Posted: 10/5/2026
The most popular advent calendars sell out earlier every year.
What used to be a cardboard box with a little chocolate behind each door has become a full-blown gifting occasion. As skincare, home fragrance, and gourmet brands release their most coveted advent calendars earlier each year, the retailers who plan ahead are the ones customers turn to first. Here's why the countdown to the holidays might be retail's biggest opportunity yet.
Consumables might be the hardest-working category in your store. From gourmet food to candles, home care, and bath & body, discover how these everyday, replenish-and-repeat products keep customers coming back all year long, not just during the holidays. Get real merchandising ideas for styling displays that sell, plus a look at what the latest retail data says about betting bigger on this category. Whether you're stocking up for Q4 or thinking longer-term, there's something here worth adding to your shelves.
In-store events are how independent retailers turn shopping into celebration, and this year's biggest trend is going hands-on. From needlepoint and punch needle to mahjong nights and pressed flower crafts, discover how tactile, screen-free experiences are reshaping fall and holiday retail. Plus, see how Tiger Lily Flowers & Gifts turned a single seasonal event into a regional tradition, and get 20 fresh event ideas to make your store the season's must-visit destination.
Texture is having a moment, and it’s about much more than textiles. Discover how tactile details are shaping 2026 across home décor, giftables, and everyday essentials, from pillows and baskets to sculptural vases, frames, and more.
Candles continue to be one of the strongest-performing categories, especially as the holiday shopping season approaches. From seasonal fragrances to year-round favorites, the right assortment can drive repeat visits, increase basket size, and inspire effortless gifting. Thoughtful merchandising and strategic inventory planning can help retailers maximize sales throughout the fourth quarter. Explore ideas and inspiration for building a candle collection that keeps customers coming back.
The Summer Markets revealed a season full of personality, nostalgia, and connection. Explore the trends making an impact, from playful motifs and cozy comforts to entertaining essentials, thoughtful home accents, and whimsical finds designed to bring joy to everyday living. Discover the Market must-haves that reflect what today’s consumers are looking for: products with purpose, personality, and the power to create memorable moments.
More than a game, Mahjong has become a symbol of connection, community, and intentional gathering. As consumers embrace hobbies that bring people together, retailers are finding new opportunities to merchandise, market, and build experiences around one of today's fastest-growing lifestyle trends.
A recap of the 75th Retailer Excellence Awards, where independent retailers from across the country gathered in Dallas to be recognized for excellence in merchandising, store design, events, social media, visual merchandising, and social responsibility. The evening honored category winners and finalists showcasing innovation, community connection, and standout retail experiences, while also introducing the inaugural Diamond Retailer honorees. Presented by Gifts & Decorative Accessories, the celebration spotlighted the creativity, leadership, and lasting impact shaping the future of specialty retail.
In this midyear update, Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares key insights on the current state of the retail industry. From consumer spending and employment trends to pricing stability and the growing impact of artificial intelligence, Doug discusses the factors shaping retail performance in 2026. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, retailers continue to demonstrate resilience, creating a positive outlook for the gift and home industry as businesses prepare for the fall selling season.
We’ve updated Ivystone.com to create a faster, simpler, and more intuitive shopping experience, built for the way you buy. Whether you’re discovering new collections, building assortments, or placing quick reorders, everything is designed to help you move with ease and efficiency. From faster favorites to smarter cart access and streamlined quantity controls, the site supports the way you actually work. The result is less time clicking and more time focused on finding the right products for your customers.
America’s 250th anniversary is inspiring a fresh take on Americana, with red, white, and blue trends extending far beyond the Fourth of July. Retailers can embrace both classic and unexpected motifs, from stars and stripes to seashells and lobsters, to create a season-long story. Brands are reimagining patriotic products across décor, textiles, and giftables, offering versatile ways to engage shoppers.
Mother’s Day remains one of retail’s most meaningful opportunities, with strong consumer participation and growing emphasis on thoughtful, intentional gifting. Today’s shoppers are seeking connection over convenience, looking for unique items and guidance they can trust. This shift creates a strong advantage for independent retailers, where curated assortments, storytelling, and personalized merchandising help customers shop with confidence.
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