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FAS H I O N CANDLES B AT H & B O DY STAT I O N E RY GOURMET G I F TA B L E S

IN THIS ISSUE:

Gourmet Buzz: Foods with Spirit

H O L I DAYS

ALSO INSIDE:

Todays Gift Retailer Gets Social

Today’s Gift Retailer Gets Social ALSO INSIDE: JUNE 2012 GIFTSANDDEC.COM

Today’s Gift Retailer Gets Social

P L AY T H I N G S

ALSO INSIDE:

Â®

'OLDSBORO .# s s WWW PARKDESIGNS NET Circle #276

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CHARTREUSE CURVE

CHARTREUSE ESSENTIALS

CHARTREUSE CLAIRE

CHARTREUSE AVAILABLE IN 25 SIZES SRP $8.95 - $85.95 NO MINIMUM REORDER, IMMEDIATE SHIPPING, NEW FIXTURE PROGRAM VICTORIANHEART.COM/BRANDS/BELLATAYLOR CALL TO REQUEST CATALOG AT 888.334.3099 Circle #292

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BE L L A TAY LOR HANDBAGS, TRAVEL AND ACCESSORIES

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SPRING SETTINGS

KPIZUQVO IVL 5 NEW COLLECTIONS IN OUR SPRING SETTINGS CATALOG: OUTDOOR GATHERINGS | WHITE HOUSE | AMERICAN BLOOM | EYE TRAVEL | STEP INTO SPRING

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Folk Violin

Plays: Amazing Grace

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NEW DAT E PATTERN

AUGUST 19 - 22, 2012 JAVITS CENTER NYC

driven by

design Design. It moves the market. Creates trends. Brings more to the table—and your business. For design-led, high-end cookware and innovative accessories, there’s no marketplace like The Gourmet Housewares Show at NYIGF.. And no better Q3 buying opportunity. Learn more at thegourmetshow.com

thegourmetshow.com

PANTONE UNIVERSE Whisk by ROOM Copenhagen, Gourmet Housewares Show at NYIGF exhibitor. © GLM 2012 Circle #241

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BY THE BEACH

C O M E V I S I T U S AT O U R S H O W R O O M S : DAL L AS

AT L A N TA

L A S V EGA S

Gift Mart 2100 Stemmons Freeway Suite 2301 TM June 20 -26, 2012

Gift Market 230 Spring Street N.W. Building 2, Showroom 1519 July 10 -18, 2012

455 South Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada, 89106 Showroom C-912 July 30 -August 3, 2012

Contact your Ganz Sales Professional

ganz.com

800.724.59 02 Circle #236

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SCAN WITH YOUR SMART PHONE TO LEARN MORE! LIKE US AT FLAUNT FASHION ON

Call or visit our website to find a representative in your area.

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SHOP SMART...SHOP CDM Top-selling items from your favorite vendors, at wholesale prices...with no minimums!

CDM

WHOLESALE home decor BASKETS BERRIES CANDLES & POTPOURRI CANVAS PRINTS CONTAINERS COUNTRY FURNITURE FABRIC & TEXTILES FABRIC DOLLS FLAGS & AMERICANA FLORAL & TREES FRAMED PRINTS HOME DECOR ACCENTS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES LANTERNS LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES NATURALS & GRAPEVINE PACKAGING & BAGS PAPER MACHE BOXES PLATES & ACCESSORIES POTTERY & CROCKS RESIN TREENWARE RUSTY TIN & STARS SEASONAL DECOR TOBACCO LATH WALL DECOR WROUGHT IRON

Audrey’s A Cheerful Giver Allstate Floral & Craft, Inc. Chesapeake Bay, Ltd. Creative Co-op Custom Decor, Inc. Darice Crafts K&K Interiors, Inc. KMI International Gerson International Good Scents Candle Co. Gooseberry Patch Kennedy’s Country Collection Kurt S. Adler Midwest CBK PD Home & Garden Ohio Wholesale Our Own Candle Co. Raz Imports, Ltd. The Hearthside Collection The Packaging Source Thompson’s Candle Co. Transpac Imports, Inc. Upper Deck Vintage Floral Imports Victorian Heart, Inc. Young’s Inc.

196 BROAD STREET, BLUE BALL, PA 17506 | 717.656.7144 | WWW.CDMWHOLESALE.COM Circle #215

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Kitchen aid. 1.866.295.2849 BYKATHY

WWW.PRIMITIVESBYKATHY.COM

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA Circle #280

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HOME

>table

of contents

JUNE 2012 | GIFTSANDDEC.COM FASHION

>departments > Editor’s Letter 24 Re: Gifting 26

CANDLES

Backstory 238 Family-run The Gerson Companies started as a jewelry wholesaler 70 years ago. | By Kathy Krassner We Ask 240 Do you have a financial plan?

BATH & BODY

>fashion>

>candles>

>bath and body>

Go rustic + golden accents and a colorful table.

Fashionable loungewear + gold jewelry and bridal accessories.

Wine inspired + pink looks, jasmine scents, winter notes and candle accessories.

Bath treats + vegan personal care.

Key to the City 113

Bottled Up Scent 141

Dining Out 96

Fashion Lounge 114 By Bessie Nestoras

Pretty in Pink 144

The Art of the Table 98

Golden Touch 120

Rough Yet Refined 89 Golden Rules 92

Fizzy Baths 159 Natural Beauties 160 By Tina Benitez-Eves

Holding Up 146

GOURMET

Runway Bride 122

STATIONERY

>home>

Cool Jasmine 148 Winter Scents 150

GIFTABLES

Organize stylishly + wrapping more than gifts and paper placemats.

Saké to your customers + get in to the Spirits of things and tea delights.

A Stack of Style 169

For the Sake of Saké 175

Neat Eating 170

In the Spirits 176 By Tina Benitez-Eves

Off the Roll 172

Three for Tea 181

>giftables>

>holidays>

Listen in style + gifts for Halloween decor to kick off the back to school, kids decor and fourth quarter buying season. miniature gardens. Trick and Treat 209 Listen Up 185 Them Bones 210 Get Prepped 186 Vintage Spooks 211 Kids Play 188 In Characters 212 Fantasy Gardens 190

PLAYTHINGS

>gourmet>

HOLIDAYS

>stationery>

Learning Values 192 ON THE COVER: Chocolattini made with Pure Chocolate Extract. 4 oz. $8. Nielsen-Massey. 800.525.7873. nielsenmassey.com/wholesale CIRCLE #860

Postal id statement is located on masthead page 22

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june 2012 |

gifts and decorative accessories

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HOME

FASHION

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT & GOURMET PACKAGING

CANDLES

100% Recycled Pretty Petals Shopping Bag Collection

Play Around the Globe 217 What’s Selling: High Flying Sales 218 By Pamela Brill The Game Room 222 Building toy sales through play environments By Richard Gottlieb Playthings News 223

BODY

Playful Retailer: Wackadoodle’s 230 By Pamela Brill

>business

BATH

Road Trip Ready 224 Packable toys keep kids busy on the road. By Pamela Brill

It All Adds Up 28 News Roundup 30

STATIONERY

Lessons from Industry Leaders 36 By Eric Dean GHTA Connect 38 Credit Interchange By John Toler

GOURMET

Social Sailing 42 Tips to help you sail through the stormy seas of social media By Chrsti Tasker

>retail

GIFTABLES

Store Solutions 46 Rep Loyalty; Effective Email By Carol Schroeder

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

Shopkeeper’s Journal 50 Trade Show Travels By Mary Liz Curtin Retail by Design 60 Crab Fest By Melissa Haberstroh Southern Hospitality 62 For 60 years, Barbara Stewart Interiors has served customers. By Nina Riggs

Packaging with

Today’s Gift Retailer 65 In 2012, gift retailers see results from the use of social media. By Stephanie Nickell

Purpose

800-547-9727 • www.NashvilleWraps.com/GDA

>markets International Report: Manila FAME 54 Market Calendar 232 Show Previews 234

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The warm, welcoming JIIP SJ E [SSH ½VI Available in select holiday and everyday fragrances, including new Crackling Pine Cone

Natural wood is combined with the traditional LumiWick™ to create a crackling ¾EQI [MXL E WSJX radiant glow.

Visit Our Showroom · Atlanta Giftmart, Building 2, #1306 Dealer Service Center — 800.792.6180 Circle #317

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FASHION

HOME

gifts and decorative accessories

Caroline Kennedy EDITOR IN CHIEF

ckennedy@giftsanddec.com SENIOR EDITOR

CANDLES

BUSINESS EDITOR EDITORS-AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PUBLISHER

BODY

MIDWEST, PENNSYLVANIA AND CANADA WEST COAST, LOUISIANA NORTHEAST/SOUTHEAST ONLINE SALES MANAGER

BATH

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF WEB OPERATIONS AUDIENCE MARKETING DIRECTOR ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER PRODUCTION MANAGER

STATIONERY

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST SUBSCRIPTIONS

Bessie Nestoras • bnestoras@giftsanddec.com Tina Benitez-Eves • teves@giftsanddec.com Kathy Krassner • kkrassner@giftsanddec.com Pamela Brill • pambrill@talkingwalnut.com Linda Cahan, Carol L. Schroeder, Richard Gottlieb, Melissa Haberstroh, Cinda Baxter, Christi Tullis, Mark Battersby, Ken Nisch, Mary Liz Curtin Desiree Nunez • dnunez@giftsanddec.com Warren Shoulberg • wshoulberg@giftsanddec.com Nancy Wolkow 646.805.0228 • nwolkow@giftsanddec.com Garry P. Grenier 224.558.9996 • ggrenier@giftsanddec.com Joy Adams 336.605.1071 • jadams@giftsanddec.com Leigh Rippy 336.605.1136 • lrippy@giftsanddec.com Penny Schneck 336.605.1084 • pschneck@sandowmedia.com Spencer Whittle 336.605.1027 • swhittle@sandowmedia.com Karen Hancock 336.605.1047 • khancock@sandowmedia.com Chris Schultz 336.605.1076 • cschultz@sandowmedia.com Allison Ternes 704.573.9007 • aternes@sandowmedia.com Virginia Engle 646.805.0234 • vengle@giftsanddec.com Chris Nicely 336.605.1058 • cnicely@giftsanddec.com Mynda Bullock • mbullock@sandowmedia.com 800.309.3332, Outside of U.S.: 515.247.2984

Adam I. Sandow CHAIRMAN AND CEO

VICE PRESIDENT OF CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP PUBLISHER PRESIDENT OF FURNITURE TODAY RETAIL GROUP

GOURMET

DESIGN DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNERS, SPECIAL PROJECTS

Yolanda E. Yoh Christopher Fabian James Dimonekas Kevin Castellani Dean Sebring Alvaro Diaz-Rubio, Valerie Sebring, Alyson Stokkers

OVERSEAS SALES

MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THAILAND

GIFTABLES

INDIA

MEXICO

HOLIDAYS

CHINA

N D O W

Quentin Chan quentinchan@leadingm.com Leading Media Ltd., Kowloon, Hong Kong (852) 2366 1106 Fax: (852) 2366 1107 Kaushal Shah kaushal@kaushals.com Mumbai, India +91 22 5663 4597 Terry Weinberg salproterry@yahoo.com.mx Grupo Salpro S.A. de C.V., Mexico City 5255 5276-6380 Fax: 5255 5273-1681 Nancy Yu nancy@oceaniamedia.com Oceania International Group Ltd., Shanghai, China +86 21 61409866 Fax: +86 21 6539 0321

M E D I

HONG KONG, INDONESIA, KOREA,

™

Always exceeding expectations.

PLAYTHINGS

360 PARK AVE SOUTH 17TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10010

3731 NW 8TH AVE BOCA RATON, FL 33431 561.750.0151 sandowmedia.com

Gifts and Decorative Accessories® (USPS 432-050) (ISSN 0016-9889), the international publication of the gift industry, is published monthly except for the combined March/April and September/October issues by Sandow Media, 360 Park Ave. South, 17th floor, New York, NY 10010-1710. Subscription rates: $63.99 one year, $115.99 two years, $179.99 three years in the U.S. Additional subscription rates: (Canada/Mexico) $69.99 one year; other international, $159.99 one year. Single copy sales: $10.00 (US). Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40624074. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6. In other countries, $159.99 one year. Subscription address: Gifts and Decorative Accessories®, P.O. Box 5879, Harlan, IA 51593-1379; (800) 309-3332. Outside the United States, call (515) 247-2984. Requests may also be e-mailed to us at GDAcustserv@cdfulfillment.com. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Please give 60 days notice for change of address. Direct other inquiries to: Gifts and Decorative Accessories, 360 Park Ave. South, 17th floor, New York, NY 10010; (646) 805-0228. Copyright © 2012 by Sandow Media; all rights reserved. Gifts and Decorative Accessories® and Gifts and Dec® are registered trademarks of Sandow Media. Printed in the USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gifts and Decorative Accessories®, P.O. Box 5879, Harlan, IA 51593-1379. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40624074. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6.

giftsanddec.com

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pt, kitchen and living accessories

Silly affordable gifts & gadgets

Wanted Fashionable Gifts & Accessories

J.I.P. Kids accessories

BUD Desginer Ducks & functional gifts

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HOME

>editor’s letter

FASHION

Need a little inspiration?

Adapting to Change

CANDLES

Always.

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

BODY

I’ V E B E E N I N T H I S I N D U S T RY L O NG E NOUGH T O HAV E OB SE RV E D A LO T AS W E M ANAGE T H E UP AND D OW N, I N AND O UT DY NAM ICS T H AT SUR RO UND US. ONE T H I NG I KNOW IS FOR SUR E: W E AR E AN ADAP TAB L E LO T. AF T E R AL L, EAC H SEAS ON, W E G O T O M AR KE T T O ADAP T O UR M E RC H ANDISE M I X T O CUR R E N T T R E NDS AND CHANGI NG LI FE ST YLE S.

GIFTABLES

Endless finds for every room, all under one very big roof. Make your travel plans now to attend.

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

Dallas Total Home & Gift MarketTM June 20-26, 2012 September 8-10, 2012

dallasmarketcenter.com I (214) 744-7444

What I saw at the recent National Stationery Show is a perfect example of how we adapt. The rise of electronic technology for communication — the Internet, email, social media, mobile phones — has impacted the way we communicate. Where once we used to send a letter, today we send an email. Where once we used to send a fill-in invitation for a casual get-together, today we send an evite. Where once, every bride-to-be went to a stationer to choose her wedding papers, today many brides go online to order savethe-dates, invitations and informal notes. And everywhere we go, businesses are encouraging customers to go “paperless” — not a healthy thing for an industry based in paper, leading to rumors in recent years of its imminent demise. To paraphrase Mark Twain, “Reports of the stationery T O DAY ’S GI F T R E TA I L E R S A R E industry’s death are greatly B E C O M I NG T E C H SAV V Y A N D exaggerated.” H AV E E M B R AC E D S O C I A L M E DI A , Yes, some types of papers E S PE C I A L LY FAC E B O O K . have fallen more or less by the wayside, but not all, because the younger techie generation still appreciates the specialness of paper. So rather than being threatened by technology, stationery companies have been challenged by and are embracing it — incorporating QR codes on wedding response cards and into greeting cards; merging online convenience with in-store service; providing affordable customization and personalization, and more. It is perhaps the independent retailer who was the slowest of all of us to adapt to the new technologies, but not any more; they too have “gotten with the program.” Today’s gift retailers are becoming tech savvy and have embraced social media, especially Facebook, as our latest survey shows. Social media is providing them with a means to reach out to current customers and attract new customers as never before and on a more personal level. While it is challenging for them to understand the “how-to,” learn what to post and make the time to manage it, the personal connection with their patrons is worth it when it gets them to cross the threshold and make purchases in their store.

— Caroline Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief

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HOME

>re: gifting

FASHION

Need a little inspiration?

The Summer Wind

CANDLES

Always.

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

BODY

BESIDES BEING THE NAME OF A TERRIFIC SINATRA SONG — FOREVER ETCHED INTO MY MEMORY AS THE SOUNDTRACK FOR A GREAT SCENE IN AN OTHERWISE OBSCURE MICKEY ROURKE MOVIE CALLED THE POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE — THE SUMMER WIND IS ALSO WHAT’S ABOUT TO START BLOWING INTO THE GIFT AND HOME BUSINESS SELLING SEASON.

GIFTABLES

Endless finds for every room, all under one very big roof. Make your travel plans now to attend.

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

Dallas Total Home & Gift MarketTM June 20-26, 2012 September 8-10, 2012

Is your inside ready for their outside? It’s not exactly a big secret that the outdoor space in today’s home — called the backyard, the deck, the patio, the terrace, the front porch or even the rooftop — has taken on much added significance for most Americans these days. Those of us who don’t live in outdoor weather all year round mark our calendars for the start of the outdoor season, which can range from Easter to Memorial Day to July 4th weekend depending on where you live. Suffice it to say that by the time you’re reading this, the outdoor season is in full swing. Yet I wonder if most gift and home stores are really taking full advantage of the merchandising opportunities inherent in the great outdoors. We’re not just talking about some melamine plates and a few tiki torches. All you’ve got to do is walk around any of the wholesale trade shows IT’S T H E ONE SEASONAL EVE NT and market centers and the T HAT IS NON-DE NOMINAT IONAL, amount of product available W IT HOUT P OLIT ICS AND GE NE RALfor outdoor living is simply LY LOOKE D UP ON AS T H E BEST T I M E astonishing. OF T H E YEAR BY MOST PE OPLE. As such the category is just begging for its own dedicated area in a store. Maybe it’s off the front window, maybe a store is extra lucky and has a little outdoor space out back. Wherever it is, it deserves the merchandising attention given to Christmas, Halloween or any other critical seasonal event. To ignore the sales potential of the outdoor business is to be walking away from a big chunk of potential revenue. And yes, it has all the pitfalls of any other product category that has a finite amount of time it can be sold. There are markdowns to be taken, inventory to be disposed of or, worse, put away until next year. And because so much of the season revolves around novelty products there is the danger that once the moment passes you won’t even be able to give the stuff away. With all of those negatives, the positives still far outweigh them and make it all worth the effort. It’s the one seasonal event that is non-denominational, without politics and generally looked upon as the best time of the year by most people. You’ve got to love the way Nat King Cole put it: “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. You’ll wish that summer could always be here.” —Warren Shoulberg, Editorial Director

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TM TM

___________ WATERCOLOR GARDEN __________ connect with us: mwcbk.com | 800 .394 .4225 |

/midwest-cbk

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HOME FASHION

>business IT ALL ADDS UP

YOUTHFUL SPENDING

Marketing Millennials

80% | of Millennial consumers, ages 18-34, say that

GE N-Y, OR M I LLE NNIAL, C ONSUM E RS ARE Q UICKLY BE C OM I NG T H E APPLE OF MARKET E RS’ EYES, ACCORDI NG TO PACKAGE D FACTS.

CANDLES

it's important to get the lowest price on most things that they purchase, according to the "How America Shops MegaTrends" report by WSL/Strategic Retail.

63% | only stick to those brands and stores that they know they can afford. 60% | of those surveyed are more likely to choose a

BODY

lower-priced brand over their usual one if they can save some money.

57% | are likely to search online first for discounts

BATH

before shopping.

• Marketers are targeting Millennials in their late 20s as they invest more in their home and children. The survey found that 50% of those 22-29 years old with a college degree or more expect their financial situation to improve in the next year as well.

STATIONERY

Retailers Lure Consumers In-Store, Online MORE RETAILERS ARE DRIVING CUSTOMERS INTO THEIR PHYSICAL STORE BY FINE-TUNING THEIR WEBSITES AND INTEGRATING THEM INTO THEIR BUSINESS, ACCORDING RESEARCH BY BRONTO SOFTWARE. Retail websites were the most promoted channel in store, according to 58% of the re-

tailers surveyed. QR Codes came in second at 21% with retailers using this method in-store to provide instant access to product information and other store content; 37% place QR codes in their store windows.

GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

• Of the Millennials surveyed, 43% of those between 25-29 believe that they will be better off financially in the next 12 months — twice the rate of Baby Boomers and seniors in the 45-plus age bracket.

28%

Small Biz Women The Small Business Administration found that women, account for 28 percent of all privately owned businesses in the U.S. They also contribute $2.38 trillion in revenue to the U.S. economy and employ more than 9.2 million people. By 2018, it's predicted that women entrepeneurs will create between 5 and 5.5 million new jobs nationwide, according the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute. Guardian also reported that female managers are more likely than their male counterparts to be engaged in strategic and tactical facets of their business. They're also proactively customer-focused, more likely to incorporate the community and environment into their business plans and receptive to input and guidance from internal and external advisers.

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Hybrid Channels in Retail > ONLINE VS. IN-STORE. In 2012, 46% of consumers say that they plan on increasing their shopping online, while only 8% say they will boost their in-store purchasing, according to the Multichannel Shopping Survey by hybris. > BRICK AND MORTAR APP. Consumers continue to turn to digital channels to help with purchases. Of the consumers surveyed, 19% admit to browsing a mobile device while in store to evaluate all their options: 66% use it to compare prices; 27% compare product offerings and 7% are reading online recommendations. > GETTING PERSONAL. If a store offers personalized

deals, 40% of consumers say they would return, while 42% would return for in-store mobile promotions. > IN-STORE LOYALTY. Pickups and returns build loyalty: 45% of consumers say that in-store pickups for online purchases are most important, while returns are more valuable for 28%. If retailers offer in-store returns, 83% of respondents would shop there again, and 73% admit that in-store pickups would make them a repeat customer.

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HOME FASHION

>business NEWS ROUNDUP

GCA Honors Best Cards at 24th Annual Louie Awards

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

BODY

CANDLES

NEW YORK –The Greeting Card Association (GCA) held its annual Louie Awards presentation, on Sunday, May 20, in New York City. The Louie Awards circus-themed gala, entitled “The Greatest Cards on Earth!” was the opening night highlight of the National Stationery Show (NSS). After a lively musical overture performed by the evening's “ring masters” Rob Fortier and Meryl Hooker of the Center Aisle Group, and opening remarks by Patti Stracher, director of the NSS and GCA executive vice president, and Susan January, GCA president and vice president of Leanin’ Tree, the evening's “acts” honoring the best in 64 categories took center ring, leading up to the grand finale — the naming of the two Cards of the Year. Taking top honors for Card of the Year (Above $3.50) went to first-time Louie entrant Maginating, which also took a win in the Romantic Occasions (Above $3.50) category. Card of the Year ($3.50 and Below) honors also went to Ecka & Pecka (pictured) for its Amy Smyth-designed card, which also won in the Congratulations & Special Occasion categories.

Card of the Year. Ecka & Pecka picked up

PLAYTHINGS

honors at the 2012 Louie Awards.

Industry Experts Discuss Social Media-Stationery Links at NSS NEW YORK – On opening day, industry experts from Twitter, American Greetings, Crane & Co. and the Wall Street

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Journal looked at the links between the digital world and how it will impact the future of stationery during the “Social Stationery: What’s New, What’s Next?” conference. Speakers addressed how consumers’ connection to social media, whether it’s Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter, are impacting the paper world across multiple platforms from stationery design and messaging to the way manufacturers market and retailers promote paper goods. All are playing a role in how consumers connect to one another and where paper goods fit in to their digitized lives, particularly the Millennial or Gen-Y generation. “Even though they live in a digital world, they also see a role for paper products,” said Kelly Ricker, executive director of product development, American Greetings. Despite the fact that they’re online most of their time, Millennials write more than any other generation and are tired of the impersonal nature of social media, according to Ricker, so when they need to get a special message across, they want something more authentic: paper. Elizabeth Bailey Weil, head of creative ad product development at Twitter and founder of the letterpress stationery company, Paperwheel Press, urged the industry not to fear social media and instead use it to respond to consumers, whether it’s good or bad feedback. “People are already talking about your business, so you should be part of it, even if people are saying something negative,” said Weil. Katherine Rosman, feature reporter for the Wall Street Journal discussed paper as an art form and shared some examples of how technology is being displayed on paper from Flywheel Press’ 140 Characters or Less cards that include sayings with Twitter hashtags and a letterpressed cell phone with the words “I love you more than this” from Paperwheel Press. “There’s no cause for alarm that technology will eradicate paper,” said Rosman. “It will change the way we use it.” Stationery is becoming a medium in and of itself, according to Rosman. “Sta-

tionery is making smart observations about our digital culture,” she said. “It’s commentary on how we live our lives. Culture is being captured on paper.”

MMPI, L.A. Mart Set California Show Dates Through 2019 LOS ANGELES – MMPI and L.A. Mart have set the schedule for the California Gift Show (CGS) through July 2019. The CGS schedule, which includes show dates for both the L.A. Mart and Los Angeles Convention Center venues, reinforces the continuing position of the L.A. Mart as a permanent showroom and exhibit space and demonstrates MMPI’s long term commitment to the Los Angeles gift and home market. Hosted bi-annually in January and July, CGS is a destination gift and home market that highlights the California lifestyle and the region’s distinction for both product innovation and its influence on consumer purchasing habits.

GHTA Partners with Disney GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) has partnered with the Disney Institute for The Incredible Race, which will take place during its 10th Annual Conference, October 2-4. The Incredible Race is a teambuilding activity designed to help encourage teamwork, communication and problem-solving techniques for GHTA conference attendees, which include sales representatives, manufacturers, retailers and industry resource suppliers. “This is a one-of-a-kind, education experience for our guests,” said John Keiser, chair of the GHTA Conference Committee and board vice president. “The Incredible Race develops critical team success factors, including collaborations, leadership, problem solving and trust through a fun, engaging and interactive activity. These factors allow for professional growth and development within the work environment.” Set in the Disney Theme Parks,

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A friend for life. I’ll go anywhere your imagination takes me. Always your friend,

adam

The Doodles Man ®

only at Design Ideas

www.designideas.net 800.426.6394

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Time for business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; time for trends The latest interior design styles, fashionable home accessories, attractive gift ideas and jewelry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everything for your autumn, winter and Christmas trade and a preview of the trends for the coming spring season. More than 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world, innovative design areas and special inspirational presentations: Tendence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the trade show highlight of the second half of the year for the home and gift markets. tendence.messefrankfurt.com info@usa.messefrankfurt.com Tel. 770.984.8016

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sawdustcity wholesale

.com

THOUSANDS OF SIGNS!

participants will solve a series of challenging puzzles and team activities to progress to the next challenge point. The top three teams with the best communications, teamwork and finishing times will win.

Seasons & Holidays Seaside & Vacation Lake & River Cabin & Cottage Spiritual & Inspirational Wedding & Anniversary Pet & Animal Family & Friends Humorous & Sassy Hunting & Fishing Food & Drink MUCH MORE!

