GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

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September, 2012

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.

Sept. 2012
29-Oct.2 Chicago
30 Marlborough, MA
30-Oct. 2 Columbus
30-Oct. 2 Los Angeles

Oct. 2012
1-2 Dallas
5-8 Miami
5-8 Kansas City, KS
9-10 New York
10 Columbus
13-15 Galveston
13-18 High Point
17 Gettysburg
18 Atlanta
26-29 Denver
25-28 Dallas
26-29 Denver
29 Billerica, MA
29 Seattle

Nov. 2012
3-5 Columbus
5-6 Dallas
6-8 Atlanta
7-8 Long Beach, CA
8-9 Los Angeles
10-12 Honolulu
11 Billerica, MA
14-16 New York
17-19 Gatlinburg

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Would You Like Your Store to be "Mobbed"?

If you put the words "flash mob" into a web search engine or the search field on YouTube.com, you'll find links to videos where large numbers of people have planned elaborate song and/or dance routines in public places, to the delight of unintiated onlookers.

Cash Mobs In the depressed retail atmosphere of the past few years, some creative retailers have taken to organizing "Cash Mobs", where social media is employed to motivate large numbers of people to descend on a retailer or retail center to spend a recommended amount of money.

"Cash mobs encourage members of a community to make a change and help support a local business," says CashMob.Com, which has a variety of resources on how to plan, promote and execute a Cash Mob.

"We were sick of it being so negative and wanted to do something positive," said Sarah Phillips of Webster, MA, a "mobster" and member of the town online forum. Deb Horan of Booklovers' Gourmet said the first event in August, 2011, drew in many people who'd never been in the store before and earned $500 more than a normal Saturday would bring. (source)

Webster's second cash mob, at the Gift Gallery on Main Street on Sept. 15, brought in 44 mobsters and $1,300. The event piggybacked to help other causes and businesses.

CashMob.Com has lists of planned Cash Mob events and a Cash Mob Awards program in which retailers can participate.

The idea of a cash mob was first started by Chris Smith, a blogger and engineer from Buffalo, New York, in August, 2011 at a wine shop in Buffalo. He organized more than 100 people to purchase items from City Wine Merchant on August 5. Smith described the mobs as a "reverse Groupon" that are meant to make a "chance for business owners to begin building a longer-term relationship with customers" (source).


Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

Acacia Creations Since our products debuted in the U.S. in 2007, we've been working overtime to meet demand and we couldn't be happier. That's because at Acacia Creations we operate according to fair trade principles and return a percentage of each sale to our employees in Kenya. That means the more we sell, the more our workers and their families benefit! Also, because our items are made from recycled and reclaimed materials, the more we sell, the more we keep from being thrown away.


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.


Best Blue Mountain Coffee the wholesale ordering web site for City of Refuge 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain® Coffee. 100% of the proceeds from your purchase of City of Refuge coffee go to help the City of Refuge Children's Home, enabling a Jamaican child to live and learn the ways of a loving and nurturing family environment.


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!


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.


Coast Lamp Manufacturing Coast Lamp Mfg., 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.


The Cookbook Company: Any Bitch ("Babe In Total Control Of Herself") Cookbooks is a complete and humorous line of boutique cookbooks that are not only amusing but useful as well.


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


Dr D's for Dogs: Dr. Joseph Demichael is a veterinarian who is devoted to caring for dogs but also raising and breeding dogs. He photographs his dogs and creates clever greeting cards using the photographs. The picture at left is for a birthday card with the caption "May your day be twice as nice! Happy Birthday!


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


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.


Hook Line Greetings offers the world's first patent-pending "Gift-in-Greet" Fishing Lure Cards. The company's unique and clever greeting cards contain an authentic hand-tied fishing lure as the "gift" that can be taken out for immediate fun and enjoyment. Just "release" the fishing lure from the card, tie on a line and go fish!


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.


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


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.


MyQuickPrints.Com system allows the store owner to generate "Live" previews of personalized photos, print the photos on demand in their store, and frame the photos all within minutes. The system provides instant gratification for store customers and big profits to the store owner! With MyQuickPrints.com, there are little or no start up costs and no inventory to carry. The store owner simply clicks, prints, and frames. When registering on MyQuickPrints.com, use CODE "Retail" for "Type of Business".


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!

Scribbles: "We are fashioned by what we love!" Jewelry, handbags, wallets, scarves and other fun stuff. NEW CAMEO EZ© web site.



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.


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.


