In The News
Giftbeat Awards Primitives by Kathy Top Ranks for Humorous Cards and Themed Gifts
OCTOBER 2023
Primitives by Kathy is honored to be recognized as a preferred supplier of humorous greeting cards as well as fun pet-themed gifts and home décor displaying wine and beer themed designs. Giftbeat tracks the top vendors in various product categories from a stable of 300 reporting stores across the country and Primitives by Kathy was featured in four separate categories of their most recent reporting for October 2023.
Gifts & Decorative Accessories Selects Primitives by Kathy for Perfect Football Themed Décor
SEPTEMBER 2023
Almost 75 percent of Americans identify as football fans with many saying it is their favorite sport, so it is hard to deny the buying power of football fans all over the USA. As the NFL and college seasons begin, Gifts & Decorative Accessories showcases football themed gifts and décor including our Big Punts Kitchen Towel (SKU: 114901) perfect for football tailgating and hosting Sunday night football parties. Shop more sports themed gifts and home décor in the Primitives by Kathy Sports Collection.
Gifts & Decorative Accessories Features Cozy Winter Decor from Primitives By Kathy
AUGUST 2023
Gifts & Decorative Accessories gathered winter home décor and gifts sure to help your customers keep the winter blues away and prepare to stay cozy all throughout the season. Featured in this list is our Winter Wonderland Plaque Frame (SKU: 111038) perfect for displaying warm winter memories, one of the many winter themed home décor pieces from Primitives by Kathy.
Gifts & Decorative Accessories Selects Primitives by Kathy for Favorite Beer Themed Gifts
AUGUST 2023
International Beer Day takes place on the first Friday of August every year. Gifts & Decorative Accessories featured one of the many gifts for beer lovers Primitives by Kathy has to offer in their editors’ favorites list of beer themed gift ideas perfect for people who celebrate beer’s year-round popularity.
Giftbeat Awards Primitives by Kathy Top Ranks for Functional Gifts and Journals
APRIL 2023
Primitives by Kathy is honored to be voted a preferred supplier of functional gifts including kitchen towels and pillows as well as our stylish journals. Giftbeat tracks the top vendors in various product categories from a stable of 300 reporting stores across the country and Primitives by Kathy was featured in their most recent reporting for April 2023.
Gift Shop Plus Editor Features Primitives by Kathy Pillows and Wall Décor Featuring Natural Materials
APRIL 2023
With a focus on natural textures and materials, the Editor’s Picks in the newest issue of Gift Shop Plus were selected to remind us of the importance of taking care of the Earth, each other, and ourselves. Click below to see what Primitives by Kathy items were chosen as well as items featured for inspirational design, trending décor, and textured stationery.
Giftbeat Awards Primitives by Kathy Top Ranks for Tea Towels, Holiday Décor, and Pillows & Throws
MARCH 2023
Retailers across the country agree! Primitives by Kathy is a preferred supplier of decorative tea towels as well as holiday décor and pillows & throws. Giftbeat tracks the top vendors in various product categories from a stable of 300 reporting stores across the country and Primitives by Kathy was featured in the most recent reporting.
Gifts & Decorative Accessories 2022 Reader Rankings Features Primitives by Kathy for Best Pet Accessories and Funny Gifts
DECEMBER 2022
The 2022 Readers’ Choice awards reflects the companies that readers selected as their choice for the best in the business in various categories across the wholesale industry. Primitives by Kathy is proud to be named the Best Supplier of both Pet Accessories and Funny Gifts as well as a finalist for Kitchen Tools and Tea Towels. Thank you to everyone that voted for us!
Better Homes & Gardens Features “Happy Fall Y’all” Kitchen Towel As Fall Essential
September 2021
This dish towel is a perfect housewarming gift for a new homeowner. The white 28-inch square towel features leaves in purple, orange, and yellow with "Happy Fall Y'all" written in orange script. If you're in need of more fall dish towels, you're in luck, as this option comes in three additional autumn-inspired prints that are all machine-washable.
Gift Shop Plus Editor Features PBK “Always a Fighter” Benefit Socks in Trend Report: For A Good Cause
July 2021
100% of the proceeds from the sale of this pair of socks are donated directly to Help the Fight. Help the Fight is a non-profit organization that provides supportive funding for those diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information about this cause, please visit www.helpthefight.org. Over $12,000 raised to date!
Gift Shop Plus Editor Features PBK “Beautiful” Sunflower Garden Flag in Trend Report: Marigold
June 2021
Original artwork created at the Friendship Heart Gallery in downtown Lancaster, PA by artists with intellectual disabilities and autism, this double-sided polyester garden flag features a sunflower field design.