Macef Show Set for September MILAN, ITALY – Macef, the International Home Show, will take place September 6-9 at Fiera Milano’s new fairground in Rho, Italy. The fair brings together major national and international brands in five product sectors: Home Decor; Tableware/ Kitchenware; Silverware; Bijoux, Gold, Fashion, Accessories and Gifts. One of the major draws to the fair is the showcase of the best in Italian design and the presentation of Madein-Italy products, which represent the quality and craftsmanship for which Italian production is known. “Opera Italiana,” a special juried section devoted to the excellence of Italian manufacturing and design, will showcase a range of Italian enterprise from major brands to small artisan enterprises. The area will be set up in themed display vignettes inspired by Italian lifestyles and room settings — both classic and contemporary. Textile accessories, lighting ceramics, glass, small leather items and more will be on display.

& BATH STATIONERY GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

National Candle Association Sees Solid Year Ahead in 2012

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Something for every home or occasion!

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Handcrafted in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Candle Association (NCA) concluded its annual trade show meeting and predicts that 2012 will be a strong one for the candle industry. More than 300 leading candle manufacturers, suppliers and distributors gathered at the annual meeting in Las Vegas, April 16-19, to exchange information on business challenges, regulatory developments and design trends that are impacting the industry. Participants reportedly agreed that 2012 looks like a strong year for candle sales with more consumers looking to save money by relaxing at home and using candles for home decor and gifts.

The Artisan Group Adds Gifts and Decor to Celeb Swag Bags LOS ANGELES – Actors Kristen Stewart, Ryan Gosling and others attending this year’s MTV Movie Awards in June will get a sampling of some of the gift industry’s best. The Artisan Group has pulled together an exclusive swag bag of handcrafted jewelry, bath and body products, hand-poured candles, designer stationery, pet toys and other accessories worth nearly $1,500 for attendees. On June 1-2, The Artisan Group, which works with specialty manufacturers to create a sampling of unique gifts for celebrities attending televised award shows, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Primetime Emmys, will present these gifts to celebrities attending the Luxury Gift Lounge in Beverly Hills, CA, to honor the 2012 MTV Movie Awards, June 3. Among the participating manfacturers of The GBK 2012 MTV Movie Awards Luxury Gift Lounge event are: The BeezKneez Designs (created by The Artisan Group’s founder Valerie Guerrero); Baby Button Tops; AussenWolf Designs; Jolio Design; Tracey Gurley Bath & Body; Sophisticated Pup; Starlet Glam Bath & Body; Catcophony Wearable Art; Four Black Paws; Paper and Place and a host of others.

Uttermost Family to Receive ARTS Academy of Achievement Award DALLAS – The Cooper family of Uttermost will receive the Dallas Market Center and Accessories Resource Team’s (ART) Academy of Achievement Award at the 24th Annual ARTS Awards, scheduled for January 19, 2013, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. The company was founded in 1975 by Bob and Belle Cooper and is currently led by their son, Mac Cooper. Uttermost is known for its extensive collections of accent furniture, mirrors, wall decor, art, lighting, permanent botanicals and more.

Furniture, Decor, Displays, and Over 2,500 Signs! Circle #316

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HOME FASHION

>business TECHNOLOGY

BY ERIC DEAN

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Lessons from Industry Leaders

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ONE REASON I LOVE WORKING FOR A TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SERVING THE GIFT AND HOME INDUSTRY IS GETTING TO TALK WITH A LOT OF SMART PEOPLE WHILE THEY MAKE CRITICAL STRATEGIC DECISIONS FOR THEIR BUSINESSES. Helping these industry leaders wrestle with priorities and options gives us unique insights because we get to compare technology strategies and results across multiple companies. What follows is a small collection of observations on what’s working for industry leaders today.

Personalize the Electronic Touches

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Tailoring each communication to the individual’s specific situation and needs makes the touch more relevant and compelling, invariably yielding better conversions. This is intuitive, but we’ve seen hard proof over the last few years. Substituting a targeted and personalized email program for the typical one-size-fits-all blast can dramatically improve results: across our portfolio of companies, we have seen click through rates increase by 60 percent and conversion rates by 300 percent. The same principle applies on websites. Personalized sites can target different offers, sales, or messaging based upon customer location or behavior. Again, higher relevance to users equates to better conversion and more sales. And, a benefit of the accelerating speed of technology evolution means that these tools are now easily deployable and affordable.

Embrace the Mobile/Tablet Movement We’ve seen a dramatic 207 percent increase in mobile gift and home

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website traffic from Q1 2011 to Q1 2012 (Whereoware 2012). When that growth is paired with the fact that there are now 55 million iPads and 475 million smartphones in the field makes the emphatic point that the mobile Internet has arrived and is very real today in the gift and home industry. Our own experience shows one major industry client getting 25 percent of its site traffic from mobile devices. This will only become more prevalent. Now is the time to develop a mobile strategy, and it’s actually pretty easy and inexpensive to get in the game. Websites can be developed to be responsive so they automatically resize based on screen size. Emails should be designed with larger fonts to improve readability and bigger calls-to-action for easy selection by fingertips.

Manage the Catalog Evolution Catalogs remain a key component of a successful go-to-market plan, but they are expensive, short-lived, and hard to distribute. Almost every strategic marketing conversation that Whereoware has had lately seems to include the rapidly changing role of the catalog. The stack of books sales

representatives used to carry can now live on one tablet where product imagery pops on the high-definition screen and catalogs become searchable and shoppable. The importance of great photography and page layout remains, but you can save tremendously on printing and mailing costs. Moreover, updates to pricing and availability are immediately accessible to the sales force, and can be distributed via email, social and other platforms.

Final Thoughts Technology is a long-term investment. The good news is that high adoption levels by the Industry means that you can look for a quick payback. It does not need to be all or nothing. Even incremental improvements can show short-term benefits. Be proactive! Don’t sit back and wait to see what might happen. Instead, plot your strategy and get going, even if your first step is a small one. Eric Dean is president of Whereoware, an online and mobile strategy, design, development and marketing company based in Herndon, VA. He can be reached at edean@whereoware.com.

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HOME

>business playthings GHTA CONNECT

FASHION

2); JVSQ 'EJJGS

Credit Interchange

CANDLES

Getting customer credit information just got a whole lot easier. B Y J OH N T OL E R , E V E R G R E E N E N T E R P R I S E S

Perfect for ladies who love making a statement, Jennifer Jangles creates joyful, bright and festive Jewelry & Bags for women of all ages.

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THE GHTA HAS TEAMED UP WITH ABC-AMEGA, A FACILITATOR OF CREDIT INTERCHANGES, TO TACKLE ONE OF THE GIFT, GARDEN AND HOME INDUSTRY’S LARGEST CHALLENGES, THE CREDIT PROCESS BETWEEN RETAILERS AND VENDORS.

[Creativity Featured Daily.]

www.caffco.com

Most if not all of you can relate to either a poor experience you have had as a retailer unable to secure a credit line due to a vendor “not having enough information” or as a vendor wanting to extend credit to a retailer, yet unable to secure adequate references. The GHTA-GAIN Credit Interchange is an established system in which vendors collaborate with each other, sharing credit information related to the retailers they deal with in an effort to lift all boats and benefit our three industry stakeholders: retailers, vendors and sales agencies. The interchange is very simple in concept and designed for vendors both small and large. For vendors new to the industry, this can prove to be a helpful tool when establishing a credit department. Each month, all participating vendors in the interchange will send their account receivable experience on the retailers with whome they do business to ABC-Amega. ABC-Amega then processes this data, ensures that it will only be used by participants of the interchange for the purpose of credit reference, and then makes the information available online for vendors to access 24-7. For each report, the vendor pays a small fee based on volume usage. Only vendors who share their accounts receivable experience can participate, and only vendors’ accounts receivable experience is placed within the interchange.

cisions related to a line or expansion of a line. Additionally, because this information is refreshed often and online 24-7, they can render decisions about extending credit quickly. Ten or 15 years ago, the industry practice of providing a credit sheet listing the vendors with whom a retailer did business worked. The downside of this form of collaboration was that it required a series of phone calls or faxes to collect all of the information. Essentially, the GHTA-GAIN Interchange replaces that process with a more efficient one; all a vendor needs to do is provide one electronic file every month.

Benefit to Retailers

GHTA Connect is a forum of the Gift and Home Trade Assn. For more information, visit www.giftandhome.org or call 877.600.4872.

For retailers, this vendor collaboration leads to an excellent reference tool they can use when granting credit de-

Benefit to Sales Agencies There is a benefit to the industry’s sales agencies who, far too often, spend valuable time taking orders that will never ship simply because vendors have inadequate information to make a credit decision. This interchange can eliminate that problem. Thus sales agencies and vendors both benefit in that process. I often hear the industry needs to collaborate more and move away from the adversarial approach, which has too often dominated discussions between the vendors, sales agencies and retailers. The GHTA-GAIN Interchange is such an opportunity. To learn more about the interchange, please contact a GHTA member or visit the GHTA website.

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DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN NEW YORK! TIP

NYIGF Preview By Traci L. Suppa

NY INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR ®

AUGUST 18 - 22, 2012

JAVITS CENTER - PIERS 92 + 94

If it’s not on your calendar yet, it should be. The New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) is the market where new products, new talents and emerging trends all come together in the design capital of the world. This summer, you’ll find the lifestyle categories you’re sourcing now from 2,800+ exhibitors with 100,000 product lines.

Register now for NYIGF and SAVE! Registration is FREE for qualified buyers. Register online at NYIGF.com by August 14, and you’ll save the on-site fee.

This summer marks the return of The Gourmet Housewares Show® at NYIGF as well as new locations for NYIGF’s Baby & Child, Handmade® Global Design and New York’s Newest. See emerging home design trends at the new Open House product display, and visit the new NYIGF Bookstore, sponsored by Artisan, a division of Workman Publishing. Get a head-start on sourcing by visiting www.NYIGF.com. Use the Online Catalog Gallery or the search tool to find products by name, category or keyword. For on-the-go efficiency, download the free NYIGF Wayfinder app to your mobile device. Here’s a look at several products you’ll find this summer at NYIGF.

Today’s Gourmet Signature Mills Group x5 WB by Robert Welch Designs, Inc Robust enough for everyday kitchen use, but elegant enough for table display, these salt and pepper mills were designed to complement the sleek, contemporary lines of the knife and utensil ranges. The body, made of ABS material with a tactile finish, is easy to clean. The 18/10 stainless steel top is comfortably rounded and operated with minimum effort. Mix and match colors and sizes. www.robertwelch.com Cheese Board and Knife by The French Farm The patterns and grain of olive wood, sustainably harvested from trees no longer bearing fruit, is emphasized by the craftsmen who produce these oneof-a-kind boards and utensils. They are from Berard, an artisanal maker in the mountains of Provence, specializing in handcrafted olive wood kitchenware since 1892. www.thefrenchfarm.com

Expandable Snack Container by Aladdin, a brand of PMI Pack. Snack. Collapse. For on-the-go munching, this new expandable snack container makes it easy as 1-2-3. The 12oz size is car cup friendly, and perfect for everything from fish crackers to baby carrots. The 24oz version features a wide mouth for chips or large pretzels. Both are dishwasher safe. www.pmi-worldwide.com/aladdin/ Spectra Champagne Glasses by Sagaform It’s the playful colors, as well as the hand painted details on the stems of Spectra line glassware which bring a sense of party to everyday dining. The two color stories feature pinks and purples or blues and greens. The Champagne glasses, sold in sets of two, complement the collection’s wine glasses, tumblers, carafes and dessert glasses. www.sagaform.com/us

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Trendy Tots Parents® Bug Bungalow & Magniﬁer Set™ by Manhattan Toy Inspiring scientiﬁc discovery, stimulating imaginations and inspiring role play, this set is part of the Parents line of developmental toys with contemporary styling. Kids have all the encouragement and tools they need to catch and observe the creepy crawlies from the world around them. Age: 3+. www.manhattantoy.com

Loader Wooden Push Toy by manny and simon This transportation collection is a contemporary twist on the classic push toy. The built-in handle is designed for little hands to grab and roll. The entire collection is made from 100% post-industrial recycled wood residuals which meet the most stringent formaldehyde emission standards in the world. They are painted with non-toxic, zero VOC paint. www.mannyandsimon.com Sunflower Flip Flop Socks by JazzyToes The cutest flip flops for little feet are actually socks! A fun take on a summer necessity, this popular design features a bright yellow sunflower on a brown flip flop. As part of the eco-friendly Bamboo Collection, these are made with 85% bamboo rayon, 10% nylon and 5% elastane. www.jazzytoes.com

Hooded towels by ZOOCCHINI At the beach or after a bath, every child will ﬁnd their favorite creature among this collection of premium, 100% cotton terry or velour towels. Seven new characters have just been introduced, including duck, dog, frog, ﬂower, owl, polar bear and shark. www.zoocchini.com

Designed By Hand Rare Earth Coil by Acacia Creations This colorful fair trade bracelet is handmade in Kenya, using only recycled and natural materials. Each piece is unique, and features beads from recycled magazine paper, recycled glass, ostrich eggshell, semi-precious stones, terra cotta and recycled brass. www.acacia-creations.com

Ice Cream Ornaments by Melange Collection Colorful glass beads are meticulously woven together by hand to create three-dimensional ornaments in a whimsical, familiar shape. They are produced under Fair Trade guidelines by a cooperative of talented women in Guatemala. www.wholesale.melangecollection.com

Hot Pads by Snow Leopard Trust Made of 100% sheep wool, these sturdy, heat-resistant pads are handmade in the Kazakh region of Mongolia. Proceeds from the sale of this product beneﬁt efforts to protect the endangered snow leopard. Available with all natural or colored trim in a variety of patterns, they are 10 inches in diameter. www.snowleopard.org Fused Glass Earrings by Dunitz & Company, Inc. Part of a brand new collection, these earrings are handmade from fused glass, and are available in twelve different color combinations. The diamond shape measures approximately 5/8” x 5/8”. They are made in Guatemala by Mayan Indian women under Fair Trade Federation guidelines. www.dunitz.com

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HOME FASHION

>business SOCIAL MATTERS

Social Sailing

CHRISTI TASKER is a retailer turned social branding expert.

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Tips to help you sail through the stormy seas of social media

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TRIMMING THE SAILS OF YOUR SOCIAL SAILBOAT IS MORE THAN PIMPING OUT YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, CHANGING TWITTER BACKGROUNDS, AND UPDATING LINKEDIN PROFILES. And now even joining Google+ and pinning like crazy on Pinterest isn’t enough to keep the ship sailing in the right direction. According to a recent New York University study, only 8 percent of businesses are satisfied with their consumer interaction. Never fear! The storm may be close, but with these tips you’ll balance the boat and reduce drag in no time. Grab a hold of the tiller (boat steering wheel) and enjoy smooth sailing on your social sites. Ask yourself : Who’s attention am I seeking? What actions should they take? Why am I investing time and money into social media? Many businesses are completely engaged in massive numbers of fans or followers, but it is more important to have fans that spend time, money and energy with your business than to have enormous amounts of people who don’t care about your company. Strategy? What’s that? As with everything in business, strategy is main sail, so don’t be caught in the storm without it! Select social sites that match brand demographics and fit the business model. Zappos.com is our favorite in segmenting its social platforms for various forms of engagement. They utilize Twitter as a rudder, a real live customer service tool. This is a pretty smart decision considering only the last 3,200 tweets can be accessed per user account, meaning gripey tweets quickly diminish when thousands

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of tweets are responded to each day. And really? Who goes back and reads tweets? It’s rare, very rare. Facebook is the Zappos.com Customer Happy Land! They can’t exactly drive the Happy Bus onto the web, but they can use Facebook as the mainsail for Happiness! Through contests and giveaways — both which encourage interaction — customer engagement rises. Targeting customers by their personal LIKES, Zappos.com utilizes Facebook advertising to reach buyers. On Pinterest, Zappos.com gains an enormous amount of traffic from direct pins from their own website. Their company Pinterest site is used to push direct buyers of a specific product to their website, just as a jib (smaller fixed sail) does on a sailboat. Along the way they are catching wind like crazy by building back links for their main site. Social Media must become a part of your overall marketing approach vs. a secondary thought.

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HOME FASHION

>SOCIAL MATTERS

CANDLES

New clients sometimes find us invasive in their entire marketing approach. Why are we? Because social media isn’t an island in your BIG marketing ocean. It should be an integral part of the plan, not an afterthought. We find this is the biggest mistake in a marketing strategy. Choose a software platform to help pre-plan your campaigns. Also consider a social media software management tool to help you manage your posts; regard it as a centerboard for your social media marketing to keep you on an even keel. For a complete list of software platforms and a list of software management features and benefits, (such as pre-scheduling posts/ tweets, automated tweets to find a specific customer, email marketing, and overall brand awareness online) see the Social Matters Blog on GiftsandDec.com. Track your level of influence across the web. At least each week, monitor reports and know how your brand is influencing your customer base. Are you reaching your target demographic? Has the wind changed direction? It’s easy to miss the storm if you’re paying attention to the patterns in the weather. Hire a professional to help navigate the waters. Balancing the boat is the most important thing a brand can do, making the keel an integral part of the sailing process. Many times we find that companies hire brand new employees who know little about the brand, marketing, or even social media to ‘learn’ how to sail a ship. This can work as long as there’s a captain to help navigate the waters. To balance the boat and educate all parties involved, hire an expert social media consultant, learn the process — what works, what doesn’t, how to read reports, and know if the cocaptain is catching the wind.

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For more information visit my Social Matters blog at: http://www.giftsanddec. com/blog/Social_Matters/index.php and my main blog: www.PuTTinOuT.com Circle #299

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CAROL L. SCHROEDER is a retail expert and consultant.

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Rep Loyalty; Effective Email We loved your last colQ: umn, which advised retailers to support their local

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agency or company should: • Set a goal of having its sales reps meet with most buyers at least twice marts and sales reps! Our a year. A good rep will ask buyers sales agency wants to take how they like to be contacted (email this “business to business” or phone, for example) and how often buy local idea to the next they’d like to be seen. level. How do we encourage • Provide samples, current price lists our customers to get onand print catalogs as tools for its sales board? reps. It’s very time-consuming to go through a line on an iPad or laptop. A catalog and good array of key A: The buy local movement makes samples are tools that a rep can use to much of the fact that it’s virtuous to make the sales meeting effective. shop at locally owned businesses. • Allow reps leeway to handle probLocally spent dollars stay in the lems on the spot. We do this with our community to support the area’s sales staff, and we find that empoweconomy and to maintain the comering them to make our customers munity’s unique character. But the truth is that no one will shop for long happy is a good investment. • Offer special discounts and free in any store, locally owned or othermerchandise as incentives. Most wise, strictly out of a sense of duty. of us retailers entice our customers Stores must provide an excellent to buy locally through coupons and shopping experience if they want to reap the full benefits of the shop local other special offers — and the concept works just as well at wholesale. movement. Another factor that works in favor The same is true of sales agencies of locally owned business in promotwanting to build on the buy local ing the Buy Local concept BUYERS WILL ONLY MEET WITH REPS is that people like to buy AND SHOP LOCAL MARTS IF THEY from people they know. RECEIVE STELLAR SERVICE AND FIND The same is true of the ITEMS THAT SELL WELL. THE SYSTEM buyer/rep relationship. MUST WORK WELL FOR RETAILERS IN We like to work with ORDER TO EARN THEIR SUPPORT. someone who knows us, and our store. Realigning territories concept. We know that supporting or changing reps frequently disrupts our local sales reps, and regional the rapport that has formed. marts, is essential to preserve these We make it a point to thank our important channels of information customers regularly, and to let them for retailers. But the fact is that buyers will only meet with reps and shop know that it makes a difference to us that they’ve chosen to shop in local marts if they receive stellar service and find items that sell well. The our store. Sadly, there seems to be a percentage of buyers who still don’t system must work well for retailers understand that it makes a big differin order to earn their support. ence to reps where an order is placed. What value can you provide to Educating these individuals in a your customers that will make them positive way, with a thank you note realize the value of placing all their and a reorder form, may help get the orders with your road reps? A sales

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message across that reps can only continue to provide service to their accounts if they get full credit for all orders.

We have been building Q: an email list since the day our shop opened, and now have enough names to feel it’s worth spending the time to send out a newsletter every month. But so far our open rate has only been about 35 percent. What are we doing wrong?

PHOTO: SNAPRETAIL

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A: If you have an average open rate of 35 percent, you’re doing well! It is frustrating that customers who have signed up to receive emails from you don’t bother to read them. Most people receive far more email than they can comfortably get through each day, which should make you very grateful that so many of your customers agreed to join your mailing list. How can you get even more of them to read what you send? For starters, don’t overuse the permission you’ve been given. If you’ve promised a monthly newsletter and occasional specials, don’t start sending something out several times a week. Whenever we send two email blasts close to each other, we see a spike in unsubscribes.

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>retail STORE SOLUTIONS

a one-minute video in your store, or to link to one that is provided by a supplier. I have always thought that an intriguing subject line, for example one offering a free gift, would give us a better open rate. It turns out, however, that “free” is one of the terms

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According to Steve Robinson of Constant Contact, many of your customers will be previewing your email before opening it, so it’s important to have something intriguing at the top of the page. He also mentions that a link to a video is proven to increase your open rate. It’s not hard to create

that can snag your email in a spam filter. “Advertisement,” along with dollar signs and exclamation points, should also be avoided. But there is no standardization of spam filters, so of course many of our emails with the word “free” have gone through. Whatever email messaging you send out, it should have value to your customer, such as advice and information about a topic they’ve expressed interest in. By writing about a subject closely aligned with your store, you are confirming your position as an expert in your field. Try using an attention-grabbing subject line with numbers in it — 3 Tips for a Better Garden, or 5 Ways to Cook Chicken — to advertise the amount of useful content in your email. Another tip: If you want to offer customers longer entries filled with fascinating content, consider putting

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EMAIL MESSAGING SHOULD HAVE VALUE TO YOUR CUSTOMER — ADVICE AND INFORMATION THEY’VE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN. BY WRITING ABOUT A SUBJECT CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH YOUR STORE, YOU ARE CONFIRMING YOUR POSITION AS AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD.

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a “teaser” in your email newsletter, with a link to your web page for the full article. This will take interested readers to your entire site. In addition to relevant informational content, you’ll want to include some promotional offers either as part of your regular newsletter, or in separate special event invitations or sales offers. You want to make sure that your customers know that you appreciate the fact that they like your store well enough to join your mailing list, and to trust you with their email address. Carol L. Schroeder is the author of Specialty Shop Retailing: Everything You Need to Know to Run Your Own Store, published by John Wiley & Sons. Send questions to SpecialtyShopRetail@me.com. Circle #272

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>retail SHOPKEEPER ’ S JOURNAL

MARY LIZ CURTIN is a retail expert and consultant.

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Trade Show Travels

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I AM A TRADE SHOW JUNKIE, WHICH IS LUCKY, BECAUSE WE ATTEND MORE THAN 20 MARKETS A YEAR, COVERING GIFTS, FURNITURE, HOME ACCESSORIES AND APPAREL.

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I am mad for the excitement at the big ones like New York and High Point and adore finding treasures at smaller, regional markets like San Francisco and Philadelphia. The Chicago gift show, our home market, is always worth the trip. Although Leon & Lulu is not a kitchen store, we found our best-selling holiday item last year at the International Home & Housewares Show — the Lily Pad from Charles Viancin.

Global Sourcing

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International shows are a great source for unusual product as well as inspiration, excitement and usually some excellent food. As a single store operation, we are certainly not major importers by any means, but we find the trips are worth the time and money even if the buys are not big. I love to travel and always come home full of energy and ideas for the store. MACEF, the international home show held in Milan in January, was full of magnificent booths,

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Right: Mary Liz and a llama friend in Peru. Below: Mary Liz’s daughter modeling a scarf in Lima.

amazing tabletop and stunning home accessories. I also found an item there that I had completely missed in the States, the car air freshener from Millefiori Milano, which we have reordered twice. The Home Expo, held by the Export Council for the Promotion of Handicrafts in New Delhi, was a very interesting show, which we coupled with a trip to Jodhpur. There, we visited a wholesaler and filled a container with furniture. At the show, we found excellent scarves, throws and vintage textiles as well as several furniture lines we are considering, some of which will be distributed in the U.S., eliminating the

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need for direct importing. India is a fabulous country and very welcoming to foreigners. Almost everyone speaks English, making shopping easy, and there are reliable freight companies to bring the goods to us. The Peru Gift Show and Peru Moda, held in Lima each April, is a very beautiful small show. We bought handmade Alpaca sweaters, belts, hats, gloves and scarves. The handwork is astounding and we have done well with traditional designs as well as more contemporary pieces. This was my second visit to the show and it was well worthwhile both years. I have found that shopping in a different and totally unfamiliar country is far easier on the second trip, by the way.

Spread Your Wings Our customers are thrilled when they hear about our travels. They love to see the product we carry back and there is always a flurry of activity on Facebook

when we post the pictures. These trips provide more than just product. We meet buyers from all over the world and most are eager to share sources and ideas. In every city, whether home or abroad, we go shopping, looking at stores and finding inspiration. International buying trips are not cheap. You may not find anything that is right for your store, shipping might be astronomical or the dollar may not go far enough, but the trip will still be successful if you come home excited, full of energy and ideas, and maybe a little refreshed. Choose a country you love, do your homework and try to include a trade show in your trip. The tradeshow organizers in every country I have visited are happy to have international visitors and will help make your trip special. Think about a visit, home or abroad, to a new show. Treat every city like a treasure box and look for surprises and delights for your store, your customers and (perhaps most importantly) your very own self. Mary Liz Curtin, author of A Shopkeeper’s Manual, owns, with her husband, Leon & Lulu, an award-winning, 15,000 sq. ft. furniture, gift and accessory store outside of Detroit. Visit them at www.leonandlulu.com

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The crown jewels of our new lineup. Introducing our colorful Jewel Tone Mugs & 100s of exciting new designs.

Visit us at our upcoming shows: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, Jun 20–26 l Dallas Trade Mart, Suite 1034 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, July 11–18 l Building 2, Suite 840

The world’s first smart cup.

tervis.com/smartproducts 1.866.392.1964 or sales@tervis.com

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>international

report

MANILA

Manila FAME

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The Philippine show reasserts itself as a design-forward destination for buyers with vision. MANILA FAME, THE PHILIPPINE TRADE SHOW FOR GIFT, FASHION AND HOME, has reinvented itself and is

Tribal Fusion

Paradiso Inﬂuences for Paradiso are the colors of the Mediterranean sea and sunset. It represents a relaxed lifestyle and incorporates espadrille stripes, folkloric embroidery and hand-painted pottery in the brilliant colorways of sun-baked coral and azure blue seas.

