GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS
A Service of GiftsWholesale.Com & OmegaNet Inc.

November 2017

 

OmegaNet is 20 Years Old This Month!

A screenshot from the home page of OmegaNetInc.net, the corporate website for OmegaNet Inc.
A screenshot from the home page of OmegaNetInc.net, the corporate website for OmegaNet Inc.

OmegaNet Incorporated, publisher of this newsletter and developer of the CAMEO EZ© wholesale ordering platform, turns 20 years old in November of 2017. Founded by Toni Ivey, the company has built hundreds of wholesale, B2B websites for Gift, Home, Garden, Accessories, Apparel, Decor and Toy companies. Millions of dollars in wholesale orders have been placed by tens of thousands of retailers during that time.

"When we began, we looked for an existing software platform we could build our specialized B2B websites on," Ivey recalls, "but nothing was available that met all the requirements of our clients for wholesale ordering, so we built our own."

Ivey had worked as a road rep for a sales rep agency as well as representing imported lines of her own and was at one point doing 20 trade shows per year. After an arduous trade show season, she decided to begin a business utilizing the relatively new "World Wide Web".

OmegaNet Inc. has only had two logo designs in its 20-year history. The current design was created in 2010.
OmegaNet Inc. has had two logo designs in its 20-year history. The current design was created in 2010.

It's hard to believe now, but when Ivey bought OmegaNet's first domain name (GiftsWholesale.Com) in November, 1997, Amazon.com was only three years old, it was still year before Google and PayPal would be founded and seven years before Facebook was born. In fact, OmegaNet is almost twice as old as Twitter.

That first website, GiftsWholesale.Com, was at first just an advertising portal, as it is now, where retailers can find real wholesale products. In fact, for a while the company itself was known as GiftsWholesale.Com, Inc. However, vendors who wanted to advertise on GiftsWholesale.com, often didn't have their own websites, so OmegaNet began building websites; some were just information sites, but many wanted a Business-to-Business (B2B) ordering website and that is when CAMEO© was born. "CAMEO" is an acronym for "Complete Automated Merchant Electronic Ordering".

CAMEO<sup>©</sup> is an acronym for 'Complete Automated Merchant Electronic Ordering'. Pictured are the early logos for CAMEO<sup>©</sup> and CAMEO <em>EZ</em><sup>©</sup>.
Pictured are the early logos for CAMEO© and CAMEO EZ©.

CAMEO was custom coded from the ground up for OmegaNet to allow for secure registration and log in, first order and reorder minimums, item minimums, volume discounts, case quantities, and more; features the consumer-oriented e-commerce systems of the time didn't have. A simple Content Management System (CMS) was included so OmegaNet clients could have as much control over their website content as possible, without waiting for a webmaster to get around to doing updates.

"Some web companies' business models are built around making it difficult for their clients to do anything without coming back to them for billable work," Ivey says, "but from the beginning, we believed our clients should be able to manage as much as possbile without calling us. After all it is their website." For that reason the system always allowed clients to update their own product data, images, and information pages.

The company first focused on Sales Agency sites, but shortly manufacturers wanted a CAMEO website also, so OmegaNet began doing vendor websites as well. Two of the very earliest vendor clients are still clients of OmegaNet: Bards.com and CrownMullingSpice.com.

Later other portals were added, such as AccessoriesWholesale.Com, ApparelWholesale.biz, DecorWholesale.Com, ToysWholesale.Com, and most recently, USMadeWholesale.Com.

All of the company's portals have recently recieved facelifts with a new, cleaner, mobile-ready design.

All CAMEO EZ© websites can be seen in the
All CAMEO EZ© websites can be seen in the "Directory" on CAMEOEZ.com using a CAMEO EZ© username and password.

CAMEO became CAMEO EZ© in 2003, built on a better database and software language platform. Numerous upgrades and improvements have been made in the intervening years and OmegaNet's client base grew.

