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March, 2012

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March 2012
31-Apr. 2 Miami

April 2012
2-3 Dallas
4 Atlanta
7-9 Salt Lake City
14-16 Honolulu
16-18 Atlanta
17-20 New York
18 Gettysburg, PA
22 Marlborough, MA
21-23 Petroskey, MI
21-26 High Point
22-24 Harbor Springs, MI
22-24 Minnetonka, MN
30 Billerica, MA

May 2012
1-3 Atlanta
6-7 Long Beach, CA
7-8 Dallas
15 Ft. Wayne, IN
17 Medina, OH
17-20 New Orleans
19-20 Columbus
20-23 New York
21-24 Seattle
28 Billerica, MA
31-June 3 Dallas

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"Sustainability" Emphasis in Green Products

This is Gift and Home Retailer News' third annual "Green Issue", where we highlight companies that are producing eco-friendly products and using environmentally aware processes. In this issue we spotlight "Sustainability".

A new feature of the New York International Gift Fair's Winter show was "SustainAbility: design for a better world®". NYIGF's "Degrees of SustainAbility" intiative industry-specific criteria for identification of green products and producers. A three-tiered ranking - SustainAbility1 through SustainAbility3 - indicates the extent to which a product/producer complies with these standards. Ilene Shaw of Shaw+Co! curates the exhibit and determines each participants' ranking. Of the 250 products featured in the SustainAbility display during the show, seven were awarded the highest level of sustainability for product, production processes and business practices

The products selected included a Canvas Tote from Bungalow 360 (California), Shea Butter Body Cream by Elizabeth W (California), "Soft Bin" storage container by Fluf (Toronto), Sueno recycled aluminum tableware by Mariposa (Mexico), the "Modern-Twist Studio" line of coasters and trivets by Modern-Twist (California), hand carved wooden bowls and stools by PATS (Peru) and Eco Collections by the Sugoi Group (California).

"These seven products not only are made with eco-friendly materials, but also are manufactured by hand or with low-impact energy sources," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. "Their producers also share a prevailing ethic to support charitable organizations, or to work with 'fair trade' artisan groups in developing countries."

Calypso Studios It's A Wrap Bracelets Calypso Studios is a company that has taken inspiration from Mother Nature and created products that encompass a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle. The company is constantly moving forward and challenging itself with new designs and accessories, creating beautiful pieces that everyone can enjoy.

An example is Calypso's new "It's a Wrap" Bracelets with beads made from the earth's natural elements of clay and shell. These wraps come in 6-8 different styles and show a real earthy look. All are hand strung on a waxed linen cord with Calypso's signature toggle clasp.

For 39 years, Fiddler's Elbow has been a pioneer and leader in water based textile printing. We formulate all our own colors from organic pigments, have developed a priority color separation system and print full color artwork on a custom built eight color Italian silkscreen textile machine. The factory's location, nestled between the pristine foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State and the Green Mountains of Vermont, makes us strive to "be green" both in the manufacturing process and in bringing our products to the market place with minimal packaging.

The president and owner, John Gunther, is still dedicated to his original idea conceived in 1973 to create and produce fine silk-screen printed gifts in the U.S.A. Our product line has shifted from storybook characters under the banner of The Toy Works, to gifts and home décor which necessitated the name change to Fiddler's Elbow but our dedication to manufacturing reasonably priced, well designed quality products featuring licensed artwork still remains our priority. If you're ever in the area, give us a call...we love to show people just what it is we do. Made with pride in the USA.

All Gina B. Designs Stationery products are printed with soy-based inks on SMART Papers Feltweave® paper and Finch fine paper that is acid-free archival, FSC Certified and endorsed by the Rain Forest Alliance. Recycled content is 15-30% post-consumer. All Gina B Products are printed in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Some may see these as small steps toward a greener future, but as the wise man said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

 

 

 

 


Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

Badash Crystal: Our broad selection of mouth blown tabletop and decorative accessories from around the world will surely meet your needs. Every piece is individually and safely boxed. We offer superb quality and value for all your gift giving, bridal and/or personal pleasure.