Friday Finds: Top Gear for RV Campers
June 2021
With the mobile lifestyle still going strong in 2021, retailers may want to try out a display of RV camper gifts. This ‘Never Stop Exploring’ chalk sign can bring adventurous personality to an RV’s decor.
Teacher Box Sign & Sock Set Featured on Parents.com
April 2021
17 Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas That Are Way Better Than Another Gift Card
Gifts & Decorative Accessories Editors Pick LOL Socks as Work-From-Home Essential
March 2021
“These are my working-from-home” socks add cozy warmth and quirky office humor to the teleworker’s normal business day.
Giftbeat Names Primitives by Kathy #1 in Dishtowels Category
September 2020
The retailers have voted Primitives by Kathy into this coveted position, as well as top 5 for Message & Inspirational category in the September issue.
From Marine Corps illustrator to dog boutique owner: Tucson artist keeps creative juices flowing
August 2020
John Carrillo channels creative energy in many forms
Giftbeat Names Primitives by Kathy #2 in Dishtowels
June 2020
The retailers have voted Primitives by Kathy into this coveted position, as well as top 5 for wall décor in the June issue.
Kathy's Circle of Friends nonprofit sends more than 170 care packages to adults with special needs..
May 2020
Coronavirus in China is hitting one Lancaster home-décor firm; here’s how it’s adjusting its business.
February 2020
Fig Magazine Features Primitives by Kathy in a Community Story about the Legacy of the Lancaster company.
December 2019
Lancaster Legacies: Primitives by Kathy
Interview with Kathy Phillips, CEO and Founder of Primitives by Kathy
Giftbeat Names Primitives by Kathy #1 in Dishtowels and #2 in Pet
September 2019
The retailers have voted Primitives by Kathy into two coveted positions in the September issue
Giftbeat Names Primitives by Kathy #1 in Humor and Whimsy Gifts
August 2019
Gift Shop Magazine Highlights the Friendship Heart Gallery Collection
July 2019
The Friendship Heart Gallery Collection is a collaborative collection of original art with purpose – providing opportunity through the arts to adults with intellectual disabilities and autism
Giftbeat Names Primitives by Kathy #2 in Wall Decor
June 2019
Primitives by Kathy Reveals New Mission Statement
March 2019
Aligning with Kathy’s passion for giving back, the new mission statement “Combining our passion for creativity with our culture of caring” was revealed company wide along with a celebration of Kathy’s Journey
Primitives by Kathy Shares the 2019 Baby Trend Forecast in Gift Shop Magazine
January 2019
Gift Shop Magazine turned to Primitives by Kathy as the industry resource for the growing baby gifting market
Primitives by Kathy Launches Kathy’s Circle of Friends as an official 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
November 2018
The social organization providing events and opportunities for adults with disabilities and autism supports the mission of Primitives by Kathy and passion for Giving back
Primitives by Kathy Ranks 59 on the Central Penn Business Journal Top 250 Private Companies
August 2018
Primitives by Kathy is proud to announce their appointment to the Central Penn Business Journal Top 250 Private Companies List. This list represents the companies who have experienced year over year growth and continued success.
New Las Vegas Showroom Opens for Summer 2018
August 2018
The new showroom on Floor 7 of Building C features the full line of products and creates an enhanced shopping experience.
Primitives by Kathy makes Debut at Global Pet Expo
March 2018
Showcasing a growing Pet Collection including décor, gifts and functional pet accessories.
Primitives by Kathy Recognized on Inc. 5000 List
August 2017
The recognition is awarded to the fastest growing privately held companies in America – and is a true testament to the dedication and passion of our team and customers.
Primitives by Kathy named to 2017 top 100 Private Companies List by Central Penn Business Journal
July 2017
A team of passionate employees and creative development and superior customer service lead to another year on the list.
A Fastest-Growing Company for 10 Years In a Row
July 2017
For the 10th year in a row, Primitives by Kathy was listed among Central Penn Business Journal's "50 Fastest Growing Companies"
Giftware News Celebrates Primitives by Kathy’s 20th Year
June 2017
Giftware News featured the celebration of our 20th year in their May issue and insight into the story and also a peek behind the scenes of what goes on at Primitives by Kathy to ensure the success of our customers
#1 Wholesaler in Home Décor
June 2017
Primitives by Kathy named #1 Wholesaler in Home Décor in June 2017 Giftbeat Magazine. The source for industry news and trends straight from the retailers themselves.
Primitives by Kathy Sponsors Third UDS Service Puppy
April 2017
The “Puppies in Prison” Service Puppy Program by United Disabilities Services holds a special place in our hearts. Sponsoring a puppy to go through training to become a life-changing companion for someone in need is a cause we’re happy to participate in each time the opportunity presents itself.
