Among the product deals is an assorted sunglass pack of 144 pairs, wholesaling for $90 or $0.62 apiece. Offered with a counter display that holds 12 pairs, these assorted frames, colors and styles make for a great impulse buy. “Our sunglasses are offered with a lifetime guarantee. All are UV 400 protected, and come with polycarbonate lenses,” notes Bartholio. Like many sunglass wholesalers, Screamin Dealz claims to stay up on the latest fashions, many times getting ahead of trends and being a trendsetter in the industry. Bartholio pointed out some up and coming trends. “Wider lenses will continue to grow in popularity,” he notes, “and as always, those streamline sports sunglasses will sell well.” It was no surprise that like many other sunglass wholesalers forecasted, Screamin Dealz found that Aviator styles were still a hot trend for the 2012 season.

Other great buys include disposable and refillable butane lighters that start at $0.15 wholesale, men’s and women’s fedora hats for $2 wholesale, and supplements wholesaling for $0.50 and up. “We sell items at 40 to 50 percent their retail value,” Bartholio explains. “For instance, an item that costs $5 retail, we sell for $2.25 wholesale.” With no minimum order, retailers can mix and match from Screamin Dealz merchandise categories and stay within a reasonable budget. “We are a leading stop for many dollar store retailers looking for great deals and a variety of items,” adds Bartholio.

While prices and products are Screamin Dealz’ specialties, the company has also taken the time to focus on POP displays to help retailers market their purchased items in their stores. Similar to the company’s counter display sunglass offer, buyers can purchase large case packs of lighters and novelty items, and display a quantity of nine or 50 at a time with an associated POP display. For other items offered such as apparel and hats, a display may not be part of the package, but Bartholio is certain the product won’t need much marketing. “Our women’s fedora hats and cadet hats are in style,” he says. “Our straw hats and urban hats have also been a big hit, along with jewelry.”

A look at Screamin Dealz’ newest products indicates that the company continues to expand on its variety, testing the market to find the newest trends, and then offering them at the lowest prices. “Our parent company is a trend setting company, and Screamin Dealz is no different,” says Bartholio. Besides the belts, women’s scarves and biker wallets that can be found in the “What’s New” section of Screamin Dealz’ website, Bartholio tells buyers to keep their eye out for mobile electronics and accessories. This merchandise category will soon appear on the company website, he adds.

For more information:

Screamin Dealz
215 N 1800 W
Lindon, UT 84042
Tel.: 720-325-8533
Fax: 801-785-8830
Email: brentbartholio@pugsgear.com
Website: http://screamindealz.com

New License Handbag Lineup

With wholesale prices of $20 or less, retailers can’t go wrong with Aliz International’s handbags, especially its licensed celebrity bags, which continue to sell well season after season. It doesn’t always need to be about a new concept, mentions Tran, just a little reinvention and freshening up. While the entire line of Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley handbags was given a fresh look last spring, Tran couldn’t resist the offer to work with well known artist, Betty Harper. Harper, a portrait artist with a special hand for drawing the King of Rock n’ Roll, became the official artist for Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2006 and is helping Aliz with its new line. “Betty Harper’s imagination knows no boundaries, and with her talent our bags will have a fresh and unique look, marking some of the momentous events and times of Elvis’ life,” notes Tran.

To Download Click HERE

The King of Rock n’ Roll isn’t the only licensed line that has Tran excited and Aliz working at full speed. A new funky and retro line featuring famous pinup girl, Bettie Page, is also soon to be launched. In fact, at the ASD Las Vegas show in March (Booth C2775), Aliz will be showcasing the innovative line featuring the “woman with the perfect figure.” Aliz assures retailers it has put in the effort to stay ahead of trends and the competition, and is offering a long list of hot items customers are looking for.

For more information:
Aliz International, Inc.
11136 Satellite Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32837
Toll Free: 1-888-289-2541
Fax: 407-438-0122
Email: info@alizhandbags.com
Website: www.alizbags.com

Nostalia Keeps Customers and Collectors Coming Back

Nostalgic Images started grabbing collectors’ attention in 1990 with a wide range of tin signs mounted on 16 inch by 20 inch artist blackboard.  Over the next few years the line continued to grow adding high quality street and parking signs along with collector art prints and 3D art prints. “We have also added high quality closeouts of every shape and size to give our customers a more complete wholesale buying experience. We now have over 700 designs of tin signs along with 300 designs of street, parking, and collector art prints,” notes Boldman. One of the most successful products this year for our customers has been the Original Sock Monkey™ line.  The line includes hats, gloves, scarves, children sets, traditional monkeys, and our patented Superfly™ sock monkey.

