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Direct from Market: Atlanta, part 2

Bessie Nestoras, Meredith Schwartz and Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts and Dec, 1/19/2012 2:38:54 PM

If the recent winter Atlanta International Gift & Homefurnishings Market is any indicator, the American economy can expect a robust recovery in 2012. At close of business on Saturday, AmericasMart reported that the market's January traffic was posting high double-digit growth reflecting surging traffic, not only from the Southeast region, but from all over the U.S. It noted a growing international buyer contingent as well.Global Views

"This market will go on record as defining the renewal and recovery of global retailing as buyers and sellers vote with their feet, and their order writing, in an event destined to help restore hope and promise to retailers and manufacturers everywhere," Jeffrey L. Portman, AmericasMart president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.

Gifts and Decorative Accessories experienced crowded showrooms and lines in the ladies rooms, the likes of which we haven't seen since before the 2008 crash. And it wasn't just traffic that was up, it was sales: Without exception, every single vendor to whom we spoke said they were doing well at the show, with many reporting gains in the high double digits.

In recent months, there seems to have been a whole lotta change goin' on in the gift industry. We previously reported the rebranding of C.R. Gibson and All for Color (formerly Room It Up). Greeting card and stationery company Design Design has also rebranded itself with a new logo and a refocusing of its merchandise mix to its core products: its greeting cards and card programs, partywares, giftwrappings and stationery gifts.

While it is not uncommon for lines to change sales representation, among the notable moves was Alexa's Angels partnering with Roman. Roman expanded its Atlanta showroom space to accommodate Alexa's Angels as well as to give a greater presence to other growing lines in the Roman family such as Cottage Gardens. Sceneweaver, who had been with One Coast, moved over to the Gib Carson showroom in Atlanta and was pleased by the results, opening many new accounts. Sceneweaver celebrated with a champagne ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday evening.

Coloring the Market

Creative Co-Op teamed up with artist Landry McIntosh to offer a new collection of journals, coasters and wall art all featuring a gold sketch ofCreative Co-Op a bird. And speaking of gold, this warm, rich hue was spotted throughout the market as an accent. Ann Gish introduced a new gold-toned bedding collection and Square Feathers also offered gold accent pillows in its collection.

But the hottest color of the market was orange. Pantone's color of the year was everywhere. Global Views showcased an orange display front and center. Studio A also featured orange accents, as did Square Feathers, Oomph, Arteriors, Cyan Design, Andrea by Sadek and Torre & Tagus. The color was also seen in fashion accessories at Oka b., Pink Pewter, Mud Pie and more.

Blue was a close second with several companies offering blue accessories, including home accents at Lazy Susan, Port 68, Studio A and Design Legacy by Nancy Price , as well as in fashion accessories at Spartina 449. Oomph

Trending Themes

Asian-inspired accessories were also seen around the showrooms. Creative Co-Op offered a selection of Chinese lanterns in various patterns. Oomph showcased a pillow with an Asian motif, and there were several Asian-inspired home accents at Cyan Design, including a pagoda lamp.

While birds and butterflies have been the hot motifs for several seasons, this market a few other creatures stood out among the rest, most notably sea turtles, which were seen at Andrea by Sadek, Mariposa and Vietri. And whales, which were spotted at HomArt and on pajamas and robes at Marigot and on wall art at West Third Brand.

Another motif that is on the rise is bees. They were buzzing around Beehive Kitchenware on wood serving boards Beehive Kitchenwareand ceramics, at John Wind on jewelry, on a plaque at Sid Dickens and at Suburban Silk on neckties, bow ties and cufflinks. Also, from Boston International and a natural for the garden, October Hill's new garden decor line offered whimsical bee watering cans.

Another trend that was seen at Maison & Objet in September was facets. The look was seen here sprinkled in some showrooms. HomArt's Mina vase sports the look and it was also seen at Barreveld.

