GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS
A Service of GiftsWholesale.Com & OmegaNet Inc.

July 2020

 

The Silent Sales Tool that Brings in the Bucks

Signage Strategies for Increased Sales

by Gail Markert

Effective in-store signage is a reliable and low cost a method for increasing sales. Signs can advance the brand, make stores easier to shop, and raise the perceived value of products. Signs also tell a product's story and communicate to customers when no salesperson is handy.

Be consistent. Store signage is part of the overall brand image of your store so a clear consistent brand look and feel is important. Avoid handwritten, torn, faded of shopworn signs at all costs as these degrade your brand. Use a uniform background color along with a font that is easy to read and has good contrast to the print. The tone of your signs should also be written in a consistent style. Make certain the content is clear, accurate, and contains proper spelling and grammar or you risk turning your positive into a negative.

Come in, We're Awesome - signPhoto by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

Add a little romance. You don't want to be too wordy, as you only have a small space and a few seconds to catch the customer's attention, but you do want to add enough verbiage to romance the product a bit. Instead of "Candles $11.99" use a descriptive phrase like "Highly fragranced 100% soy candles $11.99." Not only will this add higher perceived value to your product offerings, it helps differentiate your assortment from competitors and especially big box stores.

Educate and enhance. Use signs as a tool to educate consumers about the product and tell its story. Use signage to play up the most interesting attributes of your products like eco, made in USA, 100% cotton, handmade, etc. You can also use signs to promote your services like gift cards and gift wrap as well as where to find you on social media, just avoid having too many signs up at once as that leads to a cluttered look.

Study signs. As a consumer or competitive shopper, don't forget to pay close attention to signs. You'll see signs styles to avoid as well as inspirational examples to use in your own store.

Gail Markert is a former senior buyer for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and industry consultant who specialized in improving client results through enhanced product development, marketing, and branding strategies. (This article first ran in Gift & Home Retailer in September, 2013. © Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2013)

Don't forget, if you are experiencing disruption in your supply chain, you can find new vendors below and at portals like giftswholesale.com, giftshowspecials.com and cameoez.com

Quick Industry News

NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES

Vero Beauty Home PageVero Beauty has new CAMEO EZ© B2B website. Vero Beauty is a respected, fast-growing distributor of professional beauty products. We believe in enriching the beauty profession with high quality products for men and women of all ages, supported by an unparalleled commitment to fast reliable service, and ongoing promotional and educational programs. We pledge to be always accessible to our customers and responsive to their needs.

 
 

EZ Ribbon indicates a CAMEO EZ© web site.

Ala Carte Alice‘s mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!
California Home and Garden offers a large selection of design driven accessories for your home and garden. Beautiful design is our passion. Our unique line of garden ornaments, from our huge metal sunflowers to our daffodils and lilies are each handcrafted works of art. We also offer wrought iron furniture made in the European tradition of hand forged heavy iron with hand finished marble tops, plus chandeliers, delicate rose mirrors, ornate gates and arbors create an old world ambiance.

Cameo Glass products are variously called Glass Prints, Glass Photo-Frames, Photos on Glass, or Glass Photo-Gifts. Simply put: the company takes your customer's photos and reproduces them to a range of functional Glass Products for display and use at home. Your customers' pictures are fused into glass, creating translucent, vibrant photo-displays which can be viewed from both sides and are vibrant in color. The result: an elegant, yet striking display of beautiful photography and great memories!
Christinasworld.com is the online store for beautiful hand-made glass ornaments and collectables.

Clark Francoies has been working in the arts from the age of 5 and brings over 50 years of knowledge and experience with the color palate. He was trained in California at Pratt college in fine arts and in Germany on mixing custom hair colors for salon owners and cosmetologists becoming a color specialist. Although Clark uses many mediums, he is mostly painting in oils at this time and is now based in Kona, Hawaii. Clark is excited to share with you his passion for art. Gods nature and His word are the things that most inspire Clark in his work.

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.

Beautifully designed cards, calendars, wall prints and childrens's cards.

Decorum brings original art, craft, and home decor products designed by original artists to gift shops and home decor boutiques. The company\'s current product line focuses on alphabet letter art. Additional products are on the way. When you shop with Decorum you will find unique items inspired by original artists at a price point that is attractive to a wide audience.

