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Ex*Tracts Winter 2008 Date & Location Changes Announced
White Plains, NY – George Little Management, LLC (GLM) has announced that the Winter 2008 edition of EX*TRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness, will run Saturday, February 2, through Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. According to GLM this one-time shift – to Saturday-Wednesday from its traditional Sunday-Wednesday date pattern – was necessitated by venue availability in New York City.
EX*TRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness
February 2-6, 2008
Jacob K.
Big Change in Store for Ex*Tracts in 2008
White Plains, NY – Following over a decade of growth, EX*TRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness, will double in size to feature 150 companies when it returns to New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in February 2008.
American consumers are cutting back
New York — After months of speculation about how long American consumers can stay resilient to housing and credit woes, economists said Friday that last month’s retail sales weakness shows households are rethinking their spending habits.
The Commerce Department reported that total retail sales last month rose 0.3 percent, short of economists’ forecasts of a 0.5 percent rise.
Reserve shop adds local flair
Until this summer, flavored sticks of candy were the best-selling item at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve’s gift shop. That’s because the offerings there were limited.
Now the shop features racks of historical and locally themed books, apparel sporting the reserve’s logo and local food products beyond simple sugar treats.
Consumers could face higher toy prices
New York — Someone is going to have to pay all the extra costs of making toys safer.
For now, toy makers and retailers are sharing the burden, but that’s only expected to last until the holiday season.
Exciting Developments Planned for NYIGF in 2008
White Plains, NY – The vibrancy of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) will increase exponentially with exciting developments in every division and at all locations – including the launch of STUDIOtm, a new lifestyle division at Pier 92, incorporation of EX*TRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness into the Javits Center, expansion of New York’s Newest at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Personal Accessories featuring Details at the Javits Center, and refinements to Accent on Design, At Home, General Gift, Handmade and Tabletop & Housewares.
China to Ban Lead Paint in Toys
Responding to a public uproar over a rash of recalls, U.S. and Chinese regulators moved to ban the use of lead paint in toys and promised changes to the way Chinese imports to the U.S. are scrutinized for safety compliance.
But neither government offered many details about how such a ban would be enforced.
Web Stores Tap Product Reviews
Retailers have long admired Web pioneer Amazon.com Inc.’s product reviews — in which consumers rate books and other products — for the way they help persuade shoppers to make online purchases.
Now, other companies are tapping new technology that generates similar product ratings and reviews specific to their own Web stores. Early last year, Bass Pro Shops, an outdoor gear retailer, began displaying product ratings and reviews using an online-software service from a company called Bazaarvoice Inc.
Anita Roddick: A life in business
Dame Anita Roddick, who died last night aged 64, garnered a formidable reputation as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur as well as an environmental campaigner.
She opened her first shop in Littlehampton, West Sussex, in 1976, financed by a £4,000 bank loan while still looking after two young daughters.
Famously, this humble first Body Shop sold only 15 cruelty-free beauty products.
Success quickly followed — a second store was opened, thanks to the sale of a 22 per cent stake in the firm to Ian McGlinn, a West Sussex garage owner.Related Links
By the time Dame Anita’
Zutano Inc. and Bananafish Seal the Deal for New Licensed Baby Bedding Collection
CABOT, VT- Zutano Inc. an industry leader in specialty baby fashion is proud to announce a new partnership with Bananafish, manufacturer of upscale baby bedding, nursery decor and newest division of The Betesh Group. Under license Bananafish will produce the much-awaited collection of Zutano baby bedding and room decor accessories. The collection will marry Zutano’s whimsical mix and match approach with the interior design expertise of Bananafish.
“I am trilled about our new partnership with The Betesh Group”, stated Michael Belenky, founder and CEO of Zutano Inc.
September Total Home & Gift Market Can’t Be Missed
Dallas, TX – – Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource, today announced that the upcoming Total Home & Gift Market, taking place September 15 – 17, 2007 will introduce Dallas Market Center’s new brand campaign and offer buyers a wide range of resources across all product categories and price points to prepare them for the busy holiday season.