CAMEOEZMarketplace.com: CAMEO EZ© member stores can now log into a site one time and place orders from several manufacturers. Check back often to see more lines. One Login - Multiple Shopping Carts - Easy Checkout.


Camille Beckman is known worldwide for the quality of their fine creams and lotions. For the past 18 years, this 'Made in America' product has been rated #1 in the personal care industry and continues to offer formulas based on rich and wholesome ingredients, blending small batches and using hand-crafted, old-fashioned methods that create a difference you can feel! Being that personal care products are an indispensable item for many gift shops, Camille Beckman is a natural choice because of their 27 years of service to the locally owned gift industry.


Coast Lamp Manufacturing Coast Lamp Mfg., was established and incorporated in the state of Florida in 1955. Now, a North Carolina Corporation since 1975, located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. We are a family owned and operated company. Our product is UL/ULC listed and approved and made in the USA. Customer satisfaction and a long lasting relationship are our goals.


The Cookbook Company: Any Bitch ("Babe In Total Control Of Herself") Cookbooks is a complete and humorous line of boutique cookbooks that are not only amusing but useful as well.


Divinity Boutique is a gift company that is focused on trendy and fun gifts that feature inspirational verse and themes.


Dr D's for Dogs: Dr. Joseph Demichael is a veterinarian who is devoted to caring for dogs but also raising and breeding dogs. He photographs his dogs and creates clever greeting cards using the photographs. The picture at left is for a birthday card with the caption "May your day be twice as nice! Happy Birthday!


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 decorincluding glass, candleholders and candles for garden, lodge, awards, gourmet food, sale items and more.


Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone."  All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.


Halle Joy is a different type of company, committed not only to designing beautiful products, but to bringing joy to people throughout the world. A portion of the proceeds from every piece we sell goes to support worthy causes around the world.


Hook Line Greetings offers the world's first patent-pending "Gift-in-Greet" Fishing Lure Cards. The company's unique and clever greeting cards contain an authentic hand-tied fishing lure as the "gift" that can be taken out for immediate fun and enjoyment. Just "release" the fishing lure from the card, tie on a line and go fish!


Highland Graphics: a leader in functional gift with decorative items for gift giving and kitchen. From our topselling 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.


Just Toilet Paper: Monogrammed toilet paper and coasters - The perfect gift for the person who has everything.


Leslie Handpainted Glass: Leslie Hand Painted Glass is Proudly Painting in Portland Oregon USA Specializing in Custom & Regionally Specific Designs - Personalized Wedding & Bridal Parties - Corporate Gifts & Events.


MyQuickPrints.Com system allows the store owner to generate “Live” previews of personalized photos, print the photos on demand in their store, and frame the photos all within minutes. The system provides instant gratification for store customers and big profits to the store owner! With MyQuickPrints.com, there are little or no start up costs and no inventory to carry. The store owner simply clicks, prints, and frames. When registering on MyQuickPrints.com, use CODE "Wholesale" for "Type of Business".


Nicole Brayden Gifts: a bright and trendy collection of stationary and home decorproducts. Lots of fun colors and designs offered. Introducing new and exciting "Purse Pad" stationary assortments as well as the trendy Cheeky Chic collection.


O3 USA: Founded on principles of creativity, functionality and a funky spirit, O3 USA strives strive to offer products that are unique, stylish, and, most importantly, cool. From kids' backpacks and luggage with integrated coolers, to fun accessories for the family, we hope you find what you are looking for with us here at O3!

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.


Stupell Industries: one of America's premier suppliers of handcrafted decorative accessories for upscale homes and offices. In business for over 30 years, our line includes a wide variety of baby products, kitchen and bathroom plaques, wall hangings, faux windows, picture frames, and other unique decorative objects. We are constantly enlarging and updating our product offering to keep abreast of the latest trends and styles in the fast-paced home decorative market.


Sunbelt Marketing Group , Inc. Licensed functional and decorative giftware for the home and tailored for the men's market, i.e. (clocks, signs, coat/key racks, salt and pepper shakers, bottle openers, shelves, picture frames, games key chains and more). Licenses include Coca-Cola, General Motors, Pepsi-Cola, Farmall Tractors, Shelby and the Shelby Ford Mustang and Dodge. Product mediums include wood, polyresin, and glass and mixed mediums.


