Oakland: The New San Francisco

We know that many Northwesterners visits to San Francisco to spot new trends. Rarely, if ever, do they venture into Oakland. There's no question that San Francisco has the best of what money can buy but therein lies the problem. Not everyone can afford to pay for high priced designers and architects to make them look fabulous. In fact, we feel that the best design comes from financial constraints. In other words, where money leaves off, creativity takes over. That's exactly what's happening in Oakland California. The high price of living and doing business in San Francisco has created a Renaissance of art, cusine and design in Oakland. A shining example of this the Oakland Museum of California. Click here to read what Dwell magazine has to say about the other city by the bay and the Oakland Musuem.

Preemptive Strike

Poo~Pourri, the company who broke through the taboo subject of bathroom odors, is set to launch Monogram, complete with every letter of the alphabet to personalize a very personal matter. This preemptive bathroom scent made with red grapefruit essential oils, creates a barrier to potential bathroom odor. All one need do is shake well; lift toilet lid and seat, spray directly onto the surface water until covered with a fine mist then proceed to use as usual! All natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and made in the USA.

Zine Scene: Compagnie de Provence

Read was uber cool Wallpaper* magazine has to say about Compagnie de Provence by clicking here.

Archipelago: BOGO Bonanza

Archipelago is offering a super deal. Buy a diffuser and get one FREE! Offer good from April 28 through May 30, 2010.

Contact your Sales Associate for details.

Queen for a Day

Baby boomers may recall Queen for a Day, a popular day time game show where the winner was the beleaguered wife and mother whose hard-knocks story eclipsed that of other contestants. What a grim premise! Melange in Sunnyside Washington, is changing the rules of the game. As part of their Mother's Day promotion, they have decked their store with crowns and gifts to pamper mom on her special day. During their Mother's Day open house, they will be pampering moms with hand massages using Archipelago's Pomegranate Hand Creme. A perfect way to to make any mom feel like a queen.

Zine Scene: Rosanna on a Pedestal

Featured in in the May 2010 issue of Brides magazine is a "retro" themed wedding dessert feast featuring Rosanna's "Decor Bon Bon" cake pedestals and compotes.

Scent of a Woman

Essenza in Seattle Washington recently hosted a talk about the art of natural perfumery and book signing featuring Mandy Aftel, master perfumer and author of Essence and Alchemy: A History of Perfume by Gibbs Smith Publisher. On hand were devotees of Aftel's hand crafted perfumes, available exclusively in Seattle at Essenza and only in a few select stores nationally, including Henri Bendel.

To learn more about Aftel and her perfumes, visit her website at www.aftelier.com.

Pictured Above Left to Right: Becky Buford, owner of Essenze and Mandy Aftel, master perfumer.

Pictured Below: Aftel's perfumes and natural ingredients used in her formulations.

Zine Scene: Love Me

The April 2010 issue of American Spa magazine features Love Me's necklaces. Each piece carries a different affirming messages to inspire self-love and acceptance. They can be worn as chokers, bracelets or anklets. Very groovy.

Target Practice

By now many of you have seen or heard that Caldrea developed a range of products for Target under the Caldrea Essentials Collection banner. Home keeping products are available in all Target stores in the Housewares Department. The Home Ambiance products are in approximately 200 stores in the gift aisle.

These products have a lower fragrance concentration and we're hearing reports that they are less effective.

While this is not welcome news for most, our CAWstomers are taking a "wait and see" approach and are committed to continue carrying Caldrea. The Barron Collection Ltd. is also committed to helping our CAWstomers succeed with Caldrea. Please contact us of your Sales Associate if you have any questions about Caldrea's Essentials Collection.

His & Her's

New from Macmillian are charming reissues of Don'ts for Husbands and Don'ts for Wives, originally published in 1913. Each pocket-sized book contains hundreds of snippets of entertaining advice for a happy marriage, which rings true almost 100 years after it was written.

The reissued titles are ideal Christmas stocking fillers, and gifts for weddings, engagements and anniversaries.

Advice appears under the following chapters:
1. Personalities
2. How to Avoid Discord
3. Habits
4. Financial Matters
5. Evenings at Home
6. Jealousy
7. Recreation
8. Food
9. Dress
10. Entertaining
11. Household Management
12. Children

A twelve step program to wedded bliss.

Trina Turk: It's a Good Thing

We're thrilled that Trina Turk pillows are featured on the cover of this months Martha Stewart Living magazine. Turk's pillows and rugs are available from Peking Handicrafts, Inc.

