It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2024. What a year it has been. It started out on a high note with some positive momentum from January Surf Expo, Atlanta Market and The Reunion among other fun and busy trade shows that also carried into the summer months with Atlanta and Las Vegas Markets. A busy tourist season came and went and then Surf Expo September and Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show created some excitement for 2025.
Not long after the ink was dry on all the orders placed in Las Vegas, the Southeast was impacted by the force and direction of Hurricane Helene. And Floridians also had Milton to contend with soon after. The impact of both storms on retailers and wholesalers has been immense and will take some time to completely recover. You can read more about how retailers and wholesalers were affected in our reporting on page 14 of this issue.
SGN wants to do its part to help, so it is donating a portion of proceeds from the November/December issue to Heart on Main Street’s Disaster Relief Fund. Eligible businesses can apply for grants to help cover expenses related to disasters, such as repairs, equipment replacement, or lost inventory.
We appreciate the work that Heart on Main Street does to help strengthen the brick-and-mortar retail community, and we want to support that effort. We share important news updates on the organization’s efforts as well as report on its visits to various Main Street retailers across the country through the “On the Road With Heart on Main Street,” section, appearing on page 40 in this issue.
Our hearts go out to all the businesses and families affected by these recent storms. We have a very resilient retailer and wholesaler community, and by banding together we can get through this. I hope you enjoy this issue of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties and have a safe and healthy holiday season.
