Many of Gemma Bella’s bracelets have been created using the technique of metal casting. Some include rhinestones and gems, but all are unique in their designs. While some are solid, others feature lines and familiar shapes like hearts. For instance, popular style AB4417-ASC is a bracelet shaped by interconnected hearts, and features metal casting work along with embedded rhinestones. Other hot styles include leather snap and wrap bracelets. “The leather bracelets have been selling well, and some feature rhinestones and micropave. Many of them snap around the wrist, while others wrap two or three times to make a statement piece,” explains Papachristos. Wholesaling on average for $7 to $8, retailers can expect to make keystone or more with Gemma Bella’s bracelet line, which retails around $16 to $28.

Available with a minimum of $100, each order can be mixed and matched. Products ship nationally by UPS, and Gemma Bella attends major tradeshows where customers can buy directly (Cash N Carry). Market stops include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas (ASD) and Dallas. “Orders go out the same day or next day,” says Papachristos. “Our friendly, professional staff is here to help. We have a high rate of returning customers, because of our service and our product is never stagnant.”

For more information:

Gemma Bella
3748 Gentle Rain Way
Stockton, CA 95209
Tel.: 209-957-3534
Fax: 209-957-3534
Email: vicki@gemmabella.com
Website: http://shop.1asecure.com/index.cfm?StID=1253

Standard stress balls are made of foam, which pop back into shape after being squeezed. The Pet Head is more tactile, like a piece of clay, keeping any shape the user decides to mold. Sporting eyes and a nose, The Pet Head can be made into hundreds of hysterical faces, making it great for ages five to 105. “Our product has done well in a number of independent retail stores, including office supply and hospital gift shops,” says Lindsey. Packaged in a stable and rigid neon yellow and orange box, The Pet Head can be stacked near any counter and grab attention. “It is a great impulse buy,” adds Lindsey. “All retailers have to do is stack the boxes and leave one Pet Head out for customers to sample.”

Wholesaling for $7, retailers can expect to make at least keystone at $13.99 retail. “I’ve seen some retailers mark it as high as $15.99,” says Lindsey. And while the company does offer quantity discounts for large orders, it isn’t hard for small retailers to get started with a minimum order of one case. Containing 12 Pet Heads, the case wholesales for $84. “We also ship FOB out of Massachusetts,” adds Lindsey.

For more information:

The Pet Head / Bases Loaded, LLC
24 Water Street
Holliston, MA 01746
Toll Free: 855-PET-HEAD (738-4323)
Tel.: 508-893-6060
Fax: 508-893-6062
Email: orders@thepethead.com
Website: www.thepethead.com

Hot Selling Helicopters, Planes and Slot Cars

Bargain Crusader, well-known for its Airsoft products, including Airsoft pellet guns and accessories, has made it a point to expand its tactical gear and scopes, but also explore the market in toys and novelties. “Our mission has been to supply great selling goods at the best pricing, so our retailers can make money,” notes Coppernoll. “In general, we look for goods our retail customers can make at least a 100 percent profit on, with a quick turnover so as to keep their shelves fresh and full of new merchandise.”

Bargain Crusader boasts that many of its RC items have not been seen in the U.S. before, like the Airwanders, RC Helicopters with a motion detection wand controller. Averaging $22 wholesale, “These helicopters are a new novel idea,” says Coppernoll. “Change the controller to look like a light saber and make it easier to control.” Motion sensors make the helicopter react to the tilting of the wand forward and backwards. Twist left and right and the helicopter will spin in the desired direction. The thumb power control and the motion sensors make this a great new idea for controlling gyro helicopters. Each Airwander comes fully assembled and ready to fly, batteries included. Other features include adjustable trim control, three channel control functions, and two band frequencies, and the unit comes programmed with a demo flight pattern. The seven by four inch helicopter can be charged for a full six to eight minute flight time.

