Direct from Market: Los Angeles
By Maria Weiskott and Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 7/23/2007 2:46:00 PM
July 23, 2007 — If anyone was thinking that the Los Angeles gift market is becoming “regional,” we believe that they will have to stretch their vision of "regional." Gifts & Decorative Accessories was in Los Angeles visiting the three venues that comprise summer market in California's fashion forward city: the L.A. Mart, the California Market Center and the Convention Center. On the shuttle bus running between the convention center — the California Gift Show venue, which is run by George Little Management — and our hotel, we met two retailers who hailed all the way from New Zealand — Auckland, New Zealand, to be precise.
Thelma Dorricott, owner of Chambers, which is located in the Ponsonby section of Auckland, was in Los Angeles with her daughter, Erin Santoro, to purchase new “American” inventory for her two shops. The shops — located a few doors apart on the same street — are distinguished from each other by merchandise. One is Chambers Home & Living and the second, Chambers Linens & Gifts.
Dorricott told Gifts & Decorative Accessories that she has come to the summer market in Los Angeles several times in the past few years and was generally pleased with what she’s found at the California Market Center, the L.A. Mart — which is operated by MMPI — and at the convention center. The merchandise purchased at market, Dorricott told us, has enabled her to totally differentiate Chambers from her competition. “It’s well worth the money it costs to make the trip,” she told us, adding that her stores are destinations for the 2 million area residents. “Our products really set us apart from the other stores around,” said her daughter, who manages the two stores.
Although Dorricott mostly travels to the gift shows in Los Angeles (a 13-hour trip) for new and “different” inventory, she has also come to the New York International Gift Fair. “I need to differentiate my stores from the others,” she reiterated in explaining why she makes the trips; although she did admit that she likes taking in the culture and sites, as well. It was a treat for us too, taking in what Dorricott and Santoro taught us about independent retailing in New Zealand. Interestingly, our conversation reconfirmed that the elements of successful independent retailing were consistent in both countries: fresh inventory, differentiation and destination.
And speaking of independent retailing, Saturday was declared “Independents’ Day” by not only the L.A. Mart, but the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. On hand at the L.A. Mart to support independents were Randy Eller, well-known industry consultant and former CBK chief, and author/retailer Mary Liz Curtin. Jointly, Eller and Curtin presented a lively seminar for attendees.
Eller described the failings of some mass retailers and encouraged independents to provide a positive shopping experience for their customers. “Experience in shopping is what it's all about today,” he told attendees. Eller also noted that global issues are now impacting retailers and urged them to become aware and involved in them, naming natural and political threats, the environment and diversity as three of the most important.
Curtin, who recently opened a multiple category store, advised retailers to “know” their customers and to give them what they need. “Customer service,” she noted, is a key ingredient to successful independent retailing.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
All in all, traffic seemed to be steady with vendors reporting good sales. Though some market goers seem to feel that the Los Angeles market is becoming more of a regional show. In terms of product, there was a lot to see. We found plenty of new things at the CMA showroom in the California Market Center. Black and white, glitz and glamour are just as popular on the West Coast as they are in the rest of the country. Something that we didn’t see elsewhere were fountains. One of the showroom managers explained that fountains are selling really well for them and showed us a selection from Thomas Collection. They ranged in size and style, including fountains shaped like apples.
RAZ Imports, also represented by CMA, is bringing in a lot more everyday tabletop items, including dinnerware, serveware and decorative accessories.
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| ELKE Designs |
Crazy Mountain is also new to the showroom. Doug Adolphson, vice president of sales and marketing, said the company is really excited to be a part of the showroom.
Blossom Bucket joined CMA in January. The company manufacturers more country-inspired accessories and while it’s not something that the California buyer is drawn to, the line is doing very nicely according to Irene Widosh, one of CMA’s showroom managers.
Also new to the showroom is ELKE Designs. The modern decorative accessories collection includes sculptures and wall decor done by a German artist out of Portland, OR.
Over at the California Gift Show at the convention center, we found Leonardo exhibiting there for the first time. According to Alex Wittkowski, the company wants to tap into the West Coast market.
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| Leonardo |
Jewelry manufacturer Sepia offered a variety of unique pieces in different materials, including aluminum with steel wires, resin, copper, glass and a wool line perfect for the winter.
We’ve been seeing quite a few companies around market with peel and stick wall decor. Butch & Harold had a nice selection of brightly colored designs with fun motifs, including classic baroque patterns as well as kitschy designs featuring dog silhouettes.
Mojo Cosmetics offers girls a fun way to carry around lipstick. The small case is made of magnesium, aluminum, titanium and manganese and customers only need to buy the case once and then buy the lipstick refills thereafter.
ON THE MOVE
There were a few showroom openings at the L.A. Mart including Joan Baker Designs and Grasslands Road.
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| Fitz & Floyd |
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| Van Group |
NEW TO THE MARKET
Palecek introduced new sculptures made from spun bamboo, as well as a selection of baskets. The company got its start making baskets and has now returned to its roots with a new collection.
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| The home, James! Collection |
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| Sylvie Jourdan |
Sylvie Jourdan, better known for its selection of French textiles, introduced a new giftware line of gourmet products, including olive oil and herbs de Provence, an olive dish with toothpick holder and a bowl for dropping pits, as well as a collection of men’s gifts. The pieces are all made using wood from wine barrels and each one is labeled with which barrel it came from, whether a chardonnay or pinot noir.
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| Torre & Tagus |
Heavenly Hostess came on the gift scene with a line of high end aprons that could easily be mistaken for skirts and dresses. The company has just added coordinating headbands and is doing extremely well with them. Said Cynthia Wadell, “This has always been a good show for me. I always get new customers.” The company also introduced a new line of men’s aprons.
Vintage designs have been popular for some time now. Those of a certain age will love the new Pan Am accessories from Machine Inc. found in the Kregger and Kompany showroom at the L.A. Mart. The line includes tote bags, journals, post cards and more, all using the original designs and travel poster images.
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| Cacharel Home collection |
ORGANIC
There were many vendors with eco-friendly lines, including Roost’s Confetti frames made from recycled newspaper, HomArt’s bulb vases made from 100 percent recycled glass and Design Ideas’ Reclectic Lanterns made from remnants from aerosole and soda can factories. Pixel, which makes children’s clothes and accessories, introduced Pixel Organic a new line of organic bedding. And the News Los Angeles’ fashion accessories are made from old newspapers and magazines. The line includes handbags, totes, clutches, wallets and more.
LET’S PARTY
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| Gift for Life |
Saturday ended on a high note with the Takin’ it to the Sea Gift for Life benefit. Michael Kessler, vice president and general manager of the L.A. Mart, gave opening remarks and party goers were treated to cocktails, food, music and dancing. It was a great way to end a busy market day and let loose and not talk business for at least a couple of hours.
Up next: Chicago
