Smart Retailer July 2020

JULY 2020 • $6.95

HELPING YOUR GIFT BUSINESS SUCCEED

Jolly Christmas Gifts & Decorations SEC SOC RE TS TO IAL M SA EDIA

SUC LES CESS

Atlanta Market & Las Vegas Market Previews

CONTENTS JULY 2020

28 Entertaining in Style

22

The quarantine focused people’s attention on their homes, and that trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Find top-drawer décor here.

34 Gifts for Men

Men like practical things they can use in their man cave or on-the-go.

Look no further for an outstanding roundup of guy-pleasing gifts.

40 Impulse Buys & Stocking Stuffers

PRODUCT FOCUS NEW & NOTEWORTHY:

10 Something for Everyone An eclectic mix of popular products for even "hard-tobuy-for” friends and family.

TREND WATCH:

14 Jolly Christmas & Winter Décor Cheerful, nostalgic Christmas and winter decorations will likely be more in demand than ever as people crave a return to more peaceful times.

22 Gourmet Food to Delight Dinner Guests

Food is always a centerpiece of fun, fellowship, and conversation.

These delectable treats will help your customers create unforgettable occasions.

ON THE COVER: Mélange

Collection collaborates with some of the most talented knitters in Armenia to bring each cheery motif in their heirloomworthy holiday pillow collection to life.

Impulse gifts are great profit boosters because when customers come across a delightful discovery, they're eager to scoop up that perfect gift they've been hunting for.

BUSINESS SENSE

54 Is 2020 the Year of Community?

With ongoing restrictions in brickand-mortar shopping, online sales have become more important than ever. Learn how to leverage social media for maximum results.

58 Business Briefs:

When COVID-19 gives you lemons; good morale boosts everyone; but will they hand out virtual swag?; centering in a crisis.

DISPLAY & DESIGN:

60 Going Green

Learn the three R’s of being budget wise and eco-friendly.

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT:

62 Feltz’s Dairy Store

Find news stories and article summaries here with full stories available on smart-retailer.com.

Ken and Jackie Feltz have discovered the benefits of diversifying their product line. They’ve found that adding a variety of gifts and home décor to their core business has expanded their clientele and increased their profits.

46 Atlanta Market Summer 2020 Preview

IN EVERY ISSUE

50 Las Vegas Market Summer 2020 Preview

66 Advertiser Index

26 News Roundup From Smart-Retailer.com

Atlanta Market, which has been moved 6 Editor’s Note to Aug. 13 – 18 to ensure vendor 8 Welcome Exchange: and attendee safety, offers an exciting Questions & Answers that Matter lineup of products, pre-market online education, and networking opportunities. 64 Trade Show Calendar

Las Vegas Market, rescheduled to Aug. 30 – Sept. 3 for safe shopping, promises to dazzle with the Expo at World Market Las Vegas, a new 315,000-squarefoot exposition facility. It also offers an array of online programming before and during the show.

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Smart Retailer (USPS 011-498) (ISSN 1076-7282) is published eight times a year (Jan, Feb, Apr, June, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) by JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Road, Iola, WI. Periodicals Postage Paid at Iola, WI 54945 and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to qualified U.S. retailers only; all other U.S. subscriptions, $19.95 for eight issues; in Canada, $42.95 for eight issues; other foreign subscriptions, $54.95 for eight issues, prepaid in U.S. funds. For subscription inquiries, address changes or adjustments, write to Smart Retailer at P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766 or call (855)367-4819. When moving, send your old address as well as your new address and zip code. Allow six weeks for changes. When inquiring about your subscription, please include your address label.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Smart Retailer, P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766. Printed in the U.S.A.

4 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Get in the Christmas spirit with Keystone!

180 Greenfield Road, Suite 1, Lancaster, PA 17601 • Ph: 717-295-2570 • Fx: 717-295-2576 www.LancasterWholesaleMall.com • info@lancasterwholesalemall.com

Check our website and facebook page for Covid 19 updates.

EDITOR’SNOTE

The Powerful Potential of Local, Handmade, and Made-in-America Products

I

t’s been a challenging year. The quarantine closed non-essential stores for weeks and many are reopening under restrictions.

While many shopping patterns are changing, at least one is sure to weather the storm. Gift-giving is a custom so deeply engrained in our culture that it’s sure to continue no matter what. Even in the worst economic times in our history, such as the Great Depression, recessions, and wartime, gift-giving continued. With year-round holidays and celebrations — Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, housewarmings, and more — there’s a steady market to keep the cash register ringing.

So what does that mean for independent brick-and-mortar stores? It’s a safe bet that the trend away from big box stores toward local shops will increase for several reasons.

First, the trend was already strong before COVID-19, and because the virus affected virtually everyone, there will likely be deep and widespread support for shoppers to speed the move toward local, handmade, and made-in-America merchandise.

And for quite some time before the virus, there was a growing movement among consumers toward prioritizing relationships over dollars and cents. That’s good news for small business owners because shoppers are willing to spend more to build relationships with local businesses. The article “Is 2020 the Year of Community?” (pg. 54) explains how to use social media to build bonds with customers.

Because relationships are taking on a higher priority, shoppers want to give more personal gifts. Handmade products aren’t mass-produced, so they can’t be found in every store. That makes them more individual, thoughtful, and meaningful.

While the virus has caused small stores more hardship than chain stores in the short term, ironically, it’s also opened more opportunities to compete against them in the future.

PRODUCT LINEUP Kicking off the shopping season for Christmas, “Jolly Christmas & Winter Décor” (pg.

14) offers a wide range of merchandise to boost holiday spirits. We’ve also got articles on gourmet food (pg. 22), entertaining and tabletop décor (pg. 28), men’s gifts (pg. 34), and impulse buys (pg. 40).

ATLANTA AND LAS VEGAS SUMMER MARKETS The Atlanta and Las Vegas Summer Markets have been rescheduled because of COVID-19, but the show management will be implementing best-in-class practices to ensure participants stay healthy during their visit. And they’ll both feature digital education opportunities. Find more details on pages 50 and 54.

It’s more important than ever to build relationships with your customers. They’ll appreciate — and remember — every gesture of kindness you offer!

TO YOUR SUCCESS! DAN BROWNELL, EDITOR

CONNECT WITH SMART RETAILER ONLINE: Website: www.smart-retailer.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/smart_retailer YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/SmartRetailer Facebook: www.facebook.com/SmartRetailerMagazine Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/smartretailer 6 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 5

DIANA JONES President/Publisher, ext. 151 dianaj@jpmediallc.com

DAN BROWNELL Editor, ext. 154 danb@smart-retailer.com

JOYCE GREENHOLDT Product Editor joyceg@jpmediallc.com

ANDREA GARBE Sales Account Executive, ext. 114 andreag@jpmediallc.com

JIM NEGEN Sales Account Executive, ext. 118 jimn@jpmediallc.com

ELIZABETH KROGWOLD Art Director

ROCKY LANDSVERK Editorial Director

CONTRIBUTORS: Flora Delaney Sarah Hoban Amy Meadows Jennifer Raines

SMART RETAILER P.O. Box 5000 Iola, WI 54945 Advertising Dept: (715) 445-5000 ext. 114 Subscriptions: (855) 367-4819 Phone: (715) 445-5000 Fax: (715) 445-4053 www.smart-retailer.com www.facebook.com/SmartRetailerMagazine www.twitter.com/smart_retailer Copyright © 2020

Red Truck Check Collection

Linens • Home Decor • Florals • Holiday Visit us at the Atlanta Gift Show in our NEW SHOWROOM: Bldg 2, #695A

800.492.1784 • www.thecountryhousecollection.com

WELCOMEEXCHANGE

BY JENNIFER RAINES JenniferR@smart-retailer.com

I’m considering raising the wages of all my staff because I feel like it’s the right thing to do, but I’m concerned about a pending recession and getting in over my head. Would a holiday bonus be a better option?

It’s commendable wanting to do better by your employees, especially if they’re hardworking, loyal, and productive. On the other hand, watching the bottom line and protecting your business and their long-term job security is also the responsible thing to do. If you feel like it’s time to raise your staff ’s salaries or

There are many new buzz words these days, such as “fair trade,” “organic,” “recycled,” and “GMO / Non-GMO,” and I’m having a hard time keeping them straight. I don’t want to sound ignorant or do anything illegal by misstating something. Can you clear up the differences in the terms for me?

These days people are becoming increasingly aware of what they buy, eat, and wear. The brands are also using a host of words that may be new for customers. Words such as “natural,” “organic,” and “non-GMO” might sound similar. However, each has certain limitations.

Terms with Legal Definitions or Certification Requirements

Fair Trade: Under Fairtrade International, farmers and workers in developing countries get better deals and working conditions.

Producer organizations go through an onsite audit before selling Fair Trade Certified™ products.

Made in USA: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), products must be entirely made in the United States to advertise as “Made in USA.” To adhere to guidelines, the final assembly or processing should also be done in the United States.

Natural: FDA rules say that “natural” means a food or body item to which nothing artificial or synthetic (including color additives) has been added.

Organic: Organic means not using artificial chemicals in the growth of plants and animals for food. To qualify as organic, the product must comply with USDA organic standards. The organic certification allows a producer/farmer to sell/label his products as organic.

Recycled: The Global Recycle Standard is an international standard and caters to companies wanting to verify their products as recycled. If you see the GRS logo on a product, it means it has at least 50% recycled content.

Eco-friendly: Eco-friendly products aren’t harmful to the environment. The product you’re buying is eco-friendly if it’s certified by any of these verified third parties: • Green Seal • Scientific Certification Systems • U.S. Green Building Council • The Chlorine Free Products Association • ENERGY STAR • Green-e • USDA Gluten-free: People with celiac disease can’t eat gluten. Fortunately, many gluten-free products are certified, thus providing 8 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

hourly wages, then it probably is time or past time.

Be upfront with them and let them know you appreciate them and recognize that they’re deserving. If you think looking forward to an end-of-year bonus is too far out, or that you can’t afford to permanently raise their pay rate right now, consider either incremental pay raises of a small amount, such as quarterly increases of .25 cents per hour or a quarterly bonus based on your profits for that period. That would encourage them to stay motivated and they would all be working toward a common goal. a host of options to consumers. The USDA says that gluten-free labeled foods must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. You may also find food items certified by independent third parties such as GFCO, BRCGS, and NSF. Non-GMO: According to the USDA, there are no specific rules for labelling genetically modified organisms. Non-GMO products are certified by independent certification agencies.

An example of this is a Non-GMO Project verified seal on a product, which assures shoppers of compliance with NonGMO standards.

Limited-edition: Limited-edition art deals with exclusivity.

Limited-edition artwork includes the total number of prints as well as the number of the particular artwork. Independent parties such as The Art Trust provide certificates for the authenticity of paintings and fine art.

Non-Legal Terms

Handmade: Since there’s no authority monitoring the production process of handmade, some producers might be tempted to put the “handmade” label on their products. However, businesses should be transparent and provide detailed descriptions regarding products they sell.

Artisan: Consumers can get help from the guideline set by UNESCO, which states that artisanal products should be produced by artisans using hands or hand-held tools. It requires that the direct manual contribution of the artisan should be the most important part of the product.

Reclaimed: A reclaimed product refers to an item that wasn’t altered since its final state. For instance, reclaimed wood means unaltered wood.

Jennifer Raines is a native Virginian who has owned five retail stores, opening her first at age 19. She has operated some form of her current business since 2005 and currently has a flagship store in Williamsburg, Va., called Quirks of Art, a website (www.kinksandquirks.com), and a strong social-media presence. Raines has won numerous honors, including “Top 40 Under 40,” Niche magazine’s “Top Retailer,” and a Women in Business Achievement Award.

outdoor COLLECTION

PHONE 866.592.5514 • WEB ONECOAST.COM

VIRTUAL ORDERING SCHEDULE A LIVE PRODUCT WALKTHROUGH AT PGRAHAMDUNN.COM/LIVEORDERING

BRAND NEW SHOWROOM ATLANTA • BLDG 2 #1801 | EXPANDED DALLAS • WTC #256 | LAS VEGAS • BLDG C #801 PHONE 800.828.5260 • EMAIL SHOP@PGRAHAMDUNN.COM • WEB PGRAHAMDUNN.COM • SOCIAL

NEW&NOTEWORTHY Vintage Glass Insulator Jewelry

These one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are made from kilnfired antique and vintage glass insulators.

Peppermint Charms

www.peppermintcharms.com momantha24@comcast.net 360-521-7754

Wooden Boxes

New designs for this year are a sliding-lid wooden box with star or heart motif (4.5" x 4.5" x 1.5" h.) and a hexagon box with star motif (3" dia.).

Kurt Meyer Fine Woodworking ws.kurtmeyer.com, use “retailer” as both username and password kmeyer@kurtmeyer.com | 413-625-8395

Health Heroes Ornaments

The Honoring Our Front-Line Heroes and First Responders line features 13 SKUs. Ornaments include Doctor Anthony Fauci, various frontline and essential workers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and several firemen and policemen ornaments. A selection of everyday items such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer ornaments give a lighthearted nod to what everyone is buying in the current environment. Many ornaments in the line can be personalized.

