GFD Spells Incense Profits

GFD Imports, based in Ohio, is best known as a distributor of the extremely popular, Wild Berry Incense, but also carries an extensive line of other scented products, including cones, fragrance oils and the newest addition, candles. “We also have a large selection of incense burners,” says Sydney Ferrario, who sells to a variety of outlets including tanning salons, gas stations, head shops, smoke shops, and boutiques. Scented products and incense always enjoy a strong following, but GFD has an edge over the competition, based on sales reports... 

Back to Basics with ABC Hosiery

As ABC Hosiery’s website states, “Operating a hosiery business is not easy,” but after nearly 30 years in the wholesale hosiery industry, Tony Grady still loves the business and takes pleasure in providing high quality products and one-on-one customer service. “Even in a sluggish economy everyone still needs the basics, and that includes socks and underwear. For that reason we continue to make sales,” says Grady, president of ABC Hosiery. It was five years ago that Grady merged his company, Grady Distributions, with ABC Hosiery, and now,... 

VBag Expands Baggie Biz

While business expansion is an indication of success, VBag Packaging’s newest distribution location in Chicago instead speaks to the supplier’s dedication to its customers. “In today’s economy where there is a high cost for raw materials and increasing shipping prices, we decided to open a warehouse in Chicago that would service our Northern tier customers in an immediate fashion. We are better able to keep costs low, as we no longer have to ship from Austin, Texas,” explains Ken Krauss, sales and warehouse manager of VBag Packaging. A... 

Healthy & Fresh Snacks

An early advocate of no sugar, no salt and pure healthy snacking, Mister Snacks, remains a supplier of healthy alternative snacks to the traditional choices. Although the company’s products have evolved over the years, adding the flavors of chocolate, yogurt, pepper and other hints of spice, Stephen Stern, VP of sales, notes, “Even with a little sweetness and salt in the mix, our products offer a healthier snack for anyone looking to eat something better than a candy bar or bag of chips, and nearly every item is Kosher.” In the snack business,... 

Pacific Link Values Variety

Pacific Link’s business model is simple. “We sell to anybody who buys wholesale sunglasses. It could be jobbers, convenience stores, department stores, or kiosks in the mall,” says Ron Bryan, sales and marketing director for the sunglass wholesaler. Just as the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the proof of the value is in the variety. “We have 900 plus skus,” notes Bryan. “We carry a full line of sunglasses and sunglass accessories, displays, that sort of thing.” Pacific Link even carries its own sports sunglass line, Element... 

Competitive Cotton Apparel

While other clothing wholesalers and retailers are faced with the challenges of increased fuel costs and raw material prices, Cotton Connection continues to offer competitive pricing. “We can meet or beat any published price,” says Ibrahim Kothawala, director of operations. A wholesaler of activewear in Chicago and the Midwest, Cotton Connection began in 1980 on the north side of Chicago and quickly expanded. Now the company sells to independent retailers, screen printers and embroiderers. As a distributor of Fruit of the Loom, Gildan and Jerzees... 

Historical Parchment Replicas

People interested in the culture and events of the past, frequently visit battle sites, interactive exhibits and museum IMAX movies. However, with the help of the Historical Document Company, history can come to life at home as well. The company offers authentic historical document replicas, and aims to preserve America’s history and help educate people about our rich heritage through parchment paper replicas. For a wholesale price of $0.75 per single page document, independent retailers can sell each replica for a 200 percent markup, from $1.99... 

Odom’s Delivers Truckload Profits

If you ask manager of Odom’s Wholesale, Addison Everett, “How many product lines do you carry and how many individual items do you sell?” he responds, “We sell all kinds of things. We offer far too many product lines to count them all!” And while Everett’s response may seem broad, it is telling of the broad spectrum of product that Odom’s Wholesale both imports and manufactures. While the wholesale business officially began in 1991, Odom’s Wholesale has a history and a family name behind it. Jim Odom was manufacturing and selling... 

Aromatherapy From L&V

Retired from a successful career in the satellite TV business, Luis Santoni, owner of L&V Creations, still remains a focused businessman, operating a family owned fragrance business. As aromatherapy becomes popularly accepted in the treatment of pain and stress, interest increases in home therapy fragrance products. “We have 1,200 to 1,500 customers worldwide,” Santoni says. “That didn’t happen by accident.” L&V carries one of the largest selections of aroma lamps and fragrance oils, and more than 160 fragrances. All products... 

Profit Trends from Monster Trendz

Carrying about 1,200 skus of today’s trendy jewelry and souvenirs, Monster Trendz’ products are popular in the Caribbean and Hawaii, as well as among head shops, smoke shops, gift stores and souvenir outlets. Matt Huusko, founder and CEO of Monster Trendz, describes one of the leading trends known as friendship bracelets, saying, “We’ve got all styles, old and new, deep and wide, and they wholesale for only four cents apiece, with retailers getting $2 and up for them. Usually most of our merchandise sells for a four time markup, so it’s... 

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