Posted: 1/20/2026
Doug Cofiell, CEO of Ivystone, shares an industry update from a busy Atlanta showroom, highlighting a strong start to 2026. After a challenging 2025, many retailers closed the year with better-than-expected holiday results, creating positive momentum heading into the new year.
Posted: 10/15/2025
Small, giftable items are becoming increasingly important for the holiday season, from stockings to BRR baskets. Independent retailers can use these products to create curated, personalized gift experiences that big-box stores can’t replicate.
Posted: 9/24/2025
Consumables; from food and beverages to candles, household essentials, and self-care products, are a powerful category for retailers looking to boost sales and encourage repeat visits.
As the third-largest retail holiday in the US, Mother's Day is celebrated by approximately 84% of U.S. adults. Despite being price-conscious, shoppers prioritize uniqueness (47%) and creating special memories (42%) when selecting gifts. Our curated collection ensures you'll find thoughtful and meaningful gifts to make this Mother's Day truly special.
Apple phone users, if you boost posts for your business on your phone, take note! A new service fee will take effect later this month that will add 30% to your costs for boosting Instagram and Facebook posts.
Unlock the potential of your retail space with "Nourishing Profits," exploring how the strategic incorporation of gourmet foods and gifts elevates customer experience, fosters loyalty, and drives sustained revenue growth.
For retailers, attending a market is a mix of excitement and stress. It's a crucial opportunity to discover new products and brands for their stores in the coming months. Our marketing team visited Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas to showcase customer favorites straight from the market floor.
Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares his insight into how the past few years, the current economy, and stabilizing prices are creating a favorable outlook for our gift and home retailers in the year ahead.
Dive into the strategies of seasoned retail experts, David Olson and Tom Konopacki, as they share insights on holiday inventory planning, trendspotting, and the art of balancing sales history with intuition. Learn how to craft a strategic plan that sets your store apart, enhancing the holiday shopping experience and helping you sleigh your sales goals.
Join Ivystone and Emily Benson, for this informative webinar recording on mindset, margins, and marketing, all in the name of helping you rock your annual business strategy.
84% of people say supporting local and/or small businesses is important to them - and Google just made it easier for your store to show up with a "small business" label in their tools.
The charm of custom, localized, and name-drop products is not just a trend; it's a strategic move that aligns seamlessly with the distinctive nature of independent retail. Explore why incorporating these products into your assortment can be a game-changer, discover well-known brands that make customization a breeze, and find inspiration from independent retailers that are incorporating these products into their assortments.
Your brand isn't just a logo; it's an immersive experience that distinguishes your store. Every touchpoint, from storefront to packaging, weaves a narrative that resonates with your customers. Join us as we explore the impact of consistent branding in the success of independent retailers. This blog isn't just a guide; it's a conversation with industry experts, uncovering the essence of branding and the strategies that set apart thriving retailers.
Transform your store into a winter wonderland with enchanting in-store holiday events that capture the festive spirit everyone adores. Discover 15 delightful ideas to spark your event planning creativity and explore how savvy retailers have seamlessly woven festive experiences into their holiday sales strategy.
Discover Texxture's distinctive use of natural materials, such as volcanic stone and post-consumer clothing, in products ranging from tableware to furniture.
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