Retailer Resource Blog

  • Summer Market Must Haves

    New! 2026 Summer Market Must-Haves

    Posted: 7/20/2026
    Discover the Market must-haves that reflect what today’s consumers are looking for: products with purpose, personality, and the power to create memorable moments.

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Spark Sales This Fourth Quarter

Spark Sales This Fourth Quarter

Candles continue to be one of the strongest-performing categories, especially as the holiday shopping season approaches. From seasonal fragrances to year-round favorites, the right assortment can drive repeat visits, increase basket size, and inspire effortless gifting. Thoughtful merchandising and strategic inventory planning can help retailers maximize sales throughout the fourth quarter. Explore ideas and inspiration for building a candle collection that keeps customers coming back.

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2026 Summer Market Must-Haves

2026 Summer Market Must-Haves

The Summer Markets revealed a season full of personality, nostalgia, and connection. Explore the trends making an impact, from playful motifs and cozy comforts to entertaining essentials, thoughtful home accents, and whimsical finds designed to bring joy to everyday living. Discover the Market must-haves that reflect what today’s consumers are looking for: products with purpose, personality, and the power to create memorable moments.

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The Mahjong Effect: Community, Connection & Commerce

The Mahjong Effect: Community, Connection & Commerce

More than a game, Mahjong has become a symbol of connection, community, and intentional gathering. As consumers embrace hobbies that bring people together, retailers are finding new opportunities to merchandise, market, and build experiences around one of today's fastest-growing lifestyle trends.

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Retailer Excellence Awards 2026 Recap: Highlights & Honorees

Retailer Excellence Awards 2026 Recap: Highlights & Honorees

A recap of the 75th Retailer Excellence Awards, where independent retailers from across the country gathered in Dallas to be recognized for excellence in merchandising, store design, events, social media, visual merchandising, and social responsibility. The evening honored category winners and finalists showcasing innovation, community connection, and standout retail experiences, while also introducing the inaugural Diamond Retailer honorees. Presented by Gifts & Decorative Accessories, the celebration spotlighted the creativity, leadership, and lasting impact shaping the future of specialty retail.

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June 2026: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell

June 2026: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell

In this midyear update, Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares key insights on the current state of the retail industry. From consumer spending and employment trends to pricing stability and the growing impact of artificial intelligence, Doug discusses the factors shaping retail performance in 2026. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, retailers continue to demonstrate resilience, creating a positive outlook for the gift and home industry as businesses prepare for the fall selling season.

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Faster Favorites. Simpler Shopping. Smarter Reorders.

Faster Favorites. Simpler Shopping. Smarter Reorders.

We’ve updated Ivystone.com to create a faster, simpler, and more intuitive shopping experience, built for the way you buy. Whether you’re discovering new collections, building assortments, or placing quick reorders, everything is designed to help you move with ease and efficiency. From faster favorites to smarter cart access and streamlined quantity controls, the site supports the way you actually work. The result is less time clicking and more time focused on finding the right products for your customers.

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Patriotic Pops: Summer Americana Trends

Patriotic Pops: Summer Americana Trends

America’s 250th anniversary is inspiring a fresh take on Americana, with red, white, and blue trends extending far beyond the Fourth of July. Retailers can embrace both classic and unexpected motifs, from stars and stripes to seashells and lobsters, to create a season-long story. Brands are reimagining patriotic products across décor, textiles, and giftables, offering versatile ways to engage shoppers.

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Mom-ents That Matter

Mom-ents That Matter

Mother’s Day remains one of retail’s most meaningful opportunities, with strong consumer participation and growing emphasis on thoughtful, intentional gifting. Today’s shoppers are seeking connection over convenience, looking for unique items and guidance they can trust. This shift creates a strong advantage for independent retailers, where curated assortments, storytelling, and personalized merchandising help customers shop with confidence.

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Winter Market Must-Haves 2026

Winter Market Must-Haves 2026

Discover the must-have products for 2026 with our curated guide to the top retail trends. From whimsical holidays and playful Americana to vibrant homes, self-care essentials, shareable foodie fun, expressive style, and kid-friendly delights, these trends bring joy, personality, and versatility to every space. Retailers are embracing pieces that spark creativity, inspire gatherings, and let customers express themselves through thoughtful design.

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January 2026: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell

January 2026: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell

Doug Cofiell, CEO of Ivystone, shares an industry update from a busy Atlanta showroom, highlighting a strong start to 2026. After a challenging 2025, many retailers closed the year with better-than-expected holiday results, creating positive momentum heading into the new year. With pricing stabilizing and inventory well-positioned, retailers are entering 2026 with renewed confidence. Retailers are encouraged to plan ahead for summer markets, as several dates are shifting.

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Small Gifts, Big Opportunities

Small Gifts, Big Opportunities

Small, giftable items are becoming increasingly important for the holiday season, from stockings to BRR baskets. Independent retailers can use these products to create curated, personalized gift experiences that big-box stores can’t replicate. Examples like mini candles, gourmet treats, and cozy accessories provide inspiration for easy-to-gift merchandising. With limited inventory and higher prices at larger retailers, independents have a unique opportunity to capture shoppers looking for thoughtful, affordable gifts. Pairing these items with holiday events can engage the community, drive sales, and encourage larger basket sizes.

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