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Creative Leisure News
2677 Ashley Ct.
Tremont, IL 61568
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Email: mike@clnonline.com
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Date:
June 17, 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTSCOMMENTARY: CORPORATE IMMORALITYHardly a day goes by without reports of more corporate malfeasance. The latest is Martha Stewart herself. The Wall Street Journal reported federal investigators are looking into her sale of her stock in ImClone shortly before the announcement that the feds had denied approval of ImClone's anti-cancer drug. (ImClone's president has already been arrested for insider trading.)If it isn't stock shenanigans, it's accounting tricks to cook the books. The result is a black cloud of suspicion hanging over every public company. In case you're wondering about industry-related companies whose stocks are traded, here's a little background and my thoughts: In the 1980s, I edited the industry's first interview with A.C. Moore's Jack Parker and also the first profile of Michaels. I started reporting on our chains' stock prices in 1990. In the 1990's I served on the HIA board of directors with Jo-Ann's Alan Rosskamm. I've met Hancock's Larry Kirk and have spoken often with Michael Rouleau after he arrived at Michaels. Over the years I've known hundreds of our chains' employees. I have never seen or heard of even a hint of financial screwups. Not one. I would bet the farm that the accounting and financial reporting practices of our chains are completely above board. Michael, Jack, Alan, and Larry wouldn't have it any other way.
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COMING SOON TO CLN: BUSINESS PROFILESIn the near future, CLN will begin a new feature to appear in each issue: Business Profiles. Each Profile will be a concise history of the company, the names and brief descriptions of the major product lines or services offered, key company officials, trade/consumer show schedule, complete contact information, and a link to the company's website.There will be one business profiled per issue. When the next issue appears, the last Profile will move to a "Business Profiles Archive" on the CLN website. Each Profile would remain there for a year; any time during that year that the company's name appears in the newsletter, it would include a link to the Profile. The Profile can be updated any time. This is a great, inexpensive way for companies to explain all of their products and services to the industry's leaders. Meanwhile, readers will learn more about the company and have immediate, year-round access to the contact information. There will be special introductory fee of $250 for a 400-word Profile, which we'll help the company write if needed. ($250 would buy about a two-inch ad in one month of a trade magazine.) There will only be one per issue, so it's first-come, first serve. For more information, call Mike Hartnett at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.
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MAY SALES SHINE -- FOR CRAFTSIs there any wonder our industry's publicly held retailers have far outperformed the general stock market? There shouldn't be, given the stores' solid performance in May, marking at least nine months in a row that craft and fabric retailing has posted better sales results than most retail sectors. The following are the "same-store" results (sales in stores open more than one year), which are considered the most accurate gauge of a retailer's performance:Hancock's sales rose 7.9%; year-to-date those sales are up 7.5% ... Wal-Mart's store division's rose another 6.8%; YTD the sales are up 8% ... Michaels' sales increased 6.0%; YTD those sales are up 5% ... Jo-Ann's sales rose 5.7%; YTD sales have risen 11.7%. Wal-Mart cited crafts as a particularly strong category in May. Meanwhile, Ames' chair Joseph Ettore sent a letter to suppliers saying the bankrupt discount chain's results were similar to the results posted by most retailers. (Hmmm, if Ames performed the way the craft chains are performing, it wouldn't be bankrupt in the first place.)
