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Russ Ward, partyware and stationery innovator, dies
Russ Ward (1924-2025), an innovator in the field of party goods and stationery, has died. Based on his wife's retail store, the first non-Hallmark store in Fairfield County, Connecticut, he founded the trade magazine Party and Paper Retailer in 1986. The magazine cultivated this industry for clos... READ MORE »
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor shows March sales grew moderately amid tariff concerns
Retail sales grew in March after two straight months of declines, but gains remained moderate as consumers continued to be concerned by rising tariffs, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released by the National Retail Federation (NRF). “Retail sales increa... READ MORE »
Two’s Company appoints Majda Rensberger as chief strategy and brand officer
Two’s Company announced the appointment of Majda Rensberger as chief strategy and brand officer (CSBO). Rensberger brings nearly 20 years of experience in the gift and home industry, most recently serving as president of OneCoast, a leading wholesale sales and marketing company. [caption id="at... READ MORE »
Import cargo levels to drop sharply amid new tariffs and uncertainty
With sweeping tariffs now imposed on all U.S. trading partners, import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to drop dramatically beginning next month, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. “Reta... READ MORE »
NRF predicts consumers to spend $23.6 billion on Easter
Consumers plan to spend a total of $23.6 billion on Easter this year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount is above last year’s $22.4 billion, and approaching the record $24 billion spent in 2023. “As... READ MORE »
Small brands urge communities to shop local amid tariff pressures
With small retailers navigating increasing expenses due to policy changes, the message is clear: the power of people prevails. "Every local sale supports not just your favorite boutique or gift shop, but your entire town," said Elizabeth Hoenscheid, owner of Top it Off Accessories in West Roxbury... READ MORE »
Commerce and community intersect at summer 2025 edition of Atlanta Market
The Summer 2025 Atlanta Market offers exclusive discovery opportunities with fresh updates across all categories, featuring more brands, more connections and more celebrations alongside Casual Market Atlanta for added cross-category discovery. Registration is now open for the July 15-21 market at Am... READ MORE »
MarketTime announces the formation of a Customer Advisory Board
MarketTime, the leading B2B sales enablement technology provider for the gift, home, and toy industries, announced the formation of a Customer Advisory Board (CAB) and the return of Todd Litzman in an advisory capacity. This strategic move reinforces MarketTime’s commitment to enhancing customer e... READ MORE »
NRF: More tariffs lead to higher costs for American families
The following statement was released by National Retail Federation's (NRF's) Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s announcement to impose reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners. “More tariffs equal more anxiety and uncertainty f... READ MORE »
NRF forecasts 2025 retail sales amid economic uncertainties
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecast that retail sales during 2025 will grow between 2.7% and 3.7% over 2024 to between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion. The announcement was made during NRF’s fifth annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual event on the health of American consume... READ MORE »
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