Gifts of Gratitude #2 - Studio Oh!

About 2 months ago, I posted part one in a planned series of posts about gratitude-inspired gifts and promised to post additional ones later.  Now it's "later" and even though it's later than I planned, I'm resuming my series.  Sorry for the delay.  I've been busy.

Gratitude leatheresque gratitude journal in coral & green; also available as an internet password journal

Studio Oh has refreshed its jotter journals with chic new - and durable - Leatheresque covers featuring in-demand gold foil stamping and a ribbon page mark.

They are sized to be portable and easy to stash in your bag and offer a space to record all the things for which you are grateful, promoting a more optimistic attitude.  Consider it a gratitude-on-the-go journal that will be a useful resource on those days when you feel uninspired and struggle to find reason to be grateful.

Retailers, you need to stock these in your shop year-round for your customers looking for small gifts that have meaning.  You can retail it for $9.95 with a little extra margin but still comfortably within the price range for gift-giving.

As you can tell from the photo above, there is also a version for internet passwords.  It's available in either black or turquoise.

Preview 2017 - Redwood Soap Co

Goat's milk bar soap and liquid hand wash, aloe-based hand & body lotion in 6 fragrances

Last month I visited Staunton for some courtesy calls with existing accounts, but I also wanted to connect with a newer retailer I learned about through social media but had not yet met.  My mission was to change that since they can clearly make money from several of the product lines I represent.

November is a tricky time to connect with potential new accounts.  In retail terms, November is Christmas and new sales reps can be unwelcome even when we come in peace for a meet-and-greet.

And so I walked into Redwood & Company unannounced, uninvited and unknown braced for whatever reception greeted me.

Well, Chris and Mark could not have been more welcoming (whew!).  In the course of conversation, I learned they have developed and manufacture their own line of personal care products - and are looking to grow their list of retailers. 

Long story short - I'm your new sales guy for Redwood Soap Co!  This was not one of the reactions I braced for.  It was even better, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Territory is a new fragrance to the collection with a more masculine appeal

Our body care line, Redwood Soap Co. was created in the Spring of 2013 after a failed search to find a well-made, all natural product that was gentle yet effective on the skin. But, being as stubborn as we are, we set out to create our own. From what started as milking goats on the family farm and many, MANY bars of soap later, we arrived at what you see today - a rich, gentle bar of soap made from the finest goats milk, all-natural ingredients, and therapeutic grade essential oils. Taking all that hands on knowledge, we are now working to expand our product line to include body lotions, lip balms, scrubs, and more. 

Redwood Soap products are all made in small batches right here in Virginia! The hand wash and lotion are both sold in recycled glass containers and retail for $15.  The bar soap retails for $10.

All products are available in six everyday fragrances - Lemongrass Zen, Lavender Meadow, Orange Grove, Fresh, Bright and Territory. 

If you're intrigued but wondering if you can sell this, I can tell you that on both my initial visit as well as a follow-up visit to the store that customers were purchasing multiple items even though that was not the original reason they came in.  The appeal of carrying bath products is that they are consumable and customers return to buy more.

And yes, I do have samples you can smell and try before making the decision to stock Redwood products.    So please let's make time to meet so you can experience the product and join me in supporting local business!

Preview 2017 - Rooted Right

Do you sell tee shirts as part of your product mix?  If so, then you know what a fast-growing category this is for gift shops.  If not, what are you waiting for?

Rooted Right is a new tee shirt company that celebrates the wearer's roots whether it's pride in their home state (or adopted state) or telling their story through their enthusiasm for a particular sport, recreational activity or travel destination.

It is the brainchild and passion of Amy Fay Chandler, a friend and fellow sales rep who also owns a retail business.  She has been selling them in her own shop and through other retailers in Tennessee and Kentucky for the last 6 months or so.

Virginia Tech colors (left) and University of Virginia colors (right)

Rooted Right is also a vehicle to support a cause important to Amy Fay - the fight against hunger.  A portion of the price of each tee shirt is donated to the fight.  Donations to food banks at the local level have already provided over a thousand meals in Tennessee and Kentucky.  As the company grows and expands outside the region, donations will be made to Feeding America - an organization to which all local food banks are linked.   

"Hope" tee shirt on the left, "Music" tee shirt on the right - both in regular fit

Amy Fay searched for the softest t-shirt she could find that is USA-made, and you will love the touch of the 100% cotton fabric.  Expect the shirts to shrink a tiny bit when washed and expect them to get even softer with repeated washings.   

The basic cut tees are short-sleeved and available in sizes from small to 4x.  Feminine fit tees are available in small to extra large and are a great alternative for younger girls or women who like a more fitted shirt.  

