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 second half of the summer, things began to change. Nobody is talking about “boom times” but most feel the worse is over. Maybe it’s part of the retail business or the American spirit. As one company exec told me, “We in retailing are like the guys in the fight scenes in the movies, we get knocked down, but we keep getting up.”  There’s a growing feeling that those that are still standing, will keep standing, and in many cases, be stronger.

And there’s other encouraging news. I read recently in the Chicago Tribune “the Spherion Employee Confidence Index registered its highest level since December 2007, increasing 3.2 points to 49.9 in August. The index, which measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, reveals that a higher percentage of U.S. workers are confident in the strength of the economy. What does this all mean? Confidence in the economy is just one of the topics that industry executives talk about in our  “State of the Industry” report this month. Find out what they had to say and what it may mean for you.

Also in this issue, Ashley takes a fresh look at a traditional ritual, weddings. How have they changed; what are couples doing to make the day more reflect who they are, and what does it mean to you in terms of new business?
And how will these married couples and other people set their tables? Stephanie brings you some great designs in tabletop and textiles for all your dining occasions, both large
and small.

Speaking of design, Mary shows you the innovative, creative people that are at work producing cards and other stationery designed for and about the younger set, including birth announcements and birthday cards.
And to round out the issue, we look back at some of the best products seen at this year’s shows and take an early look at what market organizers have planned for 2010 shows.

By the way, there’s still some shows left for 2009. Take a look at our show calendar at www.giftwarenews.com. You’ll find products at these shows to brighten your store and get  ideas for later in 2010.
Next month, we will, of course, have our annual Giftware News show previews for the first half of 2010 and what to look for at the markets.

See you next month-

Barbara Wujcik
Editorial Coordinator