Independent Retailer » Company Update

Miami China Sourcing Fair

Publisher — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:01:51 +0000

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 also had about 7,000 attendees, and we are expecting this number to increase as well.”

China Sourcing Fair Miami Repeating Success

North and Latin American retailers will have the opportunity to conduct face-to-face evaluations, as well as discuss direct sourcing with many of these manufacturers. Exhibitors will be organized on the tradeshow floor based on the original six categories, which include electronics, baby and children’s products, home products, gifts and premiums, fashion accessories, garments and textiles, plus an additional seventh category, hardware and building materials. Buyers can also diversify their supply base with new manufacturers from India. With inventive suppliers in various industries, the new India Sourcing Fair (additional venue) in Miami can help add variety to any product line. Janeri ensures retailers looking to buy directly from the manufacturer, “We look to serve all buyers at the China Sourcing fair, from big to medium to small. Along with big and medium sized buyers, these manufacturers are happy to meet smaller buyers, who typically spend thousands of dollars a month.”

For those less experienced in the operations of direct sourcing, the China Sourcing Fair offers a one day seminar series, “How to Source from China.” Presented by Mike Bellamy, chairman of China Sourcing Information Center, the seminar will provide a forum for buyers to gain insights on product quality control, logistics, and supplier payment strategies, as well as boost knowledge on greater China’s supply markets.

For more information:
Global Sources, Inc.
Email: visit@chinasourcingfair.com
Website: www.chinasourcingfair.com/miami

Regent’s Value Lines

Publisher — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:01:29 +0000

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 the wholesale and closeouts industry, Regent Corp. utilizes multiple touch points to make its sales representatives and merchandise accessible to customers. These include a revamped ecommerce site, multiple merchandise showrooms, as well as everyday and seasonal catalogs. The company also maintains a tradeshow schedule of 30 to 50 shows a year. Attending shows year round keeps Regent in the limelight and helps to maintain a good reputation for the company’s showcased merchandise.

Some popular items from Regent are back to school items, including book covers, construction paper, crayons and more, sold for $1.50 or less wholesale. Among seasonal items, retailers will find a large offering of Christmas supplies, including baking cups, baskets, garlands, and bows, also $1.50 or less wholesale. “All in all, we try to maintain good prices to help our retailers,” notes Soens, “many of which are reselling these goods at price points of $1.99, $3, $5 and $7, or many times the price of two for three.” Besides low prices and increasing closeout offers, Regent has also reviewed its merchandise, removing products from the catalog that are not moving as well, or increasing the size of some items so retailers get more for their money. Retailers can get started with a minimum order of $250. “Every order is important, whether it’s for a new or longtime customer. We always offer discounts from the get go, and believe we offer extreme product value in terms of pricing and packaging,” says Soens.

For more information:

Regent Products Corp.

8999 Palmer Street

River Grove, IL 60171

Toll Free: 800-583-1001

Tel.: 708-583-1000

Fax: 708-583-1400

Email: sales@regentproducts.com

Website: www.regentproducts.com

Wholesale Buys Made Easy

Publisher — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:01:16 +0000

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 because we move them at heavily discounted prices that make the merchandise even more valuable for our buyers,” Stark explains, adding, “For example, an item that might manifest in a store for $2 and would normally wholesale for $1, we have available for 40 cents.” This is the case for all of Discount Wholesalers’ rapidly evolving inventory, available to buyers at 25 to 65 percent of the typical wholesale price.

Discount Wholesalers Bigger and Better in the New Year

The wholesaler also leaves an impression on its buyers by implementing best practices. Low prices, quality, availability and organization are expected from the company and have been key in making sales. Discount Wholesalers is working towards fulfilling its New Year’s resolution of even faster turnaround times, as well as easier and more shipping options. Already making headway in keeping this resolution, the company has opened a new FOB point in Atlanta, GA, providing southern clientele with an opportunity to save on shipping. “We are all about streamlining processes and operations, making it easier for us and our buyers,” says Stark.

Another goal for the year is to offer cleaner products, removing store returns and damaged goods from the pallets available. “We take a great deal of pride in offering clean, new, name brand, Made in the USA, original cased and shelf pulled products. Basically, the names people are looking for at a small fraction of their original value,” Stark emphasizes. “We offer goods by the case, pallet and the truckload to accommodate customers of any size, regardless if they are around the corner or on the other side of the world.”

Helping to achieve these goals is the company website www.discountwholesalers.com, which provides an online space to efficiently and effectively showcase every item the company offers. Customers are presented with categories for easy identification, as well as product visuals promising, what you see is what you get. However, Stark confirms that while manifests may be accessible online, they are more or less an example, as inventory is constantly rolling in and out of the warehouse. “It is suggested that buyers look online first, but follow up with a call to obtain the most up-to-date manifests,” Stark says. Simply stated, Discount Wholesalers’ online presence helps keep necessary product information together in an organized manner for visitors and buyers to access, allowing for a smoother operation when searching for a product, placing an order, or prepping for shipment.

