10 Years of Celebrating "Made In USA" Products
In October, 2007, this newsletter published its first "Made In USA" special issue. Here is the first paragraph from the feature article in that issue:
"There aren't any gift and home decor products made in America anymore," said a Gift & Decor industry marketing consultant in a position to know. "Everything's made overseas now, mostly in China." Many others we talked to concur. "There's no use looking for Made in USA products; they don't exist in this industry," says the conventional wisdom. "It's too expensive to manufacture in the U.S." But it isn't true!
Now, in this 10th annual special issue, we can still point to a number of manufacturers who make most if not all of their products in the USA*. One of the manufacturers listed in that first special issue was Channel Craft a Pennsylvania-based toy manufacturer specializing in traditional wooden toys. Channel Craft has been featured on "Made in America" segments on ABC's "World News Tonight" and the Fox News Network, as well as local TV news. Their CAMEO EZ© website says "We've become the preeminent purveyor of historically significant Toys, Games and Puzzles to complement museums, parks and attractions."
Another vendor featured in that first special issue was Kiss Me In The Garden, a California-based manufacturer of Body & Bath products. “Because we do it all,” President Karen Mandell said in the first special issue, “from the raw ingredient to the finished product, we have superior quality control and can afford to put in large amounts of the finest ingredients...and still sell them at a competitive price.”
Also featured in that first special issue was Applelicious, whose gourmet chocolate apples and specialty candies are prepared by hand and packaged in its north Alabama kitchen. Applelicious Apples are large, delicious Washington State apples, hand-dipped in delicately rum flavored caramel, rolled in pecans and dipped in your choice of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chocolate.
In subsequent issues, through the years, other manufacturers highlighted included Gina B. Designs, a stationery and gift vendor located in Plymouth, Minnesota. Also, Custom Wood Gifts. "Over the years we've had opportunities to take production overseas," James Ware, president and chief operating officer said in the 2009 special issue. "But our underlying strategy has remained to create a unique and high quality gift item that is designed and produced in the USA and contributes to our local economy in Charleston, South Carolina."
Today it is still possible to find Made In USA products. The CAMEO EZ© vendors in the following paragraphs are proof positive. Not only are they making their products in the USA, they are providing jobs to people who need them the most.
Imagine Design was originally founded in 1986 as a giftware business. In 2008, AccessAbility, Inc., a Minneapolis nonprofit, acquired the Imagine Design business to serve as a social enterprise providing transitional work and training for people who have barriers to employment. The individuals from the community who work on the Imagine Design business line gain transferable skills in production, inventory, merchandising, customer service and more.
Made in Greensboro, Alabama, Under Stella's Umbrella's "Whispers" line launched 3 years ago to immense popularity and success. They continue to be manufactured by a group of women in Greensboro and continue to help combat the rural poverty of the black belt of the Alabama region. As the motto proudly states: "by women, for women, to help women". And they sure are helping! Several of the whispers women have been able to fulfill goals and dreams thanks to the Whispers operation. The incredible popularity of Whispers has been exciting to both the Under Stella’s Umbrella team and their partner in the effort, the non-profit organization HERO (Hale County Empowerment and Revitalization Organization).
Eco Candle Company's products are hand-wicked, hand-poured and hand-packaged in Appleton, Wisconsin. Recently, the company introduced Eco Beans 100% Soy Melts. Their website states "Support our American farmers by using U.S. grown soybeans."
From a small glass studio in the South, to a pewter maker in the Northwest and a frame company in the North, The Grandparent Gift Company works to support American made products. Some of the companies best-selling gifts are their US made products including, Made Like You Glass Crosses, Beautifully Broken Glass crosses, new Pewter sentiment coins and a staple of their business, American made frames that hold most of the companies sentiments. Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, lines include framed prints, greeting cards and other sentimental gifts for the family. The company maintains production of approximately 70% of their unique sentiment based gift selection that is either manufactured or assembled in the USA. The Grandparent Gift Co.'s selection of wholesale gifts, are written and designed by company owner, Teri Harrison.
The vendors above are just the beginning. Below in "Featured Vendors" you will find Made In USA vendors, indicated by the red, white and blue backgrounds. And there are more:
*For the purposes of this newsletter, "Made In USA" can include products assembled in the US, products where some components are made in the US or products entirely made in the US.
