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Here's the news for the week of April 14, 2008.

In This Week's Issue:
1. Sales Take a Dip in March
2. Linens 'n Things Staves Off Bankruptcy Protection
3. Red Envelope May be Delisted
4. Looking for Some Good Stuff
5. Award Apps Being Accepted
6. Market Runup: News About Upcoming Shows
7. Your 2 Cents Worth

1. Sales Take a Dip in March
Washington – Retail sales in March dipped 0.9 percent unadjusted over last year and were down 0.3 percent from the prior month, according to U.S. Commerce Department figures as interpreted by the National Retail Federation. <<Click to Continue>>

2. Linens 'n Things Staves Off Bankruptcy Protection
Clifton, N.J. – Struggling retailer Linens 'n Things postponed until May 15 a $16.1 million interest payment due today to its debt holders. In addition, the retailer also obtained agreement from its lenders to take no “rights and remedies” action until May 13, the company stated in an 8-K filed with the SEC. <<Click to Continue>>

3. Red Envelope May be Delisted
San Francisco — Online gift retailer RedEnvelope Inc. received a NASDAQ Staff Deficiency Letter earlier this month stating that if Red Envelope had not held an annual meeting of stockholders by April 1 its stock would be subject to delisting. <<Click to Continue>>

4. Looking for Some Good Stuff
Los Angeles -- Children in foster care will be getting some special attention next month: May is National Foster Care Month. And one organization in particular -- My Stuff Bags Foundation -- will be providing some major support for foster kids in Southern California. <<Click to Continue>>

5. Award Apps Being Accepted
Dallas – The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team are now accepting nominations for the 20th annual ARTS Awards.
<<Click to Continue>>

6. Market Runup: News About Upcoming Shows
This week, we update Seattle, SURTEX, Gourmet Housewares Show, and Portland. Be sure to check Market Runups at giftsanddec.com every week for updated news about national and internationl markets. Click on Gift Shows in the tool bar at the top of the page and click on Market Previews

7. Your 2 Cents Worth
Times are tough. So what are retailers and vendors thinking of doing to cope? Exactly one half say they are thinking of ordering less inventory, while just over 17 percent are thinking of skipping some shows and an equal percentage are thinking of taking a more positive bent by being more aggressive about marketing and advertising. Nearly nine percent are thinking of taking a more stoic approach by reducing their own salary, while a mere six percent are considering staff reductions.

Our poll elicited some reaction from readers who chided us for not including some positive choices on the poll, which speculated on the state of the economy. An e-mail from PastandPresent stated: "I didn't see any positive answers this week. My answer is I plan on doing more events and more advertising and we are considering opening another location. Maybe that is why we are still in business." And from a vendor: "We should share with you that there is not a recession @ Janey Lynn's Designs LLC! We believe the only way to grow in a stagnant economy is to grab a piece of market share......"

Which gave us ideas for this week's poll. Add your voice to those ideas by voting!

To comment on polls, poll questions or to suggest a poll, contact mweiskott@reedbusiness.com.

We are conducting a survey among retailers to get your opinions about how several gifts and decorative accessories’ categories perform in your store as well as your opinions about their vendors’ products and services.

This survey will not be published. We are asking you to help us better understand the category and the vendors’ role in your business. Your individual answers will be combined with those of other retailers. Your store’s answers will not be revealed individually.

Click here: www.giftsanddec.com/Perception08

Trends & Forecasts--Vendors Generally Upbeat in Face of Weakening Economy

Presidential election, credit crunch, spiraling fuel prices — these are but a few of the hurdles we are facing this year, making the task of forecasting nothing short of a monumental challenge. And it's a challenge that's especially acute for anyone in the business of asking wary consumers to open their wallets; that business, of course, being retail. Click Here to Order

For daily news updates visit www.GiftsandDec.com.

That's all for now. We'll be with you again next week.

Maria Weiskott, Editor In Chief
Matthew Kalash, Managing Editor

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