Manager. In her first year at OneCoast she was nominated for the Rising Star award; in her second year, she was considered for the OneCoast Excellence award and nominated for a 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards for best regional sales rep. She is prompt in returning calls to retailers and is known for swiftly taking care of problems as soon as they arise. She visits stores with special events and meet-and-greets and is often the first rep to donate items for door prize drawings during store events. She is attentive and goes above and beyond as a retail partner.

Kelly Spears of Cliff Price & Co.

Kelly Spears' customers describe her as incredibly knowledgeable, authentic and invested in the retailers she works with and the companies and products she represents. She has been with Cliff Price & Co. for more than 20 years and is praised by clients for her unwavering consistency. She understands her customers’ stores and is always quick to answer any email or call and works hard to act as a fair and balanced liaison when any issues arise. Spears says she values her community and nothing drives her more than seeing the success of her customers.

Tricia Stanton of DNA Sales

Tricia Stanton has been a sales rep in the gift industry for 25 years. Actively with DNA Sales covering northeast Ohio, Stanton previously worked as a buyer for several department stores where she gained knowledge that helps her succeed every day as a rep. Her customers praise her for her exceptional service and extra assistance, jumping in to write suggested reorders and take inventories when needed. It’s clear how much they value Stanton — many even put their accounts with her on hold while she sat out for a period due to a non-compete clause.

Randy Tenery of Diverse Marketing

Randy Tenery has spent the last 20 years working as a showroom manager, division director and a sales rep. He regularly thinks outside of the box for his customers and is extremely knowledgeable of new products and product trends. He helps his retail clients reset and refresh their stores, as well as participates in store events. He has made the Million Dollar Club, been nominated for Sales Rep of the Year and has won numerous other awards and recognitions. But, he says the highlight of his career is the relationships he’s developed with his customers, vendors and industry leaders.

Marianne Welch of Sales Producers

Marianne Welch’s career in the gift industry started in 1995 when she purchased a gift shop. In 2012, she made the difficult decision to close her store, but has stayed in the industry as a buyer and now a sales rep. With well-rounded experience, she is well-versed in industry trends and always strives to bring fresh new lines to her buyers’ stores. She is known for her cheerful, personable and outgoing personality and for always following through on her commitments. Welch says her proudest accomplishments include being named Sales Rep of the Year for Sales Producers at the company’s 40th anniversary celebration in January and being nominated for the West regional Sales Rep of the Year by the Retailer Excellence Awards.

Lisa West of Ivystone

As a former retailer of 10 years, Lisa West goes out of her way to take care of her retailers, both those with single locations and those juggling multiple ones. She guides her retailers to products with great margins that sell well to stores’ specific customer base, as well as makes the extra effort to visit retailers in person to go over lines and orders. She’s a strong communicator with excellent follow-up. West says her most important role as a sales rep is to be a resource of information, whether it’s about helping retailers choose the right product or teaching them how to best merchandise and price inventory.

Sharon Woulf of Road Runners

Sharon Woulf is “making waves in the industry despite her relatively short tenure with Road Runners.” She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers and embodies the spirit of teamwork. Her willingness to go the extra mile for her retailers has gained her fast loyalty and trust. Woulf prides herself on her “white glove” service to her customers and is committed to responding to buyers within 24 hours. She is also respected by retailers for her “soft sell” approach that isn’t too pushy. Finally, Woulf notes that back-end customer service is key to her success as a sales rep and says she is glad to take any issues off of retailers’ plates so they can concentrate on what’s important.

This year marks the 15th Small Business Saturday, which was started by American Express in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Although the holiday has changed signiﬁcantly, Small Business Saturday is one of the strongest ways to promote the importance of shopping local.

SEE MORE PAGE 58

“

“Happily, [an

NRF] report shows that 78 percent of Saturday shoppers shopped locally on Small Business Saturday. It’s important that you get your share of that market.”

retailers on how they...

Deal with inflation

"We remain diligent in sourcing value-added products for our store. Our goal is for customers to first notice the quality and value rather than the price tag. We offer good/ better/best options in most categories. Additionally, we bundle items into gift sets… giving the appearance of a more luxurious gift."

Dealwithslowtraffic& onlinecompetition

"We have focused on visual merchandising throughout the store to give customers a unique experience and a reason to shop in our store. We also offer complementary coffee to customers who are shopping as well as complementary gift wrap."

Dealwithinflation

"I try to get to know my vendors and sales reps so I can get the best deals possible, which I will then pass on to my shoppers."

Deal with slow traffic & online competition

"We have hired a marketing consultant to help us gain exposure in our area. We have always felt if we could capture an audience in our neighboring cities, it could be a game changer for us."

Deal with slow traffic & online competition

"We have increased the number of emails we send each week, along with more social media posts [on] all platforms. We have been offering in-store and online sales promotions to encourage customers to drop in or visit our online store."

25Gifted Retailers

Customer service and personal touches are top-of-the-list attributes that this year’s 25 Gifted Retailers say set them apart from their competition.

Along with that are charitable connections with the community and little extras such as complementary gift wrapping or a generous return policy that make people want to come back time and again.

"We try to be fair in adjusting prices, so prices don't jump up exponentially overnight." Deal with inflation

Shopping at these retailers is also a fun-filled experience, with each offering a host of activities, music, eye-catching displays and more. “We strive to create an environment where customers can feel excited and confident about choosing the perfect gift — one that is as meaningful to give as it is to receive,” is how one shop owner explained what sets them apart from competitors.

Of course, these retailers are also facing the same concerns that are making headlines for major brick-and-mortar retail chains — dealing with inflation, finding and retaining staff members and staying competitive against online giants like Amazon. These were the key issues listed by retailers, some of whom said they are also battling with a drop in store traffic.

Deal with inflation

"We are searching every avenue to find lower prices for the same items."

“We are ever evolving,” wrote a retailer, explaining how they adopt new ideas while also keeping an eye on the successes from a multi-decade past.

Cautious optimism is reflected in the independent gift retailers’ outlooks for 2025, with about one-third (36 percent) expecting sales to increase in the next year and a little more than half (56 percent) predicting business will stay the same. Just two out of 25 anticipate a drop off in 2025 sales.

This year’s roster of gift retailers, which you can check out here, are great examples of how to achieve success across a broad assortment of formats in cities throughout the country.

How Retailers Deal with Labor Issues

"We are working more hours and reaching out to family for support."

"We continually look for ways to improve our employee experience like free snacks, a relax room with reclining sofa, massage chair and TV. Also, Mimosa Mondays for meeting sales goals and surprise fun events outside of work."

"Try to get the interview process going to assess and onboard people that have great customer service skills and can deliver the level of service I am looking for my customers to receive when they come in the door."

"We focus on part-time people; a lot of them are retired, looking for 15 to 20 hours a week. We are able to accommodate that plus ﬂexible schedules."

"We often talk with our most regular customers and say, 'you would make a wonderful addition to our team.' It is amazing how many times we find employees using this method."

64% of the 25 Gifted Retailers sell online. Within that group, half do between 6% and 10% of their business through e-commerce.

Source: Strategic Insights Gifts & Decorative Accessories 2024 study

BARBARA STEWART INTERIORS

Bowling Green, Ky.

barbarastewartinteriors.com

Number of employees: 7

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1952

Total square footage: 3,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/ serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; housewares; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Jewelry

Price points carried: Upper-middle to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Votivo and Nest for candles; Farmhouse Fresh and Beekman 1802 for personal care/bath and body; Uttermost and Paragon

Art for home décor; enewton and Julie Vos for jewelry/ accessories; Raz Imports and K&K for holiday; Caspari and Karen Adams for cards/stationery; Elegant Baby and Warmies for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Sip ‘n’ Paint, silhouette artist

BRISSONTE GIFTS & HOME DÉCOR

North Reading, Mass. brissonte.com

Number of employees: 2

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2007

Total square footage: 4,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: Less than $250,000

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; baby/infant products; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Price points carried: Middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Swancreek for candles/ accessories; Mangiacotti for personal care/bath and body; Mud Pie for home décor; Evergreen Enterprises for giftables; Tin Box Jewelry for jewelry/accessories; Mud Pie for holiday; Cardthartic for cards/stationery; Country Creations for gourmet; Mud Pie for pet gifts/petthemed products; Bearington for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, X, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Special events and promotions: Pop-ups with local artisans, fundraising days, workshops, book signings

CALYPSO 968

West Des Moines, Iowa calypso968.com

Number of employees: 1

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1999

Total square footage: 4,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $850,000

Trade shows attended: Las Vegas Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; wall art; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Greeting cards; candy; sculpture

Price points carried: Low to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Benjamin for candles/ home fragrance; Blue Q for personal care/bath and body; Pacific Giftware for home décor; Pyramid for giftables; Benjamin for jewelry/accessories; Albanese for holiday; Pictura for cards/stationery; Coffee Masters for coffee; Blue Q for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Faire for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook

"Calypso

CASUAL ELEGANCE

Charlotte, N.C. casualelegance-nc.com

Number of employees: 11

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2002

Total square footage: 2,400 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photos frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products

Categories added or expanded: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance

Price points carried: Middle to upper middle

968 recently added greeting cards, candy and sculptures to their inventory."

Sampling of major suppliers: Thymes, Capri Blue and Tyler for candles/accessories; Caren and Musee for personal care/bath and body; Raz, Creative Coop and Import Collection for home décor; Tervis and Fanatics for giftables; enewton, Julie Vos and Brighton for jewelry/fashion accessories; Raz, Gerson and Mud Pie for holiday; Pictura for cards; Wind and Willow and Bourbon Barrel for gourmet/coffee/tea; Mud Pie for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Bukowski and Mud Pie for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Summer beach party, Wine walk

CHILDREN’S WORLD

Sarasota, Fla.

childrensworlduniform.com

Number of employees: 14

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1964

Total square footage: 3,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; home textiles; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; pet gifts/pet-themed products

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Notes and Milkhouse for candles/home fragrance; Demdaco for holiday; Avanti and Leanin’ Tree for cards/stationery

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Free playday events for kids; 60th anniversary event

FROM NEBRASKA GIFT SHOP

Lincoln and Raymond, Neb. fromne.com

Number of employees: 4

Number of stores: 2

Year founded: 2014

Total square footage: 15,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million

Trade shows attended: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, Gatlinburg Souvenir show

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America; made in Nebraska

Price point carried: Middle

"Children’s World offers free playday events for kids as a special promotion."

Sampling of major suppliers: Tyler and locally made for candles/home fragrance; Voesh for personal care/ bath and body; Creative Co-op, Mudpie and Evergreen Enterprises for home décor; Lipco and Evergreen for giftables; Creative Co-op and locally made for holiday; Hester & Cook for cards/stationery; Creative Co-op and Evergreen for pet gifts/pet-themed products; RGU Group, House of Marbles and Schylling for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Tailgate parties

GRANDPA SHORTER’S GIFTS

Petoskey, Mich. grandpashorters.com

Number of employees: 28

Number of stores: 4

Year founded: 1946

Total square footage: 5,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $2.5 million

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrances; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/game/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Candy and soda

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Spiral candles for candles; Bellman and Dr. Squatch for personal care/bath and body; K&K for home décor; Penrod and Grayling Ceramics for giftables; Coco and Carmen, Dune and enewton for jewelry/accessories; K&K, Beacon and Old World for holiday; Oatmeal and Hester & Cook for cards/ stationery; Cherry Republic for gourmet coffee/tea; Toy Network, Schylling and Douglas for kids’ toys/baby gifts. Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok Special events and promotions: Bigfoot for President, Witches Night Out, Shark Week, Christmas in July, Chili Trail, Quack Walk Sale

J&B HOME DÉCOR & GIFTS

Elkhart, Ind. jbdecorandgifts.com

Number of employees: 1

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2022

Total square footage: 1,725 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: Las Vegas Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; jewelry; toys/ games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; pet gifts/pet-themed products

Categories added or expanded: Candles/accessories, glassware/crystal

Price points carried: Middle and upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Voluspa for candles/ accessories; Mixture for personal care/bath and body; Sagebrook Home and Torre and Targus for home décor; Zodax, Julie Knight and Badash Crystal for giftables; Maya J and Lula ‘n Lee for jewelry/accessories; Melrose, Raz Imports and Hanna’s Handiworks for holiday; Idea Chic for cards/stationery; s.a.l.t. sisters, Stonewall Kitchen and Savory for gourmet; Haute Diggity Dog for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Stephan Baby for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Private shopping events, charity events

JOYWORKS

Snohomish, Wash.

