Short Takes
Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 10/1/2000
Licensed Collectibles
Anheuser-Busch, naturally best known for its collectible Budweiser steins, now branches out into another All-American beverage with licensed Coke steins. The Early Illustrators Stein Series presents full-color reproductions of Coke ads by Haddon Sundblom, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell. They have a pewter lid topped with a pewter Coca-Cola bottle. The steins stand 8_" tall and have an edition size of up to 25,000. $55. Also, a new Historical Slogans Stein series highlights slogans and artwork of the Coca-Cola Co. over the last 100 years. The steins, shaped like a Coca-Cola bell soda glass, are 9½" tall and have a pewter top with a replica of a case of Coke. The edition runs up to 25,000. $65. Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, MO. (800) 305-2582.#614
The Franklin Mint introduces Icon Portrait Dolls of Lady Diana, Jackie Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. The sculptured, jointed vinyl dolls also portray film roles, such as Vivian Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind and Kate Winslet as Rose from Titanic. The collection comes with a custom-designed display case, retailer training, cooperative advertising, and a retailer locator on the Mint's Web page. The Franklin Mint, Franklin Ctr., PA. (610) 459-6000. #615
Collectors Clubs
Roman Inc. announced that Emanuele and Luca Fontanini, fourth-generation members of the celebrated House of Fontanini, will make personal appearances at select Fontanini Guild Dealers between November 9 and December 5. These events will also introduce an exclusive ornament, available only at the stores that will host the Fontaninis. The ornament is a 2½" Holy Family on a resin base with a rose-and-ivy-accented archway. These limited ornaments will also bear a brass plaque commemorating the dates of the Fontanini visit to the U.S. Other features of the Fontanini tour are a sneak peek at 2001 introductions, display demonstrations using Fontanini ornaments, a trivia contest giveaway, and a chance to win a trip to Italy in 2001 for anyone purchasing a Club Membership kit. The artists will sign any pieces purchased on the day of their visit, as well as up to two pieces from private collections. For information about their scheduled appearances visit www.Roman.com.
Industry News
It's Christopher Radko's 40th birthday, and you get the gift. "To mark the occasion," Radko said, "I've created a glittering new 40th birthday ornament that will serve as the centerpiece of special store events at Christopher Radko authorized retailers nationwide." "Holiday Hideaway" premiered last month at the designer's birthday bash. This year also marks the 15th year of business operation for Christopher Radko Inc.
Unity Marketing, in association with Collectibles Business and Gift Executive newsletters, sponsors its annual industry executives' conference, November 8-10, at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. The theme of this year's conference is "New Partnering." Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing notes that "Today's gift and collectibles executives.need "partner-think" which is a new foundation for business relationships that brings people together so that each party wins." Roger N. Nagel, leader of the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University and father of the virtual corporation, will be the keynote speaker. Susan Mitchell, Jim Barch, and Rick Segel, will present topics. Call (717) 336-1600 or visit www.unitymarketingonline.com
Correction
In the July issue, Gifts & Dec listed an incorrect price for the The True North dolls that appeared on pages 142-143. The dolls are priced to retail for $28 each. We regret the error. For more information, contact Gift Connections Inc., Gift & Home Div., 521 Eighth St. SW, suite D, Auburn, WA 98001. (800) 422-2305.