Kurt S . Adler, Inc. www.kurtadler.com | jamie@kurtadler.com | 212-924-0900

From Our House to Your House Ornament

A handcrafted pewter ornament complete with a red ribbon and on a product card. 10% of profits will fund Global Relief. In 2020, donations will go towards COVID Relief projects. Part Basic Spirit’s Global Gratitude Collection of ornaments and keychains.

Handcrafted in Canada.

Seaweed+Eucalyptus Exfoliating Soap

Infused with eucalyptus essential oil; enriched with shea butter, cocoa butter, virgin olive oil, and grapeseed oil; and blended with exfoliating oatmeal and seaweed.

Greenwich Bay Trading Co www.gbsoaps.com | customerservice@gbsoaps.com 919-781-5008

Basic Spirit www.basicspirit.com | sales@basicspirit.com 902-243-3390

Stoneware Bakers

Beautiful yet durable, these stoneware bakers from Portugal come in rectangular, square, and round shapes. The convenient handles on each side allow for easy maneuvering. All three shapes are available in gray, blue, claret/red, and white.

Carmel Ceramica www.carmelceramica.com orders@carmelceramica.com 831-717-4336 10 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Map Ornaments

Wooden topographic map ornaments are carved from solid hardwood and show accurate terrain. Available for every state, country, city, etc. All maps are hand-finished and made entirely in the USA from sustainably sourced materials.

Elevated Woodworking elevatedwoodworking.com noah@elevatedwoodworking.com | 412-837-8351

Handmade Santa

This large Santa by Laura Kendrick has a hand-sculpted face with beautiful fabric and fur trim.

Raggedy Junction www.ragjunction.com raggedyjunction@gmail.com 203-926-8411

Fancy Christmas Anxiety Kitchen Towel

Fancy Christmas Anxiety Tea towel. This funny kitchen towel reads, “It’s almost time for me to switch from my everyday anxiety to my fancy Christmas anxiety.”

100% cotton, made in USA.

ellembee gift www.ellembeegift.com info@ellembee.com 248-520-7467

Whimsical Frog and Turtle Solar Statue

Make your garden look like a whimsical place filled with magic and wonder with this adorable statue of a charming frog riding a turtle. Figurine is solar-powered and provides a soft glow at night. Place near a pond, fountain, vegetable, or flower garden.

Made from polyresin, stone powder, and plastic. 7" x 8.5" x 15.5".

GardenDecorAccents.com www.gardendecoraccents.com inquire@gardendecoraccents.com 815-382-5751

Christmas Pop-Up Cards

New designs for this Christmas include a Snow Globe shadowbox card, Cozy Christmas pop-up card, and Merry Christmas to All pop-up card with lights.

Up With Paper www.upwithpaper.com GeorgeW@upwithpaper.com 513-759-7473

Glitterazzi Santa Ornament

Glass ornament handcrafted in Poland. Comes in an individual gift box.

Embroidered City Skyline Pillows

These signature designs depict famous skylines and other recognizable landmarks unique to some of the major cities around the world, including New York, Chicago, London, Paris, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Available in day and night variants.

Joy to the World Collectibles Inc. www.joytotheworldonline.com info@joytotheworldonline.com 865-470-7148

Beyond Cushions Corporation www.beyondcushions.com | pankaj@beyondcushions.com 404-483-1733 www.smart-retailer.com 11

NEW&NOTEWORTHY Jason Naylor Tumbler Collection

The Jason Naylor Officially Licensed Collection features three designs: Be Kind, Heart Graffiti, and Girl Power.

This is the first collection of drinkware from trending artist Jason Naylor. Double wall insulated, 16 oz. tumblers.

Freeheart Drinkware www.gofreeheart.com sales@gofreeheart.com 855-204-5106

Vinyl Stickers

Stickers in designs to match everyone’s interests at a price low enough to make impulse purchases easy. Vinyl Stickers are not new in the tourist market but they are a new hot trend in gifts!

Pull-String Gift Bags

Gift wrapping is a cinch with this six-pack of pull-string Mylar gift bags. Take the stress out of holiday gift wrapping!

Expressive Design Group www.theedg.net | sales@theedg.net | 800-848-6685

Stickers Northwest www.stickersnorthwest.com orders@stickersnorthwest.com 253-344-1236

Giving Plate

This plate shall have no owner, for its journey never ends! Spread the joy during the holidays with the Hope Peace & Cookies giving plate! Ceramic plate features colorful sentiment with embossed trim detail.

Dennis East International www.deidirect.com insidesales@deidirect.com 508-375-0009

Ceramic Steak Knife Set

A four-piece steak knife set made from Kyocera’s proprietary zirconia material, featuring a micro-serrated blade with a razor-sharp edge. These are ultra-lightweight and will stay sharper up to 10 times longer than metal knives. These knives combine modern sleek design with high-tech ceramic performance. These knives should not be used for frozen, bone-in meats, or hard foods. The set is available in three different color combinations: black handle/black blade; white/white; and black/white.

Packaged in a black gift box with protective sleeve. 4.5" blades.

Kyocera Intl., Inc. cutlery.kyocera.com email belinda.martinez@kyocera.com 858-757-6110 12 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Bella Tavola Signature Copper Torch

Designer-inspired and engineered from the highest quality materials available, this copper torch provides premium performance and features. The large 7.5" broad, windresistant flame is unmatched in the industry. Serious home and professional chefs will love its versatility. Milled from true copper, not copper-plated! Packaged in a decorative display box that can also be used for storage. Crème Brulee recipe included.

Chris Eastman www.wlenk.com | chris.e@wlenk.com | 252-527-4186

Engraved Selenite Palmstone

Selenite palmstone engraved with a lotus flower. Selenite crystals work to help bring light down from the higher realms into the physical body to create personal transformation.

Zen and Meow www.zenandmeow.com | kelly@zenandmeow.com 717-451-9159

Shop Our Full Line At:

• AmericasMart - Room 611A - Atlanta, GA • CWI Gifts - Cash & Carry - Groveport, OH

Deck the Halls with

Buffalo Check Gifts & Decor!

Now Offering Virtual Appointments to Shop our Showroom.

Call to make your appointment today!

www.colhousedesigns.com 4600 S. Hamilton Rd. Groveport, OH 43125 800.777.1442

TRENDWATCH

Jolly Christmas & Winter Décor and Gifts 1. Wooden Star Ornaments

These solid-wood ornaments hang from colorful floss and are packaged in biodegradable clear plastic sleeves with artist statement and a quote about friendship. Designs include 2" dia. Friendship Stars, 2.5" dia. 8-Point Star, and 3.5" dia. 12-Point Star.

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Kurt Meyer Fine Woodworking ws.kurtmeyer.com, use “retailer” as both username and password kmeyer@kurtmeyer.com | 413-625-8395

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2. Roland Pine Votive Trio Gift Set

Perfect as a gift, this aromatic three-pack of Roland Pine Votives will fill your home with the luxurious scent of Siberian fir, pine, and cilantro for a full-bodied fragrance with a warm, twinkling glow. Each candle burns approximately 20 hours. Soy wax with 100% cotton wick. Made in New York. 2.4 oz.

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Soap & Paper Factory jessica@soapandpaperfactory.com | 912-713-1140

3. Holiday-Scented Soy Candles

Available in a variety of holiday-themed scents, these soy candles are available in 15.5 oz. and 7.5 oz. sizes, as well as 2.5 oz. melts. Scents include Fresh Cut Pine, Old World Christmas, and Spiced Egg Nog.

Sydney Candle Co. www.sydneycandle.com sydneycandle@gmail.com | 330-638-233

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4. Buffalo Check Top Hat

Red-and-black Buffalo Check Top Hat has a wired metal base. Hollow 3" dia. interior makes this a perfect option for a tree topper on smaller trees or for a tabletop accent for the season. 5" h. x 6.5" w.

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CWI Gifts www.shopcwi.com | sales@shopcwi.com 800-666-5858

5. Whitewashed Metal Tree Containers

These black metal containers with a whitewashed finish are perfect for Christmas greenery or floral arrangements.

Containers feature two metal handles and come in two sizes: 9.5" x 7.25" and 6.5" x 5.25"

CWI Gifts www.shopcwi.com | sales@shopcwi.com 800-666-5858

6. Adhesive Page Flags

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Add a touch of Christmas to the office with these characters from The Nutcracker. For the book lovers in your life, the Great Writers set bundles four classic authors into one allstar collection. 240 adhesive flags in four styles per set.

Girl of All Work www.girlofallwork.com postmistress@girlofallwork.com | 424-231-7340 14 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Stock up.

Warm up.

Introducing an all new candle line!

100% Natural Soy Candles Handcrafted in Kalamazoo, MI First class customer service.

New Fragrance!

Warm Flannel 6oz Tin Candle

All New! No. 24 Black Label Candle Black Label Collection

orders@kalamazoocandle.com kalamazoocandle.com/wholesale @kalamazoocandle | (269) 532-9816

Best Seller!

Balsam & Cedar 10oz Jar Candle

TRENDWATCH 7. Pencil and Contemporary Trees

Pencil and Contemporary Trees are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 5" h. to 48" h. Handcrafted from steel with a beautiful one-of-a-kind finish. Made in the USA.

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Prairie Dance Inc. prairiedancewholesale.com sales@prairiedance.com 605-496-7160

8. Hollywood Gingerbread King Nutcracker

This 16.5" Hollywood gingerbread king nutcracker is a fun, festive way to add to your holiday décor or nutcracker collection! Designed by renowned artist Holly Adler, Hollywood Nutcrackers is a whimsical collection created exclusively for Kurt S. Adler and features an assortment of designs including Christmas, fantasy, and everyday nutcrackers.

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Kurt S . Adler, Inc. www.kurtadler.com jamie@kurtadler.com 212-924-0900

9. Waffleweave Kitchen Towels

Waffleweave towels have become very popular, and The Country House Collection has several with cheerful Christmas designs to decorate customers’ homes.

Additional designs are available which coordinate with The Country House Collections’ Red Truck and Black Check collections.

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The Country House Collection www.thecountryhousecollection.com wholesale@thecountryhouse.com 800-492-1784

10. Red Truck Check Collection

The new Red Truck Check linen collection has a classic yet trendy black-and-white check and a red truck with tree design on the borders that customers will love for their Christmas décor. The Red Truck with Tree is a customer favorite and is incorporated into many popular products from The Country House Collection.

The Country House Collection www.thecountryhousecollection.com wholesale@thecountryhouse.com 800-492-1784

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11. Breath Easy Candle

When cold water brings stuffy noses, pick up a Breath Easy candle made from 100% soy wax and all-natural fragrances.

Cedar Creek Candles www.cedarcreekcandles.com sales@cedarcreekcandles.com 260-615-0110

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12. Bobblehead Santa Wine Stopper

The ever-moving resin Santa head on a spring will provide endless holiday cheer. Bottle stopper made of zinc alloy and silicone.

Wild Eye Designs www.wildeyedesigns.com info@wildeyedesigns.com 800-824-0496

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TRENDWATCH 13. Nested Gift Boxes

Wrap in a hurry with Expressive’s three-piece rectangle set or large space-saving folding square boxes. No tape. No scissors. No tissue. No worries!

Expressive Design Group www.theedg.net sales@theedg.net 800-848-6685

14. Quirky Critters Holiday Towels

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These 100% cotton kitchen towels feature colorful, whimsical designs by artist Scott Church and pair perfectly with their matching holiday card counterparts. Designs include Elephants, Snowman & Birdies, and Cozy Llama. Printed in Portland, Oregon.

Allport Editions www.allport.com info@allport.com 503-223-7268

15. Metal Trees

Available in three finishes and sizes, these festive Metal Trees make a modern holiday display. Made from metal with a subtle punched texture, they have a lightly distressed, galvanized metal base. Sizes range from 13.5" to 18.25" h.

Col House Designs www.colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442

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16. Red Buffalo Check Timer Pillars

These timer pillars have a warm, flickering glow. A built-in timer allows them to stay lit for six hours and turn off for 18. Sizes range from 4" to 5" h. and require three AAA batteries.

Col House Designs www.colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442

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17. Silver Deer Set

Set of two silver metallic resin deer.

Wing-Tai Trading Inc. www.wing-tai.com anjela@wing-tai.com 888-966-2828

18. Holiday Blocks

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Three assorted holiday blocks: Merry & Bright, Jingle All The Way, and ‘Tis The Season.

Wing-Tai Trading Inc. www.wing-tai.com anjela@wing-tai.com 888-966-2828

19. Glass Ornaments

Handcrafted mouth-blown ornaments made by artists in Poland.

Thomas Glenn Holidays www.thomasglennholidays.com thomasglennholidays@gmail.com

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TRENDWATCH 20. Kringle Klaus Santa

Part of the Kringle Klaus collection, this traditional Santa Claus wears the traditional red-and-white coat with green trim and green pants. He’s carrying stacks of beautifully decorated gifts with ribbon details.

Kurt S . Adler, Inc. www.kurtadler.com | jamie@kurtadler.com | 212-924-0900

21. Wooden Plaque Ornaments

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These wooden Santa “Noel” and Snowman “Joy” cutout plaque ornaments feature a red-and-black plaid design with green trim.

