Amanda Erd

2 days ago | giftsanddec.com | Amanda Erd

Heart on Main Street‘s “One Night. One Heart.” event in Dallas raised thousands of dollars in just one night to help support independent retailers. In the span of just four hours, gift and home industry members were able to raise $5,000 through showroom activations, community outreach and in-person donations. The fundraising event took place during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market on June 19.

3 days ago | giftsanddec.com | Amanda Erd

Effective immediately, Just Play has announced the appointment of a new senior vice president of sales. Sara Taylor comes to Just Play with more than 30 years of experience in the global toy industry, serving in leadership roles at Mattel, Spin Master, Funrise and more. Most recently, Taylor held the role of senior vice president at MGA Entertainment, where she oversaw the company’s operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy and Spain.

3 days ago | giftsanddec.com | Amanda Erd

DNA Sales has announced the leasing of a new showroom space in Cumberland Centre for the Mix Chicago Mart. The manufacturers’ representative agency expansion to Cumberland Centre marks a step forward in “providing an enhanced platform to showcase its diverse portfolio of lifestyle, home and gift brands,” the company said in a release. The showroom is scheduled to open in August in time for the Mix Chicago Mart’s next show, running Aug. 10-12.

3 days ago | hfndigital.com | Amanda Erd

One month after spiking up more than 12 points, the Consumer Confidence Index erased nearly half of those gain. After jumping up in May following a five-month decline, consumer confidence has taken a turn once again. According to the latest figures from the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, consumers are no longer feeling positive and the short-term outlook is strongly showing signs of recession.

4 days ago | giftsanddec.com | Amanda Erd

Another YouTuber is breaking into the toy industry, this time with the partnership of Bonkers Toys. YouTube gaming star PrestonPlayz is joining with Bonkers Toys to release a full line of toys next spring. PrestonPlayz was created by Preston Arsement who had a passion for gaming at just 15 years old.