Quick Industry News
VENDOR NEWS
KitchenHappy™ Adds USA-Made Custom Christmas Ornaments
Pontiac, MI – KitchenHappy has launched another Made-in-USA product! Retailers can now order Custom Christmas ornaments with low minimums and no set up fee. Buyers of KitchenHappy’s “2015 Best New Souvenir” custom wine stoppers asked for hometown ornaments and KitchenHappy responded.
Suggested MSRP is $5.99 but most retailers are selling ornaments briskly at $7.50. "Extra margin products are rare, and this is one," says a Michigan retailer. Ornaments are selling for personal use and holiday gift giving. The friendly price point is perfect for periphery people on everyone’s Christmas lists.
NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES
cinda b® is a new member of the CAMEO EZ community with a new Business-2-Business website. cinda b® was created by Atlanta designer Cinda Boomershine. Cinda's love for color and a passion for design, inspired her to launch her own back and accessory line. cinda b® tastefully blends solid colors with modern prints. Poly/nylon fabrics make cindab bags uniquely lightweight yet durable, water and stain resistant, and machine washable.
Star Home just opened their new wholesale website, featuring tabletop and home decor for specialty retailer, catalog and online marketers, the hospitality trade and more. Star Home's designers look to all corners of the world to gather inspiration for this ever-growing market. This inspiration is then turned into real-life, high-quality products by artisan craftsmen. Beautiful designs, high quality craftsmanship and an unsurpassed commitment to customer satisfaction have been Star Home's guiding lights since 2003.
Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.
Aspen River Candles
Click for Details
Aspen River Candles embraces the history and folklore of the 1880’s and the simple sophistication of Aspen, Colorado, today. The company's mission is to offer quality candles with a long, clean burn time. Aspen River candles are based upon creative, distinctive and sought after fragrances from around the world, utilizing unique designs and containers. The complex blends of fruits, floral, spices, and natural botanicals are carefully combined to help create a mood, a smile, a desire, or a memory of a place.
Badash Crystal
Click for Details
Badash Crystal's 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; superb quality and value for all your gift giving, bridal and/or personal pleasure.
Bandilac
Click for Details
Bandilac features custom, hand-crafted, laser engraved gifts and accessories, made in USA. In addition to its own designs, the company welcomes Custom and Private Label projects. With your logo, artwork or other image, Bandilac will create a personalized, custom product. With great price points, low setup charges and fast turnaround, Bandilac's Custom program provides great branding and promotional opportunities for your business.
B McVan Designs
Click for Details
B McVan is a designer and manufacturer of gift, home and garden products available wholesale to the trade. Exceptional quality, beauty and functionality abound in its extensive products lines. Thousands of both everyday and holiday designs.
Beaucoup Designs
Click for Details
Beaucoup Designs offers a broad spectrum jewelry line that includes charms to go with necklaces and bracelets, earrings, rings, cuff bracelets, hair accessories, and necklaces. The company holds a very unique place in the market because the founder started out in the industry as a retailer and now is a manufacturer who still has retail locations for test marketing.
Bonn
Click for Details
Bonn has a great assortment of ladies cross-body handbags, men's wallets, money clips and passport holders as well as tool kits, grooming kits, and more. The company's products are made to help keep your identity safe from cyber thieves. Cyber Guard means safety, security and peace of mind. Trendy credit card cases, made of high quality aluminum and animal friendly faux leather, are new to our Bonn family and will help protect your credit cards and I.D.s from being scanned.
Cala Home
Click for Details
Cala Home is a new division of Conimar Group, LLC. The Cala Home initial offering includes elegant hardboard table mats and coasters, packaged as a set of four in attractive gift boxes. Each of the 30 new licensed collections is designed for today's casual dining and entertaining lifestyle, with a focus on art-driven transitional and contemporary on-trend patterns.
Cameo Glass
Click for Details
Cameo Glass transforms your cherished photos into stunning translucent Glass Prints. Freestanding and visible from both sides, Cameo Glass makes unique gifts and awards that captures life's special moments.
The Candle Cottage
Click for Details
The Candle Cottage is proud to offer these officially licensed, highly scented, gourmet candles approved by Miss Kay Robinson and Duck Commander! The company's highly scented and long burning candles are made with lead free wicks and only the finest waxes, dyes, and fragrances available. Candle Cottage offers a large variety of delightful fragrances in an assortment of reusable glass jar.