Other unique additions for Bargain Crusader are RC airplanes, featuring classic twin tale designs, and modern day jet planes. “Another item that has been good for us are the hand crank slot cars, which require no electricity,” notes Coppernoll. All car movements are created by the user cranking a hand controller; the faster the user cranks, the faster it goes. No more overly sensitive controllers from the past, these new controller concepts make the slot cars more player interactive. Tracks snap together quickly, so users can take them anywhere.

Already offering the advantage of a minimum order of $125, Bargain Crusader offers other benefits like volume discounts, available when logging onto the company website. “We also have a new customer special of 7.5 percent off if the ad in Independent Retailer magazine is mentioned,” says Coppernoll, “or, enter at checkout the word, ‘supersaveme.’”

For more information:
Bargain Crusader, Inc.
2841 Index Rd.
Fitchburg, WI 53713
Toll Free: 866-405-6267
Fax: 866-256-4533
Email: Use form online
Website: www.airsoftgunsusa.com

Unlimited Fragrance and Scented Product Choices

Simply stated, Heavenly Body Products has what buyers need, especially for those retailers who might be looking to get in on the wholesale side. Company owner and founder, Sir Markadoo, is seeking what he calls Master Distributors. “I’m looking for people who want to buy 25 gallon drums of product and take over territories,” he says. For smaller distributors, the company offers gallon bottles, which can be broken up into pounds or whatever size works for their distribution plan. But that isn’t the only choice Markadoo offers his customers, as both drums and gallons are offered as standard or premium quality, premium meaning industrial strength and not yet cut with a solvent. For those distributors looking to cut their own product, one gallon of premium burning oil can be purchased at $128 wholesale. Those who would like the solvent added before purchase can buy a discounted gallon bottle for $88 wholesale. “Whatever choice they make, distributors can expect to make at least a 300 percent profit margin,” notes Markadoo.

And while choice alone gives Heavenly Body an upper hand in the fragrance and scented products category, Sir Markadoo believes his products will be a success because of the customer service and marketing his company offers. “We have a display and other sales tools like window decals and signage to let the public know that the distributor carries our product,” he says. “But most importantly, we also offer private labeling for the burning oils. This is a huge hit with those distributors trying to establish themselves in the market.” With a minimum order of $100, anyone can be a distributor of Heavenly Body Products’ hot selling burning oils.

In addition to a broad line of high-end rendition designer fragrances, Veneto Wholesale, Inc. has continued its mission to provide good designer perfumes at great discount prices. “We carry more than 15 lines, each with over 200 fragrances for both men and women,” says Sharice Mosley, sales manager. “Wholesale prices range from $1 to $10, and retailers can resell for $10 to $50 retail.” The company lists some of its best selling items as RT King Sky (version of Amen), RT Sporty & Pink (version of Escada), Omerta Wealth (version of Lancome Tresor), and Lynn Young Touzzo and Home Run (Chanel men and women).

For those retailers who like to have choice but can’t choose, Veneto Wholesale’s 24-piece collection is a great seller and a big profit generator. “We sell to all types of customers,” Mosley says. “For example, we have local customers who just want to try our special mixed case of 24 bottles, all the way to vendors that have big booths of our product.” Working with manufacturers in France, India and China, there is something for everyone, and with top of the line customer service, what more could retailers ask for.

On top of offering great wholesale prices to both new and existing customers, Veneto Wholesale has also made volume discounts available to those retailers looking to purchase 200 cases or more. “I’ve noticed that buyers and sellers in the industry are looking for less expensive, good quality fragrances, and are purchasing more renditions now than ever before,” notes Mosely, “which is why we want to give them the selection and service they deserve.” Mosely adds that Veneto will be introducing a new two-in-one fragrance bottle for both men and women. “One fragrance is to be worn in the day and the other at night. How’s that for selection?” she adds.