Stone Age Stone Age represents an “architectural style with a minimalist design aesthetic.” Texture is a major component played against clean contemporary lines. The color palette incorporates different shades of gray accented by peridot, amethyst, aquamarine and topaz for a sophisticated subtle look.

Tribal Fusion presents a warm country lifestyle where recycling and repurposing materials take center stage. Ikats, leather and basketry are key elements; the warm vegetable-hued palette is accented by indigo and chestnut.

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re-establishing its presence as a leading sourcing show for design-forward products and artisan craftsmanship. The recent spring edition, which took place March 14–17, brought together the country’s other major sourcing events, Manila Now, Cebunext and Bijoux Cebu, to present attendees a well rounded showcase of Philippine furniture, home accents, holiday decor, gifts, fashion and fashion accessories. The combined show presented more than 3,500 companies to a global buying audience and attendance saw an increase of 155 percent over the previous year. The strengthened show saw the return of major buyers who had previously eliminated Manila FAME from their Asian buying rounds. The success of the show can in part be attributed to the efforts of two consultants that show management CITEM (Center for Trade Expositions and Missions) turned to for help—U.S.-based Linda Simpson of Imagination Network and Australia-based Michael Cleghorn. Working together with many Philippine manufacturers, the two created cross-category collections based on three trend themes that were presented in Trend Store showcases. The three showcases are: Paradiso, Stone Age and Tribal Fusion. The Trend Stores not only showcased all categories of product but also the artistry and craftsmanship of the Philippine artisans. Many of the products incorporated locally sourced materials such as raffia, coco beads, sea grass, abaca, capiz and other natural materials. The next Manila FAME will take place October 17-20.•

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Experience the Fun of the Find Travel nearby to a world-class venue and explore the Midwest’s best and largest show. Be impressed. Get excited. Re-engage your love of the lines, products, styles, categories and trends.

July 19–25

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reflects industry trends through the original work of true artists. Visit Beckman’s on the 8th floor during The Chicago Market

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Sarm & Nastovski 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza # 13-203 Chicago, IL 60654 Ph: 800.383.8053 | Fax: 877.320.0557 www.sarmandnastovski.com www.facebook.com/sarm.nastovski 6LQFH EULQJLQJ WUHQGV 多 UVW WR WKH 0LGZHVW Circle #321

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Sarm & Nastovski Suite 13-203 Chicago Merchandise Mart Atlanta Chicago

New York Los Angeles

Dallas Seattle

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

New Dimensions

Foreside Home and Garden

baggallini

Maison Chic

Michel Design Works

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Chicago Merchandise Mart

Periwinkle

Suite 13-126

Kringle Candle Company

Boelter Brands

888.511.7400 or 312.527.2565

www.petersonassoc.com

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N K D O O V W X G L R L Q F hand-crafted goods and fragrances for people and places.

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>retail BY DESIGN

MELISSA HABERSTROH is the owner of The Burlap Horse in Boerne, TX.

Final Touches

Crab Fest Set the table for casually elegant entertaining. BY MELISSA HABERSTROH Unless you have the retail storefront of years past, you’re probably like me and find creating a display window challenging. We have done pretty creative things to enhance our front window, but it will always be a challenge because the door is to the right and does not require anyone to walk by and look. I’ve found that the best way to respond to this challenge is to create a display that captures attention with the open views from the door. We are always mindful of the way the display looks from the exterior, viewing from outside several times during installation. We use task lighting to highlight products and provide drama after nightfall.

Above: We used furnishings and accessories to create a lifestyle merchandising display, bringing together products that a person with a certain lifestyle would use, for our Hill Country Clam Bake. The completed display is inviting day and night. I love the drama and warmth in the evening and the crisp liveliness during the day. For the final tweaks to the table, I added a stack of Cabana candles (good label to reinforce the theme), a pewter crab bowl from Vagabond House filled with extra sapling appetizer servers, a green napkin and a petite floral at each place setting. Come on by; dinner’s at six!

 For photos of additional Visual Merchandising displays from Gifts and decorative accessories magazine, go to GiftsandDec.com

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Dinner for Four I set the table for four with colorful yellow dinner plates and topped them with a shell dish resting on a boxwood wreath. You could leave either the wreath or the shell alone on the display. Sapling hors d’oeuvres servers from Roost are the perfect garden dining element.

Multi Purpose I began with a pergola-inspired prop built out of cedar posts and hog wire panels. We’ve gotten three new looks from this prop with garlands, fabric and now a mosquito net. The netting creates atmosphere and visually breaks the vignette from a piece of furniture in another display.

Make a Statement The Little Things Other objects reinforce the Hill Country Crab Bake theme: garden statuary, boxwood topiaries, glassware (purposely left empty for the elegant shine that it adds), and a pillow and throw in garden green tones.The centerpiece is dramatic but simple — a glass garden urn with a golden pillar candle. We used another boxwood wreath to circle the base of the candle.

Furniture includes a table, two chairs and a demi-lune table, all crafted of rustic roots and reclaimed wood. We added two statement garden pieces — a boxwood topiary on a pedestal to anchor the corner and the floral arrangement in the garden container. We used the window as if it were a solid wall, taking advantage of the human desire to “peek” in, and makes the display appear to move outside.

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>retail GIFTED RETAILER

Southern Hospitality

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Barbara Stewart Interiors has been beautifying the homes and gifting the residents of Bowling Green, KY, for 60 years — and counting. BY NINA RIGGS

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SITUATED TWO HOURS SOUTH OF LOUISVILLE, KY, the college

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town of Bowling Green is not technically Derby country. But here, Southern charm, tradition and a devotion to horses and the mint julep are nonetheless kept heartily central by one of the region’s retail institutions: Barbara Stewart Interiors. The 3,500-sq.-ft. store, conceived as a turnkey shop for creating a beautiful home or office, features interior design services, an extensive bridal registry, fine stationery and invitations, and an in-house custom frame shop. Opened in 1952, the business was originally run out of Barbara

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en an pers has be t to new shop shop. e th of n Reaching ou io the evolut of s cu for fo k t importan me to wor als when I ca go lls y ca m re of ,” “One e bridal to expand th ger as un w yo r he at ot th M to capture d te an w lp “I he Hoechner. s and then as customer and so gn si generation de d eir homes an are them with th sual tablew h.” Vietri’s ca rt fo onom so of d n an io on ture Collect na ig S g ’s rd vorites amon and Picka ware are fa er m nn ia di ill ed W gramm as well as r shoppers, ns these younge ding invitatio ed w r nery fo also e or st e Arthur Statio Th te cards. no r fo e ne at ra or and C d corp personal an em th s offers both at keep a service th engraving, aduation. gr ng ri very busy du

MARIPOSA

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* Off to the Races

One unique promotion she has developed for the shop is an annual benefit called “Hats, Horses, and the Derby,” which features some of Kentucky’s finest foods, artisans and music — not to mention exquisite derby hats. Twenty-five percent of all sales are donated to a local horse rescue facility. Hoechner helped raise additional money for the nonprofit by working with a horse named Van Gogh, who is missing his ears, to create framed “original art” sold in silent auction at the event. “It’s been so much fun because it’s different,” Hoechner explains. “It’s not something people have heard of. And that’s a great feeling—to be able to give back to a facility that needs more exposure and to reach out and bring people in that didn’t know us.”

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Together, they sought to expand the business with more interior design offerings, but Hoechner remembers the challenges of acquiring resources as a mother/daughter duo operating out of the home. “It wasn’t like it is now,” she says. “Vendors considered us housewife decorators.” It soon became clear that to be taken seriously and to meet their growing needs, the time had come to move the business downtown — first renting, then buying and eventually “taking over” the building they occupy to this day on Fountain Square in the heart of Bowling Green. With its gracious fireplace, hardwood floors, and homey spaces displaying fine furniture, rugs and tableware, today’s shop may feel like an impeccable antebel-

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From House to Storefront

lum home, but Hoechner and her mother have come a long way from those early days. “One thing we’ve tried to do is make this a one-stop shop,” Hoechner remarks. “When the invitation business isn’t real busy, then we may be busy in another area. We’ve made ourselves diverse enough to where we’re busy pretty much all the time. I like it that way. I don’t like to be not busy.” That much is obvious after hearing about just a few of the projects Hoechner is involved in within the community — from downtown revitalization efforts to a monthly summer festival promoting local artists and businesses. “I just enjoy getting the creative juices going to come up with different ideas,” she says.

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Stewart’s large Civil War era home. Stewart, an art major, sold antiques from her house, but primarily focused on painting restoration and picture framing. “As each child left home, she would take over a bedroom,” says Stewart’s daughter, Susan Hoechner, who joined her mother in the business in 1976 after graduating with a degree in Interior Design from Western Kentucky University.

Although Stewart and Hoechner are always exploring ways to expand their customer base, Hoechner notes that, of their early customers, “those that are still ‘with us’ are still shopping with us.” One offering that brings customers back year after year is the Kentucky julep cup. Crafted by Salisbury Pewter, the beautiful cups are keepsakes that evoke the culture of the region. “It’s a very southern kind of tradition,” says Hoechner, noting that some customers will give their children a julep cup for each birthday and Christmas, so that by the time they are grown they have a collection. “It’s a great entertaining cup. We use ours to drink milk or whatever — it doesn’t have to have a Kentucky bourbon julep in it to use it!” Such an adaptable yet traditional item is an apt symbol for Hoechner and her mother. Mrs. Stewart still lives in the home where she started her framing and restoration business 60 years ago. “Oh, she’ll go out feet first,” laughs Hoechner. “She comes down to the store every day and pays all the bills. She knows just exactly what’s going on.” When Hoechner reflects on how far they’ve come in all these years in business, she defines, in a way, what a family-owned business is all about: “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have so many years to spend with Mother. I’ve been blessed to make a go of this, to help expand it, and to enjoy it as much as I do, while also enjoying my family.” •

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...are growing in Las Vegas at the West’s premier gift marketplace. Connect to unique new products, exclusive suppliers, an expanding array of gift resources and an unmatched selection of home accessories to enhance your mix— all in one effective, efﬁcient and exciting market destination.

To learn more and register today please visit: www.GiftandHomeLV.com

at Las Vegas Market July 30 - August 3, 2012 Circle #253

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I N 2 0 12, G I F T R E TA I L E R S S E E R E S U LT S FROM THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY ST E PHANI E NICKE LL

GIFTABLES

It wasn't so long ago, that social media — Facebook, Twitter, etc. — was something used by the younger generation to connect with each other. As these electronic media gained momentum, businesses saw the value in having a social media presence to reach consumers and promote their brands. While slower to adopt this newer way of reaching customers than other major businesses, today almost three-fourths of gifts and decorative accessories retailers use social media to promote their stores, according to the 2012 Gifts and Decorative Accessories Social Media at Retail survey. Of the 74 percent of gift retailers that use social media, 99 percent use Facebook, 43 percent have a Twitter account, 34 percent use LinkedIn and 33 percent post on Pinterest; but the majority, 90 percent say Facebook is the most effective medium. According to a Facebook filing in March 2011 with the Securities & Exchange Commission, there were 372 million daily active Facebook users and in March 2012 that number grew 41 percent to 526 million daily active users. There were more than 125 billion friend connections made on Facebook as of March 2012. In the first quarter of this year Facebook reported an average of 3.2 billion “likes” and comments per day. These sheer numbers are a marketer's dream of potential. To tap into those connections, social media experts say that businesses should have a plan in place before beginning. Determining how often you will post, what you will post and who in the organization will have the responsibility can save money later on. Nearly 80 percent of gift retailers report the store

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HOME FASHION

>retail GIFT RETAILER SURVEY

CANDLES

Social Media at Retail 2012 Social media sites used by gift retailers Percentage of responding gift retailers

Nearly

BODY

3/4

BATH

of responding gift retailers use social media

STATIONERY

90%

GOURMET

of gift retailers say Facebook is the most tive social fec ef media site

99% 43% 34% 33% 19% 13% 2% Facebook Twitter

LinkedIn Pinterest Google+ YouTube

Flickr

1% MySpace

Source: Gifts and Decorative Accessories Social Media at Retail Survey, June 2012

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

owner handles the marketing efforts, while 28 percent report a store associate handles the posting, spending an average of five hours per week on social media marketing efforts; 84 percent report they post to their Facebook page once a week or more. As for Twitter, 57 percent of gift merchants with an account say they tweet once a week or more, while 20 percent say they never tweet, citing a lack of time or knowledge. Finding information to post on social media sites can be challenging for retailers. One survey respondent says one of the biggest frustrations is “finding ideas of what to post instead of just posting new products.” Some 77 percent of gift retailers using social media offer coupons and special deals, while 61 percent offer educational tips and

email sign-ups to engage customers. To build a following, retailers report mentioning their store’s social media sites in enewsletters, blogs and traditional advertising, as well as promoting in-store with signs and postcards at checkout. Some stores have posted on the Facebook pages of another local business to increase awareness of their own business. One retailer reports teaming up with the local chamber of commerce to promote their store’s Facebook page. Another gift retailer says, “We award a store gift certificate to one Facebook fan each time we add 100 new fans, which encourages our customers to spread the word with their Facebook friends.” Of the 26 percent of gift retailers not using social media, 69 percent say

they are not using it because of a lack of knowledge and expertise, while 49 percent say it is because of a lack of staff and 38 percent say the cost of maintaining social media keeps them from participating. While newspaper and magazine ads still get the largest portion of gift retailers' advertising budgets, followed by email marketing, special events and direct mail, social media ad budgets have tripled this year; retailers report 9 percent of their budget goes to social media, up from 3 percent in 2011. Are these efforts really paying off? One-third of the respondents reported higher sales as a result of their social media efforts, 44 percent reported more in-store traffic and 40 percent reported increased customer loyalty. •

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Total Facebook users

How often gift retailers

Monthly, in millions

Percentage of responding gift retailers

Everyday

CANDLES

Post to Facebook

FASHION

Facebook Tweet on Twitter

32% 22%

33%

March 31, 2011

March 31, 2012

% change

35% At least once a month

Source: Facebook Inc.

14%

901

52%

BATH

680

At least once a week

Facebook users by age

At least once a year

BODY

16% 1% 7%

In the United States, March 2011 Never

10%

55-64

12%

13-17

STATIONERY

20% Source: Gifts & Decorative Accessories Social Media at Retail Survey, June 2012

45-54

GOURMET

16%

35-44

35%

18-25

GIFTABLES

20%

26-34

Source: Facebook Inc.

HOLIDAYS

W HO ANSW E RE D T H E SU RV EY

PLAYTHINGS

This year’s exclusive survey results, collected during March and April, were based on online responses of more than 200 gifts and decorative accessories retailers. Sixty-four percent of the responding retailers describe themselves as gift specialists and 12% are home accessories stores. Other retailers responding include hospital gift shops, ﬂorists, stationery specialists, toy or hobby shops, bookstores, museum stores, jewelry stores and garden shops. Annual sales for 2011 for 53% of responding stores were less than $250,000; 24% had sales between $250,000 and $500,000. And the remaining 23% of stores who responded had sales in excess of $500,000. The survey was conducted by Gifts and Decorative Accessories’ Market Research Department, led by Research Analyst, Stephanie Nickell.

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>retail GIFT RETAILER SURVEY

Social Media Plan

CANDLES

Tapping into social media connections requires a plan

BODY

Person responsible for social media efforts

Gift retailers spend an average of

5 hours

BATH

Percentage of responding gift retailers Store owner

79%

Store salesperson/employee

28%

per week on social media

GOURMET

STATIONERY

Paid outside consultant/freelancer 11% Paid marketing firm

Unpaid family member/friend

Reasons for not using social media Percentage of responding gift retailers

Frustrations about social media “It is difficult to find the time to keep up with fresh posts.”

“It is difficult to figure out how to best utilize social media.”

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

Lack of knowledge/expertise 69% Lack of staff

49%

Cost of maintaining it

38%

Cost of setting it up

36%

Lack of time

13%

Don't see the benefit

10%

PLAYTHINGS

Source: Gifts & Decorative Accessories Social Media at Retail Survey, June 2012

“Haven’t figured out how to use Twitter.”

“I don’t really understand Twitter and I am not a fan of the new timeline on Facebook. I wish I had the option not to use it.”

“There are too many sites with my name on them, and too little time to use them all.”

“Time is my biggest obstacle. I get busy and forget to post or reply.”

“Not sure which social media to use and how to manage so many.”

“Having a hard time finding new ideas to keep customers interacting.”

“I’m just not good at Twitter updates.”

“Always trying to come up with ideas to post instead of always posting merchandise.”

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Online marketing experts recommend:

9%*

Social Media

Intersperse special offers with new product and educational tips. Direct mail

Remember that it's better to have a smaller, targeted following than a larger one that doesn't pay attention.

Searchengine marketing Internet ads

BATH

Other

14%

Email marketing

Mark images to prevent copyright issues and ensure they can be traced back to your website.

Mobile marketing/ billboards

Newspaper/ magazine ads

STATIONERY

Post “how-to“ videos to highlight product features or decorating tips to better engage consumers.

31%

BODY

Special events

Use Pinterest to put a human face to your [gift, stationery, home decor or] furniture business. Feature your store's special events, local charities and interests of the owner and/or salespeople.

Pinterest tips

Yellow pages

12%

Engage fans on a daily basis.

* The percentage of ad budget devoted to social media has tripled from 2011.

Exploit Pinterest's “board“ format by organizing and displaying product by specific styles or rooms.

Engaging customers through social media by

Use a corporate name to brand the store's social media.

Percentage of responding gift retailers

Fill in your profile completely, add your logo or store photo.

77%

Email sign-ups

61%

Offer educational tips

61%

Get started by finding at least 50 people/businesses to follow.

Run sweepstakes/giveaways

39%

GIFTABLES

Offer coupons/special offers Decide how often you will tweet and maintain this pace for your followers. Try to tweet at the same time and day each time.

GOURMET

Twitter tips

TV/radio ads

CANDLES

Facebook tips

Put someone who is passionate about your business in charge of your Facebook page.

FASHION

Percentage of advertising budget

Frequency retailers engage customers through social media 1x month

1x year

Never

Email sign-ups

48%

14%

27%

10%

Offer educational tips

11%

28%

50%

Run sweepstakes/giveaways

54%

15%

20%

Offer coupons/special offers

13%

75%

PLAYTHINGS

1x week

HOLIDAYS

Daily

Source: Gifts and Decorative Accessories Social Media at Retail Survey, June 2012

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>retail GIFT RETAILER SURVEY

Business Impact

CANDLES

Social media outreach by retailers increases store traffic, generates sales and builds loyalty.

BODY

Results of social media efforts

Social media has positive effect for gift retailers

Percentage of responding gift retailers

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

“Increased traffic and awareness of my store.”

44%

40%

33%

MORE ON TREND

PLAYTHINGS

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GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #879

c The Bridal Collection features 10 popular styles in bridal whites and creamy tones. $35-$40. Oka B. 800.730.OKAB. www.shoesthatloveyou.com

d Friendship Token necklace reads “Friendship is the common thread that ties us all together.” Rhodium/pewter. 16” with 2” extender. $30. Alexa’s Angels. 877.264.3576. www.alexas-angels.com

CIRCLE #878

CIRCLE #881 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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at nd 03 a nta 25 tla art # A s in adem U e Se las Tr l Da

Over 200 Embellished Scarves to Choose From!

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Largest Collection of Wallets in the Market

Over 35 New Strap Designs

Shop online at www.PSDesignsLimited.com or call 866-652-4665 for our latest catalog. Circle #314

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW! BE A PART OF THE BIGGEST SOCIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2012 The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers *, 23 Street & West Side Highway Cocktails 6:30PM, Dinner and Awards Presentation to follow *Transportation provided from the Javits Center to The Lighthouse Tickets are $185 per person or $1850 for a table of 10. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Gift for Life. Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award will be presented to Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan of Umbra. Gift for Life unites the gift, home and stationery industries against HIV/AIDS. Sponsored By:

Co-Sponsors:

FOR EVENT TICKETS, VISIT GIFTSANDDEC.COM OR CONTACT GINNY ENGLE AT VENGLEGIFTSANDDEC.COM

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it’s in the bag.

new fashion accessories!

summer markets atlanta • dallas • las vegas • los angeles • chicago • minneapolis seattle • new york (7w-904 and javits 3520)

tag...we’re it

www.tagltd.com Circle #295

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800.621.8350 5/22/2012 12:43:53 PM

Circle #300

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Visit one of our

new showrooms and enjoy a 10% discount on orders $750 or more Dallas Trade Mart Total Home & Gift Mart Bartke & Company - Showroom TM-1-1610

AmericasMart Gift & Home Furnishing Market Darrah & Company - Showroom 1818 Corporate Showroom - 690B

Chicago Market Living & Giving DNA - Showroom 1426

Philadelphia Expo Center Philadelphia Gift Show Don Mar - Booth 501-709

World Market Center Las Vegas Gift & Home Market Next Step Reps - Showroom C-0891

Minneapolis Mart Minneapolis Gift Show DNA - Showroom O-390

Pacific Market Center Seattle Gift Show Creative Endeavors - Showroom 131

Toronto International Centre CGTA Gift Show Auralim - Booth 1120

Denver Merchandise Mart Merchandise Gift & Jewelry Show Traditions Unlimited - Showroom 1251

www.annaleece.com/gda • toll-free: 866.401.6700 facebook/annaleecebydevries • twitter/annaleecebyd Circle #206

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Circle #263

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Darrah & Company Americasmart #1818 Atlanta, GA 800-741-6614 Info@DarrahReps.com Peggy Lichty and Associates Mid Atlantic 800-406-3321 sales@plareps.com DGA Trendsetters Pacific Market Center #144 Seattle WA 206-362-3122 judy@dickgibson.com Untitled-1 1

Italian Jewelry lines never available before, now offered to you! Imagine That Reps Denver Merchandise Mart #1315 800-833-5405 ordersdenver@imaginethatreps.com Las Vegas World Market Center #612 866-662-8078 orderslasvegas@imaginethatreps.com Dallas Trade Mart #1501 800-269-7077 ordersdallas@imaginethatreps.com

801.491.0583

EuroHealthandBeauty.com Circle #308

Prestige Marketing New England 800-477-4005 prestigemerch@att.net

BPA Sales/Pray Associates Minneapolis Gift Mart Green 465 800-355-3115 info@bpasales.net

DNA Chicago Merchandise Mart #1426 800-879-8588 info@dnasales.com

R Unique Concepts Canal Winchester, Ohio 800-733-4455 drapp@uniqueconceptsinc.com 5/22/2012 11:39:18 AM

Circle #283

Circle #249

June Fractionals.indd 8

Circle #292

5/30/2012 4:12:44 PM

Circle #302

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MIDWEST-CBK

BODY

The Suzy Toronto Collection Flip Flops New flip flops designed by artist Suzy Toronto feature bold colors, Suzy’s signature style and fun quotes that say it all!

Leila Bracelets

BATH

UPTOWN GIRLS

Our top selling Handmade Leila bracelets has lots of new colors for Fall. Plus our largest product introduction yet. The style, the look, the price, we’ve got it!

| 800-394-4225 @ www.mwcbk.com # circle #470

STATIONERY

| 310-458-1810 @ www.uptowngirlsinc.com # circle #469

GOURMET

CINDA B

Flight Friendly Pouch 1-Qt capacity makes this checkpoint friendly and TSA compliant. Hold all 3 oz travel size gels, liquids and aerosols. SRP: $20

GIFTABLES

| 877-692-4632 @ www.cindab.com # circle #471

HOLIDAYS

GUIDESTONES JEWELRY ANNALEECE BY DEVRIES

Crystal Bloom Ring

PLAYTHINGS

Made with a 22k Gold finish, Annaleece’s “Crystal Bloom” ring also features clear SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, making it a beautifully detailed design.

| 866-401-6700 @ www.annaleece.com # circle #472

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Divining Stones Have fun using beautiful gemstones to answer questions and tell your fortune! Gifts for women and men wholesaling $5-$30.

| 216-633-1006 @ www.guidestonesjewelry.com # circle #473

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FASHION CANDLES

RED CARPET STUDIOS, LTD.

Leopard Hobo Bag/Scarf Set RCS’s Matching Scarf & Bag Sets are hot items! Over 15 colorful designs & styles to choose from! 100% Cotton Scarf, 100% Cotton Shell, 100% Polyester on Bag. MSRP: $27.99

TROLLBEADS UNIVERSE

BATH

Trollbeads

The original bead-on-bracelet jewelry company features unique and delicately handmade pieces. They are the perfect combination of elegance and style to give your consumers something to smile about.

BODY

| 877-985-0405 @ www.rcsgifts.com # circle #474

STATIONERY

| 609-936-3939 @ www.trollbeadsuniverse.com # circle #475

GOURMET

WAXING POETIC

Orbital Wonders Pendant Elliptically shaped, these pendants remind us that we are all travelling in the same universe… and that Love is our shared constant.

YOUNGS INC.

GIFTABLES

| 877-724-5434 @ www.waxingpoetic.com # circle #476

Bright Floral Bags Contemporary floral patterned bags in 3 vibrant spring colors. Perfect for any display. LOW COST! HIGH MARGIN!

| 800-323-7799 @ www.youngsinc.com # circle #477

HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

circle #231 giftsanddec.com

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P.S. DESIGNS

CANDLES

Azure Murano P.S. Designs new Azure Murano is just one of the 250 embellished scarves being offered this season.

BODY

PINKHOUSE IMPORTS

Crystal Collection

BATH

These gorgeous light-capturing European hand cut crystal pieces are updated with intertwining silvertoned flat linked chains. This new Fall collection includes matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings in four must-have fall colors, Smoke, Navy, Amethyst (shown) & Topaz (shown). SRP: $14.99 - $40.00

| 866-652-4665 @ www.psdesignslimited.com # circle #479

STATIONERY

| 888-355-6907 @ www.pinkhouseimports.com # circle #478

TAG LTD.

GOURMET

taj blue woman’s scarf 80% cotton and 20% silk scarf, hand block printed in tones of rich indigo blue by skilled artisans in India.

GIFTABLES

| 773-871-1300 @ www.tagltd.com # circle #480

HOLIDAYS

HADAKI

BELLA TAYLOR BY VHC

HADAKI Travel Wallet

PLAYTHINGS

Your best friend when on the road - magnetic flap opens to reveal plenty of organization options to carry all your travel needs. Slots for tickets, passports, and even a pen; main compartment zips closed to secure items stored in the wallet.

