GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

A Service of GiftsWholesale.Com and OmegaNet Inc.

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July 2013

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

July 2013
10-17 Atlanta
14-17 Boston
16-23 Los Angeles
19-24 Chicago
21-23 Columbus
21-24 Philadelphia
25-27 Phoenix
29-Aug. 2 Las Vegas

August 2013
2-5 Kansas City
2-6 Minneapolis
3-5 Orlando
4-6 Edison, NJ
8-12 Atlanta
10-15 New York
11-12 Kissimmee, FL
11-14 Toronto
17-21 New York
17-20 Seattle
18-21 Edmonton
22-27 Denver
24-27 Ft. Lauderdale
25-28 Montreal

September 2013
6-7 Phoenix
17-20 Las Vegas
23-26 New York
29-Oct. 1 Los Angeles

October 2013
Kansas City 4-7
Minneapolis 6-8
Los Angeles 13-17
New York 15-18
Atlanta 17-21
Portland 18-20
High Point 19-24

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TheShoppePlace.Com (Retail)

What Not to Buy
Avoiding common pitfalls

It's market season and soon you will be looking for attractive, well priced goods that appeal to your customers and grow your sales. Before you fall in love with a product though, consider a few things to avoid.

Items that won't have a home. If the item is such a departure from your current assortment that you can't even guess where you will display it when it arrives, that's a red flag. The product may not be aligned with your overall store focus. Oddball merchandise that is unrelated to its surroundings can confuse customers and be a tough sell. Begin with a logical idea of where the merchandise will live before you invite it in.

Displayer dependent merchandise…without the display. Some merchandise absolutely requires a display rack to sell well. The purpose of the display is to show an assortment of designs, neatly displayed in a compact space that significantly increases sales turnover. If, however, a rack doesn't coordinate with your store look, or just costs too much to fill, you may be considering buying the line without the display. Before deciding, make sure you consider how important the rack may be to the success of that particular item. If you can make an attractive statement with your current store fixtures, without the product getting lost, that's an option. If not, it's best to pass until the manufacturer comes up with a better solution or you find a way to accommodate the rack offered.

Tons of tiny test orders. It can be tempting to try just a few pieces of something " just to try", but if this is your default buying method, your store runs the risk of looking confused at best, or junky at worst. For a more predictable income stream and added visual appeal, invest in larger statements of your best selling lines and categories. Test product strategically and expand on the winners and you will always have reliable new sellers in the pipeline.

Gail Markert of Markert Group Consulting is a former key account buyer, who assists manufacturers and retailers with merchandising, marketing, branding, and product development. You can view her website at MarkertGroupConsulting.com.

© Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2013


Featured Vendors

indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

All For Giving offers a unique assortment of gifts and accessories for the home, office, and the wine enthusiast. We strive to provide our customers with high quality yet affordable products to make that perfect gift for someone special.

Americana Charm presents a hand crafted heirloom quality collection of life-sized animals, featuring cats, ducks (decoys), lop rabbits, baby bunnies, piglets, dogs, and puppies covered in colorful fabric and glazed with a glass-like finish.

Atash by Lala is a new CAMEO EZ® client. Lala has been creating jewelry since she was 14 years old. Starting her first jewelry company in 1979 at the World trade center in Dallas, TX, her focus has always been to create each piece of jewelry as if it is a work of art.

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.

Band Angels is a line of adhesive bandages in boys' and girls' colors (blue and pink) decorated with Scripture verses printed on them.

Botskis features wine bottle bow ties, light up wine & cocktail charms with colored LEDs, musical wine and spirits gift boxes and more.

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. Check back often to see more lines. One Login - Multiple Shopping Carts - Easy Checkout.

Calypso Studios is a Fashion Accessory & Gift Company that creates products that encompass a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle. We are constantly moving forward and challenging ourselves with new designs and accessories, creating beautiful pieces that everyone can enjoy. We are excited to bring more color and sparkle to any wardrobe in an array of new designs for the gift industry, including our new and extremely popular Comfort Crosses and Wrap Bracelets. Visit us online today at www.calypsostudiosinc.com to explore all of our new 2011 product!

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 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. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

Desden offers the most unique wholesale collegiate licensed gifts! Shop the company's totes, aprons, iphone cases and accessories. Choose from the collection of Made in the USA items, Chevron patterns, or blank totes for monograming!

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

Elegant Baby Elegant Baby® understands that babies deserve style just as fresh as they are! Our marvelous collection of baby products is full of bold colors and spectacular designs. From traditional to contemporary, today's baby gift is sure to become tomorrow's treasure. Products ranging from My First Rubber Ducky to My First Baby Bible, My First Baby Blankie, My First Baby Jeans to the iconic silver spoon, Elegant Baby is where style meets tradition.

