SPI Thursday - Frog Themed Garden Sculptures

So far on our SPI Thursdays journey, we have visited unexpected product categories with an emphasis on functionality.  On some occasions, though, it is enough that an item's function is to make us smile and inspire introspection, and these garden art sculptures do just that.  And, really, isn't that just as useful as any kitchen utensil from Ladles & Linens?

Item #33834 - Frogs on Porch Swing

Before I get charged with plagiarism, here it is directly from the SPI catalog:

Liven up your garden with the best conversation starter: our frog.  Surprisingly versatile, this amphibian is capable of flying kites, traveling first class, meditating, and even drinking a glass of wine on the porch.  Endearingly cute, SPI frogs make any garden feel warm and inviting.

Frogs - especially happy SPI frogs - sell because frogs (the actual animals) are harmless and don't eat your plants or leave surprises in your yard before they go on their merry way.  My dog is fascinated by frogs and even though she is nearing 14 years, she still doesn't understand why they won't play with her.

The Frogs on Porch Swing sculpture above is one of my favorites because it evokes those kind of lazy, humid summer weekend afternoons when you've accomplished all your chores and are able to relax and enjoy your garden.

This set is made of aluminum and iron, both of which are suitable for outdoor use.  It measures 27.5" high and 25" wide - so it's definitely a statement piece that wants to be the center of attention.  The depth is 17.5".  Retail it for $299.

Item #33671 - Fishing Frog Mama & Baby

The Fishing Frog Mama & Baby (pictured above) is a 2-piece set that captures a special summer ritual of parent/child bonding.  Even though it is called mama & baby, the sex of the adult is indeterminate so you can call it father & baby if that suits your situation better.

This set is all aluminum and is lighter weight than the swing set.  The mama frog measures 20" from the top of the fishing rod to the feet.  The 2 pieces are not physically connected but are sold only as a set.  Retail it for $99.

SPI offers 22 different garden sculptures that feature frogs - and then you can choose from others featuring cats, birds, deer, fairies and other adorable creatures.

Want to see more?  Just say the word and I'll make it happen.  If you're concerned about shipping costs for larger garden items, don't forget that SPI always caps freight at 20% on orders of at least $750.

Are you planning to attend the Atlanta gift show next month?  Click here to make an appointment with me to see what's new for fall from SPI and my other Werner Frank companies.

Abbott Tuesday - Antigua Collection

The Antigua Collection was a mid-season introduction for Abbott, so if you don't remember it from the main catalog it's because it wasn't there!  It is, however, in the winter supplement.  If you don't have one please alert me so I can get it in your hands right away.

Item # 31-ANTIGUA/TOTE - assortment of 3 designs

The collection is inspired by the tropical fish and colors found in the sea surrounding Antigua.  It includes tote bags, decorative pillows and square seat cushions.  The reverse side of each item is striped on colors that complement the colors of the fish.  (There is a photo in the catalog that I'm not able to post here)

Each item is constructed of burlap and cotton and allows you to offer your customers a touch of the tropics to brighten their décor. 


Item # 31-ANTIGUA/RECT - assortment of 3 designs

You can retail the tote for $69.  Pictured at the top, it's a roomy 15" x 20" and fits a lot of accessories, gadgets and beach necessities comfortably.

The pillow and cushion are whimsical additions to cottages or children's rooms, and they can also accent your patio or outdoor area.  Since they are burlap, they are not weatherproof so don't forget to bring them inside in inclement weather or just use them in a sheltered outdoor area.

The pillow (pictured above) measures 13" x 20" and also has a polyester filling to keep it low-maintenance for summer enjoyment.  It's a pretty standard size that makes an ideal throw pillow.  You can retail it for $69.

The box cushion (pictured below) is a 19" square with a polyester filling.  Retail it for $89.

Item # 31-ANTIGUA/BOX - assortment of 3 designs

Are you planning to attend the summer gift show in Atlanta?  Don't forget that Abbott now has a company showroom in building 2, showroom #1233.

SPI Thursday - Cool Dog Bookends

Did you know that SPI Home offers a wide selection of bookends?  Would you be surprised to learn you can choose from their collection of 52(!) different designs?

Item #33347 - Cool Dog Bookends

Show your customers how to add personality to their homes while keeping their libraries tidy.  We all know that guests in our homes will check out our book collections.  Our choice of bookends are a whimsical - and functional - way to indulge our enthusiasm for our hobbies and interests.

