Behind the Brand: Freshwater Curated Goods

Creative. Nostalgic. Innovative. Those are the three words the team behind Freshwater Curated Goods™ uses to describe the brand, and they perfectly capture a company that has turned playful design, personal expression, and a touch of nostalgia into products retailers and customers alike love. What began as a creative outlet in a garage has grown into a full collection sold by retailers nationwide. While the products have evolved, creativity remains at the heart of everything Freshwater does. 

How Texture, Scent, and Comfort Are Inspiring More Meaningful Purchases

Today’s consumers want more than beautiful products—they want experiences. The Sensory Ritual trend taps into the growing desire for comfort, wellness, and everyday self-care. From luxurious textures to calming fragrances, shoppers are drawn to products they can see, touch, smell, and experience.

Love My Reps Week: Celebrating the People Behind the Products 

Love My Reps Week is the gift and home industry’s opportunity to celebrate the talented sales professionals who help drive our business and support retailers every day. Our reps are more than wholesale gift or manufacturer representatives. They are the connection between brands and stores and the heartbeat of our gift sales agency. Great sales reps do not just sell products. They build markets. 

The Product That Always Brings a Smile: Missy’s Pick from Glitterville Studios

When it comes to creating displays that stop shoppers in their tracks, few brands do it better than Glitterville Studios. That’s why it’s no surprise that Road Runners sales representative Missy Donaldson has chosen Glitterville as one of her favorite lines to represent. 

Sweet Is Strong: The Trend Retailers Can’t Afford to Miss

Sweet is having a major moment, and retailers are embracing it. Cherries and bows are among the hottest gift and home décor trends, blending playful nostalgia with elevated style. Together, they create irresistible “treat yourself” moments that spark impulse purchases and gift-giving. 

The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility. Cherry motifs add a bold pop of personality, while bows bring softness, elegance, and a gift-ready feel. When merchandised together, they create eye-catching displays that photograph beautifully for social media and encourage customers to add one more item to their basket. 

What’s New in Vegas: Fresh Brands to Discover at Las Vegas Market

Las Vegas Market is almost here, and the Road Runners showroom is bringing fresh energy, new brands, and plenty of reasons for retailers to stop, shop, and get inspired.

Join us in the Road Runners Las Vegas showroom at World Market Center, C-1024 for Las Vegas Market, July 26–30, with early opening on Saturday, July 25. Whether you are looking for standout accessories, thoughtful stationery, cozy ritual products, clever giftables, licensed bookish merchandise, or meaningful sisterhood gifts, this season’s new arrivals are packed with products your customers will want to discover.

The Art of the Display: 10 Merchandising Tips for Specialty Retailers

A successful retail display does more than make a store look beautiful. It helps customers understand products, discover new ideas, and make purchasing decisions with greater confidence. For specialty retailers, visual merchandising is one of the most powerful sales tools. The right display can turn individual products into a cohesive story, introduce shoppers to items they might otherwise overlook, and encourage them to purchase more than they originally planned.

How Bold Colors and Playful Prints Are Driving Gift Shop Sales 

Forget blending in. Today’s shoppers are drawn to products that spark joy the moment they see them. Dopamine Pattern is one of the season’s most exciting retail trends, featuring bold stripes, graphic prints, retro-inspired designs, and vibrant color combinations that instantly energize a store. 

The Independent Retailer’s Guide to Vintage-Inspired Merchandising 

There is a special kind of magic when something familiar feels new again. Vintage Revival is the perfect place where memory meets modern charm. It features retro shapes, playful patterns, and sentimental prints that remind shoppers of simpler times. This trend is warm, witty, and full of personality, making it an easy choice for retailers who want to bring joy to customers as they walk in the door. 

Rep-Recommended Best Seller: Why La Chatelaine Is Roxanne’s Pick for Boutique Retailers

Meet Roxanne Kahn, our Iowa and Nebraska rep, whose warm professionalism and keen sense for product quality make her an invaluable partner to retailers.  Her latest standout recommendation? La Chatelaine, a brand that brings timeless French beauty, prestige ingredients, and irresistible scents to the modern gift and home marketplace.