Trade Shows Report Expanding Temporary Exhibits
Trade Show Semi-annual Special Issue
It's time once again for this newsletter to take a look at the trade show landscape, which has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns, but those shows which survived are expanding and looking forward to increased post-pandemic attendance.
Buyers browse the Expo Center Temporaries in Las Vegas2022 marks the return to in-person shows for StyleMax in Chicago. The January 23-25 apparel show is at theMART. At the same location in February (6-8) will be Chicago Collective, which has partnered with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) to create an area dedicated to more than 50 brands from Italian companies.
Atlanta Market accelerates the rebound of its expansive temporary exhibits, presenting some 3,000+ gift and home décor lines by 1,000+ exhibitors across 10 exhibition halls January 12 – 16, 2022 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“The Atlanta Market trade show experience is quickly returning to the vibrant and expansive discovery opportunity that the gift and home industry knows,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers, executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “Buyers will find a mix of longtime favorite lines alongside newcomers, all bringing fresh new ideas to the marketplace.”
Twice every year, this newsletter looks at the upcoming trade show season.
Despite the pandemic, Atlanta Market’s temporary exhibits have exponentially grown, doubling each market since their brief hiatus in Summer 2020 and rebounding to near historic levels this winter.
New in January is The Scottish Pavilion of 10 gift, gourmet and décor brands presented by Scottish Development International in Building 3, Floor 5. The Georgia Grown Pavilion of Georgia agribusinesses returns to market with 17 gourmet food brands in Building 2, Floor 2. Museum Store Association’s The Gallery Collection is again staged in Building 3, Floor 2 with 16 member brands.
Las Vegas Market’s temporary exhibits – housed in the all-new Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas – are tracking to grow by more than 30 percent to showcase nearly 400 established and up-and-coming lines in seven easy-to-shop gift and home decor destinations for their Winter 2022 staging, January 23-26, 2022.
The Las Vegas Market temporary exhibits are trend incubators with new and established brands bringing fresh product to all of Las Vegas Market’s seven product destinations: Design, Gift, Gourmet Housewares Collection, Handmade, Home, Immediate Delivery and Luxe. (more)
The Dallas Market Center plans several trade events in January, including the Total Home and Gift Market (January 5-11); Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (January 6-9 with January 5th as a preview day); Apparel & Accessories Market (January 11-14); KidsWorld (January 11-14); WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market (January 13-16); AETA International Tradeshow (January 13-16); and the Dallas Men’s Show (January 29-31) (source).
There are other regional shows, so there may very well be one nearer you. You can get more information by clicking the links to the promoters' websites from GiftsWholesale.com's trade show page.
Quick Industry News
TRADE SHOW NEWS
Dallas Market Center Awarded 2021 Trailblazer Award
Dallas Market Center, the B2B marketplace welcoming buyers from across the country, received the 2021 Trailblazer Award during the annual TSNN Awards presented by Trade Show News Network on December 2 at a gala event at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
In 2021, Dallas Market Center produced dozens of trade events that successfully balanced good health with good business while welcoming a record number of new attendees. The number of new buyers from retail stores and design agencies attending events for the first time in 2021 was up more than 40% versus 2019. In addition, the growth of attendees for Dallas shows had the strongest gains from the West, Midwest, and Southeast enhancing Dallas Market Center’s reputation as the fastest growing marketplace in the U.S.
The Trailblazer Award recognized the four trade events held in June 2021 at Dallas Market Center, which collectively attracted more buyers to the marketplace than in more than ten years. (more)
New Sunset Vista Designs Showroom in Atlanta
Sunset Vista Designs, a longtime fixure in Atlanta, has a new showroom. The company's new location is Building 2, 1355A. “Philip and I will both be in attendance,” says National Sales Manager Candy LaPierre, “and look forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones.”
Gently Spoken Showing With Diverse Marketing
Come and see what’s NEW at Gently Spoken products can be seen in the Diverse Marketing showroom, located on the 14th floor, showrooms #1418-1431 in Atlanta. “We may be small peas in a pod, yet our message is mighty,” says Gently Spoken founder Cheryl Karpen. ”We’ve helped more than 1.5 million individuals say, ‘I care’ with our Eat Your Peas Collection of gift books. Our new Purse Paper and She Collections are getting rave reviews and will make cherished Easter, Mother’s Day and graduation gifts. Made in the USA, we can ship quickly and completely.”
