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Patch Products named exclusive U.S. distributor for Überstix
Beloit, WI—Patch Products Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Überstix LLC to be the exclusive distributor in the United States for the entire Überstix™ line of interactive construction toys.
“One of our long-term company goals has been to increase the presence of Patch Products in the construction toy category,” said Bryce Patch, president of Patch Products.
Joobles Organic Cotton Cuddly Toys—Fair Trade Goods From Peru to You
Middleton, WI – Can a baby’s toy make much of a difference in a world of global warming and economic recession? Of course, say the founders of Fair Indigo, a company where gifts have a purpose. Meet Mel the Monkey and Icy the Penguin, two of the Joobles, a new line of incredibly soft knit stuffed characters made for cuddling.
Joobles are precious playmates from Peru where artisans have hand crafted a menagerie of animals under fair trade conditions, providing work and hope to hundreds of rural and urban Peruvians.
Calling NEptune-1
Marblehead, MA — “Operator, give me NEptune-1,” said many callers “back in the day,” during the 1950s in Marblehead, when NEptune-1 was the town’s telephone exchange, “631.”
As of last October, Neptune1 became a business — a decoupage-plate-making studio run by two women who became friends while raising their families in Marblehead.
Americasmart Awards January Market Customers with Exclusive Travel Premiums
The largest apparel market on the East Coast is making the AmericasMart experience even more rewarding with exclusive air and hotel awards made to retailers participating in the January 24-27, 2009, Atlanta Apparel Market Travel Sweepstakes. Nine retailers throughout the U.S. are receiving a two-night hotel stay, with an additional nine receiving round-trip airfare to Atlanta for travel to Apparel Markets through December 31, 2009.
Who: The Airline ticket winners are:
Jeannie F., Advertising Specialties and Products, Clearwater, FL
Gourmet Golds Competition Call for Entries
White Plains, NY—Showcasing the most elite in the gourmet products industry for 33 years, the Gourmet Housewares Show is pleased to announce the acceptance of entries for the prestigious 2009 Gourmet Golds Awards starting February 15th, 2009.
All exhibitors of the Gourmet Housewares Show are eligible to enter new products, launched to the trade between March and August of 2009, into the Gourmet Gold competition and display.
Unique boutique: New shop offers products for mothers-to-be and bundles of joy
Winchester, VA — The customer was clearly in a dilemma when she walked through the shop’s door.
What can one possibly purchase as a baby shower gift when the sex of the tiny newcomer is still unknown?
Debbie Melnikoff was quick with her answer.
The owner of Dream Baby Boutique on the Loudoun Street Pedestrian Mall in Winchester propelled her customer toward a wall covered with Loved Baby apparel — a neutral-colored, mix-and-match clothing line for infants, whether they’re made of either snips and snails, or sugar and spice.
Customers “love the ‘Loved Baby’ butt on
Thornbury woman has taste for making purses
Thornbury, PA — Spoon-feeding the seemingly insatiable female desire for unique fashion accessories, a retired teacher and her friend are designing and selling purses whose handles are made of stainless steel spoons.
Shirley Rozelle, who taught special education classes in North Jersey, first started making rectangular fabric purses with stainless steel forks, riveted together, for handles.
Toni Law, her friend and a Thornbury resident, took one look at the design and believed that Rozelle had a winning idea, with one crucial change.
Law suggested that Rozelle make the h
Store is one-stop shop for dog, cat lovers
All About Dogs & Cats is a supplier of pet food, equipment, toys and treats, as well as a large selection of gift items and services for dogs and cats.
“We try to specialize in quality dog and cat food … the high-end brands that are hard to find and are more nutritional than just your average food that you can pick up in a grocery or feed store,” said Addington.
Grooming is available, and a pet photographer is available by appointment.
Treats in the “deli” include no-grain and others for allergic pets.
Merchant creates a sign of the times to ask for support
Martinsburg, WV – It’s quite possible that Freda Svoboda has never met a stranger.
That’s especially true when folks enter her cozy gift and craft shop, Freda’s Creations, the kind of inviting place where people stop to purchase a gift or perhaps just to share a cup of free coffee and chat.
But even her warm personality and unique inventory – everything from handcrafted jewelry and fragrant candles, to colorful nature photographs shot by her husband Charly and bridal designs – haven’t been enough lately, especially since the recession began to hit hard locally.
