Winter Trade Shows Promise a Variety of Products and Resources

With the new year comes the revealing of new product lines and trends at the Winter Trade Shows. But it's not all about the products. The major trade shows have a wide variety of opportunities for learning about everything from trends in retailing to the cutting edge of technological marketing, from business roundtables to artist signings. Here are some selected events from shows across the continent. Some seminars will be offered at more than one show. Click on the city name for details about the seminars and events at each show and other seminars not spotlighted here.

PHILADELPHIA
Want to know what works and what doesn't for other retailers? The Philadelphia Gift Show will feature a Retail Roundtable Discussion moderated by Susan Wagner, editor of Smart Retailer magazine. You'll be able to hear success stories from stores on social media and marketing and get advice on how different techniques can work in your own store. Sunday, Jan. 6, 10 am. Also in Philadelphia the same day at 2:30, "10 Ways to Cross Merchandise Your Shop with Foods, Props, and Products" with Author and Gift and Gourmet Industry Adviser Shirley Frazier.

BOSTON
If you want to really learn how to use social media, Patricia Norris, publisher of Gift Shop and Green Retailer magazines will host "How To Use the Three Titans of Social Media to Increase Your Sales" in Boston sun. Mar. 17 at 2 p.m. Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest will be the focus and how to use them to increase your store traffic and sales exponentially (also featured in Philadelphia). Along the same lines, Susan Wagner, Editor, Smart Retailer will present "Reaching Today's Tech-minded Consumers" Mon. Mar. 18 at 11 a.m. Learn how to use mobile marketing, QR codes and more. Wagner will also present "Dazzling Displays - How to Really Engage Your Customers" at 2:30 the same day.

TORONTO
"Seven Steps to Successful Retail Marketing" will be presented by Rafael Mael, marketing strategist for BrandLauncher, who promises to show you how to stretch your marketing dollars for maximum impact, using "irresistible bait" to drive foot traffic, boosting sales using "premiums" and "free-miums". The presentation will be Monday, January 28 at 8:30 a.m. Mael will also present "Simple Ways to Grow your Online Influence" on Sunday. Also in Toronto, Rick Spence, Canada's "guru of growth", will tell you "The 5 Things You Need to Know NOW in Your Business!" Sunday Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m.

SEATTLE
Todays' consumers have more options than ever on where to shop - and more than 50% of all shoppers are doing research before heading to a store or to a website to make their purchases. This is the focus of "Shopping Isn't What It Used To Be" with speaker Lynn Switanowski-Barrett, president, Creative Business Consulting Group. The session, held Thursday, January 17 at 1 p.m., will focus on helping retailers learn how consumers are researching brands today and help them understand how to create sales approaches that turn browsers into buyers and help create brand loyal customers for years to come. Switanowski-Barrett will also have a presentation on "The New Shape of Retail" the same day at 2:30. The next day at 11 a.m., Chris Lake, of ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, will talk about "Real Americana: How to Develop the Right Made in the USA Assortment".

LOS ANGELES
Meanwhile, back on the west coast, at the California Gift Show in Los Angeles, a couple of seminars will help you profit from Made-In-USA products. Hosted by Chris Lake, retail director, ARAMARK Parks & Destinations, "Real Americana: How to Develop the Right Made in the USA Assortment" will teach how to build a winning collection of made in the USA products that your customers are sure to love. You'll also see how classification and interpretive messaging can help sell even more. Also at this show will be seminars about doing business in airports and making your store more "Pinteresting". In addition, "The Selling Power of Creativity: Retail Store Design, Visual Merchandising, and Trend Forecasting For Today's Retailer" will help you spot trends, keep your inventory fresh and ahead of the competition.

LAS VEGAS
A seminar called "The Seven Deadly Sins of Salespeople", appropriately enough in "Sin City", identifies and exposes the seven deadly sins of retail salespeople. These deadly sins cause more customers to leave without buying and few, if any, be backs raising your advertising costs. Find out what is holding your salespeople from consistent peak performance. Also in Las Vegas, HGTV's Monica Pederson and home trends editor Julie Smith Vincenti offer a tantalizing overview of winter 2013's best new products. In "First Look", the duo will reveal the newest looks in bedroom & accent furniture, upholstery, floor covering, home decor and more in a highly visual presentation. Plus "Fantasies and Realities Impacting Color Choices for the Future" will reveal how skillfully balanced color palettes can be the key to enticing the consumer.