Gourmet foods and snacks from the heart of Oklahoma! Including Kettle Crunch in Pecan, Jalapeno, Cowboy and Almond flavors, Spice Blends in Jamaican, Cowboy and Pepper flavors, Nut Gift Sets and more.

Drew DeRose's lines run from tabletop to decorative figurines and include candle holders, cannisters and cookie jars. All products are colorful and original. The company has a creative staff that designs merchandise for Drew DeRose Designs.

Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.

Brazil-based Fhasso features distinctive, artistic pet beds made in Viet Nam out of bamboo.

Founded in 2011, Freeheart is based in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. Freeheart is committed to delivering the absolute best quality and innovation on the market. Freeheart thermal insulated drinkware is Made in the USA and keeps drinks cold & hot, has reduced sweating, and is dishwasher safe.

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.

Global Quest provides quality unique patent and TM registered stainless steel product brands for your home, kitchen, and dining. Including stainless steel wine glasses, mechanical beer bottle openers, beer insulators, vintage metal ice trays, wine cooler buckets, and crown cake toppers.

Valerie Bailey (Val Bailey Designs) designs creative and colorful Bible tabs to enhance Bible journaling. These colorful Bible tabs make it easy to locate the books of the Bible so you can spend more time reading and journaling and less time searching!
Miko is recognized as on of the world's leading manufacturers of sentimental gifts. Whether it is for Mom, Sister, A Loved One, Your Aunt, Your Guardian Angel or whomever, there tasteful gifts send beautiful messages to beautiful people. Economically priced with great retail appeal they are just the thing for special occassions or just to say I'm thinking of you.
The Sofa Arm Table by Greystone Avenue was built with professional grade materials to provide a unique look that reflects your style and personality. It was born out of pure necessity, to provide superior protection for the arms of your sofa, couch or recliner. Made from beautiful Acacia hardwood and featuring a non-slip silicone top and base to provide years of faithful service.
Hawaii Bee Company is a family owned and operated business located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The company produces Award winning raw honey, and raw honey comb.
Holiday Fried Pecans' rise in popularity can be attributed to its first treat a salty, sweet 100% certified Louisiana fried pecan that is guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding of cravings. These great tasting pecans that have less fat & calories than raw pecans are a perfect addition to any store. Lightly sweet, Lightly salty and great on Salads, Sweet Potatoes, Ice Cream, Cheese Cake or as a snack. Holiday Fried Pecans...a curious and delicious flashed-fried Louisiana Pecan that's great for corporate gifts givers, retail locations, cooking, baking or solo-snacking!
Hot Ruby is the perfect addition to your mug on a cozy evening. Unlike typical cider, Hot Ruby's family recipe marries cranberry and citrus juices with an exquisite blend of spices. Add your favorite spirits for a special treat! Hot Ruby is certain you will find comfort in every heated or iced cup of Hot Ruby, time and time again.
Huggy Box is a great alternative when greeting cards just don't say enough. Sending virtual hugs allows everyone to stay connected. Huggy Box is a Proud Partner of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. A portion of each HuggyBox sold goes to the foundation to find families for children in foster care.
Innovative Technology Products Corp. is a 2017 start-up enterprise of engineers and scientists, who have committed themselves to utilize their creativity, design and other capacities to develop and /or redefine versatile reusable household helpers and other everyday consumer products. Innovative's motto “AVOID PLASTIC – USE SILICONE” is a first step. It is the company's contribution to protect open ocean waters from plastics pollution. Adopting and supporting it means buying reusable silicone products rather than conventional one-way plastic products; thus, you contribute to and also become part of our community and campaign to “SAVE OUR PLANET”.
JTP Wholesale is a wholesale website offering monogrammed coasters, IcyBags, and Keeping It Positive affirming sheets and pillowcases.

Handcrafted jewelry made in the USA.

Lins Lace is a major importer of the finest hand embroidery products, like beddings, cushion covers, chair covers, baby clothings, baby accessories, guest towels, handkerchiefs, rugs, table linens, and more, for over 25 years.