For more information:
Discount Wholesalers Inc.
1985 Toconderoga Blvd Ste 27
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Tel.: 610-458-1131
Fax: 610-458-1190
Website: www.discountwholesalers.com

Pinups & Trendy Purses

Publisher — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:01:12 +0000

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 graduate of design in Australia, and a frequent international traveler, gives Aliz International’s in-house design team that cultural edge it has been looking for. “Our in-house designers work closely with our factory in selecting materials, hardware, styles and all the fine details to perfect our bags,” says Rosanna Tran, VP of Aliz. “And with our new team member, we can be sure Aliz has distinctive insights on fashion, design and culture.”

New handbags, New Team Member, New Sales

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, in designing an additional line of Elvis Presley bags. 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.

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.

As always, for retailers who try a variety of the company’s products, Aliz offers a special assortment of 50 bags in two different arrangements. 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 is an additional $10 charge for handling.

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

GFD Spells Incense Profits

Publisher — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:01:23 +0000

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 from the field. “We’ve gotten a good turnover and repeat business for our product,” says Ferrario. “Combined with our customer service, GFD Imports has a lot to offer.”

Fun and Functional Fragrances for Any Home

Carrying close to 100 different fragrances, all of them true to their names, there are a few highlighted best sellers. These include the Wild Berry Incense, Fizzy Pop, Patchouli and Ocean Wind. “Essentially, we have something for everyone,” notes Ferrario. The company offers its incense stick products in three sizes; Biggie Sticks are 19 inch sticks that burn for over three hours each, Shorty Sticks offer four inches of incense, and most popular are the 11 inch sticks. “Our 11 inch sticks wholesale for $8 per hundred, retailing for $20 per hundred,” says Ferrario. “However, we ask our customers, especially those just starting out, to invest in a starter kit.”

GFD recommends a starter kit for first time orders. “We have one kit that wholesales for $335 and includes two bundles, or 200 sticks of each of the 18 top selling fragrances, for a total of 3,600 sticks,” Ferrario notes. “It also comes with display jars, a display stand, 400 Ziploc bags, a POP sign and a window sign. It will return at least $720 at retail,” he adds. In addition, GFD will include an extra free bundle of incense sticks to be sold or given away as samples, plus 18 free ash catchers that normally retail for $1.99 each. If retailers are looking for a more basic starter kit, or even one with the works, GFD Imports has other package deals available.

“We’re here to help everyone,” Ferrario says. “We strive for our customers to double their money at a minimum.” Ferrario also makes it known that GFD Imports is proud to distribute its all time best seller, Wild Berry Incense. “Over 6,000 stores in the U.S. carry it,” he adds. “It is also sold in South America, Europe, and Japan.” The company offers a guarantee that if within 60 days retailers do not sell more than half of the opening order (Wild Berry or other products), GFD will buy back the remaining stock at wholesale. “Just send back the display materials, along with the bags and incense, and we will send a check within 10 days,” explains Ferrario.

For more information:
GFD Imports
Wild Berry Incense Distributors
P.O. Box 526
Oxford, OH 45056
Tel.: 765-732-3812
Toll Free: 800-824-6521
Fax: 765-732-3314
Email: syd@incensewholesale.com
Website: www.incensewholesale.com

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Back to Basics with ABC Hosiery

Publisher — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:01:40 +0000

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, the company both distributes and manufactures socks, underwear, T-shirts and ladies pantyhose, supplying to independent retailers and small to mid size wholesalers.

Hosiery Basics and Best Sellers

ABC Hosiery manufactures Made in the USA products, but also offers GILDAN brand socks, providing retailers with a well known quality sock. “We are also the distributor and owner of Red Rose Hosiery,” adds Grady. Red Rose products supplement all pantyhose needs, from sheer, control top, thigh high to knee high. And while pantyhose have become more of a regional necessity, notes Grady, “it’s the men’s’ athletic socks that are our best sellers. Once upon a time casual socks were not a hot item for all businessmen dressing up for work, but today our business model has become so casual that athletic sock sales have hit the charts.”

Whatever the products of choice, retailers can expect to make at least keystone. And when it comes to wholesale cost, Grady says, “We won’t be undersold. I could sell kids socks under $3 a dozen all day, and some ladies’ socks go for $2 a dozen. Our prices accommodate dollar stores and other higher priced independent retailers.” There are no price minimums, but buyers should expect to purchase by the case (15 dozen). ABC Hosiery offers other special features such as promotional items and cardboard shipper displays, which come free with certain product orders. There is also an online section strictly devoted to closeouts. “Constant deals can be found in our closeouts section, and they change monthly so retailers should check back frequently,” Grady says.

