Date: July 7, 2008
Vol. XII, No. 13

Printer Version

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMENTARY: WORKING TOGETHER 

This issue includes a report on the Southern California Scrapbook Retailers Assn., a group of independent retailers who pool their knowledge, creativity, and expertise to improve their stores.

"I think it is a great example of getting off your backside and doing something to affect change in your business with others," said Karen Bremer, who operates The Red Bee in Tustin, CA with her husband, Randy. "We hope other areas of the country take our lead. If we can do it in the extremely saturated and competitive market of Southern California, any area of the country can."

Every independent store should join (or start) an organization like this, Crafter's Home, or Sierra Pacific Crafts. Competing against the chains is just too tough to do on your own.

I'm teaching a seminar at the CHA Summer Show, "The Future of Scrapbooking: A Historical Perspective," and one of my topics is listing the mistakes made in the cross-stitch era. (How big was cross-stitch? It had its own trade show which at its height was much larger and better attended than Memory Trends ever was.)

A key mistake made by retailers in those days was their refusal to join forces with other retailers. If there had been a Southern California Cross Stitch Retailers Assn., some of those retailers might still be in business.

"Vinny Da Vendor." A manufacturer in scrapbook/paper crafts with sales of approximately $500,000 is retiring and selling his company. The company has a strong market niche, a wide variety of customers, and state of the art machinery. To learn more, click HERE.

"Benny Da Buyer." In the previous issue, industry veteran Kathy Lamancusa criticized the industry of a lack of imagination and inspiration. Now Christine Meier, a former craft buyer for Wal-Mart, seconds the motion and offers what she thinks will be the "next big thing."

Note: If you visit a column page and it appears to be an "old" column, click the Refresh or Reload button on your browser.

Finally, the Republicans and Democrats have settled on their nominees for President of the U.S. and the campaign is underway. Vote and we'll see if CLN subscribers mirror the national polls. (CLN will ask again just before the actual election to see what effect the campaign had on your – and the country's – choices.) To vote click on Industry Polls in the right-hand column or click HERE.

Uh, not so good. Only 36.4 % of the votes in CLN's unscientific poll said sales were up this year – only 12.1% said sales were up 10% or more. On the other hand, one third said sales were down 10% or more and another 12.1% said sales had dropped 1-9%. The remaining 18.2% reported flat sales. If this was a typical college report card, the industry had a 1.9 average on a 4-point scale. That's slightly below a C.

The number of exhibitors and attendees at the recent TNNA show in Columbus, OH was down only slightly, given the rising travel costs, but the spirit was good. Exhibitor Iris Schreier (ArtYarns) said, "There was an incredible energy in the air. We are delighted with TNNA for pulling this off so successfully in a time when all you hear are doom-and-gloom predictions."

TNNA honored John Schatteles (Rainbow Gallery) with its TEN Award. Schatteles invented a unique card design, as well as a card winder. This type of packaging was more efficient and promoted impulse buys. Eventually Rainbow Gallery added European yarns that were new to U.S. needlepoint consumers, then expanded to include fibers specially produced for Rainbow Gallery, as well as lines made in-house. Currently Rainbow Gallery has 75 thread lines with 3,000 SKUs, and exports its threads directly to 24 countries.

(A history note: The previous winners of TNNA's TEN award, beginning in 1986: Loretta Swit, Kaffe Fassett, Leslie Linsley, Erica Wilson, Elsa Williams, Ginnie Thompson, William & Stella Estiner, Evie Rosen, Jerry & Estelle Kreinik, Bonnie Green Lawless, Eleanor Bernat, Shay Pendray, Jo Christensen, Silver Celebrities, Sue Jennings, Barry Klein, Teddy Rose Carlton, Rick Caron, Dede Ogden, Lois Caron, Laura Bryant, Doug Kreinik, and John Schatteles.)

A fire of unknown origin destroyed a manufacturing facility of Activa in Marshall, TX on June 16. The business office and warehouse were not affected. CEO Frank Strauss told CLN, "We are grateful that none of our valued employees were injured, and we are assessing the damage and planning the rebuild of the one lost building. At this time we are concerned about fulfilling our existing orders to our global customers. We are working with our suppliers to get shipping back to 100% as quickly as possible. VP David Murray and National Sales Manager Jim Tierney will be in touch with our customers to let them know of our plans. Shipping of finished goods resumed Friday June 27 of available inventory. Our plan is to be shipping at our normal rate over the next several weeks."