Kurt S . Adler, Inc. www.kurtadler.com | jamie@kurtadler.com | 212-924-0900

22. Buffalo Check Candy Canes

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A bundle of three candy canes covered in soft red-and-black buffalo check fabric and tied with a burlap ribbon. Three sizes: 9" h. x 2.75" w., 7" h. x 2.5" w., and 6.25" h. x 2.5" w.

The Hearthside Collection www.thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com | 877-918-1433

23. Merry Christmas Truck Timer Pillar

This wave-top pillar candle features a grungy textured wax coating on the outside with a flame-shaped amber bulb. The battery-operated candle includes a timer option allowing the candle to turn on for six hours and off for 18 hours. 3" x 4.5".

The Hearthside Collection www.thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com | 877-918-1433

24. Holiday Wreaths

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Floral Treasure’s 8" Jingle Bell Rock Wreath Set is designed with natural leaves, snowy cedar, silver bells, and a buffalo check ribbon hanger. The 8" Green Myrtle Wreath Set is a preserved myrtle set with red ribbon hangers. The 22" Sugar Plum Delight Wreath is designed with preserved Salal leaves in red and green, preserved cedar, pinecones, pepper berries, quince slices, and natural pomegranates.

Floral Treasure www.floraltreasure.com | djgarza@floraltreasure.com 619-423-5868

25. Joy Wreaths

This set is perfect for gifting, merchandising, or for the home. A holiday classic, these iced red berry wreaths are cheery pieces you can keep on display all winter long.

Sullivans SullivanGift.com | Tawni.Buhler@Sullivangift.com 605-274-7832

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26. Mini Gnomes

Greeting guests and creating ambiance, these lightweight ornaments are great for adding a personal touch to trees and gifts.

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Sullivans SullivanGift.com | Tawni.Buhler@Sullivangift.com 605-274-7832

27. Gratitude Book

27

Start a new family tradition with a book made especially for remembering all the reasons we’re grateful. This heirloom-quality book is bookcloth-bound with a gold foil-stamped cover. 224 pages prompt you, your family, and friends to record examples of gratitude. Designed by Molly Hatch exclusively for Steel Mill.

Lifeguard Press lifeguardpress.com | info@lifeguardpress.com 800-992-3006

20 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

www.smart-retailer.com 21

Gourmet Food to Delight Dinner Guests

Bellisari’s Gourmet Sauces and Spreads

Twin Packs offer a choice between two jars of Bellisari’s spreads or sauces in a gift box or one jar with gourmet pretzels.

Either option makes a great gift for any occasion. The Gray Crate Gift Box includes a jar each of all six of Bellisari’s sauces and spreads in a reclaimed wood gift box.

Bellisari’s Gourmet Convenience www.bellisaris.com | customerservice@bellisaris.com | 844-366-3431

Honey Treats

Savannah Bee Company’s raw honeycomb is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. This honeycomb’s light color, mild taste, incredible clarity, and slow rate of crystallization make it very versatile. Try it on a warm buttermilk biscuit or English muffin, or drop some small chunks into yogurt or favorite salad. 5.6 oz.

Whipped honey with lemon is the best combination of sweet and tart. Just the right amount of organic lemon oil is stirred into the honey. It tastes like a light and sweet lemon frosting, and is the perfect topping to pound cake, scones, or cheesecake. Also delicious in hot tea. 12 oz.

Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com | sales@savannahbee.com 912-234-0688

Gourmet Dip Mixes

Country Home Creations has added Birthday Cake and Orange Supreme to its line of dip mixes. Birthday Cake is perfect served with fresh fruits, cookies, or bagels. Add Orange Supreme to any fruit tray for an alternative to a classic fruit dip or use it as a frosting on a yellow cake.

Country Home Creations, Inc. chcdips.com | lisav@chcdips.com 810-244-7348 22 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

New!

Rustic

Lanterns WE DROP SHIP

www.smart-retailer.com 23

Jalapeño Pepper Jams

Home recipe jalapeño pepper jams made the all-natural way. The 10 oz. size container makes these a perfect gift item, impulse purchase, or staple in your store. McCutcheon’s growing line of jalapeño pepper jams includes strawberry, cherry, peach, and — new this year — blueberry.

A little touch of jalapeño heat makes these mouthwatering spreads irresistible. Try them on a bagel with cream cheese, on baked brie, or simply enjoy straight out of the jar!

McCutcheon’s Apple Products, Inc. mccutcheons.com info@mccutcheons.com 301-662-3261

White Chocolate Amaretto Cheeseball and Dessert Mix This mix makes a delicious white chocolate-flavored cheeseball rolled in sliced almonds. The flavor is a crowd-pleaser and once prepared, the cheeseball or quick cheesecake is beautiful.

Holiday Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries, orange zest, and ginger purée, plus a splash of brandy and warming spices. Serve it alongside a celebratory roast, spread it on a turkey sandwich, or pair it with a cheese plate!

Tillen Farms Pearl Cherries Grown in the Northwest, these Amarena-style cherries are tiny in size but mighty in flavor, bringing a rich, sweet finish to Manhattans and more.

Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Pecan Mix

If you want your guests to think you’ve been preparing for them all day, make some roasted pecans. The recipe is simple (mix + egg white + pecans), but they taste like they roasted all day and the smell fills the whole house!

A must-have for entertaining, especially in the fall.

Red Pepper Jelly

Brownie Batter Cheesecake Dip Mix

Chocolate lovers rejoice! This is a quick and easy way to get a super chocolaty fix.

This mix creates a decadent cheesecake-like dip that’s perfect with cookies or fruit!

Wind & Willow windandwillow.com customerservice@ windandwillow.com 888-427-3235

24 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

The perfect blend of bright flavorful sweet red peppers, sugar, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Need a quick, delicious snack? Drop a Stonewall Kitchen dollop of red pepper jelly on top www.stonewallkitchen.com of cream cheese on a cracker and wholesale@stonewallkitchen.com watch them disappear!

888-326-5678

News Roundup From Smart-Retailer.com Visit the Smart Retailer website at smart-retailer.com to read the full articles.

IMC White Paper Details Retail Buyer Perspectives

A recent International Market Center (IMC) survey shows that retailers want to get their stores up and running again and will need to stock up on inventory soon after reopening.

Results also indicate that store owners are planning to shop at markets that have adequate safety protocols in place. Discover how digital tools are expected to play a more important part in physical markets.

Home Décor Offerings Expand at Las Vegas Market

Las Vegas Market will feature 13 new home décor showrooms at the summer market (Aug. 30-Sept. 3). Also, get an update on the progress on The Expo at World Market Center, a new 315,000-square-foot exposition facility, scheduled to make its debut at the show.

Target Creates Retailer Resources

Target has developed a package of printable signs and other tools that it’s making available for free to other retailers. The SAFE Retail Toolkit contains templates and guides for employee health screening. While some of the pages contain Target branding, the printable pages are generic and nonbranded so any store can use them.

IMC Continues Atlanta Market Home Décor Refinements

NRF “Operation Open Doors” Helps Retailers Reopen Safely

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has created a collection of resources to help stores reopen safely. The resources include guidance on logistics, social distancing, and bringing employees back.

Twelve home décor brands are scheduled to open new showrooms at Atlanta Market for its summer show Aug. 13-18. Meanwhile crews are continuing work on renovations to the Building 1 lobby, which is scheduled to be complete for the Winter 2021 Atlanta Market. The two-story lobby will feature “a flexible lounge, meeting and work spaces, newly configured registration areas, premium showroom space< and digital signage offerings< plus a new full-service restaurant and a grab-and-go café to supplement the existing Starbucks café.”

Sign up for weekly updates like these sent directly to your email inbox:

www.smart-retailer.com

26 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Use code: SR50% for discounted shipping

Entertaining in Style

Leaves Lazy Susan

Decorated with a colorful leaf motif, this spinning centerpiece is both fashionable and functional. Top and bottom are both made of maple, connected with a bearing swivel. Finished with clear lacquer; graphics printed using non-toxic ink. Black felt pads applied to the bottom.

11.5" dia. top, 6" dia. base, 1.5" h.

Maple Landmark www.maplelandmark.com sales@maplelandmark.com 802-388-0627

Farmstead Star Linen Collection The Farmstead Star collection is a blackand-cream plaid design with appliqued stars which will coordinate with many customers’ décor. The full line includes many items, including window treatments, towels, and mats. This is one of several great linen collections available from The Country House Collection.

The Country House Collection www.thecountryhousecollection.com wholesale@thecountryhouse.com 800-492-1784

Capiz 13" Round Plate

This is an on-trend piece in a striking black-andwhite triangle design. Shown with the 5" Capiz bowl in black with natural interior.

Dekorasyon Gifts & Décor www.dekorasyongifts.com info@dekorasyongifts.com | 425-640-9888 28 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Enamelware Collection

Featuring a colorful tomato design, this enamelware collection consists of a 15.5" tray, 12" x 16" oval platter, 5-quart serving bowl, 10" pasta plate, 8" bread plate, and 4 oz. tasting dish. Durable AAA-rated Belgian enamels fused to carbon steel and trimmed in stainless steel. Oven safe, dishwasher safe, and great for everyday entertaining.

Golden Rabbit www.goldenrabbit.com sales@goldenrabbit.com 703-841-7777

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IN

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Meadowbrooke Gourds

Grown and hand-crafted by a small business founded on

excellence, integrity & personal freedom.

125 Potato Road • Carlisle, PA 17015 717-776-3470 • mbgourds.com • sales@mbgourds.com

Mason du Fromage Cheese Slicer Easily cut through blocks of cheese, from soft to hard, to desired thickness.

The elegant marble is perfect for entertaining, and a fine-gauge stainlesssteel cutting wire slices easily without hand or wrist strain.

7.5" w. x 5" h.

Mason du Fromage Cheese Marker Set

Ideal for holidays, fancy dinners, and elegant gatherings, the set includes six porcelain cheese markers and one writing marker with eraser. Place a marker into cheese, then write its name to prevent it from smudging. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

HIC , Harold Import Co. www.HaroldImport.com | info@haroldimport.com 800-526-2163

Ceramic Brie Baker Indulge your inner cheese lover with a ceramic Brie baker. Comes with stylish wood spreader for serving. This timeless and durable brie baker design is oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.

Mason du Fromage Cheese Tools Set

Deer Bottle Holder

Let this resin deer hold your wine and make any room more festive! The contemporary faceted design suits a variety of rooms and holds one standard sized bottle of wine.

Wild Eye Designs www.wildeyedesigns.com info@wildeyedesigns.com 800-824-0496

This three-piece set of marble and stainless-steel tools let you hold, cut, shave, slice, spread, and serve your favorite cheeses. Well-balanced to easily slice, spread, and serve hard, firm, semisoft, and crumbly cheeses. Ideal for holidays, fancy dinners, and elegant gatherings. The set includes one mini spade knife (5" h. x 1" w.) to cut hard cheese; one flat cheese knife (5" h. x 1.812" w.) which crumbles cheese; and one pronged fork (5" h. x .75" w.) chunks and serves.

HIC , Harold Import Co. www.HaroldImport.com | info@haroldimport.com | 800-526-2163

Cheese Knife Set

Whether you like your cheese crumbly, creamy, soft, or hard, this set of four ceramic and zinc alloy cheese knives has the right tool for your cheese plates.

Primitive Pineapples Primitive wax-dipped pineapples make a great bowl centerpiece.

Wild Eye Designs www.wildeyedesigns.com info@wildeyedesigns.com 800-824-0496

Modern Risers

Wood and metal risers.

Raggedy Junction www.ragjunction.com raggedyjunction@gmail.com 203-926-8411

Cheese Board With Mouse Knife

Wooden cheese board with mouse-shaped knife.

Canister Set

Glass storage canisters with wooden lids.

PD Home and Garden www.pdhomeandgarden.com CustomerService@ pdhomeandgarden.com 610-650-8800 30 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

MELROSE 2021 TRENDING

NOT TOO LATE TO BOOK CHRISTMAS!

ATLANTA 800.282.2144

| |

DALLAS

|

LAS VEGAS

MELROSEINTL.COM

Kate Spade NY Serving Tray

The colorful Kate Spade New York rainbow plaid serving tray is BPA-, phthalate-, and lead-free. Perfect for piling on finger foods, cocktails (or mocktails) — the possibilities are endless.

Kate Spade NY Serving Tray

The KSNY picnic blanket in rainbow plaid has a nylon backing to keep it pristine no matter where you lay it down. A convenient elastic closure makes it easy to pack up and go.

Lifeguard Press lifeguardpress.com | info@lifeguardpress.com 800-992-3006

Lilly Pulitzer Totally Blossom Canteen

This colorful canteen holds an entire bottle of wine or 25 oz. of your favorite drink. Perfect for picnics and traveling!

Revere LED Candle Lanterns

The Revere lantern is tall and designed for both indoor and outdoor use, placed on a table or hanging. The fixed LED candle has a six-hour timer option and can be accessed from the bottom to change the required two AA batteries as needed without having to remove it from the lantern.

Tree of Life Trivet

This Tree of Life trivet is handcrafted in fine pewter.

Approx. 5.5" w.

Smart Living Home & Garden www.smartlivinghg.com sales@smartlivinghg.com 847-219-4050

Charles LED Candle Lanterns

Update your kitchen with this set of five fun cactus-border tea towels.

Imported.