H&Z Distributors, sole distributor of Alta Moda perfumes, is unlimited in its choice of high quality, designer inspired perfume options. Promoting at least nine best selling women’s perfumes and eight fragrances for men, as well as three-piece gift sets, H&Z is taking the independent retail market by storm. Inspired by a family business in manufacturing near the Italian and Swiss border, H&Z has its roots in private label manufacturing of designer fragrance brands. Today, repackaging the business in the U.S. as a distributorship, Alta Moda offers the same quality fragrances found in department stores, without the expense that comes with a celebrity endorsement.

Wholesaling between $5 and $6, retailers still make a descent profit margin at a retail price of $29.99. “People may not recognize the name, but will be shocked by the price once they smell the product,” says president of H&Z, Ibrahim Hassan. “Just Gold for men smells similar to well-known fragrance, Paco Rabanne’s One Million.” There are also fragrances like Conquer (smells like Drakkar), Victory (smells like Cool Water), Sweetheart (smells like Amore) and Dreams (smells like Nina by Nina). According to Hassan, “People today are conscious of smelling good, and they don’t want a diluted product. We use a combination of ingredients to get the quality we are looking for.”

Originally selling to gas stations, H&Z continues to grow its business, working with a broad range of independent retailers and a few wholesale distributors. The company may have a vast selection of designer inspired perfumes, but with no minimum order requirement for retailers, a growing gift set line, and plans for a checkout counter display, H&Z is becoming a great choice for good value fragrance products in the market. “Alta Moda means ‘high fashion,’ and that is just what we are, but without the cost,” notes Hassan.

A veteran in the industry, Matt’s Incense has over 20 years experience, and knows retail customers are always looking to add their own signature scents to homes, cars and offices. Preparing a number of different options and products to respond to the continuous demand for scented products, the company offers an extensive selection of about 25 different product lines and about 400 different products overall. Choice is what matters when serving customers large and small, from kiosks to mom and pops to flea market vendors. But according to Linda Simon, founder and CEO of Matt’s Incense, incense sticks and fragrance oils continue to be the company’s best sellers. “Take the fragrance oils for instance,” says Simon, “the reason these sell so well is because they are a versatile product, and can be used in oil warmers, candle making, and even in auto air fresheners.”

Just between the two top selling products, retailers can expect to pay on average $2 wholesale, with an extraordinary markup of five to six times the wholesale cost. “A minimum order of $50 has been set in place to accommodate the little guy,” notes Simon. “Customers can feel free to mix and match whatever they would like in this minimum order, as we also offer oil based incense cones, scented rocks, oil diffusers and more.” The company also offers some volume discounts on incense sticks and oils, but Simon explains these are for rather large orders, most likely not in the realm of independent retailers’ needs.

And while Matt’s Incense is a strong believer in versatile and expansive options, customer service is what has given the company its experiential wisdom. “I started out in retail, and got such poor quality service from some of my suppliers that I decided to become the wholesaler I’d like to do business with,” says Simon. Therefore, other benefits retailers can expect when working with Matt’s Incense is peace of mind that all products are U.S. manufactured, and constructed with domestic ingredients. The company also maintains a green operation, and somehow finds time to offer closeout pricing, starter kits to kick off product promotions, and launch new products. “In fact, we should be launching a new product in the next six months,” notes Simon. “Customers should continue to check the website for updates.”

A well recognized importer and wholesaler on the East Coast, VD Importers has made a name for itself through extensive fragrance and scented product lines imported directly from India. Among the more than 200 items available at VDimporters.com are its newest product lines, Divine Bulk Incense and Divine Perfume Oils. Offered at rock bottom wholesale prices, these products are a great addition to the candles, aroma oils and more that the company offers for less than $2 wholesale. “Many of our items are even under $1,” notes Vineet Gupta, owner. “We sell to all sorts of outlets, from dollar stores to kiosks to gift stores, across both the U.S. and Canada.”