Activa will exhibit at the CHA Summer Show (booth #833). For further info, call Frank Strauss at 800-883-3899, David Murray at 214-370-0832, and Jim Tierney at 630-907-9090.

Connie Ware, President/CEO of the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, told the Marshall News Messenger, "I understand that Frank's already received all sorts of offers for help finding another location for his business. He's a real smart guy and a hard worker who's been at this for a long time. He's someone who looks out for his employees and his business."

In an editorial on June 25, the Messenger quoted Strauss as saying, "This is the best place in the world to be." The paper then said, "It is made so in part because of people like Strauss who have a commitment to our part of the world. The guess here is that, if he had a mind to do so, he could take his insurance money and retire. His only goal is to rebuild a state-of-the-art factory and continue to employ Marshall workers."

A sign, "The Future Home of the New Activa," is now in front of the burned out plant.

"We hope that not many businesses will face the adversity of a fire," the editorial concluded, "but all businesses face troubles. The example of Activa is a good one to follow: Keep your head up and keep going."

The Southern California Scrapbook Retailers Assn., formed in January, is sponsoring its first West Coast Scrapbook Vendor Fair on Wed., July 30, 9 am - 6 pm in Fullerton, CA. The group promises it will be an annual event.

Begun a year ago as an informal group sharing marketing ideas, the group chose to become a formal, independent cooperative. It is not affiliated with any other organization or co-op. In addition to marketing through "co-opetition," the association aims to foster success for member stores through vendor partnerships and alliance benefits in operations, purchasing, and business education.

"In the craft industry, independents, whether scrapbook store, quilt shops, or craft stores, face enormous challenges of vendor consolidation and chain store dominance," said Chair Randy Bremer. "By coming together in the spirit of sharing, we can all build stronger businesses."

The Board of Directors includes Chair Randy Bremer, The Red Bee in Tustin; Co-Chair Vesta Myers, Scrapbook Boulevard, in Victorville; Treasurer Brent Tell, Screamin' Susies in Whittier; and Secretary Vivian Cohen, A-Z Scrapbooking in Torrance. Members at Large include Elaine Dobiez, Scrappin' in the Hills in Anaheim Hills; Camille Aiken, Ever After, in Carlsbad; and Sophia Trujillo, Strictly Scrapbooking, in Cerritos and Torrance.

The 30 member stores range from 600-11,000 sq. ft. and their combined annual sales exceed $15 million.

"We have various committees (networking, marketing, vendor, etc.)," Karen Bremer told CLN. "With more than 20 years in this industry in many capacities, I can say with certainty that this group is an innovative mix of competitors truly coming together to best serve their businesses, each other’s businesses, and the industry in whole.

"From bus tours to Shop Hops, from merchandise sharing via our email message board (ex: I have a customer looking for paper xxx – can you help me? – and 10 people respond within a half hour to help) to marketing ideas (share your best promotion for October), this is a passionate group looking to share as much as they get back," added Karen, who was a columnist for CNA magazine. "No corporate overhead. Just in-the-trenches business women (and a couple of men) keeping scrapbooking alive and growing (and their sales alive and growing)."

To attend the Fair, RSVP by email to SoCalVendorFair@yahoo.com.

Cord Camera, with 31 photography/scrapbook stores in Ohio and Indiana, had its line of credit cancelled by its bank of 20 years, Huntington Bancshares, despite the fact that owner Steven Cordle told the Columbus Dispatch that he had never missed or been late with a payment.

Cordle told the Dispatch that the annual revenue of his privately-held company is between $50-$100 million, about the same as last year, but margins have declined. He blamed problems in the banking industry and possibly the lower margins for Huntington pulling the plug. He is looking for another lender to replace Huntington.

