Targeted Therapy Relief You Can Take Home

FaceCaddy is available in Midnite Black or Hot Pink, and is made of strong, but soft elastic fabric, which provides compression. Inside, built-in pockets hold the two reusable ice/heat packs where they are needed. Velcro tabs make Face Caddy easy to put on and take off. “With FaceCaddy, you just slip the reusable hot/cold packs (included) into the pockets, wrap the FaceCaddy around your head and secure the Velcro tabs. You’re not held hostage trying to hold the packs in place, and you can work, cook, read or rest comfortably,” explains Lucas. While an inspired product for plastic surgeons, the FaceCaddy has illustrated its ability to help TMJ, migraine and sinus pain sufferers, as well as assist in reducing hot flashes and night sweats.

The success of the FaceCaddy led Lucas to start a wholesale program. “This past year I decided to get into stores and expand my product line,” says Lucas. “I’m a small businessman myself, so it is my preference to work with independent retailers who think my products would be a good fit for their stores.” The newest additions to the CaddyWrap Product line include the EyeCaddy, ChinCaddy and BackCaddy, all Made in America, and providing the same hands-free relief. Expected to be popular in independent stores, the FaceCaddy and EyeCaddy will be available in a 10 unit package, with each unit wholesaling for under $10. “It’s true I offer these products online for a retail price of $24.99, with the lowest shipping at $7.99, but retailers selling in-store can expect to make keystone and still beat my online price,” says Lucas.

While the product’s in-store marketing is in its initial phases, Lucas mentions that each CaddyWrap product comes in a clear vinyl zipper bag that can either rest on a shelf with its flat bottom, or be hung on a rack or peg-board. Showcasing at the January New York International Gift Fair, CaddyWrap Products will be receiving orders at Booth 35046, and shipping these orders for free. “For anyone reading this article who references this magazine, I will also ship their order for free,” says Lucas.

For more information:
Caddy Products
PO Box 25231
Winston-Salem, NC 27114
Toll Free: 877-864-9488
Email: info@caddywraps.com
Website: www.caddywraps.com

High Quality, Low Cost Dog Jackets

The products themselves are 100 percent cotton, soft to the touch and fully breathable. With three dog bed sizes and jackets available for dogs 10 to 28 inches in length, most breeds can enjoy a taste of the future. “The jackets are better than any other on the market,” notes Singh. “The double Velcro keeps the jacket on, but allows for easy on and off.” The jackets also feature a leash hole that makes the collar accessible, fleece lining, and a high fashion corduroy trim. Available for under $10 wholesale, retailers such as boutiques and pet shops can expect to make almost triple on the smaller jackets and at least keystone on the larger sizes.

With a history in textile manufacturing and quality control, APP prides itself on developing new products with the best quality and competitive prices. Offering 300 skus, APP continues to sell its top selling all natural, biodegradable jute cotton toys, as well as stainless steel and non-skid feeding bowls. “Other products on the market frequently have low quality electroplating. If the surface is scratched, the nickel layer may peel off. We are proud to present high quality electroplated (High Chrome) products, to assure adhesion of the nickel layer. We care about you and we care about your pets!,” says Bikram. And for this reason, APP continues to look into new technologies during product manufacturing.

For more information:
Advance Pet Products
140 Advance Blvd. Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L6T 4Z8
Tel.: 905-840-6486
Fax: 866-662-5393
Email: sales@advancepetproduct.com
Website: www.advancepetproduct.com

Attract a Crowd with In-store Marketing and Playtime

Should there ever be an incident that requires the Twirl-Go-Round to need a repair for bent parts, Ducholke offers the, “Dad got Drunk and Went on the Twirl-Go-Round Kit,” on the website. “No parts should wear out. The neoprene bushings are made to last,” says Ducholke. “Simply, if something becomes bent or destabilized, users need to consider who is using the product.” While the Twirl-Go-Round doesn’t have a required age limit, it does have a specified weight capacity. The standard two-seaters hold 120 pounds per seat, while the converted four-seaters only hold 90 pounds per seat. “Too many times adults bend the Twirl-Go-Round because they want to take it for a spin,” notes Ducholke. “As a result, I’m going to release an adult model in the spring. This model will hold 350 pounds per seat.”

