News
Halloween spending returns to pre-pandemic levels
Participation in Halloween-related activities will resume to pre-pandemic levels, with 69% of consumers planning to celebrate the holiday this year, up from 65% in 2021 and comparable to 68% in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & An... READ MORE »
Toy of the Year Awards celebrate top toys and games
After two years of celebrating virtually, hundreds from the toy community reunited in Dallas Sept. 20 for the much-anticipated Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards & Celebration, where the top toys and games of the year were named. Hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF), the awards program recognizes th... READ MORE »
Christmasworld and Ambiente expand global sourcing with simultaneous trade fairs
In the sourcing area of Christmasworld and Ambiente, which takes place simultaneously for the first time, trade visitors will find a unique spectrum of international producers on the largest sourcing platform outside China. By having the two fairs in parallel, a global range of Ambiente Dining, Livi... READ MORE »
Gift For Life and GHTA launch 30 for 30 campaign to benefit World Central Kitchen
Gift for Life announced a partnership with GHTA (Gift & Home Trade Association) to host a “30 for 30” fundraising campaign during this year’s GHTA Annual Conference, September 21 -23, in Tampa, FL. All funds raised will benefit World Central Kitchen’s programs addressing food insecurity ... READ MORE »
Toronto Market Week bringing three shows under one roof
Buyers and retailers will be able to source products in fashion, gift, home decor and home goods under one roof in early 2023, when Toronto Market Week comes to The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The event – created through a partnership with Newcom Media and SHOW T.O. – will f... READ MORE »
World mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
The stationery industry the world over is mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Many card publishers, retailers and trade suppliers from across the globe have joined in paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. The Queen's 70 years of dedicated service is memorialized by Progressive Gree... READ MORE »
GCA Virtual Workshop & Retreat will take place September 22 & 23, 2022
The 2022 Workshop & Retreat will be a two-day virtual event on September 22nd and 23rd and open to all, with discounted registration for GCA members. Since 1988, the greeting card industry has come together each year to connect, learn, network, and gain new perspectives. This year’s theme,�... READ MORE »
MarketTime unveils retail educational platform, InsideOut
MarketTime, the provider of B2B omnichannel solutions and sales enablement tools in the gift, home, and toy industries, announced the launch of InsideOut, an interactive community platform that offers access to educational content aggregated from across the retail industry. “Retailers are the... READ MORE »
Planning underway for ToyFest 2023
Earlier this year, The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announced the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, February 27 – March 3, 2023. The Board of Directors and Slate of Officers have spent the summer making plans and exciting changes for the 2... READ MORE »
Life of Spice Company wins best new product at NY NOW
Life of Spice’s debut showing at NY NOW brought makers Danae McLaughlin and Sandra Hovancik top honors with their line of greeting cards. Winning Best New Product, the owners of the new company were met with a round of applause by judges and photographers at the August trade show, which recently c... READ MORE »