For Tony Grady it’s more than a sock and underwear business, it’s a passion. “I tell customers if they are having trouble selling anything to call me. I’ll find a price that works for them. I’ll give them a credit and have them try something new. I want to help them find what will work in their store,” he says.

For more information:
ABC Hosiery
426 South Cross St./ PO Box 218
Youngsville, NC 27596
Tel.: 919-556-5630
Fax: 919-556-0580
Email: info@myabchosiery.com
Website: www.myabchosiery.com

VBag Expands Baggie Biz

Publisher — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:01:03 +0000

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 supplier of a diverse line of zip seal plastic bags and a few open end bags, VBag began manufacturing 20 years ago in China. It was in 2003 that the owners decided to establish a warehouse and distributorship in America, eliminating import costs that were previously part of the customer’s expense.

Baggie Variety at Low Value Prices

VBag Packaging’s 14,000 plus products are now available to other suppliers and retailers, wholesaling at $1.35 to $2.50 per unit. Among the product lines are zip seal baggies that range small to large in size. Added features like hang holes help retailers market the product on already existing peg boards, while writable white block labeling allows proper labeling of the bag’s contents for easier identification. The company also offers novelty designs, including hearts, animal prints, alien images and an extensive line of apple designs. “The bags featuring a design are used primarily for novelty product packaging. We also offer custom designs, but a minimum purchase is required as these projects require more time and specialized manufacturing,” says Krauss. And while the company’s product line is primarily an extensive collection of zip seal bags, open end bags are also available in small and medium sizes, with both clear and colorful tints.

Bags can be made with a variety of plastic films, and polyethylene (LDPE), an oil byproduct, is the most common. Like most plastic bags, VBag Packaging’s baggie products contain polyethelene. “It is true that the by-product makes our product subject to oil price changes, but in comparison to some of the other alternatives, polyethelene is the more economical plastic for this product. Some greener choices become just as pricey, if not more so than our polyethelene preference,” emphasizes Krauss. “Again, our expansion has helped us in cutting these increasing costs for our customers.” With customers always in the forefront, VBag Packaging asks for no more than a minimum order of a full case pack, but also accepts orders by the pallet, allowing for possible volume discounts. Shipping charges are not included in pricing, and in order to place an order, customers must create a login on the company website.

For more information:
VBag Packaging Supply
3101 Longhorn Blvd., Ste. 106
Austin, TX 78758
Tel.: 512-832-6666
Fax: 512-832-6660
Email: vbag@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.vbagpkg.com

Healthy & Fresh Snacks

Publisher — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:01:31 +0000

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, it doesn’t pay to be stale, and Mister Snacks is working hard to constantly bring fresh new products to market that fulfill retailers’ expected profit margins and please their customers’ taste buds. With several offers, including Trail Mixes, Savory and Crunchy combinations, and Chocolate and Yogurt blends, wholesaling for $1.30 for a five to six ounce bag and retailing for $2.29, both goals can be met.

Fresh and Tastey Impulse Buys

The wholesale supplier’s best-selling collection is Sunbird Snacks, a premium offer of the highest quality products. Sunbird Snacks’ Big Bag line is the right size for most locations, and a favorite of retailers who have carried Mister Snacks products for 30 years. In addition to the Big Bag line, Sunbird Snacks also come in the following subcategory product lines: Premium, Gourmet, Party Size, Snack Size and Bulk. “We offer the same products in our Party Size for the grocery trade, and a single serving Snack Size for locations that require a lower retail price at the counter. Our Premium Line gives customers an elegant look, with a selection of fine chocolate and nuts, while the Gourmet Line offers the gift basket trade a beautifully hand-packed selection,” says Stern. The company’s second collection, Stone Mountain Snacks, boasts premium snack products with an, “earthy, gourmet look and a wide variety of tastes.”

Mister Snacks has a snack for all acquired tastes, such as its top three selling mixes. “Our business would continue successfully if we just offered our Rocky Mountain Mix, a blend of peanuts, raisins, almonds and M&M type candy. It is by far the favorite,” says Stern. “It’s a compromise mix, with a little bit for your healthy side and a little bit for your sweet tooth.” Second in leading sales is the Health Mix, a combination of fruits and nuts with no added salt or sugar, and third is the Yogurt Trail Mix, consisting of yogurt covered peanuts, raisins and more. And while snacks are usually all about flavor, the wholesaler is also focused on quality and packaging, because taste isn’t the only thing that sells. “Our mission is to offer our customers a healthy, high quality alternative snack line, and to show that by packing them in a crystal clear package with very attractive labeling,” emphasizes Stern. Mister Snacks boasts mixes with a shelf life of 8 months, and knows that its revealing package is a great way to market its freshness. Retailers can even have products packaged with their very own private label, as part of the supplier’s Private Label line.