Wild Hare Designs Showing in Dallas & Atlanta
Wild Hare Designs, which claims to be "owned and operated by crazy women since 2002," will be showing in the Dallas Gourmet Market by the escalator in the Atrium. In Atlanta, the company's "Linens with an attitude" lines can be seen in the Tabletop Temps, Building 2, second floor, booth 416.
Virtual Trade Show
With most of the spring trade shows shut down or postponed, OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, is also doing its part to help our vendors and the retailers they serve by holding a "Virtual Spring Trade Show." GiftShowSpecials.com features 20 videos by a variety of vendors to give retailers a taste of what they would have seen had they been able to attend the spring shows. OmegaNet is running this "virtual" show free to the vendors and retailers to help during this time.
NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES
Staywell Copper has a new CAMEO EZ B2B website. The company features "the Original Germstoppers," using "the ancient power of copper to naturally keep you healthy." Products include cellphone patches, purse or backpack charms, dogtags, a necklace and more.
United Global Products has opened its new wholesale CAMEO EZ© website. United Global Products represents products made in the U.K., including Wade Ceramics, Parks London and Magma London, reflecting a variety of designs and cultures, from traditional British pottery to East and North Africa basalt stone products.
Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.
Ala Carte Alice
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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!
Badash Crystal
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Badash Crystal, which is proud to offer some of the world's finest mouth blown lead free crystal. The company's factories are renowned for their standards of quality, which can be determined by the weight, and clarity of the crystal. Clear lead free uncut crystal has; over the years become our most popular category and a Badash specialty.
Christ Visions®
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Clark & Vici Francoies are the Founders of Christ Visions Inc. With Kona Art Studio, they believe in "Moving Heart's Through Art~Painting One Vision At A Time". Kona Art Studio in Kailua-Kona HI & "River Valley Art Studio" in Bullhead City AZ. offers stores, Fine Oil Paintings, Prints. Mugs, Totes & Much More. All Inspired by God & the beauty of nature!
Doles Orchard
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Based in Maine, Doles Orchard specializes in Custom Woodworking and Laser Engraving Services. The company is dedicated to high quality craftsmanship, timely delivery and customer service. Products include advent calendars, children's creative play, gift boxes, ornaments and more.
Drew DeRose
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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.
Evolve Botanica
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Evolve Botanica combines modern skincare with herbal roots. The company features Bath Bombs, Bath & Shower, Lip Balm, Soaps, and more.
Fancy That Gift & Décor
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Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.
First & Main
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Since 1993, the goal of First & Main has been to create imaginative, sumptuously soft plush characters with the versatility and value endorsed by our retail partners. Attention to detail in the facial expressions, special features,and textured materials has been our trademark.
Freeheart
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Founded in 2011, Freeheart is based in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. Freeheart is committed to delivering the absolute best quality and innovation on the market. Freeheart thermal insulated drinkware is Made in the USA and keeps drinks cold & hot, has reduced sweating, and is dishwasher safe.
Gina B. Designs
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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.
Global Quest
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Global Quest provides quality unique patent and TM registered stainless steel product brands for your home, kitchen, and dining. Including stainless steel wine glasses, mechanical beer bottle openers, beer insulators, vintage metal ice trays, wine cooler buckets, and crown cake toppers.
Gracefully Designs
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Valerie Bailey (Val Bailey Designs) designs creative and colorful Bible tabs to enhance Bible journaling. These colorful Bible tabs make it easy to locate the books of the Bible so you can spend more time reading and journaling and less time searching!
Green Rhino
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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.
Hilson Gallery
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Hilson Gallery, based in Spokane, WA, features the colorful art of Sandra Hilson on a variety of products, such as large and small handbags, and tote bags.
Holiday Fried Pecans
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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!
Hot Ruby
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Hot Ruby is the perfect addition to your mug on a cozy evening. Unlike typical cider, Hot Ruby's family recipe marries cranberry and citrus juices with an exquisite blend of spices. Add your favorite spirits for a special treat! Hot Ruby is certain you will find comfort in every heated or iced cup of Hot Ruby, time and time again.
Huggy Box
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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.
Innovative Technology Products Corp.
