Retailer Resource Blog

  • A Brighter Fourth Quarter Starts with Candles

    New! A Brighter Fourth Quarter Starts with Candles

    Posted: 8/12/2025
    Stock the scents that spark memories and keep customers coming back this season.

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  • Summer market must haves

    New! 2025 Summer Market Must-Haves

    Posted: 8/6/2025
    This season, we hit the market floors in Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas to uncover the trends, products, and standout moments shaping holiday retail.

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  • July 2025 Industry Update

    New! July 2025: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell

    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.

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Preparing for Candle Season

Preparing for Candle Season

Understanding consumer candle buying patterns throughout the year and into the fall and holiday season can help you stock inventory appropriately and become a resources to shoppers looking for the perfect fragrance, whether for gifting or personal use.

Hot Products for Cool Guys

Hot Products for Cool Guys

10 Gifts men actually want! While your primary customers may be women, women also buy on behalf of husbands, partners, kids, friends, relatives, etc. Our Hot Products for Cool Guys Guide includes items that will merchandise together to tell a great men’s summer story as well as make perfect “just-because” gifts.

10 Products to Spark Summer Inspiration

10 Products to Spark Summer Inspiration

Americana products are a great way for retailers to reach out to consumers in a light-hearted, creative way in weeks leading up to the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, almost 30% of Americans plan to purchase patriotic merchandise for the 4th of July. Our red, white, and blue Americana products are festive, nostalgic, and in style all summer long.

Industry Achievement Award – Patti Carpenter

Industry Achievement Award – Patti Carpenter

Patti Carpenter, global trend ambassador, will be honored during the 70th annual Retailer Excellence Awards (REAs) with the 2021 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award. This year the REAs will take place virtually on Tuesday, August 3rd.

10 Sweeter-than-Sunshine Summer Essentials

10 Sweeter-than-Sunshine Summer Essentials

Trending on the internet lately is the newly coined buzzword “revenge travel” 2020 brought postponed family vacations and honeymoons as well as canceled adventures. Explore our Summer Style Refresh guide for cool looks consumers are looking for the hot weather days ahead.

Looking Ahead in Retail

Looking Ahead in Retail

A look at how the impacts of 2020 will shape the future for gift and home retailers in 2021 and beyond, with Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell.

3 Product Trends for Outdoor Entertaining

3 Product Trends for Outdoor Entertaining

Customers are looking to create an outdoor dining space that they will want to spend time enjoying during the warm weather months. Get inspired by our 3 outdoor entertaining product trends that will help your customers create their own outdoor oasis.

Dad-Approved Father's Day Gifts

Dad-Approved Father's Day Gifts

From Big Ass Bars of Soap to Barware, create a unique Father’s Day Gifting Story that is sure to help your customers find the perfect gift for the important men in their lives.

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