Number of employees: 10

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1979

Total square footage: 5,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; pet gifts/ pet-themed products; made in America

Price point carried: Middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Mixture for candles/ home fragrance; Michel Design Works for personal care/ bath and body; Creative Co-op and Accent Décor for home décor; Demdaco for giftables; Scout for jewelry/ accessories; Raz for holiday; Avanti for cards/stationery; Baby Dear and House of Marbles for kids’ toys/baby gifts.

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Holiday open house

"Joyworks

LOS OSOS REXALL

Los Osos, Calif. losososrexalldrugandgift.com

Number of employees: 15

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1979

Total square footage: 3,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $2 million to $2.99 million

Trade shows attended: Las Vegas Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrances; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; fashion accessories; jewelry; toys/ games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Locally made

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Voluspa for candles; Fiji, Bigelow and Michel Design Works for personal care/ bath and body; Creative Co-op for home décor; Amano, Plata and Firefly for jewelry/accessories; Kurt Adler and Melrose International for holiday; Purity for gourmet; Schylling for kids’ toys/baby gifts.

Social media: Facebook

Special events and promotions: Holiday open house

METRO HOME STYLE

Syracuse, N.Y.

metrohomestyle.net

Number of employees: 1

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2006

Total square footage: 1,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: NY Now, Shoppe Object

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; wall art; tabletop/serveware; fashion accessories; jewelry; gourmet food/coffee/tea; pet gift/pet-themed products; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Stationery; gourmet food/coffee/tea

Price points carried: Middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Candlefolk, Penrose and Rescued Wine for candles/accessories; Penny & Cooper and Hillhouse Naturals for personal care/bath and body; Foreside Home & Garden, WillowGroup and Danica Heirloom for home décor; K. Carroll Accessories and RockFlowerPaper for jewelry/accessories; Silver Tree Home & Holiday, Melrose and Starlight Collection for holiday; Sapling Press, Smudge Ink and Screech Owl

Design for cards/stationery; Healthy Gourmet Kitchen, Inspired Leaf Teas and Tait Farm Foods for gourmet; Jax & Bones, Soggy Doggy and Bone Love for pet gifts/ pet-themed products; Cheengoo and eeBoo for kids’ toys/ baby gifts.

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Gift Week, Charity drives, Reverse Trick or Treat

MIX IT UP GIFT

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho mixituphome.com

Number of employees: 14

Number of stores: 2

Year founded: 2008

Total square footage: 4,800 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market, Inspired Home Show, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, NY Now, Shoppe Object, Noted, The Greeting Card Expo

Categories sold: Candles; stationery/books/cards; bath and body; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware; jewelry; toys/games/puzzles/plush; gourmet food/coffee/tea; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed; made in America; locally branded gifts

Categories added or expanded: Personal care/bath and body; toys/games/puzzles/plush; gourmet food/ coffee/tea; huckleberry everything

Price point carried: Upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Made by Mixture and Notes for candles; Bonblissity, Echo France and Poppy & Pout for personal care; Mud Pie, Santa Barbara Designs and Kalalou for home décor; Karma, San Diego Designs and Mud Pie for giftables; Montana Leather, Demdaco and David Howell for jewelry; Melrose, Sullivans and Tag for holiday; Quilling Card, Borealis and AbiArt for cards/stationery; Savannah Bee, Finch & Finnel and Huckleberry Haven for gourmet; Creative Brands, Demdaco, Primitives by Kathy for pet gifts/pet-themed

Social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Holiday After Hours parties, VIP cocktail parties

MOMERE

West Des Moines, Iowa momere.com

Number of employees: 7

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2009

Total square footage: 4,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $250,000 to $499,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market, Las Vegas Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/ serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Candles/candle accessories; greeting cards; fashion accessories; apparel

Price points carried: Middle to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Bridgewater, Turelux and Notes for candles/accessories; Caren for personal care/bath and body; Mud Pie and K&K for home décor; Kendrick Home for giftables; Zenzii, Ink & Alloy and Caroline Hill for jewelry/accessories; Raz, K&K and Mud Pie for holiday; Rifle Paper and Compendium for cards/ stationery; Soberdough, Stonewall Kitchen and Bourbon Barrel for gourmet; Mud Pie for kids’ toys/baby gifts. Social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok Special events and promotions: Gallery Night, Spring and Summer Sidewalk Sales, Sip & Shop, Jingle in the Junction, Small Business Saturday, Farmers Market and Music in the Junction

ORANGE TREE IMPORTS

Madison, Wis. orangetreeimports.com

Number of employees: 20

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1975

Total square footage: 2,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million

Trade shows attended: Las Vegas Market, NY Now Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/ serveware; jewelry; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/ infant products; gourmet/coffee/tea; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America.

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Monroe Street Festival

"Orange Tree Imports utilizes several social media platforms to engage with customers, including Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram."

PAST & PRESENTS

Lenexa, Kan. pastandpresentsks.com

Number of employees: 18

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1989

Total square footage: 5,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $1 million to $1.99 million

Trade shows attended: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books, greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photo frames/home accents; wall art; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Books, apparel, licensed products

Price points carried: Low to upper middle Sampling of major suppliers: Trapp, WoodWick and Aromatique for candles/accessories; Thymes and Dionis for personal care/bath and body; Raz, Melrose and Sullivans for home décor; Carson, Demdaco and Mud Pie for giftables; Brighton and Megan Browne for jewelry/ accessories; Raz, Melrose and Demdaco for holiday; Hallmark and Lang for cards/stationery; Coffee Masters, Republic of Tea for gourmet; Carson for pet gifts/petthemed products; Mary Meyer, JellyCat and Stephen Joseph for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, X, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Spring and Holiday Open Houses, Tailgate event, HM Keepsake event, Small Business Saturday and seasonal themed activities

PEACE BY PIECE CO.

Swansea, Ill. peacebypiececo.com

Number of employees: 6

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2009

Total square footage: 2,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; wall art; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; toys/games/ puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/ coffee/tea

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Tyler for candles; Bathhouse for personal care/bath and body; Demdaco for home décor; Demdaco for giftables; Brighton for jewelry/accessories; Demdaco and Ganz for holiday; Shannon Martin Design for cards/stationery; Coblentz for gourmet; JellyCat for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Trunk shows

"Peace

PERIWINKLE

Glendora, Calif. periwinkleemporium.com

Number of employees: 5

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2005

Total square footage: 2,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: Less than $250,000

Trade shows attended: Las Vegas Market, LA Mart

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; jewelry; toys/games/puzzles/plush; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: California Handcrafted and Candle Tales for candles/accessories; Ganz and Laurie May Designs for home décor; Fuzzy Cabin and Ganz for giftables; Sparkle Pearl and Love Your Jewels for jewelry/accessories; Ganz for holiday; Under the Willow Tree, Blue Mountain Arts and Rococo et Forest for cards/stationery; Ganz for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Plan Toys, Tikiri Toys and Unipak for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

Special events and promotions: Storytime Saturdays, craft time Wednesdays, craft/art class Saturdays, Paint by Number Night, Glendora Village Wine Walk, Halloween Walk and Holiday Stroll

RED GARTER GIFT SHOPPE

Munster, Ind. powershealth.org/aboutus/donate-and-volunteer/community-hospital

Number of employees: 20

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1977

Total square footage: 1,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $240,000

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; collectibles; photo frames/home accents; wall art; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; toys/ games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; made in America

Price points carried: Low to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Village Candles for candles/home fragrance; Lemon Lavender, Bass Farm and Kelli’s for personal care/bath and body; Ganz and Regal for home décor; Swig and Good Tymes Enterprises for giftables; Jen & Co, Howard’s and Rain Jewelry for jewelry/accessories; Ganz and DM Merchandising for holiday; Leanin’ Tree and Denik for cards/stationery; Stonewall Kitchen for gourmet; Aurora, Harper’s Collins and Ganz for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Summer Sidewalk Sale, Small Business Saturday

ROBIN’S NEST, BOUTIQUE & FINE GIFTS

Winthrop, Mass. robinsnestwinthrop.com

Number of employees: 4

Number of stores: 3

Year founded: 2016

Total square footage: 460 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $250,000 to $499,999

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/ home accents; wall art; tabletop/serveware; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; pet gifts/ pet-themed products; made in America

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Sweet Water Décor, Thymes and The Soi Co. for candles/home fragrance; Twisted Tomboy, Simplified Soap and Woolzies for personal care/bath and body; Mud Pie, Demdaco and Mariposa for home décor; Demdaco, Giftcraft and Ganz for giftables; Splendid Iris, Magic Scarf and Two’s Company for jewelry/accessories; Mud Pie, Giftcraft and Ganz for holiday; Design With Heart and Quotable for cards; Harbor Sweets for gourmet; Haute Diggity Dog, Worthy Dog and Demdaco for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Mud Pie, Bella Tunno and Chowdaheadz for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Special events and promotions: Valentine’s Day, Anniversary and special sales events

ROWE POTTERY

Cambridge, Wis. rowepottery.com

Number of employees: 20

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1975

Total square footage: 1,500 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $250,000 to $499,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market, Las Vegas Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; books; greeting cards; collectibles; tabletop/serveware; gourmet food/coffee/tea; made in America; handcrafted pottery

Categories added or expanded: Candles/candle accessories

Price points carried: Middle to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Rowe Pottery for candles/candle accessories; Creative Co-op, Tag and K&K for home décor; Sullivans, K&K and Creative Co-op for holiday; Creative Co-op, PS Seasonings and Mollys for gourmet food/coffee/tea

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Third Thursday themed events, Art on Main, Small Business Saturday, Christmas in the Village, Christkindlmarket

"Rowe Pottery hosts Third Thursday themed events in store."

SIGN OF THE DOLPHIN

Seminole, Fla. signofthedolphin.com

Number of employees: 4

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1996

Total square footage: 5,000 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: Trendz, Surf Expo

Categories added or expanded: Lower price points; fun, eye-catching products

Price points carried: Low to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Inis for candles/home fragrance; Dani and Inis for personal care/bath and body; Uma for home décor; PPD for giftables; Lefthand Studio for jewelry/accessories; Raz Imports for holiday; Avanti Press and Blue Mountain for cards/stationery; ES Pets for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Liventy for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook

Special events and promotions: Fundraiser fashion shows for non-profits

THE MONOGRAM SHOPPE

Fort Wayne, Ind. monogramshoppe.com

Number of employees: 5

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1980

Total square footage: 3,200 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $500,000 to $999,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market

Categories sold: Stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Books, greeting cards, photo frames/home accents, toys/games/puzzles/plush, baby/infant products, gourmet food/coffee/tea, pet gifts/ pet-themed products

Price points carried: Low to high

Sampling of major suppliers: Mud Pie, Nora Fleming, Primitives by Kathy for home décor; Pavilion and Roman for giftables; Save the Girls for fashion accessories; Gerson, Raz and Roman for holiday; Crane, Caspari and Donovan Designs for cards/stationery; Stonewall Kitchen, Bourbon Barrel and Chercies for gourmet; Roman and Pavilion for pet gifts/pet-themed products; Mary Meyer, Elegant Baby and Fat Brain for kids’ toys/ baby gifts.

Social media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Chinese Fortune Day, fundraisers for non-profits

THE RUSTIC MARKET

Kennesaw, Ga.

shoptherusticmarket.com

Number of employees: 30

Number of stores: 3

Year founded: 2016

Total square footage: 7,600 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $2 million to $2.99 million

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; books; greeting cards; personal care/bath and body; CBD products; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; tabletop/serveware; glassware/crystal; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; toys/games/puzzles/plush; baby/infant products; gourmet food/coffee/tea; licensed products; housewares; pet gifts/pet-themed products; made in America; leather goods; footwear

Categories added or expanded: Candles/candle accessories, fashion accessories, apparel

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Thymes and Capri Blue for candles/accessories; Nicole Brayden and Thymes for personal care/bath and body; Creative Co-op and Forty West for home décor; Glory Haus and Mud Pie for giftables; Millie B, Golden Stella and Jen & Co. for jewelry/accessories; Mud Pie, Creative Co-op and Raz for holiday; Creative Co-op, Demdaco and Mud Pie for pet gifts/pet-themed products; JellyCat, Magnificent Baby and Mud Pie for kids’ toys/baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Special events and promotions: Rewards program, seasonal Open Houses, Teachers’ Week, Black Friday weekend

THE SUMMER KITCHEN

Helena, Ohio

thesummerkitchengirls.com

Number of employees: 2

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 1995

Total square footage: 728 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: Less than $250,000

Categories sold: Candles/candle accessories; aromatherapy/home fragrance; stationery; personal care/bath and body; photo frames/home accents; home textiles; wall art; fashion accessories; jewelry; apparel; gourmet food/coffee/tea; housewares; made in America

Categories added or expanded: Aromatherapy/home fragrance, stationery, gourmet food/coffee tea

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Swan Creek and Broken Top Candles for candles/accessories; Broken Top and Spongelle for personal care/bath and body; Kendrick, Audrey's and C&F for home décor; Two's Company for giftables; Coco & Carmen, Demdaco and Amy Anne for jewelry/accessories; Bethany Lowe, Primitives by Kathy and Audrey's for holiday; Lola for cards/stationery; own brand for teas

Social media: Facebook, X, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram

Special events and promotions: Christmas Clearance, Tea Club, Galentine’s Day, Derby Day, Girls Night Out, Tent Sale, Fall Open House, Pink Friday, Small Business Saturday

WHIMSY ON MAIN

Milbank, S.D. whimsyonmain.com

Number of employees: 13

Number of stores: 1

Year founded: 2015

Total square footage: 2,525 sq. ft.

