Spring 2024 - 12

FROM THE EDITOR
NEW VENTURES
T
his issue's column
is a bittersweet one
to write.
Julie McCallum Packard has
been at the helm of Gift Shop®
Plus since Great American
Media Services (GAMS), the
publishing company she
co-founded, acquired the
publication more than a
decade ago. During her 20-plus years in the specialty
retail world, Julie has served on a variety of boards,
been invited as a guest on industry podcasts and walked
countless trade shows - no doubt making friends with
many of you.
At the end of March, Julie stepped down as a co-owner
of GAMS after a 35-year career in publishing and began
a new adventure. Julie's heart remains in the industry -
this time, as a retailer. She now owns Pursuit Paper &
Gifts, a gift and stationery shop in Ada, Michigan.
Julie brought me into the gift and retail industry.
She walked beside me at my first Atlanta Market,
making introductions along the way. When she visited
gift shops during her travels, I'd often find a package
delivered to my door with products from that store. I
quickly felt right at home in the industry, and I have
Julie to thank for much of that.
One of Julie's greatest strengths is her ability to curate
product pages that were not only representative of the
industry's current gamut of products, but also exactly
on-trend and aesthetically pleasing. As she now takes
on a role as a buyer in the industry, I have no doubt that
her gift shop will exhibit those exact traits.
It is with a full heart that I bid farewell to Julie
and her magazine involvement. Thank you, Julie, for
everything you've done!
ONE MORE 'GOODBYE'
Our editorial director, Abby McGarry, is also
embarking on a new journey: motherhood. Abby is due
at the end of April with her first baby, a girl.
Abby is dedicating herself full time to her new bundle
of joy once she makes her debut into the world, and
will therefore not be returning to the magazine. Her
eagle-eye editing combined with immense empathy,
patience and kindness made her one of the best editors
I have ever worked for and with. Abby undoubtedly
12 SPRING 2024 GIFT SHOP® PLUS
improved Gift Shop®
Plus during her time, and I have
so greatly enjoyed learning from her every step along
the way.
Pictured (left to right): Abby McGarry, Nancy Brooks,
Sarah Schwartz, Carly McFadden, Julie McCallum Packard.
TAKING THE LEAD
Change can be disruptive and feel unsettling. But
from it also comes fresh opportunities, perspectives
and exciting dynamics.
I will take on the role of editorial director when
Abby's sweet girl arrives, and I'm so thrilled for what's
ahead for Gift Shop®
Plus. We have some fantastic
issues slated for the remainder of the year, and our
plans for 2025 are already underway.
As a self-admitted visionary with a deep love for the
industry, I am genuinely brimming with elation as our
remarkable team of sales, designers, marketers and
editors comes together to further cement a magazine
with its finger on the pulse of the industry.
From our trend reports to market previews, we are
wholly devoted to you, our readers, as a resource to
help guide you through buying decisions, operations,
display inspiration and everything in between.
Until next time,
Managing Editor
Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2024
