Selling Green

With spring in full swing, green is on everyone’s mind, and not just because of the budding landscape. Coming off tax season, individuals and businesses alike are looking into green improvements and practices to add to their list of deductions for 2012 taxes. Spring is the perfect time to start, before water restrictions are set and air conditioners are set to full blast. However, for independent retailers concerned with such initiatives, going green with your business does not require installation of solar panels on top of your store, or spending... 

Fragrances, Scents & More!

Wholesalers and retailers agree that fragrances and scented products transcend age and gender, meeting the needs of a diverse clientele. However, even though products like body oils, perfumes, incense sticks, burning oils and more have broad appeal and fast turnover, suppliers still strive to ensure a competitive advantage by providing top of the line customer service and unlimited choices. For example, Heavenly Body Products carries not only a full line of lotions and body oils, but also air fresheners and its expanding line of burning oils. With... 

Pallet Bargains from AML

The saying goes, “Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure.” And while clearance items, customer returns, and surplus inventory aren’t necessarily to be categorized as trash, they are no treasure to full-price retailers looking to generate cash fast. However, off-price retailers are looking to resell these “throw-aways” at a significant discount, taking advantage of forecasting mistakes made by their counterparts in the full-price retail sector. Connecting buyers and sellers has often been a challenge in the business of off-price... 

Sunglasses Fashion Forecast

Sunglasses started to become more popular in the early 1900’s, especially among movie stars. As a result, modern day sunglasses are in vogue as a fashion accessory, bought for their designs, colors and shapes, rather than for necessity. While sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to protect eyes from damage from the sun, the fashion accessory has a more glamorous purpose in the eyes of wearers. It’s this glam factor that has kept Kachina LLC in the sunglass market for a decade, giving retailers and their customers access to the newest looks,... 

2012 Business Leaders Forecast

As the new year begins, many with a niche in deep discounted merchandise are seeing frequent turnover and increased sales. While humble about their successful ventures, business leaders like Craig Pinkerton, CEO and president of St. Louis Wholesale, provide experiential wisdom and market forecasts for those wholesalers and retailers looking to make profits from frugal consumers. Bargain Buys, Strong Customer Relations and Niche Marketing Promise Future Success While its launch in 2000 marks St. Louis Wholesale as a relatively young company, the... 

Self Defense Supplies

In today’s world, dangers and disasters may be right around the corner, despite the best possible preparations and precautions. Simply stated, personal awareness and preparation is the best defense in combating the unkown. “Take for instance the recent economic hardship we’ve faced. People are now looking to protect more of their personal assets in this time of loss,” says Dana Ellington, president of Self Defense Supply. “There is also a substantial need for survival products, as many people have had to face the devastation of natural... 

Handling Holiday Excess

Whether you are a retail veteran or an entrepreneur taking a risk on a new storefront, the responsibility of inventory forecasting is never an easy task. Inventory balance is an evolving science, and at times a game of luck. For retailers, decisions on inventory purchases (made months before items actually hit the shelves) necessitate considering consumer spending and confidence levels, projecting spending, and guessing how much shoppers will be buying and when. Let’s face it: every retail business needs to deal with surplus assets, whether it... 

Soaring Sales with Travel Accessories

With around two billion domestic travelers in 2011, travel accessories manufacturers and wholesalers such as Naftali, Inc. have found a profitable niche in the travel merchandise industry. Whether travelers are one of the 453 million hitting the tarmacs for business, or one of over a billion departing for leisure, they are bound to endure a certain level of stress. It is accessories like Naftali’s 500 skus that provide comfort, convenience and security in the hectic environment at the airport or train station. And with a little over seven billion... 

Selection Video’s DVD Deals

On Demand services, Redbox rentals, and high retail prices continue to plague DVD sales, but Selection Video has found a solution to re-excite the retail market. The company’s $4.99 DVD program promises not only profitable and quick product turnover for retailers, but also cost effective entertainment for their customers. “The reason for our success is that we offer movies people want to watch. While these movies typically sell for $9 to $12, our investment in previously viewed blockbusters allows us to market them at a desirable $4.99 price... 

Shifting Seasonal Fashion Accessories

Keeping up with fashion is an ongoing challenge, and retailers are well advised to set aside some time every season to stock up on the latest trends in apparel, jewelry and accessories. To be prepared, wholesale suppliers must devote time to investigate and test fashion trends for the upcoming seasons, and take chances on hot items that may only last a few months in the limelight. Some wholesalers take on the challenge of supplying fashion items year round, while others like Opt Fashion have found a niche in focusing on a single season. Wholesalers... 

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