Cord is transitioning from small photography-only stores to superstores with scrapbook supplies. The Dispatch article seemed to connect scrapbooking with Cord's financial troubles and quoted Dimitrios Delis, Director of Marketing Research for the Photo Marketing Assn.: "The scrapbook consumer does take a lot of photos and makes more prints, but it requires a lot more space in the store, and it is difficult to keep products in stock. There are literally hundreds of different products. In the long run, I'm not sure if it will be a good fit or not."

1. Gas prices are particularly hard on sales reps. One rep told CLN the number of stores in her area is half what it was a year ago. "Impossible for a rep to make a living in either state now. We are forced to cover larger geographical territories."

2. Hong Kong companies may shut as many as 20,000 of the 70, 000 factories in the neighboring Chinese province of Guangdong this year, Bloomberg News reported. The culprits were higher fuel costs, employee expenses rising as much as 30% due to a new labor law, and the appreciation of the yuan. "China's export competitiveness is definitely declining fast," Sun Mingchun, an economist with Lehman Brothers Holdings in Hong Kong, told Bloomberg News.

3. The Wall Street Journal reported some U.S. companies are reopening manufacturing facilities because of the rising cost of shipping from China. The Journal cited a company whose cost of shipping a container has already risen 15% to $5,300 and is expected to rise again to $5,600 this month.

4. The number of chains who have closed stores and kiosks or plan to close stores this year continues to grow, according to the Inglewood (CA) Weekly: Ann Taylor, 117; Eddie Bauer, 27; Cache, 20-23; Lane Bryant/Fashion Bug/Catherines, 150; Talbots/J.Jill, 100; Gap, 85; Foot Locker, 140; Zales/Piercing Pagoda, 105; Home Depot, 15; Macy's, 9; Pacific Sunwear, 153; Pep Boys, 33; Sprint Nextel, 125; KB Toys, 356; Ethan Allen, 12; Wilsons, the Leather Experts, 158; Sharper Image, 90; Bombay Co., 384. Furniture retailers Wickes and Levitz are shutting down. J. C. Penney, Lowe's, and Office Depot are scaling back. The Seattle Times reported Starbucks will close 600 U.S. stores, an increase from recent plans for 100 closings. Retailers who are interested in moving or opening addition stores should find landlords very accommodating.

5. A survey by the National Retail Federation conducted by BIGresearch, revealed that 59.4% of consumers say increased gas prices will impact their 4th of July spending, up from 42.1% a year ago. Travel this past weekend was down, too, said AAA.

6. Kodak increased prices on a select range of consumable products by as much as 20%. The increases took effect July 1. Fujifilm, DNP Photo Marketing, and Mitsubishi Paper Mills had previously announced price increases on consumables – due to the increased cost of raw materials such as silver and aluminum.

The bad news: A new survey sponsored by the Photo Marketing Assn. indicates a smaller percentage of U.S. households are printing photos from digital cameras. The U.S. Digital Imaging Survey revealed 60% of households made prints in 2007, down from 65.5% in 2006.

The good news: More households actually printed photos because more households have digital cameras: 66.2% in 2007 compared to 56.6% in 2006.

The bad news: Of those consumers who printed photos, only 60% put them in an album, barely more than the 56% who framed them. A solid 79% gave the photos away. These figures are all lower than a year ago.

The key market: A whopping 90% of households with kids under six print photos.

1. Mrs. Grossman's (booth #2427) will introduce a new line of stickers in conjunction with Charm City Cakes and celebrity chef Duff Goldman. Goldman, who created a massive, edible Hogwart's castle for the premiere of Warner Bros.'s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, chose the 12 designs for the line, Charm City Cake Sticker Collection. Each sticker will be surrounded by a variety of coordinating decorative embellishments and Duff's favorite recipe for French Buttercream.

2. Spellbinders and Scrapbook Business magazine are sponsoring a Product and Project Parade, a unique program in which 400 participating retailers will receive $100+ in free product (total retail value) and more than a dozen project sheets. Glue Arts, SEI, and Fiskars' Cloud 9 Design, Li'l Davis, and Heidi Grace are also participating. Projects will range from larger class projects to demo and make-it/take-it ideas for a variety of skill levels. To participate, retailers need a Product and Project Parade card, available in Scrapbook Business and at the show, and to visit each participating exhibitor. "Essentially, what we wanted to offer was a turnkey educational program," said Spellbinders VP of Sales, Jerry Bowman.

