What's new for Q2?

Who else is ready to kick off Q2 with me?  After several false starts, it now looks like spring is here to stay - at least south of the Mason Dixon line.

Q1 was wackadoodle in many ways, and my plate was full with a new line package (and the learning curve that comes with it) and getting my dad through a medical scare (which is all resolved and fine now).

Now it's time to refocus and reconnect.  Oh, and West Virginia - I haven't forgotten about you.  We'll be meeting this month now that snow-covered mountain passages are no longer a threat.

The most exciting development is the addition for four(!) new product lines that will add color, whimsy and laughter to your retail experience:

Dammit Dolls

FCTRY

Simply Whimsical

Umlaut Brooklyn

You may be familiar with Dammit Dolls as it's not a new line to market - only to my line package.  Each 12" creation is a sturdy stress management tool that can really take a whacking - just grab it by the feet and do a dammit slam when stress makes you ready to shout and destroy.  Each doll also has a side-splitting poem to encourage you to vent your frustration with it rather than causing property damage or getting arrested! 

Dammit Dolls are available in many prints but all have the same construction

Unicorn Snot is the most prominent collection from FCTRY.  Your tween customers especially will love this glitter gel collection of products for body, face & hair that will make them sparkle more than they already do!  Choose from Body Gel, Lip Gloss and new SPF30 Glitter Sunscreen.  Gel & lip gloss are available in 5 colors using cosmetic-grade glitter.

Glitter Gel & Lip Gloss from Unicorn Snot

Simply Whimsical was created out of a love for aprons and a passion for fashion.  All of the vibrant, cheerful fabrics are original designs, and the range has grown to include other domestic items such as oven mitts, pot holder, household gloves, "pot pinchers", shower curtains - and the super hot category of dish towels.

The Lemonade apron is also available in a coordinating oven mitt/pot holder/waffle towel set

Umlaut Brooklyn pairs vintage and retro-inspired graphics with irreverent, sometimes naughty humor on greeting cards as well as giftable items such as compact mirrors, business card holders, journals, magnets & notepads.

Just a few of the humorous greeting card options from Umlaut Brooklyn

As Q2 unfolds, I do expect more new product introductions that I will share with you as soon as they are announced.  Keep your shop's assortment fresh and keep customers coming back during the spring months when the weather we compete with changes from snow to sunshine!

In Other Words....from Compendium

This was originally posted December 22, 2016 at my old blog.

New for 2017 - Compendium is introducing a new card line to their award-winning assortment!

In Other Words... provides your customers another option to say more with their greetings.  It is a card series that is big-hearted and witty, combining genuine sentiments and playful storytelling to mark life's important occasions.
 
You may already stock one or both of Compendium's other successful card lines - Positively Green or Frank & Funny.  So why should you consider another one?

• Generation X and Millennial consumers are purchasing more greeting cards, averaging 18 cards per year
• Greeting cards satisfy a craving for deeper, meaningful offline connections
• The growing demand for greetings that offer something original or distinctive
• In Other Words... incorporates bright colors with a simple design and smart, witty content with a small press aesthetic

Because In Other Words... celebrates the art of the written word, a percentage of each card's purchase is donated to organizations that promote literacy and support the readers of the future.  And like all Compendium cards, they are printed in the USA on FSC-certified recycled paper.

In Other Words... is available with the same spinner options as the existing collections - and with the same guaranteed sale as those collections, as well.