Estimated 2023 total sales: $250,000 to $499,999

Trade shows attended: Atlanta Market, Las Vegas Market, Toyfest Vegas

Categories added or expanded: Stationery, greeting cards

Price points carried: Low to upper middle

Sampling of major suppliers: Pura and Porchview Home for candles/accessories; Kitsch, DaBomb and Dionis for personal care/bath and body; Creative Co-op, Porchview Home and Audrey’s for home décor; Clay in Motion, Gift Craft and Roman for giftables; Lenny & Eva, Prayers|Share and Scout for jewelry/accessories; Creative Co-op, Mud Pie and Transpac for holiday; Studio Oh, Bonair Daydreams and Quotable for cards/ stationery; Door County Coffee and Fireside Coffee for gourmet; JellyCat, Tonies and Warmies for kids’ toys/ baby gifts

Social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok

Special events and promotions: March Madness Book Bracket, Olympic Medal Hunt, Sip and Shop

25Gifted Retailers

How the list was compiled

The 25 Gifted Retailers for 2024 presents snapshots of independent retailers. This list is by no means comprehensive nor is it a ranking. Many more than the 25 retailers listed are strong, innovative retailers within their communities.

Because sales volumes are of interest, Gifts & Decorative Accessories provides sales estimates for all companies. All sales figures and ranges are Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ market research estimates and are for total 2023 store sales, which may include revenue from the sale of products beyond gifts and accessories. Information for this report came from surveys completed by independent retailers. The information was gathered, analyzed and written by Strategic Insights on behalf of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.

Q & A

CELEBRATE THE SMALL BUSINESSES

Retailer Carol Schroeder discusses the importance of Small Business Saturday and ways you can help clear inventory in a hurry.

Making the Most of Small Business Saturday

Q: Is Small Business Saturday still an important occasion for independent retailers?

A: This year marks the 15th Small Business Saturday, which was started by created by American Express in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Although the holiday has changed significantly since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday is one of the strongest ways to promote the importance of shopping local.

We’ve all heard of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that officially marks the start of the holiday shopping season. The National Retail Federation reported that it was the most popular day in 2023 for in-person shopping, with 76.2 million shoppers participating. Happily, the same report shows that 78 percent of Saturday shoppers shopped locally on Small Business Saturday. It’s important that you get your share of that market, especially with a late Thanksgiving shortening the holiday season.

Some of us will remember the early days of SBS, when American Express offered its card holders a rebate for local purchases. This was not entirely altruistic, because they wanted to increase the number of people using their card — and also to promote its use for everyday purchases rather than just big-ticket items.

Small Business Saturday is now supported by both American Express and the Small Business Administration. Local businesses are encouraged to host events and promotions that show the benefits of supporting neighborhood independent retailers. Fifteen years of national marketing has resulted in the concept of Small Business Saturday achieving an impressive level of consumer recognition.

In past years the materials available at no charge for Small Business Saturday have included reusable cloth bags, balloons, banners, buttons and even dog bandanas. It’s hard to find out in advance what will be available to neighborhood merchant associations or individual businesses, although the downloadable marketing materials are already on the AmEx website.

These promotional items are not really essential to the success of SBS in your store or community. It’s easy to provide your own door prizes, discounts and other special offers to entice shoppers into your store that day. You might consider opening early or staying open late. Refreshments help make it a festive occasion.

We like to cooperate with the other businesses in our area to encourage customers to explore the variety of locally owned shops and restaurants on our street. Everyone contributes one or two gift cards that are swapped around to be used as prizes in other businesses. We promote Small Business Saturday in our individual social media posts as well as in a group, including our local hashtag along with #SmallBusinessSaturday and #ShopSmall.

If you have a buy local organization, this is a great opportunity to partner with them to get the message out about the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. Even as a sole proprietor, you can reach out to the media and offer to do a radio or TV interview.

AmEx now also sponsors a Shop Small effort to encourage everyone to patronize locally owned restaurants and retail stores that accept the American Express card year-round. Their website features an interactive map to help customers locate local businesses, and they provide signage and other marketing materials at no charge.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories proudly supports Heart on Main Street is the country’s only nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to helping independent retailers grow and thrive within their local communities. By providing free webinars, connections to resources, mentorships, and aid to retailers impacted by natural disasters, Heart on Main Street ensures that retailers have the tools to accomplish their goals, refine their businesses, and create the retail store of their dreams.

Consider making a donation to Heart on Main Street today to help our Main Street retailers thrive!

BOGO Promotions

Q: We can usually clear out odds and ends of slow moving merchandise by marking it down to half price. But we made a few really big mistakes this year and have a large quantity of product we need to move. Is there a better way to put these items on sale?

A: The drug store in my hometown used to run a penny promotion twice a year. The concept was simple — buy one item, get a second one for just one cent. As a kid I was fascinated by this idea, and almost always found some way to turn a penny into something I just had to have.

I realize now that the penny sale is just a fancy way to use the BOGO technique to sell quantities of merchandise. The original BOGO is short for Buy One, Get One Free. It’s a great way to double the number of units that go out the door. Instead of the customer buying something on sale for half price, with a BOGO promotion they take two. It’s the same discount, of course, but it will clear your shelves twice as fast.

An interesting way of doing good while selling something at

half price is the Buy One, Give One to Charity concept. This is well worth considering if you sell clothing, books, household goods or other items that would be welcomed by a non-profit in your area.

Another version of the BOGO promotion is the Buy One, Get One for Half Price. Two $10 items would sell for $15, which is actually 25 percent off each of them. But Buy One, Get One for Half Price has the advantage of including the words “half price” on the sign. You could also offer a single item for $3.50, with a price of $10 when three are purchased at the same time.

These are common techniques used by our big box competitors, of course. If you want to take another page from their playbook, consider GWP — gift with purchase. This is a great way to use items you’ve purchased at a deep discount or received for free from a vendor.

A gift with purchase can be a great way to add value to what you are selling. Receiving a free decorative box of matches when buying a candle, for example, makes the customer feel even better about their decision to support your shop with their purchase.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

It’s almost as if the holiday selling season called and said, “If you’re not ready for Christmas by now, you’re in big trouble.”

Retailers never met a selling season they didn’t want to get their stores ready for sooner — sometimes much sooner — than most of us mere mortals needed.

It’s the way the business is run.

SEE MORE PAGE 62

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“If you’re an independent retailer and your store is not keeping up with all of this, you are not only falling behind both competitors and consumers, but you are also in deep retail quicksand.”

It Got Late Pretty Early This Year

It’s almost as if the holiday selling season called and said, “If you’re not ready for Christmas by now, you’re in big trouble.”

Retailers never met a selling season they didn’t want to get their stores ready for sooner — sometimes much sooner — than most of us mere mortals needed. It’s the way the business is run.

But, if you’re like me, you must be shaking your head this year over how incredibly early stores are being set for the next holiday. It’s been one big blur, starting with backto-school over the summer, stretching into Halloween, harvest (or whatever you want to call it) and then the wave of Amazon Prime/Walmart Deals/Target Circle Days/etc., culminating in the big one, holiday. It seemed like 12-foot skeletons were duking it out, side by side, with reindeer and Santa in big box stores, causing no shortage of consternation and confusion amongst shoppers.

If you’re an independent retailer and your store is not keeping up with all of this, you are not only falling behind both competitors and consumers, but you are also in deep retail quicksand. You may be old-school and not like any of this early business, but this is the way the game is being played now. If you choose not to participate, you do so at your own peril.

How did we get to this crazy calendar configuration? As mentioned, stores were always looking to get ahead of the shopper and fill in empty spaces on their selling floor once seasonal merchandise assortments started to thin out. It’s why you saw Christmas replaced by Valentine’s Day and early spring even before the ball dropped in Times Square and bathing suits on sale when it was 20 degrees outside. Somebody in some corner office somewhere decided this all made sense.

The need for merchandising speed is especially critical this year. Retailers are looking at one of the shortest holiday selling periods possible. The time between that traditional start on Black Friday weekend and Dec. 25th is shorter by a good week than usual. Of course, this hasn’t mattered for years. Retailers broke early Black Friday (please, let’s find another name, this one has become virtually meaningless) promotions first in early November and now increasingly even earlier into October. Black Friday in July sales are pretty commonplace these days. And the period between Christmas Day and the post-New Year’s weekend has often been just as robust as anytime of the year.

All of this has gotten accelerated, exaggerated and exasperated this year and it’s why as you read this, your store better be set for holiday. You need to have your gift assortments ready to go, not to mention whatever the self-gifter is shopping for. Watch what the big stores are doing to counter-merchandise your store, but also to use some of their techniques and gimmicks for your own operation. This is called inspiration, not plagiarism, by the way.

It would be nice to run a retail store in isolation and do it exactly the way you want to, but you don’t have that freedom anymore — assuming you ever did.

Christmas, and all the other winter holidays, still only comes once a year: but it lasts a long, long time now. Don’t be late.

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.

The Rush for Plush with Personality

No, it’s not your imagination: Plush toys have adopted an entirely new persona. While traditional teddy bears and other cuddly pals will always have a place on store shelves — and in our hearts — soft toys sporting unconventional designs have earned a spot alongside classic plush.

Take FAO Schwarz, whose flagship New York City store has a permanent Jellycat Diner stocked with the brand’s Amuseables food-centric line. This fall, the retail display will broaden its menu to accommodate breakfast additions, including smiling-faced pancakes, a bagel and waffle.

“Jellycat is still going strong, especially with teens and adults,” said Theresa Duncan, owner of Villa Villekulla Toys in Fernandina Beach, Fla. She is seeing tremendous growth in plush geared toward adults, especially product with “cheeky sentiments or in non-traditional shapes like food or household objects.”

Crystal Newman, owner of Bloomsbury Lane Toys, is also noticing this trend in her Lancaster, N.Y., shop. “The faces have become more animated, on both animals and food items,” she said, noting the popularity of Aurora’s Palm Pals.

A plush with personality pioneer, Squishmallows, the collectible line that debuted in 2017, has spawned more than 3,000 characters.

Whimsical and Wonderful

In 2019, Douglas introduced its Macaroon Bunny plush, which has since given way to a Foodie Macaroon line that pairs tasty treats with cuddly animals. “Douglas has a rich tradition of creating plush toys that embody personality and charm,” said associate vice president of sales Tara Rubino, noting the recent popularity of Vinnie Banana Slug, sporting a hybrid fruit/bug style. The company will release its Foodie Chick assortment, featuring Artichick, Garlichick and Radichick, next spring.

Relatable, formerly known for its What Do You Meme? party game, has joined the plush game with the launch of Emotional Support Pals. While targeted at Gen Zers and millennials, these feel-good toys have generated interest with all age groups. Among the SKUs are pizza slices, chickees and pumpkin spice lattes.

Character and connection are the premise behind Noodoll, a U.K.-based plush maker of more than 100 characters hailing from the fictious Ricetown. “We’ve introduced a personality quiz on our site that matches you to your similar character or Ricemonster, as we call them,” said designer Lucy Harris.

Noodoll’s most popular SKU, Ricespud, has his own Instagram page, as well as a collection of dress-up plushies and accessories. Also tapping into consumers’ sensibilities is Punchkins, whose witty puns are at the crux of their plush. “Humor, well-meaning sarcasm and cleverness are the cornerstone of our designs,” explained founder Steve Wampold. “From our sad gluten-intolerant slice of bread to our delusional dumpster fire, we’re designing jokes that are topical and personally relatable.” Finally, Pluzzles will be cornering a piece of the plush market with product that takes the connection element of its design quite literally. The company’s line was designed by Yoonique LLC founder and CEO Jeanne Yoon, whose dog Chloe inspired the line. By connecting the puzzle piece-shaped Pluzzles together, kids can create their own menagerie of playful puppies — destined to become man’s (or rather, kids’) best friends.

