Favorite Things – Great Products Your Store Needs!

Searching for unique, memorable products for your store can be tough. And trying to capture the right products for your specific demographics can make this only tougher. That’s why our eyes are always open to help find new, impressionable products that can “wow” your customers. From purposeful to decorative to fashionable, the below products each offer something fun for your shopping audience.

Silver Linings

Pretty in Tiffany blue packaging, Silver Linings aren’t meant to be shown off. But they are designed to help you in showing off your favorite shoes. An ultra-thin lining for the front part of shoes, Silver Linings are meant to be worn in shoes without socks. They inhibit the natural occurrence of bacterial odor while also offering an anti-slip backing. Plus – ladies, listen up – they are soft! Comfortable is key for our fashion favorite shoes, and Silver Linings help do the trick. Retailing at $15,99 for three pairs, this is an easy sell for your stores. For more information, visit www.silverliningsnewyork.com or contact founder Jennifer Chu directly at jennifer@chushunewyork.com.

Charming Memories

Photo jewelry is all the rage. Whether you sell to new moms, grandmothers, teen girls or confused dads, this next “favorite” is a crowd stopper. Literally. After wearing a necklace with a photo on each of the two sides of a charm of my children when they were babies, I couldn’t go anywhere without getting a compliment. Your store will be the place to go for ordering these beautiful yet affordable jewelry gifts! Bracelets, necklaces,charms and other accessories make up Charming Memories, which are all created by designer Aileen and based in Chicago. While there are many designers who offer comparable designs, Charming Memories does so with such craft, quality, affordability and charm (of course). The best part? There is little overhead to bring these beauties to your store assortment since orders will need to be customized! Contact Aileen for how you can bring her beautiful, custom designs to your store at charmingmemories@comcast.net. You can also view more of her designs at www.charming-memories.com.

pkboo

Now I know what you are thinking… there are sooooooooo many baby products in the marketplace. And you’re right. But pkboo offers real life, every day essentials that combine vintage inspiration with delightful details that make mom smile and baby happy – the perfect combo! All about the “aww”, pkboo offers modern textile totes, bibs, changing pads and more. Moms won’t mind changing diapers with these pretty back drops! While the prices aren’t for everyone, they are for the fashion minded, design loving moms of the world who want baby basics that aren’t boring. Learn more at www.pkbookids.com or contact wholesale rep Pam Shiu Newman at 914-409-2988 or wholesale@pkbookids.com.

Tyes by Tara

Rocker wives. Playboy Playmates. Swimsuit Models. Have I caught your attention yet? Tyes by Tara are a fun, flirty collection of “ties” specifically designed for women. Whether to your favorite club, a friend’s party or in your bedroom, Tyes by Tara were designed to bring out the inner glamour, inner diva, and inner beauty in all ladies. They can be added to lingerie, dresses or even shoes. Or, they simply be worn as a single stand out accessory! There are ankle tyes, bow tyes, heel tyes for shoes, neck tyes, ring tyes and even thong tyes. Visit www.tyesbytara.com for a more comprehensive viewing of this fun and surprising collection. Contact them at sales@tyesbytara.com for order inquries or 877.595.8937. We’re thinking your customers will have a lot of fun with these!

Have your own favorite products? Let us know! We are currently searching for fabulous home goods. If you think you have a product that is a “favorite” and should be shared, let us know! Please email nicole@retailminded.com.

Favorite Things of Retail Minded

There is so much to learn about in the business of retail and wholesale. Where to start, who to trust, why to do something, when to say yes, when to say no…. the list goes on forever! At Retail Minded, we understand your frustration and likewise, your excitement, in keeping up with everything. To help you stay on track, learn a few new things and just for your own FYI, here are some things we think you should know about it.

POOL Trade Show

Are you an emerging designer and tired of just selling to friends, family and local boutiques? Take it up a notch and apply to the POOL Trade Show to showcase your product! Held in Las Vegas bi-annually, POOL was founded to support emerging brands and the boutique retail marketplace. They take a dedicated interest in providing a well balanced assortment of designers, products and opportunities for retailers to purchase from. Learn more by visiting www.pooltradeshow.com.