Candles and Quotes
Click for Details
Candles and Quotes' 100% All Natural All Soy Candles are made by "The Soy Sisters". They pour each and every candle by hand and use only Essential Oils to fragrance their candles, which are candles are 100% Eco-Friendly. Each candle comes with a beautiful quote, that is either meaningful, funny or down right crazy. If you don't see what you like ask "The Soy Sisters" and they will make it for you. They personalize all of our candles so your own uniqueness and quirky personality can be put on a candle. So watch what you say because it may wind up on a candle!
cinda b®
Click for Details
cinda b® was created by Altlant designer Cinda Boomershine. Cinda's love for color and a passion for design, inspired her to launch her own back and accessory line. cinda b® tastefully blends solid colors with modern prints. Poly/nylon fabrics make cindab bags uniquely lightweight yet durable, water and stain resistant, and machine washable.
Coast Lamp Manufacturing
Click for Details
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.
Cody Foster & Co.
Click for Details
Cody Foster & Co. got its start in holiday ornaments, but now produces many lines and collections of home decor items. When designing, Cody draws inspiration from many sources but especially from offbeat vintage pieces and unconventional antiques. Almost all items are handmade, using honest materials and finishes. Cody Foster's products are meant to be joyful additions to the home that over time become family collectibles that are passed down to the next generation.
Eco Candle Company
Click for Details
Eco Candle Company says, "Eco Candles are handmade with LOVE in the USA!" Hand-wicked, hand-poured, hand-packaged, Eco Candles are made from soy beans in Appleton, Wisconsin, creating a candle that is clean burning without pollutants, toxins or carcinogens...enjoy your soy wax candle for generally 30-50% longer than a paraffin wax candle.
Elegant Baby
Click for Details
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. Pro ducts 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.
FlashPoint Candle
Click for Details
Winning design awards for visual display and honors for her entrepreneurial excellence, Drea Groeschel leads the vision for FlashPoint Candle and pushes the limits of product design and on-trend collections for retailers around the world. FlashPoint Candle is known for specialty, high quality handmade items – artful and well crafted – each with a story.
Flirt Products
Click for Details
Founded in 2012, Flirt Products is the leading company in the latest fashion jewelry designs. Collections include Genuine Stone, Cross, Blingy, Rope, Pearl, Glass and States. Flirt designs every product with the retailer in mind by offering a great price point with almost two times the markup capabilities and the latest trends.
Gently Spoken
Click for Details
The dream of Gently Spoken is to touch a million hearts with words of affirmation and encouragement. Thanks to YOU, the dream is becoming a reality. PEAS are changing hearts and lives! Turn the pages and you'll discover why. Featuring the "Eat Your Peas" books.
GetSassys
Click for Details
GetSassys has fun, colorful, cool, hip gifts that are sure to bring a smile to everyones face! From flour sack towels to baby and toddler t-shirts, koozies, wooden memo holders and linens, Get Sassys designs make shopping fun!
Gina B. Designs
Click for Details
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.
Golden Hill Studios
Click for Details
Golden Hill Studios was created in 1999. The business started with Hand Painted Glassware. All glassware Collections are designed and hand painted in Western New York. GHS have expanded to include unique and interesting gifts and decor. Most of these products are designed on Golden Hill and then carefully crafted by master artisans from around the world. Golden Hill Studio has now become recognized as a brand that offers distinguished Gifts & Table Decor for the most discerning of homes.
Goods 4 U Global
Click for Details
Goods 4 U Global is a sales rep agency "caring and sharing Artisan goods from around the globe," offering handmade, fair trade, socially responsible goods created by local artisans in many countries.
Hang Accessories
Click for Details
The first chapter of Hang Accessories was the reinvention of the purse hanger. Now the company also has belt bags, carry-on rolling bags, cosmetic and jewelry organizers, eyeglass hangers, fashion backpacks, tablet cases, tote bags, and much more.
Healing Crystals
Click for Details
Healing Crystals is a leading online global provider of quality crystals. With customers around the world and over 2,000 different crystal assortments, and metaphysical products, the company has become a recognized and trusted market leader. Established in 2003, Healing Crystals' retail site (www.healingcrystals.com) has become the leading educator and retailer of crystal products. The company has over 1 million followers on social media and attracts a loyal and passionate audience who are drawn to crystals for solace, energy, healing and enjoyment.