An important feature was added to the "EZ" version of CAMEO: retail stores could "copy" their registrations from one CAMEO EZ© site to another without filling out the registration form again. As a result, the thousands of retail stores that registered in the CAMEO EZ© system, along with the vendors from which they ordered their inventory, began to be called "The CAMEO EZ© Community". CAMEOEZ.com is now a place where all CAMEO EZ© websites can be seen in the "Directory" using a CAMEO EZ© username and password.

The "Community" was so popular among retailers, that, in 2015, a book titled "Real Wholesale Sources" was published by a third party (available in the Amazon Kindle store) that was little more than a guide to the CAMEO EZ Community, giving specific instructions on how to register as a CAMEO EZ customer, how to find inventory and how to place an order on a CAMEO EZ website. A chapter titled "The Sources" listed CAMEO EZ vendors almost exclusively as the best sources for wholesale inventory.

In 2006, the Gift & Home Retailer email newsletter was begun, the first issue appearing in July, for the purpose of communicating to those who had registered in one of the portals to learn of news about vendors and trade shows, as well of general news of interest to the industry. Annual special issues include the "Green" Issue (April), Trade Show Issue (June and December) and the Made-in-USA issue (October).

In 2007, OmegaNet extended it's advertising from "passive" (on the portals), to "active" through email advertising. Today, many thousands of retailers count on receiving email notifications of specials, new products and other offers from CAMEO EZ vendors. Approximately 70,000 retail stores have opted to recieve email messages from OmegaNet. As a result, many vendors who do not have an OmegaNet website take advantage of OmegaNet's email marketing services.

Quick Industry News

KissMeWholesale.com Home PageKiss Me In the Garden, a long-time OmegaNet client, has a redesigned, mobile-friendly, B2B website. The company features Made In USA body and bath products, such as Shea Butter Balms, body lotions, bubble baths and body milk that are Paraben Free, with no animal testing. Collections include the Kiss Collection, the Sea Garden, Grateful Nature, Spa Retreat, Demoiselle, In the Woods, Sea Goddess, Heavenly Garden, For the Men and many more.

 
 

EZ Ribbon indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

Ala Carte Alice‘s mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!
Aloha Farms brings the tastes and scents of Hawaii to you. The site features Kona Coffee and Kona Green Coffee, Hawaiian honey, Hawaiian Treats like dried fruit, candy and macadamia nuts, plus Coffee scented candles and soap.
AMMA JO Collections include CrossBody Bags, Wallets, Shoulder Bags, Clutches and Duffles with unique designs. The designs will add a vibrant pop of color to your customers' collection! The AMMA JO brand is all about dreams come true and bringing color to life! After a 15 year corporate career, Amma Jo launched her dream with just one handbag and $100! If you are ever in Pennsylvania, come and visit her showroom downtown Harrisburg, PA. Amma Jo works to educate and empower other women and build a collection of brands that we nurture and we look forward to introducing those collections to you over the years!
Bandilac features custom, hand-crafted, laser engraved gifts and accessories, made in USA. In addition to its own designs, the company welcomes Custom and Private Label projects. With your logo, artwork or other image, Bandilac will create a personalized, custom product. With great price points, low setup charges and fast turnaround, Bandilac's Custom program provides great branding and promotional opportunities for your business.
Candles and Quotes' 100% All Natural All Soy Candles are made by "The Soy Sisters". They pour each and every candle by hand and use only Essential Oils to fragrance their candles, which are candles are 100% Eco-Friendly. Each candle comes with a beautiful quote, that is either meaningful, funny or down right crazy. If you don't see what you like ask "The Soy Sisters" and they will make it for you. They personalize all of our candles so your own uniqueness and quirky personality can be put on a candle. So watch what you say because it may wind up on a candle!

cinda b® was created by Altlant designer Cinda Boomershine. Cinda's love for color and a passion for design, inspired her to launch her own back and accessory line. cinda b® tastefully blends solid colors with modern prints. Poly/nylon fabrics make cindab bags uniquely lightweight yet durable, water and stain resistant, and machine washable.

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.

Artist Renee Rubach creates beautiful greeting cards and gift enclosure cards for all occassions. Early on, she became interested in creating greeting cards, both the designs and message. She absolutely loves creating products that people can enjoy and use.