Ducholke believes a little dizzy fun is for everyone. “I bring this item to tradeshows and I easily sell 10 to 50 in a day,” he says. “They also do well at flea markets as entertainment. Set one up and charge for rides all day.” It is a twirling, dizzying demonstration that attracts a crowd, riders and hopefully customers. Already in a few independent stores, Ducholke is looking to have gift stores, camping stores and other shops sell his Twirl-Go-Round. “Just set it up for a test drive and play the demonstration video,” he says. Buying volume for $125 apiece wholesale, retailers can easily sell each unit for $299, and many times work on a 300 percent markup. Currently, Ducholke is looking to clear inventory for a new shipment, and retailers who call soon may receive lower pricing.

For more information:
Twirl-Go-Round
52024 Range Road 280
Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 0C3
Tel.: 780-968-3957, 780-999-1111
Email: daryl@twirlgoround.com
Website: www.twirlgoround.com

Positive Reinforcement in a Gift

Canny confesses that the prices and minimum piece count have changed over the past year of production, in order to keep up with labor costs and other finances associated with ensuring that FortuneKeeper remains a Made in America product. Currently the wholesaler requires a 24 piece minimum, with both necklaces and key chains wholesaling under $15. Retailers can expect to make keystone or more. Innovatively designed, each piece comes in a decorative tin with a story card about the design and its intended meaning. FortuneKeeper displays a fantastic image on one side and allows your favorite fortune, saying or inspiration to be safely stored between two pieces of crafted Lucite. These two pieces are secured by rare earth magnets, and finished with lead free beads. The message is easily viewed on the reverse side of the printed design.

While FortuneKeeper began with necklaces, key chains have become the favorite, as many consumers are purchasing the item as a gift. “I think many people aren’t sure if everyone will wear a necklace, especially if you are buying for men,” notes Canny. The designs incorporating a Swarovsky Crystal or stainless steel have proven to be good buys, as Canny found during the Holiday Market in Union Square in New York City. The designs are the real factor in making a sale. “The most popular designs at this time are our Transformation, Brooklyn Bridge and Cherry Blossom prints,” she says. “Transformation has been a big hit during this economy and in times of hardship, as it presents the Buddhist Wheel, expressing a message to reach for enlightenment as you follow your path in a beautiful direction.”

For more information:
FortuneKeeper
442 78th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Tel.: 917-301-0201
Email: Chrisie@FortuneKeeper.com, Use online form
Website: www.fortunekeeper.com

Improving Convenience Store Management and Operation

The following are a few best practices that Summit Software can help with:

Control Inventory: Once scanning is in place, all new stock can be scanned in while all sales are scanned out, allowing for easy tracking of inventory. With inventory controlled electronically, a manager will have the ability to pinpoint problems and find ways to improve sales that can be tracked by item, level and retail/cost by department.

Increase Gross Margins: Most C-stores struggle with the intricacies of price setting. If the item is priced too high, the sale hits a dead end. If a price is too low, so is profit. Automated price setting will allow for quick changes and easy analysis, detecting the highest possible profit margin on each product.

Make Store Managers into Real Managers: Most C-store managers feel like clerical assistants, spending most of the day tallying sales and preparing inventory reports. With these tasks taken care of, managers can react more quickly to any issues and perform other leadership responsibilities, such as guiding store employees.

With software technology provided by Summit, retailers can be certain every penny is present and accounted for, as well as ensure they are making the most of floor space and efficiently setting and managing the margins of every product in the store. By implementing a unifying single-vendor software system, C-stores eliminate many accounting challenges, while opening the door to higher revenues. “Using the Summit iGuide dashboard (a feature of the software), I can tell at a glance what is happening in our stores,” confirms Mike Walker, marketing director for Jumpin Jimmy’s, a chain of 35 C-stores offering Marathon fuels, as well as two liquor stores in central and southern Illinois. “Having a centralized C-store system has helped our managers evaluate their sales and run more efficiently.”

For more information:

Summit Software

4242 Flagstaff Cove

Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Toll Free: 800-433-5724

Tel.: 260-486-4357

Website: www.irely.com

Pure Incense USA Expands Fragrance Product Line

With up to a 4.5 hour burning rate and multiple top selling fragrances, Pure Incense USA has had success since its launch in 2009. The newest additions to its product line are imported electric oil burners and car/body oil sprays. “The electric burners, imported from China, come in multiple designs, many of which can be seen in the catalogs posted on the company website,” notes Charles. Using fragrance oil or a combination of oil and water, the electric burners can assist in aromatherapy, creating a mood or masking unpleasant odors. “The addition of water helps with the evaporation and dispersing of fragrance,” adds Charles.

