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January 2010
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Setting holiday schemes gets shoppers in the buying spirit. |
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Author: By Dorothy Creamer
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If ever the term "renaissance woman" could be used to describe someone, it would be Jane Seymour. This English beauty has proven that she is much more than just a pretty face. She has established herself not only as a well-rounded and respected actress, but a successful businesswoman, artist, philanthropist, designer and author. |
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Moonachie, N.J.- based Bulbrite has announced the appointment of Cathy Choi to president and Andrew Choi, former president, to chairman. Ms. Choi, an eight-year veteran of the company, previously served as vice president. |
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The year 2010 marks the 25th year of Christopher Radko. To commemorate the milestone, the company will be releasing a line of 25th anniversary themed ornaments as well as an ornament of the month, which will depict favorite Santas from throughout the last quarter century. "We see the leading theme for 2010 as big and traditional," Heather Shepardson, CEO Rauch Industries & Christopher Radko, explains. |
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Kate McRostie is launching several fresh holiday and everyday collections at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. Creative Co-Op, Inc. in conjunction with Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc., will host a signing event at the market on Saturday, January 9, 2010. McRostie will meet retailers and sign a complimentary gift while supplies last from 2-3 p.m. at the Creative Co-Op showroom. |
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Centennial, Colo.-based Diogen Lighting and its seasonal lighting division, Holiday Creations, have entered into a long-term brand and endorsement licensing agreement with the producers of the TV series Living With Ed and its star Ed Begley, Jr. Begley is a world renowned conservationist and is a staunch supporter of saving energy by using efficient technology. |
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The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) confirmed its 2010 Board of Directors during the 7th Annual GHTA Conference, held November 19-21 in Chandler, Arizona. |
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Pumpernickel Press will introduce its new line of Willow Tree licensed cards this January. The collection will feature unique, premium quality embossed interpretations of Willow Tree figurines as sculptured cards. |
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Brunswick, Ohio-based Santa's Own donated 60 pre-lit trees for distribution to families of troops that returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan in the fall of 2009, just in time for the Christmas season. Mark Wasylow and Jane Hudak of Santa's Own worked in conjunction with the Ohio National Guard to make the project a reality. The cause was especially dear to Hudak, whose son recently returned home safely after serving two tours of duty in Iraq. |
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Author: By Dorothy Creamer The theme's the thing when it comes to decorating Christmas trees. Vibrant tree schemes in stores and showrooms are not only wonderful methods for displaying merchandise, but are creative and stimulating ways to promote broad product concepts. Wynne Schwenk of Melrose International advises finding unique ways to display ornaments around decked trees. "We sell stacking baskets that glitter and we use them as well," he explains. "We open them up and stuff them into the tree and fill them with ornaments that were used. Another option is to use a peg board around the tree and hang the ornaments on the pegs." |
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Author: By Dorothy Creamer The tree skirt might once have been an overlooked aspect of holiday decorating, but over the last two years, vendors have been seeing sales increase. "The tree skirt is perhaps the last item to be placed under a decorated tree, giving it its final touch," explains Elizabeth A. Closs, designer for The Sandor Collection. "It acts as a pedestal of sorts for one of the most important aspects of Christmas...the presents," Closs says with a laugh. |
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Author: By Marilyn Pritchard, Contributing Editor Bronner's keeps CHRISTmas all year long.
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Setting holiday schemes gets shoppers in the buying spirit. |
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Author: By Dorothy Creamer
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Author: By Joseph Dobrian, Contributing Editor Most observers agree that 2010 will be a year of strong sales for Christmas trees - at least compared to the two previous years. Advances in technology, the increasing popularity of polyethylene (PE) trees and LED lights, plus the pent-up demand from two seasons of slow buying habits should result in a more vibrant market. |
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Holiday lighting is continuing its trend toward the energy-efficient LED. "As the economy improves, people will be spending more on decorative light and we'll see the transition to LEDs," Greg Ballinger, vice president sales & marketing Diogen Lighting/Holiday Creations, states. "The product is improving and pricing will go down as the market becomes more competitive." |
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Author: By Dorothy Creamer As the nation heads into a holiday season while recovering from a recession, consumers are expected to still be timid in their buying for 2010. "With the strained economy, when people buy Christmas ornaments this year, they'll be looking for quality and longevity," Heather Shepardson, CEO Rauch Industries & Christopher Radko, notes. "They want ornaments that they can share, celebrate and collect, which can then be passed down to the next generation. It's an investment versus something disposable." |
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