The success of its new lines is no surprise. Nostalgic Images knows a lot about reacting quickly to popular demand, something that Boldman says will keep the company going steady in 2012. The company has also seen success over the past year due to its updated website. “The shopping experience is quicker and easier for customers. The old site got a little outdated, and it was sometimes hard for people to find what they wanted,” says Boldman, the driving force behind the improvements. A quick look at NostalgicImages.com shows “Featured Products” on the homepage, which change daily. “It gives customers a good reason to check in frequently,” Boldman adds, “as we’re always updating and refreshing our stock.” Nostalgic Images’ new site also features a “New Items” and “Popular Items” category at the bottom of the homepage, and the Closeouts and Metal Signs area is now searchable by category. “

We just wanted to make this as simple as we could for our customers,” Boldman says, “and we believe we’ve succeeded. It will continue to be an asset in the new year.” For Nostalgic Images the future is hopeful as people continue to grow their collections. By remaining true to its niche market, practicing an aggressive business model, and providing top of the line customer service, Nostalgic Images can feel confident about the upcoming year.

For more information:
Nostalgic Images
26012 Nostalgic Road
Defiance, OH 43512
Tel.: 419-784-1728
Fax: 419-782-9459
Email: info@nostalgicimages.com
Website: www.nostalgicimages.com

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Designing a Display Concept

With the launch of the site July, independent retailers can now access thousands of store fixtures and display products customizable to their store type. “We carry about 80 percent of the display products needed to open a store,” notes TJ Arrabito, sales manager. “Our most popular lines are garment racks and slatwall, but we also offer other display types such as shelving units and mannequins, as well as consumables like hangars, body forms and hardware.” Display tables are the most basic and universal form of display, drawing attention from shoppers.  Tables are customer-friendly, inviting shoppers to touch and feel the merchandise, which more often results in a sale.

Stores looking to create a traditional, upscale environment may opt for wooden display tables, accented by dress forms for a boutique feel.  Modern retailers can go in a different direction by choosing acrylic display tables with rounded edges. Tables made from modern materials will pair well with other modern-style display items, such as brightly-colored mannequins. “Slatwalls are a popular option because they help showcase product and maximize space.  We also make coordinated floor and wall display collections, giving the store a put together feel,” adds Arrabito. There are endless options for store owners to create the most effective settings to pique consumer interest and increase sales.

Just as there is a large selection of product to be found on FixturesandDisplays.com, the materials used are also diverse, and include acrylics, wire, polyurethane and Paper Mache. Pricing is competitive and affordable, and with no minimum orders, processing or repackaging fees, retailers can be assured smooth customer service. As the website lists, two important features distinguish FixturesandDisplays.com from other online store fixture and display websites:

1) We have contracted with our manufacturers to bring live inventory information so that you know what you need is available now.

2)We have leveraged our volume in multiple industries with well-known freight carriers to bring you the lowest rates available anywhere.  Not only will you see options for small package carriers, but you will also see freight rates from truck lines when your order is too large for small package carriers.  The freight savings will be enormous.

Arrabito adds, “Future customer friendly features include a possible information store planning page, which will provide retailers with unique and alluring ways to setup their store.” Until then, retailers can browse and brainstorm at www.fixturesanddisplays.com.

For more information:
Fixtures and Displays
Toll Free: 800-764-8544
Email: cs@fixturesanddisplays.com
Website: www.fixturesanddisplays.com

“We looked at several buildings, and had one specifically in mind that appeared to be vacant and we were able to come to terms with the owner,” says Marty Kirkendall, marketing director for Duke Imports. “What we were looking for was something that was larger than the combined size of our original building and the warehouse we rented, so we had room to grow beyond that capacity. The square footing is between 75,000 to 80,000 square feet, about five times the size of our former building, so we have a lot of room now and we’re filling it up.” Kirkendall notes that the extra space allows the company to keep its stock current, as well as replenished. “A lot of our customers buy in big quantities,” he says. “We need space where we have enough inventory to not get into stock-out situations, and we had some problems with that in the smaller building because we just didn’t have the space to bring in a large quantity of everything. Now we’re at a point where stock-outs very seldom occur, and when they do, it’s only a couple of days to a week.” Duke Imports also plans on increasing the number of containers at the warehouse by 10 to 15 percent, because the business is growing and adding new customers on a daily basis.