Madrona Vanessa The new Madrona Collection features rich colors and dazzling motifs. Available in 26 sizes, shown in Vanessa. SRP: $44.95

| 888-334-3099 @ www.victorianheart.com/brands/bellataylor # circle #482

| 800-344-6699 @ www.hadakishop.com # circle #481

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

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SNOOZIES

snoozies!® so soft™ loungewear CANDLES

Micro fleece pants, robes and matching footcoverings and preshrunk cotton Henley tops round out snoozies! new so soft™ collection of loungewear for fall 2012. Six print collections to select from.

BATH

| 252-991-3373 @ www.snoozies.com # circle #483

VIOLIGHT

& BODY

Meet Slim

STATIONERY

Violight’s Slim Sonic, the world’s most fashionable toothbrush is back with new designs! Try Slim and see what gift guides, editors, and retailers are buzzing about. It’s more than just the bristles.

| 914-207-1820 @ www.violight.com # circle #484

GOURMET

GRANDMOTHER’S BUTTONS

Bon Bon Button Collection We hand-dye vintage pearl buttons from the 1950s and combine them with vintage glass stones to create these confectionary treasures!

GIFTABLES

| 800-580-6941 @ www.grandmothersbuttons.com # circle #485

HOLIDAYS

MAD STYLE ANNALEECE BY DEVRIES

Brilliance Necklace

| 866-401-6700 @ www.annaleece.com # circle #486

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Whether your safari is to Africa, or just hunting dinner at your favorite restaurant. MSRP: $64.00

| 877-MAD -2247 @ www.mad-style.com # circle #487

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PLAYTHINGS

Annaleece brightens their collection with the new “Brilliance” necklace, earrings, and ring adorned with cubic zirconia and finished with Rhodium.

Tangerine Safari

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YOUNGS INC.

Topaz Gemstone Owl Necklace – Victoria Leland Designs

BATH

This wise and trendy Owl Necklace will add a touch of color and charm to any ensemble. OVER 60+ MARGINS!

STATIONERY

| 800-323-7799 @ www.youngsinc.com # circle #488

ANGELSTAR

Gift-Boxed Pendant Allow the Angels to inspire you with this beautiful pendant. Comes in a gorgeous gift box, with inspirational poem. SRP: $9.99

| 800-264-3577 @ www.angelstar.com # circle #489

PINKHOUSE IMPORTS

GOURMET

Pebble & Pearl Clutch

GIFTABLES

These new flat-bottomed clutches are spacious and boast an elegant pearl bead handle. Available in two best-selling colors, black and grey, these fully lined bags will elevate any evening outfit. SRP: $49 - $70

| 888-355-6907 @ www.pinkhouseimports.com # circle #490

HOLIDAYS

CR GIBSON

Bali East/West Tote Artist-designed Dena Accessories feature multi-functional totes and personal accessories across 3 collections and 15 silhouettes. Printed canvas, rich leather trim.

PLAYTHINGS

| 800-243-6004 @ www.crgibsondealer.com # circle #491

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ANNALEECE BY DEVRIES

Crystal Effects Bracelet In combination with matching necklace, Annaleece’s “Crystal Effects” bracelet has crystal golden shadow and crystal copper SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and a Rhodium finish.

| 866-401-6700 @ www.annaleece.com # circle #492

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FASHION CANDLES BATH &

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EURO HEALTH & BEAUTY

Oh So Sweet Pendant

Joy-A Italian Fashion Accessories Bring Milan fashion to your clients with the Italian inspired accessory jewelry pieces – bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

| 877-724-5434 @ www.waxingpoetic.com # circle #494

STATIONERY

| 801-491-0583 @ www.eurohealthandbeauty.com # circle #493

Happy Sweet 16! Celebrate this milestone with a pendant she will cherish and treasure for years to come!

BELLA TAYLOR BY VHC

GOURMET

Florista Hipster The new Florista Collection with cheery red roses on nautical blue. Available in 26 sizes, shown in Hipster. SRP: $44.95

GIFTABLES

| 888-334-3099 @ www.victorianheart.com/brands/bellataylor # circle #495

GRASSLANDS ROAD, A DIVISION OF AMSCAN INC.

HOLIDAYS

Celebrating Heritage Celtic Collection RED CARPET STUDIOS, LTD.

Cocoa Boucle Scarf

| 877-985-0405 @ www.rcsgifts.com # circle #496

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PLAYTHINGS

Scarves continue as a Hot Trend and RCS’s All Jazzed Up line of women’s fashions has you covered. Check out the 50+ new designs now. 100% Polyester. MSRP: $9.99

Knotwork Earrings and Celtic Knot Bracelets incorporate beads and hand crafted metal. The traditional Celtic designs and earthy color palette create a versatile gift. SRP: $11.00-$18.00

| 800-444-8887 @ www.grasslandsroad.com # circle #497

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SNOOZIES

WAXING POETIC

baby snoozies!® are here!

BODY

Awareness Macramé Bracelets

Our Awareness bracelets share the same iconic “ribbon” symbol, but come in five different colors to show allegiance to various causes.

STATIONERY

BATH

| 877-724-5434 @ www.waxingpoetic.com # circle #498

snoozies! introduces its new baby snoozies! line with cute and adorable prints in 0-3 to 6-12 mos with a $9.99 MSRP. A matching soft fleece baby blanket in 30" by 30" also available MSRP $12.99 in snoozies! new fall line.

| 252-991-3373 @ www.snoozies.com # circle #499

THE SOCK LADY

Mismatched Adult Socks

GOURMET

Mismatched socks for adults, kids & babies. Knit in the USA with recycled cotton yarn, these are always a unique gift. (Raspberry shown)

GIFTABLES

| 802-765-4177 @ www.socklady.com # circle #500

HOLIDAYS

P.S. DESIGNS MAD STYLE

Cobalt 9 Lives

PLAYTHINGS

The leopard trend keeps going and going and will live forever in women’s fashion. MSRP: $58.00

| 877-MAD -2247 @ www.mad-style.com # circle #501

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Bermuda Spring . Bermuda Spring is just one of PS. Designs’ 250 piece collection of scarves ranging from $5.50 to $11.00 wholesale.

| 866-652-4665 @ www.psdesignslimited.com # circle #502

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GRASSLANDS ROAD, A DIVISION OF AMSCAN INC.

| 800-444-8887 @ www.grasslandsroad.com # circle #504

STATIONERY

| 801-491-0583 @ www.eurohealthandbeauty.com # circle #503

Murano Glass Jewelry Sets

BODY

Dazzling handmade Venetian Necklace & Earring sets, now available to you direct from Italy. 5 beautiful pendant options.

These quirky eye glass cases feature illustrated whimsical artwork against a bright modern background. Each eye glass case includes a coordinating cleaning cloth. SRP: $14.00

EURO HEALTH & BEAUTY

Spring Settings - Eye Travel Collection

CINDA B

GOURMET

Uptown Wristlet Features a divided interior to keep money and receipts separate from phone or camera. Interior Zip Pocket. SRP: $49

GIFTABLES

| 877-692-4632 @ www.cindab.com # circle #505

TROLLBEADS UNIVERSE

| 609-936-3939 @ www.trollbeadsuniverse.com # circle #506

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WAXING POETIC

Bronze Cameo Pendant A cameo is a portrait made by erasure. Lovely and demure, ours is a face of grace cast in creamy bronze.

| 877-724-5434 @ www.waxingpoetic.com # circle #507

june 2012 |

PLAYTHINGS

The original bead-on-bracelet jewelry company features unique and delicately handmade pieces. They are the perfect combination of elegance and style to give your consumers something to smile about.

HOLIDAYS

Trollbeads

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5/30/2012 10:23:27 AM

The Original Alternative to Lighting a Candle Candle Warmers Etc. encourages you to help blow out candle fires with candle warmers. With more than 20 new patented and innovative products we invite you to spread our safe scent message nationwide. Come see us at the Dallas Market in the Bartke & Company Showroom, Suite 1610 in the Dallas Trade Mart.

Join us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/candlewarmersetc

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Scan below for more information on Candle Warmers Etc.

Z Z Z FD QGO H ZD UPHUV FRP

1.800.262.2305

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Resembling breadsticks, diffuser twigs are the perfect complement to the wineinspired scent.

BODY STATIONERY

In a traditional 750 ml wine bottle this sweet dessert wine is a bouquet of essential oils, herbs and spices.

GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

Bottled Up Scent Let the natural floral, spicy and herbaceous notes open up in this wine bottle and decanter-shaped diffuser.

PLAYTHINGS

Dr. Vranjes Rosso Nobile Crystal Decanter and diffuser are an exact replica of a wine bottle and decanter. Approximately 25½ oz. $350. Et Al Designs. 510.834.1800. www.etaldesigns.com CIRCLE #810

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gifts and decorative accessories

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5/30/2012 10:58:55 AM

Soothing Candles Ignite Interest in Everybody’s Ayurveda Multi-dimensional, eco-friendly collection focuses on giving the gift of health

Maura Utley President, Everybody's Ayurveda

Soyveda™, by Everybody’s Ayurveda, appeals to gift givers on a number of levels — certainly there’s the philosophy and deeper meaning behind the line — but to many, it’s the beauty, affordability and eco-friendliness that makes the collection so attractive. Officially launched in Atlanta earlier this year, Soyveda is the brainchild of Everybody’s Ayurveda president, Maura Utley, who also designed the collection. She has successfully combined many of today’s important issues into a comprehensive and well-conceived family of products. From the use of 100% natural soy wax and fragrances made from organic materials to repurposing the candleholders for multiple uses, Soyveda is designed to resonate with anyone interested in living a more organic, natural and balanced lifestyle, and one free from chemicals.

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The latest trend in the world of health and wellness is Ayurveda, based on a tradition of holistic medicine that originated in India some 5,000 year ago. Americans are already familiar with yoga, meditation and massage. In fact, more than 30 million Americans practice yoga, the most common introduction to Ayurveda, which literally means “wisdom for a healthy life.” Now, thanks to Everybody’s Ayurveda, the gift industry is next in line to embrace the growing movement of wellness and balance through the first Ayurvedic® brand on the market that began with candles, but is quickly expanding to other gift categories. According to Ayurvedic wisdom, everything in the universe as well as inside our bodies, are controlled by three energies called doshas. Keeping the doshas in balance is essential to living in harmony with the universe. Once someone determines their dosha, they can select products specific to their mind-body type. To pique interest and help educate consumers, Everybody’s Ayurveda created a quick Dosha Quiz that customers can take while shopping. The quiz had been the talk of the trade show circuit, and will appear prominently on displays when the product begins to appear in stores this summer. There are even plans for Dosha Party events to kick-off the arrival of this exciting new collection. Soyveda Ayurvedic® Candles feature scents inspired by the healing remedies of Ayurveda. They are made with 100% natural soy wax and fragrances made from organic ingre-

dients. No chemical solvents, parabens, dioxin, phthalates or other harmful synthetics are used, and the candles are poured in the US, in a certified eco-friendly facility. As an added bonus, the candles are packaged in keepsake tins, and the jar candle’s vessel turns upside down after use to become a candleholder. The entire line can be reused, helping to reduce post-consumer waste. Because of the overwhelmingly positive response to the candles, the next phase in the Everybody’s Ayurveda collection will launch during the summer gift markets. Debuting during the summer markets, Teaveda™ Ayurvedic Teas are 100% organic and chemical free. They are packaged in a keepsake tin and contain 20 biodegradable bags of tea. The Soulveda™ Ayurvedic Home Décor line features global-inspired accents, lighting, frames, furniture and more. The Soyveda Ayurvedic Body Care collection will feature six dosha-balancing scents. Products include perfume, body washes, body oils and bath salts, lotions and more. Consumer education and support is an integral part of Everybody’s Ayurveda’s marketing initiative, with signage kits, posters, window stickers and informational DVDs available. A strong emotional connection to the philosophy behind the products is what Utley feels will drive people to gift stores looking for more. “In just a few months the line has more than tripled in size,” Utley explains. “We are excited and encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the gift industry. We anticipate major growth ahead for the Everybody’s Ayurveda collection.”

5/30/2012 12:18:05 PM

A C H I E V E B A L A N C E. Achieve Retail Success. T H E P I T TA C O L L E C T I O N

TM TM

Introducing Soyveda™ by Everybody's Ayurveda. The most eco-conscious collection of Ayurvedic® candles and home décor on the market today! Our candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and fragrances using organic ingredients free from chemical solvents. The entire Soyveda collection can be repurposed. Our signature jar candle turns into a candle holder after use. Our candles are packaged in keepsake tins to reduce post-consumer waste, and make gift-giving easy! See Soyveda and the entire Everybody’s Ayurveda collection of products exclusively at MidWest-CBK showrooms nationwide.

mwcbk.com | 800.394.4225 | soyveda.com Circle #233

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HOME FASHION

Pretty in Pink Whatever the shade — salmon, blush, cerise or bubblegum — pink is always a popular classic in both fashion and home decor. Pink home fragrances are sure to brighten any space up through both scent and color.

BODY

CANDLES

>candles

b Terracotta Pots come in a set of 12 mini votives filled with unscented wax. $24.95 for set. Vance Kitira. 800.646.6360. www.vancekitira.com

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

CIRCLE #816

c Spring Queen Crown is a lavender-scented candle fit for royalty. 14 oz. $36. Xela Aroma. 800. 554.0826. www.xelaaroma.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #817

a Island Sunset is a juicy blend of coconut, banana, pears, peaches and red island fruits all in one potpourri mix. $20. Greenleaf Gifts. 877.473.3653. www.greenleafgifts.com CIRCLE #815

d Pink Dragonfruit is a fruity fusion of dragonfruit nectar and flowers. Burns 110-150 hours. 22 oz. $27.99. Yankee Candle. 800.792.6180. www.yankeecandle.com CIRCLE #818 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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| june 2012

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5/31/2012 10:52:31 AM

Pumpkin Latte. Just one of Kringleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hits for Q3/4.

Autumn and Winter are approaching fast and Kringle Candle has 50-plus fragrances ready-to-ship. In addition to new 2012 introductions such as Pumpkin Latte and Cozy Cabin, prepare for the coming seasons with perennial favorites like Spiced Apple, Mulling Spices, Balsam Fir, Welcome Home and dozens of others! You can view all of our intense, realistic fragrances at www.kringlecandle.com or contact your rep. #&&5 /,& 5;5 --) # . Atlanta Gift Mart Atlanta, GA (800) 343-3909 AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN

The Dolan Group The Columbus Marketplace 800-486-7555 OH, WV, KY, Western PA

)(7 ,5 --) # . Bridgewater, NJ (609) 654-8853 DE. MD, NJ, NY, MD, Eastern PA

1 , 5 --) # . -65 ( 8 Westford, MA (800) 255-1619 CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

)"(-)(5 . ,-5 ,% .#(! Minneapolis, MN 800-786-7911 MN, SD, ND, WI, KS, NE, IA, MO

-. ,(5 *Dallas, TX (800) 733-1123 AZ, AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

. ,-)(5 --) # . -65 ( 8 The Merchandise Mart Chicago, IL (888) 511-7400 IL, IN, MI

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HOME CANDLES

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>candles playthings

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a Stella is marble-designed in Snow color. 11½", $105; Classic squared, 9½", $160 for set. Julia Knight. 800.388.1878. www.juliaknight.net

STATIONERY

CIRCLE #823

Holding Up

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

Basic tapers take on a more decorative and elegant look when paired with ornate holders. In marble, polished dolomite or cast iron, these accessories enhance any decor.

b Dauphine Candlesticks add some 18th century, luxury French flair. 12". $76 for set of two, white or black. Rosanna Inc. 206.264.7882. www.rosannainc.com

c Adler candle holders add some rusticity to any setting. Made of cast iron. Stand 6½"x8". $250 for set. Arteriors Home. 877.488.8866. www.arteriorshome.com

CIRCLE #824

CIRCLE #825 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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5/31/2012 11:57:49 AM

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true to life fragrances™

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HOME FASHION

Coolas Jasmine Grown as a shrub and vine in the olive family, there are more than 200 species of Jasmine. Mostly derived from India, this fragrant, white flower in candle form leaves its musky scent behind hour after hour.

BODY

CANDLES

>candles

BATH

b Jasmine candles are U.S.-made and poured into recycled, colored glass leaving a weathered look. 40-hour burn time. 8 oz. $35. Izola. 212.924.4270. www.izola.com

GOURMET

STATIONERY

CIRCLE #812

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

c Soy Jasmine is the flowery musk at full bloom. Burns 75 hours. 9.5 oz. $28. Soap & Paper Factory. 845.353.4566. www.soapandpaperfactory.com CIRCLE #813

a Jasminum Officinale is a hand-poured, botanical blend of the delicate white flower. Burns up to 50 hours. 6.7 oz. $45. Carriere Freres Industrie. 312.642.1300. www.frenchstudioimports.com CIRCLE #811

d Jasmin emits the scent of lush gardens sprinkled with jasmine. 2.4 oz., $28l 6.5 oz., $60. Diptyque. 212.684.3140. www.diptyqueparis.com CIRCLE #814 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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giftsanddec.com

5/29/2012 6:13:24 PM

Add Some Sparkle to Your Holiday!

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SPICED GUMDROPS

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HOME BATH

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CANDLES

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>candles

GOURMET

STATIONERY

a Holiday Votive Set includes candles with six different scents: pomegranate, amber, mandarin orange, vanilla, cinnamon and pine. $32. Nest Fragrances. 212.759.0047. www.nestfragrances.com CIRCLE #819

Winter Scents b Give is a wintry mix of honey and cinnamon wood. Available in 7-oz. candle and 4-oz. diffuser. $25 and $29, respectively. Paddywax. 615.630.7100. www.paddywax.com

It’s never too early to start thinking of the chillier times ahead with wintry scented candles — everything from pine, mistletoe, candy canes and amber.

MORE ON TREND

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #820

c Nutcracker Sweet and Jingle Bells candles are handpoured into hand-painted, eartenware gift boxes. $19.95 for set. Tag. 800.621.8350. www.tagltd.com

d Fragrance Mists are great stocking stuffers. 2 oz. $8 each. Bridgewater Candles. 877.843.2743. www.bridgewatercandles.com

CIRCLE #821

CIRCLE #822 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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giftsanddec.com

5/30/2012 4:07:28 PM

Simply the Best This Harvest & Holiday Season cash in on the fastest growing and best selling tapers on the market Give your customers the best quality, best variety and best prices ...Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple

Our Tapers are available in 25 everyday & seasonal colors See our complete product line at Atlanta Gift Mart Showroom 1308A New York Gift Fair Booth 7032

Call for a Catalog

1-800-836-8797

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Click Clack Tins

The Candle with the Pop Top!

“Click”

“C l

k”

These Hand-poured high quality candles are Made in the USA! “Click-Clack” Tins allow you to simply push on the center of the lid to “Click” open and squeeze on the outer rim of the lid to “Clack” shut. Lakeshore Candle stands out in the crowded, competitive candle market, because of its many unique attributes. The candles’ unique scents have received rave reviews from retailers, customers, and beyond. The products “green” elements and high-quality craftsmanship create an exceptional burn time and provide owners with a clean burning experience. Customers love Lakeshore Candle's original, proprietary fragrances. Come smell the difference and see why Lakeshore Candles are steadily gaining popularity with independent retailers.

www.lakeshorecandlecompany.com

P: 1-888-752-2635 Circle #310

Circle #248

June Fractionals.indd 9

5/30/2012 4:14:21 PM

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

CANDLES

FASHION

HOME

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ROOT CANDLES

BODY

New! Seeking Balance 3-Packs

Packaged stylishly in recycled materials and printed in soy inks, votives are available in 8 soothing fragrances containing essential oils. The sustainable, crackling wooden wicks stimulate the senses, calming the spirit.

STATIONERY

BATH

| 800-BUY-ROOT @ www.rootcandles.com # circle #508

HABERSHAM CANDLE COMPANY

Wax Pottery® Tapestry Glass Candle Three wicks in our richly patterned glass provide an exceptional fragrance experience. Colors and fragrances coordinate with our best selling Wax Pottery® vessels. Gift Boxed as well!

CANDLE WARMERS ETC.

Jamie Clair – Wax Melts™

| 877-823-5138 @ www.habershamcandle.com # circle #511

GOURMET

These highly scented wax melts are easy to use and bring fresh and inviting scents into your home.

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

| 800-262-2305 @ www.candlewarmers.com # circle #509

PLAYTHINGS

HABERSHAM CANDLE COMPANY

Wax Pottery® Luminary Candle

Leather AromaLume & Elixir Fragrance

Wax Pottery® fragrance and designs now available in candles! Our luminary beautifully and fragrantly burns down the middle leaving an outer shell. Gift Boxed as well!

Pure and powerful scent produced without any heat of flame. Refills lasts last over 160 continuous hours.

| 877-823-5138 @ www.habershamcandle.com # circle #510

№ 154 gifts and decorative accessories

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LA-TEE-DA! FRAGRANCE FOR THE HOME

| june 2012

| 800-246-1826 @ www.ltdfragrance.com # circle #512

giftsanddec.com

5/30/2012 10:17:01 AM

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

HOME

product profile

FASHION CANDLES

Glassware

| 314-961-1990 @ www.khalldesigns.com @ www.simpatico-home.com # circle #514

CANDLE WARMERS ETC.

New! Illumination Fragrance Warmers™

Elegant recycled glass options that pair with all types of candles including containers to pour your own candles.

Designed to warm scented oils and wax creating the glow and ambiance of a burning candle, releasing the candle’s fragrance.

GOURMET

Recycled Glass Candle Containers

| 800-262-2305 @ www.candlewarmers.com # circle #516

GIFTABLES

| 800-573-4367 @ www.couronneco.com # circle #515

STATIONERY

COURONNE COMPANY

Our holiday fragrances have been expanded to include 100% vegetable wax candles in travel tins and screen printed glass.

BODY

| 856-358-7750 @ www.acheerfulgiver.com # circle #513

k. hall Holiday Collection

Crackled Glass Candle Accessories for Fall, Winter or Anytime. We have an exciting line of New Accessories for Votives, Pillars and Tealights. See our entire collection at our Summer Shows.

BATH

K HALL DESIGNS

A CHEERFUL GIVER

HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

circle #231 giftsanddec.com

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june 2012 |

gifts and decorative accessories

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5/30/2012 10:19:41 AM

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

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HOME

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CANDLES

CANDLE WARMERS ETC.

BODY

The Aurora Candle Warmer Lamp™ A soft halogen light warms the top of the candle releasing the candle’s fragrance within minutes.

ROOT CANDLES

Limited Edition, Dazzling Holiday Collection

BATH

Bursting with luscious fragrance, the all-natural, white crystal palm wax and soft crackling wooden wicks make this collection unique & a must for the holidays. Available in 4 fragrances: Spiced Gumdrops, Sparkling Cranberry, Juniper Wreath & Cherry Chocolates. Available in 4 styles.

| 800-262-2305 @ www.candlewarmers.com # circle #518

STATIONERY

| 800-BUY-ROOT @ www.rootcandles.com # circle #517

GOURMET

K HALL DESIGNS

Reindeer Holiday Collection An honest, modern holiday scent now as a beautiful hobnail diffuser and a hobnail votive candle.

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

| 314-961-1990 @ www.khalldesigns.com @ www.simpatico-home.com # circle #519

BIEDERMANN & SONS KRINGLE CANDLE COMPANY

Pink Lotus Candleholder This striking pink lotus candleholder from Biedermann & Sons very affordably transports you to the garden! SRP: $16.95

PLAYTHINGS

| 800-446-8150 @ www.biedermannandsons.com # circle #520

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Kringle Candle Spiced Apple Classic Apothecary Jars Essentially autumnal, this comforting fruit/spice fragrance is a perennial favorite. Available in all styles for Q3.

| 888-957-4645 @ www.kringlecandle.com # circle #521

giftsanddec.com

5/30/2012 10:19:56 AM

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

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FASHION CANDLES BATH & BODY

HABERSHAM CANDLE COMPANY A CHEERFUL GIVER

Solid Solutions® Deep Moisturizing Lotion Disc & New TO GO! Size

Plug-In Melters in popular home décor themes! Plug into any outlet and enjoy our fragrances in any room. SRP: $11.99

Naturally good for your skin, our solid lotion is made from sustainable soy and comes gift packaged in an Eco-friendly box. New smaller size is great for purses, backpacks or desks.

| 856-358-7750 @ www.acheerfulgiver.com # circle #522

| 877-823-5138 @ www.habershamcandle.com # circle #523

STATIONERY

NEW Plugins

GOURMET

THE STONEBRIAR COLLECTION

Jeweled Frame Candle Pins

GIFTABLES

The beautiful jeweled frame candle pin is part of Stonebriar’s Crafted Home collection and is the perfect gift for a friend! Offered in 6 different styles and colors. SRP: $7.99

| 877-513-6439 @ www.stonebriarcollection.com # circle #524

Kringle Candle Watercolors Classic Apothecary Jars

| 888-957-4645 @ www.kringlecandle.com # circle #525

giftsanddec.com

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KRINGLE CANDLE COMPANY

Kringle Candle Balsam Classic Apothecary Jars Incredibly realistic, bracing pine notes make Balsam a natural for every season. Available in all styles for Q3.

PLAYTHINGS

A perfect everyday fragrance driven by lavish florals and sweet fruit accords. Available in all styles for Q3.

HOLIDAYS

KRINGLE CANDLE COMPANY

| 888-957-4645 @ www.kringlecandle.com # circle #526

june 2012 |

gifts & decorative accessories

№ 157

5/30/2012 10:20:12 AM

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TO GIFTS AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

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HOME

product profile

ROOT CANDLES

BATH

LA-TEE-DA! FRAGRANCE FOR THE HOME

American Experiences, Four New Fragrances for Fall & Holiday

STATIONERY

Aqua Gold Effusion Lamp with 16 oz. & 32 oz. Effusion Fragrance Eliminate odors from cooking and more while distributing fragrance across large living areas. Exclusive menu of over 40 custom-blended fragrances.

Fabulous & seasonally appropriate: Decorating Christmas Cookies In Grandma’s Kitchen, Hitting The Mall On Our Girls’ Day Out, Chestnuts Are Roasting On Every Corner As I Peek In the Holiday Windows, & Walking the Red Carpet at My First Movie Premiere.

| 800-246-1826 @ www.ltdfragrance.com # circle #527

| 800-BUY-ROOT @ www.rootcandles.com # circle #528

GOURMET

DADANT CANDLES

Beeswax Honey Lite Pillars Packaged individually. 2" x 6", 2 lbs., approx burn time 1 hour per inch, SRP $15.00. 3" x 6", 3 lbs., approx. burn time 4 hours per inch. SRP: $29.00

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

| 800-443-8738 @ www.dadantcandles.com # circle #529

KRINGLE CANDLE COMPANY KRINGLE CANDLE COMPANY

Kringle Candle Splash Classic Apothecary Jars

PLAYTHINGS

This bright, fresh ozonic fragrance has proven to be a year-round top seller. Available in all styles for Q3.

| 888-957-4645 @ www.kringlecandle.com # circle #530

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Kringle Candle Cozy Cabin Classic Apothecary Jars Featuring wood and spice notes, this homey new fragrance is sure to be a top seller. Available in all styles for Q3.

| 888-957-4645 @ www.kringlecandle.com # circle #531

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5/30/2012 10:20:27 AM

HOME

>bath&body

FASHION CANDLES BATH

No sugar added: each cupcake is a mix of Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts and essential oils for moisture, relaxation and rejunvenation.

