News
2020 holiday shopping season reflects record sales
Record holiday season retail sales during the last two months of 2020 reflected the recovering economy but also got a boost from consumer emotions after a stressful year, Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist for National Retail Federation (NRF) said. “This was not a typical holiday season and it too... READ MORE »
Tax ramifications of PPP loans clarified in new congressional act
Rules are not as complex now that Congress passed a law in December that clarified interpretations on PPP loans The program designed to provide financial relief to businesses during the pandemic caused confusion for many businesses during 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), part of the CAR... READ MORE »
BAMKO acquires Gifts By Design
BAMKO, the promotional product and branded merchandise arm of Superior Group of Companies, Inc. announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Gifts By Design, Inc. of Seattle, Washington. The transaction closed effective as of February 1, 2021. Gifts By Design is a promotional ... READ MORE »
UEI Group Companies appoints new direct sales professional
UEI Group announced the addition of Greg Louder to its team. Louder has been appointed as a direct sales professional for the UEI Group, a business that has provided hot stamping and embossing dies, hot/cold/digital foils and supplies to the Graphic Arts Industry for nearly 40 years through its busi... READ MORE »
DM Merchandising launches new website
DM Merchandising launched a new customer-centric website. It's a new world and customer needs are changing by the minute. With online shopping at an all-time high for both retailers and consumers, the buying experience needs to be smart, simple, and flexible. DM Merchandising's new site offers optim... READ MORE »
NRF’s says Valentine’s Day spending to total $21.8 Billion
Just over half (52%) of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. “There is no question the pandemic has disrupted many... READ MORE »
Get Creative Pencil Set
The Get Creative Pencil Set from Molly & Rex offers 6 color wooden pencils with erasers and gold foiled text. This set was featured in Stationery Trends' winter issue in the piece Pattern Driven Design Elements. ... READ MORE »
Share Your Story: Better and Company
A maker and retailer that offers gifts and support for cancer fighters, caregivers and survivors. With so many retailers and makers facing similar challenges right now, we encourage you to Share Your Story so we may share your story and help other independent retailers an... READ MORE »
IMC expands spring buying event into Spring Market
International Market Centers (IMC) is expanding its March buying event – Spring Market – to meet the needs of buyers and sellers desiring another opportunity to come together this spring. The Mar. 3-5, 2021 market adds two preview days – Mar. 1-2, 2021 – to accommodate appointments in its 1,... READ MORE »
IHA partners with Brandwise to create e-commerce platform
The International Housewares Association (IHA) is partnering with Brandwise to offer a robust, year-round e-commerce opportunity for its members and buyers. The platform, Connect COMMERCE, will integrate with Connect 365 and help meet the desire of retailers to both discover new products and pur... READ MORE »