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Innovative Technology Products Corp. is a 2017 start-up enterprise of engineers and scientists, who have committed themselves to utilize their creativity, design and other capacities to develop and /or redefine versatile reusable household helpers and other everyday consumer products. Innovative's motto “AVOID PLASTIC – USE SILICONE” is a first step. It is the company's contribution to protect open ocean waters from plastics pollution. Adopting and supporting it means buying reusable silicone products rather than conventional one-way plastic products; thus, you contribute to and also become part of our community and campaign to “SAVE OUR PLANET”.
Jillson Roberts
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Jillson & Roberts was founded with the idea of providing premium quality fashion-oriented gift wrap and accessories, along with superior service, to retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. We have the commitment to be environmentally sensitive!
JTP Wholesale
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JTP Wholesale is a wholesale website offering monogrammed coasters, IcyBags, and Keeping It Positive affirming sheets and pillowcases.
Kai Pua
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Kai Pua offers Maui ocean glass art by John Lindquist, Daniel Lindquist and Sean Price and original oil paintings and prints of breathtaking tropical flowers by artist Anna Keay. In Hawaiian, "Kai" means ocean, and "Pua" means flower. Now they are offering stores and galleries on the mainland the opportunity to sell these incredible art pieces.
KraftWorks
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Handcrafted jewelry made in the USA with themes like "Alaska Spirit," "Celtic Dreams," "Coyote Moon," "Northwoods," "Sprit of the Sea," "Spirit of the West" and much more.
La Lente Shop
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Founded in 2018 in picturesque New Zealand, the family-run company's mission is to create albums that do more than simply preserve photos. That's why La Lente Shop set out to craft high quality photo books and albums that narrate feel-good stories... soaked in nostalgia for now and the next generation. Designed in-house, the company spared no detail in creating its albums. High quality archival binding, premium acid free paper stocks and textured covers. Albums that turn heads before a single page is turned.
Life Rings
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Life Rings is a proudly owned family business offering high quality, patent pending silicone rings. The company offers over 24 different colors for both Men and Women. These rings are ideal for active individuals and have a patent pending design that not only makes it breathable, but has a gripping technology to prevent slippage. The quality also passes Proposition 65, which mean that they are free of over 1000 different harmful chemicals and are safe for you to wear on a daily basis.
Lynn's Lavender
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Lynn's Lavender features bath & body products from a Lavender garden, such as lotion, spray, gel, after-shave gel, body balm, walnut scrub, moisture mist hydrating spray and beard oil, plus jewelry, gift and decor.
Magnolia Lane Collection
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At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.
Maha CBD
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Maha CBD features the healing properties of CBD oil. “Maha” is an ancient Sanskrit word that can be translated to mean greatness, strength, and abundance. It is the qualities we seek to embody at Maha CBD. Our CBD products are made from organic, natural hemp grown under sunlight, not a heat lamp. Processed and bottled here in the USA, we take pride to ensure the meaning of “Maha” is exemplified in every step of the process. Before any of our products are sold, we make sure a third party that determines quality and accuracy tests them. We take quality seriously— our third party testing makes sure no bias impacts the quality of our products.
Moldy Fun
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Moldy Fun features Giant Pink Silicone Letter Molds for use with resins, chocolates and cakes. Each mold is perfect for layered designs as needed. Ideal for flower preservation pieces as allows spacing of flowers in the final piece. The molds are BPA Free FDA Food Safe.
Nature's Retreat
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Maryland-based Nature's Retreat features several lines inclucing Aromatherapy Jewelry, Chakra Jewelry, Crystal Healing Bags, Essential Oils and Healing and Smudge.
Neon Nightlife
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Neon Nightlife's glowing products are the perfect ice breaker for singles or the stuff the younger ones fight over. Regardless of where you are you'll be drawing tons of attention to your group. Our products are eye catchers in bars, clubs, concerts, electric glow runs, LED parties, Halloween and anywhere that crowds congregate. Most products come with a battery pack that controls different strobe modes.
ORL Cares
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ORL™ toothpaste and mouthwash are designed to naturally eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath and gum disease by penetrating below the gum line for a deeper clean. Organic xylitol, essential oils, organic vitamins, minerals, and a perfect 7.0 pH work in harmony to help clean, protect and restore your mouth's ecosystem, strengthen your teeth enamel and freshen your breath.
