Author: Publisher

Gifts, novelties and souvenirs are big business in the U.S., and stores in this category generate combined annual revenue of around $18 billion. Top sellers in gift and souvenir shops continue to be upscale and unique mugs and shot glasses, according to Craig Zwirin, owner of Americaware Inc.

Savvy consumers know better than to pay full price for anything in today’s marketplace. Many people are using an array of tools to maximize benefits and discounts to get the best deals on the products they want.

To stay competitive in terms of security and compliance, organizations need a structured, predictable and continuous approach to solving ongoing challenges.

Everyone knows that promotions around Christmas and the New Year go hand in hand, regardless of the marketing channel. With consumer spending at its peak, brands need to be promoting their products as much as possible. According to ComScore, 30 percent of retail ecommerce consumer spending took place in the fourth quarter in 2012, with a majority concentrated in the second half.

The bipartisan White House-backed Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) passed the House 325 to 91. The bill seeks to cull the numerous patent cases, commonly referred to as troll cases, that have little to no evidence and rely solely on litigation prowess over small companies.

SJT Enterprises, a consumer products company that makes all its goods in the USA, has introduced decorative wooden plaques that feature the likenesses of the four guys from the super hit television show Duck Dynasty. The plaques feature the artwork of Rick Fortson. “Artist Rick Fortson’s renditions of Phil, Willie, Jase and Uncle Si is incredible,” notes SJT president Tim Smith.

Jewelry sales in the United States grew to an estimated $71.3 billion in 2012, according to the 2013 U.S. Retail Jewelry Update by Polygon. This consistently popular product category offers retailers an opportunity to generate profits from emerging styles and timeless classics. Independent Retailer magazine asked Brian Nelson, sales manager for Sun Fashion Designs, to share trends he sees in the industry, along with tips on presenting and selling jewelry.

Licensed sports products are popular sellers among men, women and children of all ages. Patter’s Collectibles caters to this category with a constantly refreshed and expanding line of specialized sports collectibles, novelties and apparel.

SnapRetail is a time-saving marketing solution designed to help independent retailers tap into the power of viral marketing. The company offers a huge assortment of ready-to-use campaigns, and pre-written social media posts and email templates. SnapRetail was founded in 2010, when CEO Ted Teele and a team of experienced retail industry and technology professionals saw the need for retailers to compete more effectively online with big box stores.

GirlyGoGarter® is a sexy, lacey garter with pockets that adheres to the upper thigh. It has easy-access pockets on the outside of the garter, just within the lace, and lock-flap pockets on the inside of the item. Both types of pockets keep money, ID, lip gloss, mobile phone, keys, passport, and all a woman’s essentials, safe, secure and at her fingertips.