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.

“You Complete Me” Donut plush. Punchkins. punchkins.com

Q & A

ON THE ROAD WITH Lisa Deiss

This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Deiss, a sales representative for DNA Sales and the recipient of the 73rd annual REA Sales Rep of the Year Award for the Central/ Midwest region. Recognized by her retailers for outstanding service and commitment, Deiss works hard to build lasting relationships, even traveling long distances. Retailers praise her for her top-tier customer service, noting her dedication to communication and responsiveness. Hear from Deiss on exactly how she successfully manages everything that comes wth being a rep.

by Angela Schmook

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the gift industry?

A: I spent over a decade working in customer service at a utility company call center. Through daily interactions with customers, I realized that meeting them face-to-face would enhance my ability to build stronger relationships and provide better service. After leaving the utility company, I transitioned into a sales role, where I thrived for the next 10 years until moving into the gift industry.

Q: How long have you been serving retailers with DNA Sales, and how has your role evolved over the years?

A: I've been with DNA Sales for over six years, working alongside an incredible team and receiving outstanding support from our vendors and management. My assistant, Krystal, is my right hand — she handles emails and processes claims while I'm on the road. The years have passed quickly because when you are passionate about your work and dedicated to your customers, it hardly feels like work.

Q: What key activities and responsibilities do you manage daily as a sales rep?

A: I leave my house every day, whether I have scheduled appointments. On days without appointments, I focus on prospecting new or inactive businesses, dropping in to say hello, delivering the latest catalog, and setting up appointments while I'm there.

Q: What advice would you offer fellow sales representatives looking to excel and grow in their careers?

A: Leave the house and start prospecting. Consider hiring an assistant because you can't handle everything on your own. Remind yourself that staying home means missing out on potential earnings. Always make sure to schedule your next appointment before leaving any meeting.

Q: What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work?

A: I love working one-on-one with my customers and appreciate their trust and respect for my opinions. I also enjoy participating in holiday open houses to show my commitment to their success. DNA Sales offers fantastic products and collaborates with top-notch vendors, and I truly consider my customers friends.

Q: Have you noticed any emerging trends or significant changes in your territory? How do you anticipate these trends or changes will impact your work or the industry?

A: Yes, I've observed several trends in gift shop sales. One notable trend is the growing demand for personalized and custom items, as customers increasingly seek unique gifts that reflect individual tastes. Another significant change is the shift toward online shopping, with more consumers preferring to browse and purchase gifts online. Many of my customers now have online stores and have found ways to create in-store experiences with personalized services and unique products.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A: Understanding your customers' businesses is key — don't just be an order taker. I hold deep respect for my customers, and that respect is mutual. I have confidence in our products, knowing they perform well in their stores.

Being A Good Salesperson

What does it take to be a good salesperson? This is a topic discussed constantly and there are hundreds of different opinions. You can read about them in thousands of different sales books, even mine, “The Bunch Book of Selling, How to Sell a Bunch…Not a Little.”

But before we can answer the question, let’s first take a look at salespeople in the gift and home industry. Here are a few of my observations.

First, salespeople in this industry have been trained to be friendly and nice, which is helpful since relationship selling has worked well for 70-plus years. But under today’s challenges, retailers need transactional/solution-selling salespeople.

Secondly, in working thousands of trade shows I am always amazed at how salespeople go straight to the sale before doing any discovery questions. This is also true of the hundreds of salespeople I have worked with in the field. They all commit what I call “Assume-A-Sides” about the customer’s needs.

Even when a salesperson asks discovery questions, they often do a poor job of it and don’t really listen to the customer’s answers. They are focused on making the sale rather than learning about the customer’s current business issues. There seems to be a fear of engaging retailers in direct-to-the-point discussions.

I’ve also noticed that many salespeople assume the customer knows what they purchased from them and how the items have performed. This is generally not the case. The salesperson must remind the retailer of what they purchased and learn how the products performed.

Finally, at trade shows salespeople assume the customer is there to buy, so they immediately start selling. It’s important to know how their sales have been since the last market and what has performed well and why and what has performed poorly and why.

So, what exactly does it take to be a “good,” successful sales rep today?

Sales reps should review customer history and plan what they want to accomplish. Their mission should always be to make sure their customers have the right products, at the right price and at the right time. They also should initiate good business discussions with the retailer. Successful sales reps listen closely to what customers have to say and then make good recommendations based on what they’ve learned from their best customers.

Sales reps should be like business partners for retailers. Independent stores are first owners and then buyers. Their time

is limited, and some haven’t even been trained in buying and merchandising. Unlike larger retailers, the small store is very reluctant to mark down slow-moving merchandise and buy into their best-selling categories.

As any good professional, sales reps should always be prepared, too. And that means writing out the questions they want to ask and some solutions they can offer. Many stores have the same issues as other stores.

When calling, they should begin with “The Purpose of my call today is,” and it can be several things. This “purpose statement” sets the agenda so that the rep and the customer are on the same page from the beginning of the call. Appointments should also include a rep’s discovery of what is happening now in their customer’s business. If things are good, ask why? If bad, ask why? Asking helps the customer discover what she is doing right and what she is doing wrong. A customer retains and acts on what she discovers from good questions rather than on what a salesperson just tells them is right or wrong.

As soon as the rep completes the call, they should immediately write a summary of the call, what you did well and what did not work. What did you learn about the customer and how he or she thinks. What is the follow up? What did you learn about the customer that will help you sell more? What do you still not know about the customer that will help you sell more?

Finally, it’s “a given” that you should know your products and where they belong in the marketplace.

Salespeople, it is your responsibility to the retailer, the vendor and to yourself to constantly improve your knowledge of your customers, the region they do business in, your products and your vendors. Try to be a business professional, not just a friend.

Austin Bunch is an industry leader in sales consulting and training within the gift, home accessories, and furniture sectors. Drawing from years of experience as a salesman, sales manager, CEO and sales consultant and trainer across numerous enterprises, Bunch has authored "The Bunch Book of Selling," a practical and comprehensive how-to guide in selling.

28% of consumers use a PAPER CALENDAR, JOURNAL OR PLANNER in their everyday life.

Source: ECal, “Annual Survey”

BY THE NUMBERS STATIONERY

The stationery market is growing at a fairly large rate. According to Grand View Research, the global stationery market is expected to grow to $128.5 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent. Much of this growth is being fueled by consumers’ desire to express themselves. Stationery products are a fun way for consumers to personalize their workspaces, both at home and at an offi ce. Bullet journals, hand lettering and other creative hobbies are also in creasing the demand for stationery items like pens, markers, papers and bound journals.

Stationery products consumers are likely to purchase in the next 12 months

At 46% , the OFFICE SEGMENT is the largest of the STATIONERY INDUSTRY .

Source: Global Market Insights, “Stationery Products Market Size by Product Type”

Dollars By Region 2023 vs. 2024

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

GAIN AR Statistics show the September 2024 overall receivables of non-top 100 retailers are down 11.2 percent compared to receivables of non-top 100 retailers for September 2023. September’s reduced receivables is further driven by a -6.3 percent of September current receivable dollars on non-top 100 retailers. Year to date, overall receivables of non-top 100 retailers are down 9.4 percent for 2024 compared to YTF 2023. Receivables of top 100 retailers for September 2024 are also down 26.6 percent compared to September 2023. This chart is created from data provided by the Gift Associates Interchange Network (GAIN).

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RETAILER’S GUIDE TO THE 2025 GIFT SHOWS

SHOW SCHEDULES, NEW INITIATIVES, HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION AND MORE

ATLANTA MARKET OFFERS EARLY OPPORTUNITY FOR VALUABLE CONNECTIONS

As buyers begin to make their travel plans for next year, please set the stage for your market in 2025 – why should they be attending?

There’s no better place to ring in 2025 than at the winter edition of Atlanta Market, full of exciting product launches and brand debuts that give buyers the chance to see and experience the latest trends in-person. Atlanta Market offers the largest collection of gift products across every category, complemented by an array of home decor and apparel resources to expand your product mix.

Atlanta Market is set in the heart of downtown Atlanta, providing attendees ample opportunity to explore the culinary scene, museums and surrounding areas that make this city an incredible place to conduct business and enjoy what the south has to offer.

Please provide an overview of the product categories that will be on display. Are there any that have become synonymous with your show?

The robust lineup of gift offerings at Atlanta Market helps buyers stay competitive and on-trend year after year. Winter Market showcases the launch of Holiday 2025 merchandise, offering buyers the exclusive opportunity to lock in orders with full availability. Five floors of showrooms are decked out with ornaments, trees, ribbon, floral sprays, window displays and seasonal

decor across dozens of themes and price points.

In addition to showrooms, the Temporaries offer 1,000+ resources across seven major categories, making it a must-see destination for attendees. Known for offering new and innovative brands in High Design, Home, Kitchen + Table, Cash & Carry, Makers Hub, Gift and Fashion Accessories, the Temporaries are a core part of what makes Atlanta Market home to new and emerging brands. With the recent reorganization, buyers can find brands more efficiently than ever, leaving more time for new brand discovery.

A wide selection of gourmet, housewares and tabletop product gives attendees more opportunities to find the perfect inventory mix for their storefront. Plus, the newly reorganized Gardens in Building 2 provides a singular garden gift destination for buyers eager to source outdoor living, gift and accessories. The 50+ exhibitors solidify that Atlanta Market is the premier market for gift and outdoor living resources.

How have you implemented technology into your show experience?

AtlantaMarket.com is a great place to explore new resources, discover emerging trends and learn more about what to expect at Market. Buyers can view detailed exhibitor profiles and create a customized Market itinerary in advance with the Market Plan. When Market arrives, buyers can take their Market Plan on the go with the @ANDMORE Markets app. The @ANDMORE Markets app makes the entire Market experience seamless, from easy badge pick-up to campus navigation and an in-app camera and notetaking feature to keep everything organized.

What special events are you featuring?

Atlanta Market’s Kickoff Party returns for Winter Market on Wednesday, January 15. Buyers can also look forward to daily amenities including happy hours, product giveaways and networking events. Stay tuned for more details.

What are your expectations for the 2025 event, and your plans moving forward?

Winter Market is our biggest market of the year, providing inspiration and momentum for the year ahead for both buyers and sellers. In a challenging retail landscape, attending Atlanta Market provides buyers the chance to connect with sales reps and industry peers in person, fostering valuable relationships for the future. We look forward to growing and adapting our product offerings to continue to meet buyer needs.

SHOW DATES

WINTER ATLANTA MARKET January 14-20, 2025

AtlantaMarket.com

DALLAS TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET: FIND THE 2025 TRENDS FIRST

Dallas Market Center is starting the year by delivering a fresh take on 2025 trends at their first Total Home & Gift Market January 8-14! Not only is the first market of the year in Dallas, it’s also the first Home & Gift market of the year in the U.S. This year, they will debut new neighborhoods in the TEMPS (8-11) to make the buying experience even more inspiring and efficient. From new showrooms to reimagined Temps, learn why you can find it first in Dallas this January!

As buyers begin to make their travel plans for next year, please set the stage for your market in 2025 –why should they attend and what should they expect?

Since Dallas is the first gift market to take place in 2025, buyers can expect to see tons of new trending products and collections and have the chance to be the first to write orders – making them the first in line to receive the season’s hottest merchandise. In addition to permanent showrooms, January features “Temps,” temporary exhibitors, where buyers can find new and unique products and makers they haven’t seen anywhere else.

For 2025, the Temps neighborhoods have been refreshed, with Trade Mart 1 becoming LUXE Design, which features a juried selection of high design, home accents, specialty gift, and tabletop. The 11th floor is the fashion destination and will now house apparel, jewelry, and fashion accessories exhibitors, including BOUTIQUE, which will feature high-fashion and design inspired fashion accessories.

Do you have an option for online participation?

The buying experience of the January Total Home & Gift Market is very much an inperson buying event, but those who can’t be present can still virtually participate in different events happening throughout the market, such

as our educational series Speaking of Retail, via live broadcasting on Dallas Market Center’s Instagram @Dallasmarket.

Did your post-show analysis from last year uncover anything you’d like to share?