There are almost 300 incense fragrances, 20 body oils and more than 80 aroma oils to choose from, helping retailers target their niche market. Gupta, looking to meet retailers’ needs, also allows for mixed product orders as long as the $100 minimum is met. The loose 11 inch incense sticks are priced at $1.50 wholesale for a bundle of 100, and typically retail for $1 for 10 sticks, providing $10 profit for each bundle of 100. The perfume oils are available for $1.75 wholesale per piece, and can retail between $5 and $7.

A starter kit is available for the perfume oils, and includes 24 bottles of the 12 best selling fragrances at a price of $42. Some of the included fragrances are Lavender Dreams, Patchouli Forest, Victorian Rose, Jasmine Blossom and more. POP displays are available for both the perfume oils and incense. A counter display can be purchased for the perfume oils, while a free cardboard display is offered to those customers purchasing 100 bundles of incense sticks. For those retailers who call in response to this story, VD Importers will offer a five percent discount on your purchase. “We also offer special deals and promotions on our site every couple of months,” Gupta says. No registration is required at VD Importers. Just logon and begin ordering.

For more information:
Heavenly Body Products
2571 Park Central Blvd.
Decatur, GA 30035
Tel.: 404-286-6700
Email: sales@heavenlybodyproducts.com
Website: www.heavenlybodyproducts.com

Veneto Wholesale
549 NW 28 Street
Miami, FL 33127
Tel.: 305-572-0150
Toll Free: 877-335-0005
Fax: 305-572-1617
Email: salesdpt@ud2006.com
Website: www.ud2006.com

H&Z Distributors
11980 Reedy Creek Dr. #104
Orlando, FL 32836
Tel.: 321-947-4815
Email: traders781@hotmail.com
Website: www.hzdistributors.com

Sylin Corp. D/B/A Matt’s Incense
35 Enterprise Drive
Bunnell, FL 32110
Tel.: 386-446-3118
Toll Free: 800-742-9133
Fax: 386-445-9284
Email: incense@mattsincense.com
Website: www.mattsincense.com

VD Importers Inc.
4960 NW 165th Street, Unit B-20
Miami, FL 33014
Tel.: 305-620-2006
Fax: 305-620-7545
Email: tradeoneusa@gmail.com
Website: www.vdimporters.com

Flexibility in price points isn’t all the company has to offer, as retailers such as grocery stores, discount stores, convenience stores and even flea markets, are provided with a vast selection of displays and merchandise. With an average of two million DVDs and BluRays in inventory, retailers can choose based on categories such as blockbuster hits, classics, horror and children’s titles, or opt for an assortment of titles based on the demographic and price point of their individual markets. “To assist in selling the merchandise we provide proven programs such as our permanent bins with replenishment options, corrugated shelf and floor displays, and even multipacks that come packaged from two to ten packs, and more,” says Toombs. With so many options retailers can showcase these impulse buys on the floor, a shelf or at the checkout counter.

Toombs also notes that 303 Marketing is looking for DVD and BluRay closeouts. “While we have an average inventory of two million items, there is constant turnover that needs to be replenished,” he explains. “We do this through closeout buying opportunities.” With 30 years experience in the retail supply business, 303 Marketing has gained the knowledge of what sells, and the best price points and displays in which to market its products.

For more information:

303 Marketing

Tel.: 931-854-9088 (U.S.), 905-850-3393 (Canada)

Email: Use online form

Website: www.303marketing.com

Largest Selection of E-Cigarettes and Accessories

Co-founder of the United Tobacco Vapor Group (UTVG), Vitali works alongside other industry leaders (Nicholas Van Burren and Ray Story) to provide the industry and its distributors and retailers with the largest selection of e-cigs and accessories under one roof. The UTVG is a one stop shop that provides the most diverse lineup in the e-cig and accessories market, including Premium E-Cigarettes’ own brand of disposable e-cigs called Flavor Vapes. Flavor Vapes, with its new cutting edge technology and sleek design, has made this e-cig line well known in the industry. Flavor Vapes delivers a consistent product, 100 percent guaranteed, with a great taste in eight flavors including traditional tobacco and menthol, as well as blueberry, strawberry and coffee.

