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In this issue:
Record Gasoline Prices Force Changes in SpendingAverage gasoline prices topped $4.00 per gallon --a record-- in the second week of June (source), leading many to wonder what changes people will be making in their purchasing patterns as a result. Prices on most goods are expected to continue to rise since nearly all store inventory arrives on trucks. Recent polling by ShopperScape (source) indicates that buying patterns will likely change as a result of tightening budgets and ballooning expenses. Over the past four months (Feb.-May), the number of shoppers saying they will spend the same at retail stores as last year decreased from 59% in February to 39% in May. When asked if they are choosing less expensive versions of the products they buy, 40% said yes in May compared with 33% in February. Interestingly, 31% said they are shopping dollar stores more now than a year ago, but 24% said they are shopping Wal-Mart and Target less. With the tax stimulus checks having mostly gone out, 31% of those surveyed said they used the money to pay credit card bills or for everyday expenses like groceries and gasoline, while only 6% used made a special or big ticket purchase. Featured Vendors in GiftsWholesale.Com
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Quick Industry NewsDeco Breeze® Designer Fans See 40% Increase in SalesGPR Plans Largest Product Launch in Company History
Featured Outdoor Deco Fans:
From left to right: Capri, Playa, Marbella and Lido. These unique decorative outdoor fans add style and function to any outdoor living décor / 18" Fan head / 38.5" tall x 19" wide / features adjustable 58" height extension / MSRP $280 each
Global Product Resources, Inc., designer, manufacturer, and distributor of home decorative products, announces a 40% increase in sales from 2006 to 2007 for its unique product line, Deco Breeze®. The collection of designer portable fans is one of the most innovative new product lines to hit the home décor market, and has developed a frenzied demand now entering its third year on the market. In response to the line's exponential sales growth, GPR is introducing more than 60 new styles and colors in its 2008 collection, including new highly anticipated Outdoor Deco Fans.
"The firm's new product designs will truly round out GPR's overall offering making it stronger than ever," says Phil Weil, GPR's vice president of product development and the inventor/designer of Deco Breeze®. "We have really listened to our customers and addressed their needs and desires for 2008. We have introduced new, fun colors in lower price points, and are extremely excited about our new Outdoor Deco Fans that will allow customers to integrate our beautiful designs into their outdoor living décor." (more) Comfort for cancer victims is theme of new book. "I wanted to walk the journey along side them. I desperately wanted to let them to know I cared." Karpen says. "And a card or gift wasn't enough." A percentage of the profit from Eat Your Peas for the Cure will be contributed to the American Cancer Society. (more) GeoCentral Joins C.M. Paula Family. GeoCentral, a leading supplier of gift and novelty products in the geological, educational, and souvenir markets, has been acquired by The C.M. Paula Company, Mason, OH, which is providing the financial support, as well as warehousing and distribution expertise, to support the continued growth of the company. Since it's founding in 1978 by Ken Niehaus and Elizabeth Bush, GeoCentral has established a reputation for developing innovative and educational products created from seashells, rocks, fossils, and other natural artifacts. The company's branded and custom products are available in thousands of museums, souvenir shops, and other specialty retailers nationwide. GeoCentral is the fourth company acquired by The C.M. Paula Company since 2005, following Champion Treasures, a leading supplier of sports novelties, Up With Paper, the worldwide leader in the development and marketing of pop-up greeting cards and stationery, and Slavic Treasures, a leading developer of collegiate products and Christmas ornaments. "The addition of GeoCentral's unique line of products and extensive distribution network further diversifies C.M. Paula," said Greg Ionna, CEO of The C.M. Paula Company. (more) "Chilly Jilly" Wrap Gets Good Press In Time for Summer. Every woman has experienced the feeling of being uncomfortably freezing in an air conditioned restaurant, theatre, conference room, train or plane. A Chilly Jilly™, available from Bravo Sales, solves the problem. Chilly Jilly is a micro-fiber wrap which warms without weight in a small bag designed to be kept in a woman's purse at all times. "I love the warm weather but became high maintenance in air conditioning," explains Jill Boehler, founder and designer of Chilly Jilly™. "Wearing a sweater around my waist or carrying a jacket on warm summer evenings is no longer necessary." Chilly Jilly was on Donny Deutsch's Big Idea, in Baltimore Magazine, on the popular blog Bridal Bar, Self.com as well as on ivillage.com in 2007. Chilly was also featured in Ladies Home Journal's website gift guide and aired on MSNBC's Your Business Elevator Pitch. Susan Solovic, business author and founder of SBTV, reviewed it and it was featured in the Cosmogirl prom edition. It was reviewed on the popular parent and women's blogs in May, 2008 Props and Pans, Mommies with Style, and Parents With Style. (more) Lansing Gift Show Cancelled. Giftware News reports that the August 2008 Lansing Gift Show has been cancelled. Show Manager Jim Liska says the show, which was to have been Aug. 24-26, was cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances. The next show is scheduled for March 8-10, 2009. |