Quotable

Each issue of SGN delivers a look at all types of United States stores to give readers great ideas and insights into today’s retail world. The stores SGN reaches out to are smaller operations than the giant retailers, but the owners, managers and buyers are making their way in a challenging economy and offer many words of wisdom to learn from. In this end-of-summer edition our contributors interviewed retailers in over 30 states plus the territory Guam to get a feel for the current industry climate.

Great retail starts with the best merchandise, and in addition to the original stories, we also offer a look at a selection of quality vendors in our annual Buyer’s Guide. We hope you enjoy the guide, as it is a great way to find new companies.

Also in the magazine are special sections devoted to the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and the International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES). These important November trade shows will be here before you know it, and the sections shine a spotlight on the events.

There is so much more to enjoy in this edition. For example, Contributor David E. Kriso offers an in-depth look at Colonial Williamsburg’s retail operation. And Contributor Hilary Larson discusses gifts, souvenirs and decorative signs at seaside locale stores.

The magazine also covers name-dropped souvenirs at zoos and aquariums in a story by Contributor Genie Davis, and country store home décor merchandise in a piece by Contributor Carime Lane. Additionally, Contributor Sara Kanish covers a look at the sale of personal care products at coastal boutiques and resort stores. And Contributor Karen Appold wrote about top selling apparel items at theme and waterparks.

Our contributors also offer coverage of a wide range of other topics including apparel at Black-owned apparel boutiques, plush and toys at public lands stores, apparel and sunglasses at resort gift stores, jewelry at jewelry and inspirational stores, jewelry displays and lighting at Hallmark and gift stores, and many other topics as well.

I hope you enjoy the issue. Please email the magazine at editorsgnmag@ kanec.com with your comments, questions and suggestions, and we will be sure to respond to your note.

Scott C. Borowsky President and Executive Editor Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine

Toy Association’s Kimberly Carcone Promoted to Executive VP, Global Market Events

The Toy Association announced recently that Kimberly Carcone has been promoted to executive vice president of global market events, according to the association’s website.

Carcone is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in non-profit and corporate event management, marketing, and publishing in both New York City and Washington, D.C. She joined The Toy Association in 2007, serving most recently as senior vice president of global market events. As an integral member of The Toy Association’s senior management team, Carcone is responsible for the management of Toy Fair, in addition to leading the development of year-round events, private meetings, and opportunities that connect toy sellers and innovators with key retail buyers, licensors,

Gift for Life Celebrates 30 Years

Industry leaders raised a glass to Gift for Life’s 30th anniversary during a GHTA reception in July at Atlanta Market. Since its founding in 1992, the all-volunteer organizations has motivated the gift and home industry to donate more than $6 million in connection with at-market events, cause marketing initiatives and direct donations. Special recognition was given to GFL founder, Peter Schauben, for his passion and tenacity in bringing the industry together to fundraise initially for HIV/AIDS research, education, treatment and education, and currently for crisis-related hunger relief. To donate in honor of the 30th anniversary, visit https://donate.wck.org/GFL30.

entertainment executives, and other decision makers in the toy, game and youth entertainment industry.

Over the past 15 years, Carcone received numerous accolades for her work at The Toy Association. Prior to joining the association, Carcone held various leadership positions at ALM Events, a division of American Lawyer Media; E.W. Williams Publications; Miller Freeman, Inc.; VNU Business Media; The American Society of Interior Designers; and the Council on the Arts for the City of Long Beach.

IMC Updates Resources and Offers Trendsetter Programming for Fall 2022 High Point Market

The Fall 2022 High Point Market will take place October 22-26, 2022 in 17 Downtown High Point Properties. International Market Centers (IMC) will present 1,000-plus permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits featuring fresh, new furniture, décor, lighting, rugs and more in its 17 Downtown properties – including the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC) which marks its first phase of reorganization –plus engaging programming and can’t-miss industry events during the event.

“Innovation is the guiding light for High Point Market this Fall,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “The promise of new brands, new partnerships, new introductions and new ideas is compelling the retail and design communities to gather again this October. With IMC’s exhibitors comprising 70% of the product resources at High Point, we are ready to lead the industry’s discovery opportunities again.”