The disposables come in a 10 count cardboard display, which can then be showcased in larger acrylic or cardboard displays. “We have a print shop in our facility, so we are able to offer a wide range of POS material,” adds Servutas. “Merchants can request any size posters, banners, brochures and more.” All of this is an added benefit to the already low wholesale cost of under $10, which provides for a 40 percent retail markup.

As for the rest of Premium E-Cigarette’s business, the wholesaler is also a supplier of rechargeable e-cigs with custom colors and flavors. “Premium E-Cigarettes offers eight different starter kits. The kits come with single or dual battery options. Custom design kits can also be ordered,” says Servutas. Also, perfecting vaping liquid flavors since 2008, the company offers 20 premium flavors in refill cartridges, including traditional tobacco and menthol, as well as chocolate, clove, Irish Cream, grape and more. “These liquids are available in multiple strengths, including 24 mg, 16 mg, 11 mg, 6 mg and 0 mg for those social smokers,” adds Servutas.

Servutas believes retailers and smokers need to look for a company they can trust, a business that follows through on guarantees and fulfilling warranties, and carries liability insurance. To learn more about Premium E-Cigarette, its disposables and its reliable service, Vitali invites attendees of the ASD Las Vegas show in March to visit Booths 4453 through 4456.

For more information:
Premium E-Cigarette/UTVG
552 Central Drive, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Toll Free: 866-242-9210
Fax: 866-470-2175
Email: store@premiumecig.com
Website: www.premiumecigarette.com

Pets on Plaques Big Hit for Households

Made at company headquarters in Ohio, there is a sign for each of the 91 dog breeds that reads, “Welcome.” There are also signs that carry sentimental and humorous messages along with the dog images. Among them are, “Love is being owned by a (picture of dog breed),” and, “A spoiled rotten (breed name) lives here.” The minimum order is $100. Additional benefits include a free, “Love & Laughter,” floor display, offered with an order of four units each of 48 different breeds of the retailer’s choice, totaling 192 units. Smith assures that new dog breeds are being added this year. However, currently offered are larger signs (10 by 16 inches), which Smith claims, “is great for the man cave, as well as any part of the home.” One of the newer and larger designs reads, “Top Dog Inn BeerHounds Welcome.”

Smith, confident in the newfound success of SJT’s wooden pet plaques and their reasonable retail price point, notes, “We have a program in which we guarantee that after 120 days, if you haven’t sold 50 percent or more of your order, we’ll take it back with free shipping. The terms and conditions can be accessed on our website.” SJT carries other products, including magnets, and its newest addition, Sea Life Plaques. A big hit at the Surf Expo in January, the Sea Life Plaques offer images of sea creatures such as dolphins, turtles and sharks and can include a name drop for souvenir and gift shops along the shores, all for the same low wholesale price of $2.79.

For more information:
SJT Enterprises Inc.
28045 Ranney Parkway, Unit L
Westlake, OH 44145
Toll Free: 800-326-7419
Tel.: 440-617-1100
Fax: 440-617-0987
Email: sales@sjtent.com
Website: www.greatstorestuff.com

When shopping for bed sheets, retailers need look no further than Country Club Products, the Super Walmart of wholesale bed sheets. Country Club Products specializes in bed sheets that are good quality, at a popular price.

Country Club encourages its retailers to use its many years of experience, sales techniques, and advice, to make their businesses more successful selling bed sheets. The company’s main line of bed sheets are Christopher Adams and Egyptian Comfort sheets. These sheets feel just as good if not better than any high-end bed sheets in the industry, and are comparable in every way except the price. “Buy our minimum quantity of 12 sheet sets, and you’ll pay under $10,” says David Ladd, sales director. “Simply stated, our wholesale price range fits our customers’ needs, and we pride ourselves on beating any price.”

