Tag: Holidays

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Happy Holidays from AQR

Happy holidays

Happy Holidays from your friends at Creative Retailer! We hope the past year had more in store (literally and figuratively) than you hoped. As we look to 2023 we wanted to reflect on the past year.

Reflecting on 2022

  • The biggest change was our rebrand to Creative Retailer, expanding to creative arts beyond the world of quilting.
  • We also had our first live, in-person event that was so successful we had to plan even more. (Speaking of, registration is open for the next LIVE event in Oklahoma this May.)
  • Quilters once again rose to the occasion to support fundraisers sending aid for the War in Ukraine.
  • We continue to provide resources to retailers across the country and globe as the fast-paced world we live in transitions to more digital content.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We’ll see you in 2023 and hope you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to Creative Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.

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Happy Holidays and New Year from AQR!

Happy New Year 2022

A year ago, everyone was eager to put a close to 2020 and move on to 2021. As many of the business changes we made in 2020 still remain today, it’s clear that our idea of “normal” has changed. Yet, you all remained resilient!

Thank You From AQR

As we reflect on the past year, we would like to take the time to thank everyone for being with us every step of the way. You are all strong, successful business owners and we hope we can continue adding value as things seem to change by the day.

We were all eager to get back to in-person quilting events, including Quilt Market, but Covid had other plans. That being said, we’ve enjoyed hosting and learning alongside each and every one of you during our AQR Academy events, and look forward to continuing them in 2022.

What a Year It’s Been

Speaking of 2022, nobody knows what’s in store! What sort of business practices are you prioritizing (that you haven’t previously)? Your website? Social media? Are you using some of the holiday time to familiarize yourself with video? Whatever it may be, we have full confidence you’ll become an expert in no time.

Happy Holidays from AQR and we wish you all a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous year to come.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.

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Gift Ideas to Display in Your Store

gift boxes

Recently I received a hand-knitted blanket as a gift and it reminded me just how special handmade presents really are. With gift season just around the corner, here are some quick and easy ideas you can whip out to display in your store (and get your customer’s ideas flowing).

Needlepoint gift ideas

Between embroidery and knitting, the opportunities for handmade needlepoint gifts are limitless. Outside of your typical scarves and blankets, think about personalized home decor. Find patterns to create embroidery circles for your loved ones favorite pet, or interests (some cute ideas I’ve seen include cacti and flower bouquets).

Fabric ideas

Continuing with the theme of decor, consider creating your own pillow design. This can be as simple as blocks of colors that appeal to you, or cut outs from famous artists (like Henri Matisse).

For something wearable, check out this adorable jacket from Megan Nielsen with a patchwork design. (I can’t wait to make this one myself!)

And finally, don’t count stuffed animals out. I’ve seen some of the most adorable stuffed animal patterns that would work great for both children, or as home decor for someone older. Be creative when it comes to stuffed options, mushrooms and felt flower bouquets are cute and popular right now.

And of course, if you’re gifting for an especially picky person, we all know masks never went anywhere. Look for fabrics with cute designs or in trendy colors.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.