Issuu

LINK NEWS LINK NEWS

TREND REPORT: Beyond the Squishies

Squishies, Plush, Backpack Clips, Handheld Fidget items, and Light buys are driving toy sales. Queens Designs, Fun Stuff, Fiesta, Fantasy Pets, Warmies, and Cota Global all provide great sources for retailers. A POP display in a high-traffic area of a store is a “can’t miss” choice for any type of retailer.

Squishies may be stealing the spotlight on shelves and social media, but they’re only one part of the trend story from our June markets in Atlanta and Dallas. Several broader industry themes and product trends are gaining momentum and creating plenty of opportunities to help retailers build their next best-selling assortment. Below, we’ve rounded up the trends making the most noise, along with the brands offering strong products in each

Inis, Mixologie, California Mango, and Dionis continue to show growth and increased market share in a high demand segment of our industry.

Fantasy P , Sincere Surroundings, Natalie Wood, and Cape Diablo all promoted inspirational products across categories that drove sales and topped charts.

Pray, Warmies, Divinity Boutique, and World’s Softest Socks hit on either the physical or mental components of this trend— or both!

P -selling items from an endors and y atch their cash-register ring in the season: Katydid, Queens Designs, Grace + Emma, Coco & Carmen, Maya J, K’Lani, Jane Marie, World’s Softest Socks, Cape Diablo, Myra.

Nostalgia & Holiday

Raz, Melrose, Trade Cie, Old World Christmas are obvious choices, but Jane Marie, Sincere Surroundings, Gift Essentials, Little Blue House, Peking Handicraft, Enesco, and Fancy That Gift all have plenty of top selling choices.

Tis the season for our top food and homewares vendors! Tag, Danica, Captain Rodney’s, Gourmet du Village, Abdallah, Carmies, Ozark Nut Roasters, Sweet Snob, and Temp-Tations all have bestsellers from the show season.

Buzzwords & Themes

Mahjong

Cheap & Cheerful

Cozy Comfort

Mushrooms

Lush Loungewear & Pajama Sets

‘Little Jesus’

Natural stones, chunky necklaces, earthy jewelry Brooches are back!

Asymmetric lines, Peplum tops, jackets, wide-legged pants and “gulp”…. Stirrup pants are back in Fashion for the Fall.

For the Spring of ‘27, consider pastels, dresses dominate, Matrix dots, ‘not dots’ (repeating patterns of small icons), flowing maxi-skirts and midi-skirts, plaids & stripes, and floral prints-with a twist.

LINK FAM FUN FACT

Bill Koch

NextGen Dallas

Bill has been collecting antiques since high school, and over the years, his collection has even caught the attention of TV and film producers. One of his most memorable rentals?

A taxidermy bear used for the Cocaine Bear movie premiere pictured here, decorated for the holiday season!

ESOP CORNER

Prepare a Will Online—At No Cost

Through Principal, our ESOP account manager, employees have access to ARAG® online legal document services at no cost. This benefit makes it easier to complete important planning documents from the convenience of home.

In addition to preparing a will, you can create a healthcare power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, durable power of attorney and other legal documents. If estate planning has been sitting on your to-do list, this is a simple way to take an important step toward protecting yourself and your family.

To navigate to this benefit: Log in with Principal credentials at www.principal.com⟶ select ESOP Account

→ Education Hub ⟶ Principal Milestones ⟶ Will & Legal Document prep

You’ll never do a whole lot unless you ’ re brave enough to try.”

- Dolly Parton

Support When Life Gets Heavy

Life’s challenges do not stop when the workday begins—and no employee or family member should have to navigate a difficult season alone. Through Corporate Chaplains of America, The Link Companies provides

employees and their families with confidential, compassionate support at no cost to them.

CCA’s trained workplace chaplains are available to listen, encourage and help with everyday concerns and major life events; this includes stress, grief, illness, family challenges, conflict, hospital stays and other personal difficulties. They can also help connect individuals with professional counselors or additional resources when specialized care is needed.

This benefit is available to everyone, regardless of religious background or beliefs. Conversations are permission based, and faith is discussed only when welcomed. Everything shared is confidential and will not be shared with Link staff or leadership. We encourage every team member to keep this benefit in mind, not only during a crisis, but anytime a confidential conversation could make a difference.

Contact Information

Brad with The Link’s Corporate Chaplain, Steve.

From the Desk of Josh Campbell HEALTHY HABITS DRIVE RESULTS

I've spent a lot of years on the road, and one thing I've always tried to do is make the most of my windshield time. What started as listening to a few books between appointments became a lifelong habit. Over thousands of miles on the road, I've spent countless hours learning from some of the best minds in sales, leadership, and personal development. Like many of you, I was always looking for ways to squeeze a little more out of the day, learning while driving and growing while working. Through all those books, one lesson has been reinforced time and time again: success in sales isn't usually about talent. It's about developing healthy habits that keep us disciplined, focused, resilient, and committed to the activities that create long-term success.

One of my all-time favorite books is The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes. I'm pretty sure I own it in every format: hardcover, audiobook, and yes, even CDs. At this point, it's less of a book and more of a trusted travel companion. His concept of "pigheaded discipline and determination" has stuck with me throughout my career. In sales, it's easy to get distracted by the next big idea or discouraged when things don't go your way. The reality is that success still comes back to doing the basics well: making the calls, scheduling the appointments, following up, and taking care of customers. In many ways, that's what our P3 culture is all about: being Positive, Professional, and Productive every day, regardless of the circumstances we face.

Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear remind us that small actions repeated consistently create extraordinary results over time. Simon Sinek's Start With Why reinforces that when people understand their purpose, they're more likely to stay committed when challenges arise. Whether your "why" is helping customers succeed, supporting your family, growing your territory, or contributing to the success of our ESOP at The Link Companies, having a purpose gives you something to stay committed to when the days get tough.

Sales will always have highs and lows. Our success is built on healthy habits, staying connected to our purpose, living our P3 values, and consistently doing the little things that matter. My challenge to all of us is simple: start today. Identify one healthy habit that will make you better tomorrow than you are today. Maybe it's making one more sales call, spending time planning your day, investing in your own learning, or simply following through on a commitment. The habits that create success usually aren't flashy, and most of them happen when nobody is watching. But over time, those small choices can make a big difference.