Major Retailers Unite to Fight Proposed Import Tax
A new coalition of more than 100 major retailers and trade associations including Walmart, Target and Macy's says the import tax floated by the Trump administration will result in higher prices for consumers in the United States. The coalition of retailers has called itself "Americans for Affordable Products". Other well-known names in the coalition include Rite Aid, Nike, Neiman Marcus and Kohl's. There may well be a fight ahead on this issue.
The administration's proposal has not been formally presented yet, but is a component in President Trump's stated goal to return manufacturing jobs to the USA. Lower corporate taxes are also part of the mix, but details have not been revealed. Exported goods would not have the extra tax (Associated Press).
According to the Washington Post, "Economists say there is little reason for retailers to be fearful of this policy. They say the value of the dollar will increase significantly (some say as much as 25 percent) if a border adjustment tax is implemented, thereby reducing importers’ cost of goods". That may not be enough to calm retailers' fears, however.
For now, it is unclear what the final plan will be. There is a Republican plan in Congress, but Trump has called it "too complicated." The retail industry is conflicted because it has long advocated corporate tax reform, believing lower rates will allow business to create more jobs, but an import tax is not favored by retailers generally.
Quick Industry News
NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES
GeoCentral has a new, mobile-friendly Canadian website. The new site allows Canadian store buyers to see prices in Canadian dollars on their lines of quality, educational and fun earth-related products. GeoCentral products can be found in most national retailers and several international retailers as well as toy stores, museum and zoo gift shops and basically anywhere gifts are purchased. The entire GeoCentral Team is focused on bringing you safe, quality products at reasonable prices, exceptional customer service and a guarantee of satisfaction.
SOi Essentials has just opened its new CAMEO EZ© wholesale website. SOi Essentials is a Northern California based company that offers an array of richly scented candles to enhance your overall wellness. SOi Candles are hand-poured in the USA using 100% All Natural Food Grade Kosher Soy Oil, that burns cleaner and up to 40% longer than paraffin based, wax or soy blend candles. The company's candles are made with 100% cotton lead free wicks, are soot-free and do not emit harmful toxins (such as Benzene) into your home or the environment. Choose from the wide variety of scented soy candles for aromatherapy, mood elevation, relaxation, or to enhance any space you choose. Enjoy for your personal use or as a special gift.
December Diamonds has a new, refreshed wholesale website look. A long-time OmegaNet client, December Diamonds has been a leader in the Seasonal and Gift Industry since 2001, founded by the idea of offering unique, one of a kind designs for Seasonal Ornaments that no other company was offering to this market. Anchored by the company's original designed Mermaids and Mermen Ornaments, along with "Diamonds of the Sea" whimsical coastal-inspired ornaments, the company prides itself in giving its customers outstanding customer service and highly competitive pricing.
Featured Vendors
indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.
Aloha Farms
Click for Details
Aloha Farms brings the tastes and scents of Hawaii to you. The site features Kona Coffee and Kona Green Coffee, Hawaiian honey, Hawaiian Treats like dried fruit, candy and macadamia nuts, plus Coffee scented candles and soap.
Anywhere Fireplace
Click for Details
The Anywhere Fireplace™ line of products is sure to match most any decor. It adds a rich warm atmosphere to your bedroom, living room, den, dining room, patio, garden, deck, pool or anywhere you want. All the fireplaces are ventless, requiring no construction, chimney, or gas lines. There are models that are wall mounted and others that are placed on a floor or any steady surface. Using the appropriate liquid or gel fuel, they create beautiful real flames.
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.
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.
Dreams After All
Click for Details
Artist Renee Rubach creates beautiful greeting cards and gift enclosure cards for all occassions. Early on, she became interested in creating greeting cards, both the designs and message. She absolutely loves creating products that people can enjoy and use.
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.
Shadetree Greetings
Click for Details
Shade Tree Greetings: is a publisher of greeting cards, magnets, notepads, and distributor of Helen Exley and Viva Editions gift books. Our products are recognized as some of the best-selling in the industry. Go to our website to browse over 500 different items. We have GREAT introductory programs and free fixtures.
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.
SOi Essentials
Click for Details
SOi Essentials is a Northern California based company that offers an array of richly scented candles to enhance your overall wellness. SOi Candles are hand-poured in the USA using 100% All Natural Food Grade Kosher Soy Oil, that burns cleaner and up to 40% longer than paraffin based, wax or soy blend candles. The company's candles are made with 100% cotton lead free wicks, are soot-free and do not emit harmful toxins (such as Benzene) into your home or the environment.
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".
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.
