GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

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September 2013

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September 2013
6-7 Phoenix
17-19 Atlanta
17-20 Las Vegas
23-26 New York
29-Oct. 1 Los Angeles

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

November 2013
13-14 Long Beach, CA
18-22 New York

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"Job-Killer" Law Killed

Large Retailer Accountability Act May Have Had Unintended Consequences

Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed the Large Retailer Accountability Act on Sept. 12, saying the law would "kill economic development" in the district.

He had until Friday the 13th of September to decide whether to sign or reject the law, which the Washington DC City Council passed in response to workers protesting the minimum wage ($8.25 in DC). The law would have forced retailers with over $1 billion in annual sales and stores of 75,000 square feet or more to increase their lowest wage rate to 150% of the minimum wage or $12.50 per hour.

pay envelope Predictibly, Marxists and unions supported the measure, while The National Federation of Retailers and the DC Chamber of Commerce were against the law, calling it a "job-killer".

While the controversial bill would have only affected the District of Columbia, it was seen by both sides as a blueprint for similar laws in other jurisdictions.

WalMart, the apparent target of the law, had planned several new stores in the area, but said those would have been shelved if the Mayor had signed the law. Other retailers would be affected by this type of law as well; think Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Best Buy etc.

While smaller retailers were not targeted, they could be affected either positively or negatively, depending on choices the large retailers make. If a large retailer leaves a market, as would have happened with WalMart in DC, small retailers would be able to pick up business. If on the other hand the large retailers stay and pay the higher wage, it could be much more difficult for small retailers to get good employees, since they would always prefer to work for the retailer with the higher starting wage. If small stores increased wages to compete, they would also likely need to increase prices, which could depress sales.


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.

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.

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!

Fortune Keeper: Have you ever opened a fortune cookie, had a powerful connection to the message inside, and wanted to hold on to it for inspiration? Do you have other inspirational messages or pictures that you would love to wear? Welcome to FortuneKeeper - Beautifully designed necklaces, keychains and bracelets to safely store your prized fortunes, quotes, mantras, prayers, pictures or affirmations.

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.

Julia Knight: Designer Julia Knight creates bowls and trays, glassware and serving pieces with meticulous patterns and shapes, color and hue.

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.

Mya Grace features unique jewelry, keychains, watches and snaps. Mya Grace donates a portion of our profits to childrens cancer research.

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.

White Mountain Puzzles is ahead of the pack when it comes to puzzles with educational content. Why not learn something while doing a puzzle? If you love to travel, why not put together an entertaining birds eye view of KEY WEST, MARTHA'S VINEYARD, BOSTON or NEW ENGLAND? Or work on a puzzle of states like MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, OHIO, VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA or GEORGIA? Or learn something about PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY or THE CIVIL WAR? These challenging projects take artists like DAVID HARRISON WRIGHT, DEB MARCONI, GARY TORISSI, and MAUREEN RUPPRECHT months to create.

Wild Habitat has long had socks but also features arm sleeves, baby booties, backpack buddies, wristbands and plush hats.

WOW Window Posters, for Halloween and Holidays, are brilliantly colored, backlit plastic window posters that illuminate with your household lamps to delight all people who pass by! They fit big and small windows alike, and quickly decorate your home by transforming your windows into an incredible display of holiday art!

Zingz And Thingz : Located in Santa Monica, California, Zingz & Thingz proudly offers more than 700 products to retailers. The company's merchandise strengths are in our wide selection of affordable and fun Garden Decor items and our continually expanding Lighting collection. Discover Zingz And Thingz' extensive collection of fun and functional products today and put a little zing in your life.


Signage Strategies for Increased Sales
The silent sales tool that brings in the bucks

Effective in-store signage is a reliable and low cost a method for increasing sales. Signs can advance the brand, make stores easier to shop, and raise the perceived value of products. Signs also tell a product's story and communicate to customers when no salesperson is handy.

Be consistent. Store signage is part of the overall brand image of your store so a clear consistent brand look and feel is important. Avoid handwritten, torn, faded of shopworn signs at all costs as these degrade your brand. Use a uniform background color along with a font that is easy to read and has good contrast to the print. The tone of your signs should also be written in a consistent style. Make certain the content is clear, accurate, and contains proper spelling and grammar or you risk turning your positive into a negative.

Add a little romance. You don't want to be too wordy, as you only have a small space and a few seconds to catch the customer's attention, but you do want to add enough verbiage to romance the product a bit. Instead of "Candles $11.99" use a descriptive phrase like "Highly fragranced 100% soy candles $11.99." Not only will this add higher perceived value to your product offerings, it helps differentiate your assortment from competitors and especially big box stores.

Educate and enhance. Use signs as a tool to educate consumers about the product and tell its story. Use signage to play up the most interesting attributes of your products like eco, made in USA, 100% cotton, handmade, etc. You can also use signs to promote your services like gift cards and gift wrap as well as where to find you on social media, just avoid having too many signs up at once as that leads to a cluttered look.

Study signs. As a consumer or competitive shopper, don't forget to pay close attention to signs. You'll see signs styles to avoid as well as inspirational examples to use in your own store.

Gail Markert is a gift industry specialist committed to improving results thru enhanced product development, marketing, and branding strategies. We partner with clients to advance product lines and processes to achieve optimum sales. Visit our website at MarkertGroupConsulting.com.

© Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2013


Quick Industry News

New Wholesale Websites

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

White Mountain Puzzles Home Page White Mountain Puzzles has added a CAMEO EZ© B2B ordering site! White Mountain Puzzles are made in the USA and feature a variety of popular artists.

Wow Window Posters Home PageWow Window Posters has a new CAMEO EZ© site. WOWindow Posters, for Halloween and Holidays, are brilliantly colored, backlit plastic window posters that illuminate with your household lamps.

Mya Grace Home PageMya Grace, with its jewelry, watches and more, has opened its wholesale CAMEO EZ© website.


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.