All products can be purchased directly on the website, with no minimum order, and wholesale distributors can buy by the pallet load. “All of our resellers can expect a 30 percent markup from the original wholesale price on all our products,” says Charles. This includes one ounce car/body oil sprays. With 144 different fragrances to choose from, retailers are not without choices to fill the 25 bottle counter display, a molded foam holding the bottles into place. “While we supply mainly to convenience stores at this time, our products, including the dual odor removing/perfume spray, would be well suited for gift shops and boutiques,” says Charles.

For more information:
Pure Incense USA
2802 Ward Lake Rd.
Ellenwood, GA 30294
Tel.: 202-244-7270
Fax: 404-244-7280
Email: puretobaccoinc@msn.com
Website: www.pureincenseusa.com

Fun and Functional Hats Sell

Among the year’s best sellers are fedoras, wholesaling per unit for $5 and under, and by the 12 piece case for $4 and under. “Other favorites are our military inspired cadet hats, Christian embroidered caps, and blank baseball caps,” notes Liu. “We have more than 500 styles of embroidered and blank hats in our warehouse, enabling us to offer wholesale caps and hats at a value that no other retailer providing this level of quality can rival.” As for this upcoming winter, Liu is predicting beanies and the newest addition, animal hats, to be the most popular. Whether you are looking for plush or knit, or you have a preference for dogs or bears, BuckWholesale.com has a vast selection of animal themed, head warming accessories. As the items are moving quickly, the wholesaler ensures an updated in-stock status on its ecommerce site. Wholesaling for under $6 a unit or for $4 or less for a 12 piece case, retailers can expect to make keystone or more. “Most of our hats retail around $10,” says Liu.

BuckWholesale.com imports its hats directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middleman and saving money to keep costs low for customers. Also available to buyers is the option to buy one unit or a 12 piece case, with no minimum order and limited discounts offered through ads found in Independent Retailer magazine. The wholesaler also offers a drop ship program. “Please remember to write in “drop ship,” as well as the address in the notes section while placing your order,” adds Liu.

For more information:
BuckWholesale.com
4265 Creek Park Drive, Ste 100
Suwanee, GA 30024
Tel.: 866-408-buck (2825), 770-904-2052
Fax: 888-855-7068
Email: service@afareast.com
Website: www.buckwholesale.com

More New Products from Independent Retailer.

Simple Jewelry Solutions for Gift Giving

The manufacturer’s bonding process, utilizing a combination of several different colors of gold, produces a product that radiates and easily passes as a solid gold piece. The appearance allows for high markup and provides a less expensive alternative for those who can’t afford the real thing. In fact, long time manager, Deidre Parker, explains, “A retailer can buy a charm for a manufacturer’s price of $3 from us, and mark it up to $40, as there is a gap in the market. The only other option is to purchase a gold charm for $250 and up. Consumers are more likely to buy our gold and silver plated items.”

While a look of authenticity is among the company’s top priorities, Sun Fashion Designs offers some newer pieces that exemplify the other qualities consumers are looking for in jewelry. Among them are the 14K Gold Bonded Heart Pendant, a gift that is simple, elegant, and while not big, provides huge amounts of sentiment. “This is our most popular heart pendant, and for obvious reasons,” says Parker. “It sparks as much sentiment and feeling as it does conversation.” There is also the unisex Sterling Silver Bonded 3+1 Link Brushed Bracelet, great for children, exuding glam from a brushed technique. “While the base of the element is highly polished, the surface is a hand cut ‘Pave Brilliante’ finish, so each element glimmers to catch and sparkle in the light,” adds Parker. Brilliance, glamour and designer inspired are among the many looks that consumers are searching for, overshadowing bold and gaudy with its sophistication.

All of the new and highly sought after items fall below $15 wholesale, and bring a profitable retail price of $50 to $75. When ordering, Parker advises that although there is no minimum order, buyers should take into consideration shipping costs. For retailers looking for an even more economical purchase, Sun Fashion Designs offers pieces with reduced precious metal bonding, or plating at a lower price.