There was not much talk of moving out of Kendallville, Kirkendall says, as the city is well-positioned at the intersection of I-80 and I-90 going east and west and I-69 running north and south. In addition, the company is up to ten employees at the location. Kirkendall says that only four years ago, the company employed only three, adding two or three new people every year since that point as the company continues to grow.

Selling Sheets in Sensational Numbers at Reasonable Wholesale Prices

“We just keep chipping away,” Kirkendall says. “We maintain an online presence on our website, and do advertising on all the major search engines. The pace we are growing is comfortable. One thing that is important is that we’re very service oriented. Our general rule of thumb is just about every sale made is shipped the same day it’s placed.” One of the hallmarks of the company is its high quality product. Prices are competitive in the market, without sacrificing quality. “Sometimes our price may be a little higher, but we can virtually guarantee that our quality is going to be a lot higher. We actively seek out products of competitors and purchase them from vendors to compare their goods with ours, and based on current quality standards and measurements, we’re always ahead of the pack,” Kirkendall adds.

Duke Imports’ 800 Regal Comfort sheets (plain and prints), single comforters and medium weight blankets have sold well. Kirkendall adds that Duke will begin selling two new product lines of blankets in the second week of November. The extra soft, extra plush luxury items consist of a line featuring designs of various animals with Sherpa backing, as well as a line of animal skins. There will be a total of around one dozen different designs at first. The company requires a minimum order of $200, and offers a one time purchase at break-price level to new customers (a promotional code is offered in the Independent Retailer magazine ad). A volume discount on sheets is also offered, as customers that purchase a full pallet of sheets receive free shipping. A full pallet of sheets is 36 cases, with 12 to a case, for a total of 432 sets of sheets. “In an economy like we’re in right now where there’s a lot of unemployment, a lot of things aren’t quite happening like people would like them to,” Kirkendall says. “Because of that, a lot of people are coming to us to either start small businesses, so they can make ends meet, or they’ve run their course with unemployment payments and they need to make money to live on. We believe that’s one reason why our business has been so strong. We’ve picked up people that had to do something and decided that this was the thing to do.”

Duke Imports continues to expand its product line. “We have a new line that should be here in time for the Christmas season and be available and ready to order on our website before Black Friday. Customers should keep their eye on our site, because it’s going to be a great product, a luxury-level item available at a very reasonable price. We feel like Emeril Lagasse, when he says ‘kick it up a notch.’ We’re kicking our business up a notch or two with a new product that’s really nice,” notes Kirkendall.

For more information:
Duke Imports
1105 North Williams St.
P.O. Box 888
Angola, IN 46703
Tel.: 260-665-1100
Email: info@dukeimports.com
Website: www.dukeimports.com

Kole Imports, over the past quarter-century, has positioned itself as a leading and innovative player in the dollar and discount retail industry. For example, when Kole began selling party favors, the company did not want to offer just two or three party favors; they wanted a complete line: 20 to 30 items. It was incredibly challenging in the 1980s and 1990s to come up with excellent merchandise that could be sold for $1. Today, it is even tougher, due to the weakening of the dollar and the run-up in petroleum prices in recent years. That’s why Kole, in addition to its dollar store line, sells a line of products priced at $5 to $10 per item. “We take a rather simplistic but effective approach to each of the items we sell,” says Danny Kole, president of Kole Imports. “We look at it and ask ourselves, ‘Is this item a great deal for this price?’ If we think it is a great deal, we buy it. If we do not think it is a great deal, we don’t buy. We want retailers and their shoppers to say, ‘Wow, I got a great deal on that item’.”