Outright Bookkeeping & Tax Support

Does bookkeeping leave you with headaches and confusion? How about taxes? With Outright, an online software solution for bookkeeping and small business taxes, what use to be hard is now super easy. Their FREE (yes, that’s right, FREE) online program can make your dreaded chores the easy part of your to-do list. Learn by visiting www.outright.com.

Media Bistro

Everyone wants press. And why wouldn’t you? Media Bistro helps support publicity professionals, as well as retailers and wholesalers like yourself who are trying to be their own PR professionals. Their blogs are great, they offer grammar lessons (so important when pitching your business), freelancers are listed on this site that may be able to help you and so much more. Check them out at www.mediabistro.com.

Retail Adventures Blog

If you haven’t heard of KIZER & BENDER yet, you will. Attend a retail expo, convention or seminar and it’s likely they will be speakers at the event! But in case you aren’t lucky enough to meet this duo face to face, no worries. Their retail blog, titled Retail Adventures, is a fun, informative blog about retail and all the aspects it entails. From how customers shop to what the big dogs (Walmart, Disney World, etc.) are up to, they will keep you informed – and laughing along the way. Visit their Retail Adventures blog at http://kizerandbender.blogspot.com/.

Have your own “favorites” right now? Let us know! Please comment below.

Leaning On Others – Retail Minded Favorites

It’s okay to admit that you don’t know it all. None of us do. Too often I find business owners who think they can “do it all” and “know it all” and while I respect that it’s their business and their choice, I can’t help but think they would gain value from others. After all, who wouldn’t? We all can lean on others now and again for extra support. As small business owners, this is especially true. And with some great online sites dedicated to helping retailers and wholesalers, it’s easier than ever!

Every community, every business and every person is different. So where they lean and who they lean on will vary as necessary, but a few online favorites at Retail Minded include:

For Clothing Designers and Apparel Manufacturers

Fashion Incubator is the place to go for those interested in designing an apparel line, manufacturing products or just plain interested in how this process all works. Founder and author Kathleen Fascanella offers extremely valuable insight to this competitive industry on her blog, as well as offers a very valuable and must have book for those interested in understanding this often confusing industry. Learn more by visiting www.fashion-incubator.com or link to http://www.fashion-incubator.com/products_services/ directly to purchase your copy of “The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing”.

In The Children’s Business

In the business of infants, toddlers or children? The Giggle Guide is great new site that offers so much information that it’s possible to get lost on their great website! Being lost on The Giggle Guide is a good thing, though. There is information for stores, reps, manufacturers and more. They have blogs, product reviews, resources and support to help with all your business needs. Learn more by visiting www.thegiggleguide.com.

For Publicity and Marketing Support

Looking for ways to build your brand, grow awareness of your product or store and gain attention that will help feed your business? Collective-E is a great online site that offers educational workshops (though mostly NYC based), support in gaining press, and so much more. Their real life approach towards getting ahead in the eyes of editors and getting attention where you need it doesn’t come entirely for free - there are membership packages and other service options to choose from. But whether you are in Georgia or NYC, Collective-E can support some of your business needs. Learn more by visiting www.collective-e.com.

We’d love to know your favorite support sources, as well! Please email Retail Minded at nicole@retailminded.com or post a comment below.

My Favorite Things in “Retail” Right Now

Favorite Products

PopATot Avtivity Center – This amazing product was created by a mom of five who searched high and low for something that would allow her to include her little ones in all the things they loved, which includes camping, outside activities, and travel… As well as having her own pair of hands to simply get things done at home while still keeping her little ones happy. The result? The creation of PopATot, an activity center built on a sturdy frame with a canvas body that can fold up and go with her anywhere! As a mom of a 6 month old, I can honestly say this is genuis. I only wish I had knew about it before I bought a big, bulky activity center that sits in the middle of my living room and can’t even get through our standard framed doors. PopATot is our new best friend, though, coming with us to friends houses, neighborhood get togethers, the doggy beach, and so much more. With it’s light weight and easy pack and go carrier, PopATot is a must have in any baby store and definitely in any baby’s home! At only $59.99 retail, this is something you don’t want to dismiss. To see for yourself, visit www.PopATot.com.

