Posted: 7/21/2025
In this midyear update, Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares key insights on the current state of the retail industry. From the ongoing impact of tariffs to seasonal inventory timing, Doug breaks down what retailers need to know as they plan for the second half of 2025. While some categories like Halloween and holiday may see slight delays, strong vendor planning has kept most goods on track. Despite economic uncertainty, consumer engagement remains steady—and the outlook for the remainder of the year is optimistic.
Posted: 6/23/2025
The 2025 Retailer Excellence Awards brought together the gift and home industry to celebrate standout retailers across eight distinct categories, from sustainability to store design. Held at Union Station in Dallas, the event highlighted innovation, community engagement, and creative excellence.
In-store retail events are an excellent way to build community around your business, engage with customers, and generate revenue. In fact, according to the Event Marketing Institute, 87% of consumers claim to purchase a brand’s products after having attended one of their in-store events.
Lisa Lewis, Regional Sales Manager at Stonewall Kitchen, joins us to discuss food trends and how they are shaping the ways we entertain.
Consumers are moving away from seeing food as purely a caloric necessity. Increasingly, consumers see their food as an opportunity for an experience in terms of tastes, textures, and social gatherings. From charcuterie boards to gourmet gifts, food trends continue to evolve.
When was the last time you looked at the photos for your store on Google Maps? More importantly, how current are the photos that are there?
We had the pleasure of talking to Dan Seehoff, part of the father/son duo behind Sophistiplate to discuss what makes Sophistiplate unique and what it is like being a father/son team in the gift industry.
Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares industry trends that will impact demand, affect inventory availability, and require careful attention to pricing for gift and home retailers in the coming months.
Shop color trends, materials, and styles that will prevail in our lifestyles and decor in 2023.
We had the pleasure of talking to Alison Gillespie about what makes Indaba unique and her experience as one half of a mother-daughter duo in the gift and home industry.
Why your grandmother's house might be trendier than ever.
72% of consumers say one thing they value more now than they did pre-pandemic is a comfortable home, and textiles go a long way toward helping set the mood of a space. Able to be utilized in endless combinations, textiles can help make any home feel warm and personal.
Rebecca Mattie, Vice President of Design at Napa Home and Garden, joins us to discuss product and style trends, as we've shifted in recent years to utilize our homes differently.
Reflecting on LAFCO's beginnings after 30 years of innovating home fragrance.
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