Dallas Market Center has unmatched momentum. Last year’s January Total Home & Gift Market was full of positive momentum with the number of buyers attending for the first time at its second-highest level in five years. We also found attendance by buyers from the western U.S., including California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, was up 27% compared with January 2023; southwest U.S. buyer attendance including Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico was up 30%. More buyers from more regions are choosing Dallas.

Are there any product categories that have become synonymous with the Total Home & Gift Market?

Dallas is known to buyers for quite a few key categories of products. For January, permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors will be showcasing the newest of the new in holiday and floral merchandise, as well as a wide variety of housewares and tabletop throughout the market center. Another key category is fashion accessories, which can be found in permanent gift and apparel showrooms throughout the Trade Mart and World Trade Center, as well

as in our Temp neighborhoods, including BOUTIQUE on the 11th floor and immediate goods in Market Hall.

How have you implemented technology into your show experience?

We are always incorporating new technology to better serve our market attendees and give them the most efficient buying experience, which is why we urge buyers to pre-register for the Total Home & Gift Market. Pre-registration instantly gives market attendees a FastPass, the quickest way into market, allowing them to print their badge at one of our FastPass kiosks and saves valuable time.

What are some of the special events you have lined up?

We have great events and activations scheduled to both delight and educate our buyers including the return of the highly-attended Speaking of Retail educational series, created by Teddie & Courtney Garrigan of Coco & Dash, that covers a range of retail topics over three days. Another educational discussion series will be taking place with Heart on Main Street and will cover important topics for retailers with a variety of panelists. Additionally, there will be an informative panel discussion with past winners of the Retailer Excellence Awards sharing their best retail tips, tricks, and strategies and sharing advice and success stories regarding store events, social media, and visual merchandising.

What is your expectation for the first market of 2025 and the rest of the year?

Our expectation for our first market of 2025 is to continue the tremendous momentum from 2024! Dallas ended the year strong with a huge growth in new buyers from coast to coast and in 2025 we expect that growth to continue, especially with the reimagined Temps neighborhoods.

There are several markets throughout the year to keep retailers at the forefront of the latest products and trends.

SHOW DATES

DALLAS TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET

January 8-14 | Temps - January 8-11 March 25-28 (with Apparel & Accessories Market) June 18-24 | Temps – June 18-21 September 16-18

The Inspired Home Show

THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW® SET TO MARK 125 SHOWS

The Inspired Home Show® is the one event of the year where the entire industry connects for three full days of innovation, insight and inspiration. The 2025 Show, to be held March 2-4, will be the 125th Show since 1939 and has several exciting changes in store to create the most vibrant, productive and efficient trade show experience possible for the home + housewares industry.

Attendee registration is open at TheInspiredHomeShow.com. Last year, nearly 30,000 home + housewares professionals from more than 125 countries attended. Buyers will find thousands of products on display from over 1,600 exhibitors from 38 countries—including new brands and products not seen last year—that reinforce the newness and innovation in the industry.

Please provide an overview of your diverse range of product categories.

The Inspired Home Show features thousands of new products within more than 40 home + housewares product categories grouped within five Expos designated by product type. Each of these Show floor destinations features just about anything you would find in your home, from kitchen electrics to personal care to cleaning, storage and organization, cookware and bakeware, décor, tableware and more. This year we are adding a new expo, Travel Gear + Luggage, which will be located in the South Building next to the Dine + Décor Expo.

In addition to the new expo, the Show will have two new pavilions focusing on candles and pet products. The Candle Pavilion is in partnership with the National Candle Association and will feature collections from their members. An all-new Pet Pavilion in partnership with the American Pet Products Association will have a strong focus on higher-end and giftable products.

What are some of your special highlights?

• New and trending product display cases within each of the two exhibit halls will feature innovative and trend-forward products making their debut in the industry.

• The Pantone ColorWatch Display in the Grand Concourse is the visual gateway of color welcoming Show attendees while revealing the latest color palettes and color trends for 2026.

• New Product Showcase/Global Innovation Award (gia) for Product Design…the New Product Showcases are located in the Buyers Clubs in each Show exhibit hall and feature new introductions on display at the Show. The gia Product Design display is a mustsee destination honoring exhibitors’ latest

creations and cutting-edge innovations with award recognition, recognizing five finalists in 14 categories.

• The Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Retail Excellence showcases award-winning sales concepts from more than 30 countries.

• Although held in years past, the 2025 Show will see an expanded “Debut” section, which is dedicated to new and emerging companies with newly released products. Twenty-four companies will now have the opportunity to showcase their brands and products to the industry.

• Keynote educational sessions focus on consumer trends and critical and strategic industry issues.

• The Inspiration Theater will bring relevant, topical and actionable content to the Show for information, direction and most importantly, inspiration. Three days of expert industry perspectives covering topics such as intellectual property protection, brand building, consumer purchasing tracking, lifestyle trends and design forecasts.

What makes The Inspired Home Show unique, and a must-see event for today’s gift and home buyer?

Self-expression continues to be important to consumers, and that translates into how their purchase choices represent themselves in their homes. Customers are looking — and expecting — to find distinctive, unexpected housewares. Attend The Inspired Home Show to discover new, trend-forward home + housewares products designed to set any store apart from the competition, surprise and delight customers and inspire return visits.

In addition, as the Show is the headquarters of American brands, buyers will find representation of all the products exhibited, instead of the reduced selections that are usually taken to other gift or international fairs.

What are your expectations for this year’s event, and your plans moving forward?

With the return of key top retailers along with the return of larger exhibiting brands planning to display their latest and greatest products and innovations, the outlook for this coming Show is extremely positive. The pavilion and expo additions to The Inspired Home Show 2025 will be a further propellent to create a trade show that is more productive, highly efficient and tremendously successful for the entire industry. As we commemorate our 125th Show, we’re looking forward to celebrating how the past continues to shape the future and will be featuring other milestones from both exhibitors and retailers alike in the name of innovation and forward progress.

MARCH 16-19, 2024

SHOW DATES

March 2-4, 2025

McCormick Place, Chicago

ELEVATING HOME ENTERTAINING SINCE 1939

The Inspired Home Show ® is the industry epicenter for everything new and next in home + housewares, bringing both enduring and emerging trends to the table.

Don’t miss this must-attend event where the industry connects around innovation, insight and inspiration.

LAS VEGAS MARKET KICKS OFF THE BUYING YEAR

As buyers begin to make their travel plans for next year, please set the stage for your market in 2025 – why should they be attending?

Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the West, making it the premier destination for new product discovery. Coupled with the exciting location full of endless entertainment, Las Vegas Market is a must-attend show for buyers eager to diversify their product assortment and experience trends. Attending market means seeing innovative product debuts firsthand, discovering makers and their incredible stories.

Did your post-show analysis from last year uncover anything you’d like to share?

Buyers continue to seek out new and diverse product offerings in person. Las Vegas Market is an essential part of conducting business, providing buyers the chance to interact with product and meet makers face to face. Not to mention, attending Las Vegas Market gives buyers the chance to preview upcoming trends – staying at the forefront of the industry at the start of the year.

Please provide an overview of the product categories that will be on display. Are there any that have become synonymous with your show?

Las Vegas Market is known for its rich assortment of cross-category product offerings ranging from home furnishings and decor, gift, mattress & bedding, lighting, seasonal, housewares & gourmet and beyond.

The multiple offerings available in Building C have established Las Vegas as a hub for gift, lifestyle, decor and beyond. With so many major gift categories in one destination, buyers can source efficiently during their time on campus. Within Building C are several compelling destinations that are

synonymous with Las Vegas Market. C1 is a key destination for tabletop, housewares and gourmet. Additionally, we offer a robust array of lifestyle and seasonal offerings throughout the building.

The Gift & Home Temporaries, located in the Expo at World Market Center, are home to 450+ incredible artisans and makers, each offering dynamic stories and product selection. The Temporaries are a can’t miss destination for new trends and innovative brands. All six categories: Gift, Home, Design, Handmade, Luxe, and Immediate Delivery offer attendees new and innovative brands.

How have you implemented technology into your show experience?

We’ve implemented technology into our show experience through our Market Plan, complemented by @ANDMORE Markets app, offering buyers necessary digital tools to optimize their Market experience before and during the show. Time is a valuable resource. Between showroom appointments and leaving time for product discovery, we understand that buyers need an all-in-one tool that simplifies their day and maximizes their time throughout the show. The Market Plan, available via desktop and the app, gives buyers the opportunity to map out

their route ahead of schedule, saving and organizing all their pre-Market activities.

Additionally, the @ANDMORE Markets app makes the entire Market experience seamless upon arrival. From easy badge pick-up, taking photos and notes in-app, to adding brands to your Market Plan on the go, this all-in-one tool is the perfect companion to a buyer’s show experience.

What special events are you featuring?

Las Vegas Market’s Winter show offers an exciting business bootcamp with Create & Cultivate and influencer programs featuring lead designers, retailers and more. The programming will touch on a range of topics that highlight cutting-edge industry insights, trendspotting, retailer tips and beyond.

In addition to the seminars, buyers can look forward to many daily amenities ranging from happy hours, networking events, buyers’ lounges, and our market kickoff party on Sunday, January 26.

Many showrooms host their own market events as well as Show Specials that are exclusive to market attendees and give buyers excellent deals they won’t find anywhere else.

What are your expectations for the 2025 event, and your plans moving forward?

We look forward to providing attendees the chance to discover new lines, find compelling product, and strengthen their business through brand discovery and network connections. Las Vegas Market provides buyers the opportunity to connect and learn from peers and leaders within the industry. There is no better Market experience for attendees eager to strengthen existing connections while establishing new ones in addition to sourcing one-of-a-kind products.

SHOW DATES

WINTER LAS VEGAS MARKET January 26 – 30

LasVegasMarket.com

NY NOW: EXCITING CHANGES FOR A BETTER BUYING JOURNEY

Picture this - you step into NYC this February, the heart of global fashion and retail, and your home for the next three days. You step into Javits, the show floor is buzzing, and you start on your journey to discover brands and products that will WOW your customers. This could be your reality when you add NY NOW’s Winter Market to your travel plans.

What’s in store?

We’re introducing a new strategy to give you the best possible experience while you’re at Market. We’re shifting to a threeday schedule to make your buying journey more efficient, and we’re relocating halls at the Javits to support our growth strategy and create a streamlined floorplan.

And while some things are changing, some things are staying the same. You can still expect unparalleled product discovery, networking opportunities, and education designed to keep you at the forefront of what’s happening in the industry.

This February, make sure you’re at the center of where legacy and emerging brands unite to showcase their newest collections to prestigious buyers (like you!) from around the world.

NY NOW offers an unparalleled buying experience, with everything from handmade goods to high-volume essentials—all under one roof.

As you walk the show floor, you’ll notice we’re shining a spotlight on our brand’s stories across our three core categories: Gift & Lifestyle, Home, and Jewelry & Accessories. Our Market Destinations help you discover the brands you need to know. Explore new businesses under five years old in our Incubator section, experience the opulence of Luxury Lifestyle, support emerging talents in CURATED at Luxury Lifestyle, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of global craftsmanship in Rising Artisans, and explore cultures around the world in our International Pavilions.

Please provide an overview of the product categories that will be on display. Are there any that have become synonymous with your show?

Want to shop according to your values? We’re encouraging brands to highlight a core value—whether Minority Owned, Handmade, Sustainable, or others—on their booth signage. As you explore our aisles, see what makes each brand unique and share their stories with your customers!

Consider NY NOW your one-stop-shop destination. From domestic to global, handmade to high-volume, your next big thing is here!

How have you implemented technology into your show experience?

In addition to in-person connections, we offer a dynamic hybrid shopping experience through NY NOW Online, powered by Bulletin. Imagine extending your buying journey from just three days, to 365! You will be able to discover and shop exhibiting brands before, during and after the market.

Enjoy the convenience of shopping with net terms and taking advantage of our online-exclusive promotions. Explore enhanced e-commerce features like saving your Favorites, filtered views, downloadable curated lists, and our new Pinterestlike boards—designed to make your merchandising planning both easy and fun, and so much more!

It’s the ultimate tool to keep the inspiration going year-round, making sure you never miss an opportunity to find that perfect product.

What are your expectations for the 2025 event, and your plans moving forward?

With 100 years of service to the wholesale industry, we’re committed to continuing on our journey to build upon a modern market that is rooted in the future of our industry. Our focus is centered on producing a premier destination where the industry connects, does business and fosters meaningful relationships—efficiently and effectively. This upcoming Winter, we’re excited to move venue halls at the Javits, creating a more cohesive and streamlined floorplan that aligns with our merchandising growth strategy, while making it easier for you to explore, connect and discover everything NY NOW has to offer.

