Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Part 2

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

  A few weeks ago, I attended our NRF (National Retail Federation) mid-year Board meet and summit. On our board are retail leaders from Neiman’s, Saks, Macy’s, Brooks Bros., among others. Our Trade Association represents retailers both large and small. Retailers from across the country came to Washington DC to have their concerns heard by… Read more »

Gifting in the Age of the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Gifting has a long tradition in the history of trade and diplomacy. The Gift was a token of respect and appreciation, an opportunity to share culture and art. Unfortunately, rampant abuse of gifting, with intent to bribe, tainted this thoughtful tradition. This, in turn, has led to governments to combat the corruption and bribery of… Read more »

The Noble Horse

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Since the earliest times, the horse has been a true symbol of leadership and nobility.  From the Arabians of the Gulf to the Quarter Horse of Texas, horses are known for their speed, endurance, soundness and intelligence.  The “man on horseback” was associated with power and strength. We love horse sculptures as themes for gifts… Read more »

Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow, Thinking Gift!

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Dr. Kahneman won the Nobel prize for his work on behavioral economics. He was able to show how our minds think and how we do not always make decisions in our own best interest (The Rational model).  He shows how we are susceptible to influence through how arguments are framed or anchored.  His book “Thinking Fast… Read more »

Global Gifting with Keith: Frankfurt

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

I recently visited Frankfurt, Germany for the International Gift Fair Ambiente.  This is the world’s largest fair dedicated to the gift and home accessory market.  There are 11 halls each with one to 5 levels each of exhibition.  It is truly massive. Here I meet my existing suppliers from across the globe, as well as… Read more »

General Mattis & The Power of Gifting

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

“Give me a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers and I’ll do better” -Defense Secretary Mattis I was interested in the recent comments of Defense Secretary Mattis on the practice of torture. In effect, the Secretary of Defense was saying that a well-chosen gift had the power to create an environment where a… Read more »