NEW YORK
Caroline Kennedy, editor-in-chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories, will share some of the most creative and successful ideas gleaned from the magazine's Retailer Excellence Awards competition. "Award-Winning Marketing and Store Event Ideas" on Tue. Jan. 29 will discuss the use of Daily Deals, mobile marketing, cause-related in-store events and solving a mystery puzzle. (Tickets $20 advance/$25 onsite). In addition, Patricia Norins of GIFT SHOP will share 50+ no-cost and low-cost marketing ideas to help you build stronger relationships with your customers, increase store traffic and sell more products Sun. Jan. 27. Also that day Susan Szenasy, editor in chief of Metropolis, will moderate the discussion on how "Made in the USA" also represents sustainable solutions and opportunities.

ATLANTA
Thursday, Jan 10, at 10 a.m., Lindsay Roberts, The Gift Insider, will present her favorite gifting items found in the permanent showrooms at AmericasMart. Then on Friday at 10 a.m., HGTV's Kenneth Brown presents "Decorating From Top To Bottom" where you will learn how rugs can kickstart a design and how he's incorporated those rugs in designing A-List celebrity homes. At the same time in another part of the Mart, Patricia Norins, publisher of GIFT SHOP Magazine, will give you "50+ Low-Cost Marketing Ideas to Boost Your Bottom Line". Not to be outdone, at 3 p.m. Nathan Turner of Bravo's "Million Dollar Decorators" will explore traditional American style and sign his book "American Style". And continuing the TV Show theme, on Saturday, Adam Richman of the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" will take staple, traditional foodes and incorporate them with a modern, trendy twist in Building 2's demonstration kitchen and David Bromstad, host of HGTV's "Color Splash" will teach how the power of color can affect consumers when making an in-store purchase. In the Dugan-Bliss & Associates Showroom.

Featured Vendors

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Acacia Creations Since our products debuted in the U.S. in 2007, we've been working overtime to meet demand and we couldn't be happier. That's because at Acacia Creations we operate according to fair trade principles and return a percentage of each sale to our employees in Kenya. That means the more we sell, the more our workers and their families benefit! Also, because our items are made from recycled and reclaimed materials, the more we sell, the more we keep from being thrown away.

Badash Crystal: Our broad selection of mouth blown tabletop and decorative accessories from around the world will surely meet your needs. Every piece is individually and safely boxed. We offer superb quality and value for all your gift giving, bridal and/or personal pleasure.

Band Angels is a line of adhesive bandages in boys' and girls' colors (blue and pink) decorated with Scripture verses printed on them.

Best Blue Mountain Coffee the wholesale ordering web site for City of Refuge 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain^® Coffee. 100% of the proceeds from your purchase of City of Refuge coffee go to help the City of Refuge Children's Home, enabling a Jamaican child to live and learn the ways of a loving and nurturing family environment.

Calypso Studios is a Fashion Accessory & Gift Company that creates products that encompass a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle. We are constantly moving forward and challenging ourselves with new designs and accessories, creating beautiful pieces that everyone can enjoy. We are excited to bring more color and sparkle to any wardrobe in an array of new designs for the gift industry, including our new and extremely popular Comfort Crosses and Wrap Bracelets. Visit us online today at www.calypsostudiosinc.com to explore all of our new 2011 product!

CAMEOEZMarketplace.com: CAMEO EZ^© member stores can now log into a site one time and place orders from several manufacturers. Check back often to see more lines. One Login - Multiple Shopping Carts - Easy Checkout.

Coast Lamp Manufacturing Coast Lamp Mfg., was established and incorporated in the state of Florida in 1955. Now, a North Carolina Corporation since 1975, located in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. We are a family owned and operated company. Our product is UL/ULC listed and approved and made in the USA. Customer satisfaction and a long lasting relationship are our goals.

Divinity Boutique is a gift company that is focused on trendy and fun gifts that feature inspirational verse and themes.

Don Mark Find the latest in GIFTS AND GADGETS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. Introducing over 80 new items for 2013. January / February Shows: Atlanta- Building 2 Showroom 734, Dallas- Trade Mart Showroom #2953, Denver- Showroom 1215, Minneapolis- Showroom #Orange 317, New York-Javits Booth 1767 Stop by to take advantage of the show specials.

Europa Home decorincluding glass, candleholders and candles for garden, lodge, awards, gourmet food, sale items and more.

Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone."  All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

The Grandparent Gift Co. Inc. offers unique gifts of sentiment from ultrasounds to memorials and all life's occasion in between. All sentiments are written by us and your customers will love how they speak from the heart. We have the largest selection of ultrasound gifts in the industry, pioneering the market over 13 years ago. We don't stop at gifts for grandparents and great-grandparents, but include all members of the family such as godparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and more. Twins, new baby, baptism, christening, new grandparents, memorial and anniversary are some of our best-selling categories. Stop and see us in Atlanta, Americasmart Bldg 3, Booth 5-405 or visit our wholesale website.