The Cool Dog Bookend Set (pictured above) is made of solid brass.  The base is 4" x 6" while it stands at 6" tall.  If you don't count yourself as a dog lover, you know someone who is.  Even the most callous heart is warmed by the innocence and joy of puppies.

The SPI bookend collection includes other materials than brass, allowing you to offer a range of price points to your customers.  Many of the bookend sets are of resin.  Some are of cast iron or aluminum, and there are some more elaborate styles that incorporate multiple materials.

Item #33192 - Duck Tape Bookends

The whimsical Duck Tape Bookend Set (pictured above) is an example of a combination design.  The bookend base is wood, and the duck embellishments are of brass.  This set stands taller than the Cool Dog set at 10.5" high with a base that measures 4" x 8".

The resin designs are the lightest weight, but they still have plenty of heft to serve their purpose - to support your books!

Bookends are thoughtful gifts for people like myself who embrace technology but will never abandon printed books.  Great books are friends that become part of your story.  That they also work well as a decorative element in your home is just a bonus.

Abbott Tuesday - Bastille lanterns

Bastille lanterns in natural wood (top row: barrel #4030 & #4028; bottom row: cylinder #4023 & #4022)

Tis the season for outdoor entertaining, so make sure you're offering your customers the best options to enhance their gatherings.

These Bastille lanterns from Abbott add a dramatic, organic and functional touch to any space.  The natural elements allow your customer to bring the outdoors in (when the temps turn cooler) or blend seamlessly with their garden or patio décor.

Each lantern is constructed of wood and metal with a jute handle.  There is also a glass cylinder insert to protect your open flame from the wind and prevent fire hazards.  The candle is not included, but Vance Kitira candles partner perfectly with these lanterns.

Choose either the cylinder or barrel shape (or both) and either natural wood or grey-stained wood.  The cylinder style is available in two sizes - 10" or 12" tall.  There are also two sizes for the barrel style - 7.5" or 11" tall.



Bastille lanterns in grey wood (left to right #4011, #4012, #4018, #4016)

Your customer is likely to purchase more than one because singles don't make an impact, and these lanterns are too dramatic to allow them to be overshadowed by other décor elements.  You may consider pricing them as pairs or simply offering a lower retail when your customer buys more than one.

Abbott makes it easy for you to manage your inventory by selling each item individually.  Unlike many import companies, Abbott does not require that buy two sizes as a set.  While that works well at the retail level, when it comes to wholesale you end up with orphan pieces that you are unable to sell without discounting.  At Abbott, YOU decide how many of each style and color to bring in.

SPI Thursday - Garden Sculptures with Bluetooth Speakers

Have you ever enjoyed the outdoor music of an open-air shopping center and wished you could create the same ambience at home?  And wouldn't it be even better if you could do it without expensive rewiring?

SPI Home has created a collection of garden sculptures and smartphone holders with speakers powered by Bluetooth technology.

Item #33828 - Frog Bluesman Garden Sculpture with Bluetooth Speaker

This is a unique category to offer your customers who are re-landscaping or just in the market to add a little personality to their gardens.  Even better is that it's also a functional garden décor element and not just a "pretty."

Each piece is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device so your customer can enjoy their favorite music from apps such as iTunes, Pandora and Spotify.  You don't have to be an expert in Bluetooth technology to sell them - an instruction card is included with each piece.

The speakers have an impressive sound and range.  We learned this in the showroom when someone who probably shops at Best Buy decided to test the volume button. 

Add atmosphere to your next gathering, or treat yourself when you're relaxing and enjoying some solitude.  Just be considerate of your neighbors and don't make them wonder if you're operating an underground nightclub in your backyard.       

Item #33871 - Resting Gnome with Bluetooth Speaker

The garden sculpture speakers are suitable for outdoor use. 

The Frog Bluesman (top photo) is aluminum and measures 20.5" tall.  Retail it for $399.

The Resting Gnome (above photo) is fashioned from polystone and stands 18" tall.  You can retail this one for $299.

What is polystone, you ask?