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CYCA: KNIT-OUTS AND NEWS1. Jan Kahn, vp of sales and marketing for Caron Int., was unanimously elected chair of the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA), succeeding Richard Caron of Solutia.2. Warm Up America! is incorporating as a non-profit foundation. The program, started in 1991 by independent retailer Evie Rosen, has provided more than 80,000 afghans for victims of natural disasters, the homeless, and others in need. Solutia's Rick Caron is the president. In 1994, the CYCA, the yarn industry's trade group, took the program under its wing, broadening awareness by initiating links with national organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Cooperative Extension Service. "With the tax exempt status, for which we have made application, we will be able to raise funds to initiate new programs," said Caron. "To fulfill the afghan blankets requests received annually, the Foundation is working to broaden the reach of the WUA! program to children and adults, utilizing existing group networks and businesses.... Future plans include youth initiatives, expanded community-based projects and corporate employee programs." For more details, visit www.warmupamerica.com or contact the foundation offices at 2500 Lowell Rd., Ranlo, NC 28054. 3. Five years ago there was one Knit-Out & Crochet event in New York. This fall the CYCA, creator of these free consumer festivals, expects 40+ Knit-Outs nationwide. Michaels and Wal-Mart are also planning chain-wide tie-ins, which should result in record-breaking numbers of crocheters and knitters participating this year. The events will run from mid-September through October. The largest events will be Sept. 22 in Washington, DC, Sept. 29 in Los Angeles, and Oct. 6 in New York. There will be other events throughout the country, sponsored by local knitting and crochet guilds and often supported by grants from the Yarn Group of The National Needlework Assn. A list of most of the Knit-Out & Crochet events will be posted on www.knit-out.com. "The heart of Knit-Out & Crochet 2002," Kahn explained, "as it has been in past years, is to provide free knitting or crocheting lessons to whomever would like to learn, no matter what their age." In addition to free lessons, there will be informal fashion shows, demos, show & tell, children's activities, and crochet and knitting authors and celebrities. A unique feature of the New York and Los Angeles events will be to find the "World's Fastest Crocheter & Knitter" for the Guinness World Book. Apparently Guinness has such a listing, and preliminary competitions will be held at consumer events throughout the summer, culminating in the final elimination at the New York Knit-Out. Meanwhile, a similar competition is going on in Great Britain. The two British winners will fly to New York for the finals. For more on the CYCA, call 800-662-9999 or visit www.knitandcrochet.com.
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NEW ACCI EXHIBITORSMany of the new exhibitors at ACCI next month have web pages; for those of you who want to begin to research the new company's products before the show, here's the first batch.Amscan (booth #4216). Party supplies, albums, gift and garden items. www.amscan.com; 914-345-2020. ArchTech Connection/Best Punch (#4245). Die cutting systems: alpha-numeric sets, custom designs. www.bestpunch.com; 310-377-3969. Artistic Impulzz Studio (#4241). Scrapbooking ideas, techniques, die cuts, kits. www.artisticimpulzz.com; 810-231-6713. Art on the House (#5030). Kits for decorating the outsides of houses, sheds, and other buildings. www.artonthehouse.com. Candle Warmers (#4244). A small heater heats a candle so it emits its fragrance without being lit. www.candlewarmer.com; 801-942-0957. Candlewic (#4431). Candlemaking supplies, equipment, and kits. www.candlewic.com; 215-230-3601. Cardservice Int.(#4535). Credit card service for retailers. www.cardservice.com; 800-456-5902. Clarence J. Venne (#4440). Glue products for crafts, scrapbooks. www.daboink.com. Colorcutter (#4831). New cutting tool for crafts and scrapbooking.www.colorcutter.com; 954-587-6777. CQ Products (#4205). Journals, gift books. www.cqproducts.com; 800-887-4445. Copic Marker (#4439). A fast drying, double-ended, non-toxic marker in 214 colors. Refillable; special airbrush system, replaceable nibs, toner compatible. www.copicmarker.com; 541-684-0013. Crafters Hot Knife/TL Marshall Co. (#4249). Tool for cutting wax and plastic foam. www.candle-cutter.com. 909 392-4700. Cridge (#4540). Porcelain products for decorating; custom manufacturing. www.cridge.com; 215-295-2797. Cutting Edge Designs (#4218). Paper piecing designs for scrapbooks. www.cuttingedge-designs.com; 972-333-3015. (Note: More new exhibitors will be listed in our next two issues.)