& BODY STATIONERY GOURMET

Handmade in the U.S.A., these fizz balls are handpoured into special cupcake-shaped molds.

GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

Fizzy Baths Bath fizz balls are taking on whole new shapes with more colorful and decorative cupcakes that look good enough to eat.

PLAYTHINGS

Tahiti transports bath time to the South Pacific paradise with scents of lush tropical fruits and a hint of jasmine. $5.50 (small), $10.50 (large). Feeling Smitten. 970.300.4895. www.feelingsmitten.com CIRCLE #801

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gifts and decorative accessories

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HOME FASHION

>bath&body

CANDLES

Energy Shifting Sprays give a little mental boost. 2 oz., $11; 4 oz., $14. HelloMellow. 310.313.3193. www.hellomellow.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

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CIRCLE #802

Natural Beauties Why vegan and organic personal care products are top choice for retailers, consumers B Y T I N A B E N I T E Z - E V E S SPRAY OR RUB ON THE HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES AND OTHER CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS. This is what some people do on a daily basis when they use more of the commercial, synthetic soaps and other personal care items — everything from lotions, hair care, body scrubs and fragrances. As more and more consumers become educated about the effects of harsher chemicals, more organic personal care products are gaining in popularity — and retailers have caught on by stocking up on not only organic, but vegan (featuring no animal by-products and not tested on animals) products. “Vegan and organic products are highly sought after by both retailers and consumers,” says Becky Sturm, CEO and founder of Stormsister Spatique and 3 Way Beauty, who manufactures a vegan and organic soap for the hair, skin and shaving. “Retailers are aware of the growing trend with these types of products because the consumer is becoming more aware of controversial ingredients in everyday grooming and beauty products.” Part of the controversy is what individuals are actually putting into their largest organ: the skin. Various pre-

№ 160 gifts and decorative accessories

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servatives and other artificial ingredients have been linked to reproductive effects, allergies, hormonal imbalance and other health issues. Even though the U.S. government regulates the use of almost any ingredient in skin, hair and nail products — and the water we drink — the Food & Drug Administration, which establishes all standards of drugs and food, still pays little attention to skincare and makeup, allowing many harmful ingredients to be manufactured. It’s no wonder retailers are stocking safer, naturally based, eco-friendly and organic cosmetics — a trend that is continuing to grow, year-afteryear. In fact, the natural and organic makeup, hair and skin care products market grew 60 percent from 2005 to 2010, exceeding $7.5 billion in sales, and is expected to hit the $11 billion mark by 2016, according to research by Packaged Facts. “[Consumers] are also looking for more earth-friendly packaging and ingredients,” says Sturm. “The consumer has more skin allergies as well and they are beginning to question the connection between those questionable ingredients and their health.” •

Shhh. is no secret to natural cleanliness and can be used for the hair, skin and for shaving. 1½ oz., 6 oz. bars. $5, $17. 3 Way Beauty. 612.716.5480. www.3waybeauty.com CIRCLE #803

Ambergris is a beeswax-based perfume. 1 oz. $19.50. Simpatico. 314.961.1001. www.simpatico-home.com CIRCLE #804

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5/31/2012 10:48:03 AM

Circle #298

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HOME STATIONERY

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>bath&body

Sandalwood Saffron Aromatherapy Body Butter is a mix of sandalwood oil, Kashmir saffron and shea and cocoa butter, beeswax and Vitamin E. 2 oz. $18. Anjolie Ayurveda. 914.478.8825. www.anjolienyc.com

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CIRCLE #805

Eau de Parfum is a natural blend of oatmeal, milk, vanilla and vetiver. 1¾ oz. $42. K. Hall Designs. 314.961.1990. www.khalldesigns.com CIRCLE #806

Exfoliating Body Scrubs come in spritely, and allnatural, scents like Balsam of Peru and Pumpkin and Hibiscus and Ginger. Metropolis Soap Company. 347.554.SOAP. www.metropolissoap.com CIRCLE #807

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>bath&body

Bergamot Ylang Ylang Mediterranean Bath Salts are from the Mediterranean Sea and made with natural scents. 12 oz. tin. $19.95. Sapone di Bronte. 404.409.5752. www.saponedibronte.com

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GOURMET

CIRCLE #808

Almond Luxe Body Polish exfoliates with allnatural almond oil, cardamon and raw sugar to sweeten the scent. 8 oz. $28. Soapwalla. 646.369.2007. www.soapwallakitchen.com

Rescue Putty relieves chaffed hands, elbow and knees, as well as bug bites and burns. 1¾ oz. $11.50. Worker B. 612.804.4781. www.workerb.com.

CIRCLE #809

CIRCLE #829

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FASHION CANDLES

Our natural liquid hand soap is created with natural plant extracts, soothing botanicals, and colloidal oatmeal.

BODY

Barr-Co. Pure Vegetable Hand Soap

No. 25 and Morelia Monarch - Experience the ultimate luxury in a bottle. Pictured are No. 25 and Morelia Monarch, two of the most popular scents from Camille Beckman’s full personal care classic line. Made in America. SRP: $0.89 - $15.95

Ultimate Luxury

BATH

BARR-CO.

CAMILLE BECKMAN

STATIONERY

| 314-961-1990 @ www.khalldesigns.com @ www.simpatico-home.com # circle #533

| 800-433-0060 @ www.camillebeckman.com # circle #532

THE NAKED BEE POO~POURRI

| 972-818-8200 @ www.poopourri.com # circle #534

Body Wash, Shampoo, Oatmeal & Honey Soap, Hand Sanitizer. Parabenfree. No Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate.

| 888-871-1811 @ www.nakedbee.com # circle #535

GIFTABLES

Comes in 11 different color combinations! This inspired scent of Nectarine Blossom & Honey, blended with our signature natural essential oils create this effective before-you-go bathroom spray. Wholesale - 2oz $5, 4oz $7.50

“Keep it clean with Naked Bee” GOURMET

P.U. Poo~Pourri University – Smelta Nada Poo

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CAMILLE BECKMAN

The Essentials Gift Basket

Small Butterfly Gift Set

This set provides the ultimate Camille experience by offering a fine selection of Camille Beckman’s best selling products. Basket Material: Hyacinth Leaves. Available in 18 fragrances.SRP: $52.50

Catch flight with this assortment from Camille Beckman of six miniature products in Midnight Monarch, Morelia Monarch and No. 25. Delightfully cute, this gift set is a magnificent impulse purchase. SRP: $10.95

| 800-433-0060 @ www.camillebeckman.com # circle #536

| 800-433-0060 @ www.camillebeckman.com # circle #537

POO~POURRI

GOURMET

Original Poo-Pourri Soy Candle w/ Black Decorative Candle Holder New 100% Soy Wax Candles! Featuring ODOR NEUTRALIZING ESSENTIAL OILS and ENZYMES, this soy candle is made with the fragrance of the Original Poo~Pourri. Wholesale: $12.50

GIFTABLES

| 972-818-8200 @ www.poopourri.com # circle #539 BARR-CO.

Barr-Co. Fine Oatmeal Cream

HOLIDAYS

This moisture-rich formula was created to leave your skin feeling silky, hydrated and delightfully fragrant.

PLAYTHINGS

| 314-961-1990 @ www.khalldesigns.com @ www.simpatico-home.com # circle #538

PLUM ISLAND SOAP

Momma’s Belly Butter Yummy for the Tummy! Plum Island Soap Company’s all natural nourishing butter is formulated with pure olive oil and beeswax to help keep growing bellies soft and supple for Mommy’s to be. SRP: $16.75 - 6 oz.

| 978-465-0238 @ www.plumislandwholesale.com # circle #540

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FASHION

CRABTREE & EVELYN

Lip & Hand Therapy Display

CANDLES

Great for travel depots. Features high-turnover products to drive sales across multiple business categories.

| 877-280-9451 @ www.crabtree-evelyn.com # circle #541

BATH

K. HALL DESIGNS

Eucalyptus & Chamomile Collection

The invigorating elements of eucalyptus, blended with sunny herbal notes of chamomile, create a refreshing and calming fragrance.

BODY STATIONERY

| 314-961-1990 @ www.khalldesigns.com @ www.simpatico-home.com # circle #542

CAMILLE BECKMAN

GOURMET

Card Inserts by Camille Beckman Imagine if you had an upsell of 89¢ on every card that crossed your countertop. Card Inserts by Camille Beckman will turn any card into a gift. Countertop displays available. SRP: $0.89

GIFTABLES

| 800-433-0060 @ www.camillebeckman.com # circle #543

New Spa Shrubbies Cotton chenille cloth on one side with an exfoliating scrubber on the back. SRP: $4.95

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Our new Pomegranate & Honey line is a hit for 2012! 70% Organic Moisturizing Lotion; Body Butter; SPF 15 Lip Balm.

| 888-871-1811 @ www.nakedbee.com # circle #545

june 2012 |

PLAYTHINGS

| 888-608-5336 @ www.janeylynnsdesigns.com # circle #544

Pomegranate & Honey

HOLIDAYS

THE NAKED BEE JANEY LYNN’S DESIGNS, LLC.

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gifts & decorative accessories

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>stationery

FASHION CANDLES BATH &

These bright paperboard boxes have a high gloss finish with linear accent colors.

BODY STATIONERY GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

A Stack of Style Stock a stack of pretty boxes to offer customers a multitude of useful options: as gift boxes (just add a ribbon); to hold paperclips or other small items on the desktop or jewelry on the vanity table.

PLAYTHINGS

Linea Nesting Boxes come in a set of four. They have a flush lid design and range in size from 4” to 51/8”. $16/set. Xonex. 216.595.1100. www.xonexpens.com CIRCLE #951

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gifts and decorative accessories

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>stationery

CANDLES

a Paper placemat pads from the Oh! Kitchen collection are printed with food-safe soy-based ink and contain 50 sheets. $20. Studio Oh! 888.757.0801. www.studiooh.com

GOURMET

STATIONERY

BATH

BODY

CIRCLE #952

Neat Eating Paper placemats are a great new alternative for dressing up the casual table. Sold in tear-off pads, these decorative, disposable placemats are ideal for informal gatherings and everyday use.

b Paper placemats from the Palmer Collection feature die-cut edges. $16 for 12 each of two designs. Anna Griffin Inc. 888.817.8170. annagriffin.com

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GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #956

c Full-color placemat pads designed by Leslie Evans include 50 placemats that measure 18"x12". $19.99 per pad. Sellers Publishing. 800.778.7266. www.sellerspublishing.com

a shrink-wrapped, 40-sheet tablet. $7.95. Accoutrements. 800.886.2221. www.accoutrements.com

e Bistro Placemats are available in two styles and feature 12 tear-off, mattevarnished paper placemats. $6.95. Pierre Belvedere. 800.561.2358. www.pierrebelvedere.com

CIRCLE #953

CIRCLE #955

CIRCLE #954

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d Last Supper Paper Placemats come in

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a Giftwrap is printed with soy inks using 100% windpower. 19½”x26”. $3 each. Smudge Ink. 617.242.8228. www.smudgeink.com

Off the Roll

CIRCLE #957

Customers are using single sheets of giftwrap not only to wrap presents in style, but also for craft projects and as shelf liners — resulting in sales that are anything but flat.

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>stationery

b Handmade giftwrap features metallic accents and is printed on 100% recycled cotton fiber. 21”x29”. $5/sheet. Midori Inc. 800.659.3049. www.midoriribbon.com

c Jon Burgerman flat giftwrap measures 19½”x27”. $3.50/sheet. Vigo Productions Inc. 212.532.9122. www.vigocards.com

d Artful giftwrap is printed on 60-lb. recycled paper at a FSC/SFI-certified facility. 19¼”x 27”. $3.50/sheet. Eieio. 510.301.8249. www.eieiostudio.com

CIRCLE #960

CIRCLE #958

CIRCLE #959 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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Circle #254

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DESIGN IDEAS

Guest books for every type of getaway!

Perpetual Calendars by MoMA

The “Write it Down” Series of over 60 themed/ guided journals with hardcover design, recycled paper, soy-based ink, USA made!

To use this perpetual calendar, simply insert the stand to place it on a desk, then move the string and magnetic balls to set the month and day.

| 800-897-8528 @ www.journalsunlimited.com # circle #546

| 800-426-6394 @ www.designideas.net # circle #547

STATIONERY

BATH

BODY

JOURNALS UNLIMITED

DESIGN DESIGN

Handmade Cards

GOURMET

Our handmade cards are uniquely crafted with all the fine details. We use holographic foils, die-cut attachments and glitter treatments to create a multidimensional effect that pops off the page to the lucky receiver.

PRESENT TIME

GIFTABLES

Paper Clip Wall Clock Colors Modern clock for your office or room. Add your own pictures on the clips! SRP: $32.00

| 800-334-3348 @ www.designdesign.us # circle #549

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| 512-441-9533 @ http://usa.presenttime.com # circle #548

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>gourmet

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Handcrafted in India, each piece is constructed of soapstone, a metamorphic rock.

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When heated or chilled before serving, the cups and carafe maintain the desired temperature of the Japanese spirit.

GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

For the Sake of Saké Tasting goes further in the right glass, or stone, ware. Soapstone is durable and stackable for some spirited decor.

PLAYTHINGS

Ekke Saké Carafe and Cups are made of polished soapstone and hand-etched with decorative banding. Set includes 9-oz. carafe and four 1½-oz. footed cups. $50. Teroforma. 877.899.1190. www.teroforma.com CIRCLE #848

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gifts and decorative accessories

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>gourmet Bourbon Molasses Mustard is sweet and tangy. 8 oz. $6.50. Stonewall Kitchen. 800. 826.1752. www.stonewallkitchen.com

In the Spirits

CIRCLE #849

Alcohol-infused, gourmet foods keep consumers and retailers in high spirits year round.

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BY TINA B E N I T E Z- E V E S

Spirited Cherries are whole pitted cherries bottled with cherry brandy liqueur and cinnamon. Also available in Spirited Peaches. 16 oz. $12.99. Cherith Valley Gardens. 800.610.9813. www.cherithvalley.com CIRCLE #850

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INSIDE COOK’S CORNER, A FAMILY-OWNED SHOP LOCATED IN HISTORIC SMITHVILLE, NJ, PATRONS CAN PURCHASE VODKA, BOURBON, SCOTCH AND OTHER SPIRITS. But this isn’t a food and liquor shop. These spirits come in the form of sauces, jarred fruits, marinades, oils, syrups and other gourmet food items. First opened in 1980, Cook’s Corner offers up a host of kitchen gadgets and other houseware items, within its 2,000-sq.-ft. store, but its gourmet food selection is a main draw to locals and visitors. In particular, some products that have been most popular are those infused with spirits. “These products are excellent and just sell off the shelves,” said Andy Perfetti, owner of Cook’s Corner. In addition to a large selection of Cherith Valley Farms products, including liqueur-soaked cherries and peaches bottled in Mason-like jars, Cook’s Corner also offers a selection from Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey sauces, seasonings and rubs, featuring Jack Daniel’s Black Label Whiskey, as well as Jim Beam Bourbon sauces and marinades made with the classic spirit and other condiments infused with Maker’s Mark and Wild Turkey. It also offers jars of Vermouth-filled olives by Gils Gourmet Olives. The store even sells its own infused oils and spices for patrons, but the spirit-filled sauces and other gourmet spirits are part of the Cook’s

Corner’s success, which in today’s food market goes well beyond basic vodka sauce. “It’s something different, and [customers] just want to try it,” says Perfetti. And the more obscure (popcorn and bourbon?) or alcohol-infused the product, the more interesting to the consumer — at any price. Since more U.S. consumers are buying spirits to consume these days, spirit-infused food items — everything from Scotch Caramel Sauce from Happy Goat Caramels, bourboninfused popcorn by Metropolitan Bakery and liqueur-filled cordials from Bissinger’s to more alcoholsteeped, tart condiments, sauces, syrups and chutneys — are also more appealing to shoppers. Gourmet food sales increased by 19.1 percent from 2009 through 2011

COCKTAILS AND FOOD Don't know how to promote spirited foods in your store? Just start at the root: the spirits. Try dropping some of Cherith Valley's Spirited Fruits (cherries, peaches) into a fruity cocktail, or scoop a spoonful over a complimentary slice of cake for patrons who want to sample. Prepare fun menus each season with take-away recipes based on some of your "spirited" food items, whether it's sauces, syrups or other edibles. This gives customers a few ideas on how to use spirit-infused foods while perusing in store over a cocktail and a few bites. They'll come back for more!

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AUGUST 18 - 22, 2012

JAVITS CENTER - PIERS 92 + 94

>gourmet playthings

The Gourmet Housewares Show® at NYIGF, open August 19-22, 2012, offers a comprehensive collection of 150 gourmet kitchenware resources alongside 250 specialty tabletop lines. Presented annually in August, the Gourmet Housewares Show offers a unique 3rd quarter market opportunity. The Show will also present educational sessions and networking for the specialty gourmet community. For more information, visit www.thegourmetshow.com.

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CANDLES

NY INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR ®

STATIONERY

Picnic Time – Booth #3462 www.picnictime.com

Bourbon-infused Popcorn has notes of the rich spirit with caramel. 6 oz. $6.95. Metropolitan Bakery. www.metropolitanbakery.com

GOURMET

CIRCLE #851

Sweet Bourbon Glaze is a blend of Kentucky bourbon and spices. 12 oz. $5.25. Braswell's. 800.673.9388. www.braswells.com EUSAMEX USA INC. – Booth # 3410 www.eusamex.com

reaching $59.7 billion in sales last year, according to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade.

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HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #852

Spend More, Drink More

TAG-Trade Associates Group – Booth #3520 www.tagltd.com

nyigf.com

When it comes to quality, Americans don’t mind spending big bucks; they are spending more on quality “hooch,” according to recent sales data reported by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). In 2011, liquor sales rose 4 percent from 2010 to $19.9 billion with 8.9 percent purchasing top-shelf spirits brands, 15.9 percent buying “super premium” vodkas and 11.4 percent grabbing more high-end bourbons and whiskeys last year.

They also don’t mind spending a little more to savor those same flavors in their foods. “Spirits are wonderful flavor enhancers to specialty food products,” says Janine Somers, director of marketing, Stonewall Kitchen. “Our Bourbon Molasses Mustard joins the flavors of an Old Southern Bourbon with a New England course ground mustard. This combination gives consumers endless meal possibilities. From traditional baked beans to boiled dinners, the mellow bourbon adds a depth of flavor ... increased by the sweetness of the molasses. Sauces like Black Cherry Cognac, Raspberry Liqueur Hot Fudge,

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Email for full selection: wholesale@debrand.com

FINE CHOCOL AT E S

www.debrand.com MyBar!™

Chocolate Art Boxes

Classic Collection

Faces of the World

Sea Salt Caramel Collection

Pretzel Collection

NE W

260.969.8335, ask for the Wholesale Division

The one gift you know they’ll love…and the perfect impulse purchase.

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Shaggies

Circle #225

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www.janeylynns.com

888-608-5336

Dallas 3 Gentrys - 2222 Dallas Trade Mart Seattle Gift Show - 1816 / Minneapolis - Green 445 Chicago - 8-9062 - 13-200 / Atlanta - Building 2 - 8-105 Circle #255

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Eating in Store

See Salvy Sousa and the Sal’s Gals at the Dallas Market Center-Gourmet June 20 - 26!

Cookbooks, Gift Books & Much More!

GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

CIRCLE #853

Titles Great New From e USA! Made in th ing! Quick Sell

um! Low Minim -3 Days! Ships in 2

Call for a FREE Catalog!

800-887-4445 t gifts@cqproducts.com *OEVTUSJBM 4USFFU t 8BWFSMZ *" Circle #221

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Tequila Lime Salsa. 12 oz. $9.49. Robert Rothschild. 800.356.8933. www.robertrothschild.com

| june 2012

! A Y e r a Y, We dLIKE US ON FACEBOOK

ENJO

Interested in being one of Salvy Sousa’s Dealers: request our Tasty Teaser—a variety of our mouthwatering concoctions, check out our website!

Hankerings

GOURMET

Gourmet food vendors have plenty of recipes available to share for tastings to tempt customers. Recipes from Stonewall Kitchen, Cherith Valley and others range from cocktails to entrees to desserts. You can make copies to pass out with purchases. Having a chef make a guest appearance in your store for a demonstration is a big draw for food-conscious patrons and will often inspire them to try new things. Sharing a pork chops recipe using Robert Rothschild’s Tequila Lime Salsa or some other spirited condiment is just one way

to tie gourmet spirits into fine dining. It also helps customers connect beyond using these items simply as dips and toppings, making spirited items part of the larger dining experience — and customers feel like they’re getting more for their dollar. “Consumers like spirited foods because of the interesting flavor profiles that are created when adding spirits to traditional flavors,” says Stonewall’s Somers. “They add variety to everyday meals and help to create a gourmet experience at home. To inspire our guests, we provide recipe ideas for our specialty food products.” •

www.salvysousa.com

HOME FASHION CANDLES BODY & BATH

Spiced Rum Butterscotch and Roasted Peach Whiskey, as well as Bloddy Mary, Bellini and other cocktail mixers are some other “spirited” items in Stonewall’s collection.

LLC

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>gourmet

620-442-2700

11242 282nd Road Arkansas City, Kansas 67005

Circle #322 giftsanddec.com

5/31/2012 12:22:56 PM

FASHION

Three for Tea

CANDLES

Having a tea party? Tea accessories are just as important as the tea you’re serving. Make sure you have a stylish teapot as well as the proper tools for a perfectly relaxing afternooon.

BATH

b Cosmic China teapot features a paislety print with soft metallic highlights. $64. Denby. 800.374.6479. www.denbyusa.com

a Twisting Tea Ball is designed

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>gourmet

CIRCLE #892

BODY

to make it easy to scoop up loose leaf tea. To close the Ball twist the bottom half of the handle. Stainless Steel. Dishwasher safe. BPA free. $9.99. OXO. 212.242.3333. www.oxo.com CIRCLE #891

STATIONERY

c The Tea Cube from Make My Day features a stainless steel infuser with a silicone stopper. Four cup capacity. $39.99. Make My Day. 919.803.1884. www.makemydayproducts.com CIRCLE #893 ALL PRICES RETAIL

GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

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gifts and decorative accessories

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Diamond DOF and Whiskey Decanter

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ROLF GLASS

| 800-364-4603 @ www.rolfglass.com # circle #550

Reflect your personality, style and taste with the always-enchanting Rolf Glass Diamond Collection. MSRP: $14.94-$85.99

ARTISTIC CREATIONS

Pocket Bottle - BPA Free, Reusable, Freezable, Collapsible Water Bottles A better way to take a water bottle anywhere you go! Our collapsible, reusable water bottles are BPA free and hold up to 16 oz. of water.

| 800-288-0029 @ www.pocketbottles.com # circle #551

GOURMET

EPIC PRODUCTS

Cheeses of the World Cheese Server Gift Set Includes Large Server, 3-ply 20-count napkins and cheese spreader.

HOLIDAYS

FESTA

PLAYTHINGS

GIFTABLES

| 800-548-9791 @ www.epicproductsinc.com # circle #552

| 800-288-0029 @ www.getfesta.com # circle #553

ARTISTIC CREATIONS

Enjoy your red wine with a smoother finish and improved bouquet. Festa aerators come in 5 stylish colors and aerate your wine instantly while it pours out of the bottle.

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SOBREMESA

The Sobremesa Collection Beautiful hand carved wooden utensils (no machines are used) made from sustainably sourced coffee and jobillo woods. Retail prices starting at $15.95

| 312-235-6324 @ www.sobremesasales.org # circle #554

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5/30/2012 10:28:08 AM

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FASHION CANDLES BATH &

ARTISTIC CREATIONS

BODY

SPARQ

The Cool Sack

Unique and chic, these soapstone SPARQ Stones sustain drink temperatures without watering it down. Perfect for hostess or holiday gifts.

Chill your favorite beverage in style using one of our freezable wine totes or cozies.

| 303-800-1904 @ www.sparqhome.com # circle #555

| 800-288-0029 @ www.thecoolsack.com # circle #556

STATIONERY

Whiskey Rocks

TAG LTD.

| 773-871-1300 @ www.tagltd.com # circle #557

Bottles Up Cheese Server Gift Set Includes Large Server, 3-ply 20-count napkins and cheese spreader.

| 800-548-9791 @ www.epicproductsinc.com # circle #558

GIFTABLES

The perfect size and “balloon” shape for Burgundy style wines, including popular red varietals and blends. Crafted in the Slovak Republic.

EPIC PRODUCTS

GOURMET

bella burgundy wine glass

HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

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gifts & decorative accessories

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SINCE 1932

Witty Couples Aprons... So Apropos!

Distinctive Textiles, Gifts & Home De’cor !

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giftables >holidays

FASHION CANDLES BATH & STATIONERY

The cords come in a variety of colors and patterns.

BODY

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GOURMET GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

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PLAYTHINGS

Arts earbuds Lorem ipsumcome dolor with sit amet, threeconsectetur gel tips in XS, adipiscing M and L.elit. Shown Integer in Blue aliquet Graffiti. tellus erat, ac Chic $34.99. vulputate Buds.metus. 855.362.8346. Phasellus https://store.chicbuds.com/wholesale malesuada lorem ac elit pharetra fermentum. Cras CIRCLE #890posuere volutpat tellus. CIRCLE #817

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Get Prepped School may be out now — or almost out — but it’s time to start thinking about stocking up for September. Get kids ready for the new year with essentials from clothing to backpacks to lunch totes.

