Retailers saw a mixed bag in July, with sales gains in many back-to-school categories, but surprising declines in home-based categories, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Core retail sales—excluding autos, building materials and fuel—increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted and increased 5% unadjusted year-over-year in July. Including those three categories, last month's retail sales rose 0.2% and 5.4% unadjusted year-over-year, U.S. Department of Commerce figures showed today.

Universal Designs has generated interest and sales with the Central Florida-based company’s seasonal yard signs.

“They have just been flying,” said Bobbi Baugh at this summer’s International Christian Retail Show. “We added a third design, and the stores just did so well with them. They were very well-received by consumers.”

That may be in part because of the tendency for stores using the term “holiday” instead of “Christmas” in greeting their customers. Many Christians also will likely want to use a sign as a witnessing tool.

Precious Moments Inc. (PMI) has created an exclusive figurine once again in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a charity that raises funds and awareness for 170 North American children’s hospitals.

The 2013 figurine portrays a teardrop-eyed girl dressed in her best outfit and carries the inspirational message “You’re So Precious.” The bisque porcelain figurine has a suggested retail price of $40, with 5% of each piece sold going to benefit the hospital charity.

Abbey Press is unveiling a new product line celebrating the power of women to undergo hardship with courage and overcome it with grace. The “Courageous Woman” collection was created to encourage women to overcome adversity through faith in God and the strength He gives them to endure.

Available Sept. 15, the first wave of the line’s products includes a wall cross with scripture ($21), a ceramic mug with coaster ($12) and a wood plaque with an inspirational poem ($16). The wood wall cross and plaque feature antique-look metal butterfly embellishments. The butterfly design motif, also used on the mug, suggests the power of faith to uplift women and help them rise above life’s setbacks.

NY NOW, the Market for Home & Lifestyle (formerly known as New York International Gift Fair), has added an extra day to its winter 2014 event. NY NOW also will expand its use of multiple locations, including the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and both Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

With the addition of one weekday to the winter schedule, the six-day market will open Saturday, Feb. 1, and will run through Thursday, Feb. 6. Additionally, hotel reservations will open early, due to the winter market’s overlap with the 2014 Super Bowl.

Carpentree has announced the winner of its $500 product drawing sponsored prior to last month's International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). Divine Truth Christian Store in LaVista, Neb., won $500 worth of free product.

To qualify, stores needed to place an order between June 3 and June 26. For every $500 ordered, the customer received one entry in the drawing. The winning store had the option to select gifts and décor items from Carpentree's line of framed art decor and gift products.

More than 500 candle manufacturers and suppliers took part in the World Candle Congress in Hollywood, Fla., July 8-11. With record-breaking attendance this year, the tri-annual event attracted manufacturers and suppliers from 30 nations on six continents to exchange information on the opportunities, challenges and innovations impacting the candle industry.

The 2013 Congress was sponsored by the U.S.-based National Candle Association (NCA) and the Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association (ALAFAVE). During the plenary session, the world’s four major candle associations—NCA, ALAFAVE, the Association of European Candle Makers (AECM) and the European Candle Association (ECA)—provided business-climate updates and reviewed key issues facing their members.