Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-comer, or brand-spanking new to the world of online selling, you’ll want to strongly consider attending the granddaddy of all ecommerce soirees: the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition. IRCE, as it’s known in the industry, is anything but yet another glitzy platform for self-promotion. Taking place June 5-8 this year in Chicago’s marquee McCormick Place West, it promises to deliver another spectacular array of expert presentations, vendor booths, and just about everything else you’d hope to see at an industry conference.

Since 2005, IRCE has drawn an impressive crowd and not failed to please, thanks to its highly organized, well planned event. Each year, industry trends are highlighted and futuristic ideas teased.

What’s different about this one? In its 14th year, the expo has joined forces with two entities: GlobalShop, the biggest annual event tailored for brick-and-mortar stores, and RFID Journal LIVE!, a trade event geared toward data-capture and inventory technologies that make the sales stream run smoothly.
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IRCE officials believe this three-pronged location is a stellar opportunity for the onslaught of businesses with overlapping online and physical presence demands. The conferences will still operate separately, but hosting them in a singular venue offers convenient access to an even greater array of useful resources.

When I finally got my own bedroom at the tender age of 8, I had an immediate décor request: All Paisley, All the Time. Okay, it was a different era, and paisley was trendy. My wish was granted in the form of a paisley print daybed cover in deep purple, a sheer delight for this grade-schooler.
But rather than cowering into obsolescence, paisley resurfaces every decade or so as a hot property in home design. And, it’s back.

Today’s versions are all over the map, ranging from splashy bold palettes to demure and subtle duo-tones. What they have in common is a timeless way to capture a nostalgic ambiance, and a delightfully artistic aesthetic.
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You’ll find paisley prints in linens, rugs, and wall art with relative ease. But here’s an idea that’s catching on, and making a (back)splash: How about paisley ceramic tiles?

The flowers are in full bloom and we're spending some time stopping to enjoy and appreciate.

Particles will return next week with all-new content. 

​Happy Spring!

It’s likely you’ve had your fill of armchair quarterbacks shoveling out snarky missives that gaslight online sellers in general. There’s a critic around every corner.

But hey: you’re in business to sell, and if you’re in ecommerce, you’re already facing a competitive challenge brick-and-mortar stores don’t have. You are virtually invisible to the majority of potential customers. Sometimes listening to complaints, whether they’re aimed at the industry of internet retailing or your site specifically, is not only smart, it’s essential for survival.

In order to sidestep pitfalls that are known repellants among people who enjoy shopping for products and services online, pay attention to the most common complaints. Here’s a list of seven; a breakdown of ecommerce What Not to Do’s: