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June, 2010

GiftsWholesale.Com is not responsible for changes in show information or typographical errors. OmegaNet and GiftsWholesale.Com are not directly associated with any trade show.

July 2010
13-19, Los Angeles
14-21, Atlanta
22-24, Phoenix
22-28, Chicago
23-25, Canton, OH
31-Aug. 3, San Francisco

August 2010
2, 3, Dallas
2-6, Las Vegas
8-9, St. Louis
12-15, Dallas
13-19, New York
19-24, Denver
27-29, Orlando
28-30, Ft. Lauderdale
29-30, Louisville, KY

For a full list of Trade Shows, go to GiftsWholesale.Com


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World Shipping Prices Increase for Imported Goods
May Mean Increased Costs for Retailers or Delayed Shipments

Increases in shipping costs globally may impact the Cost of Goods of local retailers, after record low rates last year. During 2009, demand for imported goods fell dramatically due to the recession. "Steamship lines lost a great deal of money last year due to surplus capacity, and so they lowered their rates and negotiated lower prices" says Don Jay of Air Sea America in Seattle, WA. "This year the shippers are rerouting their schedules, picking up additional stops, etc., in a effort to reduce capacity and increase demand."

This leads to increased costs for imported goods, as illustrated in the accompanying graph from www.statsweeper.com. China has been particularly hard hit by the recession with some estimates of lost manufacturing jobs being as high as 20 million. (source) To adjust to the downturn in demand last year, many shippers took ships out of service. However, China saw exports grow 17.7% in December and 21% in January which created a shortage of containers in China, leading to rapid rate increases.

Shipping from Asia is not the only source of increased costs. Customers that need to ship freight between Europe, the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning in July will find the cost of Oriental Overseas Container Line’s (OOCL) Trans Atlantic container shipping services has increased. (source)

Just how much will the cost of transporting containers increase on July 1? The general rate increase on westbound 20 ft containers from Europe to the United States, Canada and Mexico will be US$400, while the cost for a 40 ft container will go up by US$500. Eastbound containers going from the United States, Canada and Mexico to Europe will go up by US$320 for 20 ft containers and US$ 400 for 40 ft containers.

Rates from Asia have increased even more. China Cosco Holdings Co., the nation's largest container line, said it had won a targeted increase in transpacific rates, bolstering industrywide efforts to end losses. "The company has signed almost all of its annual contracts and customers have agreed to pay $800 more for shipping a forty- box to the U.S. west coast from Asia," Executive Vice President Sun Jiakang said today in Shanghai. "China Cosco will also levy peak-season surcharges of about $400 from July 15," he said. (source)


Featured Vendors in GiftsWholesale.Com
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

Aspen Bay Candles: The best candles on the market--a result of our continual and diligent application of superior candle science. Take a moment to visit our unique high quality line of candles. Once you have experienced the superb fragrances and long burn times, we are sure you will be back again and again.

Badash Crystal: Our 24% hand-cut lead crystal is produced in the finest factories in Europe by the same artisans that manufacture for Mikasa, Waterford, Lenox, and Sasaki. Every piece is individually and safely gift boxed. We offer superb quality and value for all your gift giving and/or personal pleasure.


Brownlow Gifts: Brownlow produces a full line of inspirational gifts for every occasion. You will find useful and attractive home decor gifts for the kitchen, bedrooms, study and all other rooms in the house. Brownlow is well known for gourmet products, journals, gifted paper items, photo albums, photo frames, decorative sentiment plaques, a variety of stationery, many different ceramic gifts as well as a large assortment of inspirational gift books. Most products are in coordinating themes that retailers can purchase in eye-catching countertop display collections.

CAMEOEZMarketplace.com: CAMEO EZ© member stores can now log into a site one time and place orders from several manufacturers. This is a newly introduced site, so check back often to see more lines. One Login – Multiple Shopping Carts – Easy Checkout.



Cha Cha Designs is a manufacturing and design company. We take pride in our sassy creations and know you will love them too! They are handcrafted in the USA! We are located in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.


CloseOutDealsWholesale.com - For companies wanting to liquidate discontinued items, possibly through a third party, OmegaNet offers new closeout services. Get special deals!


Don Mark DUEL OPENING Stainless Steel Water Bottles. -"Go Green" to protect you and your environment. Refill, reuse and reduce our landfills. Each bottle comes with dual, leak resistant caps, one for drinking, the other wide mouth to insert ice cubes and make hand cleaning easier. Also comes with handy carabineer clip. Our lightweight bottle weighs less than 6 ounces and holds 24 ounces of your favorite cool or cold drink (not for hot liquids). Comes with attractive "Go Green" hangtag. Visit our web site to see our entire line of petzzz plus over 180 other unique gifts and gadgets.

Elegant Baby recognizes that today’s babies are stylish, and is committed to providing baby gifts featuring the very best design, quality, craftsmanship and tradition anywhere.



Europa Home decor including glass, candleholders and candles for garden, lodge, awards, gourmet food, sale items and more.



Gina B. Designs Many of our retailers tell us that their customers come in and purchase Gina B. cards by the handful. The colorful art and simple verse make it a line that has something for everyone at a great price-point. Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery company featuring exceptional art and design. All products are made in the U.S.A.

Highland Graphics: A leader in functional gift with decorative items for gift giving and kitchen. From our top selling Absorbastone coasters, to our decorative bamboo cutting boards, everything we manufacture is made in the USA. Our high quality plus competitive pricing lets our customers make higher margins. We feature licensed art, official collegiate products and have a full range of custom capabilities with low minimums.

Magnolia Lane Collection: A leading distributer of handpainted ceramic collections like NFL, College, Kids, Wedding, Birthday, Christmas, Everyday and the extremely popular "Make it Personal" line. The whimsical table top designs are a must have.


Mud Pie: Mud Pie products are now featured in three catalogs: Mud Pie Baby, Mud Pie Gift, and Mud Pie Pet. It has always been our goal to offer innovative giftware that's affordably priced and adorably packaged.


Natural Life: Fashionable and fun treasures to share or keep! Whether you’re shopping for friends, family, baby or yourself, Natural Life has the perfect gift for you.



Peking Handicraft, Inc. is a global manufacturer and wholesaler specializing in home textiles decorative accessories and gift items. The company expertise in sourcing, manufacturing and brand development are second to none. Peking’s variety of products consists of renowned designer collections as well as exciting designs from their in-house design studio. Both are trend right and of exceptional quality and value. With over three decades in the home textiles and gift arena, Peking is proven to be a company that you can trust today and in the future.


Puzzle Pen The Puzzle Pen is the only erasable, retractable and refillable pen on the market. This product is a great, new break-thru for puzzlers. If your store has customers that play Crossword, Sudoku, KenKen, Kakuro, Magic Square, Acrostic, or any other word or number puzzle, this unique new Puzzle Pen will be a great hit in your store.


Regal Art & Gift: Offering unique & colorful Metal Garden Décor, Home Décor and Gifts. Garden items include: 3-D Garden Décor, Garden Stakes, Wind Chimes and Welcome Signs. Home items include: Wall Art, Wall Hooks, Candleholders, Ornaments, Boxes and Photo Frames. Popular themes include: Garden Bugs, Birds, Frogs, Tropical, Coastal, Fish, Suns & Celestial, Southwest, Western, Crosses, Americana, Country, Halloween, Harvest & Holiday

Saltbox is a Manhattan-based design studio known for its signature creations in canvas. Regularly featured in magazines such as Oprah, Self, People and Brides, the Saltbox collection is renowned for its alluring prints and colors and is well-loved for its sturdy construction and heavy weight, water resistant canvas.

Sample House Take a look at our unique collection of original design gift bags, tissue paper and home to the 2-second wrap. We have a complete selection of Take-Out-Cartons solids and prints, tissue, bags, wraphia and more.


Shade Tree Greetings' "Actual Pictures" are recognized as one of the best-selling greeting card lines in the industry. Nostalgic photographs and clever, funny verses make these cards a success. Go to our website to browse over 300 styles. GREAT introductory programs and free fixtures.


snoozies!® are not socks and they're not slippers - sort of a crossover between the two and that's why we call them "foot coverings"! snoozies!® are made with a brushed fleece exterior in colorful & fun printed patterns and then lined with a soft Sherpa fleece inside.


Spring Street is proud to offer the finest assortment of personal, home, and office accessories. Our extensive product lines are all theme oriented, from baby to bride and beyond. All of our gift items are hand epoxy enameled and adorned with faux jewel encrusted motifs. Many of our designs are inspired from the famed Soho district of New York City where the very real Spring Street is located.

Sunset Vista Designs Inc.: offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the “best ever” line of innovative gift, garden, and home décor.



Tripar International Inc.: Tripar International is your source for both displays and decorative accessories. Our extensive product line includes a wide assortment of easels, risers, ornament stands, plate racks, mirrors, jewelry displays, and unique display pieces. We are also an excellent source for wine accessories, wall décor, inspirational signs, and cookbook stands. We offer quality with style, low minimums and fast shipping.

Wellspring: a great gift and stationery line. We bring art and organization to everyday life! Our products include: hand-painted ceramic pieces, note pads, Flip Notes, compacts, pill boxes, recipe books, and much more!


The Mysteries of Generating Store Traffic

Dear friends, You ponder the question morning, noon and night. You reach out to neighboring businesses and friends looking for fresh ideas. Marketing books sit on your nightstand with hopes you can keep your eyes open long enough to be inspired by a chapter or two.

How can you generate more traffic in your store? Since people seem to buying less these days, it only makes sense: You need them to visit more often.

As a store owner, publisher and speaker, I was often out of town. I had to find a way to connect with my customers and reinforce our relationships in a deeply personal way, whether I just rang up their sale that afternoon or missed them during their past four visits. I wanted to make a lasting impact in their hearts and minds.

So what was my secret?

I would identify at least three customers a week from our top 100 customer list and personally call them. "I was thinking of you today and how much I appreciate you. You are more than a customer, you’re a friend." Or, "Today you came to mind and I wanted to call and say I was thinking of you. Thank you for all the ways you have helped grow my business. I appreciate you so very much." Don’t try to sell them anything. Simply express gratitude. Most of all, be sincere.

A few things will happen:

  1. They’ll fall over from shock. Hey, how many retailers, especially a store owner, call a customer and personally say "thank you"?
  2. They’ll tell six friends and you’ll gain even more fans
  3. You’ll be top of mind for their next gift giving or home décor need because you showed you cared, really cared.

You say you don’t have time? You’ll most likely get voice mail, so leave a message and let it be a sweet surprise for the recipient. They’ll be able to listen to it again and again and be reminded what an extraordinary retailer you are. If you do happen to get a live person, I promise you’ll learn some valuable marketing, merchandising, and personnel information about your business. People are often more willing to be frank over the phone than face-to-face. Most likely, you’ll get loads of affirmation, and it will boost your spirits and your day.

Every customer matters. Why not show and tell them why? I can already see you reaching for the phone…

Here’s to a fabulous summer season!

Peas-fully,
Cheryl Karpen

~ Cheryl Karpen is president of Gently Spoken. A retailer and a manufacturer, Cheryl is best known for authoring the Eat Your Peas Collection, a series of 21 gift books that begin with a promise. Visit Cheryl at gentlyspoken.com and cherylkarpen@aol.com.



Quick Industry News

TRADE SHOW NEWS

Luckie Street Hosts Seminars at Atlanta Market

Retailers can learn how to grow their businesses with Luckie Street's showroom at Atlanta's AmericasMart during the July Gift and Home Furnishings Market. "Retail Rendezvous" is the name of a series of seminars planned for Thursday July 15 through Saturday July 17.