Imagine Design
Click for Details
Imagine Design brings you a unique variety of home decor and gift items made with the finest quality materials. Items are three-dimensional, embellished and eye-catching. But the best part? All of Imagine Design's products are made here in the U.S.A. by people with disabilities and other barriers to finding work.
Isa's Naturals
Click for Details
Isa's Naturals is a forward thinking personal-care products company. Our products include therapeutic bath salts, body cleansers and moisturizers. At Isa's, we draw our inspiration from Ethnobotany - the relationship between people and plants.
Jack Rabbit Creations
Click for Details
Jack Rabbit Creations works hard to bring you heirloom-quality toys and gifts that adults and kids love. The company's products are updated twists on classics, with original art and amazing packaging. Jack Rabbit prefers to use wood, tin, cotton and other natural materials for its designs, favoring a "no batteries required" approach.
JTP Wholesale
Click for Details
JTP Wholesale is a wholesale website offering monogrammed bathroom tissue, coasters and a line of t-shirts for the young and old: Future Jock t-shirts and onesies and X-Jock adult t-shirts.
Kitchen Happy:
Click for Details
The Kitchen Happy Pledge: Listen to buyers. Cook up clever new MADE IN USA products. Ship complete orders quickly. Offer custom options. Exude a contagious sense of family.
Oak Patch Gifts
Click for Details
Oak Patch Gifts' product lines encompass a vast array of different items including jewelry, coffee mugs, party goods, humor items and juvenile products under the brands Jody Coyote, Cross of the Trinity, Monarch Inspirations, MIXMATCH, Laid Back, and Laid Back Kids. Oak Patch Gifts sells wholesale to over 10,000 retail stores in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Optari:
Click for Details
The word "Optari" comes from the Latin word "optare" (pronounced "optari"), which means "to desire." Our goal is to develop products that are fun, colorful, useful, and, most of all, that people desire. Featuring Spikeletz Glow Bandz, Spikeletz Penz, Spikeletz Journals and Mini Journals, Bracelets & Earrings.
PUREFactory Naturals:
Click for Details
a fun approach to natural skin care. Our highly effective formulas guarantee serious results and the packaging is never beige and boring! At PUREfactory Naturals, our products are crafted in small batches and hand poured with natural ingredients to ensure the highest quality. Always Gluten Free • Made in USA • Paraben Free. Naturally feel good in your skin!
Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.
Click for Details
Red Carpet Studios, Ltd. features All Jazzed Up™ Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.
Relaxation Designs
Click for Details
Relaxation Designs got its start in 2006, when founder Eric Elan created "The Smushion" needed something to provide support for his tired feet. Today the company's other products include "The Sock Buddy" to keep socks from getting separated in the wash, "The Cactus Scratcher" one person back scratcher and "The Worst Husband Ever" themed T-shirts.
Richard E. Bishop
Click for Details
Richard E. Bishop features Men's gifts like glass and mug sets, decanter sets, and "Tipsy Wine Glasses". Also the company features a variety of old-book-themed photo albums, binders and storage boxes.
Santorini Design
Click for Details
Santorini Design offers a jewelry collection of elegance, style, and luxury. Santorini features high quality jewelry lines that are all made using the finest natural stones and delicate & bold metal pieces with crystal embellishments. All products are of superior design and they are, of course, both nickel and lead-free.
Seeds of Happiness
Click for Details
Seeds of Happiness started out as leftover lumps of clay Mark Borella made into little smiles to give out to friends who were going through hard times and need a little smile. That was in 2006. Since then Mark has given out thousands of smiles to folks, a handful at a time. In turn, they share them and the story with their friends in need of a smile. Those people then share with more friends and keep the story going. Seeds of Happiness are all over the planet by now.
snoozies!®
Click for Details
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.
Spiker Brands
Click for Details
Spiker Brands is the creator and wholesale distributor of the Spiker Lifestyle Holder, the original made-in-America holder for all your items at the beach, river, lake, lawn and more. Sand Spikes, Beach Spikers, Cup Holders, Beach Beverage Holder, American Made, Made in USA.