Spring Street is proud to offer the finest assortment of personal, home, and office accessories. Our extensive product lines are all theme oriented, from baby to bride and beyond. All of our gift items are hand epoxy enameled and adorned with faux jewel encrusted motifs. Many of our designs are inspired from the famed Soho district of New York City where the very real Spring Street is located.


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.


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.


MyQuickPrints Banner Ad
When registering on MyQuickPrints.com, use CODE "Retail" for "Type of Business".

Strategies to Attract and Keep Customers

by Barbara Wold

Customers are the lifeblood of any business, so it is crucial to maximize customer satisfaction. Some degree of customer turnover is inevitable, but successful businesses will retain repeat customers.

Is customer turnover at a minimum? Below are questions to help evaluate your success in keeping customers satisfied.

  1. Do you realize the value of your current customers? These are your best customers. They are quicker to buy and require fewer "special deals." Never take your customers for granted!
  2. Do you communicate to all your customers that they are important?
  3. Do you encourage customers to return to your business?
  4. Do you tailor your services to your customers' particular needs?
  5. Do your customers call you when they have a tough problem?
  6. Do you provide unique services that your customers would find difficult to duplicate somewhere else?
  7. Do your customers feel that you are concerned about their interests and welfare?
  8. Do you attempt to learn as much about each customer as possible?
  9. Do you follow up to make sure orders are filled quickly and accurately?
  10. Do you follow up on complaints to make sure the resolution was satisfactory to the customer?

If you answered "yes" to nine or more questions,you are a better-than-average business operator. Below six is poor; between six and nine is mediocre. A dissatisfied customer used to tell seven people, but with social media, they now can tell 7 million people.

Building a successful, positive image with your customers enhances your overall credibility. Living up to that image creates valuable word-of-mouth publicity. Customers most often base purchasing decisions on the advice of people they know and what they read.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are."
-- Anais Nin, French writer
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Barbara Wold is a street-smart, down-to-earth business speaker, presenting topics from sales and marketing to customer service and tourism. She is an international speaker who has "WOWED" over 850,000 people from all 50 of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Copyright 2012. Reprinted with permission from Barbara Wold's Retail & Consumer Tips, mail to: bwold@ix.netcom.com.


Quick Industry News

New Wholesale Websites Unveiled

Magic ClingDuring September, several new CAMEO EZ© wholesale websites have opened where retailers can order product.

A unique product called "Magic Cling" (www.magiccling.com) features images that stick to almost any surface, but can be removed like removing a magnet from a steel surface. In fact, the company's tagline is "Goes Where Magnets Can't". The unique, transluscent "stickers" include bird and butterfly patterns with more on the way.

Another new site is www.imaginedesigninc.com, which features "a unique variety of home decor and gift items", such as baby gifts, clocks, framed art, magnets and more with emphasis on three-dimensional products. A bonus is that all of Imagine Design's products are made in the USA.

As you might suspect, InDogWeTrust.biz is all about dogs. The new site features bandanas, sticker and t-shirts that feature dog designs.

Weddings are the emphasis of Izabella.com, with several collections of bridesmaids' gifts.

Other sites which have joined the CAMEO EZ© lineup recently include Best Blue Mountain Coffee, quality Jamaican coffee, and Flickback, featuring nostalgia products like "What A Year It Was" Books, DVD Greeting Cards, Puzzles, Trivia Playing Cards, and more..

Coming soon to the CAMEO EZ© family of sites but not a new company is Elegant Baby, which showcases a variety of quality baby clothing, toys and gifts. Also soon to be ready is Atash by Lala, and Sophie by InDesign.

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



PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS

"Baby Heaven" Ornaments New at Grandparent Gift Company

Sept. 18, 2012 - The Grandparent Gift Co Inc. of Alpharetta, GA is a sought after source for special memorial gifts for families remembering those they have lost from infant loss and miscarriage to the beloved family pet.

The company combines strong sentiment all original verses penned by company owner Teri Harrison with a keepsake item or photo frame. Baby Heaven is a new addition for 2012. It is a sweet scalloped ceramic ornament which holds an ultrasound or photograph and is boxed with the Baby Heaven poem. It is a gift of comfort for a family suffering a miscarriage or infant loss. It is an item that can be purchased by hospitals who counsel families at this time of sorrow. Heaven's Young Angel, another new addition is for the loss of a child or teen. The Circle of Love is a beautiful engraved metal ornament depicting generations of hands coming together in support of a lost mother, father, grandmother or grandfather. Lastly, Pawprints Left by You, a best-selling sentiment is sold as a photo frame, wood ornament or plaque and features a place to keep the pet's tag.

The company's memorial gifts sell year round and are always appreciated by customers looking for the right gift at a difficult time.