At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.

Maha CBD features the healing properties of CBD oil. “Maha” is an ancient Sanskrit word that can be translated to mean greatness, strength, and abundance. It is the qualities we seek to embody at Maha CBD. Our CBD products are made from organic, natural hemp grown under sunlight, not a heat lamp. Processed and bottled here in the USA, we take pride to ensure the meaning of “Maha” is exemplified in every step of the process. Before any of our products are sold, we make sure a third party that determines quality and accuracy tests them. We take quality seriously— our third party testing makes sure no bias impacts the quality of our products.

Maryland-based Nature's Retreat features several lines inclucing Aromatherapy Jewelry, Chakra Jewelry, Crystal Healing Bags, Essential Oils and Healing and Smudge.

Neon Nightlife's glowing products are the perfect ice breaker for singles or the stuff the younger ones fight over. Regardless of where you are you'll be drawing tons of attention to your group. Our products are eye catchers in bars, clubs, concerts, electric glow runs, LED parties, Halloween and anywhere that crowds congregate. Most products come with a battery pack that controls different strobe modes.

Pure Factory Naturals collections, including Flip Flop Foot Repair,Splash. The collection includes lip balm, foot repair, body lotion, hand cream, solid lotion bar, salt glow, skin repair.

Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.

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.

Joe and Sue Brielmann have taken their combined experience of over 28 years in personalized products and design to create one of the fastest growing cart businesses in the country. Their creative ability, attention to detail, and the highest standards for quality and customer support, are among the reasons Rudolph and Me has experienced such huge growth.

Sanis Enterprises offers a large selection of elegant and stylish, quality desk clocks, the latest styles in fashion watches, executive gifts, credit card cases and multi tools, just to name a few. Gifts that celebrate life’s special moments.

Sincere Surroundings offers home decor and gifts that can be personalized with different colors, sizes, names, dates, locations, anniversaries and more. If your customers are constantly on the look-out for that one piece they just have to have, it can be found here – inside Sincere Surroundings.

Smile Drinkware provides custom tumblers to major brand manufacturers and also provides hundreds of unique exclusive tumbler designs to retailers and consumers. Provides high-end, top-quality insulated tumblers.

Snazzy and Company's sea-glass jewelry uses mostly recycled glass and the metals the company selects are environmentally friendly. Founder Anna Shaw researches and designs every charm herself and continues to use local help to assemble and create her jewelry. "Because Life is not Black and White."

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.

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.

Your Place for 1,000’s of Unique Licensed Posters, Art, Stickers & Collector Pins. An industry leader for over 30 years with the best collection of Music, Movies, Nostalgia, Comics, Art, Anime, Blacklight, Landscapes, etc… Products are available for Resale in Stores, Online, Colleges, Conventions & Anywhere you exhibit!

Sunset Vista Designs offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the "best ever" line of innovative gift, garden, and home decor.
Award winning artist, Ted Dailey, incorporates a variety of materials with his silver and gold vermeil jewelry: South Pacific shells, high quality gemstones and Hawaiian Koa wood. Each unique piece of his jewelry is skillfully designed in the heart of Hawaii, reflects his 40+ years of enjoying life on the Big Island and is handmade on the exotic island of Bali.

Lines include Tizo and Siena frames in a variety of styles and colors plus elegant candleholders from tea lights to pillar candles. The site also features boxes and trays in a variety of materials.

Verolooks is a respected, fast growing distributor of professional beauty products. We believe in enriching the beauty profession with high quality products for men and women of all ages, supported by an unparalleled commitment to fast reliable service, and ongoing promotional and educational programs. We pledge to be always accessible to our customers and responsive to their needs.

Inspirational stationery and home decor, featuring the work of owner-artist Michelle DeFillipo. Michelle uses her love of inspirational words, vintage paper, architecture and color to inspire and uplift. Her artwork expresses a range of sentiments from the sincere appreciation of a true friend to self motivation for each day.

Purveyors of Southern Sass - Tea Towels and Vintage Hand Stamped Silver Plated Flatware

Wild Hare Designs features an assortment of whimsical, humorous sayings available on kitchen, bar & tea towels, as well aprons.

 

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.