The Charles lantern offers a robust metal style perfect for fans of industrial or vintage décor. With metal bars covering the real glass panes and a distressed finish, this lantern looks like something out of the turn of the 20th century. A perfect ambient addition to your living room, loft, or office. Standing almost 12" h., the lantern’s built-in LED candle has one amber LED. Lantern features an on/off switch with a six-hour timer.

HiEnd Accents partner.hiendaccents.com sales@hiendaccents.com 972-887-3165

Smart Living Home & Garden www.smartlivinghg.com sales@smartlivinghg.com 847-219-4050

Basic Spirit www.basicspirit.com sales@basicspirit.com 902-243-3390

Southwest Cactus Tea Towel Set

32 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Gifts for Men Hotjo Stoneware Mug

The stoneware Hotjo has a wide base for stability, holds a full 18 oz., comes with a handy twist-in drink-through top, and has a rubber pad on its base, so it stays where you put it! Microwave-safe.

Highwave www.highwave.com | chelsea@highwave.com 805-981-1773

Woodcut Wall Art

Cheeky, cheery woodcut wall art and gifts. Each design is available in three sizes, 18 colors, and five wood stain options. Custom designs are always encouraged.

Spunky Fluff prairiedancewholesale.com sales@spunkyfluff.com 605-496-7035

Masculine-Scented Candles

Masculine-scented candles available from Cedar Creek Candles include leather, tobacco, and whiskey.

Cedar Creek Candles www.cedarcreekcandles.com sales@cedarcreekcandles.com | 260-615-0110

Black Carabiner + Ties

The man bun’s best friend. clip the carabiner to a backpack, belt loop, or water bottle for easy access on-the-go. Comes equipped with 10 black nylon elastic hair ties that have a strong, non-damaging hold.

Banded www.banded2gether.com amanda.mckenzie@banded2gther.com 731-780-0006

Lumberjack Collection Candles

Scented Soy Candles available in 8 oz. size in an upcycled beer bottle and 12 oz. size in an upcycled wine bottle. Lumberjack Collection scents include Birch & Black Pepper, Earthen Oak, Teakwood & Cardamom, and Tobacco Caramel.

Lit Up Candle Co. litupcandleco.com connect@litupcandleco.com 320-438-5481

34 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

www.smart-retailer.com 35

Beer Review Logbook

This portable beer journal fits in your pocket yet provides plenty of space to record and rate your favorite brews. 144 pages total, with log pages to record key tasting details for 124 beers. Pocket-sized: 4.25" w. x 5.75" h.

Peter Pauper Press www.peterpauper.com customerservice @peterpauper.com 914-681-0144

Old Bay 18-Quart Enamelware Stock Pot

This designer stock pot is made from the finest AAA-rated Belgian enamels fused to steel and trimmed in stainless steel. Steamer rack included. Stove top and grill top safe.

Golden Rabbit www.goldenrabbit.com | sales@goldenrabbit.com | 703-841-7777

Banshu Hamono Folding Knife

These traditional Japanese higonokami, or folding utility knives, are made of high carbon Ao-hagane blue steel. The blade folds into a brass sheath. Full open length: 8.25".

AMEICO www.ameicowholesale.com | info@ameico.com | 860-354-8765

Metal Sculptures

Made from scrap metal, tools, and other items, designs for these sculptures include the 24" Giant GBG Pirate; 20" Hammer Head Angler Fish; 14" Perched Parrot (on a 40" stake); and 13" Army Helmet Turtle, made with an authentic surplus army helmet.

Sugarpost Inc. sugarpost.com shop@sugarpost.com 801-832-9235

Handmade Bath & Body Items

Old Town Soap Co. has something for every guy out there, including body spray, shower gel, lotions, and soaps available in tons of fragrances, including “The Perfect Man.” For the guys with beards, there’s Men’s Beard Oil, Beard Balm, and Beard Wash. Made with all-natural oils and butters to condition your skin and your beard.

Available in over 50 masculine fragrances that every man will love.

For guys who shave, Old Town’s Men’s Shave Soaps allow the razor to glide across the skin, leaving it moisturized and smelling amazing.

Old Town Soap Co. oldtownsoapco.com | oldtownsoapco@yahoo.com | 704-796-8775

“The Need for Speed” Print

Unframed 12" x 16" print by Lori Deiter. Select images are also available as large format giclée prints.

Penny Lane Fine Art & Licensing www.pennylanepublishing.com info@pennylanepublishing.com 937-849-1101

Spa Products for Men

Exfoliating vegetable soaps and bottled spa products enriched with shea butter and cocoa butter, and infused with a fresh botanic scent — formulated for men.

Greenwich Bay Trading Co www.gbsoaps.com | customerservice@gbsoaps.com | 919-781-5008 36 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Showing in: ATLANTA BLDG 2 - 759A

JanMichaels art

+

home

Shop with us Online at

JanMichaelsArtandHome.com

717-342-2499

info@janmichaelsartandhome.com

Waterless Power Shower

All the power without the shower — the perfect quick tidy up when you just can’t get to a bathroom. The perfect addition to a school or work locker, gym bag, RV, or camping trip. Clean bergamot scent.

Onshore Bag

A travel bag made with 100% recycled sailcloth. This red, white, and navy blue model is a classic.

727 Sailbags www.727sailbags.us sortolano@727sailbags.com 973-462-3555

Walton Wood Farm waltonwoodfarm.com orders@waltonwoodfarm.com 705-618-4394

Foster & Rye Baseball Bat Bottle Rack

Get the home-field advantage with this baseball bat bottle rack. Holds four standard wine bottles; mounts vertically on wall (mounting hardware included).

37" x 3" x 3".

Appelman Schauben www.appelmanschauben.com customerservice@ appelmanschauben.com 404-521-0840

Adventure Chef Folding Kitchen Knife Set Silver-Plated Shave Set

All you need for the perfect shave: a natural bristle shave brush, razor, bowl, and shave soap.

Keep everything organized and easy to access with the stand.

Harry D. Koenig & Company www.harrydkoenig.com hdkcs@aol.com 516-599-1776

10-Piece Travel Set

Look your best in the office or on the road with this 10-piece travel kit containing a razor with blade, toothbrush, clothes brush, scissors, tweezers, mirror, nail clipper, nail file, comb, and manicure tool.

The black case keeps everything together and organized. Case measures 6" x 1.5" x 8".

Silver-Plated Shoehorn

Silver-plated, engravable shoehorn. Boxed.

38 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Adventure Chef Adam Glick and Messermeister have paired to create this set of six perfect tools for those who share a passion for great cooking and the great outdoors. These full-size kitchen knives are compact, portable, and the same Messermeister quality used in the kitchen. The set includes folding chef’s, fillet, and peeler/paring knives, plus folding camp utensils, cutting board, and waxed canvas case.

Messermeister www.messermeister.com | mwade@messermeister.com | 805-640-00051

Huntsman Bathroom Set

Huntsman complete nine-piece bathroom set: The 9-Piece Mossy Oak Nativ Living Huntsman Bath Collection will bring the feeling of the Scottish Highlands to your home. Showcasing subtle brown and cream plaids with hints of green and burgundy.

The Huntsman lifestyle bathroom collection includes shower curtain with fabric-covered rings, three-piece bath towel set, bath rug, and three-piece bath countertop accessory set. Items featured in our collections can be purchased separately.

HiEnd Accents partner.hiendaccents.com | sales@hiendaccents.com | 972-887-3165

www.smart-retailer.com 39

&

Impulse Buys

Stocking Stuffers

Astrology Pouches

Capturing the essence of each astrological sign, this collection of zip pouches is woven with colorful threads, including silver and gold. The whimsical hand-drawn artwork combined with the rich woven texture make for a perfect gift or impulse purchase.

Catstudio www.catstudiosales.com sales@catstudio.com | 707-778-1100

“Can’t Touch This” Beaded Bookmark

A cute cactus bookmark printed on sturdy, smooth-finish cardstock with a silky red tassel with one aqua and two gold accent beads attached.

Bookmark measures 2.5" w. x 7.125" h.

Beaded Vase

Peter Pauper Press www.peterpauper.com customerservice@peterpauper.com 914-681-0144

Glass vase accented with beads.

PD Home and Garden www.pdhomeandgarden.com CustomerService@pdhomeandgarden.com 610-650-8800

Southwest Design Throw Blanket

Add a rustic touch with this cozy shearling-back throw. The bold black-and-white Aztec design makes a Southwestern statement, adding depth and style to a bedroom or living room. Imported.

HiEnd Accents partner.hiendaccents.com sales@hiendaccents.com | 972-887-3165

Pebble Creek Super Soft Throw Blanket

Super-soft construction will make this your favorite throw blanket. Colors include gray, cream, seafoam green, and white. 50" x 60". Imported.

HiEnd Accents partner.hiendaccents.com sales@hiendaccents.com 972-887-3165 40 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Jalapeño Peach Cheeseball & Dessert Mix

Real jalapeño and pieces of juicy peach fill this cheeseball mix. The sweet perfectly balances the heat, making it irresistible for adventurous eaters.

Wind & Willow windandwillow.com customerservice@windandwillow.com 888-427-3235

Christmas

Make sweet and cozy with Wind & Willow

Almond Sugar Cookie Cheeseball & Dessert Mix

1.888.427.3235 • www.windandwillow.com •

/windandwillowfoods

Farm Farm Fresh Fresh Goat Goat Milk Milk Body Products Body Care Products

Windrift Hill • PO Box 592, Conrad, MT 59425 406-278-5872 • info@windrifthill.com

wwww.windrifthill.com w w.windrif thill.com www.smart-retailer.com 41

Ceramic Bracelet

Each of these high-fired ceramic bracelets is imprinted with the word “Hope,” “Strength,” or “Love.” Wear it as a personal reminder for your daily dose of inspiration or slip it on a friend’s wrist to share the love; the durable and adjustable bracelet will fit almost anyone. A partnership with Water for Good means that every bracelet sold provides one week of clean water to someone in need.

MudLOVE www.mudlove.com wholesale@mudlove.com 574-306-2746

Legende Handbag

The Legende handbag is made from white and taupe recycled sailcloth, with a “4” keychain.

An essential accessory for a day at the park or in the city.

727 Sailbags www.727sailbags.us sortolano@727sailbags.com 973-462-3555

Spearmint Beeswax Salve

Nourishes dry, distressed skin with a blend of pure beeswax, vitamin E, and olive oil. A little goes a long way. This certified organic salve penetrates quickly to moisturize and condition.

Honey Almond Lip Balm

Contains honey and beeswax to gently exfoliate the delicate skin of the lips while providing essential fatty acids and vitamins. The lip balm goes on silky smooth thanks to shea butter and olive, sunflower seed, and hemp seed oils, which provide intense softening and hydration. Certified organic.

Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com | sales@savannahbee.com 912-234-0688

Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com | sales@savannahbee.com 912-234-0688

Ornament Dangle Earrings

Add some holiday flair to any outfit with these ornament earrings!

Features 12 assorted pairs of glass ornament designs.

Holiday Bottle Stoppers

Lighten up your holiday party with these playful bottle stoppers! Two different assortments of 12 styles each are available in PDQ displays.

One features glass stoppers with whimsical LED designs. The second has an assortment of glass and metal designs. Each bottle stopper is packed in an acetate box.

Dennis East International www.deidirect.com | insidesales@deidirect.com | 508-375-0009 42 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

dog & companion gear • home & gifts

americanlifebrands.com info@americanlifebrands.com • 800.442.3369

M C U S TO K OR ARTW S N D E S IG

dogandme.faire.com

america’s mart atlanta • building 2 • 767b

indigotangerine.faire.com

www.smart-retailer.com 43

Enamelware Mugs

Gift-boxed 16 oz. enamelware mugs available in six patterns. The mugs are made of a AAA-rated Belgian porcelain fired onto steel and trimmed in stainless steel. Durable and dishwasher safe.

Golden Rabbit www.goldenrabbit.com | sales@goldenrabbit.com | 703-841-7777

Lightweight Earrings

These colorful, lightweight earrings are made by sublimation printing on aluminum, so they’re color-fast, lightweight, and durable. All edges are eased for maximum comfort.

Hypoallergenic surgical-steel findings.

Mandala Crystal Grid

Wood-engraved crystal grid made from birch wood. A crystal grid is an arrangement of crystals and stones on a geometric shape that focuses on a general or specific purpose. Available in eight sizes, from 4" to 18" dia.

Zen and Meow www.zenandmeow.com | kelly@zenandmeow.com 717-451-9159

Kurt Meyer Fine Woodworking ws.kurtmeyer.com, use “retailer” as both username and password kmeyer@kurtmeyer.com 413-625-8395

Lilly Pulitzer Hair Scrunchie, Totally Blossom A patterned scrunchie great for everyday wear!

Vera Bradley Drink Hugger, Rosy Garden Picnic Earthlid Coffee Cup Lid

The Earthlid fits on a paper coffee cup to eliminate one plastic lid for every coffee you drink! The ergonomic lid’s strap seals for transport and can even take a knockdown if sealed properly.

Made of BPA-free silicone. Fits a variety of Highwave cups.

Highwave www.highwave.com | chelsea@highwave.com | 805-981-1773 44 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

A unique die-cut shape and a bold design make sure you never lose track of your drink again, while keeping it cooler longer.

