3D Framed Art

Paintings and posters have long been a retail staple, but now a new twist on the old product is becoming a hot retail seller. Framed art in three dimensions is finding its way into retail stores and shopper’s hearts. “This is not your standard art, which is flat,” explains Gary Chandler of Western Sales. “This actually sticks out from the image and goes towards you, so you can see the sides of the face, the nose, everything. Almost like a statue on the wall.” The product is extremely popular in religious themes, especially... 

A Light In The Night

Combining the soft feel of a child’s stuffed animal with a warm glow to fight nighttime fears, Creatively Classic’s new, “A Light in the Night,” product is a book, a plush, and nightlight all in one. According to managing partner, Chanda Bell, “This is a product that really does relate to every child at some point, in some stage in their life.” It is intended to help kids understand that there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark. It is also an opportunity for retailers, says Bell. “Made by a mom, this... 

The Rise of Jewelry Accessories

The jewelry accessory category is one for which the demand has been growing. For independent retailers, it’s an easy, add-on business, and stores love it. Suppliers like E’arrs Inc. even offer a spinner display unit that makes the products hard to resist, impulse buys. It’s also a non-seasonal fashion category, which sells just as well all year round, and is not color related. Unlike other fashion items, the line doesn’t have to be changed periodically throughout the year. Back in the late ’70s, Mike Bow of E’arrs... 

Unlocked Cell Phones

Market acceptance and momentum are growing for unlocked cell phones, which are handsets that are not tied to a particular carrier company, like AT&T, but can be used with a range of services. Google’s new Nexus One comes unlocked by default. AT&T announced last week that it will unlock all of its phones except for the iPhone. And as customers become more savvy about the marketplace, pundits are touting the benefits of unlocked phones and criticizing locked ones. For years, and still to a large extent today, the default option accepted... 

Benefits Of Acrylic Displays

Retail store owners certainly understand the importance of dependable store fixtures. Durability is critical, but so is style, as you’re looking for the optimum way of displaying your goods. Chances are you also want something that requires minimal maintenance. For all these qualities, many retailers are turning to acrylic when redesigning their store’s interior. Acrylic is a specific type of plastic used in cases, when glass is not practical. Beyond its benefits as display material, it is commonly used in the manufacture of things... 

Discover Your “Purseonality” With Aliz Handbags

Technology and fashion are changing almost daily, and it is very hard and expensive to keep up with the changes. What is the best bet now for retailers? Rosanna Tran, vice president and designer of Aliz International, Inc. says retailers have no worries, as they can order merchandise in small quantities and test the market. The important thing is to find a supplier that listens to your needs and is able to provide good service and a variety of merchandise. For manufacturers and importers, it is not an easy task to keep up with the changing market... 

Nielsen Exhibitions Announces ASD Las Vegas 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – July 13, 2010) – The leading wholesaler and supplier brands will come together at ASD Las Vegas, August 8-11 in a distinct trade show experience for over 3,000 exhibitors in the style and beauty, jewelry, gift, toy, and value categories. “At ASD, we provide a unique environment where buyers and sellers come together,” said Chris McCabe, Vice President of Nielsen Business Media’s Merchandise Group. “This year, we will take over the Las Vegas Convention Center, and offer a gift... 

Looking Ahead to the Back-to-School Season

Although perhaps not dramatically, the back-to-school season is expected to give independent retailers a lift, according to a report coming out of the Reuters Consumer and Retails Summit in New York. Since it is traditionally the second-biggest sales period of the year, retailers have been hoping for a bit of a boost from it. The general consensus seems to be that there will indeed be an improvement over the 2009 back-to-school season, just not as strong an improvement as many may be looking for. “I don’t think the consumer’s... 

RC Toys of the Highest Quality

In business since the mid 1980s, Emirimage Corporation boasts an impressive selection of radio-controlled and infra-red toys, especially of the ever-popular car and helicopter varieties. Emirimage is offering a new line of RC and infra-red toys this year, and there are many exciting changes, most notably the addition of gyroscopic functions to the helicopters. Once available only in very expensive, high-end hobby helicopters, this added control ability can now be included at a reasonable price thanks to recent advances in the technology. The gyroscope... 

High Profit Water Pearls

Beautiful glass vases filled with decorative marbles are easy to find on the pages of decorating magazines, but the flowers in those vases dry out fast in real homes. A new product aims to offer the beauty of high decor with the practicality of a long term, low maintenance watering system. This decorative new “Green” resource for maintaining plants and flowers is called, “Water Pearls.” Water pearls are vibrant and colorful. They not only keep your plants healthy, but beautify and decorate your home, office space, or special event at the... 

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