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POLLS, I: NEEDLEWORK ENTHUSIASTSNeedlework Showcase (www.needleworkshowcase.com) is an excellent portal for a wide variety of needlework shops (click-and-mortar and e-commerce), designers, and manufacturers. The operation is led by Jim Hedgepath of Pegasus Originals. The site also includes a monthly poll and Jim gave CLN permission to report on results from recent polls.1. Age. Under 20: 0.3% ... 21-35: 13.4% ... 36-45: 28.9% ... 46-55: 34.0% ... 55+: 24.3%. 2. Experience With Needlework? Over 10 years: 83.0% ... 6 to 10 years: 8.8% ... 1 to 5 years: 6.4% ... Started in the last 3 months: 1.1% ... 3 to 12 months: 0.7%. 3. Number of Projects Completed Each Year. One: 2.6% ... 2-3: 17.5% ... Four-Six: 27.5% ... 7 or More: 52.5. 4. Number of Projects Currently in Progress. One: 9.5% ... Two: 14.0% ... Three: 16.5% ... Four: 15.4% ... Five or More: 44.6%. 5. Favorite Level of Stitching. Beginner/Quick-And-Easy: 4.6% ... Medium Level, Some Shading: 30.8% ... More Difficult, Larger Projects: 30.5% ... Challenging Projects with Special Fibers/Stitches: 34.0%. 6. Favorite Type of Needlework. Counted Cross Stitch: 80.7% ... Stamped Cross Stitch: 1.0% ... Needlepoint: 11.4% ... Hardanger: 2.8% ... Quilting: 4.1%. 7. Favorite Design Category. Southwest or Indian: 7.9% ... Fantasy: 12.6% ... Landscapes, Cottages and Gardens: 41.8% ... Animals/Wildlife ... 16.0 ... Angels: 21.7. 8. Favorite Material. 11-count Aida: 14 ... 14-count Aida: 266 ... 16-count Aida: 74 ... 18-count Aida: 93 ... 28-count Linen: 339. 9. Where Supplies Are Purchased. Independent Needlework Shop: 51.7% ... Chain Store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby etc.): 21.6% ... Online Store: 11.7% ... Discount Store (Wal-Mart, etc.) 6.6% ... Mail Order Catalog: 8.4%. 10. Most Common Use of Finished Projects. Give as gifts: 59.3% ... Frame and Hang In My Home: 40.0% ... Use In Other Projects (i.e., trays, other accessories): 3.5% ... Stitch Models For Stores or Designers: 1.2% ... Enter Competitions (i.e., fairs): 1.0%. 11. What Portion of the Designs That You Purchase Are for Collecting and May Never Be Stitched? I Stitch All Designs I Purchase: 22.8% ... Less Than 10% Are Just For Collecting: 20.5% ... 11-25%: 12.3% ... 25-50%: 22.6% ... Over 50%: 21.9%. 12. Do Crafts Other Than Cross-stitch? Yes: 37.2% No: 62.8%. 13. Preferred Needlepoint Canvas. Does Not Matter If I Like The Design 57.6% ... Hand painted, 39.9% ... Silk-screened 2.2% ... Heat Transfer 0.3%. 14. Preferred Needlepoint Canvas Count. 14-Count: 47.3% ... 18-Count: 41.6% ... 12-Count: 6.4% ... 10-Count: 3.1% ... 13-Count: 1.6%. Regarding Internet usage, 34% said they are spending less time doing needlework and more time on the Internet ... 73% are still using a dial-up modem (56k or slower) ... 4.8% said they shop online because a store is too far away.
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POLLS, II: CRAFT ENTHUSIASTSAn April survey conducted at the Hobby Industry Assn.'s www.i-craft.com consumer web site revealed that 46% of the 942 respondents said they spend six or more hours per week involved in crafts and 33% spend up to five hours. Among the respondents, 72% are between the ages of 30-59, and 49% have incomes over $40,000.Scrapbooking was the most popular group activity, said 38% of respondents, followed by general crafts (35%), needlecrafts (28%), and painting (25%). Homes were the most popular meeting place (45%), followed by churches (17%), retail stores (16%), and the Internet (12%).