Lifeguard Press lifeguardpress.com info@lifeguardpress.com 800-992-3006

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HANDMADE FOR THE

Holidays

KURT MEYER FINE WOODWORKING Shelburne Falls, MA (413) 625-8395 kurtmeyer.com • Wooden Boxes • Ornaments • and Earrings Traditionally Crafted

by Hand and Heart

Deep Breath Designs Deep Breath Designs, LLC Tucson, AZ deepbreathdesigns.com Beautiful Products Created with LOVE!

Pilgrim Imports, Inc. (414) 765-1200 Milwaukee WI www.pilgrimimports.com Handmade in Thailand All Season, Holiday, Museum and More Fair Trade Since 1986

The Vintage Pearl Tulsa, OK www.tvpwholesale.com The Vintage Pearl Creates Jewelry that is Simple, Unique & Meaningful!

Basic Spirit Pugwash, Nova Scotia Canada www.basicspirit.com 10% of profits fund Global Relief Projects in 2020 focus on Covid Relief

North Woods Animal Treats Keene, NH 877-692-6928 northwoodsanimaltreats.com “Your entire pet section can come from us!

Treats, toys and useful gifts!”

Made in the USA.

Southern E-Scentuals Flowery Branch, GA southernescentualswholesale.com Hand Poured Wood Wick Soy Candles & Hand Crafted Soaps Made In Small batches!

Stony Hollow Crafts Quarryville, PA 717-740-0718 shc@ibyfax.com Stonyhollowcrafts.com Mention code SR2020 for discount. www.smart-retailer.com 45

PREVIEW www.AmericasMart.com | 800-ATL-MART

Canvas Beach Totes

Well-structured canvas totes serve as a room carryall for an outing to the beach, a day on a boat, or errands around town. The lighthearted sayings and bold graphics make any day brighter. 12" drop handle.

HomArt www.homart.com | julia@homart.com Building 2, Floor 10, Booth 1040

SUMMER 2020 PREVIEW August 13 – 18 2020 (Temporaries August 14 – 17, 2020) Atlanta, GA, AmericasMart Atlanta www.AmericasMart.com Follow us @AmericasMartATL on Facebook & Twitter and on Instagram #ATLMKT

What’s Smart About This Show?

Save Ferris Earrings Multi

Handcrafted at a fair-trade artisan cooperative in India, this classic shape gets a summery pop of color to add a bit of warm weather pizazz to any outfit. Brass and thread, 2.5".

Mata Traders www.matatraders.com wholesale@matatraders.com 773-944-5418 Building 3, Floor 2, Booth 1504 46 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

• Depth and breadth of product offerings in children’s/juvenile, made in America, gift, tabletop and entertaining, home décor, gourmet foods, holiday/seasonal, gardens/outdoor/patio, paper/ stationery, personal care/spa products, and apparel and accessories.

• Complementing the permanent showroom resources are temporaries showcasing a range of gift, home décor, gourmet, tabletop, seasonal, and fashion merchan-

dise, presented in a modified format that allows for social distancing and traffic management.

• The events roster for Atlanta Market has shifted to all digital content, guided by buyer sentiment.

In the months leading up to Market, virtual educational webinars will emulate at-market seminars. From safety protocol to trends talks and social media training, buyers will be ready to arrive at market with all necessary information to have a safe and productive experience.

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• “Shop the Show: Alumni at Home Edition” will introduce five new themes that are especially relevant in times of social distancing —“Cozy Up at Home,” “Retail Revival,” “The Art of Home,” “Kitchen Comforts,” and “Do Your Home Work” — with blog posts, look books, and social media posts by some 10+ participants from the past four Shop the Show seasons.

• The second presentation of IMC’s Market Snapshot will showcase favorite new products as well as best sellers from coast to coast.

• Atlanta Market is launching a new website that will be a hub of information and planning tools exclusive to the semi-annual market as well as a highly improved brand and product search.

• T he Market will observe bestin-class safety procedures,

including the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), temporal monitoring, social distancing, occupancy control, hand sanitizing/ cleansing, and significantly enhanced housekeeping protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Find details at IMC’s TogetherSafely.com.

• Planning tools include the AmericasMart App, which features turn-by-turn directions in addition to scheduling capabilities, and the Atlanta Market Magazine, which features new interactive tools.

Why Is It Smart to Attend?

Atlanta Market is the industry’s premier gift, décor, and lifestyle market, housing the nation’s largest gift product mix complemented by a broad selection of home décor.

CASAFINA highlighted collection – Snowflake

Fine stoneware in a new range of decorative dessert plates for layering a holiday table with other neutral tableware. With a lovely snowflake pattern, each set of four dessert plates uses a new technique called “Digigres,” combining traditional ceramic decoration methods with digital printing and laser firing. Available in two colors: blue and red. Made in Portugal.

Lumbar Pillow

Add beautiful texture to your bed with the white droplet lumbar pillow. Made in Portugal of 100% cotton. The lumbar pillow measures 42" x 12.5" with a knife edge and hidden zipper on the bottom and includes the down alternative insert. It looks beautiful with a custom monogram.

Casafina Gifts www.casafinagifts.com | www.costa-nova.com matt@casafinagifts.com | 845-277-5700 Casafina at Werner Frank, Building 2, Floor 12, Booth 1208

The Pillow Bar www.thepillowbar.com | info@thepillowbar.com | 214-939-3696 Building 1, Floor 7, Booth N30

Linnea’s Lights Classic Collection Neutrally designed and featuring a broad range of our most coveted fragrances, our Classic Collection allows you to create your own sensory experiences to fit your mood and your space. Enjoy solo or select a few of your favorites to layer and create your perfect ambiance with a symphony of scents. Large candle includes double wick, glass vessel, kraft tube, and wood matches. 11 oz., 3.5" d. x 4.5" h.

Linnea’s Lights www.LinneasLights.com orders@linneaslights.com 317-324-4002

Linnea’s Lights at Tango, Building 2, Floor 10, Booth 1000B

48 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Mini Gallery Home Sign with Watermelon Charm

You can easily celebrate every season with The Round Top Collection Mini Gallery hangers, charms, and print.

Curate your own collection and keep your favorite accessories on display.

The Round Top Collection shop.thertc.com | admin@thertc.com 866-682-4777 | Building 2, Floor 10, Booth 1075A

pices Mulling S

Just Add Wine or Alcohol

1803 Candles

Gourmet Wine Slush Mix

H&T Gourmet Products 4905 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-283-7977 • ht.llc5102@gmail.com

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Summer 2020 Preview Las Vegas Summer Market

Aug. 30 – Sept. 3 Las Vegas, Las Vegas Market www.lasvegasmarket.com Follow us @lasvegasmarket, #lvmkt

Astrology Collection Pillows

What’s Smart About This Show?

• Thousands of new resources across all gift, home décor, and furniture categories.

• For the first time this summer, temporary gift and home lines will be presented in the Expo at World Market Las Vegas, a new 315,000-square-foot exposition facility that will provide seamless connection to the Las Vegas Market’s permanent showroom offerings.

• Easy-to-navigate, efficient, and compelling Market destination in one of the most accessible and affordable cities in the country.

• Comprehensive online tools including the Las Vegas Market website, extensive Exhibitor Directory, and Las Vegas Market Planner.

• Guided by buyer sentiments, Las Vegas Market will include a robust lineup of online programming before and during market, including Las Vegas Marketexclusive programs such as FIRST LOOK; Ahead of the Curve; and Sherwin Williams Colormix 2020, among others.

• The Market will observe best-in-class safety procedures, including the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), temporal monitoring, social distancing, occupancy control, hand sanitizing/ cleansing, and significantly enhanced housekeeping protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Find details at IMC’s TogetherSafely.com.

• Find low rates with dozens of partner hotels through the Market’s official hotel booking partner, Connections Housing.

Why Is It Smart to Attend?

Capturing the essence of your astrological sign, each of our astrology collection pillows is embroidered by hand on 100% fine linen with vibrant colors plus silver and gold Zari thread. Our whimsical hand-drawn artwork combined with the rich tradition of hand embroidery makes each astrology pillow a true work of art — a treasure to be enjoyed for generations to come.

catstudio www.catstudiosales.com sales@catstudio.com 707-778-1100 Las Vegas Showroom C-505

Lone Elm Studios Set of Three Sustainable Bamboo Storage Containers Set of three food-safe storage containers by Lone Elm Studios, made with sustainable bamboo and bamboo fibers offered in two trend-right patterns. Each lidded container has a silicone seal.

Gerson Company www.gersoncompany.com treiman@gersoncompany.com 800-683-3484 World Market Center Bldg C-0896

As the leading gift and home furnishings market in the western U.S., Las Vegas Market includes more than 5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space. At Market, buyers can access thousands of resources in product categories including gift, fashion accessories, housewares, tabletop, specialty food, stationery, toy, lifeRegister Now style, personal care, vintage and antique, handcrafts, home décor, and casual/outdoor, as well as furniture, bedding, lighting, and flooring.

ReActive Grand Backpack Ju a g2 ,2 ,2 0 20 Ju l l2 92 9- -a uu gGarden 1 81 8 in Sunny Made from recycled PET water bottles.

Features multiple exterior and interior Register Now LasVegasMarket.com Register Now at at LasVegasMarket.com pockets, a laptop compartment, and zip closures. There are 16 plastic water bottles in each yard of fabric.

Jul 29 - aug 2, 20 8 Vera1 Bradley

50 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

www.verabradley.com

afreiburger@verabradley.com at LasVegasMarket.com 800-823-8372

World Market Center, Ivystone Showroom, Bldg C-696

1923-1933

Ball Mason Jar Jewelry

Kiln fired jewelry made from antique glass.

HOLIDAY 2020

Peppermint Charms VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK WITH SHOW SPECIALS ORDER DIRECT WWW.WHOLESALE.SOAPANDPAPERFACTORY.COM JESSICA@SOAPANDPAPERFACTORY.COM (912) 713-1140 SHOP ON FAIRE WWW.SOAPANDPAPERFACTORY.FAIRE.COM

memories you can wear

www.peppermintcharms.com momantha24@comcast.net • 360-521-7754

Largest selection of solid colored glass in the industry!

The Whitehurst Company, LLC offers to the wholesale buying market many divisions of Holiday Décor. Our Product lines include - Solid Colored Glass ornamentation, Nutcrackers-both traditional and whimsical, European glass ornaments collection, Zim's The Elves Themselves and Zim's Heirloom Collectible Nutcrackers. In addition, we license Children of the Inner Light

by Marci inspirational ornaments.

The Whitehurst Company, LLC info@thewhitehurstcompany.com • 585-473-4790

AmericasMart - Bldg 1, 20th Fl, E23

www.smart-retailer.com 51

Sea Pines Oh So Cozy! Collection

A whimsical approach to print and pattern brings the Oh So Cozy! Sea Pines holiday collection to life. The collection is available in wrapped votives, bar soaps, diffusers, mercury retro trees, and tins.

Mer-Sea www.mersea.com | tara@mersea.com | 816-974-3115 World Market Center Bldg C-170

Hand-Crafted Birdhouse

Healdsburg & Yountville Napkin Collections

The Healdsburg napkins have a fringe edge and thin stripes.

The Yountville napkins have a fringe edge and alternating stripes. Set of four, 18" x 18", 100% cotton.

This hand-crafted wood birdhouse comes with a distressed finish and is a charming piece that’s not only suitable as a beautiful indoor decoration but also perfect for your garden setting.

Pom Pom at Home www.pompomathome.com | contact@pompomathome.com 818-847-0150 | World Market Center Bldg C-506

Rustic Arrow www.rusticarrow.com sales@rusticarrow.com 956-729-7741 World Market Center Bldg E-1833

Umbrella

A mainstay in our line, our umbrellas are available in three new patterns (butterfly, celestial, leopard) and include a matching carrying case.

Stephen Joseph Gifts stephenjosephgifts.com | angelaj@stephenjosephinc.com 806-791-2877 | World Market Center Bldg C-1024 52 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Shampoo and Body Bars

4.5 oz. shampoo and body bars available in three fragrances: Avocado, Grapefruit, and Sandalwood.

Greenwich Bay Trading Company www.gbsoaps.com | customerservice@gbsoaps.com 919-781-5008 | World Market Center Bldg E-211

Best-selling Seaside Series Presenting NEW Designs for 2021

Handcrafted Gifts & Decorations Since 1934 339 Daniel Webster HigHWay, MereDitH, nH 03253 annalee.coM 800-258-4647 custoMerservice@annalee.coM

AROMATHERAPY DIFFUSERS

Tear Drop Collection A beautifully designed electric aromatherapy diffuser offers a new and sophisticated way to fill your space with the scents you love.

Ranger

USB Travel Diffuser Scent your air with cool mist and 100% Natural Essential Oil.

Essential Oil Collection Discover the wonders of aromatherapy for personal wellness.

Chose from single notes and blends of 100% Natural Essential Oils.

SERENE HOUSE USA, INC. 1814 Marlton Pike East, Suite 350 Cherry Hill NJ 08003 856-673-4117 sales@serenehouseusa.com ATLANTA - Americas Mart, Building 2, Suite 810A LAS VEGAS - World Market Center, C-0171 DALLAS - Anne McGilvray & Company MINNEAPOLIS - Blonde Comet, Mpls Gift Mart, Red 240 OHIO - Trendsmart Sales, Columbus Marketplace, #202

serenehouse.com

www.smart-retailer.com 53

Is 2020 the Year of Community?