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 decor, inspirational signs, and cookbook stands. We offer quality with style, low minimums and fast shipping.


Wellspring makes functional products with fresh designs for companies that sell gifts. Great fun and cute personal accessories designed for the purse, stationery designed for organization and Flip Notes- the best-selling slim notepad consistently ranked by retailers as a top 10 in sell through. Perfect 4th quarter pick up gifts at under $10 retail- a sweet spot with today's consumer. Now with collegiate logos! www.WellspringGift.com.



MyQuickPrints Banner Ad
When registering on MyQuickPrints.com, use CODE "Wholesale" for "Type of Business".

Keep Them Coming Back!

How to Succeed at Customer Retention

The current economic climate is causing customers to be more selective. Most businesses can only guess at the reasons customers leave, mainly because they don't gather that information or develop a formal strategy to retain customers until after they leave.

  1. Find out what customers want and what causes them to stay or leave. First, conduct a survey with existing customers. Ask customers what they want and need, as well as which specific aspects of your business, products, services they value most. In addition, conduct a separate survey with former customers to find out what specifically caused them to leave.
  2. Proactively collect and promote customer feedback. Don't wait until there is a problem to contact or follow up with customers. Instead, set up communication channels to encourage sincere two-way communication with them, and then use those channels to actively solicit and collect their feedback.
  3. Use technology to manage and analyze customer feedback, and ensure the right people see and hear it. Companies can easily have as many as 35 or more tools in place to listen to the customer. These tools frequently duplicate efforts and constitute a tremendous amount of time and resources. By the time feedback is tabulated, analyzed and shared, the input is weeks or months old.
  4. Analyze customer feedback to gain valuable insights. Once you've gathered feedback from customers, analyze it to find out:
    • The type of customer feedback and the percentage in each category (complaints, suggestions, comments, concerns)
    • The channel most used by customers to provide feedback (Web, phone, in-person, etc.)
    • The underlying drivers of customer loyalty and engagement (i.e. the main reasons that customers do business with you, how they are emotionally connected to your business)
    • The current strength and depth of customer loyalty and engagement
    • New revenue and growth opportunities for your business
  5. Immediately address customers' complaints and concerns. To make the most of your customer feedback, put together an action plan that focuses on addressing and resolving any areas that are causing customers concern. In conjunction, establish standards of excellence and share best practices with others in your organization.
  6. Take action and Measure the Results. Use customer feedback to make improvements, and then measure the impact of the changes you made. Some of the areas that you may want to consider measuring include customer retention rate, revenue per customer, customer referrals, customers saved due to feedback, etc.
  7. Actively measure and monitor your customers' loyalty and engagement. Customers today are bombarded with attractive offers all the time. If they see a better deal based on price, quality or service, they feel pressure to switch brands or stores. To combat this, regularly measure and monitor your customers' loyalty, satisfaction and engagement. Then use that information to make adjustments.
  8. Create and nurture a company culture that embraces and is committed to using customer feedback. Embrace feedback by dedicating resources to acting on customer feedback. This involves training all your employees on what they can do to assist you in building a more loyal customer base.
  9. Keep asking, listening, analyzing and improving.

Customer needs, wants and concerns are constantly changing. So, keep asking and listening to customers' feedback, and analyzing that feedback on an ongoing basis. By doing so, your business will be able to not only retain more customers, but continually tap into fresh, new customer preferences and attitudes that you can use to create new products, services, and programs tailored to their needs.

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"I cannot give you a sure-fire formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody."
Herbert B. Swope, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
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Copyright 2012. Reprinted with permission from Barbara Wold's Retail & Consumer Tips, mail to: bwold@ix.netcom.com. To occasionally reprint portions of this newsletter, permission is not required. To reprint more than one article, please contact us at 720.542.3055 or Barbara_Wold@comcast.net. If you received this from someone else and would like to sign up for your own complimentary subscription, write Barbara_Wold@comcast.net.