The times they are a-changin’. Each day, millions of people go online to talk to “friends” and “fans” they’ve never met. Bloggers lead their flocks to listen to certain music, attend certain events and buy certain products. Top manufacturers are getting in line to beg popular bloggers to review their products online.
Celebrities, politicians and stay-at-home moms keep family, friends and strangers in tune to their day-to-day lives by sending tweets. Social media has made the World Wide Web a closer-knit community with endless possibilities.

As winter thaws and spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and lifted spirits, expect your customers to search for the best and brightest tableware and accessories. Guide their urge to decorate with iridescent bowls perfect for fresh appetizers, tumblers that tickle the hand, and coasters that bring the outdoors to the table.

Even a wobbly economy is no match for our 2009 Top Retailers, who share their strategies for buoying business and positioning themselves for a strong 2010.
NICHE magazine honored a total of 32 retailers and gallery owners: 24 Top Retailers and 11 special category winners, with three galleries garnering two awards each, and a tie in the Best Museum Store category. This year, we’ve combined the Top Retailers and specialty category winners into one list, ordered alphabetically by name.