T

BY FLORA DELANEY

he current crisis will forever change digital retail for shoppers and the stores that serve them. This year will mark when independent retailers learned how much deep ties to their community matter. As we roll with the upheavals of “non-essential” shopping trips outside the home, social media presence is more important than ever. Retailers who already invested in creating an authentic digital relationship with their shoppers can rely on the support of their online community. For those who never got around to making a Facebook page or an Instagram account, the down time is even tougher.

Do you consider your store friendly? Do you expect your associates to welcome customers and help them find what they’re looking for? Do you want to treat each customer as a unique person to delight? Naturally. Now, all you have to do is create that same personal attention online.

Social media is not the same as advertising:

Advertising

Social Media

One-way communication.

We talk to one another.

I talk. You listen.

For “everyone” from a company.

At the convenience of the advertiser.

Got to be there to hear it.

I decide who I want to hear from, how often, and when.

Conversations with just the people who care.

At the convenience of the audience.

No constraints on time or space.

What to do to “be social” online, in priority order.

Basic: You must do this, no matter what.

• Google My Business. Claim your business on Google at google.com/ business. Create your account and add all the basic information your customers would expect to see about 54 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

your business: address, hours, phone number, the type of store you have, photo of the store front, website. This is how people will find your business when they type in “gift shops near me.” Once you do this, you don’t need to update this again unless you change hours or other information.

• Facebook page. Create a business page on Facebook, not a personal page. To do this, go to facebook. com/business/pages. Not having a Facebook page is like not being listed in the phone book back in the olden days. Like Google, it’s basic information, but getting people to follow you on Facebook isn’t as easy as waiting for someone to search for you. You must Invite friends, family, customers, and employees to like your page.

Consider offering a gift or discount if they do. Add it to your receipts, emails, and promotional materials. Then start updating your page with interesting content.

Intermediate: Make an investment that will pay off.

• Instagram. This is where real commerce is happening, especially with the 35-year-old and below set.

Make an Instagram account for your business at facebook.com/business/ profiles. Since Instagram is a division of Facebook, once you get one profile set up, it’s not that hard to Instagram.

Like Facebook, you need followers.

Like people and ask them to like you. Like your local businesses.

• Twitter. There’s lots of content here, and it can be helpful. But it is not as necessary for commerce as Facebook and Instagram.

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Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

Transforming vintage designs into contemporary stoneware. Made in the Midwest one piece at a time, loaded with color, texture, and bits of nostalgia.

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Sawdust City LLC

Time to enjoy the outdoors! Signs to update garden sheds, cabins, and campsites in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Made in the USA. Fast & Free Shipping.

Sawdustcitywholesale.com 800-528-6008

www.smart-retailer.com 55

Advanced: When you know your niche.

• Pinterest. This is a great platform if you have lots of beautiful product photos that you can leverage from an online store. You want to make sure that your Pinterest content is “clickable” to an online store or blog content where pinners can buy your product.

What to say.

First, be consistent. Posting regularly is almost more important than what you post. For a year’s worth of ideas, see our blog post 2020 Social Media Calendar smart-retailer.com/ flora-delaney-articles.

Your goal is to be authentic, entertaining, and informative.

If you sell some stuff along the way, great. But before you get permission to sell, your goal is to become a well-liked brand. Let people know what you stand for. What you like. Why you like it.

What makes you proud. And what makes you laugh. Here’s what to keep top of mind: • Participate in conversations – ask questions and always respond kindly.

• Be entertaining – make people smile.

• Be well-rounded – you’re not 100% about the store, right?

Let them see your love for kayaking or gardening or the local football team.

• Be helpful – educate and assist.

• Thank and praise people - customers, vendors, employees, neighbors..

• Be yourself – unless you’re in a bad mood. Stay off social media when you’re grumpy.

month. Download our *Social Media calendar, and you can create and schedule all your posts for a month at a time. Many business owners (especially Baby Boomers) tend to delegate this task to younger staff members. That may be right — but remember that this is the face of your brand. Consider whether the 22-year-old part-timer is the person you want creating your brand’s personality. You can do this. You can also use a free service like Canva to create beautiful images and professional posts.

What would a social media calendar look like?

If I open the *Social Media calendar to August, I could make the following posts for a gift store: •A ug 7: International Beer Day — A shout out to a local brewery with a request that they follow your business page back.

•A ug 8: International Cat Day — A fun survey about “Which cat are you today?” with a picture of a grumpy cat, a silly cat, a crazy cat, a tiger, etc.

•A ug 9: Book Lover’s Day — Which book are you reading?

Or if you were living where your current book takes place, where would you live? Or if you sell books, something about your current new favorite title or news about a local author you carry.

•A ug 10: S’mores Day — Just a picture of a campfire or a cute emoji of s’mores, with the caption “Dinner Plans.”

•A ug 15: Honeybee Awareness Day — Do you sell anything with bees? Pollinator seed mixes? Honey-based personal products? Now is the time to do a beautiful product photo and ask folks to come to the store or order online.

So there’s an example with five postings in eight days, and only one was a direct “sales pitch.” The others show that you’re a fun, local, friendly brand that cares about building a relationship with your followers.

About half your posts should simply engage your followers.

You want to make them smile or learn something and to see you as an accessible, local, friendly brand. Engagement posts include pictures, comics, humor, surveys, trivia, quotes, or other interesting items. One third of your posts should be useful.

Perhaps news about décor trends, local events, how-to’s, ideas, and inspiration. Finally, only one in five posts should be a call to action — not all of which will be invitations to shop. Items like hiring notices, store events, new products and, finally, sales.

What’s most important?

How do I create relationships?

Flora Delaney is a retail consultant, expert, and author of the book Retail the Second-Oldest Profession - 7 Timeless Principles to Win in Retail Today. As a Smart Retailer contributing writer, Flora brings her passion for independent retailing education to our readers. Her book is available on Amazon and www.floradelaney.com/book for all devices and paperback.

Your online store should have a friendly voice, but it can’t listen. Social media accounts should listen compassionately. Let customers describe their situation and immediately respond.

Use your accounts to ask good questions that help shoppers feel that you understand their issue before offering solutions or starting to “sell.” When your customers feel heard, they will be more open to making purchases.

How do I find the time?

To manage your time efficiently, use a social media scheduler like Buffer, Loomly, Hootsuite, or Later. They allow you to schedule many posts in a single session. Set aside a morning a 56 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

Getting started. Now.

See Our Social Media Blogs: 2020 Social Media Calendar When Customers Complain Online smart-retailer.com/flora-delaney-articles

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BUSINESSBRIEFS

BY SARAH HOBAN

When COVID-19 Gives You Lemons...

COVID-19 shutdowns shook small retailers across the country, but it also launched a wide range of innovative ideas from businesses, Main Street groups, and civic organizations to keep customers engaged and stores in business. While many initiatives addressed the shutdown situation directly, others have elements that could be used even after stores reopen. A few snapshots: • A Columbus, Ohio, bookstore put its display windows to work. Publishers Weekly reports that Cover to Cover Children’s Books filled its windows with merchandise, along with a sign telling customers to use their cell phones to “Shop this window online.” The sign included a QR code that took browsing customers to the store’s website, where they could find and order the featured merchandise, along with other items from the store as well.

• Seeing the importance of a strong online presence for businesses, the Chehalis (Washington) Community Renaissance Team offered a digital marketing grant program to help downtown businesses. The grants provide a 75% match of project costs up to $2,500 per business, for such enhancements as creation or improvement of a business website, digital marketing advertising, e-commerce development costs, and social media management.

• Downtown Petosky, a business-district group in Michigan, usually promotes a spring Staycation to encourage residents

to “vacation” in their hometown. This year, the group offered “a different kind of Staycation” to encourage residents to stay home. For every $50 purchased in merchant gift certificates, customers received $25 in “Downtown Dollars” that could be spent with local merchants when the stay-at-home order was lifted. More than 100 people participated in the event and spent more than $12,000 in gift certificates.

• A women’s business group in Barrington, Illinois, organized a virtual boutique crawl, featuring four local retailers. The event was promoted heavily on social media and livestreamed on Instagram, where each business had 15 minutes to present store highlights. One of the participants, Lori McConville, owns Marvin’s Toy Store in Barrington with her daughter Katelyn. McConville reports they offered a tour of the store and highlighted products that were available both online and for curbside pickup. Viewers were told to watch for a particular code word for each retailer and, at the end, could list all four to be entered into a prize drawing. While she didn’t note an increase in sales from the session, McConville says that the event definitely raised awareness of her store, and particularly her online sales. She said she’d try it again; “I think it’s good that customers see that you’re trying to keep your store in front of them,” she said, “and that you have the confidence that you’re going to be around for a while.”

Good Morale Boosts Everyone

As a leader, you’re also responsible for your employees’ morale — which can have a significant effect on your business. Writing on ragan.com, Stuart Hearn noted that benefits of high employee morale include increased teamwork, better employee retention, higher productivity, greater creativity, and less absenteeism.

Hearn, CEO of Clear Review, a performance management software company, noted that better morale helps employees “feel more secure in their role and invested in your company, making them motivated to work hard and accomplish more as a team….They have a shared vision and know teamwork will ensure your organization’s long-term success.”

But Will They Hand Out Virtual Swag?

The COVID-19 crisis has spurred virtual versions of one major business staple: the trade show. RetailWire reports that this spring various groups began planning digital formats of what have been traditionally in-person group events. Shoptalk, the giant retail trade fair originally scheduled for March, was rescheduled for September, and in the interim, introduced a series of virtual events, including video “tabletalks” with a small-group format; a virtual conference with a long list of speakers; and virtual meetings, promising one-to-one interactions. And in April, the Toy Association unveiled “Toy Fair Everywhere,” a series of “virtual market weeks” that feature virtual showrooms.

“Just as if walking a show floor, virtual market week attendees will be able to explore a calendar of daily events, browse exhibitors by category, and book appointments for virtual demos and chats,” said the association.

58 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

“How can [brands] maintain, nurture and grow that relationship when the world has been turned upside down? The best answer is to do it creatively but carefully.

Establish camaraderie — make customers feel like the brand is a part of their lives, even now. But not too much a part of their current lives; otherwise, when it’s over, those brands will be like the friend who was there for them day and night during a bad breakup: a reminder of unhappiness, whom they now avoid.”

—PETER JOHNSTON, “HOW 4 SMALL RETAILERS ARE STAYING CONNECTED WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS,” ON NRF.COM.

Centering in a Crisis

“The brain is wired to look for threats, therefore during a crisis, it’s difficult to stay centered,” wrote consultant Marlene Chism on SmartBrief.com. And if you’re running a business, it’s a big part of your job to be centered — for your employees, your customers, your family. But if you’re immersed in bad news, said Chism, you become subject to rumination — constant worrying about the same things. The solution, she wrote, is to start taking control of what you can control. This includes: • Your mind: Stay in the present, rather than projecting your fears. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help.

• Your narrative: Leaders have a responsibility to be the voice of reason, Chism wrote, and should avoid blame, gossip, and “what-if.” Instead, she recommends focusing on serving customers, looking for ways to help others, and asking the question, “What are our choices now?”

• Your focus: Beware of overdosing on news and social media, which can drag you down, and instead look for big-picture examples of things to be grateful for or people working together for the greater good.

WHAT’S NEXT STARTS NOW

NEW DATES: Aug 30 - Sept 3, 2020 Visit TogetherSafely.com to see what we’re doing to prepare for reopening including crowd management, personal protective equipment, temperature checks & cleaning protocols.

Explore at LasVegasMarket.com FE ATURED LINE: E. Lawrence, Ltd. ©2020 International Market Centers, LLC

www.smart-retailer.com 59

DISPLAY&DESIGN

BY AMY MEADOWS All photos by Amy Meadows

C

Going Green

ustomers today experience a steady influx of products that are all-natural, shade-grown, fair-trade, vegan, hypo-allergenic, and more. The demand continues to grow for products that are ethically sourced and produced. The labels often contain these words as selling points: eco-friendly, sustainable, compostable, upcycled, recycled, budget-friendly, etc. These qualities should be used to consider store planning, fixtures, décor, and display strategies. It’s important to align your merchandise priorities — such as mission and materials — with the store environment and display strategies Visual merchandisers were “green” or “zero waste” long before these terms entered the consumer vernacular. Display artists practiced creative and adaptive reuse because they were required — by cost, staffing, and square footage — to evaluate every purchase or prop construction by whether it could be reused, repainted, or repurposed. If not, the VM went back to the drawing board.

Reuse

Pinterest is teeming with practical, creative ideas for reusing otherwise mundane, utilitarian objects. Fortunately, we seem to have exhausted the shipping-pallet trend, but it was successful and enduring for a reason. Pallets have a rustic charm and are versatile. They can be stacked, wall-mounted, or dismantled to use the rough wood.

The cable spools that served as coffee tables in many a first apartment, long before IKEA and Target, are still viable as fixtures if your store vibe is “shabby chic.” Brighten up a spool with a coat of paint for the season.