SHOW DATES

NY NOW WINTER MARKET Feb. 2-4, 2025 Javits Convention Center

FUN TIMES AHEAD AT TOYFEST 2025

As buyers begin to make their travel plans for next year, please set the stage for your market in 2025 – why should they be attending?

ToyFest is an off-market event that collaborates with the World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV). Gift and Toy showrooms open their doors one or two days before ToyFest opens in the Expo. Retailers should consider attending ToyFest because with the showrooms and The Expo open for shopping, there are hundreds of thousands of products to view and order. ToyFest is also held in Las Vegas with easy travel, beautiful weather, and has a fun, social, community driven atmosphere. ToyFest offers seminars, a craft and game event, an Awards Party, and allows retailers to vote on their favorite picks of the year at Best of ToyFest.

Did your post-show analysis from last year uncover anything you’d like to share?

The post-show survey told us retailers enjoyed the ToyFest Hall of Fame Party and Game Night the most and we will be putting extra effort into making those two events extra special.

Please provide an overview of the product categories that will be on display. Are there any that have become synonymous with your show?

Do you have an option for online participation?

ToyFest is not offered virtually but does have an App to announce all the latest information.

The range includes toy, gift, infant and toddler, game, education & books, STEM, museum, hobby, costume, beauty, and novelty. Game and Kit have become extra special at ToyFest because of the two special events.

How have you implemented technology into your show experience?

New this year is an App called “ToyFest” in the Apple and Google Play stores. The app showcases sponsors and advertisers, the agenda, floorplan, the exhibitor list,

and allows retailers to see show specials, get hotel info, and chat with other retailers or exhibitors once they sign up for an account.

What special events are your featuring?

• Wednesday, Feb 19 at 8:30am Morning Masterpieces kit session will kick off the show.

• Wednesday, Feb 19 at 6:00pm will be the always anticipated Game Night sponsored by Czech Games

• Thursday, Feb 20 at 8:30am will be a seminar focusing on AI and how retailers can use this tool to their advantage.

• Thursday, Feb 20 at 7:00pm is the ToyFest Party featuring the Hall of Fame Recipients and new this year, live entertainment. This event is sponsored by Fun In Motion, MW Wholesale, and US Toy.

• Friday, Feb 21 at 8:30am is Best of ToyFest, voted on by the retailers and announced before the end of the show.

And of course all three days of the show the Retailer Raffle will take place at 5:30pm. ToyFest will give away $800 per day plus donations from the vendors.

What are your expectations for the 2025 event, and your plans moving forward?

The ToyFest Slate of Officers expects the next show to serve as a key place in the industry for order writing to kick off 2025. ToyFest plans to stay in Las Vegas for the next several years and serve the industry at the beginning of the year. ToyFest is fun, a great place to network, and full of new products and experiences.

SHOW

FEBRUARY 19-21

For more information visit www.toyfestUS.com

FAVORABLE TRENDS SPARK GROWING INTEREST IN SURF EXPO

Market conditions are favorable for the coastal retail industry, reports Roy Turner, senior vice-president and show director of Surf Expo. With inventory levels in check, inflation coming down and job growth on the rise, Turner is optimistic for a successful 2025 show season. Here, he offers a status report.

Why is Surf Expo an important resource for gift and home buyers?

Surf Expo is the only trade show dedicated to all things coastal. Among the 750+ brands on display, about one-quarter of the exhibitors are brand new. Whether a buyer is looking for a new resource, or to reinvest in a broader portfolio, Surf Expo is the answer.

Of particular interest to gift and home buyers is the diverse selection of jewelry, fashion, gift, outdoor games and so much more, with a wide range of price and selection. This year, buyers can expect to find an uptick in outdoor game and pickleball-

style sets, as well as a host of bold and bright colored offerings perfect for a family trip to the beach. We see people wanting to enjoy quality family time – and there’s no better way than going to the coast!

How have you incorporated technology into the show experience?

We’re excited to mention a number of additions. We now have a full matchmaking tool that is available for all attendees. This will enable them to peruse brands and products, and request meetings with exhibitors. Additionally, buyers now have the ability to scan an exhibitor’s badge, which gives them all the pertinent information they need for follow-up. The data is available to be exported up to 30 days after the show.

What are your expectations for your 2025 shows?

We’re proud to report that attendance has been up seven percent year-over-year, with a growing number of international visitors. Of note too, is the growth of our buyer relations team, which gives “white glove” service for all attendees, and serves as an important liaison with exhibitors.

There’s always some sense of optimism in an election year as well, and we see that carrying into the new year. In short, we feel 2025 is setting up to be a good year!

SHOW DATES

ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

January 8-10

September 4-6 www.surfexpo.com

GET TECHNICAL

Want to show off more than just a product or two at a time online? A collage could be the way to go. All you need to do is identify your theme — it can be based on color, seasonal holidays, online trends and more — ﬁnd a good background and start playing with your product layouts.

SEE MORE PAGE 87

“ “With the right mix of curation and creativity, a good collage could inspire your customers to buy more products.”

Connect

With Gifts & Decorative Accessories Online

We’re constantly updating our digital content with new ways to keep retailers up to date on the latest industry news, retail tips and awesome products.

TALKING TRENDS

Mark your calendars — our editors are hosting a webinar on Nov. 19. Head to our website now to sign up for the event to discover key trends for 2025 and get insights from the latest Gift Book Survey! giftsanddec.com

FUN FINDS

Did you know we highlight crosscategory gifts under a new theme each Friday online? From gifts for her to gifts that tackle upcoming holidays and the latest online trends, follow us on Facebook to get updated on when our latest galleries — and more — go live!

@giftsanddecmag

“This year and 2025 are recovery periods when the industry is beginning to recover and make a comeback as we hit the replacement phase for many products, which begins about four years after initial purchases. What’s exciting is the growth projected for 2026, as we continue with replacement in addition to lower interest rates.”

— Derek Miller, president and CEO of the International Housewares Association

@gifts_and_dec

SUBSCRIBE NOW

All of the videos available on our website also get posted to our Instagram! Fun, right? Head to our profile now to catch up on video market interviews, webinar clips and more, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future posts from our team!

@gifts_and_dec

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See a few of the top social posts in our network.

Want to show off more than just a product or two at a time online? Haven’t updated your displays in a while, but still want to highlight a new theme or product trend in your store in a photo? All you need to do is identify your theme — it can be based on color, seasonal holidays, online trends and more — ﬁnd a good background and start playing with your product layouts.

Try snapping a photo of your products collaged together in real life, just like these retailers did! With the right mix of curation and creativity, a good collage could inspire your customers to buy more products!

H ERE COMES SCENTA CLAUS.

And he has some Big Ass Bricks of Holiday Soaps in his sleigh that are more festive than The Nutcracker. This year’s lineup includes our NEW Yule Brick and Santa’s Pipe Smoke — and perennial favorites Lump of Coal® and Peppermint Bark. These four, and many other highly giftable holiday items, are available now.

TRENDING GIFTS

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

Vegan and cruelty-free

Kiah Smith always had a creative spark and a love for DIY projects. In 2018, she discovered the world of artisan soaps, and her creative brain kicked into gear. After more than 10 years working as a designer, she started to think soaps could be more than just a hobby.

“I was captivated by the process and dove headlong into the world of soap making,” Smith wrote on her website.

Smith formulated her own recipe and created a small inventory of beautiful, colorful handmade designs. But she decided she didn’t want her creations to just sit on a shelf until she could use them herself. “[I thought] if I began selling my soap then I could make as much as I wanted without worrying about it sitting unused,” Smith said. “And so, my hobby became my passion project.”

It wasn’t long before Smithmade Essentials was

LUXURIOUS LATHERS

by Amanda Erd

born — and it quickly grew into something bigger than imagined. She launched at a local makers event and nearly sold out of everything she brought with her.

As beautiful as the soaps are, Smith takes more pride in what they’re made of. “Our designs may be striking, but we like to keep our ingredients simple,” the website reads. Each bar of soap is made with a blend of oils and is infused with shea or cocoa butter to create a soft soap bar with a creamy-feeling lather. All of the ingredients serve a purpose.

The Lavendar Wilds Artisan Soap is part of the Luxe & Lather Collection that features eye-catching colors and premium fragrances, topped off with glimmers of gold.

Lavendar Wilds Artisan Soap. Smithmade Essentials. smithmade-essentials.com

Blended with shea butter

Infused with botanical blend of oils

CLEAN AND CLINICAL

by Adelaide Elliott

In a recent blog post, Jennifer Famiano, beauty director and industry analyst for Circana, discussed the trend of “skinification” in the bath and beauty industry. The trend began in earnest, per Famiano, when the pandemic prompted an increased focus on health and wellness among consumers, leading makers to promote and add skincare benefits in products that did not previously have them, including foundations, shampoos and conditioners, perfumes and much more. Because consumers have embraced “skinification” across so many products and categories, they have also become more savvy shoppers, bringing the ingredients in each product they buy under the literal and metaphorical microscope as they seek out clean and/or clinical ingredients and results. In these next few pages, we have worked to gather a selection of products that can pass the test of skincare aficionados in your store with formulas that make use of natural ingredients and remedies and clinical terms, testing and benefits.

Organic Detoxify Facial Mask. Lenora Organics. lenoraorganics.com

Lavender Land Vitamin C Shower Filter. Voesh. voesh.com

Basil Mint Healing Lip Balm. Urb Apothecary. urbapothecary.com

Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Grace & Stella. graceandstella.com

Anti-aging Eye Cream. Rowe Casa Organics. rowecasaorganics.com

Nordic+Wellness Vitamin C Body Wash. Kalastyle Soap Co. kalastyle.com

CBD Coconut Eye Gels. Mantra Mask. mantramask.com

Tallow Lotion Bar. Darlin’ Skincare. getdarlin.com

High Octane Retinol Serum. Happy Plant Botanicals. happyplantbotanicals.com

Smooth'd Body Refining Roller Crème. Voesh. voesh.com

Pro-Prebiotic Serum Snap-Pad. Beauty Snap-Pads. beautysnappads.com

Olive Oil Body Balm. Ode Olive Oil Beauty. mcevoyranch.com

Clear Up Microdart Patches. The Good Patch. thegoodpatch.com

Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser. Jack Black. getjackblack.com

WELCOMING LITTLE ONES

by Lenise Willis

Whether your customers are on the hunt for a cute baby gift or a special memento for new parents, one thing is for sure: gifts for little ones tap into shoppers’ emotions and make for good sales. In fact, the global baby toy market alone is said to be worth $14.71 billion, according to a 2024 report by Straits Research, and it is projected to reach $20.29 billion by 2032. According to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, dolls/plush are the No.1 toy category that consumers are likely to purchase for an infant (at 29 percent), but other adorable necessities, like blankets, outﬁts, stroller accessories and sensory toys, remain popular, as well.

For shoppers looking for a more special, commemorative gift, consider stocking upscale items like silver spoons and rattles or decorative picture frames. Here, we’ve rounded up several precious options to stock that are perfect for celebrating little ones.

Baby girl apparel set. Beba Bean. bebabean.com

Baby beanie. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com

Bria Butterfly Snuggler. Douglas. douglascuddletoy.com

Lamb with Prayer baby plush, plays “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” Giffa. giffausa.com

Baby Prints on Canvas. Gift Republic. giftrepublic.com

New Baby candle. Homesick Candles. homesick.com

Born onesie. Home State Apparel. homestatewholesale.com

Wooden dinosaur blocks. Mary Meyer. marymeyer.com

Baby gift wrap. Jillson & Roberts. jillsonroberts.com

New lovey plush. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Food-grade Silicone Penguin Poly Rattle. Mary Meyer. marymeyer.com

Flatsie Plush Doll. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com

Boy sweatshirt for infants. Beba Bean. bebabean.com

Georgie Giraffe Sshlumpie. Douglas. douglascuddletoy.com

Taggies Drax Dragon Crinkle. Mary Meyer. marymeyer.com

Duck stuffie and Lake shirt. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

“It’s a Boy" picture frame. Roman. roman.com

Sweet Dreams Glitterdome. Roman. roman.com

Sterling silver Virginia Bent Spoon. Salisbury. salisburyinc.net

Pewter dumbbell rattle. Salisbury. salisburyinc.net

Keepsake items including silver cup, brush and comb, and Baptism certificate holder. Stephan Baby. stephanbaby.cb-gift.com

GIFTS IN BLOOM

by Adelaide Elliott

As the chill of fall and winter fades in the spring, customers will be itching to usher in the new season of warmer weather and fresh blooms with ﬂoral-forward decorations and cheerful gifts perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day and everyday surprises.

