Pop Up Shops – What Are They? Can You Use One? Retail vacancy is still at a high, so the idea of a pop up shop may seem confusing to some. But the reality is, a pop up shop is a (nearly) perfect solution for businesses looking to enter the retail market, introduce themselves to a new geographical area or simply want to reach a consumer audience without the hassle (ie: expenses, staffing, inventory, etc.) of a permanent store front. This also offers a great way for landlords

Winners list from the 26th Annual ARTS Awards held January 16, 2015. 26 th Annual ARTS Awards Winners PRODUCT DESIGNER Jason Phillips, Phillips Collection INTERIOR DESIGNER Sherry Hayslip, Sherry Hayslip Interiors and Hayslip Design Associates, Inc. MANUFACTURERS Phillips Collection, Accent Furniture 2015 Loloi Rugs, Area Rugs 2015 Rojo 16 America, Home Accents 2015 Lili Alessandra, Home Textiles 2015 Crystorama Lighting, Lighting Fixtures 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Sharon Davis 704.376.4278 sharonjdavisnc@earthlink.net ART Vendors offer great deals during the 2014 Winter Markets Exclusive discounts for eligible member retailers January 6, 2015 – Charlotte, NC – ART, the creative home furnishings network, announces the vendors participating in the organization’s ART Card Program during the upcoming January markets in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas. The deals are listed below by market location a

Industry Stars Share the Stage at the 26th Annual ARTS Awards - Donny Osmond to serve as Master of Ceremonies - DALLAS – Dec. 22, 2014 – ART and Dallas Market Center, co-founder and producer of the ARTS Awards, today announced the presenters for the 26th annual ARTS Awards held Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. For the first time ever, the ARTS Awards stage will be shared by more than 15 icons including celebrities Donny Osmond and Mad Men actor

Have we lost you yet? The idea to re-merchandise your store EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. is like one that makes you want to cringe. After all, you’re busy. And we get that! But here us out. 1. A little bit of something everyday makes a big impact. Take working out, for example. If you workout everyday – even if just for a quick 15 minutes of half hour – you are more likely to see results, stay consistent at it and enjoy the benefits of it, as well. Merchandising your store is actu

Think back to the last time you bought something. Was it because you were thirsty, and got yourself a refreshing drink? Or maybe it was because you were heading to a birthday party and needed a gift. Just like your own purchasing actions are influenced, so are your customers. That idea that customers “need” things can be challenged with the idea that customers actually “want” things. Consider your own unique customers. Do your buyers typically need something or want somethin

Black. Brown. Beige. Blah. In the sea of vendors at trade shows, it’s easy to blend in. But why would you want to? Instead, make it your goal to stand out. Forget the norm and go bold…. color, music, products displays and more can help your business stand out among a sea of boring. When planning for your trade show participation, think about everything that will be around you. Likely, you will be surrounded by seemingly look alike booths. With this in mind, challenge yourse

Whether you are a wholesaler or a retailer, it’s important to know about your competition. Taking the time to understand who your competition is, what they are up to and why it matters to your business is extremely important in being effective in the marketplace. Who Is Your Competition? Competition surrounds us in our own communities as well as online. Let’s not forget about mail order catalogs, television shopping networks and house parties selling similar products to wha

PANTONE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR 2014: RADIANT ORCHID “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” A color that radiates on the skin with its rosy undertones, that grabs attention immediately yet doesnt steal focus from other beautiful pieces. Radiant Orchid easily compliments deep hunter greens, and offers an

The start of the new year is a great time to assess what is ahead as well as what you just accomplished – or lacked to, for that matter - in the previous year. Joining you in this should be your employees. To jump start this important review process, a few questions are outlined below to help engage your thoughts, provoke new ones and lead you towards accomplishing new goals in the year ahead. 1. What was the single biggest accomplishment for your retail store or wholesale b