Country Club Products is the Source for Bedding

Available in embroidery, print, plain, and children’s collections, Country Club Products has an unlimited inventory and variety of wholesale bed sheets. “We offer our Egyptian Comfort collection and a new extra soft line, the popular brand, Christopher Adams collection,” notes Ladd. “We imported special machines from Germany to manufacture the Christopher Adams line. In fact, the process requires a special technique, and only Country Club Products has the patented formula.” Ladd promises an extra soft and satisfying experience with any of the company’s sheet sets; an easy to wash and dry wrinkle free product that gets softer each time they are washed. The company’s wholesale bed linens are also available to fit any size bed.

All of Country Club’s sheet sets are test marketed for instant success, including extra soft feel (much like cotton), color and packaging. With a small order, customers will receive an assortment of the 12 best selling colored sets. Each set includes one flat sheet, one deep pocket fitted sheet with elastic all around, and four pillow cases. Packaged in a clear vinyl bag, with framed edging and zippers, the sheet set packaging looks great, both on the shelf or on a table, and are easily stackable.

In business since 1940, Country Club Products has expanded from a smaller factory in Brooklyn, NY, to a 950,000 square foot distribution facility in Elizabeth, NJ, with four manufacturing plants in China that belong to Country Club. “We are the largest bed sheet distributor in the country,” says Ladd. “If you purchased bed sheets from someone else, they were the middleman. We are the source.” Ladd attributes the company’s success to its focus on price, quality and service. “Plain and simple, we want to see the customer succeed, so we do whatever it takes to see it happen,” he adds.

For more information:
Country Club Products
706 Trumbull St.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Toll Free: 908-352-5400
Fax: 718-228-4678
Email: Use online form
Website: www.countryclubproducts.com

Fashion Styles Make Up Majority of Sales

With the goal of manufacturing and distributing the most up-to-date styles with the best quality in the market, Mass Vision offers over 20 designer inspired lines and over 1,100 styles including animal print, fit overs and shutter shades. And while some wholesalers have had record sales in the niche market of sports or active sunglasses, president of sales at Mass Vision, Anthony Masiello, says fashion styles make up 70 percent of the company’s sales, and that goes for its retail distributors as well. Among some of the best sellers are the Louis Vuitton inspired (rebranded as Louis Valentin) and the continually popular aviators and wayfarers. “These are some fashion trends that are here to stay,” says Masiello. No matter the style the wholesaler keeps costs low and quality high. “I’d say about 90 percent of our glasses wholesale between $18 to $32 per dozen, coming out to about $1.50 to $2.25 a pair,” says Masiello. “The average retail price is about $10 a pair.”

Selection isn’t all Mass Vision has to offer in the world of eyewear, as Masiello also points out the, “friendly staff and super service, allowing customers to go forward into the new season with style and confidence.” Its package deal offers, including the 30 pair startup package, keeps retailers well stocked and ready to meet any fashionista’s needs. In this package customers receive a 24 pair revolving counter display and 30 different styles of sunglasses, 50 percent of which are part of the “Inspired By” collections. “The remaining glasses are the top selling non branded lines,” says Masiello. The company’s floor displays offer variety and the counter displays provide a little bit of everything for a small space. Mixed pair dozens are best for those retailers testing out their markets. “We want our retailers to try out the different categories and styles and figure out what works best in their stores,” notes Masiello.

Other special features offered by Mass Vision include an email sign up for product updates and  voucher codes, as well as a blog site (www.massvisionsunglassblog.com) for industry updates and trends. Mass Vision has no minimum order but does offer volume discounts for those retailers placing larger orders. The volume discount packages are a 10 percent markdown for orders of 500 to 999 units, 15 percent for an order of 1,000 to 1,999 units, and a 20 percent markdown for an order of 2,000 plus units.

For more information:
Mass Vision
315 Halvern Cove
Rochester, NY 14622
Toll Free: 877-609-9968
Tel.: 585-254-3910
Fax: 585-254-4847
Email: sales@massvisionsunglasses.com, massvisioninc@yahoo.com
Website: www.massvisionsunglasses.com, www.massvisioninc.com

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