Browsing: April 2014 Issue

The trend in environmentally friendly goods is carrying over to greeting cards and gifts, and offers independent retailers an exciting opportunity for sales. Innovation and changing attitudes within the design and manufacturing industries means that this market offers greater choices and commercially viable price points.

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With the rapid rise of bargain shopping and the proliferation of ecommerce and coupon sites like Amazon and Groupon Goods, consumers’ shopping behavior has changed dramatically over the past several years. Shoppers are now increasingly focused on getting the best possible deals on the highest quality name brand items.

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With the USPS enacting a 5.9 percent increase across all mailing types, the largest rate hike for print mailings since 2007, catalog mailers are being forced to consider new strategies. Rather than dramatically reducing circulation and frequency, or jumping to less established online marketing channels, one option that’s attracting renewed interest is the “Mini Slim Catalog.”

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In recent months, a combined 41 million customer credit and debit cards were compromised, due to a string of cyber-attacks on two high-profile corporate chain stores. As a small business owner, your footprint may be smaller than a mass-market retailer, but you are subjecting yourself to a huge risk if you are not making data protection a top priority.

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The Original Lighted Construction Set™ from Laser Pegs® is a line of kits that combine light and building, two things kids love. Nearly 50 kits are available, and each contains clear or colorful construction pieces in various shapes that snap together securely, as well as a power source.

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Glitsand® by Kristash® Bijoux is a unique collection of clear acrylic tubes containing a mixture of glitter and sand. The line includes pendants worn on chains or bracelets, and earrings. Made in the USA, the tubes are available in sterling silver and pewter.

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Most retailers have been in a situation where there was a big product, company or merchandise decision to make, and they would have liked feedback but did not know whom to contact. Being a member of The Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) provides the opportunity to ask retail buyers and managers from other establishments that are close in climate, size, location and traffic about what works for them, so retailers can utilize what they have learned.

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Big Mouth Toys designs, creates and produces one-of-a-kind humorous novelty toys and gag gifts. The company has more than 500 products, and is introducing 50 new and original items this spring.

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Vapor World Expo is scheduled May 7-8 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. It is a must attend event for innovators, manufacturers, distributors and retailers that have a stake in the electronic cigarette industry.

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