This heat- and water-resistant rustic coper tone woven tray, which showcases its lovely rustic hues ideal for a summer to autumn tablescape transition, is one of the simplest and coziest natural materials to incorporate into your environment. As it ages organically, its initial cream color ultimately changes to nut brown, just like summer transforms into fall, presenting a stunning contrast to nature's wonders.
These handcrafted napkin rings feature organic vines and wood beads that are drawn to golden earthy colors and textures, giving the dining table setting an elegant, festive rustic appeal. A quick ornamental addition to dress up your table for this coming Fall season. Set of 4. Available in additional colors.
Each intricate detail harmonizes to create a symphony of beauty. Let the fine craftsmanship of Aparte harmonize effortlessly with the sophisticated Maria linens.
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Happy National Book Lovers Day! We love books and show it with this keepsake tray. Find one that expresses you, there are over 65 to pick from.
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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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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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How to access your built-in marketing tools via the Marketing Manager page.
July 12, 2023
Your Shop Local Store has a new feature: We've made it easier to view and manage your marketing tools. Your account includes several built-in tools and programs, which can now be quickly accessed through the new Marketing Manager page.
The Marketing Manager page displays the following promotions in a table:
Offer Free Shipping.
Display a "Thank you for shopping local" banner on the checkout pages.
How pre-populating information saves clients time and speeds them along a process.
June 30, 2023
Each April, I scramble to send my tax information to my accountant so I can file my taxes before April 15. Since my friends confide that they do the same, there are likely millions of people like us racing to prepare our taxes. What if there was a way to avoid this painful rush—and even the cost of it? The WSJ shares that Japan, New Zealand, and much of Europe get such relief. The countries prepare tax returns for their citizens using existing data, and the citizen just needs to review it,...
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I have been writing a blog for my fellow independent retailers for many years now (there are over 750 entries so far). Jason has suggested that I add these Specialty Shop Retailing posts to my shop's Bridge feed every Monday, so I'm going to try to do that. In the meantime, I invite you to take a look at some of the past entries - and to watch for "Savvy Store Solutions," my bimonthly column in Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine. I want us all to be successful!
&...
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Calling all pet lovers! Introducing the Nambé Pet Collection, featuring treat jars you’ll want to leave front and center on the counter. The Dog Treat Jar is an adorable interpretation of a pup, featuring the recognizable ears of a basset hound, meanwhile the Cat Treat Jar is a charming representation of a feline, showcasing its lovable pointy ears. With porcelain bases and wood lids, these storage containers blend with any decor and seal tight to keep the contents fresh. ...
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What Crocs can teach us about gaining new customers and keeping them happy.
May 15, 2023
About 15 years ago, I bought a pair of Crocs sandals in Myrtle Beach, SC. Not only were they hot pink, but the insole was traffic cone orange. My buddies hated them, but oddly others loved them. The sandals were affordable (maybe $20), comfortable, and a conversation starter.
According to last week’s The New York Times' profile on Crocs, I’m one of tens of millions of happy Crocs owners. This happiness is profitable:
With echoes of caryatids, the draped female figures used as columns in ancient Greek architecture, Herend's sculptor has created a compote supported by three elegant seahorses with draping as well - albeit with a pattern alluding to the intricate armored plates that cover their bodies. Once this piece was given to the painting studio, the artists added to the story by decorating each seahorse in a slightly different fishnet color palette reflecting their maritime home. To complete the beautiful ...
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"A 2021 Harris Poll Consumer Shopping Study showed that 71% of Americans would prefer to buy from an independent retailer over a national chain, as long as they were equally convenient and reliable."
~ SpotOn
I believe these survey results. Shoppers want to shop local, but they don't want to sacrifice selection, price, or speed. Consumers will shop with your indie store if you can offer the same selection, price, and delivery speed as, say, Amazon. Is ...
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There’s nothing quite as cozy as grandma’s house. It’s like a warm snuggle of home cooked meals, fresh cut roses from the garden, doilies, chintz, needlepoint, vintage furniture, wallpaper, a breakfront china cupboard, Earl Grey in a collection of English bone china teacups, and lavender oil that soothes the senses and transports you to carefree days of yore.
The Granny Chic or Grandmillennial trend is all the rage, particularly among millennials. It’s an expression of...
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Score big with serving pieces from Beatriz Ball’s SIERRA MODERN Collection. Presented in proprietary metallic finishes of gold. The MVP (Most Valuable Pieces) are luxe, modern, and richly textured.
Great for serving snacks or desserts at your next tailgating party!
The durable items will not chip, peel or stain, and the ultimate “extra point,” They’re dishwasher safe. Go team!
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I was happy to learn that our friends at Savannah Bee and Ivystone have expanded their relationship. Savannah Bee, a partner in our Bridge Product Syncing service, has expanded its representation with Ivystone, also a Bridge partner, to cover more sales regions. Ivystone will now cover the honey brand across the country, supplementing the brand with 85 sales reps. (Previously, Ivystone only represented the brand in the Northeast.)
Dress up your Fall tabletop in natural style with this beautiful woven placemat with wood grain beads. Hand crafted of 100% natural exotic vines, adding this rustic chic note to your tablescape make Autumn table styling easy! Set of 4.
CALAISIO
natural elegance, extraordinary durability
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