For nearly twenty-five years, the Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) has served as a central hub for progress across the gift and home landscape. Formed in 2000 as the industry’s non-profit professional trade association, the GHTA was created with a clear purpose: to bring together vendors, sales agencies, industry affiliates, and retailers in a collaborative forum dedicated to advancing business excellence.
At its core, the Association provides an essential space for leaders to connect, to learn, and to contribute. Through education, open dialogue, shared best practices, and access to new ideas, GHTA empowers members to strengthen their businesses and stay ahead in an evolving marketplace. A key component of this work is the GHTA Retailer Advisory Panel, where retailers share operational insights, discuss current business challenges, and communicate their needs to the broader industry. This direct line of communication helps ensure the Association addresses real, relevant issues and fosters solutions that support long-term retail success.
The mission is straightforward and vital to the industry’s future. The Gift and Home Trade Association creates a national forum connecting industry leaders in their pursuit of ideas, innovations, and best practices to advance business progress.
Road Runners is proud to be an active participant in this work. Our team serves on committees, contributes to strategic initiatives, and supports the Association financially to help ensure its ongoing impact. One of our Principals, Raelee Walton, currently serves as Chair of the Board, helping guide the organization’s vision and advocate for the needs of its diverse membership.
For retailers, the GHTA offers meaningful access to resources, webinars, peer connections, annual conference, and leadership opportunities that strengthen operations and long-term growth. Whether you are seeking new perspectives, stronger partnerships, or a place to share your voice within the broader industry conversation, the Association provides an invaluable platform.
To learn more about the organization, visit: https://www.giftandhome.org or email info@giftandhome.org and the GHTA team will connect you with a membership committee member. Join the organization today by registering online.