For more information:
Sun Fashion Designs
3220 Tower Road
Prescott, AZ 86305
Tel.: 928-499-2447
Toll Free: 800-398-7802
Fax: 928-778-9585
Email: info@sunfashionjewelry.com
Website: sunfashionjewelry.com

Award-Winning Educational Fun

DoodleMark is becoming a favorite new literacy tool, honored with multiple awards including Mom’s Choice Award 2011, Product of the Year 2011 from Creative Child Magazine, Best Picks Children’s Products Award 2011 from Dr. Toy, as well as a Seal of Approval from National Parenting Center. “We’re proud of the national recognition DoodleMark has received, which confirms the reason the product was created,” says David Keefe, inventor of the DoodleMark. “Reading and writing serve as the foundation for educational and personal growth for children, and DoodleMark strengthens that foundation while being all about fun.” And now with a reseller program, retailers can also be a part of higher learning, supporting education and fun with the new product line.

In the age of techno-toys, DoodleMark is a battery and gaming cartridge-free toy, making it an ideal and simple gift item, and perfect merchandise for specialty retailers such as independent bookstores, gift shops and drug stores. Wholesaling for under $5, retailers can expect a healthy profit margin while meeting their consumers’ needs, at a retail price of under $10. DoodleMark is available in four fun designs: Li’l Ladybug, Jungle Fun, Wild Racer and a new tie dye design, Doodle Power. Each design can be ordered in a 24 piece case, a 12 piece reorder case, a 24 piece assorted counter display, or a 36 piece assorted case.

For more information:
ReMarkable Reading Concepts, LLC
PO Box 487
Wilton, CT 06897
Toll Free: 855-436-6353
Email: info@doodlemark.com
Website: www.doodlemark.com

Unique Home Accents and Giftware

International Home, a well established home accent furniture and accessories store in Saugatuck, MI, has dabbled in other markets over the years, including gifts, jewelry and even musical clocks. While servicing a seasonal resort town, Monica VanHarn, owner of International Home, has created a loyal customer base since the store opened in 1995. “We have a number of Chicago families frequenting the shop that have summer resorts or homes down here that have been passed down from generation to generation. We also get repeat visitors from Fort Wayne and Indianapolis,” notes VanHarn. The shop’s inventory is never outdated, as VanHarn is always looking for unusual and unique items, keeping it fresh for returning customers. “That is why I was interested in Joster International’s cupcake vases. I started carrying them in the middle of February and they have done quite well,” she says.

The product, Fleur Daily Cupcake Vases, makes a perfect centerpiece for weddings and other special occasions. Preplaced holes make these flexible cupcake vases quick and easy to decorate. The most common use is an arrangement of short stemmed flowers. The vase is not only nonbreakable, but extends the life of the flower, as its antimicrobial material prevents bacteria from getting in the water and clogging the stems. “However, I’ve seen these vases being sold as is, with silk and fresh flowers, or even used as displays in bakeries, holding candy or cake pops,” says “J” Norness, president of Joster International. “Simply squeeze to open, fill or clean.”

VanHarn’s choice is to sell the vases as is. “The design and color are enough to catch the customer’s eye. If I set them by the counter, a customer can just pick them up, ask questions, and feel how flexible they are,” she says. With a seasonal shopping window from mid spring to late fall, International Home tries to keep its customers intrigued. “When we got our order of cupcake vases in, we made a display in the front window and positioned the vases to create a bakery scene,” mentions VanHarn. “People were wondering what a home décor store was doing with a pastry window display. Customers came in, and much to their surprise, learned that the cupcakes were vases.”

Some retailers like Karen’s and Tina’s Flowers, a florist and gift shop in the Newmarket district of Ontario, Canada, leave the guesswork out. Carrying the cupcake vases since July, florist and owner, Amanda Dell, has been offering them at an average retail price of $24.99, filling them with carnations, daisies, candy, candles and more. Wholesaling for $4.95 a cupcake or as an assorted case of 24 for $118.80 before shipping, retailers can expect to make keystone at $10.95 retail. However, designed with professional and do-it-yourself florists in mind, the vase’s flower placement holes make decorating floral centerpieces quick, easy and perfect every time, allowing florists like Dell to add a personal and professional touch to each of her cupcake vases. “My shop has been in Newmarket for 50 years and is family owned and operated,” mentions Dell. “Not everybody wants high end floral work and expensive vases. We are your everyday florist and gift shop, with unique and cost effective gifts like Joster’s cupcake vases.”

