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).

 

Ready for some exciting news from Vintage Reef?  New for spring - the expandable bracelets are now available in a polished silver finish! 

You know what that means?  All you retailers at the beach and along the bay who weren't keen on the antique finish and didn't buy last summer can expect to hear from me again in 2016.  That objection is now moot!  Remember that the line is developed by a retailer (who also sells them in his own store), so you can be confident that they will sell for you, too.

There are also some new display fixtures to accommodate the new necklaces (more on that in a future post), and you can qualify for free displays with an order of only $250.

Ready to preview what's new for 2016?  EVE Products is making its US market debut next month at Werner Frank.  It's the first branded line of natural cork fashion accessories - handbags, business bags, wallets, jewelry & belts - crafted of cork fabric from Portugal.  The material is soft, lightweight, durable - and waterproof!

You really need to see - and touch - them in person to appreciate how special they are.  Come see me in Atlanta next month at Werner Frank (#1200 in building 2) OR let's make plans to meet in your shop.  Be one of the first to offer this new brand with lots of growth potential.

Abbott Tuesday - Soap Dishes

Chances are you carry at least one line of luxury soaps in your shop - and probably 3 or 4.  Do you also sell soap dishes that are worthy of your soaps?

This week's Abbott feature focuses on their selection of beautiful soap dishes that have as much decorative appeal as they have function.  Whether your customer is buying luxury soaps for personal use or as gifts, you can suggest a soap dish as an add-on. 

27-LAVATA - Antiqued Bird Soap Dish

When buying for personal use, the soap dish add-on is a quick way to spruce up the powder room and so much more cost-effective than new lighting or paint!  If they are buying your soap as a gift, the addition of a soap dish adds a personal touch that says "I chose this with you in mind at my favorite local store" instead of "I picked up the quickest grab & go I could find at the big box store."

Speaking of grab & go, you can win over frazzled shoppers if you personally prepackage your soaps with soap dishes (even if they are not from Abbott) especially during 4th quarter.  Use something as simple as some cellophane and ribbon or something more elaborate if that's your shop's style - making sure your store name is attached - to dress up the combination and price as a single unit.  It becomes a unique gift they can only buy from you and simplifies the transaction for your customer and for you as a merchant.  A pre-wrapped sale is a quick sale!

The antiqued bird soap dish (pictured above) is a white ceramic holder that will likely enhance most any soap you sell.  It measures 5" long to accommodate larger European style soaps, and the beautiful detailing makes a welcome "ta da" in the powder room.  Retail it for $14.  

27-MARSEILLE - "Savon" Embossed Soap Dish

You can easily add some French flair (especially if your soaps are French) with the "Savon" embossed dish pictured above.  This one is fashioned of durable white porcelain with intricate edge details.  It measures 6" in length.  Retail it for $15.

27-TUB - Bathtub Soap Dish

If your soaps call for some vintage charm, consider the footed bathtub soap dish - which happens to be my favorite.  This ivory ceramic piece fits any decor with its clean, straightforward design.  It is deep enough to cradle large soap bars and measures 5.5" long.  Retail it for $12.

Are you planning to attend the Atlanta gift show next month?  Please include the Abbott showroom on your itinerary -  showroom #1233 in building 2- where the extensive Abbott catalog comes to life!  Click here to make an appointment with me - I'd love to walk you through it!