Miami China Sourcing Fair

After its successful launch in 2011, Global Sources’ first U.S. based China Sourcing Fair has become an annual event. This July 10 to 12, Asian based manufacturers of consumer products and buyers, primarily from the North and Latin American markets, will come together again at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, FL. “We are expecting the show’s population to nearly double. Last year we had about 600 to 650 manufacturers and suppliers, and this year we are expecting 800,” says Bill Janeri, general manager at Global Sources. “We... 

Regent’s Value Lines

Regent Products Corp., typically known for direct imports, domestic general merchandise and dollar store items, has seen increasing interest in its name brand closeouts over the past year. Carrying products that range from automotive to baby and everything in between, sales manager, Ken Soens, says pets and plastics have been among some of the best moving products. “We maintain about 20 different categories with more than 3,000 items,” says Soens. “Seasonal merchandise also continues to be a big part of our business.” A visible leader in... 

Wholesale Buys Made Easy

Many wholesalers promise that they have every product a retailer might need, but Discount Wholesalers is true to its word, acting as a one stop shop to meet retailers’ multiple product needs. Well known for its supply of thousands of everyday necessities in the categories of general merchandise, health and beauty, cosmetics, and paper products, the wholesaler is now offering extensive lines of clothing, shoes and domestics. However, it isn’t just the selection that keeps executive sales manager, Saja Stark, busy all day. “Our products sell... 

Pinups & Trendy Purses

Keeping up with fashion is an ongoing process, and retailers are well advised to set aside some time at least every season to stock up on the latest trends in apparel and accessories, including handbags. For retailers to be prepared, their wholesale suppliers such as Aliz International have to put in the leg work, investigating and testing trends for the seasons to come. Working in such a competitive market requires a continual cycle of innovative and new ideas, and sometimes an addition to the team. A new in-house designer, born in Hong Kong, a... 

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... 

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