Independent Retailers Join Forces in Retail Speaks

New for independent retailers is Retail Speaks, a private online networking community created by independent retailer Cinda Baxter. Owner of Details Ink in Minneapolis, Baxter created Retail Speaks to give brick and mortars an edge against the on-going battle with big-box conglomerates and online businesses. Through the site, retailers can access each other and share information 24/7 in a protected and exclusive environment.

While brick and mortars' independence is what sets them apart from the chains, fighting for survival alone can be difficult, and Retail Speaks allows for a private community for retailers to flourish, says Baxter. "Storefronts have a tough uphill battle going, between big boxes and Internet-only sellers. Their (our) business model is quite different from the other two, requiring laser-accurate focus to make content relevant." Baxter says through her own experiences she understands the value of peer-to-peer information, and that is why she created this online network. Topics will run the gamut from customer concerns and marketing to vendor related issues, such as new lines and shipment information.

Retail Speaks promises to be a completely secure environment. Baxter says that new members are not allowed into the password protected forum area until it's been verified that they are brick and mortar, independent storefront operators. Additionally, there will be protection for the stores so no nearby competitors are able to join the forum. "Essentially, they're members of an exclusive club with the singular goal of independent success," says Baxter.

Baxter plans to also use Retail Speaks to serve other facets of the industry, such as vendors, shows and marts, all to ultimately serve the retailer. For additional information and membership fees log onto www.retailspeaks.com.

Coming soon in the October issue of Giftware News, the gift industry's most comprehensive State of the Industry Report! Get ready to hear what industry experts have to say about what has happened to the industry and what you can do to flourish!

7 West Designer Day: September 18

As part of its quarterly series of Designer Days, covering influential cultures and countries, and their effect on design, décor and daily life, 7 West New York will be hosting its third Designer Day. Taking place on September 18, and presented by The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) this Designer Day promises to provide the ultimate in French trends, living, and style. The speakers of this event are Hermine Mariaux and Gillian Kirby. Mariaux is an editorial, marketing and branding consultant; she will provide her insights of the most recent Maison & Objet Show. Kirby is from Promosalons USA and she will discuss the importance of Maison & Objet Show as the premier show for French design. Event starts at 11:00am and will be followed by a complimentary lunch. For more information on this event, log onto www.giftwarenews.com/trade.htm.

Finalists for the 19th Annual ARTS Awards

The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team (ART) have announced the finalists for the 19th Annual ARTS Awards. The ARTS Awards is considered a premier awards program for the home decorative accessories industry, and this January a special gala will take place to honor the finalists and award the winners during the January Dallas Market Center's Total Home & Gift Market. About the finalists, Bill Winsor, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center said, "It is an honor to celebrate the dedication, creativity and talent of these outstanding manufacturers, retailers, product designers and sales reps." For a complete list of finalists and, if you are one, to find out the next steps to take to be winner, visit the Accessories Resource Team website at www.accessoriesresourceteam.org.

Collegiate Market Grows

Also happening at the Dallas Market Center for the January 2008 Total Home & Gift Market, the Center's collegiate section of the F!NDS Temp Show will grow by more than 20 percent, say show producers. The reasoning for the growth, say show producers, is due to the strong market attendance in June. "It is exciting to see the commitment that the Dallas Market Center has made to support the collegiate market," said David Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Non-Apparel Marketing for The Collegiate Licensing Company. "Dallas has evolved into a very important show for collegiate licensees, retailers and sales representatives of collegiate licensed merchandise."

CollegiateF!NDS launched in June 2006 in cooperation with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), the company that represents colleges, universities and bowl games that work together to protect their trademarks and brand value by providing consumers with quality licensed collegiate merchandise.

The October issue of Giftware News is almost here with even more in-depth reporting and an exclusive State of The Industry Report. Get ready to learn, thrive, and get energized for the upcoming holiday retail season!