Taking to the Catwalk

Fashion accessories continues to be the fastest growing category in the gift industry. Vendors are either expanding existing collections or adding the category to its product line-up. While Murval is best known for its bags, its collection of clothing has just exploded. The company added a wide variety of cover-ups, blouses, dresses and shoes to the line. Another bag manufacturer that has expanded into fashion accessories is Spartina 449. The company introduced a selection of jewelry and watches, as well as scarves and tops. Spartina 449The watches have been packaged in a gift box with one interchangeable strap. Santa Barbara Design Studio also added several fashion accessory lines, including a collection of friendship bracelets that were inspired by a look that was spotted on the streets of Paris. The bracelets are made with an adjustable thread and feature a magnetic closure, and are packaged on a spool. The new J Davis collection features hammered metal jewelry with each piece featuring a sentiment. And Lux Legs, another find on Paris' streets, is what senior vice president of sales Tina Bourguignon describes as a scarf for your legs. This new fashion item turns your shoes into boots.

8 Petals has added a more sophisticated collection to its line of fun, fused glass jewelry. The pieces have a more timeless look and will appeal to a more mature customer.

Dutch brands Pip Home, Miss Blackbirdy and At Home with Marieke have made their way over to the U.S.A.Pip Home Heritage Lace is the distributor of these fun tabletop and gift brands. Pip home features fun patterns in happy colors, Miss Blackbirdy is an all black and white collection and At Home with Marieke is another brightly colored collection featuring fun, colorful patterns.

Candles Burn Brightly

Ecoya offers Lights Out, a candle to fight for marriage equality in America. All profits from the sale of the item will be donated to groups that support that cause, and celebrity photographer Adam Bouska is working with Ecoya chief of U.S. operations Christopher Valiante to create a Lights Out campaign, which will feature celebrities holding and blowing out the candle to represent "lights out on hate. Lights out on inequality."

Kringle Candle Co., though sticking to its signature white wax, is branching out into colored containers, featuring both checks and solid colored tumblers in seasonal shades.

Woodwic k from Virginia Candle has thrown a curve into its signature wicks - literally - with new ribbon wick candles, which also come in a variety of unusually shaped containers.

Following in the popular footsteps of the Redneck Wine Glass, La-Tee-Da brought out a line of redneck candles, in scents like Trashcan Punch.

And while those are set in a fictional location, real-world places are big in candles this market, offering a more high-concept, emotional take on scent that a single fruit or floral blend. Paddywax is offering cities around the world; PaddywaxRoot Candles debuted American Experiences and Colonial Candle, Destinations. And Prestige Identity featured a "weekend at" series with locations from Tuscany to Notting Hill.

Newcomer Hoot Candles is not really a newcomer at all. Formerly Luminary Candles, the company was purchased by two Oklahoma sorority sisters and rebranded. The soy candles remain the same high quality line in fresh new packaging.

Lotions and Potions

Among the stand out offers was first-time exhibitor Poison Apple Apothecary, which features a Southern Gothic or "darkly romantic" aesthetic. Founded by Angela Rogers, the line features artisan perfume oils without alcohols as well as body butters and sugar scrubs in scents such as Hatter's Tea Party, Garden of Graves and more.

Also notable in the bath and body temps was DeVine, personal care products made with grape seed oil, resveratrol and red wine antioxidants. Lip Shimmers come in Rose/Merlot, Champagne/Bordeaux and Vanilla Spritzer. And for those who like to do good while looking good, Natural Inspirations benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

DeVine DeVineCombining kid appeal and bath and body are mum + bub, a line of pawpaw-inflused skin care for mom and baby from Aden & Anais, and Eye doll chatter. Eye doll offers shimmery eyeshadows and lip glosses that are scented. They can be combined for personalization, and makeup scents and creations can be shared via Facebook, Twitter or text message via the company's new iPhone app.

Tokyo Milk went to the dark side, launching its Dark line with a non-stop party, complete with a DJ in the Just Got 2 Have It showroom. The line features such products as the "Fate and Fortune" collection which involves black packaging and dramatic abstract scent names such as Chance, Destiny, Tomorrow, Truth, etc.

