This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Ocean City, NJ's annual congregation of small retailers, its mile-long Block Party, where over 400 independent retailers set up stands and invited the public to stroll freely amongst them as the people ate, shopped, and perused the offerings.  Everything from cookies to clothing to crafts lined the street, and musicians played family-friendly music while kettle corn was popped and pizza was baked.  A first-class fireworks show ended the evening.  A full description of the event can be found here.

High Profile, Carpet Focused Designer Day Panel Captivates Attendees

Suburban Silk is launching a new line of eco-friendly canvas totes, laptop sleeves and pillow covers at the upcoming New York Gift Fair.

There is always change happening in the trade show industry. Just as in retail, there are sales, mergers, acquisitions, and closings taking place everywhere - some we see and hear about, and some are held pretty close to the vest. Recently, I learned of a few changes that will affect many of my clients who shop the West coast shows....

Even before I hit the trade show floors at the 55th Summer Fancy Food Show, I knew something great was in the air.  First of all, it was standing room only on the trade show bus and filled with passengers from around the world!  The main floor of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was bustling and packed with early morning arrivals.  Instead of hearing about how everyone is cutting back in this economy, I was surprised to see that this group of purchasers appeared to be eagerly anticipating the three days of shopping that lay ahead!

The NY Stationery Show is one show that I look forward to every year, I glorify in paper.  Some are into shoes, me stationery! I have an antique secretary that is full, okay crammed with greeting cards, note cards and stationery. Beautiful ornate, contemporary, plain, any types of paper, sometimes I even write a note and use it.

As a freelance journalist and product development specialist to the gift & home decor industry, I travel the world attending trade shows and seeking inspiration and sources for fabulous new designs.

I spent the last few days at the National Stationery Show, walking the aisles, speaking to manufacturers and finding some great new products.  Personally, I am happy that I am not a buyer, because I am sure that I would find it difficult to choose which merchandise to buy for my store with all the great products I discovered!

Overall, I was really delighted to find the mood upbeat.  Those that I spoke with had POSITIVE things to say, in light of, and with acknowledgement that times are difficult...

I just spent three long and wonderful days at the 2009 National Stationery Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.  I can tell you from my travels up and down the aisles that shop owners are feeling the economic pinch and relate that business has become a bit rough on Main Street. In spite of the fact that many of their competitors have closed up shop, they still have had to cut back on their staff, purchase less inventory and work harder to generate the same amount of income.  However, there appears to be a bright spot on the horizon.

What is Expo West?  it is everything related to natural and organic products from growers, farmers, processors, whole and prepared foods, holistic products, beauty, cosmetics, housewares, organic publications, agencies and everything in between. It was Fancy Food, FMI, Trans World, and Housewares on organic steroids! No one was complaining about the economy either.