Please contact your Sales Associate or call 800.791.4321for more information.

A to Zizia

Located in Burien Washington's historic retail corridor, Zizia is an eclectic mix of fanciful gifts and jewelry carefully selected by owner, Anna Vornbrock, a dynamic retailer with a keen eye for the unusual.

Here's what Vornbrock reports:

What's Hot: East Indian influences in art and jewelry, vibrant colors, gold and mixed metals with gemstones, and stackable rings. Best selling artist include Portland-based jewelry artist Naomi Campos and New York jewelry designer Wendy Mink. Other strong sellers are artisan crafted handbags made from recycled leather and post-industrial materials from Seattle-based company Chemical Wedding. Of course, everything crow-inspired is is a hot seller (we like that)!

Vornbrock sees color trends moving in the direction of cobalt blue, turquoise and vibrant pink.

Above: Owner, Anna Vornbrock with hand-carved crown by Seattle artist, Michael Zitka.

Zine Scene: Primal Elements

The Spring issue of Gift Shop magazine is full of companies we represent, including one of our favorites, Primal Elements.

Celebrate Local

What do you get when you combine two of our favorite vendors with one of our favorite customers? A successful event! Midori Matsui Fulghum from Midori Inc. and Rosanna Bowles from Rosanna Inc. were on hand at Packaging Specialties, on April 17th as part of Packaging Specialties' Celebrate Local event at their Seattle store. Festivities included a class on paper and ribbon crafts by Packaging Specialties' talented staff while Rosanna signed copies of her new book, Coming Home. The Celebrate Local promotion runs all week long with 20% off of Rosanna Inc. and Midori Inc. products at both their Seattle and Redmond stores.

For more information, contact Packaging Specialties at 206.762.0540.

Above: Midori Matsui Fulghum. Below Left to Right: Rosanna Bowles and Midori Matsui Fulghum.

The 3/50 Project: Pick Three, Spend $50, Save Many

What three locally owned business would you miss if they were to go away? That's the question that Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 project is asking. The 3/50 project was formed with a simple but power premise: If half the employed population in the United States spent $50 each month at three independently owned business, it would generate 42.6 billion dollars annually and 70% of those dollars would stay in the local community. Want to spread the word? Just click here to download a flyer from 3/50's website and begin spreading the word to your customers and fellow merchants. Baxter suggests that the flyers work best when handed directly to customers with their purchase or receipt, not stuck in the bottom of a bag. Look them in the eye, smile, and tell them thanks for coming into a locally owned business. After all, everyone likes to feel appreciate.

Just Hatched: Peking Handicrafts, Inc.

We have recently acquired Peking Handicraft, Inc. (PHI), an international manufacturer and wholesaler specializing in home textiles, decorative accessories and giftware. PHI delivers quality, well-priced handcrafted products designed by a team of over 40 artists including D.L. Rhein, Trina Turk and Amy Brazil. Whether your style is country or mid-century modern, there is literally something to suit every style and taste.

Please contact your Sales Associate for more information or call 800.791.4321.

Shown: Decorative pillows designed by D.L. Rhein.

Mini but Mighty May Show

We are busy preparing for our mini but mighty May gift show (May 1 - 4, 2010). Our vendors are once again offering some terrific savings (click on "Show Specials" above for details) and we will be featuring everyday and holiday samples from Peking Handicrafts, Inc., a newly acquired vendor that we're thrilled to represent.

For more information, call 800.791.4321.

Cork in Session

One of The Barron Collection Ltd.'s favorite customers is the County Cork located in Merrill, Oregon, a town of approximately 1,000 residents, located on Oregon and California border. Merrill's l size and remote location have not hindered County Cork's success. Owner, Jennifer Holl, understands her customers and knows what products to bring in to her store. Recently, our Central and Southern Sales Associate, Rebecca Chase, participated in the County Cork's Open House. The day began with Holl introducing Tea Forte, Creative Candles, Twist & Pout and Poo-Pourri to her customers. Chase then spent the remainder of the day talking with customers about the products and helping generate sales. It was a very successful day and proof that with the right mix of product and creative marketing, stores can prosper during a recessed economy.

Above left to right: Jennifer Holl, owner of the County Cork and Rebecca Chase, Sales Associate. On display: Tea Forte.

Pass the Salt

With all the gourmet salts on the market, it was a matter of time before someone came out with a book dedicated to this ubiquitous spice --- enter Marco Canora, renown chef and author of Salt to Taste. Canora's book is full of inspirational recipes and photographs and a "must have" for salt aficionados.