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HIA SLATES TOP SPEAKERS FOR 2003 SHOWHIA has attracted two top-flight speakers for its show Jan.26-29 in Anaheim. Probably the most well known of the two, at least among industry veterans, is Don Soderquist, retired senior vice chair/coo of Wal-Mart and past president/ceo of the old Ben Franklin. Soderquist will be the featured speaker at HIA's first Leadership Forum on Mon., Jan. 27 at 7:30 am.Soderquist is now the Executive in Residence at the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics at John Brown University in Arkansas. He has made it his mission to "Equip people to lead with excellence, based on values that last and skills that work." More information about Soderquist and his ideas is available at www.soderquist.org/aboutus/bios/don.html. The keynote speaker will be Malcolm Gladwell, a writer for the New Yorker magazine and author of the bestseller, The Tipping Point. The book presents a fascinating theory on how consumer trends are born and spread. Excerpts from the book and other Gladwell articles are available at www.gladwell.com. Gladwell will kick off the show with his presentation on Sun., Jan. 26 at 7:30 am. More information about the HIA show is available at www.hobby.org. [Note: When e-commerce was new we recommended Gladwell's article, "Clicks and Mortar", on the subject. It remains the best analysis of e-commerce we've ever read, and is still available on Gladwell's website. The Tipping Point (Little Brown), is also highly recommended.]
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NEW SUMMER SHOW PRODUCTSYARN. Berroco introduced at the recent TNNA show seven yarns and four pattern books for Fall. Softwist is a basic worsted weight woolen blend with a twist of rayon shine ... Uxbridge Tweed is a wool blend, anti-itch, washable tweed that knits at 4 stitches/inch ... Chinchilla Bulky knits to 3 stitches/inch ... The Berroco FX Collection consists of Plume FX, an eyelash component yarn; Jewel FX, a rayon and metallic fancy; Mosaic FX, a railroad ribbon with vivid color notes; and Lazer FX, a brilliant sequin on a carrying thread that reflects and refracts light. Visit www.berroco.com/nts_new_index.html to see the new products and www.berroco.com/pl_pattern_preview.html to preview the new books. Call 508-278-2527.(Note: The products listed below will be shown at the ACCI show next month.) BOND AMERICA/CC PRODUCT (booth #908). The Wyr Knittr kit will knit tubes of wire for jewelry, accessories -- even scrapbook embellishing. It includes three spools of colorful wire (28-, 30-, and 32-gauge, instructions, patterns, and two bonus items -- a spool of wire for learning and a spool clip to hold the wire in place on the spool while it's being knitted. Open stock of Wyr Knittr wire will also be available. Ready to ship this month. Call 518-798-2181; www.bond-america.com/magicord_project.html. DESIGN ORIGINALS (#1515). A multitude of new books in various categories -- scrapbooking, painting, general crafts (i.e. ornament making), jewelry, clay, etc. Call 817-877-0067; www.d-originals.com. DESTINATION STAMPS & STICKERS (#4020). New for the show will be a Chicago sheet; Canadian province sticker sheets; France, England, Italy, and several other European destinations; Mexico; and the Caribbean. Call 219-485-9947; www.journeystamps.com. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES (ETI) (#414). AromaGel is a sparkling clear, water-based gel that melts in a microwave or on a stovetop. It's used for making decorative air fresheners which release their fragrance for up to 60 days ... Bath Fizzy kits and soap kits are part of the Fields Landing line and packaged in muslin bags that also serve as surfaces crafters can decorate. The attractive package is topped with a pretty re-usable ribbon and nice enough for the gift market. The consumer saves because she's paying for the product, not expensive packaging. Call 707-443-9323 or visit www.eti-usa.com. FLORACRAFT (#1123). The Floral Necessities line of flower arranging tools and products debuts with two Flower Arranging Starter Kits for either fresh flowers or silk and dried. Each kit includes appropriate floral