Perhaps you’ve upgraded to aluminum stepladders for your stockrooms. Clean up older, wooden ladders for supporting a span of shelving. Six-foot wood This public seating is made from ladders are also a boon scraps and samples rescued from the for those on the art fair trash and repurposed as “upholstery.” circuit. It’s tough to beat It includes everything from pool fixtures that fold flat into noodles to throw pillows. (Chicago Architecture Biennial 2019) the back of the van.

Consider making props from everyday objects from the store office and leftover merchandise, such as art supplies, embroidery hoops, baking tins, clipboards, and pencils.

Where possible, evaluate storage needs. Nested risers or cubes (even buckets) will use less shelf space, and collapsible items like ladders and sawhorses can be taken apart and hidden from view.

Reclaimed lumber is finding its way onto interior walls, flooring, counters, and dressing room enclosures. Keep old-growth wood out of the landfills and add rustic, authentic flair to your interior with recycled wood that’s free from modern preservatives and chemical treatments.

Repaint

There’s still life in those brushes. The repainted art supplies add a pop of color and visual interest.

60 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

For upgrading, refreshing, or altering fixtures, furniture, or props, there aren’t many options as low cost and high impact as applying a fresh coat of paint. Repainting transforms spring pastels to autumn hues, unifies mismatched fixtures, and extends the life of a table or cabinet that’s too time-worn to be charming or “shabby chic.”

This is a doubly efficient method for shipping and displaying items at a major expo. The lighting and “packing paper” add a special touch.

(International Housewares Show)

Prepare your surfaces properly by sanding and priming — no shortcuts. If you’d like to avoid the process altogether, find an auto shop with a spray booth to do the painting for you. If you’re painting mannequins, use the services of a professional refinishing shop.

The repainting category includes gold-leafing, faux-finishing, and decoupaging. Pinterest and Instagram are awash in inspiration and examples.

Repurpose

In retail, the trend for reuse and repurposing also applies to adaptive reuse of spaces for non-traditional shopping experiences. For example, shipping containers have frequently become pop-up shops and galleries. In Chicago, Gucci painted an empty bank building purple, turning it into the place to see, be seen, and shop during the NBA All-Star Weekend — for that weekend only.

If you’re looking to update existing items and systems in your physical shop, look up. What types of lightbulbs and lamps are

This spectacular wall piece by artist Wendy Brackman is created from a decidedly utilitarian, everyday item. Look closely. Your picnic’s paper plates have never seemed quite so inspiring!

(Lower Eastside Girls Club, NY)

you using? This might be the optimal time to update with LED lights because they provide lower energy costs and longer life. It’s also a good time to look for efficiencies in Internet, wireless, and point-of-sales services.

Turn your repurposing into a treasure hunt. With this strategy, warehouse shelving gets a new home, footlockers become tables, and library card catalogues receive a second life as they store small pottery pieces and planters. Let Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, etc. bring the goods to you.

Other categories include repurposing movers’ blankets or painters’ dropcloths as draperies and wallcoverings. Grab a grommet tool and punch tidy holes across the top for use with curtain rings on rods or conduit lengths. The sewing machine no longer works, but there was still value in If you want to add this antique as a prop for clothing interest overhead without artifacts. (Columbia College Fashion running power or installing Studies Collection) light fixtures, take a humble tomato cage, suspend it from the ceiling, and adorn it with ribbons, colorful paper strips, or greenery to create eye-catching art.

Find ideas online. When I’m working with clients on shop enhancements, I establish a special Pinterest page that allows us to exchange images that capture the mood, colors, and textures we want to convey. A picture is worth a thousand words!

Another key to successful repurposing is doing it in quantity, especially if you stumble across a collection of hat boxes, garden tools, antique irons . . . the items will create an even greater “wow” factor if mounted to a wall, placed along ledges, or massed out in a single group. Precise placement, preferably in a grid, will transform these unique items from flea market finds to display treasures.

Finally, how is the merchandise leaving the store? With fewer and fewer plastic bags in use, there are opportunities for reusable totes — ideally, custom branded bags offered to customers for a minimal upcharge or loyalty perk. I’ve received gifts wrapped in vintage maps, purchased candles poured in antique china cups or wine bottles, and seen many delightful repurposed items that appeal to both my nostalgic sense and my appreciation for creative reinterpretation. Everything old is new again!

Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.

www.smart-retailer.com 61

RETAILERSPOTLIGHT

BY DAN BROWNELL

Feltz’s Dairy Store “Consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing local and handmade products and we expect that trend to increase.”

W

hen Ken and Jackie Feltz, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, opened Feltz’s Dairy Store in June 2017, they had no idea how important their food products would be to their business nearly three years later when COVID-19 struck. After the pandemic hit in March, many stores were forced to close, but the Feltzes were able to keep theirs open because they were deemed an essential service.

Much of the store’s stock consists of perishable fresh foods, such as cheese, meat, milk, ice cream, and baked goods, which wouldn’t be a good fit for a traditional gift shop, but the family also sells other products that fit well within a gift shop product line, making it a combination dairy and gift store.

For example, the store carries locally made specialty gourmet foods packaged in decorative glass jars.

They include jams, apple butter, apple and cherry pie filling, maple syrup, honey, pickles, olives, salad dressings, and barbecue sauces and spices. Shoppers can also find locally made dry gourmet foods

Feltz Family Farms is a popular hometown shopping destination, but the store also hosts customers from around the country. A wall map with pins shows the origin of hundreds of tourists who have visited the store.

The Fe ltzes h a been farmin ve deep ro o g ther e for m ts in Steven s ore th an 10 Point, as the 0 yea ir fam rs. ily ha s

like candy, pancake mixes, popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, dried cranberries, maple sugar, and bags of roasted coffee beans. In addition, the store carries traditional gift shop products such as décor, signs, paintings, candles, wax melts, soaps, room sprays, and children’s novelty gifts. The store sells various sizes of empty black-and-white spotted cow-themed gift boxes that customers can fill on their own to make custom gift boxes.

Gifts, gourmet foods, and local and handmade goods have helped diversify the store’s business, bringing in more customers, and adding to their profits. “Specialty items

have especially helped increase the number of customers and profits during the holiday seasons,” Jackie said. “We have unique items that you can’t find in a typical retail store that people like gifting to others.

Plus, we ship gift boxes throughout the country in November, December, and January.”

The Feltzes’ store is attached to their farm, which has been in the family for more than a century.

Wisconsin residents are famous for their fierce loyalty to the Green Bay Packers, so it’s not surprising that locals love all things Wisconsin.

“Our customers like how nearly all of our products are from Wisconsin,” Jackie said. They also like the family values. “We offer many family-oriented activities, including a cow carousel and a fiberglass life-sized milking cow inside the store. During the summer and fall, we offer a petting zoo that’s open every day.”

Fulfilling a Family Dream

While the store has been a great success, the Feltzes had to learn the retail ropes by trial and error.

“Opening a store was something we had been interested in doing for many years,” Jackie said. “And with all the family coming back to the business, the timing made sense. None of the family had any retail experience, though. Farming has been in our family for over 100 62 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

years and is currently a fifth-generation farm. We’ve learned about retail as we go. With no retail experience, we didn’t know what to expect, but at this point, our growth has exceeded our expectations.

“Our family has a strong faith and contribute a lot of our success to God. Our greatest successes come from failure. There is no better learning point than finding out how not to do something. We try to keep an open mind and continually try to find better or more efficient ways to do things. Keeping up on customer trends is also important to understand what people are looking for,” Jackie said.

They’ve done well in spite of the virus. “After the pandemic began, our business was initially very inconsistent, but since then, we’ve noticed people supporting local businesses, which has helped,” Jackie said. “It seems consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing local and handmade products from people within their own community and we expect that trend to increase.”

Customer Service Is King

The Feltzes know they can’t take customers for granted and that providing top-notch service is important. “Especially since we’re new and trying to build our reputation, we go out of our way to do whatever is necessary to please our customers,” Jackie said. “That includes carrying new items recommended by customers and simply carrying bags out to their cars.

“A comment we get often is how clean our store is. People are surprised since it’s right on the farm! We get compliments on our customer service as well.”

Unforgettable Experiences

In recent years, retail studies have shown a big increase in demand for experiences rather than just products. Feltz Dairy Store delivers memorable experiences both inside and outside.

Inside, customers can eat ice cream in a farm-themed corner with picnic tables and the cow carousel. The family also offers farm tours to give visitors an opportunity to see a working dairy farm and get up-close to the cows. “We show visitors some of the newest technology in the dairy industry, which includes milking robots.” The fascinating machines are a favorite highlight of school groups. They can be viewed in action in the video on the store’s website feltzsdairystore.com.

“We host popular events such as taking pictures with Santa and the Easter Bunny.

We also offer activities nearly every weekend in the fall relating to our corn maze and pumpkin patch. We even do a haunted corn maze during the last weekend in October.

Handmade jars of candles add to the nostalgic country feel of the store.

Last year, the store worked out a partnership with Culver’s, a Wisconsin-based fast-food restaurant chain with more than 700 locations and a major presence in the Midwest. The Feltzes created their corn maze featuring a gigantic Culver’s logo using a computer program and GPS to plant the maze in the shape of the logo, rather than cutting it into the field after the corn was grown. It was the only Culver’s-sponsored corn maze in the nation in 2019, and the story the made local TV news. But most importantly, the Feltzes’ customers were thrilled with their corn maze adventures.

“The biggest thing we’ve learned is that repeat customers are built on good customer service and relationships. If people are connected to you and/or your business, they’re so much more willing to support you.”

Community Engagement

The Feltzes have built a strong customer base and repeat business through an emphasis on community engagement, partly from digital connection, but mainly face-to-face. The store has nearly 7,000 Facebook followers. “Social media is a fast and reliable way to get a message across to many people,” Jackie said.

“But the best connections are still made in-person, despite being such a technology-driven world.”

Common Elements to Business Success

While traditional gift stores can’t offer fresh food like Feltz’s Dairy Store, many of their business strategies and principles apply to any retailer, such as creating a diverse product line, providing unforgettable experiences, and developing customer relationships and loyalty to help carry storeowners through tough times. With such a strong foundation after three years, no doubt Feltz Dairy Store has an exciting future ahead.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Business Name: Feltz’s Dairy Store Location: 5796 Porter Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482 Website: feltzsdairystore.com

These locally made soaps are attractively labeled and displayed.

Email: feltzsdairystore@gmail.com Phone: 715-344-1293 www.smart-retailer.com 63

TR ADE SHOW CALENDAR Smart Retailer assumes no liability for changes in show schedules or show cancellations. Please contact the show promoter directly to confirm dates, times and locations before making travel plans.

JULY 2020 HUDSON, MA

Northeast Market Center -July Show POSTPONED........................................ 12-14 www.northeastmarketcenter.com DALLAS, TX

Dallas Apparel & Accessories + Gifts & Home Open House..............................21-23 www.dallasmarketcenter.com SEATTLE, WA

Seattle Mart Gift Show - CANCELED.... 21-25 www.seattlemart.com ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Summer - ON HOLD.....................................................23-26 www.jfashow.com KISSIMMEE, FL

Florida Jewelry & Resort Expo TENTATIVE............................................24-26 www.gtshows.com

SPRINGFIELD, OH

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry.......................................................... 12 www.marketsquareshows.com ATLANTA, GA

Atlanta Market - RESCHEDULED original dates July 14-20.................................... 13-18 www.americasmart.com MEMPHIS, TN

Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair......................................................... 14-16 www.helenbrett.com

COLLINSVILLE, IL

ORLANDO, FL

www.rosehillgiftshows.com

www.surfexpo.com

St. Louis Gift Show................................ 16-17

Surf Expo............................................... 10-12

LAS VEGAS, NV

OAHU, HI

Agenda Las Vegas................................19-20 www.agendashows.com/las-vegas DALLAS, TX

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

www.philadelphiagiftshow.com

LOS ANGELES, CA

HUDSON, MA

Northeast Market Center - August Show POSTPONED............................................ 2-4 www.northeastmarketcenter.com LAS VEGAS, NV

ASD Market Week.................................... 2-5 www.asdonline.com WILMINGTON, OH

Heritage Markets Cash & Carry Wholesale Show............................................................. 4 www.heritagemarkets.com ATLANTA, GA

August Atlanta Apparel........................... 4-8 www.americasmart.com GREENSBORO, NC

Greensboro Gift & Jewelry Show TENTATIVE................................................ 7-9 www.gtshows.com

MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show.........................................................7-11 www.mplsmart.com CHICAGO, IL

STYLEMAX...............................................9-11 www.stylemaxonline.com TORONTO, CAN

Toronto Gift + Home Market CANCELED............................................. 9-12 www.cangift.org CHICAGO, IL

Independent Garden Center Show POSTPONED.........................................11-13

www.igcshow.com 64 Smart Retailer JULY 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 www.silverliningshows.com

New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show...20-23

www.wmigiftshows.com

www.superzoo.org

The Indy Show........................................9-10

OAKS, PA

Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show..................... 1-3

SuperZoo...........................................31-SEP3

www.offpriceshow.com

NEW ORLEANS, LA

BILOXI, MS

See ad on page 59 LAS VEGAS, NV

PLAINFIELD, IN

www.silverliningshows.com

AUGUST 2020

www.lasvegasmarket.com

OFFPRICE.............................................. 15-18

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market........ 19-25

Philadelphia Gift Show - CANCELED

2020 Summer Las Vegas Market RESCHEDULED original dates July 26-30................................................ 30-SEP3