Polystone is a compound made up largely of polyurethane resin mixed with powdered stone additives that give it added weight and the porcelain or "stone-like" feel.  Polystone is durable and is highly effective at capturing minute sculptural details and maintaining a sharp paint finish. Unlike porcelain which is fired in an oven, Polystone is a cold-cast material in which no heat is used in the manufacturing process, resulting in much greater variations of paint finish. 

Item #34009 - Octopus Cellphone Holder with Bluetooth Speaker

SPI also offers whimsical cell phone holders with Bluetooth speakers.  These pieces are smaller and crafted of resin, so they are best suited for indoor use or in a sheltered outdoor location.

The Octopus holder (pictured above) stands 7.5" tall with a 9" diameter footprint.  This one can retail for $139.

Other cell phone holder designs include a mermaid, frog, bear, alligator and a penguin.

Abbott Tuesday - Hanging Wall Vases

Left to right: 27-WALLBOX, 27-WALLFLOWER, 27-DERRICK (last 2 are duplicates)

This week's Abbott feature is the company's unique hanging wall vases - available in 3 sizes.

These are ideal for your customer who is short on space but long on taste.  It's a unique way to add a surprise element that will really punch up their décor.

Each vase is made of glass with a cutout near the lip so that it can be mounted on the wall.  All 3 shapes are included in the photo above.

• 27-WALLBOX: 6" tall rectangular vase
• 27-WALLFLOWER: 7" tall round cylinder vase
• 27-DERRICK: 11" extra long tubular vase

Remember that repetition creates impact in a display.  You can choose one size to line up for a minimalist approach, or you can mix up all sizes to create a mélange.  Show your customer that they really can't buy just one! 

The vases allow your customer to change out their wall décor based on the season or occasion by simply changing out the flowers.  It creates a fresh look without having to reconfigure the vases on the wall.

You can retail these vases in the $8 to $15 range with a respectable margin.  It's a price that will encourage your customers to purchase more than one to achieve the maximum impact in their homes.

This is a year-round item, but if you really want to promote them in the warm weather then it's not too late.  All 3 items are in stock (I just checked), and Abbott ships quickly so you will have plenty of sell-through time before fall.  You'll even have plenty of time to reorder when they move faster than you expected!

SPI Thursday - Square Mirror with Kittens

Item #50452 - Square Mirror with Kittens

Your customers won't be able to resist these two kittens pondering their reflections in a mirror.  It's charming even to dog people like me.  Don't hate me.

The frame and base of this mirror by SPI Home are made of iron so it's not fragile or prone to overturning if someone bumps the table on which it's resting.  It's 7" square without the kittens; it has a 3" x 7" footprint with them. 

It's a clever way to add a touch of "ta-da" to your home décor, becoming one of those pleasant surprises that makes people smile.

Since it's also a functional mirror, your dinner party guests can pick it up and compliment your good taste as they subtly check their teeth or hair or lipstick without having to pull out their compact.

You can retail it for $39 and merchandise it either in your store's pet area or incorporate it into your home décor assortment as the same sort of surprise your customer will want in their home.

Abbott Tuesday - NeXtime Wall Clocks

In a previous post about wedding registries, I shared a story from my retail store era of how much a bride loved the wall clock that she received from one of my customers. She told my customer that it would be a daily reminder of her thoughtfulness - and the fact that it kept time was a bonus!

Item #14-8176/WI - "Off Balance" Wall Clock

Abbott is the North American distributor for NeXtime clocks, which is the focus of this week's Abbott Tuesday.  It's one more way that Abbott allows you to make your store stand out from your competitors and create loyal customers.

NeXtime is a Dutch design company with 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing clocks.  The company works with talented designers from across Europe, allowing them the freedom to create a wide range of clocks so that you can offer your customers unique, innovative and functional wall décor.  Many designs are contemporary (even retro!), but you can also find ones that will satisfy your customers with more traditional style, as well.

Item #14-2925 - "Chef Can & Whisk" Wall Clock
(the whisk is the pendulum!)

You don't need to be a home décor retailer to stock clocks.  These sell well in gift stores, also, because it is an unexpected suggestion that needs no explanation.  Display them on your blank upper wall space to add some punch and draw your customers' attention up.

NeXtime clocks are functional works of art that make a timeless (ha!) gift that will be enjoyed for many years to come.


Item #14-8156 - "Time Lines" Mondrian Wall Clock
(RIP Suzanne Crough aka Tracy from "The Partridge Family")