Two years ago, Karen’s and Tina’s Flowers had to move after decades in its original location. “We weren’t thrilled about it, but the situation worked out the best it possibly could,” notes Dell. Customers familiar with the old location continued to shop with the florist, while the move also brought in new customers. “It’s all about creating a buzz. People call specifically for these cupcake vases, remembering they got them here, or maybe they want a fresh arrangement so they can regift the vase,” says Dell. With the assorted case order, retailers will receive four of the six colors (mainly pastel). Single color dozens are also available, and are the only option for the newest colors, Gold and Silver. “I’d say 90 percent of our customers order the assorted pack. They are bright and fun and great for a display. Single color dozens are usually the preferred order for a florist doing a special event,” adds Norness.

The cupcake vases are Joster International’s top ordered item, but as Norness explains, “That was our first product to be launched and has been on the market a little longer than our other two product lines.” Testing out Joster’s Coasterica coasters, however, is Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, WA. “I ordered the coasters knowing they were a unique item, but I didn’t know they would sell this well,” notes Maureen Lee, retail operations manager and merchandise buyer for the winery and its gift shop. While the winery sees approximately 80,000 people a year, has been listed as Washington Winery of the Year in 2009, and is a well known destination spot, its gift shop is still an independently owned store bringing in customers with its one of a kind products. Among its inventory selection are apparel, jewelry, home décor, garden products, and of course glass stemware.

Complementary to its best selling merchandise, the glass stemware, are Joster’s new line of silicone coasters. These are not ordinary drink coasters. They slip on and stay on, going wherever the glass goes, and with a medley of vibrant colors and designs, wine charms are easily replaced. “They do it all. These silicone drink coasters stretch to fit almost any size of glass, containing drips from room to room,” explains Norness. Lee finds the best way to showcase these coasters is to display the four piece set with a winery glass in one to illustrate its use. “The display is right outside my office. Everyone that walks by stops to check it out,” notes Lee.

Norness notes there are multiple ways retailers can showcase these coasters in their stores. There are four in each set that come in a hanging card, with a clear plastic face to show off the designs. In the front of the card is a hole so customers can feel the product as well. Some of the newer packages can be folded and cubed for stacking, or have a tab that can be placed around the neck of a bottle for gift giving. “The designs are what are really unique about this product,” notes Norness. “While my wife, Rose, is the designer of all the original images, we are also looking to work with local artists. Most of our designs are on the disc part of the coaster, but we’ve come out with new Sunrise and Sunset lines that feature floral patterns on the outside rim of the coaster.” Maryhill Winery’s gift shop, however, only carries three design sets at the moment. “The Mosaic set we carry sells by far the best. The other two, the Cosmo and Good Fortune sets, sell equally as well,” says Lee. At $7 wholesale per set, a retailer can’t go wrong, especially when they can expect to make a little over keystone at $14.95.

To think it all began while Rose and J, founders of the company, were kayaking in Rose’s home country of New Zealand. As the company website says, “It was a long way from Alaska where they had met, but the perfect place to plan for the future. They pooled their resources: Rose, full of adventure, creativity and vision; J, practical and down to earth, a man who can transform a vision into a reality. They would combine their skills to invent and create a unique range of products that were beautiful, fun and functional.” Now, with just a couple products on the market, Joster International is making its impact with a broad range of independent retailers in both the U.S. and Canada. “Vaselets are our next big item,” says Norness, in reference to the petite stick-on flower vase that displays real or artificial flowers. “It’s a small way to brighten up any place such as bathrooms, dorm rooms and offices,” he adds. Displaying his wife’s designs and wholesaling the vaselets for $4.75, Joster International continues to reinvent unique, while remaining cost effective.

For more information:
Joster International
1752 NW Market St., #537
Seattle, WA 98107
Tel.: 206-501-4560
Toll Free: 888-776-6439
Fax: 206-607-6421
Email: info@josterinternational.com
Website: www.josterstore.com/Wholesale_Information_s/13.htm

International Home
360 Water Street
Saugatuck, MI 49453
Tel.: 269-857-2805
Email: intlhminfo@me.com
Website: www.intlhm.com

Karen’s and Tina’s Flowers
18025 Yonge St., Unit 8
Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C9
Canada
Tel.: 905-895-4752
Website: www.karensandtinasflowers.com

Maryhill Winery
9774 HWY 14
Goldendale, WA 98620
Tel.: 877-627-9445
Website: www.maryhillwinery.com