Kidding Around

Other standout kids products include That's Perfect Inc.'s reusable hair wraps, which twist easily into hair, stay in securely, and come in a variety of colors to match outfits or teams.

Mad Pax, previously known for its Spiketus Rex and Later Gator backpack styles, debuted the Bubble, a softer textured and just as unique design.

Also notable was Spunge Design Studio, one of the exhibitors in the new Modern Baby section, which started small at this market but has potential to grow. Spunge offers organic cotton blankets with engaging, graphic critters in 3D appliques.

In plush, Gund by Enesco debuted Boo, the World's Cutest Dog, a plush take on a viral Internet sensation, as well as Gund GundGundimals, a playful, realistic line. Also at Enesco is a charming new line of Britto plush for the holidays. Elsewhere, Douglas Toys celebrated the 50th birthday of the licensed character, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Many parents cherish their children's baby teeth but don't know what to do with them when they collect them from the "tooth fairy." Enter a new style of memory book, The Tooth Fairy Album, is an organizer and memory book to collect and preserve those memories.

Happy Holidays

One truly irresistible holiday offering is Yolka Chocolates' handmade, foil wrapped ornaments, now available in egg or round shape, milk or dark chocolate, and in teal as well as the previously introduced black. And for families who prefer to make their own holiday treats, tag offers sweet kids' aprons in the shape of a mouse or owl.

Notable trends in Christmas decor include mushrooms spotted among the nature motifs at Grasslands Road and Midwest; crowns, possibly inspired by the recent Royal Wedding, were spotted at Grasslands Road and Demdaco; Midwest, d. stevens and One Hundred 80 degrees were on the same page, literally, incorporating book motifs into the offerings, and a white palette with natural themes carried through the market at Grasslands, Kaemingk, Arty , Demdaco and more.

New in Halloween, several companies are offering a top-hatted figure reminiscent of Dr. Facilier from Disney's The Princess and the Frog, including Gallerie II, Melrose and Katherine's Collection. Elegantly gothic Halloween wall art was also spotted at Gallerie II, Midwest and Demdaco.

One of Melrose's biggest introductions isn't a product at all: it is product reviews, which debuted on the company's website and allow retailers to candidly evaluate offerings and connect with one another. A third party handles the system to guarantee the reviews are for real.

Giftably Noted

Brownlow has added four new collections of bright fashion giftwares. The Fashion Girls line is comprised of four collections: Claire, Taylor, Lauren and Kate; each collection represents a different fashionable color palette and pattern, ranging from graphic black and white to such brights as turquoise, green, orange and pink. Included in each collection are cosmetic cases in three sizes, manicure sets, compact mirrors and triple lipstick cases. Each collection comes with or without an inspirational message, and coordinates with certain Brownlow paper collections.

Nicole Brayden Gifts had a hit with its sweet tea mugs - handled mason jars with sassy and inspirational tea messages.

Tech accessories are big focus at Lifeguard Press; each of its three licensed collections have added items for our electronic gadgets: iPhones, laptops and tablets. The bright colorful patterns from Jonathan Adler, Lilly Pulitzer and Dylan's Candy Bar add a fashion touch to tech. Back by popular demand is the Susan Wallace Barnes licensed stationery line with a limited selection of best-selling items.

Zak Designs has launched Planet Zak! a design forward collection of lunch bags, totes, water bottles, travel mugs and containers for today's consumer on the go. With lines geared to both children and adults, Planet Zak! Is offered to the specialty retail channel only.

That's all for now. Gifts and Decorative Accessories will bring more next from Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Happy shopping.

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All fixed. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. The Distributor is Heritage Lace
Caroline Kennedy, editor-in-chief - 2012-01-23 11:38:20 EST
Great review! The paragraph on Dutch brands refers to a distributor in the US but the name of the company was missing. Thanks!
Linda Roye - 2012-01-20 03:37:36 EST

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