Pat Pearlman Designs
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Since 1971, Pat Pearlman has been designing jewelry.
Her work has been influenced by the delicacy and sensuality of Art Nouveau, and the fascinating shapes and variety of the earth’s inhabitants. Her images exemplify her love of nature and gemstones, and her interest in symbolism and simplicity.
Pure Factory Naturals
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Pure Factory Naturals collections, including Flip Flop Foot Repair,Splash. The collection includes lip balm, foot repair, body lotion, hand cream, solid lotion bar, salt glow, skin repair.
Pure Mana Hawaii
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Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.
Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.
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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.
Rudolph and Me
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Joe and Sue Brielmann have taken their combined experience of over 28 years in personalized products and design to create one of the fastest growing cart businesses in the country. Their creative ability, attention to detail, and the highest standards for quality and customer support, are among the reasons Rudolph and Me has experienced such huge growth.
Sanis Enterprises
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Sanis Enterprises offers a large selection of elegant and stylish, quality desk clocks, the latest styles in fashion watches, executive gifts, credit card cases and multi tools, just to name a few. Gifts that celebrate life’s special moments.
Sassafras Hawaii
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Sassafras Hawaii is a family owned and operated business. It was founded in 2010 in Waimea on the big island of Hawaii. Creating the island inspired collection called "Sassy," each of the company's pieces tells a story, a myth or legend of Hawaii or Polynesia. And every piece is handcrafted in solid sterling silver, with natural gemstones, and colorful south seas shells. "It is our pleasure to share with you our designs filled with meaning. Designed with love, thankfulness and appreciation for this island we now call home. Handcrafted with Aloha from our Ohana to yours."
Sincere Surroundings
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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
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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.
Snazzy & Company
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Snazzy and Company's sea-glass jewelry uses mostly recycled glass and the metals the company selects are environmentally friendly. Founder Anna Shaw researches and designs every charm herself and continues to use local help to assemble and create her jewelry. "Because Life is not Black and White."
SOi Essentials
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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
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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.
Staywell Copper
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Staywell Copper features "the Original Germstoppers," using "the ancient power of copper to naturally keep you healthy." Products include cellphone patches, purse or backpack charms, dogtags, a necklace and more.
Studio B Inc.
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Your Place for 1,000’s of Unique Licensed Posters, Art, Stickers & Collector Pins. An industry leader for over 30 years with the best collection of Music, Movies, Nostalgia, Comics, Art, Anime, Blacklight, Landscapes, etc… Products are available for Resale in Stores, Online, Colleges, Conventions & Anywhere you exhibit!
Sunset Vista Designs
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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.
Ted Dailey Jewelry
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Award winning artist, Ted Dailey, incorporates a variety of materials with his silver and gold vermeil jewelry: South Pacific shells, high quality gemstones and Hawaiian Koa wood. Each unique piece of his jewelry is skillfully designed in the heart of Hawaii, reflects his 40+ years of enjoying life on the Big Island and is handmade on the exotic island of Bali.
Tidy Treasures
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Tidy Treasures develops products that store your child's most treasured items. "Storage spaces for happy faces 😊." Tidy Treasures believes in the balance between play and tidiness. That is why our Storage Trucks are developed to be interactive with your child's play. They are built to foster the connection between playtime and tidying up afterwards. We turn tidy into child’s play!
Tizo Design
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Lines include Tizo and Siena frames in a variety of styles and colors plus elegant candleholders from tea lights to pillar candles. The site also features boxes and trays in a variety of materials.
United Global Products
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United Global Products represents products made in the U.K., including Wade Ceramics, Parks London and Magma London, reflecting a variety of designs and cultures, from traditional British pottery to East and North Africa basalt stone products.
Vintage Girl:
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Inspirational stationery and home decor, featuring the work of owner-artist Michelle DeFillipo. Michelle uses her love of inspirational words, vintage paper, architecture and color to inspire and uplift. Her artwork expresses a range of sentiments from the sincere appreciation of a true friend to self motivation for each day.
White Elephant
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White Elephant has been in the wholesale business for more than 25 years, with a promise of best quality products and prices for their customers. The company's home decor is exclusive, designed and handmade by their own carvers with love and care. White Elephant offers a wide variety of products and there is something for everyone.
Christina's World®
Christinas Clean Creations
The Pocket Plus
Whimsy Me 
Wild Hare Designs