LAS VEGAS, NV

LEXINGTON, KY

Bluegrass Buyers Market..................... 26-27

LAS VEGAS, NV

www.helenbrett.com

LA Mart Summer 2020 Market RESCHEDULED original dates July 9-13........................................................20-24 www.lamart.com

PAROQUET SPRINGS, KY

Louisville Gift Show..............................23-24 www.rosehillgiftshows.com ALBERTA, CAN

Alberta Gift + Home Market CANCELED...........................................23-26 www.cangift.org DES PLAINES, IL

Midwest Gift & Lifestyle Show RESCHEDULED original dates July 19-22.....................................................23-26 www.silverliningshows.com DALLAS, TX

Dallas Western Market.........................25-28 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

The Hawaii Market & Merchandise Expo........................................................11-13 www.douglastradeshows.com SAN ANTONIO, TX

San Antonio Wholesale Jewelry, Gift & Accessories Show..................................11-13 www.parkertradeshow.com GATLINBURG, TN

Norton Trade Show - Fall..................... 12-14 www.nortonshows.com LIVONIA, MI

Metro-Michigan Women’s Wear Market................................................... 13-14 www.silverliningshows.com HUDSON, MA

Northeast Market Center - September Show...................................................... 13-15 www.northeastmarketcenter.com LANCASTER, PA

Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show...................................... 13-15 www.phillycandyshows.com MADISON, WI

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry...........................................................14 www.marketsquareshows.com NEW YORK, NY

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market...25-28

New York Fall Home Fashion Market Week...................................................... 14-17

OAKS, PA

BILLINGS, MT

www.marketsquareshows.com

www.billingsmarketassoc.com

DALLAS, TX

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

www.homefashionproducts.com

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry.......................................................... 26

Billings Market Association Market PENDING health dept. approval.......18-20

DENVER, CO

DES PLAINES, IL

www.rockymountaingiftshow.com

www.silverliningshows.com

Rocky Mountain Gift Show..................26-30

REV Chicago Boutique Show............. 22-24

DENVER, CO

CHICAGO, IL

Denver Apparel & Accessory Market.28-30

Casual Market Chicago...................... 22-25

www.denvermart.com

www.casualmarket.com

ASHEVILLE, NC

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Asheville Gift & Jewelry Show........... 28-30 www.gtshows.com MIAMI, FL

Miami Asia America Wholesale Show......................................................30-31 asiaamericashow.com

Mid-Atlantic Mart - September Showcase..............................................23-24 www.midatlanticmart.com PANAMA CITY, FL

Panama City Beach Gift Show............23-25 pinnacle-shows.com

DALLAS, TX

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market........23-25 www.dallasmarketcenter.com WILMINGTON, OH

Heritage Markets Cash & Carry Wholesale Show...........................................................30 www.heritagemarkets.com GAYLORD, MI

The Northern Michigan Show...... 30-OCT1 www.silverliningshows.com CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

Corpus Christi Souvenir & Resort Show............................................... 30-OCT2 www.pinnacle-shows.com

OCTOBER 2020 GREENSBORO, NC

Greensboro Gift & Jewelry Show........... 2-4 www.gtshows.com

OAKS, PA

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry.......................................................... 28 www.marketsquareshows.com

NOVEMBER 2020

MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Grand Strand Gift Resort........................ 6-9 www.grandstrandgiftshow.com GONZALES, LA

Helen Brett Holiday Market.................11-13 www.helenbrett.com

JANUARY 2021

ATLANTA, GA

Atlanta Fall Immediate Delivery Show® – A Cash & Carry Event to Fall Cash & Carry......................................................... 3-5

DALLAS, TX

SEVIERVILLE, TN

ANCHORAGE, AK

www.iges.us

www.alaskagiftshow.com

www.americasmart.com

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.......... 6-12 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

IGES Souvenir Gift Show........................ 3-6

Alaska Wholesale Gift Show.................. 7-9

PIGEON FORGE, TN

CHERRY HILL, NJ

IGES Souvenir Gift Show........................ 4-7 www.iges.us

Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show...................................... 10-12

GATLINBURG, TN

www.phillycandyshows.com

www.smokymtngiftshow.com

Atlanta Market...................................... 12-19

Smoky Mountain Gift Show.................... 4-7

ATLANTA, GA

www.marketsquareshows.com

CHICAGO, IL

www.americasmart.com

LOS ANGELES, CA

www.sofaexpo.com

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market....13-16

MARLBOROUGH, MA

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry... 4 LA Mart Fall 2020 Market....................... 4-6 www.lamart.com HUDSON, MA

Northeast Market Center - October Show.......................................................... 4-6 www.northeastmarketcenter.com

SOFA Expo................................................ 5-8

DALLAS, TX

SAN MATEO, CA

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

San Mateo Christmas Cash & Carry Gift Show.......................................................... 6-8

DENVER, CO

MEMPHIS, TN

PHOENIX, AZ

www.pinnacle-shows.com

PORTLAND, ME

Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair....6-8

www.nemadeshows.com

LIVONIA, MI

New England Made Autumn Show........ 5-6

www.helenbrett.com

WESA Trade Show............................... 14-17 www.wesatradeshow.com

OASIS Gift Show..................................21-23

www.oasis.org DALLAS, TX

Halloween & Party Expo.................... 22-24

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Show......7-10

Metro-Michigan Women’s Wear Market....................................................... 8-9 www.silverliningshows.com

LAS VEGAS, NV

KISSIMMEE, FL

PHILADELPHIA, PA

www.lasvegasmarket.com

LAS VEGAS, NV

www.lvsouvenirshow.com

Florida Jewelry & Resort Expo...............9-11 www.gtshows.com

Mid-Atlantic Mart - November Showcase...............................................11-12

DENVER, CO

www.midatlanticmart.com

www.denvermart.com

The Hawaii Market & Merchandise Expo....................................................... 13-15

Denver Apparel & Accessory Market.11-13 MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show....................................11-13 www.mplsmart.com

OAHU, HI

www.douglastradeshows.com SAN ANTONIO, TX

ATLANTA, GA

San Antonio Wholesale Jewelry, Gift & Accessories Show................................. 13-15

www.americasmart.com

TACOMA, WA

October Atlanta Apparel..................... 13-17 HIGH POINT, NC

High Point Fall Market - Divided into 3-Day Periods................................................... 13-21 www.highpointmarket.org SPRINGFIELD, OH

Market Square The Buyer’s Cash & Carry...........................................................14 www.marketsquareshows.com NEW YORK, NY

National Stationery Show - New Dates......................................................18-20 www.nationalstationeryshow.com NEW YORK, NY

NY NOW - New Dates........................18-20 www.nynow.com DALLAS, TX

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market...20-23 www.dallasmarketcenter.com ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Fall....................... 22-25 www.jfashow.com

www.parkertradeshow.com

Tacoma Christmas Cash & Carry Gift Show...................................................... 13-15 www.pinnacle-shows.com

www.halloweenpartyexpo.com

2021 Winter Las Vegas Market...........24-28 BILLINGS, MT

Billings Market Association Market.... 28-30 www.billingsmarketassoc.com BILOXI, MS

Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show............ 30-FEB1 www.wmigiftshows.com OAKS, PA

Philadelphia Gift Show....................31-FEB3 www.philadelphiagiftshow.com TORONTO, CAN

Toronto Gift + Home Market...........31-FEB4 www.cangift.org

FEBRUARY 2021

GATLINBURG, TN

PHILADELPHIA, PA

www.nortonshows.com

www.americanhandcraftedshow.com

Norton Trade Show - Winter............... 14-16

American Handcrafted Philadelphia.. 13-15

OCEAN CITY, MD

NEW YORK, NY

www.oceancitygiftshow.com

www.toyfairny.com

Ocean City Resort Gift Expo.............. 15-17

Toy Fair New York................................ 13-16

NEW ORLEANS, LA

LAS VEGAS, NV

www.helenbrett.com

www.agendashows.com/las-vegas

New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show... 19-22

DECEMBER 2020 SCHAUMBURG, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Holiday.................... 3-6 www.jfashow.com

Agenda Las Vegas................................ 17-18 ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Winter................... 18-21 www.jfashow.com

NEW ORLEANS, LA

CAMEX21.............................................21-22 www.camex.org

GREENSBORO, NC

ALBERTA, CAN

www.gtshows.com

www.cangift.org

Greensboro Gift & Jewelry Show........... 4-6

Alberta Gift Fair....................................21-24 www.smart-retailer.com 65

AD INDEX JULY 2020 Keep Smart Retailer magazine flourishing by letting our advertisers know that you saw their advertisement in this issue.

This advertising index is an additional service. We assume no liability for any incorrect information.

1803 Candles............................................................................................................. 1803candles.com..................................................... 49 Alice’s Cottage....................................................................................................... www.alicescottage.com................................................ 43 American Life Brands.......................................................................................www.americanlifebrands.com........................................... 43 Annalee Dolls, Inc..................................................................................................... www.annalee.com.................................................... 53 B-Dazzle....................................................................................................................www.b-dazzle.com.................................................... 57 Basic Spirit.................................................................................................................www.basicspirit.com...................................................45 Blossom Bucket..........................................................................................................blossombucket.com.................................................... 19 Bright Ideas............................................................................................................www.brightideasllc.com...................................................3 Col House Designs............................................................................................. www.colhousedesigns.com............................................. 13 CR Designs................................................................................................................www.cr-designs.com................................................... 53 CTW Home Collection........................................................................................CTWHomeCollection.com.............................................. 21 CWI Gifts........................................................................................................................ shopcwi.com......................................................... 17 Dadant Candles....................................................................................................www.dadantcandles.com.............................................. 59 Deep Breath Designs.............................................................................................deepbreathdesigns.com................................................45 ESC and Company.................................................................................................. escandcompany.com.................................................. 68 Gift for Life.................................................................................................................. www.giftforlife.org.................................................... 39 Greenwich Bay Trading............................................................................................ www.gbsoaps.com.................................................... 49 H&T, LLC.....................................................................................................................bitchbagdrinks.com.................................................... 49 Irvin’s Tinware..............................................................................................................irvinstinware.com...................................................... 23 Jacob’s Musical Chimes.............................................................................................jacobschimes.com..................................................... 55 JanMichaels Art and Home..............................................................................janmichaelsartandhome.com............................................ 37 Kalamazoo Candle Company.........................................................................www.kalamazoocandle.com............................................ 15 Kurt Meyer Fine Woodworking.................................................................................... kurtmeyer.com........................................................45 Kurt S. Adler...............................................................................................................www.kurtadler.com.................................................... 67 Lancaster County Wholesale Mall............................................................. www.lancasterwholesalemall.com..........................................5 Las Vegas Market (World Market Center Las Vegas)........................................... lasvegasmarket.com................................................... 59 Laurie Pollpeter Eskanazi Ceramic Artist.................................................................. www.lpeclay.com..................................................... 55 Meadowbrooke Gourds...............................................................................................mbgourds.com........................................................ 29 Melange Collection...............................................................................................melangecollection.com................................................. 33 Melrose International.............................................................................................. www.melroseintl.com.................................................. 31 Monahan Papers................................................................................................ www.monahanpapers.com............................................. 49 North Woods Animal Treats........................................................................www.northwoodsanimaltreats.com.......................................45 Old Town Soap Co.................................................................................................. oldtownsoapco.com................................................... 57 P. Graham Dunn.................................................................................................... www.pgrahamdunn.com..................................................9 Peppermint Charms...........................................................................................www.peppermintcharms.com........................................... 51 Pilgrim Imports........................................................................................................... pilgrimimports.com..............................................11, 45 Prairie Dance......................................................................................................... www.prairiedance.com................................................ 27 Sawdust City..........................................................................................................www.sawdustcityllc.com............................................... 55 Second Nature By Hand............................................................................... www.secondnaturebyhand.com......................................... 25 Serene House USA...................................................................................................serenehouseusa.com................................................... 53 Soap & Paper Factory....................................................................................www.soapandpaperfactory.com........................................ 51 Southern E-Scentuals.................................................................................... southernescentuals-wholesale.com.......................................45 Spooner Creek Designs / Macone Clay.............................................................www.maconeclay.com................................................. 55 Stony Hollow Crafts.............................................................................reallancastercounty.com/stony-hollow-crafts...............................45 Sydney Candle Co................................................................................................www.sydneycandle.com............................................... 35 The Columbus Warehouse................................................................................ thecolumbuswarehouse.com............................................ 23 The Country House Collection.................................................................. www.thecountryhousecollection.com........................................7 The Hearthside Collection.................................................................................thehearthsidecollection.com................................................2 The Vintage Pearl........................................................................................................ tvpwholesale.com.....................................................45 The Whitehurst Co. LLC................................................................................. www.thewhitehurstcompany.com........................................ 51 ULINE............................................................................................................................ www.uline.com....................................................... 57 White River Designs LLC..................................................................................whiteriverdesigns@hotmail.com......................................... 51 Wind & Willow LLC...................................................................................................windandwillow.com................................................... 41 Windrift Hill ...................................................................................................................windrifthill.com........................................................ 41 Wing Tai Trading........................................................................................... www.wtcollectionshowroom.com........................................ 39 66 Smart Retailer JULY 2020