GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

A Service of GiftsWholesale.Com and OmegaNet Inc.

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January 2014

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.

January 2013
7-14 Atlanta
16-22 Chicago
17-21 Columbus
21-27 Los Angeles
25-31 New York
26-30 Toronto
26-30 Las Vegas
30-Feb. 1 Phoenix
30-Feb. 3 Atlanta

February 2013
1-4 New York (SOURCENY)
2-6 New York (NYNOW)
10-13 New York (7W)
16-18 Columbus
16-19 Edmonton

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TheShoppePlace.Com (Retail)


Stay Current to Flourish
Be in the know to grow

Did you know that the most relevant, useful and affordable informational and problem solving resource for gift retailers is the trade press?

Industry publications are packed every month with informative and helpful information specific to our segment. From style trends to understanding government regulations, the content can spur new ideas, help you solve problems and stay informed and competitive.

To make the most of the content, I recommend subscribing to both the print and online newsletter editions of the primary trade publications. The print editions have expanded content not provided in the free online newsletter formats. I view the print copy as the place for deeper stories and online as timely news bulletins.

Primary Gift Trade Publications
Gift Shop Magazine. Subscribe at: GiftShopMag.com
Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine. Subscribe at: GiftsAndDec.com
Giftware News
. Subscribe at: GiftwareNews.com
Smart Retailer. Subscribe at: Smart-Retailer.com
GiftBeat. Subscribe at: GiftBeat.com (available in print format only)

As you quickly review both the print and electronic content, begin to create a reference library for yourself by saving articles (electronic and paper) that apply to you now, as well as any with topics you think you may need later. File by general topic headings like, operations, trends, laws and regulations, news for your specific product niche, etc. If even one of these articles saves you valuable research time or helps you avoid an expensive mistake, it will be worth the effort.

Over time, observe how you are consuming and applying the content you are receiving. Refine and calibrate your news feed so you are subscribing to only the most relevant amount of news in the formats and volume that works best for you.

Gail Markert is a former senior buyer for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, who specializes in improving client results through enhanced product development, marketing, and branding strategies. Learn more at MarkertGroupConsulting.com.

© Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2014


Featured Vendors

EZ Ribbon indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

AHS Lighting Has been providing affordable lamps and lamp shades for over 40 years. We offer gift & home accent lamps and shades. Our sales and customer service department will exceed your expectations with timely delivery and friendly service. You can create your own lamp with our mix & match program.

All For GivingEZ Ribbon 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.

Badash CrystalEZ Ribbon : 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.

Bridge Brands ChocolateEZ Ribbon was created to provide chocolate lovers with gourmet-quality, superbly packaged chocolate at a non-gourmet price. Since debuting in 1999, our chocolates have become a favorite with San Francisco locals and visitors alike.

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.

Clarissa Tumblers:EZ Ribbon The Clarissa Tumblers' motto is: There's no order that's too big or too small - we do them all! Our customers are our priority and enjoy receiving our services to provide them with quality custom and personalized tumblers for their weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, golf tournaments, family reunions, custom brand marketing, and more. Clarissa Tumblers is passionate about tumblers, and knows that their tumblers are second to none, and pride themselves on their superior customer service.

Coast Lamp ManufacturingEZ Ribbon 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.

DesdenEZ Ribbon 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 BoutiqueEZ Ribbon is a gift company that is focused on trendy and fun gifts that feature inspirational verse and themes.

Elegant BabyEZ Ribbon 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.

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

Flair HairEZ Ribbon : 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 KeeperEZ Ribbon : 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. DesignsEZ Ribbon 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 JoyEZ Ribbon 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 GraphicsEZ Ribbon : 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.

InDesignEZ Ribbon , 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 WholesaleEZ Ribbon : Monogrammed toilet paper and coasters - The perfect gift for the person who has everything.

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

Leslie Handpainted GlassEZ Ribbon : 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 ConvertiblesEZ Ribbon features "all things reversible or convertible", including women's and children's clothing, hats, handbags, handheld electronics cases and more.

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

Nicole Brayden GiftsEZ Ribbon : 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 USAEZ Ribbon : 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'EZ Ribbon "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 IndustriesEZ Ribbon : 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.EZ Ribbon Licensed and non-licensed products tailored for the men's market. Items include both functional and decorative giftware for the home, i.e. wall décor, clocks, shelves, coat and key racks, etc. Licenses include Coca-Cola, General Motors, Ford, Carroll Shelby, Farmall, John Wayne and Elvis Presley. Product mediums include wood, resin, ceramic, glass and mixed mediums. Sunbeltgifts recently developed its own line of gifts for the aviation market and acts as a contract manufacturer.

Sunday GreetingsEZ Ribbon 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 PuzzlesEZ Ribbon 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 HabitatEZ Ribbon Lin Mfg & Design (Wild Habitat) is located in Logan, UT, and is a manufacturer of hosiery and apparel. BAMBOO Loungewear and MICROFIBER Seamless Cami/boyshort are new additions to their collection. Other items that are part of their Wild Habitat Collection are: Baby Booties, Plush Hats, Backpack Buddy's, and over 100 designs of socks.

WOW Window PostersEZ Ribbon , 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 ThingzEZ Ribbon : 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.


Quick Industry News

Product News

Calypso Studios Hip HuggersCalypso Studios Introduces Hip Huggers

Grantsville, MD: January 6, 2014: Calypso Studios is offering 2 new collections in their Hip Huggers line, which they refer to as "the new fanny pack".

The Boutique Collection has four exclusive styles - Tribal, Santa Fe, Navy Stripe, Red Stripe. Each Hip Hugger is 7in x 4in, cotton bags, with adjustable leatherette straps. $6 wholesale, $14.99 sug. retail.

The new Chevron Collection features five Chevron patterns. Each Hip Hugger is 9in x 4in, cotton bags with adjustable nylon straps. $4 wholesale, $9.99 sug. retail.

Find Calypso Studios at the following trade shows:

  • Atlanta: The Southern Link - Gift Building 1613
  • Surf Expo: Booth 245
  • Dallas: Thomas & Moore - Suite 2953
  • Seattle: Traditions Unlimited Suite 130

New Wholesale Websites

Signature Tumblers just opened its brand new OmegaNet wholesale website. Founded 30 years ago, Signature Tumblers adds high quality emblems to thermal drinkware, plus home fashion wraps, plus a lifetime guarantee.


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.