Retail Industry News For The Week Ending June 26, 2009

• A retailer to know: Hudson Goods
• Stylish new clipboards from Blue Dogz Designs
• Capel launches web program for dealers
• Companies in the news: Present Time, Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Blu Dot
• Twitter chatter
• Updates from the gift and home markets 

A retailer to know

What's the best way for an online retailer to show the quality of his products? Karl Miller of Hudson Goods has created a series of videos in which he demonstrates lamps and talks about a pillow line. Co-starring in these 60-second spots is his dog, Buddy, a Jack Russell terrier. Thought bubbles appear above the pooch, turning these little infomercials into videos that cry out to be forwarded. The company describes its merchandise as "vintage in spirit, modern in function." Miller positions the store as the "Old Navy of cool home furnishings." The retailer uses YouTube, blogs and public relations to tell his story. Check out the products and the video at HudsonGoods.com.

For more ideas on promoting your business, see "How To Self Promote-Invest In Your Image," a 4-minute video on the Gift and Home Channel. 

Stylish clipboards

BlueDogz Design has introduced new styles to its line of recycled wood, painted clipboards. The products come in 32 styles and three sizes-4 inches by 4 inches; 6 inches by 9 inches (sold with a pencil on a ribbon, two notepads with matching pattern covers, white perforated paper and two magnets on the back); and a letter-size 9 inches by 12 inches (sold with a pencil on a ribbon and pattern painted on both the front and the back of the clipboards). Designs include florals, polka dots, Damasks, houndstooth and chandeliers. The clipboards can be monogrammed or personalized. 

Capel launches web program for dealers

Consumers can now order Capel Rug's area rugs directly online through preferred dealer websites. Consumers can search by color scheme, designer or style. After selecting a rug, they enter their ZIP code to find a nearby retailer. Capel's full continuity line, including rugs, padding and cleaning supplies, can be purchased through Preferred Dealers online. Capel says the new e-commerce sites allow it to support local economies across the nation. These unique storefront sites are available to Capel dealers to increase revenues and provide consumers with full access to secure online shopping. Dealers can opt into the program for the initial cost to host the site and a low monthly fee. For more information, call Capel at 800-334-3711. 

Companies in the news

Present Time bv, the 'House of Brands' based in the Netherlands known for creating and distributing lifestyle accessories and gifts in Europe and around the world, has merged its activities with Present Time Inc., its U.S. distributor located in Austin, Texas. "Joining forces would lead to synergies and better customer service in the U.S.," said Dries Bogels, ceo of the Dutch company. Sjoerd Brink, founder and CEO of Present Time Inc, said the merger "brings incredible opportunities, especially with all the new brands and products we will be able to add our current portfolio."

Manual Woodworkers and Weavers has launched a new line of textiles called Pervade. The collection, made in the United States, includes pillows, wall hangings, banners, totes, runners and bed scarves. As reported previously, the company organized its baby gifts into a line called "izzy."

Bed Bath & Beyond's first-quarter sales rose 2.8% in the quarter ended May 30, 2009, compared to the same period a year ago. Profit in the quarter rose 14%.

Furniture maker Blu Dot Inc. is expanding. The Minneapolis-based company is moving its headquarters to a larger location and moving its warehouse to Rogers. The manufacturer sells to independent retailers, Target Corp. and Crate & Barrel. It also operates its own retail store in New York City. 

Twitter chatter

Retailers and suppliers are staying in touch with Twitter. The following are recent tweets from those involved in the gift and home businesses:

• love selling something that's been sitting in the store forever!
• Satya Jewelry presenting new pieces including a butterfly pendant co-designed by Courtney Cox & David Arquette! Booth 609 #nyigf
• Two's Company is on Facebook! Become a fan today for the latest news, product introductions and event details! LOG ON..SEARCH..BECOME A FAN!
• With more action than Transformers 2, come see a real show at Global Views ... Dallas Market June 09 @globalviews @dallasmarket #junegift09
• We're going to be IN a museum collection, Middle Kingdom groupies! Stay tuned for when I tell all.

Updates from the gift and home markets

There is still time (barely) to vote for "The Next Big Thing," a national product search contest. The winner will be announced Saturday, June 27 during the Total Home & Gift Market, now going on at the Dallas Market Center. Voting is free and ends today. The finalists are BibBaby, EZ Off BBQ Tools and Freedom Gates. Click to see images of the products and instructions for how to vote.

Meanwhile, receive updates on the Dallas gift market via Twitter by searching for hashtag #junegift09.

Ethan Allen will open a 10,000-sqsuare-foot Ethan Allen Design Center at Las Vegas Design Center in September to coincide with the furniture market. It will be the company's first foray into a true design center. 

That's it for this week. 

Bye-bye and Buy-buy. 

Jim Carper

Keep up with the latest in gift and home décor at my Gift and Home Today blog, where there is a new product every day.