The series kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday with "Entertain like a Star" with Sharon O’Connor. O’Connor has recorded and performed with music icons such as Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Tony Bennett, Linda Ronstadt, and Aretha Franklin. In 2005 Sharon founded Menus and Music. Seminar participants will enjoy samples and enter to win a Menu’s and Music Company Gift Basket.

At 11:00 a.m. Join Faith Freeman ,the creator of the original sliced soap and founder of Primal Elements, to learn how to host a soap-making even in your store. Each attendee will be create their own soap. (Repeated Friday at 11 p.m. and Saturday at 4:00 p.m.)

During the noon hour, Toni Ivey, president of OmegaNet Inc. and founder of GiftsWholesale.Com, will give an overview of using a website to build your business, from simple information sites to complex e-commerce. (Repeated at noon Friday)

"Visual Merchandising 101" will be presented at 1:00 p.m. by Award winning Designer Daniel Slack of 3-D Creative Services. This seminar will take a look at simple merchandising tricks and techniques to help improve your displays in a snap. (Repeated at 1:00 p.m. Friday)

At 3:00 p.m., "Behind the Art with no apologies... Up close and Personal with Erin Smith" will feature stories behind her art and a drawing for a trunk show in the winner's store Dec. 11. (Repeated Friday at 3:00 p.m.)

Friday's seminars begin at 10:00 a.m. with "SELL SELL SELL", Tips and Tricks on how to Partner with your product suppliers Presented by Paige Clark, Inventor and Founder of MOGO Design Inc. (Repeated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday)

Then at 2:00 p.m., "Easy Breezy Blogging" with Barb Beat, a.k.a. "Queen B", shows you how to generate in store traffic by blogging.

On Saturday two new seminars debut: At 1:00 p.m. "From 4th grade to 4th decade" will tell how Tim Mikkelsen from MikWright Phyllis Wright invented a category by accident nearly 20 years ago. Each attendee will be entered to win a MikWright Gift Basket Retail Value $250.00. "Why limit happy to an hour?" at 2:00 p.m. will let you sip a cocktail with famed artist Mary Phillips, owner and CEO of Mary Philips Designs. She will be signing copies of her new book "Why Limit Happy to an Hour?"


NYIGF JOINS WGSN ADVISORY FORUM
International Style & Trend Forecaster Will Provide Exclusive Information

WHITE PLAINS, NY, June 2, 2010 - An exclusive agreement between the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) and WGSN, one of the world’s top style and trend forecasting services, will position NYIGF as the sole U.S. home, gift and lifestyle market on the prestigious WGSN-homebuildlife Advisory Forum.

This strategic partnership marks the forthcoming launch of WGSN-homebuildlife.com (www.wgsn-homebuildlife.com), a new trend forecasting entity and product development tool focused on the needs of the global home and interiors industries. The WGSN-homebuildlife.com Advisory Forum is comprised of industry-influencing professionals from across the globe ? with just two U.S. markets (NYIGF and High Point) represented among its 12 members. Its purpose is to examine and share knowledge and insight into pressing social issues including environmental and human concerns, the state of home-related design and commerce and future changes and trends.

Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president, will represent NYIGF on the WGSN-homebuildlife.com Advisory Forum. "Global home and interiors suppliers represent a $350 billion worldwide industry, and they are an integral component to the success of leading wholesale markets like NYIGF," said Belshaw. "Our involvement with WGSN will provide NYIGF participants with the most current and pertinent global trend information."


Gina B Designs Calendar ProductsPRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS

Gina B. Designs Introduces New Desk Collections

Gina B. Designs has introduced several new designs in pretty organizational products for the desk.  This trendy "Susan" collection includes Perpetual Calendars, Acrylic Note Sets, Mini Journals and Desk Calendars.  All Gina B. products are proudly made in the USA.