Lenise Willis

1 week ago | giftsanddec.com | Lenise Willis |Adelaide Elliott |Amanda Erd

Whether it’s a chilly spring night or a breezy summer evening, comfort is always in style. From buttery-soft blankets to huggable stuffed animals, cozy essentials aren’t just for the colder months – they are year-round mood boosters. With everything that has been going on in the news lately, tariff hikes included, comforting gifts are sure to be in high demand. To help you find your customers’ next favorite feel-good gift, our editors put three comfy products to the test.

2 weeks ago | homeaccentstoday.com | Lenise Willis

After announcing higher tariffs on more than 180 countries, President Trump has the gift and home industry worried about price increases and the effects on their business. Industry professionals and wholesale brands have responded with their own reactions and plans to the tariffs, but how will the costs be passed down and what does this chain reaction mean for independent retailers in the industry?

2 weeks ago | giftsanddec.com | Lenise Willis

After announcing higher tariffs on more than 180 countries, President Trump has the gift and home industry worried about price increases and the effects on their business. Industry professionals and wholesale brands have responded with their own reactions and plans to the tariffs, but how will the costs be passed down and what does this chain reaction mean for independent retailers in the industry?

2 weeks ago | giftsanddec.com | Adelaide Elliott |Lenise Willis |Allison Zisko

Trump’s new sweeping reciprocal tariffs have shocked business owners, government officials and consumers across the globe and will affect nearly every trade industry, including gift and home businesses. “When one economist called April 2 — the day the Trump Tariff Tsunami was unleashed — ‘Obliteration Day’ he nailed it,” said industry commentator Warren Shoulberg. “Indeed, it was. These are catastrophic hits on the way the gift and home industry goes about their business.

3 weeks ago | giftsanddec.com | Lenise Willis

With so much happening in the news and in the world of business in 2025, Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ (GDA) editors have decided to give retailers more time to enter the 74th annual Retailer Excellence Awards, hosted by GDA each summer. Retailers now have until April 14 to submit their stores for consideration. “Even though we’re only a few months into the new year, it has been an interesting journey, to say the least,” said Editor-in-Chief Lenise Willis.