To get your store ready for those spring lovers, we have gathered up a number of gifts, from floral-themed décor to nature-infused crafts, that capture the spirit of spring and all the joy found in fresh florals. Whether your customers have a true gardener's green thumb and want to do a little planting themselves or just appreciate having fresh cuttings and floral art around, there is something for everyone.

Scout Blue Pooley Modern Bud Vase. Chive. chive.com

Birth Month Flower Necklaces. Lucky Feather. luckyfeather.com

Mango Wood Flower Trinket Dish. Young’s Inc. youngsinc.com

Bija Floral Seed Sprouter Set. Ten Thousand Villages. tenthousandvillages.com

“The Story of Flowers And How They Changed the Way We Live” by Noel Kingsbury. Chronicle Books. chroniclebooks.com

Edible Flowers Tea Towels Set. The Neighborgoods. theneighborgoods.com

Wildflowers Single Playing Card Deck. Roomytown Inc. roomytown.com

Huckleberry Make Your Own Fresh Flower Necklace. Kikkerland Design Inc. kikkerland.com

Forget Me Not Bubble Bath. Library of Flowers. margotelena.com/collections/library-of-flowers

Flower Grow Kit. Modern Sprout. modernsprout.com

Flower Garden Puzzle. 123 Farm. 123farm.com

Garden Party Glass Paperweight. Rifle Paper Co. riflepaperco.com

De Las Flores Candle. Roen Candle Co. roencandles.com

Daisy Salt & Pepper Set. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Tuscan Rose & Pink Peppercorn Savory Salt. Bella Cucina. bellacucina.com

Plant Your Own Rose Pencil. 123 Farm. 123farm.com

Blue Teardrops Pressed Flower Earrings. Coco + Carmen. cococarmen.com

Paper Flower Making Kit. Journey of Something. journeyofsomething.com

Blooming Lovely Ladies Ankle Socks. Powder Design. powder-uk.com

You Are My Sunshine Garden Seed Ball Gift Box. Sow the Magic. sowthemagic.com

DIY Flower Press Kit. Gift Republic. giftrepublic.com

ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE LOVE

by Amanda Erd

Once consumers get through the holiday season and new year celebrations, they turn their attention to the season of love. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), more than half (53 percent) of consumers planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2024, up one percent from 2023. Spending for the holiday this year was expected to reach nearly $15 million, according to the NRF’s annual survey.

Stocking for Valentine’s Day presents many opportunities for retailers. Consumers are known to shop for gifts to give to friends and loved ones, but they also may be on the hunt for small décor pieces to dress up their homes. Prepare your inventory for the special season of love with some of the products we’ve gathered here.

Greeting cards. Shannon Martin Design. wholesale.shannonmartindesign.com

Distressed Wooden Sweetheart Sitters. The Hearthside Collection. thehearthsidecollection.com

Lova Ya candle. Paddywax. paddywax.com

Love Lives Here Placemats, set of 2. Pavilion Gift. wholesale.paviliongift.com

I Love You S’more Plush. Punchkins. punchkins.com

Valentine’s Beaded Earrings. Mud Pie. wholesale.mudpie.com

Pop Heart bag. Scout Bags. scoutbags.com

“All You Need is Love” Socks. Karma. karmagifts.com

Enamel hair pins. Stephen Joseph. stephenjosephgifts.com

“Love is Kind” kid’s shirt. The Chester Drawer. thechesterdrawer.com

Woven Word Bracelets. The Darling Effect. thedarlingeffect.com

Ludwig Bear with Heart Bow. Bukowski Bears. wholesale.bukowskibears.com

Standing Mouse with Red Heart. Bright Ideas. brightideasllc.com

You and Me Hook Pillow. Peking Handicraft. pkhc.com

Metal Valentine’s Wall Hanger. Young’s Inc. youngsinc.com

Red Glitter Heart & Berries Wreath. Col House Designs. colhousedesigns.com

Cut Out Hearts Frame. Tara Wilson Designs. twdwholesale.com

Decorative dish towel. Park Designs. parkdesigns.net

All You Need is Love Pencils. Snifty. sniftypen.com

Journal of Us. Peter Pauper Press. peterpauper.com

How to Say I Love You Around the World. Gift Republic. giftrepublic.com

AMERICAN MADE

Unique jewelry for every moment, milestone, mishap and everything in between. That’s the goal for Carolyn Rafaelian, creator of &Livy.

This isn’t her ﬁrst rodeo. Rafaelian launched her ﬁrst jewelry brand in 2004 — a brand still going strong today called Alex and Ani.

But &Livy is built a little different. At its launch in 2023, it described its mission as wanting to “bring to market affordable, high-quality and meaningful designs to amplify wearers’ intentions and connect people.”

“We are creating more than jewelry,” Rafaelian said in 2023. “We are creating inclusion and connection with oneself, with family, and with friends. These are pieces of gorgeous jewelry, infused with positive power that allow the wearer to declare their individuality, intention and passion to the world.”

Each piece created is eco-friendly and designed with recycled materials that are hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, sustainable and nickel free. Rafaelian has also

Adjustable and expandable for easy, comfortable wear

integrated a step into the manufacturing process that allows every piece of &Livy jewelry to be adorned with an “Energy Tag,” that is “charged with positive energy.”

&Livy’s Posy Bracelets are one of the top sellers. The simple bangle bracelets are available in both antique gold and antique silver ﬁnishes. Each bracelet is adjustable, expandable and comes with “tattoo-level statements.” Based on the idea of medieval posy rings, the special message inscriptions are small enough for just the wearer to read.

Available in a variety of sayings, the Posy Bracelets are perfect as gifts to others or for the buyers themselves. From sayings like “All Will Be Well” and “Your Smile Lights Up the World” to sentimental options like “I Love You Mom” and “Best Friends,” there’s something for everyone.

Posy bracelets. &Livy. andlivy.com

ENERGIZED AND ECO-FRIENDLY

by Amanda Erd

Available in gold and silver ﬁnishes

Each bracelet adorned with an “Energy Tag”

RESTING AND RELAXING

According to global trend tracker Circana, consumers see food/beverage choices, physical exercise and quality sleep as top contributors to overall health. That third most contributing factor — sleep — has been especially trendy this year as consumers take a close look at the behaviors and environmental factors impacting their sleep. Our editors jumped into the trend and tested out products that help them unwind and settle in for the night.

LENISE WILLIS

Voesh’s Moisturizing Heel Socks voesh.com

I've been following a regular nighttime routine of washing my face, brushing my teeth and reading a book before bed for a long time. With winter upon me in Chicago, I decided to add Voesh's Moisturizing Heel Socks to my routine. Infused with jojoba and olive oil, the heel socks help moisturize feet and soften heels, even while you sleep! The socks are fuzzy and soft, so they're comfortable to wear and sleep in, and thanks to the gel-lined heels, they aren't messy to use either. They are also easy to walk in if you need to get up in the middle of the night — or grab something during the day. I've only used them for about three nights so far, but I can already tell a difference. The best part is that they're washable and reusable. The gel-lining doesn't dissolve in water, so you can handwash and hang-dry them.

ADELAIDE ELLIOTT

The Good Patch’s Slumber Patch thegoodpatch.com

I have been curious about the Good Patch’s line of sleep-focused patches for a while, but unfortunately they all previously contained melatonin. Melatonin has never agreed with me — I always feel groggy and hungover the next morning.

Luckily for me, Good Patch now has its melatonin-sensitive consumers covered with its new Slumber patch, a melatoninfree patch created to promote sleep with the help of ingredients like l-theanine, magnesium and tart cherry extract. This plant-powered wellness patch was designed for those looking for a melatonin-free sleep solution and can be worn up to 12 hours. All users have to do is peel and place one patch on the inside of their wrist and head to bed! Because it is melatonin-free, it can be used for a short nap or a full night’s sleep.

AMANDA ERD

Primitives By Kathy’s Vanilla Jar Candle primitivesbykathy.com

Whenever I’m looking to unwind from the day, my go-to is candles. They’re a perfect compliment to a relaxing bath, a cozy reading session or even just a “settle in bed with music” kind of time. And while I have several candles in a variety of scents, I always seem drawn back to the classics.

This French Vanilla jar candle from Primitives by Kathy is exactly what I need when trying to unravel my brain from a stressful day. The scent is strong but not overpowering — it can ﬁll a small room at a comfortable level. The candle itself burns fairly evenly with the three-wick design. It doesn't seem to burn super fast either, which means I'll be able to enjoy it for a long time!

Plus, it’s adorned with a cute saying about dogs, so it ﬁts seamlessly into my décor when I’m not actively burning it.

PRODUCT PROFILES

TAG

TRAPP FRAGRANCES

ALEXA’S ANGELS BY ROMAN

SPLIT-P ®

VHC BRANDS

PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS

NORA FLEMING

WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA

COUNTRY HOME CREATIONS

PRODUCT PROFILES

MICHEL DESIGN WORKS

WINTER WOODLAND FOAMING HAND SOAP

Evoking a snow-kissed winter wonderland, this luxurious hand soap features notes of cool, frozen mint mingled with lush fir and white musk.

| 888-326-5678

@ stonewallwholesale.com

# circle #301

BIG ASS BRICK OF SOAP – BUCK MOON

A hefty 10-oz. serving of our signature triple-milled soap features a scent of vetiver and oak moss.

| 855-354-4438

@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com

# circle #300

LIMITED EDITION! MIDNIGHT HONEY HAND & BODY LOTION AND SHIMMERING HAIR & BODY MIST

Welcome to a world of glamour with our seasonal winter scent Midnight Honey, where mysterious opulence dances with decadent florals and rich honey. Available while supplies last!

| 888-760-7190

@ www.nakedbee.bz

# circle #302

PROPER COLOGNE – BUCK MOON

Buck Moon smells like a remote field in the summer as the sun begins to set, with a rich blend of vetiver and oak moss.

| 855-354-4438

@ www.dukecannonwholesale.com

# circle #303

BEEKMAN 1802

GLACIAL MINT & EUCALYPTUS HAND & BODY 3-PIECE GIFT SET

Our everyday gift sets are the perfect surprise for any occasion.

@ wholesale@beekman1802.com

@ beekman1802.com

# circle #304

DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO.

THE NAKED BEE

PRODUCT PROFILES

TAG

ESSENTIAL OIL & BURNER

Enhance your product line with our premium essential oil burner and luxurious collection of 100% essential oils. Choose from four captivating scents to create a serene and aromatic atmosphere anywhere in the home.

| 800-621-8350

@ www.tagltd.com

# circle #306

TRAPP FRAGRANCES

TRAPP SEASONAL COLLECTION

Curated with the holidays in mind, our seasonal fragrances are guaranteed to fill a room with cozy warmth and ambiance.

| 800-871-0220

@ trappfragrances.com/collections/seasonal-collection # circle #308

CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS

HOLLYBERRY AND BALSAM FIR HOLIDAY JARS

Enjoy the scents of the season with our most popular holiday fragrances: Hollyberry and Balsam Fir. Available in a variety of jar sizes.

| 866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

# circle #305

VILLAGE CANDLE

ROYAL NUTCRACKER MERCURY CANDLE

Elegantly presented in a glimmering silver jar inspired by vintage mercury glass, this holiday candle boasts wintry notes of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon sugar.

| 888-326-5678

@ stonewallwholesale.com

# circle #307

CHRISTMAS TREE ANTIQUE WHITE METAL FIGURINE

Elevate your winter and Christmas decor with our Metal Christmas Tree Figurine in Antique White. 18 X 8 X 3.5".

| 417-334-3099

@ wholesale.vhcbrands.com

# circle #309

VHC BRANDS

PRODUCT PROFILES

NORA FLEMING

ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.

Add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations with nora fleming’s peppermint dreams mini. It’s the sweetest way to create festive memories.

| 630-231-2500

@ www.norafleming.com

# circle #311

PARK DESIGNS ®

COUNTRY HOME CREATIONS

CRANBERRY JALAPENO SPREAD MIX

Elevate your next holiday gathering with the perfect blend of sweet, spice, creamy texture and tangy cranberry flavor. A little sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly blended.

| 800-457-3477

@ chcdips.com

# circle #310

KURT S. ADLER, INC.