3. Emmy nominated Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza from the hit DIY and HGTV show Creative Juice will be in Plaid's booth (#507) offering twists on a variety of new Plaid products.

4. Colorbök, in conjunction with Trees for the Future (www.plant-trees.org), has committed to plant one tree for each package sold in its new Eco-Simple™ line of note cards, journals, notepads, and clipboards manufactured with post-consumer waste, recycled papers, soy-based inks and glue-free note card packaging. The company will also preview new products that are the result of a licensing deal with Crayola – with Crayola's brand, artwork, and packaging. Visit booth #1309.

5. Mark Montano, host of the TLC network's While You Were Out series and author of the Big Ass Book of Crafts, will host daily "10-Minute Craft Challenge" at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in booth #3312. The Challenge is open to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Prizes will be awarded and audience give-a-ways will be plentiful.

6. Bill Mangelsen's family will host a tribute to Bill's memory on July 18, 5-7 pm at the Red Bar in the Hyatt Regency. The family invites Bill's CHA friends and business associates to attend to enjoy refreshments and appetizers. Bill, one of the industry's true pioneers, founded Makins USA and Sino Harvest, and the company carries on under the leadership of his children, Annie, Jennifer, and Michael. The company will exhibit in booth 228. For more on the companies, click on Kate's Collage.

The retail stamp shows have been good. The show parking lots are empty, but when the shows open, they are packed. I noticed women getting out of cars in threes and fours. Shows are events and the customers are bringing their friends and car-pooling to save gas. At the last show there were two separate bus loads, one from a club and another arranged by an independent store. Not only has attendance been good, but when they come in groups, the women tend to buy more and we have seen friends bring newbies and introduce them to the hobby.

My sales to retail stores are way down, especially the stores that moved to the outskirts for larger space with less rent and now have no new customers. I am selling more to my U.S. distributors, as the independents would rather place one minimum order with them than several with vendors like me. My Midwest stamp and scrapbook reps are up in arms over the distributors taking all of their business, and I do mean all.

My European distributors are doing well. Lots of profit when buying in dollars, and a general mood of consumer optimism over there is increasing their profits. My only worry with Europe is the Internet. Many consumers over there are buying from the small stores' websites here in the U.S. and are bypassing the distributors (along with their home countries' taxes). I have heard that Belgium and the Netherlands are losing so much tax revenue to U.S. internet sites that they are starting to open boxes from the U.S. Post Office and billing the recipients for the taxes and duties. – Rob Bostick, Judikins

A report by sales rep Pam Riddell of The Riddell Group and Maps2Memories (www.maps2memories.com):

The GASC show in Chantilly, VA was a terrific show for us; we made contact with hundreds of consumers and shared www.maps2memories.com with them. We hadn't done the show before so didn't know what to expect. I did speak with a couple of other exhibitors I know from previous shows (a die-cut company and a rubber stamp company), and they were both pleased with the show. They both finished better than last year. I spoke with GASC organizers about attendance and they told me it was roughly the same as 2007.

When I would give my "spiel" to consumers about shopping LSS's, they were interested and concerned, but the majority seemed unaware that Recollections had been owned by Michaels, which I found interesting. They LOVED those stores and were sorry to see them go.

1. Before attending the CHA summer show, independents should read (or re-read) Rob Bostick and Sarah Hodsdon's article, "How Products Sell." It's excellent advice on how independents should order products. Click on "Benny" in the left-hand column, then scroll down the right-hand column to "How Products Sell."

2. Last month my wife Barbara and I visited Karen Ancona, the former editor of CNA who is fighting cancer. She is thinner, weaker, and wearing a very crafty hat, but there's no doubt she's still the Karen so many of us admire, respect, and love. She told a number of interesting, funny stories about her illness, and when we suggested she write a blog about it, she said, no, that is the past. She only wants to write about the future.

How much is she loved? She's received approximately 1,800 cards. And keep those cards coming, because they mean a lot to her: 24336 Vincent Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33955. Or leave a note at www.caringbridge.com. (Type in karenancona at the site.)

