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In this issue:
Retail Sales Up Again Slightly in April Once again, average retail sales were better than expected in April, carrying cumulative figures to a 2.2% increase over the first four months of 2007, according to government reports. (source). Sales were down slightly compared to March, but were better than April, 2007 by 1.8% according to a Census Department report released May 13. Even with oil topping $120 per barrel, major retailers were reporting increases in same store sales (source). The wholesale clubs led the way with BJ Wholesale showing a 12% increase, Costco 8% and Sam's Club 6.6%. Wal-Mart and Target both reported increases of more than 3%. High end stores did even better with Saks turning in an increase of 23% instead of the conservative 1.1% that company had predicted. Even better was Aeropostale and Buckle Inc. at more than 25%. However, most department stores didn't fare so well, with most posting losses, such as Dillards and Nordstroms, both down about 4% (source). During 2007, nationwide department store sales declined 2.3%, continuing a trend of losses to the big-box discount stores that began several years ago (source). The improvement in average retail figures could partially be attributed to the comparisons with bad news a year ago, according to Susan Dickerson of Home Accents Today. Featured Vendors in GiftsWholesale.Com
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Quick Industry News Boston Convention Center; Home, Boston Gift Show "Due to the current economic conditions of the gift industry," said show manager Tony Orlando, "we have chosen to not hold the September edition of the Boston Gift Show, and instead focus our efforts and energies on further enhancing the spring market." George Little Management produces the Boston Gift Show. The Northeast Market Center (www.northeastmarketcenter.com) will still have its fall show September 14-16 in Billerica, Mass. Bravo Sales reports that American Idol's Randy Jackson has been seen on the show wearing "He Beads", part of the "Hip-Hot" line of beaded jewelry created for men by She Beads®. She Beads was founded in 1993 and the product took off when it was spotted by Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls. All the company's jewelry lines are trademarked and American made at its production studio in Chicago, IL. The hand rolled clay beads offer a customizable, one-of-a-kind statement. Bravo Sales is a Sales Agency in the Midwest and Ohio River Valley. Sugar Street Weavers has introduced Sunset at Riverbend Farm© 1996 Thomas Kinkade, Cruise Girl, Golf Girl and Tennis Girl (The Girls)© T Company and Autumn Splendor by Cranston Prints this spring. The North Carolina American-made apparel company will also have a new cat design from Kathy Hatch soon. These new licensing agreements introduce new markets as well as some inspirational products. The Thomas Kinkade line will expand to at least 4 designs by late summer - including Garden of Prayer and Light of Peace. Along with these new licensed designs, Sugar Street is also in the early production stages of an inhouse design, "Rose of Hope". Sunbelt Marketing Group, Inc., announced this month that Peggy L. Hines is the company's new Business Development Manager, responsible for Sunbelt's financial, administrative and operations areas. Hines has a background in banking, but also has retail experience as owner/operator of a franchise store in Charleston. Sunbelt, a Charleston South Carolina company with a office in Hangzhou, China, is a product design, manufacturing and distribution company. Art Glass Imports will be introducing its new line of Purse Accessories at all upcoming gift show. Purse hangers are the HOT NEW item for fall, according to Art Glass's Peter Norton. Along with the new line of purse accessories the company will introduce 8 new perfume bottles and will offer show specials. The company's web site, www.artglass-imports.com, has show details.  Don Mark introduces a line of stainless-steel water bottles robert m. weiss PRESENTS offers an exquisite collection of hand painted products for the home, including: Accent Tables, Accessories, Boxes, Ceiling Medallions, Framed Mirrors, Lamps, Servers, Table Top, Wall Décor, and more, created by very talented artists using a centuries old technique of Reverse Painting on Glass. Visit robert m. weiss PRESENTS at a summer trade show. See the list on the company's website. Hansen's Christmas Stuff is making room for all the new items soon to arrive for Christmas 2008! The company is having a 40% off sale on all items in stock. Visit www.hansenxmas.com to take advantage of wonderful products for Christmas as well as the very popular Gnomy's Diaries giftables. Sea Island Imports, Inc. is celebrating its 35th anniversary in the gift and décor industry. "We have been raising the bar for traditional design since 1973," says Eleanor Carter, President. The company has a website at www.seaislandimports.com and exhibits in Atlanta and High Point. |
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indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.
Art Glass Imports
Aspen Bay Candles
Don Mark
Frankoma Inc.
Gallery Art Glass
Mud Pie
Peking Handicraft, Inc.
Spring Street
