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.
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.
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.
Plan your 2026 Summer Market visits with updated Atlanta, Dallas, and Las Vegas dates, hotel links, registration details, and tips to maximize your time and merchandising strategy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this midyear update, Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares key insights on the current state of the retail industry. From the ongoing impact of tariffs to seasonal inventory timing, Doug breaks down what retailers need to know as they plan for the second half of 2025. While some categories like Halloween and holiday may see slight delays, strong vendor planning has kept most goods on track. Despite economic uncertainty, consumer engagement remains steady—and the outlook for the remainder of the year is optimistic.
The 2025 Retailer Excellence Awards brought together the gift and home industry to celebrate standout retailers across eight distinct categories, from sustainability to store design. Held at Union Station in Dallas, the event highlighted innovation, community engagement, and creative excellence. In addition to the retailer honors, the evening recognized top sales representatives and manufacturers for their contributions. The night concluded with a special tribute to Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell, recipient of the 2025 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award.
Please enter your email below, and your password will be emailed to that address.