Retailer Resource Blog

  • Patriotic Pops: Summer Americana Trends

    New! Patriotic Pops: Summer Americana Trends

    Posted: 4/24/2026
    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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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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Consumables: The Secret Ingredient for Year-Round Sales

Consumables: The Secret Ingredient for Year-Round Sales

Consumables; from food and beverages to candles, household essentials, and self-care products, are a powerful category for retailers looking to boost sales and encourage repeat visits. These products are not only practical but also highly giftable, making them perfect for year-round merchandising and seasonal promotions. Thoughtful assortments and creative displays help attract shoppers and inspire additional purchases. By cross-merchandising and highlighting gift-ready items, retailers can turn everyday products into memorable shopping experiences. Ultimately, consumables keep customers coming back, making them a cornerstone of a successful retail strategy.

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Festive Foot Traffic: Creative In-Store Events for Fall & Holiday

Festive Foot Traffic: Creative In-Store Events for Fall & Holiday

In-store events offer retailers a powerful way to turn the fall and holiday season into more than just a shopping experience. From private shopping nights and festive workshops to community-driven gatherings, these events boost foot traffic, foster customer loyalty, and drive sales. Fresh inspiration and practical ideas help create memorable experiences that stand out from competitors. With the right strategy, event-driven retail transforms shopping into celebration and positions your store as a true community destination throughout Q3 and Q4.

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A Brighter Fourth Quarter Starts with Candles

A Brighter Fourth Quarter Starts with Candles

In the fourth quarter, candles become a top-performing category, accounting for half of all annual sales. Their consumable nature, wide appeal across generations, and versatility as both seasonal and everyday products make them a must-have for retailers. Buying patterns vary by generation, with different preferences for scent, style, and gifting occasions. Stocking a mix of best-selling fall, holiday, and year-round fragrances—supported by thoughtful merchandising and inventory planning—keeps shelves fresh, drives repeat visits, and maximizes sales during the busiest shopping season.

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2025 Summer Market Must-Haves

2025 Summer Market Must-Haves

This season, we hit the market floors in Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas to uncover the trends, products, and standout moments shaping holiday retail. From whimsical décor and cozy home accents to gourmet gifts and stocking stuffers, we’ve curated the top finds to ensure you didn’t miss a thing. Bold colors, mixed metals, festive fragrances, and ready-to-gift treasures are leading the way across every category. Whether customers are shopping big or small, your store can be their go-to destination for thoughtful, trend-forward holiday gifting.

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