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.