Hot Summer, Hot Deals, Hot Trade Shows!

If it's Summer, it must be time for a new round of Trade Shows, and the specials and new opportunities that come with them. Twice a year this newsletter surveys the landscape to see what's happening.

Events and opportunities to mingle are always part of the Trade Show Experience and this summer is no exception. For example, in Atlanta (July 10-17), DHR & Company (Bldg. 2 - Space 1500) will feature two events: Slant/Inviting Company will sponsor a Bloody Mary Bar each morning Thursday through Friday (July 11-13) and Under Stella's Umbrella will have "Whispers University 'Fashion To-Do 101' from 10 am-11am Friday through Sunday (July 12-14) featuring "the hottest new fashion trend of 2013- the Whisper Ribbon Fashion Accessory". It's a scarf, a belt, a necklace, a headband, it is fabulous and the price is too! Participants will learn how to wear it and a few lucky ones will wear them free out of the showroom.

While the big shows get a lot of attention, Regional shows often have specialties, like the Denver Gift, Home, Jewelry & Resort Show (Aug. 22-27), which has a wide assortment of Native American, rustic, lodge-style and western products, home decor and furniture, as well as the expected gourmet, collectibles, seasonal items, licensed products, table top, personal care, handcrafted, plus cash and carry and immediate delivery.

Another show with a regional specialty is the Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show in Myrtle Beach, SC (once a year in December). "The Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show is the must-attend annual event for everyone in the coastal souvenir business," says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. "Coastal and resort retailers know they will find the best selection of established lines, best-sellers and breaking new product introductions all under one roof, all while enjoying networking in a casual, relaxed show setting."

Also keying on the resort/tourist market, along with general gift, home and garden accents, gourmet gifts, party and paper goods, tabletop, holiday/seasonal and more, is the Orlando Gift Show (Aug. 3-5). The Central Florida Show is held at the Orange County Convention Center.

With San Francisco’s close proximity to California’s World Famous Wine Country, the San Francisco International Gift Fair (July 27-30) features a number of companies showcasing a variety of wine accessories and gifts as well as at-home wine tasting party products that cater directly to wine enthusiasts.

The nation of Canada is served by three shows promoted by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA). The largest show is in Toronto (Aug. 11-14) with 900 exhibitors and 15,500 retail buyers. Montreal and Alberta also have shows.

Phoenix has a small show (Sept. 6-7) featuring "Gifts 2 Go", a Cash and Carry area, and a jury-chosen handcrafted area. The 32-year-old Oasis Gift Show draws 150 exhibitors and as many as 2,000 buyers.

Speaking of juried handcrafts, NY NOW HANDMADE® — one of four new product collections to debut at the summer edition of NY NOW® (Aug. 10-15), the Market for Home & Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF®) — will showcase some 500 juried exhibitors of exceptional handmade resources at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Aug. 17-20. Highlights of the summer 2013 market include: the debut of more than 40 first-time artisans; a new logo to identify American made craft resources and a seminar series hosted by CRAFT (Craft Retailers & Artists For Tomorrow). In an extension of the market's global handmade resources, the third semi-annual edition of Artisan Resource™, a first-of-its kind tradeshow providing global artisanal craft resources for volume import retailers, will run concurrently with the summer edition of NY NOW.

Featured Vendors

indicates a CAMEO EZ^© web site.

Americana Charm presents a hand crafted heirloom quality collection of life-sized animals, featuring cats, ducks (decoys), lop rabbits, baby bunnies, piglets, dogs, and puppies covered in colorful fabric and glazed with a glass-like finish.

Atash by Lala is a new CAMEO EZ® client. Lala has been creating jewelry since she was 14 years old. Starting her first jewelry company in 1979 at the World trade center in Dallas, TX, her focus has always been to create each piece of jewelry as if it is a work of art.

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.

Brownlow Gifts: Brownlow produces a full line of inspirational gifts for every occasion. You will find useful and attractive home decor gifts for the kitchen, bedrooms, study and all other rooms in the house. Brownlow is well known for gourmet products, journals, gifted paper items, photo albums, photo frames, decorative sentiment plaques, a variety of stationery, many different ceramic gifts as well as a large assortment of inspirational gift books. Most products are in coordinating themes that retailers can purchase in eye-catching countertop display collections.

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.

Camille Beckman is known worldwide for the quality of their fine creams and lotions. For the past 18 years, this 'Made in America' product has been rated #1 in the personal care industry and continues to offer formulas based on rich and wholesome ingredients, blending small batches and using hand-crafted, old-fashioned methods that create a difference you can feel! Being that personal care products are an indispensable item for many gift shops, Camille Beckman is a natural choice because of their 27 years of service to the locally owned gift industry.

Coast Lamp Manufacturing 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. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

Desden offers the most unique wholesale collegiate licensed gifts! Shop the company's totes, aprons, iphone cases and accessories. Choose from the collection of Made in the USA items, Chevron patterns, or blank totes for monograming!

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

Elegant Baby Elegant Baby^® understands that babies deserve style just as fresh as they are! Our marvelous collection of baby products is full of bold colors and spectacular designs. From traditional to contemporary, today's baby gift is sure to become tomorrow's treasure. Products ranging from My First Rubber Ducky to My First Baby Bible, My First Baby Blankie, My First Baby Jeans to the iconic silver spoon, Elegant Baby is where style meets tradition.

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

Flair Hair: Need a spikey flair to your day? Flair Hair is the answer! You can wear Flair Hair Visors anywhere. The comfortable adjustable bandanas and visors with hair are great for golfing, fishing, riding your motorcycle, hiking in the mountains and anything else you can think of. No matter where you go, our hats with hair ensure you will be the life of the party. Whether you want to sport the blonde colored hair you grew up with, or throw in a change-up with brown, black, or gray; people will notice!

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.

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.

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.

Lily For Hangables is your source for household and celebration needs. The company has more than 75 shapes and products with over 175 prints and colors with more to come. Lily for Hangables carefully hand forms each product, showing the greatest care; making each piece unique. All products are proudly made in the United States.

Malibu Creations collection of affordably chic home décor will turn your decorating daydreams into reality with fun and stylish designs inspired by the warm colors of sun-kissed beaches, the refreshing comforts of mountainside resorts, and the vibrance of today's active lifestyle. Malibu Creations believes you should be able to decorate and redecorate your home as inspiration strikes, and with the company's smart prices, you don't have to miss out on a single design trend you love. Live your life in affordable luxury as you spend time with family and friends in your beautifully decorated home, enjoying an evening of dining on the patio or just relaxing in a cozy, sunny nook in the living room.

Nicole Brayden Gifts: is a company that is focused on creating fun and trendy gifts. We offer a broad selection of products such as stationery, quilted bags, party items, bath products, mugs, and unique gifts such as our Southern Drinkin' Jars. Be sure to check out our bright and girly 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!

Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.: All Jazzed Up^™ Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.

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.

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.

Sunday Greetings is a greeting card company that started when Brenda Kellman made a homemade birthday card for her husband Alan. Brenda's photography is on the cover of the company's greeting cards for every occasion.

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.