Archives: News
Paris in the Spring: Mele & Co.’s Music Boxes for Girls
Fabulous and fresh, the new Mele & Co. girls musical ballerina jewelry boxes feature an adorable pair of Parisian poodles and precious polka dot and striped pattern.
ESC Trading Company, Inc. Announces Name Change to ESC and Company, Inc.
ESC Trading Company, Inc. announces the company name change to ESC and Company, Inc. The name change will become effective November 30, 2012. The company is making the name change to further establish its unique identity in the gift industry and to embrace all the talented team members who contribute to the success of the company.
About ESC and Company, Inc.
ESC and Company, Inc. is a leading supplier of licensed seasonal designs from American artisans.
More Americans Plan to Shop Small and Spend Big on Small Business Saturday®, According to Pre-Holiday Research from NFIB and American Express
New York, NY – Consumers say they will be out in full force on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday, to support the small businesses that fuel the U.S. economy, create jobs and keep communities thriving. Of the tens of millions of Americans familiar with Small Business Saturday, 67 percent are planning to “shop small” on the day, November 24th, 2012 (44% said they shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2011), according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey.
Calypso Cards To Open Atlanta Showroom
Calypso Cards will be opening their very own showroom along with Quotable and Nouvelle Images for the January Atlanta Market January 9-16th! Showroom 801A is on the 8th floor in Building 2 right by the elevators.
Highlights from the January 2013 release
Introducing Little Branch, a beautiful line dreamt up in Australia. These cards feature gorgeous flora as well as whimsy and are printed on textured paper.
New Agency “Art Licensing LA” Debuts in 2013
Licensed artist Debra Valencia is pleased to announce the formation of Art Licensing LA — a new collaborative agency of independent artists. Based in Los Angeles, Debra saw a need for an art licensing community as well as business education about licensing in Los Angeles. She began with teaching small seminars on the licensing basics and launching an online networking group for local artists interested in learning about how to enter the field.
Harbor Sweets Spring 2013 Collection Boasts Unique Filled Easter Bunnies and More
Harbor Sweets, a beloved New England chocolate maker since 1973, offers many delicious ways for kids of all ages to celebrate Spring, from Easter to Mother’s Day.
The company produces its handcrafted chocolates using copper kettles and wooden paddles and hand dips, molds and packs each box with personal pride.
The Robert. L. Strohecker Assorted Rabbit is distinct from typical mass produced Easter bunnies.
EX•TRACTS Expands in Key Product Categories
Of the multiple personal care categories to be presented at the sold-out winter edition of EX•TRACTS®, three are showing notable growth: natural/organic, perfume/fragrance and men’s lines. EX•TRACTS runs at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), Sunday, January 26, through Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Approximately 50% of EX•TRACTS’ 100 exhibitors carry natural and organic lines, and approximately 25% feature fragrances and men’s lines as well.
Woodcraft Acquires Japan Woodworker
Woodcraft Supply, LLC, has purchased Japan Woodworker, a California-based company that sells woodworking equipment and supplies. The 34-year-old retailer will remain a separate company within the Woodcraft organization, with Woodcraft employees continuing to provide catalog and Internet customer service.
Woodcraft President Jody Garrett announced the acquisition on Nov. 16. “Our two companies share many similarities,” he said.
IMC Announces Gift & Home Team Restructuring
International Market Centers (IMC) announced today strategic modifications, including promotions, lateral moves, and new appointments, to streamline its gift and home décor team. The changes, which are effective immediately, will create a single unified team supporting cross-category leasing for permanent and temporary presentations in Las Vegas, and for permanent home décor floors at IHFC in High Point.
“We are maximizing team leasing efforts to take best advantage of individual category expertise,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers.
Downtown Darlings Store Owner Talks Shop
Wilmington, NC – As the mother of two daughters, Marcia Frelke knows what girls like. And she’s always wanted to own her own business.
These two personality traits came together for Frelke when she opened Downtown Darlings in May last year at 112 Market St.in downtown Wilmington.
Seguin Chamber to Honor Small Business
Seguin, TX – The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce is endorsing and participating in the third annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24.
Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.
American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more demand for their products and services.
Merchants Hope Shoppers Spend Big on Small Business Saturday
Orlando, FL – Small-business owners in Orlando hope consumers set aside a little cash from their Black Friday binge this week and spend it the next day on what’s known as Small Business Saturday.
For the third year in a row, small retailers in Orlando are planning to participate in the buy-local holiday started by American Express.
The goal is to promote shopping at small businesses, and the charge-card company encourages that by giving a $25 credit to registered cardholders who spend at least that amount at qualifying small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Downtown Prepares for Small Business Saturday
Cartersville, GA – After Thanksgiving meals are eaten and the tables are cleared, throngs of eager shoppers will descend upon mass retailers nationwide — but Saturday morning, after the tryptophan has worn off, local merchants will welcome holiday shoppers without threat of stampeding crowds or angry mobs.
In a response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday urges shoppers to make special consideration for locally owned and operated shops during the hectic holiday season.
Credit card company American Express spearheaded the endeavor in 2010 asking its custom
Anderson’s Gourmet Chocolate Business Expands
Crystal Lake, IL – Anderson’s Candy Shop is expanding its gourmet chocolate business as a fourth generation of candy lovers brings fresh ideas to the nearly 100-year-old family-owned company.
The Anderson family opened a new store Saturday at 218 W. Main St. in Barrington. The venture is a partnership with the Barrington Area Historical Society and the Barrington History Museum. The candy shop uses a small portion of one of the society’s homes and also serves as the point of purchase for the museum’s gift shop.
Over the decades, the family has tried to grow several times.
Baby Love Shop: A Classic Case of Sweetness
Milford, CT – From chic cribs to fashion maternityware, Baby Love, a new baby and maternity boutique in downtown Milford, offers nautical, eco-friendly and USA-made products for moms and babies.
“I want it to be the place you go to buy the thing you love,” owner Kara Telep said.
Telep, 27, of Stratford, explains her store’s style as “modern meets vintage” mixed with a lot of nautical designs.
Q-C Small Businesses Hope for a Saturday Boost
Moline, IA – Often lost in the shadows of the big box stores and the Black Friday frenzy, many Quad-City small business owners hope shoppers will remember them on Small Business Saturday.
Snuggled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is again being promoted nationwide as Small Business Saturday.
Dog Boutique Among Businesses Ready for Small Business Saturday
Las Vegas, NV – Inside Mugsy and Moxie’s Bully Couture, Dee and Kevin Mounts are getting ready for their first holiday shopping season.
The duo ordered extra custom-made dog collars, Bed in a Bag sets and travel dog feeders, and are expecting to hire additional part-time sales staff. Now they just have to wait for shoppers to come to their location at Market LV inside Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd.
“Everything giftwise, we’ve already started,” Dee said. “And we’re offering gift wrapping of course.”
Dazzling Paws Jewelry Debuts New Bead Collection
Dazzling Paws Jewelry has announced the newest addition to their distinctive dog themed Sterling Silver jewelry collection; a new product Bead Line branded Dazzling Canine Designs. The new bead line rolls out just in time for the Holidays so retailers and customers may take pleasure in the bracelet charm craze, with designs made especially for people who love dogs! Dazzling Canine Designs are 100% handmade in the USA from recycled Sterling Silver.
This announcement is made by Myra Westphal, President of the company.
Seminars & Special Events Among Highlights of Winter 2013 Artisan Resource
A four-day schedule of educational sessions and social events will supplement the exhibit floor activities during the winter 2013 Artisan Resource™, a one-of-a-kind market offering U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to meet with international artisanal producers.
Wee Believers Signs With Four Gift Rep Groups, Expanding Their Reach Across the United States
Wee Believers®, the award-winning inspirational toy and gift company, recently signed on with a slew of top-notch gift rep groups, committing to expanding their reach and developing strategic relationships with retailers across the United States.
The Southern Link, an Atlanta-based premier wholesale sales agency in the gift and home industry, will be representing the entire line of Wee Believers gifts and toys across seven southeastern states.