PBK's 20th Anniversary Highlighted in Gift Shop Magazine
January 2017
Gift Shop Magazine highlighted Primitives by Kathy in their 2017 Winter issue as we celebrate our 20th year. The article celebrated our success in the industry and shed light on our excitement for the future.
UDS Names PBK Business of the Year
October 2016
Primitives by Kathy was named Business of the Year by the United Disabilities Services Foundation for their ongoing generous contributions to UDS and their Service Dog Program through sponsorships and benefit product donations.
Kathy Named Female Entrepreneur of the Year
September 2016
Kathy Phillips was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Lancaster Barnstormers. The program recognizes professional women in Lancaster, PA for the advancement of women in business and their contributions to their community.
Primitives by Kathy Named Finalist in 2016 Retailer Excellence Awards
August 2016
Honoring the best in the industry – Primitives by Kathy took part in the 65th REA ceremony and celebrated their nomination as a best-in-class manufacturer by the customers and industry we serve.
2015 Fastest Growing Companies in Central PA
October 2015 - Central Penn Business Journal
Each year, the Business Journal sends out surveys to find the fastest-growing companies in Central Pennsylvania, then honors the top 50. Primitives by Kathy ranked #13 as the Fastest Growing Company in Central PA. This was the 9th year in a row we have made the list!
#2 in the Fabric-Themed Category
October 2015 - giftBEAT | Reprinted with permission of Giftbeat,
©2015 | www.giftbeat.com
Primitives by Kathy made the top ten in the Fabric-Themed category of giftBEAT's October 2015 issue, ranking in at #2! We are also ranked #4 in the Wine-Themed category!
GDA Reveals 2015 REA Winners
August 2015 - Gift and Dec
NEW YORK - Gifts and Decorative Accessories' 64th Annual Retailer Excellence Award (REA) Winners were revealed during the annual, gala event at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Primitives by Kathy took home the Retailer's Choice Manufacturer of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Topping the Charts - #1 in the Message Gifts Category
August 2015 - giftBEAT | Reprinted with permission of Giftbeat,
Store owners nationally and regionally voted for their top selling items. PBK finished in the following places this month.
NATIONAL CHARTS: SIGNS/PLAQUES - We placed first! NATIONAL CHARTS: KITCHEN RELATED - We placed second for our Kitchen Related LOL Towels.
Topping the Charts - #1 in Signs and Plaques and #2 in Kitchen-Related Category
July 2015 - giftBEAT | Reprinted with permission of Giftbeat,
©2015 | www.giftbeat.com
Store owners nationally and regionally voted for their top selling Message Gift Items and Primitives by Kathy Ranked #1.
Topping the Charts - #1 in the Home Decor Category
June 2015 - giftBEAT | Reprinted with permission of Giftbeat,
©2015 | www.giftbeat.com
For the second time in a row, Primitives by Kathy ranked #1 in the "Home Decor" category of giftBeat's magazine! Huge thanks to all of our retailers and employees at Primitives by Kathy.
PBK Named Nation's 25th Fastest-Growing Woman-Led Firm
May 2015 - Lancaster Online
Lancaster-based Primitives by Kathy has been named the nation's 25th fastest growing woman-led business. The eighth annual 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies ranking was compiled by the Women Presidents' Organization and American Express.
Women Presidents' Organization Unveils the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies Worldwide
May 2015 - Womens Presidents' Orginization
The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), in partnership with American Express Global Corporate Payments, the division of American Express serving the payment solution needs of middle market and large companies, today released the eighth ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies. For just the second time, nominations were open to global entries.
Topping the Charts - #1 in Signs and Plaques and #4 in Kitchen-Related Category
February 2015 - giftBEAT | Reprinted with permission of Giftbeat,
©2015 | www.giftbeat.com
For the first time ever Primitives by Kathy made the top ten in the Kitchen-Related category of giftBeat's February 2015 issue, ranking in at #4!!! We are also ranked #1 in the Signs/Plaques category again!
2014 Retailer Excellence Awards
October 2014 - Gifts & Dec
It was a glorious summer evening for the 63rd annual Retailer Excellence Awards gala honoring the retailers, manufacturers' representatives and vendors in the gift and home industry for their achievements. Primitives by Kathy and its founder Kathy Phillips were bestowed the honor of the Retailers' Choice Manufacturer/Vendor of the Year award.
Central Penn Business Journal's 2014 Business of the Year
November 11, 2014 - Central Penn Business Journal
The Central Penn Business Journal's 2014 Business of the Year awards held on November 10th, 2014, honored area individuals and businesses that have gone above and beyond in their contributions to our business community. Primitives by Kathy won in the 51-100 Employees category.