As a manufacturer and supplier, Mister Snacks has a lot to offer retailers. “We don’t have a minimum order at this time because of the economy, and the fact that the price of nuts, such as cashews and pistachios, has increased,” says Stern. Although the best display tool is the package itself, the company also has fixtures available, including the affordable 72 package POP display, which holds a dozen each of six of the best selling products. Another tool Mister Snacks offers is its Internet site. “Our website is most definitely an important part of our business. It makes it a lot easier for people to find the information they are looking for,” notes Stern.

For more information:
Mister Snacks Inc.
500 Creekside Drive
Amherst, NY 14228
Toll Free: 800-333-6393
Fax: 716-210-1010
Website: www.mistersnacks.com

Pacific Link Values Variety

Publisher — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:01:21 +0000

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 8. Updating offers every month, the company still finds that sport glasses continue to be a big part of the business. No matter the style, however, “the wholesale price averages about $24 a dozen, with discounts offered for quantities,” Bryan says.

Pacific Link knows that customers need information about the variety it offers, especially regarding new products. To that end, Pacific Link’s website, www.sunglassespacificlink.com, has been redesigned and serves as an invaluable news and buying aid. “Customers can go on there and look at every product we have,” Bryan says. There is also an option to see upcoming styles. “If we have an image and the product is soon to be released, maybe a couple weeks out, we post it in this section of the website,” adds Bryan. Keeping up with constant change is a part of the company’s success. “We keep up with the current trends, which seem to change every two or three months,” says Bryan. “Whether it be an Aviator or a Colored Wayfarer, we just try to stay on top of the current trends.” As trends are quickly changing, Pacific Link has also found the need to add a Specials section to its website, in which customers will be able to find overstocked items or inventory that the company is looking to move.

In business since 1998, Pacific Link has expanded into an international operation. “David Chin, a Chinese born American, started the business in the back of his parents’ restaurant. Beginning when sunglasses were just becoming hot in the accessories industry, Chin has grown his business and contacts and now has a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Georgia,” notes Bryan. Actively seeking new business, Pacific Link is willing to cater to customer needs. “We do specials from time to time when we appear at trade shows, but we’re willing to work with anyone whether they are looking to order one dozen sunglasses or 1,000 dozens.” A call to the company allows for quick qualification, and a product and pricing list is sent out to start the process.

For more information:
Pacific Link
1223 Coronet Drive, Ste 3
Dalton, GA 30720
Toll Free: 866-824-0079
Fax: 706-272-7979
Email: infopacificlink@windstream.net
Website: sunglassespacificlink.com

Competitive Cotton Apparel

Publisher — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:01:14 +0000

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 brands, the company looks to maintain its mission of providing the best quality and selection of name brand wholesale products, with outstanding service and value. It does so by offering items as low as $0.50 to $10 or $12 wholesale.

Quality and Cost Effective Cotton Apparel

And while Cotton Connection has attracted a customer base because of low priced, high quality brand name products, the company also imports many non-brand label activewear, ranging from tube socks to big and tall T-shirts. “Our best sellers are always changing, as apparel changes each season,” says Kothawala. While customers may be clamoring for hooded pullover sweatshirts in the cold winter months, polo shirts will be in high demand when golfing season begins again. “This summer, V-neck T-shirts have become very popular, so much so that we’ve added eight colors to the line. Last summer it was crew neck T-shirts,” notes Kothawala. The constant change in trends that requires Cotton Connection to frequently change its specials.

The company frequently runs sales promotions. Every visit to the website will reveal a special deal, including closeouts, weekly specials and much more. The wholesaler also offers a fax broadcast every time a new sale occurs. To be a part of the fax broadcast, retailers are asked to call and give their fax number to a sales representative. “The best way to learn about Cotton Connection and its products, however, is through our intuitive website,” adds Kothawala. Customers can browse merchandise categories, check stock availability, as well as place orders.

The most accurate way to find real-time pricing is also via the company website, with a registered login. Retailers are presented with dozen pricing and case pricing. “Case pricing is the preferred route, as it leads to deeper discounts for those looking to buy inventory,” says Kothawala. “We try to remain consistent with our pricing. We can match any legitimate price, published or special bid for large quantity orders, offered by any of our competitors on any item that we carry and have in stock.”

For more information:
Cotton Connection
4850 S. Kilbourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60632
Tel.: 773-523-0505
Toll Free: 800-635-1104
Fax: 773-523-0554
Email: info@cottonconnection.com
Website: www.cottonconnection.com