Drew DeRose's lines run from tabletop to decorative figurines and include candle holders, cannisters and cookie jars. All products are colorful and original. The company has a creative staff that designs merchandise for Drew DeRose Designs.

GetSassys has fun, colorful, cool, hip gifts that are sure to bring a smile to everyones face! From flour sack towels to baby and toddler t-shirts, koozies, wooden memo holders and linens, Get Sassys designs make shopping fun!

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.

Miko is recognized as on of the world's leading manufacturers of sentimental gifts. Whether it is for Mom, Sister, A Loved One, Your Aunt, Your Guardian Angel or whomever, there tasteful gifts send beautiful messages to beautiful people. Economically priced with great retail appeal they are just the thing for special occassions or just to say I'm thinking of you.
Holiday Fried Pecans' rise in popularity can be attributed to its first treat a salty, sweet 100% certified Louisiana fried pecan that is guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding of cravings. These great tasting pecans that have less fat & calories than raw pecans are a perfect addition to any store. Lightly sweet, Lightly salty and great on Salads, Sweet Potatoes, Ice Cream, Cheese Cake or as a snack. Holiday Fried Pecans...a curious and delicious flashed-fried Louisiana Pecan that's great for corporate gifts givers, retail locations, cooking, baking or solo-snacking!
Huggy Box is a great alternative when greeting cards just don't say enough. Sending virtual hugs allows everyone to stay connected. Huggy Box is a Proud Partner of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. A portion of each HuggyBox sold goes to the foundation to find families for children in foster care.
Isa's Naturals is a forward thinking personal-care products company. Our products include therapeutic bath salts, body cleansers and moisturizers. At Isa's, we draw our inspiration from Ethnobotany - the relationship between people and plants.

JTP Wholesale is a wholesale website offering monogrammed bathroom tissue, coasters and a line of t-shirts for the young and old: Future Jock t-shirts and onesies and X-Jock adult t-shirts.

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

Richard E. Bishop features Men's gifts like glass and mug sets, decanter sets, and "Tipsy Wine Glasses". Also the company features a variety of old-book-themed photo albums, binders and storage boxes.

Sincere Surroundings offers home decor and gifts that can be personalized with different colors, sizes, names, dates, locations, anniversaries and more. If your customers are constantly on the look-out for that one piece they just have to have, it can be found here – inside Sincere Surroundings.

Smile Drinkware provides custom tumblers to major brand manufacturers and also provides hundreds of unique exclusive tumbler designs to retailers and consumers. Provides high-end, top-quality insulated tumblers.

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.

SOi Essentials is a Northern California based company that offers an array of richly scented candles to enhance your overall wellness. SOi Candles are hand-poured in the USA using 100% All Natural Food Grade Kosher Soy Oil, that burns cleaner and up to 40% longer than paraffin based, wax or soy blend candles. The company's candles are made with 100% cotton lead free wicks, are soot-free and do not emit harmful toxins (such as Benzene) into your home or the environment.

Star Home features tabletop and home decor for specialty retailer, catalog and online marketers, the hospitality trade and more. Star Home's designers look to all corners of the world to gather inspiration for this ever-growing market. This inspiration is then turned into real-life, high-quality products by artisan craftsmen.

Stephers Inc. greeting cards featuring 100% Dead Sea Bath salts, funny sea characters, and a little 'BE HAPPY' meditation to lift your spirits ~ LIFE CHANGING SEA SALTS right in your very own tub! SPA CARDS. "TRANSFORMING HUMANITY ONE BATH AT A TIME".

Sunset Vista Designs 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 decor.
Treasures From Greece's mission is to introduce you and make you embrace the Mediterranean way of eating through Greece’s traditional but also contemporary way of food processing and superior aesthetic values. The company's vision is not only to make you eat like the Mediterranean people but also make you embrace the healthy, gleeful way of living and enjoy every aspect of it!

White Mountain 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.

 

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, www.toyswholesale.com and www.usmadewholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.