Crafty introductions at HIA - Hobby Industries of America's trade show, San Diego, California
SAN DIEGO -- New rubber stamps, doll kits, mini quilts, fabric paints and improved packaging and programs suited to chain stores were among the hot spots at the high traffic Hobby Industries of America show held here last month.
As Al McGill, craft buyer with Meijer, phrased it, "We found it to be the most exciting show we've been to yet this year." The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based hypermarket chain plans to increase the size of its crafts area this year, giving more space to doll making supplies, various kits and rubber stamps.
Rubber stamps were also expected to either find a place on the shelf or be expanded at many other chains. Chuck Brussow, buyer with discounter Duckwall-Alco in Abilene, Kan., said he expected to add rubber stamps after viewing new options at the show, as did merchandisers from both craft and home decor specialty chains.
John Popple, president of Leewards Creative Crafts, said he was especially drawn to stamps from Rubberstampede, Berkeley, Calif., because the manufacturer has geared its packaging for chain retailers. Polybags with header cards are available and Popple said he expects the company to have blistercards as early as next year.
Improved packaging was on the list of attributes Popple and executive vice president Dave Bolen were seeking out. "There's a need for comprehensive merchandising programs from craft manufacturers," Popple noted.
Dale Ward, president of Ben Franklin, echoed the sentiment, noting that he saw some updated fixtures and packaging. While Ward saw a few new items, he had hoped to see more at HIA.
"The attitude of the vendor is real good, but there is a hesitation in the development of new product," Ward said. He suggested that vendors look for ways to combine products they already produce to arrive at an exciting new product. "That way they might not have to spend a lot of money to bring something new to the market."
One new twist to the market that is expected to add fuel to the fire of crafts retailing is instructional videotapes provided by Plaid Enterprises, Norcross, Ga.
Jack Bush, president of Michaels craft stores, said Plaid's new Liquid Bisque product was among the note-worthy introductions at the show, and the availability of videotaped instruction for the use of the product greatly enhanced its appeal. In fact, instructional videotapes do so much to build sales that Michaels has been retailing some of its own tapes. By producing extra copies of its store-level training tapes, the company is able to build sales of its crafts components.
Innovations in Category
Manufacturers and retailers said that contrary to most other businesses, the craft chains and their vendors will enjoy double-digit percentage sales gains in 1992.
Ira Kleinberg, president of Chicago-based artificial flower products supplier, Reliance Trading, said he estimates sales will be up about 12% over last year for the year ending April 30, 1992.
Wang's, Memphis, Tenn., also expects double-digit growth this year, said Bernie Kelly, vice president of sales and merchandising with the import/wholesaler firm. "If January is any indication, 1992 will be astronomical," he said.
All craft chain retailers interviewed also expected that 1992 will be a year of profitable sales gains. Most reported record-breaking December sales gains, in both chainwide results, and on a comparable store basis. The new products at HIA were expected to sustain this momentum.
Duncan's new Scribbles Doubles fabric paint that allows two colors to be applied as a single line of paint was among the most noteworthy additions to the wearable art category. The Fresno, Calif.-based manufacturer is the first to offer two paints in a single bottle, and is seeking a patent for the bottle's design.
Caron's new Homestead Pillowcase Doll, which has already been added to the assortments of several top discounters, was one of the most exciting new kits. After three years in development, the doll kit supplies the crafter with a pre-made cloth doll and various stamped cross stitch patterns on a "pillow case" dress. The doll has a suggested retail of $20, but can be promoted at $15.
New York-based Lion Brand Yarn introdued three new yarn lines at the show: Jamie 4 Kids, a new four-ply, bright colored children's yarn with an everyday price of $1.49 per skein. Wool Ease, an upscale 80/20 acrylic/wool blend for the mass market priced to sell at $1.99 per 3 oz. ball everyday; and value-oriented Jamie Bonus Bundle which can be promoted at $5 per ball.
As Al McGill, craft buyer with Meijer, phrased it, "We found it to be the most exciting show we've been to yet this year." The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based hypermarket chain plans to increase the size of its crafts area this year, giving more space to doll making supplies, various kits and rubber stamps.
Rubber stamps were also expected to either find a place on the shelf or be expanded at many other chains. Chuck Brussow, buyer with discounter Duckwall-Alco in Abilene, Kan., said he expected to add rubber stamps after viewing new options at the show, as did merchandisers from both craft and home decor specialty chains.
John Popple, president of Leewards Creative Crafts, said he was especially drawn to stamps from Rubberstampede, Berkeley, Calif., because the manufacturer has geared its packaging for chain retailers. Polybags with header cards are available and Popple said he expects the company to have blistercards as early as next year.
Improved packaging was on the list of attributes Popple and executive vice president Dave Bolen were seeking out. "There's a need for comprehensive merchandising programs from craft manufacturers," Popple noted.
Dale Ward, president of Ben Franklin, echoed the sentiment, noting that he saw some updated fixtures and packaging. While Ward saw a few new items, he had hoped to see more at HIA.
"The attitude of the vendor is real good, but there is a hesitation in the development of new product," Ward said. He suggested that vendors look for ways to combine products they already produce to arrive at an exciting new product. "That way they might not have to spend a lot of money to bring something new to the market."
One new twist to the market that is expected to add fuel to the fire of crafts retailing is instructional videotapes provided by Plaid Enterprises, Norcross, Ga.
Jack Bush, president of Michaels craft stores, said Plaid's new Liquid Bisque product was among the note-worthy introductions at the show, and the availability of videotaped instruction for the use of the product greatly enhanced its appeal. In fact, instructional videotapes do so much to build sales that Michaels has been retailing some of its own tapes. By producing extra copies of its store-level training tapes, the company is able to build sales of its crafts components.
Innovations in Category
Manufacturers and retailers said that contrary to most other businesses, the craft chains and their vendors will enjoy double-digit percentage sales gains in 1992.
Ira Kleinberg, president of Chicago-based artificial flower products supplier, Reliance Trading, said he estimates sales will be up about 12% over last year for the year ending April 30, 1992.
Wang's, Memphis, Tenn., also expects double-digit growth this year, said Bernie Kelly, vice president of sales and merchandising with the import/wholesaler firm. "If January is any indication, 1992 will be astronomical," he said.
All craft chain retailers interviewed also expected that 1992 will be a year of profitable sales gains. Most reported record-breaking December sales gains, in both chainwide results, and on a comparable store basis. The new products at HIA were expected to sustain this momentum.
Duncan's new Scribbles Doubles fabric paint that allows two colors to be applied as a single line of paint was among the most noteworthy additions to the wearable art category. The Fresno, Calif.-based manufacturer is the first to offer two paints in a single bottle, and is seeking a patent for the bottle's design.
Caron's new Homestead Pillowcase Doll, which has already been added to the assortments of several top discounters, was one of the most exciting new kits. After three years in development, the doll kit supplies the crafter with a pre-made cloth doll and various stamped cross stitch patterns on a "pillow case" dress. The doll has a suggested retail of $20, but can be promoted at $15.
New York-based Lion Brand Yarn introdued three new yarn lines at the show: Jamie 4 Kids, a new four-ply, bright colored children's yarn with an everyday price of $1.49 per skein. Wool Ease, an upscale 80/20 acrylic/wool blend for the mass market priced to sell at $1.99 per 3 oz. ball everyday; and value-oriented Jamie Bonus Bundle which can be promoted at $5 per ball.