See Canora on the Martha Stewart Show on Thursday, May 6th. The segment is tied to Mother's Day and Marco will be cooking with his mom and Martha.

Rosanna: Back at Molbak's

Last fall Rosanna Bowles, from Rosanna Inc. made an appearance at Molbak's in Woodinville, WA that drew 400 customers to hear what the table top doyenne had to say. On April 11, 2010, Rosanna went back to to Molbak's to promote her new book, Coming Home. In addition to book sales, the hot item of the day was the green pitcher from the Comfort Food series....these blew out of Molbak's! Rosanna also brought the owl-shaped cookies; her grandmother's recipe that can be found in her book.

Above, left to right: Rosanna Bowles and Laurie Krehbiel, Sales Manager.
Below: Molbak's abundant display of Rosanna Inc. popular collections.

The First Lady of Fashion

Stick Michelle Obama on your fridge and dress her for state dinners, PTA meetings and everything in between. Brought to you by one of our favorite companies, Unemployed Philosophers Guild.

Deen's List

We’re excited to share the latest placements of Hen House Linens in the Paula Deen Best Desserts issue.

Sweet!

Who's on Third?

Founded in 2008, West Third candles have quickly become well known for being the longest, cleanest-burning on the market today and for signature fragrances that are crafted with endless layers of simple and elegant notes. Their distinctive Old-World packaging also sets them apart from the crowded field of fragranced pillars.

West Third is the brain child of fragrance master, Michael Loring-Probst. Formerly Creative Director of Illume Candles, his designs and products have graced the pages of magazines including WWD, In-Style, Domino, W, Metropolitan Home, and Elle Décor and have been featured on the shelves of some of the hippest retailers including Bergdorf-Goodman, Williams-Sonoma Home, Nina Campbell, Urban Outfitters, Neiman Marcus, Z Gallerie, Target, Tommy Bahama, Anthropologie, Fred Segal and many more.

West Third candles live up to their motto: Live, Love et Luxe!

The Dos and Don'ts of "I Do"

With June just around the corner, Weddings, by premier event designer Tara Guérard, is a must have for the bride to be. Guérard takes the reader on a guided tour through twelve dream weddings while covering topics from choosing a venue to choosing colors; deciding on hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, or a formal sit-down meal; and decorating the altar, the table, and even the bride’s shoes! Guérard shares the tools and tricks of the trade from over a decade in the industry. The book is filled with ideas and inspiration, and each chapter overflows with beautiful photography.

Guérard is the Southeast’s premier event designer. Her company, Soiree, Inc., has been featured in InStyle Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Elegant Bride, and Southern Living Weddings. She was picked by Modern Bride magazine as a Top 25 Trendsetter.

Dream weddings with ideas and inspiration for life’s most memorable celebration.

Here's MUD in Your Eye

Our customers’ fondness for quirkiness is apparent from the enthusiastic response that MUD Statuary has received. Established in 1999 and located in Seattle, MUD began as a wholesale component of owner, Johnny Ward’s, personal art studio. A recent visit to MUD’s studio showed us how labor intensive it is to create each piece. Cast from a model, each piece is then hand finished and washed in an acid bath to achieve the weathered patina to bring out the detail of each piece. Created to stand up to the outdoor elements, many pieces find themselves indoors as curiosity pieces and object d’ arte.

Shown: Best selling eggs.

All Heart

The Lavender Heart, was founded 11 years ago by Holly Henderson after a successful career as a botanical artist. Using holly and lavender from her family's Whidbey Island farm, Henderson fashioned wreaths and topiaries for national retailers such as Smith & Hawken, Williams Sonoma and Eddie Bauer. Her line of botanical creations was also represented by The Barron Collection Ltd.

Here's what this savvy retailer reports:

Whats Hot: Candles, soaps and lotions are always top sellers. Sale of fancy foods such as chocolate and olive oil are up (she frequently adds new products to keep her selection fresh).

Whats Not: Fortunately, there are not any slow selling categories for Henderson. If something doesn't fly out the door she does not hesitate to try something new.

Beyond well-chosen products, Henderson's success rests on her ever-changing displays. She admits that it's a bit more work but it keeps the customers coming back to see what new. Her customers are always greeted warmly as she gets out from behind the counter to help them find the perfect gift. It's clear that Henderson's passions comes straight from the heart.

Above: Holly Henderson next to Compagnie de Provence products. Lavender Heart is located at 2812 Madison Avenue, Seattle, WA 98112.