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  1. News from Us
  2. News from Members
  3. Events
  4. Press
  5. Dollars & Sense
  6. Profile Stories
  7. Updates
  8. Training Calendar
  9. Training Videos
  10. Jobs
+ Bridge in the News - Bridge in the News

9,299 Results:

July 25, 2023 Thanks for the Memories, by Laurie Gates
Thanks for the Memories, by Laurie Gates
July 25, 2023
I chuckled when I was asked to author this column, as I have been known to have the last word from time to time. As I prepare to leave the industry that has given me so much (I eagerly accepted the opportunity to work in the gift and home area in 1986), I can vividly recall the excitement I felt when I first entered the creative space that we get to live and work in every day. I have been exposed to scores of creative people; I met and worked with artists and buyers who were inspired and ...
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July 25, 2023 How We Make Our Graphics
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How We Make Our Graphics
July 25, 2023
Many of our graphics start as sketches.  In this example, I drew a sketch of what we need to show brands and sales reps. We need to communicate visually that their showroom products need to be displayed on their retailer’s website.  

I started with a sketch on a Times newspaper page, and then reproduced that in Apple’s Pages program.  Pages is a bare-bones program that can help one make visual diagrams. (Photoshop is my preferred program for visual projects.)

The...
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July 25, 2023 Orrefors @ 125
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Orrefors @ 125
July 25, 2023
EMON MAASHO, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF ORREFORS, NORTH AMERICA, is representative of the exciting trajectory in this 125-year operation. The über-exec joined the New Wave Group in 2013, a time when Orrefors and Kosta Boda (OKB) were underperforming assets in the portfolio. "Our crystal brands are national treasures and a part of Swedish history," Maasho affirms. And he wanted a front row seat in their revitalization. Maasho was placed in charge of the new hotel and restaurant division ...
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July 25, 2023 Queen Elizabeth: A New Reign
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Queen Elizabeth: A New Reign
July 25, 2023
QUEEN ELIZABETH WOULD CERTAINLY APPROVE. Herend's Queen Elizabeth Collection, which includes a ten-piece tea set, bonbon, and corgi Fishnet figurine, is targeted not just to Anglophiles and fans of the Queen, but to anyone who wishes to own a beautiful, unique piece of Herend, says Kimberley Kimball, president, Martin's Herend Imports. "When the Queen passed last year, the Herend manufactory sought out our input about their idea of creating some commemorative pieces celebrating her 70-year ...
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July 25, 2023 This and That
This and That
July 25, 2023
I have a stack of virtual news clippings that either struck my fancy, taught me something new, or just made me shake my head in bemusement. On their own, they may not be enough for me to make a point, but together they have a thought-provoking synergy (and I'm sure I'll figure out what that is by the end of this column).

Our industry has been negatively affected by the loss of American manufacturing after we entered a long stretch of automation and outsourcing in the late 1970s; every ...
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July 24, 2023 Your Registry Software Helps You Run Affordable Email Marketing Campaigns
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Your Registry Software Helps You Run Affordable Email Marketing Campaigns
July 24, 2023
Your registry service has built in email campaigns for each gift registry list.  These campaigns promote your store in an automated and affordable manner.  The campaigns often cost under $.0.42 per recipient—about half of what other email marketing campaigns cost.


Details
Your software sends out an anniversary reminder email to a customer that gave a gift for that registry. 

Cost Per Email Sent 
Let’s assume that a registry received 100 purchases.  ...
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July 24, 2023 Rustic Organic Accent
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Rustic Organic Accent
July 24, 2023
Decorate with waste-free, eco-chic centerpieces. A stunning organic texture lends a lovely complement to Calaisio's square placemat with woven diamond pattern made from natural vines and expertly created by skilled artisans. It adds a vivid touch to entertaining and eco-friendly living.  Size:14 sq inch, offered in set of 4.


CALAISIO
natural elegance, extraordinary durability



  View Post
July 22, 2023 Pass the Apps 🍡
What Threads can teach us about leveraging our existing network when launching a new service.
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Pass the Apps 🍡
What Threads can teach us about leveraging our existing network when launching a new service.
July 22, 2023
Threads, a new Twitter-like service from Meta, the owner of Instagram, launched this month and almost immediately attracted 40m active daily users. The service’s growth has since stalled and now has just over 10m daily users, but that is still commendable. The Wall Street Journal shared that this impressive launch was largely possible because Meta used its built-in network of one billion Instagram users. This user base helped it overcome the “cold start” problem of acquiring ...
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July 21, 2023 70% of Brands offer Free Shipping vs. 13% of Stores
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70% of Brands offer Free Shipping vs. 13% of Stores
July 21, 2023
My team researched 40 brands' websites and 200 indie stores' websites.