You can retail the shirts for $34 (except for 2x-4x which are slightly more).

If you're a retailer in central and southern Virginia, you can expect me to bring my sample with me when we meet this season.  If you want more information or need to see me urgently, please alert me so we can make plans right away!

Preview 2017 - Seashell candle collection from Vance Kitira

New seashell candles are available in 5 sizes

Vance Kitira heard your request for more coastal merchandise and responded with this new collection of seashell candles that will make their market debut in January.

The candles are expected to start shipping in March - but don't wait to get your order in.  No doubt they will be hot sellers, so make sure your order is at the front of the queue!

Each candle is unscented white wax in a clay vessel in one of five shapes with a matte finish.  The wax is the same premium wax as Vance's other candles so you can expect the same quality burn.

More good news is that you can order them by size instead of as a prepack that may include sizes that don't retail well for you.  Your retail on these will range from $5 for the smallest size (in the front of the photo above) to $32 for the largest size (middle back in the photo).

If you're going to market this winter, make sure to include Vance Kitira on your itinerary.  You can find him in Atlanta at Americasmart building 2, showroom #1328.  At NY NOW, you can find him on the upper level of the Javits Center in booth #1002.

Happy Holidays 2016

Before you read further, you should agree that Karen Carpenter has the most perfect voice for singing Christmas songs.  Ever.  It's not open for debate.  The science is settled.

I have always loved the buildup to Christmas and have never been one to frown upon businesses decorating prior to Thanksgiving.  In fact, I've been known to pull out a Christmas CD or two during the summer for a little bit of cheer.  In May 1998, I remember listening to an Anne Murray one when I started feeling the effects of what was diagnosed later that evening as strep throat.  I don't hold Anne responsible, though, and I still listen to her each Christmas.  Just not in the summer.

I even enjoyed working retail at Christmas because I'm weird like that.

As much as I love the anticipation of Christmas - the lights, the food, the colors, the good cheer, the parades, the parties, wrapping gifts - I have to confess that Christmas Day itself can be a letdown.  By 2:00pm, I'm ready to get back to normal life.  Enough of the radio with Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson butchering my favorite songs along with songs that need to be butchered like "Little Drummer Boy" and "Christmas Shoes."

Yep, before the sun goes down I'm ready for the new season of "How to Get Away with Murder" and anxiously await the Christmas episode of  "EastEnders" to see what Christmas tragedy plays out this year.

No matter what holiday you celebrate (if any) around the winter solstice, I think we can all agree that once we're past New Year's that we're ready for summer.  It doesn't work that way in Virginia, however, so we have to wait.  That wasn't the case when I lived in California because even the coldest day there was akin to a chilly spring day here.  You could still wear shorts to run errands, but you'd probably want to throw on a sweatshirt.

I hope you each enjoy whatever holiday you observe, create some fond memories, get to relax and reflect and gear up to make 2017 an extraordinary year!

Preview 2017 - In Other Words... from Compendium

New for 2017 - Compendium is introducing a new card line to their award-winning assortment!

In Other Words... provides your customers another option to say more with their greetings.  It is a card series that is big-hearted and witty, combining genuine sentiments and playful storytelling to mark life's important occasions.
 
You may already stock one or both of Compendium's other successful card lines - Positively Green or Frank & Funny.  So why should you consider another one?

• Generation X and Millennial consumers are purchasing more greeting cards, averaging 18 cards per year
• Greeting cards satisfy a craving for deeper, meaningful offline connections
• The growing demand for greetings that offer something original or distinctive
• In Other Words... incorporates bright colors with a simple design and smart, witty content with a small press aesthetic

Because In Other Words... celebrates the art of the written word, a percentage of each card's purchase is donated to organizations that promote literacy and support the readers of the future.  And like all Compendium cards, they are printed in the USA on FSC-certified recycled paper.

In Other Words... is available with the same spinner options as the existing collections - and with the same guaranteed sale as those collections, as well. 

Gifts of Gratitude (Part 1) - Studio Penny Lane

My reminder to be grateful

On Tuesday morning after doing a near-perfect job of parallel parking, I stepped out of my car and saw this penny amid the natural debris on the street - and immediately thought of Studio Penny Lane, one of the companies I represent.

Studio Penny Lane creates products based on the concept that the penny is a reminder to be grateful and embraces the practice of taking a moment to acknowledge something for which we are grateful when we find a penny like this.

I paused briefly and decided I was grateful that it wasn't raining and that it finally felt like autumn.  Simple?  Yes, but my schedule precluded spending more time on it at that moment.  On the two-hour ride home, however, I had plenty of time to ponder that penny and use it as inspiration for a new blog post.  (That was once I remembered that I have a blog because I haven't posted anything for...well...a while.)