Mud Pie Participates in Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk
Atlanta, GA – On October 12-14, 2007, Adrienne Boyer, executive vice president of Mud Pie, will join thousands of other dedicated women and men at the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, benefiting Susan G Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. Millions of dollars are expected to be raised for breast cancer research and patient support programs.
New Creative Debuts Outdoor Living Collections for 2008
August 2007 – New Creative’s newest introductions to its Outdoor Living Collection are sure to ‘wow’ consumers with innovation, great quality and value pricing. The firm’s three new collections include Daffodil, Watercolor Garden and Block Party. Each collection provides a variety of new products for creating fresh, new looks in outdoor decor.
“Our mission is to create product that makes you feel good and energizes the spirit,” says Benno Duenkelsbuehler, president of New Creative Enterprises (NCE).
Being in business together can be better
Even after nearly a decade in business together, Shakoor and Marissa Watson, the husband-and-wife team behind Brooklyn bakery Shakoor’s Sweet Tooth, find that being together 24/7 isn’t exactly a piece of cake.
“When you don’t have any space, you don’t appreciate each other as much,” said Shakoor, 49, noting that it sometimes causes them to bicker over small things.
The duo tries to work separate shifts at their tiny shop and find time for their own hobbies “so when we do come back together, we’re refreshed,” Marissa, 47, said.
Studying Your Competitors; Looking for new ideas to keep your store fresh and dynamic?
I admit it. I’m absolutely no fun to go shopping with.
The reason is simple. I’m not like other shoppers. I’m not like the mother out looking for the bargain for her family, or the kids looking for something exciting to catch their attention, or the dad on a mission to bring home the perfect gift. When I go shopping, I tend to see things a little differently than other shoppers. I tend to stop and linger on things, and make comments about things, that make little sense to whomever I’m with.
I’m a retailer, a retail consultant specifically, a student of retailing.
Paper Works and More
Andrea Ceasar’s stationery and gift business hasn’t just survived the era of Evite and e-mail — it has thrived.
This September, she’s celebrating her one-year anniversary at her spacious storefront.
Disney to Test Character Toys for Lead Paint
Reacting to three separate recalls of Mattel toys found to contain unsafe levels of lead paint, The Walt Disney Company said it would begin its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters, including random testing of products already on store shelves.
Executives at Disney made the decision to institute the testing on Thursday and intend to inform Mattel and other toy manufacturers today.
“It sends the message that we are looking over their shoulders,” said Andy Mooney, the chairman of Disney’s consumer products division.
Disney’s plan represents a significant shift in the toy busi
Recall Repercussions: Hot Toys will be Even Hotter this Holiday Season
West Chester, Pa.–Parents have been waiting in line for the “must-have” gifts for years (remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?), but this year consumers should expect even more out-of-stock toys, frazzled parents and disappointed children than ever. Although customers are likely to blame the store for being out of a hot toy, the reality is: the supplier is the one who is out.
Jane Hoffer, president and CEO of Prescient Applied Intelligence, Inc.
The Knockoff Won
The drawstring anorak that Faran Krentcil considered buying one recent Friday at the Forever 21 store in Union Square was just like a signature look of the designer Stella McCartney. Ms. Krentcil, 26, the editor of a blog about fashion and style, was interested, particularly because the price of the knockoff — $35 — had several fewer digits.
She had sympathy for Ms. McCartney. She really did. “At the same time,” said Ms.
Glenwood Mall merchants optimistic
Retail has changed a lot since Terry Kates opened his West Wind Gift Shop in Glenwood Springs 30 years ago.
His humble beginnings started in 1977 downtown, where he spent nearly 10 years at 816 Grand Ave., the current home of Through the Looking Glass bookstore.
Then the energy bust happened in the early 1980s. It was then that he knew he had to do something different.
“I’m like a chameleon,” Kates said. “I do my homework. If I didn’t then I wouldn’t make it either.