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b Good Lunch snack set comes with two machinewashable fabric pouches lined with stain-resistant nylon and one dishwasher-safe EVA pouch. BPAfree, phthalate-free, lead-free and PVC-free. O.R.E. 800.367.2675. www.oreoriginals.com

STATIONERY

CIRCLE #876

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

c Skulls necktie is pre-tied with knot stitched permanantly in place, and has an adjustable neckstrap that is attached with Velcro. Ages 0-8 years. Urban Sunday. 888.300.7300. www.urbansunday.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

CIRCLE #877

a Plush backpack features patterned fabric ruffles and marabou accents. $22.50. Mud Pie. 800.998.1633. www.mud-pie.com CIRCLE #874

d Grey school bag is made of 100% cotton. Approximately 13”x11”. $65. Mimi Lou through Karen Alweil Studio. 213.746.5363. www.mimilou.fr CIRCLE #875 ALL PRICES RETAIL

№ 186 gifts and decorative accessories

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Kids Play Parents won’t mind if kids don’t clean up these toys. These stylish playthings are not just for playing; they also make for a nice accessory in a child’s bedroom.

b Rocking horse is made of wood. Also available in black. $190. Playsam through Vici Ents. 212.972.2975. www.playsam.com

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BODY

CIRCLE #885

GOURMET

c Yono, left, and Sansi figure pillows are made of 100% organic cotton and filling. Seven figures in all. About 20”. $45. Meo & Friends through ScanTrends. 501.262.2243. www.meoandfriends.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

CIRCLE #882

a Circus tent. Mice not included. $119. Maileg. 678.684.0404. www.maileg.com CIRCLE #883

d Read-to-Me wall cards are printed on heavy laminated card stock. Tied together with a grosgrain ribbon. 8”x10”. $25. Eeboo. 212.222.0823. www.eeboo.com CIRCLE #884 ALL PRICES RETAIL

№ 188 gifts and decorative accessories

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Fantasy Gardens Fun for kids and adults alike, miniature gardens give even the most yard-challenged the pleasure of having a flower bed to tend. And better yet, they are not all limited to the natural growing season, but can be tended yearround. Miniature accessories add a fanciful element.

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b Fairy Garden Kit has Fairy dust, wheelbarrow, birdbath, dirt, arbor and path. Plants and other accessories sold separately. Kit, $50. Fairy Gardening. 970.701.1127. www.fairygardening.com

GOURMET

STATIONERY

CIRCLE #961

c Pixie Hollow Greenhouse includes seeds and

GIFTABLES

Miracle-Gro system. $12.99. Peachtree Playthings. 770.579.7640. www.peachtreeplaythings.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

CIRCLE #962

a Outer Space terrarium has alien looking plants and glow-in-the-dark rocks. Includes plant stakes, plant seeds, growing mix, terrarium and decorative aliens. $24.99. Dunecraft. 800.306.4168. www.dunecraft.com CIRCLE #963

d Gnome Garden grows wheat grass around a gnome home and fanciful toadstools. $30. Creativity for Kids. 800.642.2288. www.creativityforkids.com CIRCLE #964 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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ORDER TODAY! ph: 800-662-5923, www.BlossomBucket.com PERMANENT SHOWROOMS: Lancaster, PA: 1861 Charter Lane, Suite 108 AmericasMart Gift Mart, Building 2, 701: Atlanta, GA The Chicago Market: Living and Giving速: 13-201: Chicago, IL Corporate Headquarters: North Lawrence, OH Circle #207

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a Wooden Pop-out Puzzle depicts a 3D Easter scene. 14 pieces click into a 16”x12” puzzle base. $16.99. Wee Believers. 877. 933.2587. www.WeeBelievers.com

BATH

CIRCLE #980

STATIONERY

Learning Values

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

Playtime and storytime are not just entertainment, they also provide teachable moments for kids to learn about manners and values, cultures and religion.

PLAYTHINGS

b Mosi, a Navajo, is a new Heart for Hearts Girls doll, representing girls working for a better world. Includes friendship bracelet and story. Ages 6-12. $29.99. Playmates Toys. 877.612.7136. www.playmatestoys.com

c "Holy Folks" clip-on 3¼” historical figures for go-anywhere inspirational play. $4.99. Metro Design USA. 732.226.2150. www.metrodesignusa.com CIRCLE #979 ALL PRICES RETAIL

CIRCLE #978

Circle #234

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ROMAN, INC. MAD STYLE

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Daddy’s Little Girl Frame An elegantly designed collection of porcelain wedding frames delicately accented with silver glitter, a great way to blend tradition with “bling”! SRP: $29.99

Yakini Bangle

| 800-SAY-ROMAN @ www.roman.com # circle #559

| 1-877-MAD-2247 @ www.mad-style.com # circle #560

Mad Styles growing jewelry collections are getting noticed! MSRP: $18.00

ALEXANDRIA LAMPS

GOURMET

Alexandria Lamps Alexandria’s offers over 250 lamp styles and 50 fragrances.

GIFTABLES

| 877-252-4271 @ www.alexandrialamps.com # circle #561

HOLIDAYS

JOURNALS UNLIMITED

A new look for your favorite book!

PLAYTHINGS

The “Write it Down” Series of over 60 themed/guided journals with hardcover design, recycled paper, soy-based ink, USA made!

| 800-897-8528 @ www.journalsunlimited.com # circle #562

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GRASSLANDS ROAD, A DIVISION OF AMSCAN INC.

Celebrations – Patisserie Collection A perfect gift for the chic birthday girl. “Ohh-la-la Cupcake!” Birthday Mug features an illustrated design reminiscent off a Parisian pastry shop. SRP: $13.00

| 800-444-8887 @ www.grasslandsroad.com # circle #563

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MANUAL WOODWORKERS & WEAVERS, INC.

Traveling Across America

THINK PRAY GIFT

STATIONERY

| 800-542-3139 @ www.manualww.com # circle #565

BODY

| 888-584-9083 @ www.thinkpraygift.com # circle #564

“An angel like no other.” This interactive porcelain angel embraces photos, cards, and notes. Great as a go to sympathy gift.

Artist Patrick Reid O’Brien layers images, words, and washes of color to create mesmerizing art that translates beautifully onto printed totes, pillows, and wall-hangings.

Prayer Angel

IT TAKES TWO

COURONNE COMPANY

Couronne offers a line of stylish & affordable glass containers perfect for the gift giving season like this elegant 12" dotted bowl.

| 800-331-9843 @ www.ittakestwo.com # circle #567

HOLIDAYS

| 800-573-4367 @ www.couronneco.com # circle #566

A collage of unique art with Asian influence flowing from front to inside. Greeted inside with a subtle message added to the background. 4-1/2 x 6-1/4. Printed on recycled card stock. SRP: $2.95

GIFTABLES

Recycled Glass Decorative Accessories

GOURMET

Greeting Cards by Linda Thiltgen

PLAYTHINGS

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THE SAN FRANCISCO MUSIC BOX COMPANY

Hula Monkey Glass Tween Music Box

Smile ABS Bottle Opener

Dance to the new digital sound of “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves with this new glass music box. With jewels and a hula monkey adornment for the fashion-conscious tween. SRP: $35.00

Put a smile on your face. Fun-gadgety bottle opener! SRP: $4.50

| 800-426-1823 @ www.sanfranciscomusicbox.com # circle #568

STATIONERY

PRESENT TIME

| 512-441-9533 @ http://usa.presenttime.com # circle #569

GRASSLANDS ROAD, A DIVISION OF AMSCAN INC.

UGLYDOLL™ GOURMET

We’re excited to announce Grasslands Road is now the exclusive distributor of UGLYDOLL™ ceramic gifts including mugs, frames, banks, and cookie jars. SRP: $12.00-$30.00

GIFTABLES

| 800-444-8887 @ www.grasslandsroad.com # circle #570

ABOUT FACE DESIGNS™

HOLIDAYS

TOP SHELF

“21st Birthday” Pillar Candle

PLAYTHINGS

Introducing Top Shelf’s figural pillar candles this summer! Available designs include girl gifting, guy gifting, birthday, wedding & more! 6"h x 3"w. SRP: $14.99

| 888-808-4001 @ www.topshelfglasses.com # circle #571

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Sunnyside Up™ – My Mom Is My BFF Featuring the bold, bright art of the new Sunnyside Up™ Collection this 3 ¾" x 5 ¾" wood plaque is a great sentiment gift for mom! SRP: $9.00

| 800-742-1766 @ www.aboutfacedesigns.com # circle #572

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AMIA STUDIOS

Rock’n Roll Guitar Panel SAWDUST CITY LLC

STATIONERY

| 800-571-4665 @ www.amiastudiosblaircedar.com # circle #574

BODY

| 800-528-6008 @ www.sawdustcitywholesale.com # circle #573

Solid Wood Signs

We are continually adding new signs for fresh inventory! Over 2,500 designs – all made in the USA!

NEW musically themed “Lyrics in Glass” hand-painted glass products evoke the magic of poetic words with captivating melodies. Wrought iron frames and strings. 12-1/2"(W) x 31"(L)

AMERICAN EXPEDITION BRAND BY IDEAMAN, INC.

Wildlife Tape Measures GOURMET

Each Tape Measure includes a 25-foot steel tape with standard units, rubber accents, wrist strap, and a unique “recoil brake.”

GIFTABLES

| 800-205-4332 @ www.americanexpedition.us # circle #575

MIDWEST-CBK

NUDE-FEMALE-077 (BLACK)

| 626-962-8281 @ www.unicornstudioinc.com # circle #576

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Indulge in the romance and beauty of new Vintage Chic photo frames. Highlight favorite memories with elegant frames trimmed in metal lace. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

| 800-394-4225 @ www.mwcbk.com # circle #577

june 2012 |

PLAYTHINGS

This beautiful representation of female body is one of more than 30 designs of different poses. Available in matte black resin, cold-cast bronze and glazed and matte fine porcelain.

HOLIDAYS

Metal Lace Trim Photo Frame UNICORN STUDIO INC.

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FRANZ COLLECTION

NEW Summer 2012 Introduction

CANDLES

Scarlet Tanager and Iris design hand-painted sculptured porcelain vase.

BODY

| 415-296-8183 @ www.franzcollection.com # circle #578

AMIA STUDIOS

Folk Violin Music Jewelry Box

BATH

Bringing the sound of music to beautiful handcrafted jewelry boxes in the curved glass shapes of guitars, violins and a banjo is a unique achievement in AMIA’s long list of innovative new products in hand-painted glass giftware. 4"(W) x 8-1/2"(L) x 2"(H)

STATIONERY

| 800-571-4665 @ www.amiastudiosblaircedar.com # circle #579

GANZ

GOURMET

Beyond A Bag™ presents the expandable pet carrier!

GIFTABLES

Handy backpack quickly converts to comfy pet carrier, with its own folding compact floor and ventilated sides. Great as a sports duffle for stinky workout gear, too! SRP: $40.00

HOLIDAYS

| 800-724-5902 @ www.ganz.com # circle #580

MAD STYLE ENRICO PRODUCTS

Mad Sucker Stands! Perfect little stands for watching videos and more. Works on any device with smooth surfaces! MSRP: $2.50

PLAYTHINGS

| 1-877-MAD-2247 @ www.mad-style.com # circle #581

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Casual Dining Collection for 2012 Introducing four great new bursts of color – Sunflower, Tangerine, Lavender, and Sky Blue – during Summer shows. Carved in solid mango, these limited edition colors are hot and will be available to ship in June!

| 866-566-9876 @ www.enricoproducts.com # circle #582

| june 2012

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VIOLIGHT

| 800-547-9727 @ www.nashvillewraps.com # circle #583

| 914-207-1820 @ www.violight.com # circle #584

STATIONERY

Brushed Floral Shopping Bags are made from 100% recycled white kraft paper. This design has bright pink, orange and red petals with drizzle dots in the gussets. Made in the USA.

Violight’s newest Zapi styles – Penguin, Owl and Panda – use UV light to eliminate 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush. Works with manual and electric brushes. Available in 10 adorable designs.

Brushed Floral Collection

BODY

Violight

NASHVILLE WRAPS

YOUNGS INC.

GOURMET

Blessings Jar Count your blessings with Young’s new Blessings Jar. Positive blessing quotes and blank cards to write out personal blessings included.

GIFTABLES

| 800-323-7799 @ www.youngsinc.com # circle #585

TOP SHELF

HOLIDAYS

30ish Wine Glass

TALISMAN DESIGNS

Cherry Chomper

| 952-681-2866 @ www.talismandesigns.com # circle #586

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PLAYTHINGS

Simply insert the cherry into the mouth, press down the head and voilà! A cherry without the pit or the mess.

Do you know someone who is 30…ish? This fabulous birthday design continues around the hand-painted glass and is embellished with purple glitter! SRP: $24.99

| 888-808-4001 @ www.topshelfglasses.com # circle #587

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PEEPERS READING GLASSES

All The Rage

FRANZ COLLECTION

BATH

Ultra hip black and lime readers in the most contemporary shape for fall. Exclusively by Peepers.

GOURMET

STATIONERY

| 800-348-2508 @ www.peeperspecs.com # circle #588

NEW Summer 2012 Introduction Blue Poppy design hand-painted sculptured porcelain cup/saucer/spoon set.

| 415-296-8183 @ www.franzcollection.com # circle #589

FRANZ COLLECTION

NEW Summer 2012 Introduction

GIFTABLES

Blue Poppy design hand-painted sculptured porcelain teapot.

HOLIDAYS

| 415-296-8183 @ www.franzcollection.com # circle #590

OHSO CUDDLY STUFF AMIA STUDIOS

12" Oliver Owl Plush

PLAYTHINGS

Unique plush, blankets and accessories. Oliver Owl is oh so cute, oh so wise and oh so cuddly.

@ www.ohsocuddlystuff.com # circle #591

Bluegrass Banjo Suncatcher AMIA brings a new concept to a long popular giftware classification – the suncatcher. With ballads of color, these specially shaped musical instrument suncatchers celebrate the variations in musical repertoire. 5-1/4"(W) x 9-1/4"(L)

| 800-571-4665 @ www.amiastudiosblaircedar.com # circle #592

№ 202 gifts & decorative accessories

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POLITICS FULL THROTTLE

Throttle Necks

CANDLES

Perfect gifts & collectibles for the political junkie! Collect them all or download the new app to your iPhone or iPad.

| 857-488-4010 @ www.throttlenecks.com # circle #593

BATH &

CARSON HOME ACCENTS

BODY

Grateful Life “Home” Wall Plaque

STATIONERY

This antique lace inspired collection offers a neutral color palette adorned with silhouettes from nature and life quotes – various pieces in the collection.

| 800-888-1918 @ www.carsonhomeaccents.com # circle #594 CR GIBSON

GOURMET

On the Vine Bamboo Serving Platter Artisan platter by Michael Healy features bronze metal accents and comes gift boxed. Includes soft fabric bag for storage.

GIFTABLES

| 800-243-6004 @ www.crgibsondealer.com # circle #595

WAXING POETIC

Perennials Necklace

| 877-724-5434 @ www.waxingpoetic.com # circle #596

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Baby Jesus Christmas Ornament Bring Christmas joy to your home with this beautiful glass ornament! A perfect blend of inspiration and elegance, it is sure to be a wonderful addition to any Christmas tree! SRP: $7.99

PLAYTHINGS

Everything you need to make something lovely is right here sealed in a packet of inspiration. 3 wee sized brass charms, 1 binding cord, and our best thoughts.

HOLIDAYS

AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS

| 916-424-5000 @ www.black-cards.com # circle #597

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gifts & decorative accessories

№ 203

5/30/2012 10:26:43 AM

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YOUNGS INC. YOUNGS INC.

& BATH

Spring Easter Candy Dish

Spring Owl Spinners These bright, cute Owl Spinners are sure to bring a smile to anyone who passes by. LOW COST! HIGH MARGIN!

STATIONERY

| 800-323-7799 @ www.youngsinc.com # circle #598

These delightful Spring Candy Dishes are highly embossed and hand-painted in lovely pastel colors. LOW COST! HIGH MARGIN!

| 800-323-7799 @ www.youngsinc.com # circle #599

GOURMET

MANUAL WOODWORKERS & WEAVERS, INC.

Southern Christian Tote

GIFTABLES

Bright colors and expression, “A true Southern Girl loves to Bless Hearts,” this tote features inside zippered pocket and closure.

HOLIDAYS

| 800-542-3139 @ www.manualww.com # circle #600

PLAYTHINGS

LAKESHORE CANDLE COMPANY

№ 204 gifts & decorative accessories

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GANZ

Lake Retreat – Lake Breeze

Let’s Celebrate!

Smells like the fragrance of blooming spring flowers being carried through the air by the welcomed lake breeze, this candle delivers a delightful lilac floral scent.

Wine glasses with messages including Happy Birthday, Party Girl and lots more fun and flirty thoughts! Perfect for gifting with their own clear canister. SRP: $16.00 each

| 888-752-2635 @ www.lakeshorecandlecompany.com # circle #601

| 800-724-5902 @ www.ganz.com # circle #602

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UNICORN STUDIO INC.

CANDLES

“Lady of Grace” with Polyptych sculpture of Pieta (BRONZE)

BATH

This original design in polyptych form of “Lady of Grace” opens up to three inner sculptures of the Pieta, Blessed Virgin Mary and the Christ of the Sacred Heart. THE SAN FRANCISCO MUSIC BOX COMPANY

| 626-962-8281 @ www.unicornstudioinc.com # circle #603

Holiday Treasures Musical Jar Candle Holder

BODY STATIONERY

This candle holder decorates the home with traditional holly and bows, and music too! Plays 8 assorted holiday tunes. A perfect complement to a favorite holiday jar candle color and scent. SRP: $29.95

| 800-426-1823 @ www.sanfranciscomusicbox.com # circle #604 ARTHUR COURT

GOURMET

Holly 12" Tray

GIFTABLES

Sleek lines and inverse molding lend Holly an artistic, “photo-negative” look. Atlanta - Darrah Showroom 800-741-6614 Dallas – Keith Smith Ltd Showroom 800-245-3484

| 800-446-7806 @ www.arthurcourt.com # circle #605

HOLIDAYS

DYNASTY GALLERY AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS

Thomas Blackshear

| 916-424-5000 @ www.black-cards.com # circle #606

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Dynasty Gallery presents Jellyfish Pendants that glow in the dark! Wearable handmade glass art. Under $20 retail!

PLAYTHINGS

Forgiven Christmas Ornament Featuring a timeless piece by renowned painter, Thomas Blackshear, this beautifully crafted glass ornament is a touching reminder of the true reason for the season. SRP: $7.99

Jellyfish Pendant

| 415-864-5084 @ www.dynastygallery.com # circle #607

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№ 205

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AMIA STUDIOS

BATH

SQUIRE BOONE VILLAGE

Ponder Stones

STATIONERY

Inspirational words are etched into smooth marble and gemstone. Wood and mirror display includes free merchandise to offset cost.

GOURMET

| 888-234-1804 @ www.squireboone.com # circle #608

Ladies in Red Triptych Panel Themed trio designs in hand-painted glass artwork for window and tabletop decoration, these beveled glass panels feature AMIA’s new votive candle stand (sold separately). The stand has three votive holders precisely placed behind each triptych section. 4-1/2"(W) x 16"(L)

| 800-571-4665 @ www.amiastudiosblaircedar.com # circle #609

AMERICAN EXPEDITION BRAND BY IDEAMAN, INC.

Wildlife Steel Flasks

GIFTABLES

This Steel Flask series includes 20 American wildlife species. Each flask has a 6oz capacity and is packaged with a convenient steel funnel.

HOLIDAYS

| 800-205-4332 @ www.americanexpedition.us # circle #610

MAPLE LEAF AT HOME

Personalized Cutting Boards

PLAYTHINGS

Offering your customer a highquality, distinctive, personalized gift! Premium hard maple with hand-forged iron handles and bases. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

| 972-248-6647 @ www.mapleleafathome.com # circle #611

№ 206 gifts & decorative accessories

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MANUAL WOODWORKERS & WEAVERS, INC.

Dog to the Rescue Two paws up for these witty gifts for dog lovers. They are texturized and have an on-trend natural look.

| 800-542-3139 @ www.manualww.com # circle #612

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BLOSSOM BUCKET, INC.

Happiness Plaque This vintage wooden plaque from designer Wendy Vecchi features a timeless message about happiness. MSRP: $7.99 BLOSSOM BUCKET, INC.

BATH

Our Friendship is a Hoot Owl This whimsical piece from Deb Strain’s owl collection is the perfect gift for that special friend. MSRP: $9.99

| 330-834-2551 @ www.blossombucket.com # circle #613

BODY

| 330-834-2551 @ www.blossombucket.com # circle #614

STATIONERY

BLOSSOM BUCKET, INC.

Best Sister in the World Sampler GOURMET

Barb Lloyd’s “Best Sister in the World” sampler measures 14"x12" and celebrates the special bond that only sisters share. MSRP: $37.99

GIFTABLES

| 330-834-2551 @ www.blossombucket.com # circle #616

HOLIDAYS

BLOSSOM BUCKET, INC. BLOSSOM BUCKET, INC.

Always Kiss Me Goodnight Angel

| 330-834-2551 @ www.blossombucket.com # circle #615

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Add some “Cheer” to your holiday display with this Snowman Pyramid from designer Barb Lloyd. MSRP: $12.99

| 330-834-2551 @ www.blossombucket.com # circle #617

june 2012 |

PLAYTHINGS

“Always Kiss Me Goodnight” is one of the heartwarming sentiments featured on the latest collection of angels from Barb Lloyd. MSRP: $8.99

Snowman Pyramid

gifts & decorative accessories

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Early records of pumpkin carving in the U.S. date back to 1837 as a harvest time tradition; jack-olanterns became associated with Halloween by the late 19th century.

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Even the pumpkin's eyebrows are made of metal.

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Trick and Treat Metal decorations last year after year, and pumpkins can always come out before the holiday as early fall decor.

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Lidded Jack-O-Lantern is made entirely of metal and works inside or outdoors as a candleholder or other decorative piece. The top lid comes off for easy storing of treats. $35.95. Regal Art & Gift. 800.681.3040. www.regalgift.com CIRCLE #817

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Them Bones

a Bone Collector dish is hand-painted and features skull footing. 2½"x8". Holds 24 oz. of tricks and treats. $19.99. Boston Warehouse. 888.923.BWTC. www.bwtc.com CIRCLE #831

Far from macabre, skulls are popular decor during the Halloween season. Mix and match skull-designed items, anything from candy dishes to candles, for a fun spook.

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b Skeleton Wooden Clip holds up photos or some scary Halloween decor. 6". $5-$7. One Hundred 80 Degrees. 612.804.4983. www.onehundred80degrees.com

c Skull with Mandible candle comes in black and lights up for spooky decor. 5 lbs. 8"x8". $90. DL & Company. 213.745.9777. www. dlcompany.com

d Skull Plates and Cutting Board survive the creepiest of meals. $9.50 and $20, respectively. Midwest CBK. 800.394.4225. www.mwcbk.com

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Vintage Spooks

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Everything old is new again. When it comes to Halloween, everything from old-style cat and pumpkin heads to box TVs and Bella Lugosi can fit in a vintage setting.

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c Classic Cat and Pumpkin head bust figurines are designed in the classic, big-smile style. 5". $9 each. Sullivan Gift. 800.456.4568. www.sullivangift.com

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the atmosphere, and guests, spooked. 5½"x4½". $66.50. Roman. 800.729.7662. www.roman.com

b Dracula Mug is a revisit to the silver screen with each sip of tea, coffee or something spiked! 11 oz. $8.49. Paperproducts Design. 415.883.1888. www.paperproductsdesign.com

a Haunted TV plays creepy tunes to keep

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Social Community Don’t get left behind. As the Gift Industry Leader we can help your company with a custom social media strategy and turn-key program.

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New to social networking? Lacking time and resources? We’ve got you covered!

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For more information, please contact Penny Schneck, Online Sales Manager 336.605.1084 pschneck@sandowmedia.com Circle #275 giftsanddec.com

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a Count Me In Dracula is detailed right down to his handpainted fangs. 9". $95. Christopher Radko. 800.723.5609. www.christopherradko.com.

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CIRCLE #826

In Characters

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b Frankenstein is made of delicate glass and hand-painted. 3". $12.99. Old World Christmas. 800.962. 7669. www.oldworldchristmas.com

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Whether it’s Dracula or Frankenstein or witches and ghosts, Halloween-themed ornaments are a traditional addition to decorating for the October holiday.

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c Orange and Black glass ball ornaments feature popular faces of Halloween. Set of four. $16.50. Kurt Adler. 212.924.0900. www.kurtadler.com CIRCLE #828 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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Kurt Adler 6" Gingerbread House with LED Light, 3 Assorted

Holly Days

| 800-243-9627 @ www.kurtadler.com # circle #619

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| 800-326-3382 @ www.split-p.net # circle #618

Kurt Adler’s new assortment of gingerbread houses features a chapel, school house, and “Ginger Bread Café” design. SRP: $33.00 each

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Featuring the artwork of Peggy Jo Ackley, our Holly Days pattern captures the charm of the season! Check out the complete collection of textiles and ceramics from Split P.

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Kurt Adler Angry Birds with Santa Hat Ornament, 2 Assorted

Candy Cane Box Sign

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Capture the high-flying fun of Angry Birds with this new assortment of 2 Angry Birds ornaments by Kurt Adler. SRP: $6.50 each COLLINS PAINTING

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| 800-243-9627 @ www.kurtadler.com # circle #621

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New from our Happy Christmas Collection is this Red Candy Cane Box Sign, HW-4506, 8" W x 8" T x 1 1/2" D. SRP: $16.95

| 877-490-5909 @ www.collinspainting.com # circle #620

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BYERS’ CHOICE LTD.

Walking Caroler® Figurine

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Christmas Figurine; Handcrafted in the United States. 18" High. SRP: $110.00

| 215-822-6700 @ www.byerschoice.com # circle #623

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Kurt Adler Acrylic Wine Bottle Ornament, 4 Assorted

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Kurt Adler’s Vineyard collection includes everything from wine to grape-themed ornaments and other items of décor. SRP: $4.00 each

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Winter Whimsey

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| 800-243-9627 @ www.kurtadler.com # circle #622

| 800-326-3382 @ www.split-p.net # circle #624

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Live whimsically for the holidays with the Winter Whimsey collection featuring the artwork of Pink Light Designs. These fun pieces will add a smile to any holiday kitchen.

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Christmas Botanical Bird Canvas

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The Christmas Botanical Bird Canvas features vintage artwork and is sold as an assortment of four. Each canvas measures 10" x 10" x ¾".

| 877-745-5050 @ www.kennedyscountry.com # circle #625

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TRADITIONS BY BYERS’ CHOICE LTD.

