The end of the year.
During my days as a retailer, it marked several things: realization that the next morning meant a new slate and endless possibilities; a chance to reflect on what could have been done differently and what was done perfectly; and an opportunity to relax into the most laid back day of our retail year (being a few doors down the sidewalk from a liquor store made that easy, given the number of brown bags that lined our cash wrap counter as folks shopped, post-champagne run).
I’m not sure what it is about the combination of human instinct and calender date, but for many of us, December 31 is “reboot day.” Which is good.
Need a starting point? Here you go— [click here to continue…]
Congratulations to LUG for ”bagging” one of the brightest minds in the gift industry. Translated, Kelly Portmann (Thymes, V.P. of Sales and Customer Service), is headed to Dallas early this spring to help grow the young company and guide them in day-to-day operations and sales.
As a Texas native, the move will bring her closer to family-—an added benefit. Still, part of her heart remains further north. [click here to continue…]
Congratulations to Karl Goldberg, Chairman of the AmericasMart Advisory Board the past fifteen years…and recipient of only the second President’s Award issued in more than that many years. In recognition of Karl’s unending dedication and commitment to the gift industry, he has led many and served more. Today, his final meeting in the leadership role, brought smiles of pride and sad farewells from those of us who have benefitted greatly from his wisdom, leadership, and guidance.
Well done, my friend. It has been an immense honor to sit along side you. Congrats!
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Congrats to Ann Fruland at the Chicago Mart, who was just transitioned into a new role with MMPI: Director of Marketing for The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair. Granted, the twice yearly consumer event will bring new challenges, but Ann can handle it. She’s a sharp cookie who’ll make things move.
Still…sure will miss you on the Gift Show side.
We can finally stop crossing our fingers-—Caroline Kennedy has been tapped as Gifts and Dec’s new Editor-in-Chief. The news spread like wildfire at last night’s premier party for the AmericasMart Building 2 West expansion, as she drifted around the room in her quiet, elegant manner, covering the show, doing her job.
The news broke in New York while she was in Atlanta, visiting with Jeremy Hirsch (V.P. of Marketing, OneCoast) as the gift show began. After allowing repeated back-to-back cell calls to roll to voice mail, it became apparently someone was desperate to reach her. Being the class act she is, Caroline excused herself, checked the caller ID…found her employer’s name…returned the call…
…and changed job titles.
Get used to ringing, ringing, ringing, Caroline. There are a lot of excited people out here, anxious to wish you well.
Welcome to the big office. You‘ve earned it.
Today’s officially the first day of the rest of Maria Weiskott’s life, having turned over the reigns as Editor in Chief at Gifts and Dec. As someone who had the privilege of writing for her, I can attest to her keen eye and ability to cut to the chase; she’s direct, she’s clear, and she knows what needs to be done.
It’s been an honor, Maria, and a pleasure; hope we get to collaborate again in the future. Until then…kick back, enjoy the summer, and soak up all the kudos for a job well done. You’ve earned ‘em, sister.