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

Flair Hair: Need a spikey flair to your day? Flair Hair is the answer! You can wear Flair Hair Visors anywhere. The comfortable adjustable bandanas and visors with hair are great for golfing, fishing, riding your motorcycle, hiking in the mountains and anything else you can think of. No matter where you go, our hats with hair ensure you will be the life of the party. Whether you want to sport the blonde colored hair you grew up with, or throw in a change-up with brown, black, or gray; people will notice!

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.

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.

InDesign, Home of The Sophie Collection, one of America's leading fashion accessory wholesalers! All products designed by Anna Larsson Daley using only the finest textiles and materials available. We provide retailers with unique, high quality fashion accessories including the # 1 selling jewel embellished scarf at retail.

JTP Wholesale: Monogrammed toilet paper and coasters - The perfect gift for the person who has everything.

Lily For Hangables is your source for household and celebration needs. The company has more than 75 shapes and products with over 175 prints and colors with more to come. Lily for Hangables carefully hand forms each product, showing the greatest care; making each piece unique. All products are proudly made in the United States.

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.

Luvali Convertibles features "all things reversible or convertible", including women's and children's clothing, hats, handbags, handheld electronics cases and more.

Malibu Creations collection of affordably chic home décor will turn your decorating daydreams into reality with fun and stylish designs inspired by the warm colors of sun-kissed beaches, the refreshing comforts of mountainside resorts, and the vibrance of today's active lifestyle. Malibu Creations believes you should be able to decorate and redecorate your home as inspiration strikes, and with the company's smart prices, you don't have to miss out on a single design trend you love. Live your life in affordable luxury as you spend time with family and friends in your beautifully decorated home, enjoying an evening of dining on the patio or just relaxing in a cozy, sunny nook in the living room.

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!

Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.: All Jazzed Up Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday Greetings is a greeting card company that started when Brenda Kellman made a homemade birthday card for her husband Alan. Brenda's photography is on the cover of the company's greeting cards for every occasion.

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.



Quick Industry News

New Wholesale Websites

These CAMEO EZ© websites are new (or have a new look) for July. Check them out!

All For Giving has a brand new OmegaNet wholesale website. All For Giving.com was created by Bobbie Metz in 2007. Bobbie's passion for design, home decor and gift giving launched her from a small home based business to expanding her products in major department stores, wineries, and gift stores all across the United States and Internationally. All For Giving offers a unique assortment of gifts and accessories for the home, office, and the wine enthusiast.

Luvali Convertibles' new CAMEO EZ© wholesale site specializes in reversible or convertible clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Flair Hair is a new OmegaNet / CAMEO EZ© client. Need to add a spikey flair to your day? Flair Hair is the answer! You can wear Flair Hair Visors anywhere. The comfortable adjustable bandanas and visors with hair are great for golfing, fishing, riding your motorcycle, hiking in the mountains and anything else you can think of.

Botskis opened their OmegaNet / CAMEO EZ© wholesale site recently. The company believes that adding a little more fun and enjoyment to everyone's life is a vision that's well worth pursuing. They desire to create unique table-top, gift and decorative accessory products that bring personality, smiles and laughter to any party or event.

Servant's Heart is a long-time OmegaNet / CAMEO EZ© client that recently received a refreshed look. The company is an innovative and growing Christian gift company located in Greenville, North Carolina, established in March of 1998. They desire to send out uplifting messages through inspirational gift items from babies to adults and to provide a refreshing and fun look for today's lifestyle.

GetSassys.Com is another veteran CAMEO EZ© site sporting a new look this month. From flour sack towels to baby and toddler t-shirts, koozies, wooden memo holders and linens, Get Sassys designs make shopping fun! Check them out!

BrownlowGift.Com may be last in this list but it's definitely not least. This site which has a brand new look was the very first CAMEO EZ© vendor, becoming an OmegaNet client in 2004. If you haven't seen their extensive product line embracing kitchen, gourmet, Christmas, journal, books and more, give them a look.


BUYERS AT AMERICASMART CAN LOOK FOR THE BLUE RIBBON

CAMEO EZ Blue Ribbon with QR codes Atlanta, GA - July 11, 2013- During the July Market in Atlanta, buyers will be able to find CAMEO EZ© vendors by spotting the CAMEO EZ Blue Ribbons attached to displays and showroom windows. Since you received this newsletter, you are already registered in an OmegaNet / CAMEO EZ site, and with a QR code reader on your smart phone or tablet, you can scan the QR code on the vendor's Blue Ribbon and be taken to their site where, if you are not already registered, you can easily copy your registration right there at the show.

There are two QR codes on each ribbon, one for the vendor's wholesale website and the other for CAMEOEZ.Com, where you can find a complete list of CAMEO EZ wholesale sites by logging in with your CAMEO EZ login and going to the Directory.

CAMEO EZ© is the B2B e-commerce system developed by OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, for use by retailers in ordering inventory for their stores. A partial list of CAMEO EZ sites can be found at the company's portals such as www.giftswholesale.com, www.accessorieswholesale.com, www.apparelwholesale.biz, www.decorwholesale.com, www.usmadewholesale.com, and www.toyswholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.