Halle Joy is a different type of company, committed not only to designing beautiful products, but to bringing joy to people throughout the world. A portion of the proceeds from every piece we sell goes to support worthy causes around the world.

Hook Line Greetings offers the world's first patent-pending "Gift-in-Greet" Fishing Lure Cards. The company's unique and clever greeting cards contain an authentic hand-tied fishing lure as the "gift" that can be taken out for immediate fun and enjoyment. Just "release" the fishing lure from the card, tie on a line and go fish!

Highland Graphics: a leader in functional gift with decorative items for gift giving and kitchen. From our topselling Absorbastone coasters, to our decorative bamboo cutting boards, everything we manufacture is made in the USA. Our high quality plus competitive pricing lets our customers make higher margins. We feature licensed art, official collegiate products and have a full range of custom capabilities with low minimums.

InDesign, Home of The Sophie Collection, one of America's leading fashion accessory wholesalers! All products designed by Anna Larsson Daley using only the finest textiles and materials available. We provide retailers with unique, high quality fashion accessories including the # 1 selling jewel embellished scarf at retail.

JTP Wholesale: Monogrammed toilet paper and coasters - The perfect gift for the person who has everything.

Leslie Handpainted Glass: Leslie Hand Painted Glass is Proudly Painting in Portland Oregon USA Specializing in Custom & Regionally Specific Designs - Personalized Wedding & Bridal Parties - Corporate Gifts & Events.

MyQuickPrints.Com system allows the store owner to generate "Live" previews of personalized photos, print the photos on demand in their store, and frame the photos all within minutes. The system provides instant gratification for store customers and big profits to the store owner! With MyQuickPrints.com, there are little or no start up costs and no inventory to carry. The store owner simply clicks, prints, and frames. When registering on MyQuickPrints.com, use CODE "Retail" for "Type of Business".

Nicole Brayden Gifts: a bright and trendy collection of stationary and home decorproducts. Lots of fun colors and designs offered. Introducing new and exciting "Purse Pad" stationary assortments as well as the trendy Cheeky Chic collection.

O3 USA: Founded on principles of creativity, functionality and a funky spirit, O3 USA strives strive to offer products that are unique, stylish, and, most importantly, cool. From kids' backpacks and luggage with integrated coolers, to fun accessories for the family, we hope you find what you are looking for with us here at O3!

snoozies!^® are not socks and they're not slippers - sort of a crossover between the two and that's why we call them "foot coverings"! snoozies!^® are made with a brushed fleece exterior in colorful & fun printed patterns and then lined with a soft Sherpa fleece inside.

Shade Tree Greetings' "Actual Pictures" are recognized as one of the best-selling greeting card lines in the industry. Nostalgic photographs and clever, funny verses make these cards a success. Go to our website to browse over 300 styles. GREAT introductory programs and free fixtures.

Spring Street is proud to offer the finest assortment of personal, home, and office accessories. Our extensive product lines are all theme oriented, from baby to bride and beyond. All of our gift items are hand epoxy enameled and adorned with faux jewel encrusted motifs. Many of our designs are inspired from the famed Soho district of New York City where the very real Spring Street is located.

Stupell Industries: one of America's premier suppliers of handcrafted decorative accessories for upscale homes and offices. In business for over 30 years, our line includes a wide variety of baby products, kitchen and bathroom plaques, wall hangings, faux windows, picture frames, and other unique decorative objects. We are constantly enlarging and updating our product offering to keep abreast of the latest trends and styles in the fast-paced home decorative market.

Sunbelt Marketing Group , Inc. Licensed functional and decorative giftware for the home and tailored for the men's market, i.e. (clocks, signs, coat/key racks, salt and pepper shakers, bottle openers, shelves, picture frames, games key chains and more). Licenses include Coca-Cola, General Motors, Pepsi-Cola, Farmall Tractors, Shelby and the Shelby Ford Mustang and Dodge. Product mediums include wood, polyresin, and glass and mixed mediums.

A Thread of Blue is your source for greeting cards picturing scenes from the Holy Land.

Tripar International Inc.: Tripar International is your source for both displays and decorative accessories. Our extensive product line includes a wide assortment of easels, risers, ornament stands, plate racks, mirrors, jewelry displays, and unique display pieces. We are also an excellent source for wine accessories, wall decor, inspirational signs, and cookbook stands. We offer quality with style, low minimums and fast shipping.

Wellspring makes functional products with fresh designs for companies that sell gifts. Great fun and cute personal accessories designed for the purse, stationery designed for organization and Flip Notes- the best-selling slim notepad consistently ranked by retailers as a top 10 in sell through. Perfect 4th quarter pick up gifts at under $10 retail- a sweet spot with today's consumer. Now with collegiate logos! www.WellspringGift.com.