GWN's Notes From The Editor

I read recently in the National Retail Federation’s SmartBrief  that according to a new study from American Express, consumers tend to spend more with merchants who provide good customer service. About 70 percent of U.S. consumers said they are willing to spend an average of 13-percent more to reward good service.The...

You probably saw the good news about U.S. retail sales rising one percent in February, the biggest gain in four months. Economists say it bodes well for the economy remaining on track for recovery.

What caught my eye, however, was another recent item. It’s so obvious, but something that bears repeating. An article from McClatchy/Tribune News reports...

It’s February and I hope you were able to go to at least one Winter show already. Of course, we at Giftware News were there and will bring you the latest trends and products. There is, however, something about being at a show. It’s the sights, sounds and energy. It is the pulse of the market and being able to feel and touch the merchandise you may want to...

Happy 2011! We at Giftware News hope it is filled happiness and success for you. I also hope your shops were filled with customers (it’s the time travel thing as I am writing this back in December) and you have your lists ready for market. As I probably have mentioned, I love going to market. I enjoy seeing all the great new and expanded lines companies are...

I read something pretty interesting before the 4th of July holiday. According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by BIGresearch, 16.2 percent of consumers were planning to buy new patriotic merchandise — up from the 14.1 percent who were expected to shell out extra money for apparel, decorations or accessories last year.

I have to admit 4th...

It’s showtime! Maybe it is the reporter in me, but I love going

to shows. I enjoy seeing all the new products and the creative

twists on some old familiar themes that companies have on display. I like

the energy and optimism in the air as retailers walk the show in search

of the next great thing. I have to admit, I especially like eavesdrop-

ping...

Welcome to the merry month of May. Spring is a time of renewal and retail sales seem to be doing that.  Easter sales were up from last year and retail sales continue to increase every month. Other reports talk about consumers beginning to feel better about spending money, both on others and on themselves. Luxury buyers are some of the first ones...

I read some good news recently in the National Retail Federation’s newsletter. This past holiday season, shoppers deliberately sought out the locally owned businesses. According to a survey, which gathered data from more than 1,800 independent businesses, the retailers reported that holiday sales rose an average of 2.2 percent. In cities with an active “Buy...

Yesterday on a cloudy, snowy day here in the Midwest, I heard some great news — spring training has begun. (Remember the time travel thing — I know it’s now March). When you think about it, baseball spring training is all about hope and possibilities. It reminds us that winter will be gone eventually and spring will appear. It reminds me of the same kind of...

Busy showrooms, crowded floors, and lots of excitement were all part of the recent AmericasMart-Atlanta. Companies rolled out lots of new product and buyers rewarded them with record-setting sales days. The upbeat mood continued later in the month at Dallas Market Center. A variety of butterfly images — seen everywhere, from tabletop to art glass to fashion...

Happy 2010! We here all wish you much happiness and prosperity in the New Year. By now I’m sure you’ve put together some notes on what you want to look for at the winter shows. One thing I hope you have on the list — jewelry and other small pieces like key chains and change purses. These are the kinds of things that can serve as an impulse buy or an “add...

Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”  That is advice from the great American baseball player Satchel Paige. I bring it up because I think it seems to apply to our gift industry. Over the last month, I’ve had a chance to talk with exhibitors at shows, company executives, and retailers. They all say pretty much the same thing. In the...

I hope you had an informative and productive summer show season and that you found lots of great product for your shop. As you’re making plans for the fourth quarter, be sure to check out all the new products we’ve gathered for you in this Last Call for Christmas issue.  The economic news is getting better, and that along with what I’ve read is...

There’s an old saying: Change is the only constant. We at Giftware News have undergone some changes recently. John Saxtan, who greeted you in this space, is no longer with the magazine. We want to thank him for all he brought to our magazine and wish him much success and happiness in his future endeavors. As I’ve said, we’ve made some changes. There’s been...