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Promotions to Help Partnering Retailers

For its first 23 years, Kole was primarily an import/export company. “We have changed that in recent years, so that we are a closeout company as well,” says the president. “Last year, 20 percent of our sales were closeouts. That is a giant shift in two years. We have a whole staff looking for closeouts.” Another big change Kole Imports made to its line is the addition of Promo Pallets, which are prepackaged displays of merchandise. At trade shows around the country, mainstream retailers often came into the Kole booths to declare that they loved the Kole product line, but did not know which items to buy or how to display them. The company solved both problems with the addition of Promo Pallets, which are displays available in different sizes: starter pallets, floor displays, counter top displays, premium item pallets and dump displays. Pallet categories include automotive, general merchandise, tools and hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, pet supplies, school and office and toys. “If a retailer has 50 stores, they can make a decision and perhaps put one pallet in each store for a quick promotion,” says Kole. “The great thing about these pallets is that it takes literally less than a minute to open the box and set up the display. This merchandise is priced to allow the retailer to sell it for $1 retail, and still make a healthy profit margin.”

After 25 years in business, Kole Imports is still going strong, sourcing great products, coming up with new ideas, and preparing for a long and successful future. What sets Kole Imports apart? “We add new products and closeouts on a regular basis,” says Kole in a recent article. Customers will see the Kole difference, as the company offers them detailed product descriptions for easier selection, which includes product name, real quantity in stock, UPC, detailed pictures, weight, brand name, color, length, width, height and more. “We look at our customers as our partners. That may sound corny, but we are clear on one reality; if our customers don’t do well, we don’t do well. Our slogan is, we are, ‘Your Profit Source.’ Every person from the sales department to the shipping department understands what that means to us,” adds Kole.

For more information:
Kole Imports
24600 Main Street
Carson, CA 90745
Toll Free: 800-874-7766
Fax: 800-292-1818
Email: email@koleimports.com
Website: www.koleimports.com and www.promopallets.com

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Handbags with a High-end Feel at a Good-value Price

It was just this spring that Aliz International released an updated line of its licensed handbags with a more high fashion feel. “We’ve taken our Betty Boop, Elvis and Marilyn styles and given them a fresh new look. These bags are so popular, they’re now being sold in high-end boutiques,” Tran notes in a recent company update. Glitter Zebra bags have also continued to do well after their initial introduction last holiday season. These are available in nearly five dozen different styles. “All exotic animal prints are in this season, including zebra and leopard print,” says Tran. And for those customers interested in less print and more fur, the company offers a Fur-bulous line for that same exotic look with a different furry feel. Aliz International’s new fall lineup doesn’t end there, as other styles in high demand this fall and holiday season include Victorian-inspired and stud-covered designs.

For those retailers who’d like to try a variety of the company’s products, Aliz offers a special assortment of 50 bags in two different choices. The first is a Manager’s Special that contains factory samples and discontinued styles for only $200. The second is the Trendy Pick, with an assortment of 50 of the newest best sellers, also for $200. Both sets of bags are valued over $1,000. All other orders must meet a $100 minimum, otherwise there will be an additional $10 for handling. “Our in house designers work closely with our factory in carefully selecting materials, hardware, styles and all the fine details to perfect our bags. New trendy styles are available year round to update retailers’ selections and our designs are emphasized in where fashion meets function,” emphasizes Tran.

For more information:
Aliz International, Inc.
11136 Satellite Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32837
Tel: 407-438-8816
Toll Free: 1-888-buy-aliz
Fax: 407-438-0122
Email: info@alizhandbags.com
Website: www.alizbags.com

Greeting Cards: A Necessity for Every Retail Gift Section

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Wholesaling for $0.18 per card, retailers can charge anywhere between $2.50 and $4 per unit, making a profit while still providing an affordable product for customers on a tight budget. “All greeting cards, but particularly our greeting cards, are recession proof. Not everyone can afford a gift, but at these prices everyone will be able to afford a card,” notes Fenwick. And with no minimum order, as well as POP displays as compact as a 12 pocket counter spinner, retailers can start small to test the market. “We encourage buyers to start slow and build up their greeting card section. They can easily invest in any of our displays with no contract, adding on as they go,” says Fenwick. In fact, the wholesaler offers a whole range of card displays and fixtures, from cardboard displays to a 44 foot wooden showcase or even a smaller fixture with the ability to add on as a retailer’s gift section grows.