Since I'm a sales person, it also made me consider other products I sell that are gratitude-inspired.  I'll post about those later which is why this one is noted as Part One. 

Pennies from Heaven Apothecary Jar - also available in clear glass

The Apothecary jar collection is the best-selling product.  Pictured above is the Pennies from Heaven design, and below is the Gratitude one.  Each jar is available in amber glass (shown) as well as clear glass, and you can retail them in the $30-35 range.

The question I am asked most often is "What do you do with it?" 

The jars each come with a "prescription" to inspire its owner on how to use it.  It suggests you put it in a highly-visible location so that you are reminded daily of its purpose and to use the slips of paper that are included to write down one thing for which you are grateful before placing the paper in the jar. 

The jar becomes a collection of that tells a story of the people, things, situations, friendships and circumstances for which you are thankful.  It is a thoughtful gift that becomes a unique, personal reflection of each recipient.

Gratitude Apothecary Jar from Studio Penny Lane - also available in clear glass

The product range also includes jewelry and accessories that incorporate actual pennies into the design, providing another reminder to always be grateful.

Studio Penny Lane is a unique product line with a powerful message.  It's also a welcome gift suggestion for your customers buying for that person who has everything!

A new chapter but not a new book

It happened a few weeks ago, but I'm thrilled to share that I've joined knack (lower case k - it's not a typo, grammar police) covering part of southern Virginia.

I'm still your guy for many of the lines I've worked with for years, so it isn't a radical change.  Check out the sidebar at the upper right for my full line portfolio.

Now I have even more reasons to work with some of my favorite accounts - and the chance to build relationships with new accounts.  With the addition of knack's package, I bet I have at least one product line that will make you money.  Heck, Compendium even guarantees it!

Life - including professional life - goes in cycles.  Sometimes you're riding high and enjoying success and sometimes you're...well...not.  I don't want to use the f-word, but I think you know what I mean.

My business was hovering somewhere in between the two last month when a serendipitous chat during the Stationery Show led me to reconnect with a rep I worked with 10 years ago who now co-owns the sales group!  The timing was right-on as I had recently declined a few opportunities and was second-guessing those decisions.

So now I begin a new, exciting chapter with an even more lucrative mix of product lines that work together seamlessly and that I love selling!  I'm so looking forward to the journey.

Chronicle your 9-month journey by recording the most memorable moments of your pregnancy in the Bump for Joy pregnancy journal from Studio Oh! 

This beautifully illustrated 144-page journal is arranged by trimester and features a variety of writing prompts, checklists and fill-in-the-blanks PLUS plenty of space for tracking your growing bump, displaying your ultrasound images and planning for your baby's arrival.

Bump for Joy is just one of Studio Oh's collection of seven Guided Journals that provide a meaningful space for introspection and inspiration.  Designed in full color with original illustrations throughout, each journal features well-thought-out prompts to foster reflection and bring the "extra" to "extraordinary."

Want to see more?  Say the word and let's make plans to meet so I can show you the whole collection - and all the other great items from Studio Oh!

Okay retailers - remember last fall when you told me to remind you about San Diego Hat in the spring?  Guess what!  It's spring and I'm here to remind you!

If you're new to the line and wondering where to start, I have drawn up a couple of worksheets to give your order focus and allow you to edit and create an assortment that works for your store. 

Some things to consider and help you focus:

• Is SPF protection important to your customers?
• Do you prefer bright, preppy colors or more earthy, neutral tones?
• Is it important to your customer that many of the ribbon hats are crushable and easy to pack?
• Do you prefer hats with embellishment or do you prefer simple shapes and details?

Let's chat (it doesn't have to take long) about what is important to you, and I will help you put together an assortment to get you started.  The minimum order is only 12 hats, but you will want more than that as these turn quickly.

Oh - don't forget there are hats for men & kids, as well!

This may be the product introduction I'm most excited about for spring - the Aura luminary candles from Vance Kitira!  These look like glass containers filled with wax, right?  What if I told you they are all wax?  Believe it!  Vance applied his magic touch to create an outer surface that looks and feels like weathered glass.  Like his other luminaries, they come to life - and are even more beautiful - when lit.

You can't tell the size from the photo, but each one is 4.25 x 4.75" so it's a substantial candle.  They are unscented (so great for entertaining) and available in the 4 colors you see above.

I'm anxious to show you these and his other new introductions at the winter markets - or in your shop.  You can find Vance in his usual places - #1328 in Americasmart building 2 (Atlanta) or #1002 at the Javits Center (New York).