foams, picks, pins, wires, floral tape, clay, and mosses, plus an in-depth floral booklet written by professional AIFD designer, Edwin Smith. The booklet explains basic design principles, using floral tools, color, flower/container selection, and has instructions for making four designer arrangements. The Kits have a suggested retail of $14.95 and are available now ... The Floral Necessities line also includes FloraFill Shredded Styrofoam in a 4.5 liter poly bag. FloraFill is used in fresh flower arrangements to help retain moisture and extend the life of cut flowers. Snow-white FloraFill Shredded Styrofoam also adds beauty to ordinary clear glass containers. The suggested retail is $2.99, and FloraFill is available now. Call 231-845-5127; www.floracraft.com. HOT OFF THE PRESS (#2002). All new: Two scrapbooking idea books, Making Lumpy Scrapbook Pages and 102 Ideas for 3D Embellishments; five books of scrapbooking embellishments; five collage paper collections; four books of coordinating patterned papers and two Disney "Paper Pizazz" books; and seven craft instruction books, including a Sculpey instruction book. Retailers can also learn more about the Independents Only program. Call 503-266-9102; www.paperpizazz.com. JRM CHEMICAL (#4221). When water is added to Crystal Accents, sparkling "crystals" are created which can be used for an exciting new look in floral and candle arrangements ... Tree Moist Christmas tree granules absorb water in a Christmas tree stand. They slowly release the water, which reduces the number of times a tree must be watered. Call 800-962-4010. www.soilmoist.com. MIDWEST DESIGN IMPORTS (#2104). Is offering a variety of special discounts for independents who order on plan-o-grams of import lines such as the Touch of Nature lines, the Premier Porcelain Collection, and Mask It designer masks. Small minimums, inner packs of 3 make re-ordering easy. Call 402-691-8009; mdimports@aol.com. MINI MEMORIES (#4227). Offers a complete line of scrapbooking products for kids -- paper, stickers, albums, pockets, and mixed media, all designed with kids in mind. All products are in stock, and ship within two business days. Call 801-294-7276; www.mini-memories.com. Reminder: The next two issues of Creative Leisure News will include info on new products unveiled at summer trade shows. Email material to mike@clnonline.com or send it to 2677 Ashley Ct., Tremont, IL 61568.
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RANDOM NOTES, RANDOM THOUGHTS1. What was particularly interesting to me about the Needlecraft Showcase polls reported above was the substantial number of designs these needlework enthusiasts buy -- but don't make. They are collectors almost as much as they are stitchers. I suspect hardcore enthusiasts in every category are like that.2. The retailer version of Your Guide To The Craft Industry is now online at www.accicrafts.org/guide2.htm. Like the manufacturer's version which is also online, I wrote it at ACCI's behest to help newcomers learn about the industry. Because it is online, changes and additions can still be made. If you can think of some areas -- in either version of the Guide -- that I omitted and which you wish you'd known about when you entered the industry, please let me know -- 309-925-5593; acci.craftguide@offinger.com. 3. ACCI is doing the best job I've ever seen to help buyers use the website (www.accicrafts.org) for their advance planning. On the site, buyers can see the exhibitor list, which contains links to the vendors' websites; check out the exhibitors' show specials; and print out a floor plan to begin their booth "must-see" list. Later this week, the site will include a complete schedule of events at each of the six new Interactive Zones -- demos, speakers, book signings, etc., plus a list of each product being used in the Idea Station projects. Buyers complain there isn't time to see everything at our big trade shows. Now ACCI has given them the tools to make their attendance as efficient and comprehensive as possible. The site has good info for vendors, too. They should read the "Retailer Interviews" to learn what some of the industry's best chains and independents want and need from exhibitors.