Sample sets and package deals are also available for those retailers feeling out the market.  The sample set includes 25 greeting cards with 25 envelopes, which are perfect to review, keep on hand or sell. The package deals include anywhere from 100 to 20 category-specific cards. A popular selection is the Birthday Bonanza collection, in which retailers receive 100 designs, and 1 six pack per design (600 greeting cards and 600 envelopes). According to the company website, “This is a birthday blockbuster money maker and a big favorite. With this one affordable order you get 100 different designs of our best selling, most requested birthday general greeting cards. This incredible variety pack includes a full and complete range of styles, featuring strong, vivid designs printed in Chicago on bright, premium paper. Beautiful birthday cards, beautiful profit margins, order this deal now and turn your greeting card department into a cash cow!” Fenwick admits that birthday cards remain the top selling category for greeting cards. “Everyone has a birthday,” he says.  Yet retailers are advised to look out for other cash cow opportunities and not to miss out on trends like the increasingly popular musical greeting card or new holiday favorites, like Halloween cards.

For more information:
Stockwell Greetings
7115 West North Ave #190
Oak Park, IL 60302
Toll Free: 877-906-2211
Fax: 877-906-2214
Email: Use online form
Website: www.stockwellgreetings.com

Wholesaler’s Acquisition Expands Product Lines and Customer Base

Trippies’ polyresin giftware and Opportunity Buys’ large variety of general merchandise were a perfect complement to one another, and true to its name, Opportunity Buys now offers the best opportunity and products for retailers to make the sales they need in some of the toughest times. “The company benefited from the expanded customer base, and the customers benefited from the expanded product lines,” says Tim Chocklett, president of Opportunity Buys. While there used to be a minimum order, Chocklett mentions there is no longer a need for one, as the average order is now over $500 because there is so much to pick from. “Customers can mix and match their order, selecting from our many merchandise categories. They also benefit from placing a large order, as the larger the order the lower the freight they’ll have to pay,” he notes.

While the company has been abuzz since the acquisition in February, and many customers are already benefiting, late summer and early fall are going to be the most exciting, says Chocklett. “It has taken several months to get everything organized. I spent the whole month of April in China talking to manufacturers,” he adds. Opportunity Buys is just receiving the complete inventory in stock, and a catalog is now available. Chocklett invites retailers to visit the company website to see the new offers, saying, “View these great items now and order today. They are moving quickly and won’t last long.”

For more information:
Opportunity Buys, Inc.
1515 Brookville Crossing Way
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Tel.: 317-353-6684
Toll Free: 800-894-2816
Fax: 317-353-6694
Website: www.obiwholesale.com

Working Towards Recovery

Independent retailers are forewarned to keep an eye on the well-known competitor. Walmart is currently looking for resolutions to prevent any further decline in sales. Among these resolutions are:

1) Replacement of non-essential items such as clothing and home furnishings. Budgeted shoppers have increasd their spending on groceries and household goods. As CNN reports, “Recognizing these shifts in how consumers are shopping at its stores, Walmart this year started to add more groceries and household goods to its shelves, and said it would get even more aggressive on prices in order to grab more of its customers’ dollars in every shopping trip.”

2) The introduction of a buyback plan. For investor reassurance, Walmart has initiated a $15 billion share buyback plan. Shareholders involved in the program are no longer burdened by dropping stock price, but those holding on to their stock are watching as the Walton Family’s control increases. As the Bloomberg report states in a recent article, “Repurchases have boosted the founding Walton family’s ownership to about 48 percent as of March. It’s estimated the family may gain a majority of the shares by the end of next year.”

3) The effort to be green. And while most green initiatives and products are associated with high prices, Walmart doesn’t think its customers should have to choose between a product that is better for them and one they can afford. Leslie Dach, EVP of Corporate Affairs for Walmart, says in a recent interview with Fortune, “Being green will actually save money for all parties involved, the stores and customers. It will fuel the productivity loop, which helps Walmart lower costs and in turn, prices.”

4) The initiative to open smaller stores. As Walmart is running out of locations for its big shopping centers and running out of ideas to boost its declining revenue, the company is looking to roll out a nationwide implementation of small express stores. These 15,000 square-foot express convenience stores will allow Walmart to enter urban markets, as well as some rural towns.