North Pole Musical Wooden Advent Calendar Each time a door is opened, this charming North Pole advent calendar comes to life with a festive Christmas tune! SRP: $115.00

| 215-822-6700 @ www.byerschoice.com # circle #626

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Kurt Adler 8" Fabriché “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Story-Telling Santa – Battery-Operated

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Kurt Adler’s newest Fabriché figure features Santa reading the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” aloud from beginning to end. SRP: $100.00

| 800-243-9627 @ www.kurtadler.com # circle #627

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Kurt Adler 2.75" Foam Cupcake Ornament, 12 Assorted

Indulge your sweet tooth with Kurt Adler’s new assortment of 2.75" foam cupcake ornaments that look and feel real. SRP: $4.50 each

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| 800-243-9627 @ www.kurtadler.com # circle #628

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Greeting Canvases

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With a different seasonal saying on each, the Greeting Canvases from Kennedy’s Country Collection are sold as an assortment of four. The canvases measure 6" x 6" x 1-1/2".

| 877-745-5050 @ www.kennedyscountry.com # circle #630

Santa ‘n Friends Holiday Roller Coaster

Top Shelf’s holiday 2x3 frames are the perfect stocking stuffer. New hand painted glass frames are a great addition to any home to hold your favorite memory. Available in 2x3 and 4x6. SRP: $9.99-19.99

Up! Down! Around! Santa and his friends race to the sounds of 8 assorted holiday tunes. A captivating holiday gift! SRP: $64.95

| 888-808-4001 @ www.topshelfglasses.com # circle #629

| 800-426-1823 @ www.sanfranciscomusicbox.com # circle #631

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THE SAN FRANCISCO MUSIC BOX COMPANY

“What Happens Under the Mistletoe” & “You Make Me Melt” 2x3 frames

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GLOBAL VILLAGE GLASS STUDIOS

“That’s One Hell of a Drink” Pilsner Glass

Designer 4.5" Pumpkins

The perfect pilsner from Top Shelf is a ghoulish answer to your Halloween beverage needs and holds 24 oz. Your favorite poison will be visible through the devils mouth with “Fuel the Fire” on the inside base. Suggested Retail $24.99

Decorate your Autumn tabletop with our 4.5" w hollow glass pumpkins in new designer colors! Our complete pumpkin collection for 2012 includes more than 20. SRP: $22.00

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| 888-808-4001 @ www.topshelfglasses.com # circle #632

| 800-246-5585 @ www.globalvillageglass.com # circle #633

NANCY'S NOOK BY VHC

Favorite Haunt Tea Towels

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Create a spooky effect in the spirit of Halloween with these flying bats or candelabra tea towels. SRP: $15.95

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| 888-334-3099 @ www.victorianheart.com # circle #634

SALVY SOUSA

Salvy Sousa Boom Hot Sauce 2nd Gear

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BOOM BOOM Hot Sauce has robust flavor and small enough to fit in your pocket or purse! PUT IT ON all your food, PUT IT IN all your recipes, PUT IT OVER everything you eat!

| 620-442-2700 @ www.salvysousa.com # circle #635

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NANCY'S NOOK BY VHC

Whoosh Went the Wind… Wall Runner features embroidered script on soft cotton burlap, decorated with felt appliqué rolling Jack O’ Lanterns. SRP: $17.95

| 888-334-3099 @ www.victorianheart.com # circle #636

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Developmental skills build as each piece of the puzzle clicks into place.

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The green outer shell is the final part players must piece together to complete the puzzle ball.

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Play Around the Globe Brainteaser spheres develop fine motor, hand-eye coordination and other skills while offering open-ended game play at any age.

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Oblo is a 3-D, orb-shaped puzzle. Each layer is a different color, and once taken apart players must match the pieces of the shell to return the puzzle to its original sphere shape. Ages 5 and up. $19.95. Great Circle Works. 416.830.7536. www.greatcircleworks.com. CIRCLE #834

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High-Flying Sales

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BY PAMELA BRILL BRY N MA W R, PA

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With nearly three decades of experience in the toy retail business under its belt, this family-owned and operated specialty shop is a veritable mainstay in the Main Line section of the City of Brotherly Love. Owner Joe Berardoni, Sr. shares a few of the toys that are currently favorites among customers: Laser Pegs from Laser Pegs Ventures

Hand Launch Glider Extreme Team. Playmobil. www.playmobil.com CIRCLE #976

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Sticky Mosaics from The Orb Factory Nano Blocks from Ohio Art

Mini Scooter from Kickboard USA

My First Radio Control GoGo from Kid Galaxy

Hand Launch Glider Extreme Team from Playmobil

PlasmaCar from PlaSmart

Sticky Mosaics line from The Orb Factory

Since Pun’s is a stone’s throw from Bryn Mawr College, Berardoni makes sure to keep a good supply of plush owls (in honor of the school’s mascot) on hand. During exam time, he makes a point of stocking up on brain teasers and puzzles “for the student looking for a viable, but mental diversion from their studies,” he adds.

Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli

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Located just 15 minutes from downtown Miami, this southern Florida toy store services both regular yearround patrons as well as a strong tourist base. “There’s a Ritz Carlton on the island, and we’re the only specialty toy store in the area,” notes owner Mary Tague. Here she reveals which toys are tops with her island shoppers: Lego Ninjago Series from Lego Doinkit Darts from Marky Sparky Toys

Summertime tends to be a slower season for this 15-year-old toy store, as many of the area residents head back to their Latin America homes of origin for a visit. “We do get some Brazilian tourists who come to vacation here during that time, though,” notes Tague. But now, with spring at its peak, outdoor toy sales from products like Franklin Sports’ Paddleball and Melissa & Doug’s Sunny Patch pool line really start to take off. E A GLE RIVER, W I

GRANDMA’S TOY BOX Dubbed a nostalgic shop, this specialty toy retailer is known more for its classic toy offerings than for of-the-minute trends. Owner Kathy Holperin, a former occupational therapist and lifelong resident of the Midwestern town, reveals some of her store’s current best-selling selections:

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Atlanta Gift

Atlanta, GA July 11-18 / Suite 768-B / Rep Force One Showroom

LA Gift

Los Angeles, CA July 25-31 / Suite 810 R-Biz Showroom

NY Gift

New York, NY Aug. 19-22 / Booth 1432

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S EA TTLE, WA Dog and Bear Poppers from Hog Wild

ONCE UPON A TIME

Balancing Eagle from Toysmith

With two thriving locations in this Pacific Northwest urban setting, this specialty retailer rounds out its highend toy offerings with books, clothing and other baby gear essentials. Owner Janelle McCrackin notes which playthings are doing particularly well in her Queen Anne store:

Sassy Pet Saks line from Douglas Toys Snuggle Pods from Manhattan Toy

Spot It! from Blue Orange Games Camp board game from Education Outdoors

Having sucessfully reached its fourth year in business, Grandma’s Toy Box has learned how to distinguish itself from competing retailers, especially the big box stores. “Walmart is 25 minutes away, so we carry things you can’t find at the big boxes,” says Holperin. “We don’t sell a ton of water/beach toys like pails and shovels. People go to the bigger stores for that.” Instead, her lake resort area store demonstrates a customer favorite — Geospace’s Pump Rocket — and also carries a wide selection of kites for some high-flying outdoor fun.

Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli Pound & Tap Bench from Hape Intl. Ready, Set, Pogo from ALEX Toys Rody Horse from Rody Toy Roadmax Trucks from Bruder Toys

Snuggle Pod. Manhattan Toy. 800.541.1345. www.manhattantoy.com CIRCLE #977

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Bananagrams from Bananagrams

With spring in full swing in Seattle, McCracken says her customers are heading to the park and playing outside. “They’re looking for toys that can be played with both in and out of the house, like the Rody Horse,” she says. Having just wrapped up their annual sidewalk sale, she reported brisk sales for a broad range of products.

Gifts and Decorative Accessories is now available on the iPad.

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Go to giftsanddec.com/app to learn more.

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Circle #311

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The Game Room

RICHARD GOTTLIEB is president of Richard Gottlieb & Associates LLC.

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Building toy sales through play environments DO WE, AS AN INDUSTRY, PAY ENOUGH ATTENTION TO PLAY ENVIRONMENTS? We spend a lot of time, and rightfully so, marketing toys to kids and their parents. Do we, however, spend enough time thinking about how to create play spaces in people’s homes where play can take place? If we did, maybe we would do more business and engage new demographics. The kinds of spaces that I am referring to are sometimes called Game Rooms but you can name them whatever you want: the family room, the playroom or even the basement. These are powerful spaces. Perhaps some of you can remember going to a friend’s house where they had a room with a regulation pool table (or foosball, ping pong, air hockey and sometimes even a classic pinball machine). Everyone, and I mean everyone, hung out at that kid’s house. Video Game vs. Toy Space Currently, there are family rooms built to accommodate Wii and other forms of video game play. But does the traditional toy industry meet with architects, furniture developers and interior designers about how our consumers play? Do we tell them (do we even know) what constitutes a great, dedicated space for playing board games, table top games, puzzles, you name it? If we did, we could have an impact on the number and style of playspaces in homes. There are several reasons for doing this: If you create an environment for a particular kind of play, people will purchase products to play in that environment. If you provide parents with a way of keeping their tweens and teens at home where they can be watched, they will value you and your products and as a result buy them. If you reach out to tweens, teens, young adults and adults, you will develop a largely neglected group of potential toy and game consumers.

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Make the Space So, how do we go about developing play spaces? Some suggestions: • There is an American Society of Interior Designers and a British Institute of Interior Design. The people who belong to these organizations determine where lighting goes and what kinds of chairs and tables are appropriate, as well as what goes on the walls. Who better for the toy industry to meet with and discuss maximal playing environments for games? If we play our cards right (pun intended) we can get them to think more in terms of our products when they create play environments. After all, they can’t design for what we make if they don’t know about it. • Architects are the ones who meet with the home owners and have the biggest stick when it comes to what kinds of rooms will be created. Shouldn’t we be talking to The Royal Institute of British Architects and the American Institute of Architects? Invite architects and interior designers to speak at our trade shows and while we’re at it see if we can get toy people invited to attend their events. A cross-pollination of ideas could result in game rooms becoming more ubiquitous. • Reach out to the American Library Association. Over 1,200 libraries in North America hold an annual Gaming Day. And it’s not just the U.S.; library Gaming Days were also held last year in Australia, Pakistan, The Philippines, Japan and Europe. Why not set up a meeting between the toy industry and the ALA to discuss some of the best play environments and perhaps recommend

some environments of our own. • Take a trip to the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo. This year, it takes place, July 18-July 20, at the Schaumberg Convention Center near Chicago. There will be lots of billiard-related, and other products on display, including barstools and miscellaneous bar equipment, light fixtures, accessories, apparel, art/wall decor, furniture, jukeboxes, massage chairs and more. • If our toy industry trade shows make the trip, they should, while at the show, see how the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo integrates booths that feature lighting, furniture and other forms of entertainment and play on one exhibition floor. It would also be interesting to see who exhibits. • Bring together, in one location, those who make products best suited for play in playrooms. That can include video games and computers, table top games including board games, electric football, Carom, table top hockey, foosball, pool tables, darts, poker tables, ping pong, popcorn machines, and on and on. Along with the games, include bar stools, hanging lamps, bars, art and everything else that goes with it. Once done, either have a unique show or a special section at the British, U.S., Hong Kong or Nuremberg fairs. However you look at it, the toy industry has long neglected play environments. Those who do seek to influence those play spaces will see an increase in business. Anybody want to shoot some pool? Richard Gottlieb is president of Richard Gottlieb & Associates LLC, a provider of business development services. He has 35 years experience in the toy industry in sales and sales management. He can be reached at Richard@ usatoyexpert.com.

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Latina Moms Like Music and Bilingual Toys, Dolls for Boys

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Beau James Leaves Corolle Grantville, MD – Beau James, director of Corolle, North America, leaves the company effective June 4. James joined the company in 1996 overseeing the sales, marketing and distribution of the brand in the U.S. Throughout his tenure, Corolle, founded in 1978, became a premier brand of dolls and accessories in the U.S., even expanding into entertainment with placement in the 2007 Disney film, The Game Plan, starring The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and Kyra Sedgwick.

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Pawtucket, RI – It’s been nearly seven years since the Gremlin-like, adoptable Furby last hit toy shelves. After a lengthy hiatus, Hasbro is planning on bringing back the fuzzy, interactive doll this fall. In a recent Q1 earnings call, Brian Goldner, CEO, Hasbro, said that Furby, first introduced in 1998, would make a comeback this year. “We're also very excited about the return of Furby to our line-up this fall,” said Goldner. “We are not yet sharing specific details of the new Furby, but we are pleased with the reception Furby has received thus far by our retail partners and we look forward to unveiling Furby to consumers.” The electronic robot doll, which talks in its own Furbish language, as well as in different words and phrases in English, sold 1.8 million units in 1998. By 1999 the toy reached 14 million in sales; overall, Furby has sold more than 40 million units. The dolls were translated into 24 languages, and by 2007 Furby toys had become quite rare and collectible — particularly the first skew of dolls that came out in 1998 and 1999. A Furby return may bring Hasbro a hike in Q4 and sales and perhaps lead into increased Q1 results by 2013. The company recently saw mixed Q1 results in 2012 with a loss of 16 percent in the U.S. and Canada.

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San Francisco – Latina moms like musical and sports toys, bilingual play and think it's fine for boys to play with dolls, according to a new poll conducted by BabyCenter en Español. Of the 400 moms surveyed, 43 percent said that they love buying their kids their first toys — some purchased before they are even born. Mothers polled had children ages newborn to six, and when asked about important features they look for in a toys, only five percent were interested in dolls that had similar features or skin color to their family. Instead, 16 percent were more interested in whether a doll was bilingual, because they wanted their child to learn Spanish first. Dolls that represent a character their K’NEX Adds The Beatles, child loves like “Baby Blues Clues” or KISS to Building Set Collection “Dora the Explorer” were important to 40 percent of respondents while 39 Hatfield, PA – K’NEX has added a legpercent named non-toxic materials the endary rock band to its buildable sets main determinant when purchasing a collection: The Beatles. toy. Interactive dolls that talk, sing or Under a licensing agreement with make other noises were appealing to 37 Apple Corps and Live Nation Merchanpercent of voters. dise, K’NEX will create buildable toys Boys playing with dolls was not an inspired by The Beatles’ Yellow Submaissue to 43 percent of respondents, but rine, the 1968 animated musical film only 15 percent said they would actually based on the Liverpool foursome. buy a doll for their son. Figure packs feature Whether bilingual, all four Beatles, John character-driven or inLennon, Paul McCartteractive, musical toys ney, George Harrison won out over all the rest and Ringo Starr, each with Latina mothers with their authentic with 50 percent saying adornments from the they bought music movie. The set mirrors toys (drums, guitars, the band’s mod ’60s pianos, etc.) for their outfits and style (claschild in the last six sic mop-top hair inmonths. cluded), and the figure Latina moms also faces capture the look want their kids to and persona of each K'NEX brings The Beatles and KISS to life in buildable, and col- be passionate about Beatle. Sets also include instruments, and lectible, rock 'n' roll play figures. sports. Toys like balls,

baseball gloves and more pulled in 34 percent of the vote.

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Chicago – The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has selected 57 toys as finalists for its 2012 Best Toys for Kids list. More than 500 member retailers from ASTRA vote to select the winning toys that will become this year's top picks for the 2012 holiday season. Retailers have the opportunity to touch, feel and play with the finalists at a special display during ASTRA's Marketplace & Academy in Baltimore on June 11-13. Voting will take place on-site, and winners will be announced on the final day of the Marketplace, June 13. ASTRA's 2011 Best Toy winners included Tegu Blocks from Tegu (Construction), the Early Memories Pound and Tap Bench by Hape (Early Play 0 to 3 years), Blue Orange Games' Trigger (Game Play), Remote Control Machines from Thames and Kosmos (Scientific Play) and the Z-Curve Bow by Zing (Active Play).

the packaging doubles as a stage. K’NEX also announced the release of KISS buildable sets. All figures, recommended for ages 5 and older, will be available this fall.

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ASTRA’s Best Toys Finalists

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Road-Trip Ready Packable, portable toys keep kids occupied while on the road and on vacation. B Y PAM E L A B R I L L AH, THE FAMILY VACATION. Call it an annual rite of passage, an excuse to break free from the daily routine dictated by the frenetic pace of the school year. Now that summer is almost here, families across the nation will be packing up their minivans and taking to the highways, with plenty of gear to keep their kids occupied. For retailers, family vacation time is a ripe opportunity to appeal to their customers with a broad range of travel-friendly toys — and the numbers don’t lie. According to the 2012 Mom Shopping Trends Report released by Totsy, an online site for children’s brands, 58 percent of moms traveled with their kids one to two times per year, while 91 percent purchased product specifically designed for traveling with kids. As manufacturers compete for budget-

conscious consumers’ attention and dollars, they must consider what makes a travel toy worth packing — and purchasing.

Best in On-the-Go As with all toys, travel toys need to demonstrate a real benefit: one that will be put to the boredom test repeatedly. “That benefit usually relates to entertaining kids while they are waiting to get somewhere or having something fun to do once they get there,” says Nathan Keker, CEO, Diggin Active. “They can’t bring their whole closetful of toys with them.” This need for a convenient, playful carryall was the impetus for his company’s Skootcase, ride-on luggage designed for ages 12 months and up and available this August. “Portability is a huge factor for

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Artist Journal, $15; Artists Travel Set, $35. P’kolino. 888.403.8992. www.pkolino.com CIRCLE #965

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S TOP TRAV EL TOY QUA LITIE

• Passes the “boredom test” repeatedly • Is easily portable and packable • Easy to use under most circumstances • Has multi-player value • Provides open-ended play • Offers long-lasting, creative play • Gives parents time off • Serves as a source of comfort

travel toys,” adds Keker. “What’s great about the Skootcase is that it is a hugely entertaining ride-on that replaces something people need to bring anyway: a suitcase. It doesn’t hurt that it can carry the other small toys that kids will want to bring on their trip.” Ease of use and versatility are also key elements when it comes to bestselling travel toys. “If it is difficult to use, mom and dad will leave it home,” comments J.B. Schneider, cofounder of P’kolino. “Open-ended activities are great for long or repeated trips because the child can vary the activity through their own creativity.” The company’s Artist Journal and Artist Travel Set, featuring highend, European-made art supplies in an easy-to-clean canvas case, are ideal companions for budding artists on the go. And because traveling with kids is a communal experience, multiplayer value that is fun for all ages is something larger families can appreciate. “When kids enjoy themselves, laugh and want to share the experience with others, you know you have a hit,” explains Doug Analla, director of marketing for Klutz.

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Calico Critters Motorcycle and Sidecar. $39.95. International Playthings. 800.631.1272. www.intplay.com CIRCLE #966

Expert Advice

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Skootcase. $70. Diggin Active. 888.388.8835. www.digginactive.com

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Since manufacturers know that parents are especially selective in their purchases, they take advantage of focus group feedback when designing travel-friendly toys. “The most frequent comments [we hear] center around manageability,” says P'kolino’s Schneider. “Parents are looking for something to stimulate and occupy the child while giving them some time off.” Analla seconds the independence factor. “We find that parents want long-lasting, creative play that kids can actually do and enjoy themselves doing it. It shouldn’t take up a lot of room and packs away neatly,” he adds. Klutz’s 35 years of experience in crafting all-in-one activity books has resulted in its latest incarnation: Coin Blaster Arcade, a fold-out book that becomes a makeshift arcade with 10 tabletop games, including hockey, skee ball and hoops. “With Coin Blaster, you can become the ‘Master Blaster’ on any tabletop surface, making this a great travel companion,” says Analla. Aside from entertainment, a viable travel toy can also serve as a source of comfort, especially for a younger

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child. “It’s like giving them a traveling security blanket and a little piece of home when they’re on the go or sleeping at Grandma’s house,” says Arie Geller, CEO of Bubele. His company’s flagship product, Patch Buddies, combines a plush toy, soft blanket and backpack in one. “It not only carries and displays a Patch Buddies toy, but also holds essentials like a favorite book, game, pajamas or snack, making it perfect for taking a vacation,” he adds.

Anchors Aweigh Although the bulk of family travel time takes place during the summer months and school vacations, manufacturers believe travel toys offer buyers year-round appeal. “Retailers might highlight specific designs during travel season, but the products are great for so many things: birthday party goody bags, gifts and quick pickups for rainy day play,” says Donna Jaffe, president of Peaceable Kingdom. Her company’s Quick Sticker Kits and Reusable Sticker Totes take up minimal packing space and are easy

to stow away and bring to the next destination. Travel-centric selections include airports, zoos, trains and U.S. map themes. Keker believes travel toys offer greater year-round appeal than other categories because of the different times of year people travel. “Summer is great for travel toys, but winter is still the biggest season,” he contends. Thanks to this broad reach, travel toys also have a strong presence in non-traditional toy retail outlets. Peaceable Kingdom’s sticker kits are sold at airport shops and gift shops at museums, aquariums, zoos and restaurant chains like Cracker Barrel, while Klutz activity kits are available in hospital gift shops and in the gift departments at car washes, craft stores, college bookstores, fabric stores and even hardware stores. And don’t be surprised if you spot a P’kolino travel art kit on your next cruise; the company’s line of art supplies are perennial best-sellers in specialty gift shops on both land and sea. “Coloring, drawing and creativity is always in season,” quips Schneider.•

Coin Blaster Arcade. $20. Klutz. 800.737.4123. www.klutz.com CIRCLE #970

Quick Sticker Kits, $5; Reusable Sticker Totes, $10. Peaceable Kingdom. 877.444.5195. www.peaceablekingdom.com CIRCLE #971

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>playthings

Take Along Pet Clinic. $40. Playmobil USA. 800.351.8697. www.playmobilusa.com CIRCLE #968

Patch Buddies. $13-$14. Bubele. 305.654.9900. www.patchbuddies.com CIRCLE #969

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MIDWEST-CBK SAFARI LTD.®

Genuine Monkeez & Friends

Wild Safari® Dinos & Prehistoric Creatures Ceratosaurus

| 800-394-4225 @ www.mwcbk.com # circle #637

| 800-554-5414 @ www.safariltd.com # circle #638

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New pint-sized pals from the wildly popular Genuine Monkeez & Friends collection feature super soft fabric for more snuggles – and sales! And smaller size means smaller price – just $8 each.

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SAFARI LTD.®

Experience life 150 million years ago through the yellow eyes of this meat eating Ceratosaurus from Safari Ltd®.

FIESTA

Relive the American Revolutionary War in 2012 with these new handpainted, action packed and historically accurate representations from Safari Ltd®

Fiesta tie-dye 12-inch plush Mermaid is brilliantly colored in cool tie-dye patterns. Mermaid tail features glitter material and frilly chiffon ruffles. Headband in tie-dye too. Three assorted colors.

| 800-554-5414 @ www.safariltd.com # circle #639

| 323-581-9988 @ www.fiestatoy.com # circle #640

GIFTABLES

Tie-dye Mermaid Plush from Fiesta

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Designer Toob® Continental Army

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MARY MEYER

Wild Safari® Wildlife Sable Antelope

Knit Picks Owls

The wondrous Sable Antelope from Africa stands independently of its herd in this oversized sculpt from Safari Ltd®. Figure measures 4.5"L x 4.25"H.

Colorful owls have a hand knit look with a contemporary edge and urban flair.

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| 800-554-5414 @ www.safariltd.com # circle #641

| 800-451-4387 @ www.marymeyer.com # circle #642

STEPHAN BABY

Snowman Hat/Bib Sets

GOURMET

Your little snow baby will look darling in this cotton terry knit, double-thick bib and matching plush-trimmed terry knit hat with pompom. Hat fits babies 3-12 months. SRP: $11.00

GIFTABLES

| 800-359-2917 @ www.stephanbaby.net # circle #643

HOLIDAYS

FIESTA

Turtle Totes by Fiesta

PLAYTHINGS

Fiesta 9-inch plush turtle totes feature large eyes, glittery fins, and colorful print shells. Available in three colors, green, pink, and lavender. Tote styles include jungle animals and puppies.

| 323-581-9988 @ www.fiestatoy.com # circle #644

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MANUAL WOODWORKERS & WEAVERS, INC.

Izzy “Cute as a Bug” Child’s 3 Piece Apron Set What’s cooking? Mommy’s little helper will love this adorable set which includes the 100% cotton embroidered apron, mitt and chef hat.

| 800-542-3139 @ www.manualww.com # circle #645

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MARY MEYER SQUIRE BOONE VILLAGE

Marshmallow Zoo Teddy Bear Family

Hitchers with Twister Pops

Mary Meyer grows the ultra soft Marshmallow Zoo series with a three piece bear family. Has that slouchy feel that comes with 10,000 hugs. Stands 13", 20" and 26".

| 888-234-1804 @ www.squireboone.com # circle #646

| 800-451-4387 @ www.marymeyer.com # circle #647

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Hitchers have bendable parts and Velcro arms and legs, allowing them to be shaped around and hang onto almost anything.

SMALL WORLD TOYS

GOURMET

Etch-A-Tag Engraver

GIFTABLES

Engrave your design, or name, onto the metal tag or charm. Paint it and bake in the oven to preserve the design. Set includes battery-operated engraver, 6 metal tags, 6 chains, 8 special paint post and paintbrush. MSRP: $24.99

| 800-421-4153 @ www.smallworldtoys.com # circle #648

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SAFARI LTD.® SAFARI LTD.®

Wings of the World Barn Owl

| 800-554-5414 @ www.safariltd.com # circle #649

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Discover the wondrous process of development with this Life Cycle set from Safari Ltd®. Includes educational information on each stage of development.

PLAYTHINGS

Capture the beauty of the nocturnal Barn Owl with Safari Ltd®’s detailed sculpt. Figure measures 2.75"L x 1.25"H.

Safariology® Life Cycle of a Green Sea Turtle

| 800-554-5414 @ www.safariltd.com # circle #650

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Crazy Fun, by Definition

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Wackadoodle’s owner draws on her background in customer service and as a mother of seven to keep the specialty toy store on track. BY PAMELA BRILL

Wackadoodle’s is a

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crazy name that is fun and easily remembered, according to owner Betsy Hussey.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A “WACKADOODLE?” YOU MAY NOT FIND IT ON DICTIONARY.COM, BUT IF YOU ASK SPECIALTY TOY STORE OWNER BETSY HUSSEY, SHE’LL GLADLY SHARE THE MEANING BEHIND HER SHOP’S UNIQUE MONIKER. “Whenever we met a funny, crazy person, we would call them a ‘wackadoo,’” she recalls. So when the West Grove, PA-based retailer was considering names for a future toy store, she settled on one that would be “easily remembered and fun.” Having worked for three years at a local toy store in nearby Kennett Square, PA, Hussey saw an opportunity after that store closed its doors in July 2010. “My husband and I had talked about the possibility of doing a franchise toy store, but just decided to open our own,” she says. By the time summer was over, Hussey had signed the paperwork and was scheduled to open Wackadoodle’s in November. Hussey’s ability to assume the role of store owner was essentially a leap of faith, but one she felt confident in taking. Having previously worked in the corporate

FOSTE RING RELAT IONSH IPS

Whether by helping a customer find just the right toy or donating toys to a family after a tragic loss, building relationships is a key to Wackadoodle’s success.

