|
As February gets its turn on the calendar, the industry breathes a sigh of relief. The tide of January markets is ebbing and so far the general buzz has been favorable. Overall, reports from Atlanta, Dallas, New York and even as far as Frankfurt, stated that sales were strong and buyers were looking to replenish depleted inventories.
"The economic crisis was much less present. The trade and industry are becoming more sanguine and their ideas are more and more creative," Dr. Michael Peters, member of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt, notes.
"I attended the major winter markets, including Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Las Vegas, and in general, they were all upbeat," Rick Contino, president of Midwest-CBK, states. "Our showrooms were packed with buyers and we experienced significantly increased orders. Coming off a strong holiday selling season, buyers were selective but assertive in planning for holiday 2010. They were seeking unique, exclusively designed product with a more traditional design bent as they've seen success and reliability in sales with traditional and classic looks."
Susan Thompson, sales manager for Hestia Creations, notes that customers were showing great interest in handmade items. "People are buying less and much more carefully, and paying strict attention to quality," Thompson notes. "We're delighted to know that 'custom' items are still strong. Retailers want to have something that sets them apart from their competition, and customers like the idea of having something specific to a location or event that means a lot to them."
With signs of economic recovery imminent, manufacturers have been able to rejoice in swift sales and have thankfully even been able to crown some items as "hot tickets." The recent gift and home shows not only revealed a more positive atmosphere but a plethora of exciting new skus that have already been grabbing public interest. Here we feature just a sampling of items that had buyers scrambling to write orders.
Midwest-CBK's Ornament Shimmer Bottle Toppers were in high demand at the recent markets. The lighted ornament designs are filled with glitter liquid and change colors from green to blue. They are available in three assorted polka dot and striped designs. The suggested retail price is $9.50.
(800/394-4225)
Caffco International was Mad About Plaid at the recent markets and so were its buyers, who scrambled to snatch up this Fabric Deer Couple from the Mad About Plaid collection. Sold as an assortment of two, they stand 22 inches high. The suggested retail price is $20 for each deer or $40 for the pair.
(800/393-1193)
Hestia Creations' newest edition to its annual handcrafted Santa series had buyers scrambling to write orders. The 2010 Nautical Santa stands 7.5 inches tall, is hand-painted and decorated with several textural elements. He's sporting a real knit red cap, topped with pine needles, clutching his pipe in his hand and holding real paper charts under his arm. The suggested retail price is $60.
(800/575-1262)
 Music Balls from Horizons East are large Christmas balls that bear a winter Christmas scene that lights up and plays music. Some designs also have movement such as Christmas trees that rotate.
(800/234-1225)
 The Lollypop Santa was a hot seller for Joy To The World Collectibles at the January markets. The mouth-blown glass ornaments are all made in Poland.
(888/367-5889)
 The Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments from Patience Brewster had buyers singing! Five Golden Rings was flying off displays and onto orders at recent markets.
(800/272-8844)
Mystic Industries tapped into the goofier side of the holidays with the Original Reindeer Car Costume kit. Antlers attach to vehicle windows and the nose attaches to the grille.
Mystic Industries Corp.
(781/245-1950)
OTHER RESOURCES
(800/243-9627)
(404/835-5300)
(256/350-7006)
(800/684-0601)
(212/627-2809)
(585/473-4790)
| 