3. Michaels will test products from Duncan's Crafty Chica line on an endcap in 141 stores. It's about time the industry paid some attention to consumers who aren't middle-class white women. Now let's hope Michaels gives the test enough time for it to be a true test.

KEYNOTE. Given the times, keynote speaker Jean Chatzky's topic, "Make Money, Not Excuses…Even in a Recession!" seems appropriate. Chatzky, a best-selling author, personal finance expert and financial editor for NBC's Today Show, will discuss the nature of money and roadblocks that prevent us from achieving our financial goals, and provides strategies for ridding ourselves of excuses. It's Thurs., July 17, 6:30-7:30 pm., immediately following the Taste of Rosemont. Tickets are $25 for CHA members. Visit www.chashow.org.

DEMOS. Recent editions of CLN have included conflicting comments about the effect of QVC and HSN on retail sales, but everyone agrees that good demos sell product. Now attendees can learn from a pro by taking the seminar, "Actions Speak Louder Than Words! Veteran Sales Techniques That Work," with Julie McGuffee, co-owner of Kievlan-McGuffee Design Services. Julie has sold products on QVC, Shop At Home, and HSN, as well as demo-ing product tips and techniques for five years for the A.C. Moore in-store video series and hosting the PBS series, Scrapbook Memories. The seminar is S117, 2-3 pm Sat., July 19.

SPEAKING UP. Have a suggestion, comment, or complaint about CHA? A current or former board member will be in the CHA booth in the lobby, and Fri., July 18, the CHA staff will hold a town hall meeting for retailers (5:30-6:00 pm); manufacturers (6:00-6:30); designers (6:30-7:00); and general membership (7:00-7:30). The meetings are free.

DEADLINES. Sales of seminar and workshop tickets are going fast, and July 15 is the last day for online member registration and pre-show ticket sales for the Summer Show. The site closes at noon EDT. ... The 16th is the last day vendors can ship press kits directly to the press room. Kits must arrive no later than July 17. ... July 18 is the last day to submit press releases for Golden Press Kit awards. Visit www.chashow.org.

KIDS. As CLN reported, Mayor Richard Daly proclaimed July 16 as "Kids Craft Day in Chicago" in conjunction with the show and CHA's Kid's Craft Fair, a three-hour event for about 150 kids at a local Chicago Boys & Girls Club. Donations of products and projects are still needed. For info about the Fair and shipping and packing info, call CHA's Victor Domine at 201-835-1224 or email vdomine@craftandhobby.org. Donations must arrive by July 11. More than 50 companies have donated time and $40,000+ worth of products.

TASK FORCES. CHA wants your input, creating three task forces to give the staff advice and counsel. #1 is on increasing participation in CHA's new member networking site. (Fri., July 18, 11:30-12:30.) ... #2 is improving CHA's public relations program (Fri., July 18, 12:30-1:30.) ... #3 is on "Young Leaders" – how to get members under 40 to become more involved in CHA and ultimately serve as future CHA leaders. (Sat., July 19, 11:30-12:30.) Each task force needs 10-12 people. For more info, email Semo Sennas, CHA Marketing Program Manager, at ssennas@craftandhobby.org.

DESIGNS. The Designer Showcase, free to exhibitors and press only, is Sat., July 19, from 8:30 am-2:00 pm. During viewing, 15-minute, private one-on-one appointments may be scheduled for later the same day between 2:30 and 5:00 pm. Appointment books will be located at each designer's display area. It's a great way to find new designers and projects.

THE NEXT BIG IDEA? Sun., July 20, 7-9 am, hear a panel of industry experts: Katie Hacker and Lynne Farris, designers; Amie Marson, publishing; Diane Newman, manufacturing; Brenda Pinnick and Vicki Schreiner, licensing; and Tammy Browning Smith, legal. It's free to CHA members and breakfast is available for an additional fee.

LUNCH. Would you and three colleagues like to have lunch with CHA's CEO Steve Berger? Steve will have lunch on Fri. and Sat., July 18-19. and Sat. Interested members should email Lidia Diaz (and include date requested) at ldiaz@craftandhobby.org or call 201-835-1215.