“I’ve been
Retailer Loyalty Programs Now Easier, Faster and Cheaper Than Ever to Implement with New Desktop Plastic Card Printer
Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Customer loyalty and reward cards, a retailer mainstay in facilitating customer retention in turbulent economic times have just gotten easier, faster and cheaper to produce thanks to the new Badgy desktop printer from Evolis, an industry leader in desktop plastic card technology.
The Badgy printer allows small to mid-sized retailers to design and print – instantly at point-of-purchase – customized color photographic loyalty/reward plastic cards for a fraction of the price of other comparable printers.
Bellville residents open new floral shop in Ontario
Ontario — A group of Bellville residents have gotten their act together.
Kim Knapp, Ray Valentine and Kathy Heichel have opened Act 1 Floral Design Group in mid-December at 49 Briggs Drive, behind Discount Drug Mart.
The floral shop’s grand opening is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Ontario Growth Association.
Knapp and Valentine, who are designers and consultants, have a combined 30 years of experience in the floral industry.
Business owners talk trends, traditions of Valentine’s Day
Hearts and roses, love poems and songs – there are dozens of ways to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day, but perhaps none quite as traditional as chocolate, diamonds and flowers.
“You just can’t go wrong with chocolate,” said Linda Meherg, owner of The Chocolate Factory in Golconda.
Meherg and her family don’t simply make chocolates; they make creative and memorable gifts.
Local retailers think more periods of sales tax hiatus will lure shoppers to stores
The National Retail Federation projects annual retail sales will decline 0.5 percent from last year.
White House Lawyers Look to Limit Commercial Use of President
Barack Obama’s popularity makes him a marketer’s dream.
NYIGF Summer 2009 Dates and Location Changes
White Plains, NY — George Little Management, LLC (GLM®) has announced that the summer 2009 edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) will run Saturday, August 15, through Thursday, August 20, 2009, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.
NYIGF will return to its traditional Saturday-Thursday staggered opening/closing date pattern. From Saturday through Wednesday, New York’s Newest and Studio™ will be open at Pier 92, At Home will be open at Pier 94, and Handmade will be open at Javits.
House of Blooms helps customers tend to loved ones
At House of Blooms, flowers aren’t just for the husband who annoyed his wife or a Friday night date. Owner Gina Fairchild uses her creative and gorgeous floral bouquets to connect far-flung families, mothers and daughters and friends during times of joy and sorrow.
“People have told me have told me I’m like a bartender,” Fairchild said. “They feel free to open up and talk. When there’s a death in the family or a wedding, people will stop while they’re ordering and talk. You’re a part of (customers’) lives for that moment.
Consumers get frugal, so retailers get creative
For years, dietitians have urged Americans to practice mindful eating. Eat slowly. Savor every bite. If eating chocolate cake, make sure it’s really good chocolate cake. Now, as the country slogs through the worst recession in decades, consumers are increasingly taking a similar approach to spending.
The change shows up every month in retailers’ dismal sales.
Best Booth Awards given in five categories at Seattle Gift Show
Los Angeles, CA — There’s no business like show business and that was apparent at the Seattle Gift Show when Best Booth Awards were presented to some of the top performers on Sunday, January 25, 2009. The semi-annual show which is held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center presents the Best Booth awards to exhibitors who demonstrate excellence in their use of lighting, signs/graphics, props & fixtures and booth staffing. Other factors include appealing to the five senses and creating a unique environment within their booth.
The Republic of Tea Introduces New Little Citizens’ Herb Teas
Novato, CA — The Republic of Tea’s new LITTLE CITIZENS’ HERB TEAS, enjoyed hot or iced, is the first line of naturally caffeine-free, organic Rooibos based, Fair Trade Certified herbal teas for children. For every tin of LITTLE CITIZENS’ HERB TEAS sold, The Republic of Tea will contribute $1 to Room to Read, an organization that impacts the lives of millions of children in the developing world by providing the lifelong gift of education.
Gift Baskets Still a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
Paterson, New Jersey — In 2008, the U.S. gift basket industry reached $3.3 billion in sales, according to a new study conducted by Sweet Survival, gift basket industry consultants.
“This valuation confirms the industry’s perseverance as retailers continue to satisfy a steady customer base,” says Shirley George Frazier, company president, industry expert, and the report’s chief architect.