Monthly Archives: March 2011

Try Something New this Season: Vegan Leather Handbags

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abeje-sneed-1659Alternative leather Handbags in vegan leather, industrial felt, waxed cotton and faux fur have walked the Atlanta runway. Howver, finding non-leather US-manufactured handbags is difficult. Many designers claim to use “GREEN” materials but leather tanning involves multiple toxins and is NOT an eco-friendly material. Previously, alternative materials were even worse. New handbag materials include: Industrial felt, waxed cotton, vegan leather (Non-PVC bio-degradable urethane) and organic fabrics. When seeking the real deal, ask to see material certifications when you talk with exhibitors – true Eco-Fashion designers certify materials for all of their products. All organics should be GOTS certified to insure they meet Global standards. 

There are additional ways in which designers and manufacturers can approach the eco-fashion trend including: designing with eco-friendly materials, creating zero-waste manufacturing methods (or patterns), analyzing alternative power sources for manufacturing process and identifying local distribution options for lowering the carbon footprint of fashion products. A few accessory companies, such as Fibre Arts Design,  Palo Alto, CA have adopted many of these eco-friendly practices for their handbag line. For instance, they design and cut zero or low wasted patterns for manufacturing to lower or eliminate the waste in the manufacturing process. Many items are actually constructed using fabrics rewoven from cutting room waste. In addition, all the power for Fibre Arts Design is purchased from Wind and Solar power sources. Many communities have begun to offer these “green” or alternative power options to businesses. It may cost more to purchase green power, but the result is a lower carbon footprint product. In addition, Fibre Arts is in discussion with some Atlanta folks to explore setting up an eco-friendly manufacturing plant on the east coast to offer even lower carbon footprint shipping options to retail partners in the Eastern US.

Find out more about Wo and Fibre Arts Design studio here: http://www.fibreartsdesign.com/

Plus, be sure to visit Fibre Arts Designs at their booth in Premier on the 2nd Floor, booth #2-114.

Reflecting on Tara Dillard’s Visit and Presentation in the Gardens

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tara-dillard-bio-pictureAuthor and landscape designer extraordinaire Tara Dillard spoke in Living. Outdoor/Indoor.® The Gardens.® this past Thursday. Dillard is an award-winning designer and luckily for us, she calls Georgia her home.

Dillard spoke to a group of interior and landscape designers offering tips on how they can expand their business by creating a harmonious theme between interior décor and outdoor areas, and encouraging them to look beyond their traditional roles as decorators or landscapers.

Dillard shared slides of her garden at home as well as some of her favorite gardens around town, pointing out some great ways to add multi-faceted focal points. Wooden benches, armillary, large statuary and varied pieces of pottery were used not just an accessory, but a destination within the outdoor space.bench

While Dillard encouraged those in attendance to be resourceful (drive a van and pick up whatever catches your eye!), she also noted that on many occasions, she had found everything she needed for a project, right here in The Gardens at AmericasMart!

If you missed this Lunch & Learn and are interested in attending our next event in The Gardens®, please call 404-220-2030 for more information. In addition, please contact us if you have questions about the products featured on this page.

Icing on the Cake: “Bundle Up” for Greater Profits

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TJReid2(I was inspired to do this article after visiting my daughter’s store, RUBY,  where I noticed how many little items she had tied together with ribbon as a “set.”  There were several bracelets together, panty packs of two, three or five, a package of three tees, etc.  The pricing was even numbered like $10, $20, etc. and as a shopper I could realize how quick and easy this choice could be. It seemed especially effective for the Valentine shopping season in progress.  The more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to share “bundling up” for better profits with each of you!)

All of us enjoy a sweet deal, by just like icing on the cake, it can be overdone.  Bundling is a delicate blend of ingredients that:

*Sweetens the deal for your customers
* Increases your average sale
* Boosts your employees’ productivity
*Reduces your risks

If you are considering bundling, ask yourself these questions:

1) What are some of the challenges shoppers face in buying clothing
Some folks are color blind or have no fashion sense. They are in a hurry and forget to buy the related purchases they need. They long for help in making    decisions.  A bundle is already combined and ready – no choice.

2) What can I bundle together to make life easier for my customers?
Shoes and Handbags
Assorted Accessories that mix/match
Hosiery for the outfit
Socks for the shoes
Tees with Jeans
Tops w/suits
Slippers with robes
Panties with bras
7 panties (one for each day)
Basic tees set (red, black, white)
Lip gloss and mirror
Gloves & scarf
Anything that makes sense together or fills a need!

3) What benefits would buyers gain from bundles?
Customers would save time, whether shopping for themselves or a gift, they would find things easier. A bundle usually adds more versatility and functionality to a wardrobe by mixing and matching. Shoppers usually think a bundle is a better deal and they feel good about saving.

4) What benefit would the retailer gain from this?
Total sales should increase. Multiples units would be sold. Customers would appreciate the creativity and novelty of the combination.
Employee’s productivity should go up because they will generate more sales dollars per customer.

Look around, what goes together as the perfect bundle in your store?

Learn even more and be further inspired at TJ’s seminar at the Apparel Market on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. She’ll get you excited about driving traffic through promotions and contests. More information on her seminar and full lineup of events can be found here.

More on bundling can be found in “Pricing for Profit” by Dale Furtwengler, available from www.amaconbooks.org.

JingleNog Awarded “Best in Show” for Market Temporaries at Spring Market

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AWH_PHOTO-3641The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market inspired retailers with fresh product, ideas and creativity. You could especially feel the engery and excitement Market Temporaries where more than 140 booths were positioned to attract retailers from around the nation. And, there was one booth in particular that stood out above the rest: JingleNog.

JingleNog’s booth at the Spring Atlanta Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market caught the eye of judges, who were tapped to identify the best displays in the Market Temporaries, with an unexpected and fresh take on holiday product. The winner of the AmericasMart “Best of Show” Visual Display Award this spring, JingleNog showcased the best use of space, product arrangement, lighting, flooring and signage overall.

JingleNog’s handmade glass ornaments are the product of owner and creator Melissa Byrne’s stories and drawings. The glass blown ornaments showcase her twenty years of experience in the Christmas and Gift Industry, as well as the tradition of European glassmaking.AWH_PHOTO-3645

The JingleNog booth brings the product packaging to life as a whimsical, winter circus wonderland on a green and cream palate. Against the candy green striped curtains lining the space, white wire display trees and unexpected faux-grass flooring, JingleJog ornaments came to life and transformed this temporary booth into a fanciful fairytale.

This outstanding and unique display showcased JingleNog’s creativity and supported the playful nature of their product. Congratulations, JingleNog!

Be sure to join us for more creativity and excitement next Market!