A.C. MOORE. Exec VP/CFO Marc Katz has resigned, reportedly to move to the private equity sector. The company will conduct an internal and external search for a new finance chief. Michael Zawoysky, VP of Financial Planning & Analysis, will be acting CFO, and VP/Contoller Rodney Schriver will act as principal accounting officer. ... One of the stores to close is in Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Post reported. The paper said Jo-Ann is taking over the lease and that many of the store's 31 employees were Rag Shop refugees.

RECALLS. Wal-Mart recalled about 39,000 Hip Charm key chains because the charms can contain high levels of lead. No injuries have been reported.. (Comment: this should be a warning to importers of charms for jewelrymaking.) ... Bead Bazaar recalled about 13,000 It's a Girl Thing bracelets, necklaces, and phone charms because of high levels of lead. ... Dollar Tree recalled about 470,000 Crafters Square Hot Melt Mini Glue Guns because they can short-circuit, causing the gun to smoke and pose a fire hazard. There have been four incidents in which these glue guns short-circuited, but no injuries have been reported.

CRIME. The Hobby Lobby in Mansfield, OH had 250+ packs of Disney and Sesame Street stickers stolen – worth about $1,000, the Mansfield News Journal reported.

COMPANY FOR SALE. Click on "Vinny Da Vendor" for more details.

PEOPLE. Prym Consumer USA named Laura Mooney Dir. of Marketing. She had worked at Rag Shop, Horizon Group, and Blumenthal Lansing. Prym also named Steve Stringer as Sourcing Director, formerly of Hobby Lobby, Alliance Group, and Sela Products. ... David Holmberg, former Exec VP of Operations for Jo-Ann, has been named President/CEO of HVHC, a managed-health/vision care conglomerate. ... Former Jo-Ann Chair/CEO Alan Rosskamm was reelected to the Board of Directors of Charming Shoppes.

SHOWS, I. The National NeedleArts Assn. acquired the Nashville Needlework Market, a primary venue for cross-stitch designers and other needle art industry suppliers, from Needlework Markets. "This acquisition will allow TNNA to continue its efforts towards industry unification and better serve all members and product segments," said TNNA Exec Director Patty Parrish. The 2009 show will be Feb. 6-8. Exhibitor info will be mailed this month and more info will be posted on TNNA's website, www.tnna.org, as it becomes available.

SHOWS, II. Online registration for the TNNA's Fall Needlecraft Market Sept. 14-15 with education starting Sept. 13 in St. Charles, IL (quite close to St. Louis) is now available. It's cash & carry and order taking. Visit www.tnna.org. ... Online registration for the summer Knit & Crochet show (July 25-27 in Manchester, NH) closes at 4:30 pm EDT July 9. Visit www.knitandcrochetshow.com/summershow.asp.

ACQUISITION. Online retailer Amazon.com purchased the online fabric store Fabric.com. Amazon said the deal will allow Fabric.com to increase its fabrics and accessories selection and allow Amazon to offer a larger selection of sewing and craft products. (Comment: This can't be good news for brick & mortar stores.)

AWARD. Veteran designer Jill MacKay was named the the winner of the 12th annual DIVA awards design competition sponsored by the Women's Jewelry Assn. during the JCK (luxury jewelry) show. She won in the Bridal Suite category. MacKay, who served as jewelry designer for the daytime drama, The Guiding Light, and produced work for Paramount Studio's Star Trek: The Next Generation, has photos and notes from the recent Bead&Button show on her site, www.jillmackay.com. ... CHA received a Stevie award in the "Live Event" category of the 2008 American Business Awards, the business world’s Oscars, for its 2007 Winter Show that had a 12.1% boost in attendance and 959+ exhibitors in 311,341 sq. ft. of floor space.

TV Knitting Daily TV, a make-over of Needle Arts Studio with Shay Pendray, uplinks to PBS stations July 20, and preview videos will be at www.knittingdailytv.com by then. Shay will co-host with Liz Gipson, Eunny Jang, and Kim Werker, and the series includes questions generated from KnittingDaily.com. "The growing community of DIY-ers doesn't just want to watch, they want to be a part of it. Knitting Daily TV will merge how-to television programming with the online community of knitters in an exciting new way," says Exec Producer Kathie Stull of KS Inc. Productions.

