In a retail landscape where customers crave connection, discovery, and delight, gourmet food brands are proving to be secret weapons for independent store owners. These premium products don’t just taste amazing—they transform the in-store shopping experience by creating personal connections and sensory moments that keep shoppers coming back.
Mother’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the U.S., ranking just behind Christmas and Thanksgiving in popularity. This year, 74% of Americans plan to celebrate, and with 56% of them purchasing gifts, it’s a major sales opportunity for independent gift, home, and boutique retailers.
In the world of gift and home décor, some products capture customers’ hearts and keep them coming back for more. For Kim Meyer, South Georgia/North Florida Independent Sales Rep, that product is Boston International. Founded in 1986, Boston International is a woman-owned, design-driven company that has become a leader in the gift industry…
If there’s one thing we know about trends, it’s that glitz and glamour never go out of style. This season, bold statement pieces, shimmering textures, and eye-catching accents are making a grand entrance, bringing fun and nostalgia into fashion and home décor. Think rhinestones, metallic foils, jewel tones, and disco-inspired details—a perfect blend of maximalism and festivity.
Spring is in the air, and Easter is right around the corner! For gift shops and boutiques, curating the perfect selection of Easter basket fillers, impulse items, and gifts is key to delighting customers and boosting seasonal sales. Here’s a look at a few must-have Easter gifts for girls and boys from top brands.
Spring Break is one of the busiest travel seasons, and travelers are spending more than ever on their trips in 2025. For boutique owners and independent retailers, now is the time to stock up on best-selling Spring Break products that cater to vacationers looking for both style and function. Here’s our curated list of must-have travel essentials from top brands that will fly off your shelves this season!
At Road Runners, we take pride in our team of dedicated independent sales reps who bring the best products to retailers across the country. Today, we’re excited to introduce Kim Knoechel, the San Diego and Imperial County, California sales rep who is passionate about connecting retailers with brands that sell.
For nearly three decades, Purchasing Power Plus (PPP) has been the heartbeat of the healthcare gift shop community, fostering connections and providing unwavering support. As the leading buying group for independent healthcare retailers, PPP offers its members exclusive perks, networking opportunities, and strategic vendor partnerships to help them thrive in a competitive market.
Today’s consumers seek more than just products—they want stories that matter. More than ever, shoppers choose brands aligning with their values, supporting companies prioritizing sustainability, fair trade, diversity, and community impact. Customers are looking for meaningful products, whether eco-friendly innovations, give-back initiatives, or artisan-made goods.
Many retailers believe that the cost of an item should determine its selling price, but that’s putting the cart before the horse! Instead, start by asking yourself what price your customers will pay for that product based on its value, demand, and market trends.