Flirt Buttons & More – Need a fun party favor? What about a different gift idea? Or maybe just because?

Fabric Covered Mirrors

Flirt Buttons offer a great assortment of “little” things to make every day fun. They offer monogrammed mirrors, adorable pendants, hair accessories, magnets, and more that are primarialy made with fabric covered details. With super affordable prices, these adorable trinkets are the perfect add on sale at retail, as well as offer an adorable customized approach for wedding showers, baby showers, and anything else custom. The designer, Sharon Britt from Georgia, sells her product on Etsy but also sells to retailers, attends craft fairs, and is open to customized requests. Check out her Etsy shop to learn more, www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com.

Rubber Stamps & More – If you are a small business owner like me, then Rubber Stamps.net is a great go to place for both buiness and personal products! Offering a wide assortment of stamps, address labels, and more, RubberStamps.net helps business owners by making their ”to do” list easier. They offer stamps that notify customers of invoices, late fees, deposit details, addresses, customer logos, and so much more. I have the Retail Minded logo in a rubber stamp that I simply press onto paper for a million different reasons and boom, I’m done. In addition, I use a rubber stamp for my return address that also serves as a notice to where to send payments to. It’s on my ”to do” list to order many more stamps to save me time while also making my work papers look more polished! To see how RubberStamps.net products can help make your busy day easier while also helping your professional outreach look great, too, check out www.RubberStamps.net 

Favorite Services

Owning an independent retail or wholesale business can be tough, not to mention pricey. There is always something to do and very rarely can you take a vacation from your business. Luckily, there are some great team players out there who can help your business by offering valuable services! While I also provide services designed to support independent retailers and wholesalers at Retail Minded, I love that others are offering great service for small business owners, as well. Below are a few of my favorites.

D’Luxe Press and Design – What do you get when you take two young moms in North Carolina with five kids between them, two hubbies, two houses, two pets, and a lot of love for all things baby? D’Luxe Press and Design! This fabulous PR support agency offers their services to those looking to launch their baby based products to the world. They have tons of online blogging experience, media connections, and dedication – making their unique support the perfect partner for those trying to get their baby products some press! You can learn more about their services by visiting www.dluxepressanddesign.com.

Pitch Press – I love what Pitch Press offers to their fashion clients – affordable press that even inlcudes a la carte options! Here I was thinking I was the only one doing a la carte, but it turns out they are, too, and doing it well at that!

Pitch Press

Pitch Press manages media and press placement for fashion clients, offering the opportunity to be placed in trade publications, online outlets, national magazines, and so much more. If you are in fashion and need unique and affordable support to help get your product or brand recognized, check out Pitch Press today! www.pitchpress.com

Favorite Resources

There are so many great options for independent retailers and wholesalers to lean on these days. Among my favorite right now are Twitter and Retailing Together.

Twitter - I would be genuinely surprised if you have not heard of Twitter yet. Even celeberties are tweeting these days in between their already jammed pack papparzazzi schedule. But for the rest of the world, tweeting offers an amazing conncetion between businesses by allowing people, their products, and their services a way to get to know each other. While I can see how it can take up time,  Twitter doesn’t need to be a waste of time. That said, if you just play on it all day, it could easily distract you from getting your  real work done. But using it to connect to new customers, learn new things, and promote your business IS work, afterall. Take the time to learn what all the buzz is about to see if Twitter may work for you! Personally, I prefer it over Facebook and itch to get my Twitter time in each day! www.twitter.com

Retailing Together – Like Retail Minded, Retailing Together supports the independent retailer through a blog as well as a soon to launch retail technology. The website provides support to retailers by educating them on the current marketplace while also offering them links to a variety of resoures. The founder, Eric Busboom, takes a dedicated approach to understanding what is happening within retail and shares his insight with his readers and introduces guest contributors, as well, on a frequent basis. Check out www.retailingtogether.com to see how it may be a great resource for your business needs!

We would love to hear what your favorite  things are! Please comment directly to this blog and let us know!