BOOKS & BEADS. Beadwork magazine announced its sixth international juried competition and exhibition, The Beaded Book!. Alter a book, re-create a favorite character, bead a page of text, etc. The entry period is Aug.1-Dec. 18. The winning entries will be published in Beadwork and exhibited at Bead Fest Santa Fe (Mar.12–15, 2009) and Bead Fest Philadelphia (Aug. 20–23, 2009). Visit www.interweave.com/bead/events/beaded-books/submissions.asp.

TOYS. Beijing revoked the export licenses of 700 toy factories, about one fifth of the country's toy factories, over safety failings, China Daily reported. ... Toys & Jewelry: A new line of toy characters popular in Europe, Twinklets, is being introduced to the U.S. this month. The characters are accented with Swarovski crystals and are designed for girls 8-12.

TAXES. Business Week reports that New York is the first state to require e-commerce sites to collect sales tax even if they have no "physical presence" in the state, such as a store. (Watch for other revenue-strapped states to follow New York's lead.) Lawsuits are pending.

CONTESTS. Craftster.org has a craft contest in support of the 350 campaign, designed to bring awareness of the importance of reducing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 350 parts/million to avoid irreversible global warming. All types of projects that convey the 350 concept are eligible. Submit entries July 15-Aug. 15. Prizes will be awarded, including those from Coats & Clark, Pebeo, Speedball, and Craft: magazine. Visit www.craftster.org/350.

LICENSING. North American manufacturers paid $5.98 billion for licenses in 2007, down from $6.04 billion in 2006, Gifts & Decorative Accessories reported. ... Quotation: "Once we explained the true nuts and bolts of how the licensing industry works, with the exclusive contracts being a vital part of how we do business, people began to 'get' why we are so against these [Orphan Works] bills." – Brenda Pinnick, a member of the group who lobbied Congress recently. For more on Brenda's Washington experience, click on Business-Wise in the left-hand column.

STOCKS, I. A.C. Moore: $6.11, down $1.86 ... Jo-Ann: $22.61, down $1.24 ... Wal-Mart: $56.60, down $2.58 ... Dow Jones: 11,288.54, down 8.3%. (Note: All changes in price are since 6/13 and are exclusive of dividends.)

STOCKS, II. For the first half of the year, A.C. Moore has dropped 48.7%. Jo-Ann has risen 76.1%, and Wal-Mart is up 18.2%. The Dow has tumbled 14.4%.

To see the latest listings by he only personnel recruitment firm specializing in our industry, click on Jobs in the left-hand column or click HERE.

One subscriber's analysis:

Many people can't understand why we have an oil shortage in the U.S. Here's the answer: Nobody bothered to check the oil. We just didn't know we were getting low. The reason for that is purely geographical: Our oil is located in Alaska, California, Coastal Florida, Coastal Louisiana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

But our dipsticks are located in Washington, DC.

REMINDERS

1. If you want a hard-copy of this issue, click on "Printer Friendly version."

2. If your company is a paid subscriber, everyone in the main office is welcome to register, free. Just click on "Work for a paid subscriber? Click Here to register" (center column, near the top).

3. If you ever have trouble with your password, click on "Trouble with your password" in the right-hand column of the main page. The computer will then email the correct information to you.

4. Creative Leisure News is usually published the first and third Mondays of each month but because of the CHA Summer Show, your next issue will be Monday, July 28. Watch for email newsbriefs after the show.

[ Home ] [ Business-Wise ] [ Kate's Collage ] [ "Vinny Da Vendor" ] [ "Benny Da Buyer" ] [ Kizer & Bender ] [ Newsbriefs ] [ Memory, Paper & Stamps ] [ Category Reports ] [ Designing Perspectives ] [ Subscribe to CLN ] [ Legal Q & A ] [ Scene & Heard ] [ Jobs ] [ Tech Topics ] [ Industry Research ] [ Store Layout/Design Tips ]

©Copyright 2009 by Creative Leisure Communications
(Reproduction or re-transmission without permission is prohibited.)