WHAT’S ON T H E S H E L F

GREEN TOYS

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a A Potluck from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band is a mix of rock, ska, world beats and pop. $12.99. Clamorhouse Kids. 310.313.1738. www.clamorhousekids.com

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Kid Tunes

CIRCLE #837

HOLIDAYS PLAYTHINGS

c Little Nut Tree features Andrew Bird and Joan Osborne. $14. Dan Zanes and Friends. 718.222.2442. www.danzanes.com CIRCLE #838 ALL PRICES RETAIL

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B Foo Fighters is the latest in rock lullaby renditions from Rockabye Baby! $16.98. CMH Label Group. 323.663.8073. www.cmhlabelgroup.com

GOURMET

Rock, pop, world, punk, folk and beyond — the many different beats of music are the perfect complement to any gift or toy selection.

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With Hussey’s penchant for play and utter determination to serve her customers right, it’s no wonder her store plays an active role in helping the community. Last year, participants of Our Children Making Change set up a lemonade stand outside Wackadoodle’s doors to raise money for local charities. It was through this initiative where Hussey met the Marletts whose young daughter was suffering from a degenerative disease. In an effort to assist this local family, Wackadoodle’s hosted a shopping day and donated 20 percent of its proceeds — over $1,600 that enabled the Marletts to purchase a van with a wheelchair lift. “The outpouring of support for this little girl was overwhelming,” explains Hussey. And earlier this year, Hussey responded to a customer purchasing some items for a family who had lost their home in a fire the day after Christmas. A group of neighbors wanted to create another Christmas for the kids on New Year’s Eve unbeknownst to the family. “The story brought tears to my eyes, and I started grabbing what I could off the shelves and donated what I could to help,” says Hussey. “For months after, I had people from the neighborhood coming in to thank me for helping.” Such generosity and gratitude help foster a relationship between Hussey and her customers that sustain her in the day-to-day and for the long haul. “Every day is a new challenge, and I love a challenge,” she enthuses. “It’s so nice to have people thank me for being here. I love watching the kids coming in, so excited to get a new toy … for a birthday party, a job well done or even potty training. The smiles on their faces make my job so great!” At the end of the day at Wackdoodle’s, happiness on the job pays for itself. •

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Even with such enthusiasm and experience, starting up a toy business was not without its challenges. “Most people don’t understand what a specialty toy shop is,” Hussey says, noting the pivotal role that retailers play as stepping stones for new product coming to market. “If the products do well in our stores, then the bigger manufacturers buy up the little company that invented it and sell to the big boxes. Unfortunately, most of the time, the quality is compromised to bringing a bigger bottom line to the manufacturer.” Realizing her own need to walk the fine line between profit-making and being true to her own values, Hussey tailored her inventory to specialty-focused brands such as Green Toys, Educational Insights, Ravensburger, Blue Orange Games, Corolle and a host of others. “As a business, you don’t want to carry high-ticket items that people can’t afford to buy,” she explains. “A lot of people shop the big box stores and expect me to carry the same items at the same prices. I can’t compete with their pricing.” Appealing to older kids is another area of business that Hussey must contend with. “Once kids hit the age of 10, they want electronic games and I don’t carry them,” she states. “To me, it’s important to bring the family together and build memories, whether it’s playing a game or building something together. I try very hard to carry products that encourage that.” Hussey’s personal favorites include Bananagrams “because it’s fun for the whole family to play,” BeamO flying hoops “because it’s a great outdoor item for all ages”

Strong Values

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Practically Speaking

and PlasmaCars because she enjoys watching her 6’1”, 210-lb. husband race their daughters down their neighborhood hill.

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world for 12 years, she drew upon her customer service background — not to mention experience as a mother of seven — to provide a strong footing for Wackadoodle’s. “Knowing what toys I liked as a parent and the quality that I looked for helps me decide what toy lines and products to carry,” Hussey notes.

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>calendar NATIONAL

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JULY | AUGUST | 2012

• Gift + Home ............................30-Aug. 3 • Las Vegas Kids .......................30-Aug. 3

July NATIONAL ATLANTA • Atlanta Intl. Gift & Home Furnishings Mkt. .................................11-18 • Temporary Exhibits........................ 13-17 • Atlanta Intl. Area Rug Mkt. .......... 12-15

AmericasMart 800.ATL.MART www.americasmart.com

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

GIFTABLES

GOURMET

BOSTON • Summer Holiday Show ................. 7-10

Northeast Market Center, Hudson, MA 800.435.2775 www.northeastmarketcenter.com

World Market Center 702.599.9621 or 888.416.8600 www.LasVegasMarket.com www.giftandhomelv.com www.vegaskidslv.com

BILOXI/JACKSON, MS • Biloxi Wholesale Gift Show ............4-6

Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum & Convention Ctr. 800.951.1994 www.wmigiftshows.com

L.A. Mart and L.A. Convention Ctr. 800.LA.MART.4 www.lamart.comcom

BIRMINGHAM, AL • GTS Jewelry & Accessories Expo 18-20

• CMC Gift & Home Market ........... 24-31

California Market Center 213.630.3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com/giftandhome

CHICAGO • Transworld JF&A Show ................ 19-22

D.E. Stephens Convention Ctr., Rosemont 800.323.5462 www.transworldexhibits.com

Miami Beach Convention Ctr. 011.852.8199.7308 www.chinasourcingfair.com

Chicago Merchandise Mart 312.527.4141 www.shopchicagomarket.com

NATIONAL

LOS ANGELES • California Gift Show ..................... 25-31 • CGS Temps, Beckman’s West .... 27-30

MIAMI • China Sourcing Fairs .....................10-12 • India Sourcing Fairs ...................... 11-13

• The Chicago Market ..................... 19-25 • Temporaries, Beckman’s ............. 21-24

August

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex 770.410.9771 www.gtshows.com COLUMBUS, OH • Columbus MarketPlace Show...... 17-21 • MarketPlace Show Temps ........... 17-20

Columbus MarketPlace 888.332.8979 www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com • Heritage Cash & Carry Mkt ............... 17

PHILADELPHIA • Philadelphia Gift Show ............... 22-25

Aladdin Shrine Complex 717.249.9404 www.heritagemarkets.com

• CHA Craft Super Show ................. 17-19

Greater Philadelphia Expo Ctr., Oaks, PA 678.370.0332 www.philadelphiagiftshow.com

D.E. Stephens Convention Ctr., Rosemont 201.835.1203 www.craftandhobby.org

PHOENIX • OASIS Gift Show .......................... 26-28

COLUMBUS, OH • Columbus MarketPlace Show.... 22-24

Phoenix Convention Ctr. 800.424.519 www.oasis.org

Columbus MarketPlace 888.332.8979 www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com

DENVER • Gift, Jewelry & Resort Show ..... 23-28 • Apparel & Accessory Mkt ........... 26-29 • Gift, Jewelry & Resort temps .... 25-27

PITTSBURGH • Pittsburgh Gift Show ................... 28-30

LAS VEGAS • Las Vegas Market ..................30-Aug. 3

Pittsburgh ExpoMart, Monroeville, PA 585.254.2580 www.pittsburghgiftshow.com

Denver Merchandise Mart 800.289.6278 www.denvermart.com

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• Offinger’s Handcrafted Mktplace .... 18

Veterans Memorial Building 740.452.4541 www.offingershandcrafted.com

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MEMPHIS • Memphis Gift & Jewelry Show .......3-5

678.370.0332 www.orlandogiftshow.com

New Jersey Convention Ctr. 305.792.9990 www.kemexpo.com

Memphis Cook Convention Ctr. 630.241.9865 www.gift2jewelry.com

• Furniture & Dec. Accessory Mkt. ...5-6

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL • Fort Lauderdale Gift Show ........ 25-28

MINNEAPOLIS • Gift, Home & Accessory Show ....... 3-7

Ft. Lauderdale/Broward Cty. Conv. Ctr. 678.370.0332 www.urban-expo.com

Gift Mart, Minnetonka, MN 800.626.1298 www.mplsmart.com

GREENSBORO, NC • GTS Jewelry & Accessories Expo 4-6

NEW ORLEANS • New Orleans Gift & Jewelry Show .................................................. 23-26

ROCHESTER, NY • Western New York Gift Show ......... 5-7

Morial Convention Ctr. 630.241.9865 www.gift2jewelry.com

Dome Ctr., Henrietta, NY 585.254.2580 www.westernnewyorkgiftshow.com

NEW YORK • Gift & Home Textiles Mkt. Week ...17-23

ST. LOUIS • St. Louis Gift Show ........................ 12-13

7 W New York 212.279.6063 www.7wnewyork.com 230 Fifth Ave. 800.698.5617 www.230FifthAve.com

Gateway Ctr., Collinsville, IL 800.775.8457 www.stlouisgiftshow.com

LAS VEGAS • Celebrate! Conv./Trade Show ........ 5-7

• New York Intl. Gift Fair ................ 18-23 • At Home .......................................... 18-22

SAN FRANCISCO • San Francisco Intl. Gift Fair ............4-7

The Orleans 714.788.8476 www.celebrateconvention.com

Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94

Moscone Ctr. 678.370.0332 www.sfigf.com

Sands Expo & Convention Ctr. 011.852.3588.9688 www.asiaexpolasvegas.com Sands Expo & Convention Ctr. 800.204.5720 www.offpriceshow.com LOUISVILLE • Louisville Gift Show ..................... 26-27

Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92 800.272.SHOW www.artisanresourceny.com • New York Gift Show ..................... 18-22

41 Madison Ave. 212.686.1203 www.41madison.com ORLANDO • Orlando Gift Show; Orlando Cash & Carry Show ............................................4-6

• Seattle Gift Show ............................11-14

Washington State Convention & Trade Ctr. 678.370.0332 www.seattlegiftshow.com

In most cases, shows are open to the trade only. The dates listed are provided by show managements. As dates can change, before making travel arrangements, please check the particulars with the organizer by telephone or by visiting the show's website. International contacts are preceded with 011. Show dates not available at press time are marked n.a.

PLAYTHINGS

Kentucky Intl. Convention Ctr. 513.861.1139 www.louisvillegiftshow.com

• The Artisan Resource .................... 18-21

Pacific Market Ctr. 800.433.1014 www.pacificmarketcenter.com

HOLIDAYS

• Off-Price Specialist Show ........... 18-22

Javits Convention Ctr. 800.272.SHOW www.nyigf.com www.thegourmetshow.com

SEATTLE • Seattle Market Week ...................... 9-14

GIFTABLES

• Las Vegas Asia Expo ..................... 13-15

GOURMET

Las Vegas Convention Ctr. 800.421.4511 www.merchandisegroup.com

STATIONERY

• ASD LV/Variety Mdse. Show ........ 12-15 • ASD Las Vegas Gift & Toy ............ 12-15 • ASD Las Vegas Jewelry Show ..... 12-15

• New York’s Newest, Handmade, Baby & Child ................................................ 18-22 • Accent on Design, General Gifts, Museum Source, Tabletop & Housewares, A+, Details, Personal Accessories, ExTracts, Studio, At Home, Home Textiles ..... 19-23 • Gourmet Housewares Show ...... 19-23

Greater Philadelphia Expo Ctr., Oaks, PA 717.796.2377 www.marketsquareshows.com

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Metcalf South Mall 816.960.3400 www.giftmartofkansascity.com www.EventProsInc.com

PHILADELPHIA • Buyers Cash & Carry Wholesale ..... 29

KANSAS CITY, KS • Gift Market of Kansas City ..............3-6

Orange County Convention Ctr. 305.792.9990 www.kemexpo.com

BATH

Greensboro Coliseum Complex 770.410.9771 www.gtshows.com

CANDLES

EDISON, NJ • Furniture & Accessory Mkt............ 19-21

Orange County Convention Ctr.

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preview

D ALLAS

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JUNE | 2012

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PREVIEW DAY June 19 TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET June 20-26 Dallas Market Center 800.DAL-MKTS www.dallasmarketcenter.com

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Show Producer: Dallas Market Center Market Elements: Dallas Holiday & Home Expo, June 20-26; FINDS Dallas Temp Show Design & Home, June 20-24 Dallas International Lighting Market, June 21-24; Dallas Hospitality & Contract Design Show, June 21-24; FINDS Dallas Temp Show, June 21-24; FINDS Dallas Temp Show Market Hall, June 21-25; and Cash & Carry FINDS, June 21-25. Show Hours: June 22-23 and June 25-28, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, June 24, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Travel Arrangements: Market Travel, 800.DAL-MKTS

GIFTABLES

Market Highlights: New FINDS categories include Foodie FINDS featuring gourmet food products; French Market FINDS, featuring vintage items with a French ﬂair; and Table & Houseware FINDS. The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market collection returns for the second year. The ﬁnalists of The Next Big Thing — Brobe, Accessory Connectz and The PotBra — will show their products and the winner will be announced on Saturday, June 23, at 3 p.m. An expanded and renovated Gourmet Market presents new resources and hosts cooking demos.

PLAYTHINGS

HOLIDAYS

Special Events • Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Collection VIP Preview Party. Tuesday, June 19. 6:30-8 p.m. Trade Mart. • GHTA Cocktail Party. Thursday, June 21. 5-7 p.m. WTC, 2nd ﬂoor. • Oh So Social Party. Thursday, June 21. 6-7:30 p.m. Plaza 1. • Gourmet Market Renovation/Expansion Ribbon Cutting. Friday, June 22. 5 p.m. WTC 180. • Renowned chef and television personality Curtis Stone will show off his cooking skills. Saturday, June 23. Noon. WTC Hall of Nations. SEMINAR Following is a selection of seminars. For the full list visit www. dallasmarketcenter.com/markets/market-events.spx?m=559 Circle #237

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July 26-28, 2012

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Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, Arizona

STATIONERY GOURMET

Thursday, June 21 • A Perfect Match: Integrating Social Media & Email Marketing to Increase Foot Trafﬁc. 8:15-9 a.m. Sponsored by OneCoast. OneCoast Café. WTC 2. Friday, June 22 • Gourmet Workshop: The Philosophy, Art and Science of Buying. 9 a.m.-noon. Presenter: Robert Coviello. Expo Area — WTC 1. • Personalize It! Let Us Show You How. 1.p.m. Sponsored by Coton Colors. Presenter: Laura Johnson, Owner and Designer of Coton Colors. Trade Mart — 2nd Floor. • Vintage: The New Artistic Expression. 3 p.m. Furniture FINDS — MHNH. Saturday, June 23 • Selling Online: 6 Tips for Getting Started. 8:15 a.m. Sponsored by OneCoast. OneCoast Café. WTC 2. • Digital Workshop: How Effective is Your Social Media Marketing? 11. a.m. Presenter: Mark Roos, Splash Media. Expo Area — WTC 1. • Taking Displays from Dull to Dazzling. Noon. Box lunch available for $5 but quantities limited. Seasons Gallery — International Trade Plaza.

GIFTABLES HOLIDAYS

Southwest...

PLAYTHINGS

Look for: New showrooms and expansions include: Karen Didion Originals,The Plaza 2-2F433; Source One Marketing, TM 1-1949; WWRD opens two showrooms, TM 2-2810 and 2-2824; Classic Concepts, WTC 5-530; Daniel Richards, TM 1-1400; Demdaco, TM 1-1418; Studio A, WTC 6-6078; Texas Tango, WTC 6-6262; and Reliant Ribbon Corp, WTC 3-308. Showroom relocations: TJ Collection moved from WTC to The Plaza 1-1F117; McLendon Company expanded and relocated to TM 1-1030; French Laundry Home, expanded and relocated to WTC 6-6272.

CANDLES

Your source for southwest, western, and general gifts!

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Dallas Market Center

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OASIS Gift Show

and So Much More!

800.424.9519 www.oasis.org Circle #274

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gifts and decorative accessories

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Industry Services

RETAILERS... KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! {And Weekly it’s free}

e-newsletters SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS

TO REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET

START ADVERTISING TODAY!

SPENCER WHITTLE: swhittle@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1027 fax 336.605.1143

KAREN HANCOCK: khancock@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1047 fax 336.605.1143

EXTRA - weekly news recap PRODUCT WATCH - bi-weekly product launches BUZZ - show dailies BREAKING NEWS - news releases as they happen

classiﬁed Lines Offered (Reps) Help Wanted Retail Recruitment Real Estate Showroom Space

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SERVICES

We are a manufacturer not a jobber! 5404 Wayne Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037 1-800-233-5266 • FAX 269-966-1825 Website: www.delanoservice.com • E-mail: info@delanoservice.com Made in USA

•Competitive Pricing •Collated Cards •Flash Cards •Warehousing •Quality Product

•Easy to Work With •Play Money •Score Pads •Good Service •Order Fulfillment

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING HELP WANTED

SERVICES

Attention! Manufacturers & Importers ACCOUNT MANAGER WANTED Gifts & Decorative Accessories seeks experienced salesperson to manage west coast territory. Ad sales and/or gift industry knowledge needed. Some travel. Work from NYC, Greensboro, NC, or home office. Start date: mid-August.

If You’re Losing Sales - Profits Due To Unproductive Sales Reps/Territories - Every Day You Wait Is A Mistake...

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Now Unproductive Reps/Territories No Longer Have To Be An Accepted Fact of Life!

Send resume to: nwolkow@giftsanddec.com

CLOSEOUTS

MERCHANDISE USA,INC We Buy Closeout, Discontinued and Excess Inventory. A-1 Account In business 28 Years!

Over 3700 Companies Use Our Service WE SPECIALIZE IN: • FINDING TOP PRODUCING SALES REPRESENTATIVE. We presently have over 80% to 85% of all the representatives in the U.S. who sell giftware, stationery, housewares, office supply, bath decorative accessories, electronics, etc., in our data base. • REORGANIZING EXISTING COMPANIES SALES EFFORTS. We can provide representatives who are appropriate to sell your line. We also provide simple, easy to use systems and methods of working with your sales force tat will yield maximum sales results.

100,000 Sq. Ft. Warehouse in Chicago. email: closeouts@merchandiseusa.com Phone: 773-579-0600 Fax: 773-579-0136 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.MERCHANDISEUSA.COM

• ASSISTING NEW MANUFACTURERS in bringing their product to the marketplace... We can develop marketing plans, establish the sales force, and assist in packaging, catalogs, trade advertising, point of purchase displays, etc. • WE CAN ESTABLISH YOUR LINES IN NEW MARKET AREAS.

WANTED: SURPLUS INVENTORIES Closeouts, odd lots, samples, irregulars, purchased for cash. Brand/store names protected. Fast, efficient national and international network. Forward samples and information: Event Sales, Inc. 3359 Central Ave., N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55418 612/781-1502 Fax: 612/781-4150 Email: eventsale@eventsale.com

Call ROGER WILSON or mail your catalog to MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVE PROFILE 2150 A Douglas Boulevard • Suite 210 • Roseville, CA 95661

916/784-2300 • rogerwilson@mrpusa.com

Market to Hospital Gift Shops

LINES OFFERED

*Most reliable labels (3,700) Website: www.cindyjonesassociates.com/labels Email: cindy@cindyjonesassociates.com

Sales Reps Wanted

Call, Write, or Fax Today To Advertise!

Bath and Body Products manufacturer seeks Sales Reps with established relationships in: PA, CA, TX, and other select territories. Competitive commission. Call: 267-323-0726

Phone: 336-605-1027 • SWhittle@sandowmedia.com or Karen Hancock Phone: 336-605-1047 • KHancock@sandowmedia.com Or Fax: 336-605-1143

Spencer Whittle

ADVERTISE giftsanddec.com giftsanddec.com

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A Gem of a Company The Gerson Companies started as a jewelry wholesaler 70 years ago; three generations later, the family business is more diversified. BY KATHY KRASSNER

THE FAM ILY TREE

The Gerson family tree is firmly planted in the company’s roots. Posing with portraits of Oscar and Antonie are their son, Peter Gerson (center), chairman emeritus; Peter's son-in-law, John Hjalmarson (right), chairman and CEO; and son, Jim (left), president. Not shown, Peter’s son, John Gerson, is vp of national accounts, and daughter, Liz Hjalmarson, is brand manager of Lone Elm Studios. Relates Jim: “From 1972 until the ’90s, the business was led by my Dad and Uncle Kurt. [They] brought an entrepreneurial spirit to our business by leading us into exciting product categories and new channels of distribution.”

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>backstory

BACK IN 1942, OSCAR GERSON BEGAN TRAVELING THROUGH WESTERN KANSAS selling wholesale sterling silver and turquoise jewelry while his wife, Antonie, filled orders and kept the books. Fast-forward 70 years, and the company they founded — now called The Gerson Companies — has evolved into a successful design, import and distribution business run by their grandchildren. Today, what was once known as The Gerson Company has changed its name to the plural “Companies” to reflect its diversification into numerous product categories beyond jewelry — home decor, LED lighting, gifts, tabletop, floral and seasonal products. Gerson’s business now comprises two divisions: Gerson Everyday branded product lines and Gerson International, its seasonal program. “A primary reason for our longstanding tenure in business is our commitment to continually reinvent ourselves,” states Jim. “We still create a jewelry

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line today; it only comprises about three percent of our total annual revenues. We … continually look at our product offering to determine where we are not meeting the needs of our customers, and then create opportunities to meet those needs.” Annually, Gerson offers more than 10,000 SKUs; this includes nearly 4,000 everyday items, plus 3,000 in each of its seasonal lines, which are introduced twice yearly. “We are focused on design and technology to meet the insatiable appetite of consumers’ need to be wowed,” Jim says. The company also does its best to wow its retail accounts, which number around 10,000 and representing a broad retail spectrum from locally owned shops to larger store chains. “A unique component to our growth and to who we are today is our ability to support many different market classes,” asserts Jim. He also notes the close relationships that Gerson maintains with its

customers. “Our family views our partnership with our retail customers as multidimensional,” he says. “We work in front of the curve to anticipate items and categories consumers will be looking for, side by side to replenish merchandise to keep inventories in stock, and behind the sale to offer customer service after the purchase is made.” As to the future, Jim shares that Gerson will continue to follow two courses: “First, to continue to grow organically by challenging our designers and merchants to innovate and improve our product offerings and pricing. Second, we have been successful over our 70 years in business by acquiring and creating great, complementary companies to our businesses. As a family owned, third-generation business, we have always reinvested our profits back into the business.” Adds Jim: “We appreciate the wonderful relationships with our retail partners and look forward to the next 70 years!” •

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HOME FASHION CANDLES

THE GERSON COMPANIES HEADQUARTERS IN OLATHE, KS

LIGHTING UP SALES

BATH

Among the company’s current best-selling categories are those that incorporate LED lights — from its extensive line of flameless LED candles and lanterns to its LED lighted branch and micro light line.

Corporate headquarters includes a large distribution center, as well as an office and showroom facility located on 50 acres of property for its 200 full-time and 150 seasonal associates. "Our greatest strengths are the passion of our associates and the culture of working in a private, family-owned business," Jim believes, mentioning that the average length of tenure of Gerson's associates in its corporate office is 10 years. "Many second-generation associates are now employed by the Gerson Company," he proudly affirms.

BODY STATIONERY GOURMET GIFTABLES

GIFTS AND DECOR FOR ALL REASONS AND SEASONS

Major branded lines include the GG Collection, featuring kitchen accessories and high-end tabletop, such as the cake pedestals above left; the Lone Elm Studios line of value-driven gift and home accessory items, such as the perpetual calendar, above right; Everlasting Glow LED candles, branches and light strings; and Universal Sun Ray artificial florals.

HOLIDAYS

KANSAS-BASED BUT GLOBAL PRESENCE

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PLAYTHINGS

Although it has moved several times over the years, Gerson has always been based in the Kansas City area, as this old business card shows. In addition to its Olathe headquarters, Gerson has permanent showrooms at AmericasMart in Atlanta, maintains a showroom and offices in Hong Kong, and can be found in rep showrooms in Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle. It also shows its lines annually in more than 10 markets and offers invitation-only markets in Minneapolis.

gifts and decorative accessories

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Do you have a financial plan? If so, how has it changed? If not, why not? What do you do instead?

Alison Anderson

Marsha Dautch

Jennifer Hill

A. DODSON’S

JENSS DECOR

BLACKSTONE’S OF BEACON HILL

Suffolk, VA

Amherst, NY

Boston, MA

Yes, we definitely have a financial plan. I watch the stock market and I strategize with my financial planner (who happens to also be my amazing husband). I pay attention to economic forecasting, and I go to market knowing my open to buy dollars and knowing where I can increase on performing vendors. Additionally, every Wednesday morning we have a staff meeting where we review numbers. We always know our best sellers for the week, month and year. Each day we review our daily numbers from the previous two years and we set a goal and a stretch based on those numbers. Rules we live by: Never go to market without:

Our management prepares a sixmonth financial plan twice a year based on numbers and trends from the previous two years. We use February through July and August through January. It is a regular retail calendar that takes holiday sales and returns into account so it is more realistic than January to December. We do use our computer system as a guide, but not as an absolute. The monthly items we budget are sales, markdowns (including damages), new receipts and starting inventory levels. We use a checkbook type of system which is very basic but works well. Each purchase gets deducted and sales get added. Monthly open to buy budgets include a cushion for special orders, special deals and reorders. We have used this system forever and it has been effective for all this time.

We are driven by a financial plan with monthly, quarterly and yearly goals. In the past few years we have had to modify our yearly plans to reflect the short term economic trends of the financial crisis. This has meant we have placed smaller orders and carried less merchandise in back stock. Blackstone’s is a classic seasonal decor store so our yearly financial plans are driven primarily by our key seasons. Christmas being the largest followed by Halloween. Easter and Thanksgiving fall into our spring and fall buying plans. This form of financial planning enables us to project and plan our quarterly open to buy. Another key component to our financial plan entails taking full advantage of dated buying programs, which is readily available in seasonal buys. Free freight or freight caps are another strategy we have relied on more in recent years too. Another factor we plan for is our changing consumer base. From September through early June our customers are 50/50 — locals and tourists. However, starting in midJune through the end of August, we shift to an almost solely tourist-based consumer.

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giftsanddec.com

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EAT, DRINK & BE SCARY

N A NC Y â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO OK K I TC H E N ÍťW I N D O W ÍťS E A S O N A L

Let us be your holiday vendor of choice Nancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nook by VHC offers more than 20 Halloween, Harvest & Christmas collections for 2012. Choose from coasters to placemats, aprons, tree skirts and stockings. No reorder minimum, immediate shipping. 9 , & 725, $1+( $57 & 20 Â&#x2021; Circle #293

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