The Garden Media Group recently sent over a brief synopsis of its 2009 trend report and I thought I'd share ... the full report will be available in September. Visit gardenmediagroup for more information. From blueberries to houseplants, grow it yourself (or GIY) is the new mantra for both seasoned…

As we approach a busy time for the casual industry (premarket is right around the corner, just in case you need to be reminded), I thought it would be fitting to review some current trends from within not only our industry, but the fashion, home accents and interior furnishings worlds as well. …

What did you do this past Memorial Day weekend? If you are like many, odds are you spent your days off of work right at home, perhaps even canceling a vacation due to the boggling gas prices that keep inching higher and higher … and higher. AAA reported Americans planned to drive less over t…

It’s that time of year again when many of you, if you haven’t already, are sprucing up your stores and getting ready for the warmer temperatures and customers to come in searching for brand new outdoor furniture and accessories. It’s also that time of year when you should take a f…

As news broke earlier this year that Fortunoff, another well-known, established specialty retailer in our industry was again facing challenges, this time filing Chapter 11 and subsequently being bought by Lord & Taylor parent company NRDC Equity, a hearty, collective sigh could be heard in the f…

While working on the next issue of Garden Decor (look for it in April), I came across a news item that got my attention. Though it will be too late to use for the spring issue, I thought this would be a good place to use it, and you’ll see why. Fiskars Brands, a global manufacturer and market…

Edward Walker, a designer on TLC’s Trading Spaces, gave a seminar last week during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market titled Design for Outdoor Living. Though Walker admitted not being completely knowledgeable about the casual industry before being asked to give the s…

As I write this column, rain is pouring down outside. A welcome sight. Here in North Carolina, 100 counties are suffering from drought with water restrictions imposed on many of us over the last few months. At the same time, wildfires are raging on the West Coast. It seems no one has escaped f…

A retailer recently sent the following to me while we both were attending the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. I found it particularly interesting, and thought many readers would, too. With the retailer’s permission, I have decided to post this in the hopes of recei…

It seems this year was the hardest on everyone traveling to trade shows. An increase in the amount of flight delays and cancellations, combined with radical weather changes and computer glitches, took its toll on a number of us in the furniture industry. Just recently I returned fr…