GLASS SANTA HEAD WITH BUBBLE GUM ORNAMENT

This delightful ornament showcases intricate details of Santa’s iconic red hat, rosy cheeks, and white beard, all while he blows a bubble with a piece of bubble gum. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this ornament is made from high-quality glass materials that capture the essence of Santa’s joyful nature and the celebratory spirit of the holiday season.

| 212-924-0900

@ www.kurtadler.com

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EASTER WOOL FELT ORNAMENTS

We’re excited to introduce our adorable collection of soft textured ornaments to help celebrate spring. Perfect for tree branches, garlands, placeholders, gift tags, napkin rings and more. They’ll add a sprinkle of happiness wherever they’re placed.

| 800-326-3382

@ www.parkdesigns.net

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NORA FLEMING

ONE GIFT. EVERY OCCASION.

Select your favorite nora fleming mini and base for a delightful addition to your holiday festivities, celebrating sweet traditions and joyful gatherings with loved ones.

630-231-2500

@ www.norafleming.com

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PRODUCT PROFILES

NOBLEWORKS INC.

FUNNY VALENTINES FROM NOBLEWORKS

NobleWorks offers hundreds of humorous Valentine’s Day cards your customers will love! All cards are printed on demand on high-quality stock in the USA.

| 800-346-6253

@ www.nobleworksinc.com

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PRIMITIVES

BY KATHY

FLORAL STATIONERY

Perfect for both Valentine’s Day and everyday moments, charming stationery displaying lovely hand-painted designs of cabbage roses.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com

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PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

LOVE-THEMED BLOCK SIGNS

Giftable wooden block signs displaying unique handillustrated designs and heartwarming sentiments with wood-burned details to elevate the artwork.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com

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WORLD BUYERS GIFT & HOME D é COR

HEART TO HEART

Hearts galore for your store! Choose from trays, hanging ornaments, recycled paper hearts, and more. See entire collection all bursting with color and design ingenuity. Register online for wholesale account!

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

@ www.worldbuyers.com

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BEEKMAN 1802

GOAT POOP ULTRA-PREMIUM BELGIAN CHOCOLATES

Our #2 best-selling product! Our seasonal tin is filled with one pound of assorted deliciousness and is sure to bring smiles to every recipient.

@ wholesale@beekman1802.com

@ beekman1802.com

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PRODUCT PROFILES

SPLIT-P ®

CHERRY BLOSSOM COLLECTION

A soft sage-green collection adorned with scatterings of cherry blossoms makes a perfect update for spring décor. This textile assortment includes a placemat, a delicately embroidered napkin, table runners, and a coordinating window valance.

| 800-326-3382

@ www.parkdesigns.net

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SAWDUST

CITY LLC

NEW SIGNS & FAST SHIPPING

We’re always updating things online to keep products fresh for you! Signs are solid wood, 40+ colors, made in the USA.

| 800-528-6008

@ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com

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FARM-FRESH CHARCUTERIE SPREADS

Over 40 boards to enjoy with family and friends. From the author of The Grace-Filled Homestead Cookbook comes this collection of creative and delicious charcuterie spreads featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients. MSRP $22.99. Hardcover.

| 888-501-0160

@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers

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M&W DESIGN

POSTER

New collection of posters that celebrate our passion for travel with a “retro feel.”

| 215-442-1506

@ www.mandwdesign.com

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LISBON DINNERWARE

Elevate your tableware with our Lisbon collection, featuring customer-favorite noodle bowls inspired by Portuguese tiles. These bowls are a true work of art, designed to be showcased rather than hidden away.

| 800-621-8350

@ www.tagltd.com

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TEN PEAKS PRESS

PRODUCT PROFILES

CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS

FRESH FLOWERS FRIENDS TRINKET TRAY

Celebrate friendship with our ceramic Friends Trinket Tray. Embellished with wildflowers and an inspirational message, it is just one of the items included in the Fresh Flowers Collection.

| 866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

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OPEN ROAD BRANDS, LLC

ON-TREND & LICENSED DECALS

These officially licensed decals—from Deadpool to Jack Skellington—are the perfect low-cost, high-impact add-ons for impulse buys. Ideal for laptops, water bottles and more!

| 844-533-6890

@ www.openroadbrands.com

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ROMAN

ANGEL WITH BLUEBIRDS GARDEN STATUE

From Joseph’s Studio. 20"H.

| 800-729-7662

@ www.roman.com

@ www.retailers.roman.com

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CROSSROADS ORIGINAL DESIGNS

ANGELS AMONG US BELIEVE ANGEL

Blossom Bucket’s Angels Among Us Collection contains a line of religious memorial items, including resin, wall boxes and pint candles which offer loved ones comfort and support.

| 866-247-0156

@ www.crossroadsfamily.com

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I HEART EYEWEAR

FABLE READER

This reader makes the perfect Fall accessory, available in orange, green and honey. Comes in quarter powers from +0.75-3.00, 3.50 and 4.00. Optical quality and reasonably priced.

| 800-247-7667

@ www.ihearteyewear.com

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PRODUCT PROFILES

FUNATIC

Y’ALL NEED JESUS SOCKS

The perfect stocking stuffer for the post-election holiday season! Order thru your rep, on Faire, or email service@funatic.com.

| 855-386-2842

@ funatic.com/wholesale

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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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ALEXA’S ANGELS BY ROMAN ONE FOR YOU, ONE FOR ME NECKLACE SET

“One is for you, one is for me, connected by love, we will always be.” 5 styles. 2 finishes. Set includes display.

| 800-729-7662

@ www.roman.com

@ www.retailers.roman.com

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PEEPERS BY PEEPERSPECS MONTAGE – AVAILABLE IN NO CORRECTION BLUE LIGHT AND READER STRENGTHS

With an iconic square shape and dramatic color options, Montage is the perfect accessory to transition effortlessly from day to night and season to season.

| 219-872-4413

@ wholesale.peepers.com

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FUNATIC

I POOPED TODAY SOCKS Every day is a good day when you can wear these socks. A top seller! Order thru your rep, on Faire, or email service@funatic.com.

| 855-386-2842

@ funatic.com/wholesale

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PRODUCT PROFILES

DOUGLAS CO., INC.

MUDDY SPOTTED BUNNY (15725)

Meet Muddy, the Spotted Bunny by DOUGLAS—a charming plush with soft, white and brown spotted fur, floppy ears, and the sweetest expression. Ideal for gentle play and hugs.

| 800-992-9002

@ douglascuddletoy.com

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HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

WARMIES ® BY INTELEX USA

EVERYONE LOVES WARMIES®

@ warmies.com

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BEDTIME BLESSINGS FOR LITTLE ONES

This heartwarming picture book helps parents tuck their little ones in each night with 18 heartfelt blessings accompanied by a key Scripture verse and delightful watercolor art from author, artist Emily Lex. MSRP $16.99. Hardcover.

| 888-501-0160

@ faire.com/direct/harvesthousepublishers

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FOODIE CHICK ASSORTMENT (15716)

DOUGLAS presents the Foodie Chick Assortment, featuring three whimsical plush chicks. Radichick, Artichick, and Garlichick, each a unique medley of fun. Just in time for the Spring.

| 800-992-9002

@ douglascuddletoy.com

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PRIMITIVES BY KATHY

KIDS FIRST BAKING SET

This giftable 12-piece set includes baking essentials to easily get kids in on the fun and create lifelong memories.

| 866-295-2849

@ primitivesbykathy.com

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DOUGLAS CO., INC.

COMING JANUARY 2025 WINTER MARKET ISSUE

The January 2025 issue promises to be a must-read winter market issue where retailers can find new products to refresh retail shelves.

Packed with show news and product introductions, we will also bring complete coverage of all things important to grow your business.

Combined with Bonus Distribution at all the major shows, it's the perfect time to invest your marketing dollars and start 2025 off right.

JANUARY

AD CLOSE: DECEMBER 2, 2024

and

MATERIALS DUE: DECEMBER 9, 2024

Market Calendar

LIVONIA, MICH.

November 2024 - January 2025

Michigan Women’s Wear Market Embassy-Suites Detroit-Livonia silverliningshows.com/ michigan-ww-market

GATLINBURG, TENN.

Smoky Mountain Gift Show

Gatlinburg Convention Center smokymtngiftshow.com

SANTA ANA, CALIF.

West Coast Gem & Mineral Show

Holiday Inn Orange County Airport mineralshowslld.com

ATLANTA

Fall Cash & Carry AmericasMart americasmart.com

OCEAN CITY, MD.

Ocean City Resort Gift Expo

Roland E. Powell Convention Center us.clarionevents.com/calendar

GATLINBURG, TENN.

Winter Norton Show

Gatlinburg Convention Center nortonshows.com

ORLANDO, FLA.

IAAPA Expo

Orange County Convention Center iaapa.org

CHICAGO

One of a Kind Show

The Mart oneofakindshowchicago.com

GREENSBORO, N.C.

GTS Gift & Jewelry Show

Greensboro Coliseum Complex gtshows.com

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show

Myrtle Beach Convention Center grandstrandgiftshow.com

ORLANDO, FLA.

Surf Expo

Las Vegas Market World Market Center lasvegasmarket.com 8-14 13-15 14-20 26-30 14-17 8-11 8-10

Orange County Convention Center surfexpo.com

DALLAS

Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show

Dallas Market Center dallasmarketcenter.com

DALLAS

Total Home & Gift Market

Dallas Market Center dallasmarketcenter.com

LOS ANGELES

LA Market Week California Market Center californiamarketcenter.com

FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Heimtextil Messe Frankfurt heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/ frankfurt/en.html

ATLANTA

Atlanta Market

AmericasMart atlantamarket.com

LAS VEGAS

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.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

(Requester Publications Only)

Gifts and Decorative Accessories; Publication number 432-050; Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 7025 Albert Pick Rd Ste 200, Greensboro, NC 27409-9519 the mailing address of Headquarters or General Business Offices of the Publisher (Not printer), 7025 Albert Pick Rd Ste 200, Greensboro, NC 27409-9519; Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher – Donna Bischoff; Editor – Lenise Willis; Managing Editor – Amanda Erd.

Gifts and Decorative Accessories is owned by BridgeTower OPCo, LLC (OpCo), 100 N Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste 1725, El Segundo, CA 90245. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities, Cerberus Business Finance Agency, 11812 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90049.

Issue Date for Circulation Data Below, 7/1/24; the average number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months Box 15 is: (A) total copies printed 20920; (B1) Paid Outside-County Mail Subscriptions 8775; (B2) Paid In-County Subscriptions: 0; (B3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales: 0 (B4) Other classes mailed USPS: 8; (C) Total Paid Circulation: 8783; (D1) Free Distribution by mail, samples complimentary and other free copies: 10671; (D2) In-county free distribution: 0; (D3) Other classes mailed Free Distribution: 15; (D4) Free distribution outside the mail: 844; (E) Total Free distribution: 11530; (F) Total Distribution: 20313; (G) Copies not Distributed: 607; (H) Total: 20920; (I) Percent of Paid: 43.2%.

The actual number of copies of a single issue published nearest to the filing date is: (A) Total number of copies printed 21354; (B1) Paid OutsideCounty Mail Subscriptions: 10336; (B2) Paid InCounty Subscriptions: 0; (B3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales: 0; (B4) Other classes mailed USPS: 7; (C) Total Paid Circulation: 10343; (D1) Free Distribution by mail, samples complimentary and other free copies: 8282; (D2) In county free distribution: 0; (D3) Other classes mailed Free Distribution: 15; (D4) Free distribution outside the mail: 2600; (E) Total Free distribution: 10897; (F) Total Distribution: 21240; (G) Copies not Distributed: 114; (H) Total: 21354; (I) Percent of Paid: 48.7% Electronic Copy Circulation: The Average number of copies in the last 12 months was: (16A) Paid Electronic Copies, 1284; (16B) The Average Paid Print and Paid Digital Copies were 10067; (16C) The Average Total Print and Paid Digital Distribution was 21597; (16D) Percent Paid of Both Print & Paid Digital was 46.6% Electronic Copy Circulation: The Actual Number of Copies of a Single Issue (16A) Paid Electronic Copies, 1456; (16B) The Average Paid Print and Paid Digital Copies were 11799; (16C) The Average Total Print and Paid Digital Distribution was 22969; (16D) Percent Paid of Both Print & Paid Digital was 52.0%.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete: (Signed) Donna Bischoff, Publisher

REQUIRED BY TITLE 39 U.S.C. 3685 STATEMENT

SHOWING OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION OF Gifts and Decorative Accessories publication number 432-050, filed October 1, 2024, Published Monthly except for combined issue March/ April, 11 issues per year, $68.97 annually at 7025 Albert Pick Rd Ste 200, Greensboro, NC 27409-9519. The General Business offices of the Publishers are at 7025 Albert Pick Rd Ste 200, Greensboro, NC 274099519.