Star Home
Click for Details
Star Home features tabletop and home decor for specialty retailer, catalog and online marketers, the hospitality trade and more. Star Home's designers look to all corners of the world to gather inspiration for this ever-growing market. This inspiration is then turned into real-life, high-quality products by artisan craftsmen.
Stephanie Dawn
Click for Details
Stephanie Dawn quilted handbags are fun, functional and fresh. All colors and patterns are designed with modern American women of all ages in mind. Finally, a stylish and high quality handbag line that is EXCLUSIVELY MADE IN THE USA.
Stephers Inc.
Click for Details
Stephers Inc. greeting cards featuring 100% Dead Sea Bath salts, funny sea characters, and a little 'BE HAPPY' meditation to lift your spirits ~ LIFE CHANGING SEA SALTS right in your very own tub! SPA CARDS. "TRANSFORMING HUMANITY ONE BATH AT A TIME".
Sunburst
Click for Details
Sunburst, a USA manufacturer, leads the way in resort jewelry, gifts, souvenirs, name programs, customs, educational and trendy accessories. A variety of metals including sterling silver, 14kt gold, solid copper and natural metals is available. Sunburst's turnkey display programs are a shopper's delight and a retailer's best friend! Enjoy the convenience of upc priced merchandise delivered fully packaged and ready for sale.
Sunday Greetings
Click for Details
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.
Click for Details
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.
Terra Mia Jewelry
Click for Details
Terra Mia Jewelry is a wholesale, handmade jewelry and accessories provider to retailers nationwide, offering a unique selection of stylish necklaces, bracelets, earrings, fashion clutch purses and more to complement any outfit . . . casual or formal. Terra Mia's items may be made with glass or plastic beads, seashells, gemstones, mixed metal components or a combination of any of these. Terra Mia Jewelry customers appreciate the affordable selection the company offers, its fair trade mission and the way the jewelry is beautifully packaged.
Unpossible Cuts
Click for Details
"We Make Fun" is Unpossible Cuts' tagline. Created by two San Francisco East Bay artists, Domingo Daquioag and Philip Eggleston, Unpossible Cuts' laser-cut jewelry designs are inspired by iconic imagery and feature designs from up and coming artists. The lines include necklaces, earrings, pins and clocks.
Unwined Candles:
Click for Details
A glass of wine. Candlelight. The makers of Unwined Candles know that it's the little things in life that make it worthwhile. We handcraft our candles using elegantly rustic reused wine bottles and all natural soy wax infused with relaxing scents. You'll find the difference in the fine details of our candles. "Every day is a great day to Unwined".
Vintage Reef:
Click for Details
A Coastal Jewelry Collection crafted with Freshwater Pearls, Cultured Sea Glass & Genuine Shells, the Vintage Reef collection is available wholesale to the trade and perfect for Coastal Boutiques, Surf Shops and Aquarium/Museum Gift Stores. The majority of the company's line is assembled by their team in New Jersey, and custom requests are certainly welcome.
White Mountain Puzzles
Click for Details
White Mountain is ahead of the pack when it comes to puzzles with educational content. Why not learn something while doing a puzzle? If you love to travel, why not put together an entertaining birds eye view of KEY WEST, MARTHA'S VINEYARD, BOSTON or NEW ENGLAND? Or work on a puzzle of states like MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, OHIO, VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA or GEORGIA? Or learn something about PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY or THE CIVIL WAR? These challenging projects take artists like DAVID HARRISON WRIGHT, DEB MARCONI, GARY TORISSI, and MAUREEN RUPPRECHT months to create.
Zees Inc.
Click for Details
Zees Inc. has introduced innovative products designed to make eating and drinking more convenient and fun since 1993. Zees Inc. is known for beer glasses and tumblers, wine & champagne glasses, wine bottle stoppers, beer, water and soda can coolers, beverage dispensers, water bottles, cocktail glasses & mugs, lunch, beach and picnic bags, and more. All drinkware is BPA-free.
CAMEO EZ© is the B2B e-commerce system developed by OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, for use by retailers in ordering inventory for their stores. A partial list of CAMEO EZ sites can be found at the company's portals such as www.giftswholesale.com, www.accessorieswholesale.com, www.apparelwholesale.biz, www.decorwholesale.com, www.usmadewholesale.com, www.toyswholesale.com and www.usmadewholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.
Shadetree Greetings