Research Findings
  • 70% of tabletop and giftware brands offer free shipping.
  • Only 13% of indie stores offer free shipping.
  • Brands on average charge $115 to receive free shipping.
  • Retailers often charge $191 to receive free shipping. 
Read our research report:
https://www.shoplocal.org/news.cfm/22883/70-of-Brands-Offer-Free-Shipping

Conclusions
  • Retailers are at a major disadvantage when
...
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July 21, 2023 JK Adams and Mepra Are Ready for Syncing
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JK Adams and Mepra Are Ready for Syncing
July 21, 2023
We are pleased to announce two new Syncing brands are ready: JK Adams and Mepra.
  • JK Adams makes very cool wooden items, including charcuterie boards, serving trays, and rolling pins that I like.
  • Mepra produces cutlery, cookware, and serveware of the highest quality.  All Mepra products are made in Italy. (Who doesn't love 'Made in Italy'?)
Syncing products from these brands is free for your business.  There is no charge. (The respective brand pays for ...
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July 21, 2023 Craft the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
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Craft the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
July 21, 2023
Artisanal cheese.🧀 Veggies.🥬 Fruit.🍓 Elevate the best that nature has to offer with the help of our handcrafted carving board and serving sets.👏  View Post
July 20, 2023 Garden & Gun: Nice to See Vietri and Shop Local Retailers
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Garden & Gun: Nice to See Vietri and Shop Local Retailers
July 20, 2023
We were happy to see our partner Vietri in this month’s Garden & Gun magazine. 

Vietri, a premium designer of Italian home goods, ran a pretty advertisement in this month’s issue. The ad features 15 dealers throughout the South where one can buy Vietri.

Of the 15 stores listed, 47% (7 stores) use Shop Local's Store to more easily sell Vietri.

These retailers use our Online Store service: ...
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July 20, 2023 Visit Us At The Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale Starting This Wedneday!
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Visit Us At The Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale Starting This Wedneday!
July 20, 2023
Visit Glassworks and Cheeks and Feathers during the Annual Shadyside Sidewalk Sale, which takes place Wednesday, July 26th - Sunday, July 30th from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Head down to Walnut Street and it's side streets next week to find bargains. Shop your favorite stores and boutiques to find products at incredible discounts. Most local retail businesses will participate, offering up to 80% off regular retail! Glassworks and Cheeks and Feathers will offer the best deals of the year! Savvy ...
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July 20, 2023 Shopper Review 😁
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Shopper Review 😁
July 20, 2023
A shopper, Laura Armistead, shared this review regarding her experience on our Shop Local platform: 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“My online shopping experience at Elizabeth Clair’s was wonderful! The site was easy to navigate, and it took no time at all! As always, the customer service was excellent and pleasant! Thank you so much!”

Ms. Armistead made a purchase at Elizabeth Clair's, an indie retailer that has used our e-commerce software since 2018 and has two locations in ...
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July 19, 2023 Add Glamour and Detail
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Add Glamour and Detail
July 19, 2023
Add refined glamour and delicate detail to your master bath or vanity with our newest addition, Butterfly Ginkgo porcelain bath set. View Post
July 19, 2023 Christmas in July🎄
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Christmas in July🎄
July 19, 2023
It's never too early to celebrate the merriest season of the year with Christmas in July! ❤️💚
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July 19, 2023 Welcome to TRAYchic
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Welcome to TRAYchic
July 19, 2023
In true Mariposa style, we've combined form and function with high design, creating patterns, that are indeed très chic. Add some pop to your everyday and outdoor dining! TRAYchic is like melamine, but better.
  • Made in the USA
  • Melamine and BPA-free
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Oven-safe up to 275 degrees
 View Post
July 19, 2023 Congratulations To Cameron and Jordan
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Congratulations To Cameron and Jordan
July 19, 2023
🎉💍 Big congrats to Cameron and Jordan on their engagement! 💕 We're thrilled they found their perfect match in one of our stunning rings! Wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness together. 🥂 View Post
July 18, 2023 NEW IN · VERMONT COLLECTION
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NEW IN · VERMONT COLLECTION
July 18, 2023
Reminiscent of ancient techniques done by artisans, soft spirals dance from the center and result in a blend of formal modernity with elegant forms.

Meet the Vermont collection. View Post
July 18, 2023 Elevate Your Charcuterie Display
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Elevate Your Charcuterie Display
July 18, 2023
Our Stonewood collection features layers of lavish, hand-turned acacia wood shapes adorned with marbled resin strips that are applied by hand, resulting in a flawlessly smooth finish. Skilled artisans meticulously craft each piece with meticulous attention to detail - this will certainly turn your charcuterie display up a notch! ✨ View Post

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Press: Shop Local & Bridge in the News
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Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Florida Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Florida Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
April 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Tennessee Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Tennessee Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
April 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Louisiana Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Louisiana Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
April 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Delaware Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Delaware Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
April 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Pennsylvania Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants in Pennsylvania Get Google Sales Leads 🔍
March 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants Get Sales Leads in Mississippi
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants Get Sales Leads in Mississippi
March 2024

Shop Local Merchants Are 60% of Google Page 1 Results in South Carolina
Shop Local Merchants Are 60% of Google Page 1 Results in South Carolina
March 2024

Shop Local Merchants Are 50% of Google Page 1 Results in Georgia
Shop Local Merchants Are 50% of Google Page 1 Results in Georgia
March 2024

Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants Get More Sales Leads than Big-Box Stores Using Google
Shop Local Helps Indie Merchants Get More Sales Leads than Big-Box Stores Using Google
February 2024

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