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWSTNNA. "We just returned from the TNNA show in Columbus, OH and it was the best show we have every had! I think most other yarn companies would agree." -- Warren Wheelock, Berroco.HONORS. A.C. Moore was named 71st in Business Week's 2002 list of "Hot Growth Companies" published in the June 10th issue. Public companies with annual sales between $50 million and $1.5 billion, a stock price above $5/share, and a market value of more than $25 million were ranked according to their three-year results in sales growth, earnings growth, and return on invested capital. Less than 10 retail operations made the list. AMES. Reported to the bankruptcy court that it lost another $11.4 million in the four weeks ended May 4 ... Is closing six stores, one store each in Essex, MD; Neptune and North Brunswick, NJ; Syracuse, NY; Cambridge, OH; and Bethel Park, PA. They are expected to close by mid August, affecting 280 employees. KMART.According to the Detroit Free Press, numerous vendors have sold their unpaid claims to "debt buyers" for 7 to 15 cents on the dollar, figuring it was better to get paid a little now, rather than waiting for the bankruptcy reorganization plan to pay them something ... The company reported a $1.45 billion loss for the first quarter. PROMOS. In support of HIA's national campaign, Celebrate America with Crafts, on June 29, Michaels stores will host a "Family Free Event" sponsored by Pepperell. Participants can make a necklace, zipper pull or key chain in patriotic colors using Rexlace plastic lacing and other Pepperell products. It's from 10 am - noon and 1-3 pm ... Jo-Ann's is offering a free make-it/take-it from 1-3 pm the same day, also as part of the HIA promo. The first 30 kids will receive materials to make a Starter Strokes painted wood door hanger ... HIA's promos seem to be sinking in with the public. In May 54% of the 555 respondents at HIA's consumer site, www.i-craft.com said they knew National Craft Month was in March. That's up from 48% in 2001. KNITTING. Bond America is coordinating a new program with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to establish a women's economic cooperative in Rwanda, still economically devastated from the recent civil war and genocide. Bond is donating 60 knitting machines, members of the Craft Yarn Council of America are donating 1,500 skeins of yarn, and Bond President Cari Clement will fly to Africa in August to help establish the cooperative and train the women. Eventually Cari hopes to expand the program to neighboring Eritrea, and import and sell the finished sweaters in the U.S. FAO. The wner of Zany Brainy completed a private placement of 4.5 million shares of stock at $6/share. FAO says it will use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including expanding retail stores and working capital. FAO announces its first-quarter earnings today. DIVIDEND. Hancock's board of directors declared a cash dividend of 8 cents/share on the outstanding common shares, payable July 15 to shareholders of record July 1. ACQUISITION. Duncan Enterprises acquired Scioto Ceramic Products -- a clear indication of the company's continuing commitment to a growth strategy in ceramics. Founded in 1970, Scioto Ceramic Products produced designs that have a strong following in the U.S. and around the world. Scioto cherub molds are staples of the gift and floral market. FATHERHOOD. U.S. consumers spent $113.80 on average to honor dad yesterday, according to an Int. Mass Retailing Assn. survey, reports Retail Merchandiser. ROLODEX. The Home Sewing Assn. and the Professional Assn. Of Custom Clothiers are moving on July 1 to 494 Eighth Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10001-1806. The phone and fax remain the same for HSA: 212-714-1633; fax 212-714-1655 -- and for PACC: 212-714-6673; fax 212-714-6674. LICENSING. Trend guru Faith Popcorn told an HIA audience last January that if she were not in the business she in, she would want to be in crafts. Well, she isn't starting a craft business, but she is licensing her name for the Faith Popcorn Cocooning Collection of wallpapers by Village, and the Faith Popcorn Cottage Cocoon Home Office collection by Hooker Furniture, reported Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine. CANDLES. Blyth, the candle/home fragrance company, reported a first-quarter sales increase of 7.9%, to $277.9 million. Sales of the PartyLite candle line increased 10% ... Illuminations sold its Starlight and Illume wholesale and manufacturing divisions to a management group. PAINTING. Tera Leigh, author of The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (North Light, 2001), taught a painting workshop to the contestants of the Mrs. California International pageant in association with the Memory Box artist program. The Memory Box program provides boxes, free of charge, for infant bereavement programs. The program is a way for individuals to use the joy of crafting in a way that makes a difference. It was founded by Leigh in 1998 and has provided more than 36,000 boxes to date, and the pageant adopted the program as one of its official charities for 2002 -2003. Daler-Rowney and Plaid provided brushes and paints for the contestants. Her latest book, How to be Creative if You Never Thought You Could, will be published by North Light next spring. For more on Leigh's book and the Memory Box program, call 760-249-4059; email tera@teraleigh.com; or visit www.teraleigh.com. JOB HUNTING. Sales pro with extensive experience selling to craft and fabric independent and small chain accounts is looking in Northern Illinois. For more info, call Gail Campbell at 847-695-8878 or email kenswmn@aol.com. CREDIT. Michaels has reached agreement with its lenders to extend its $200 million credit facility for another year, to April 2005.
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EMAIL: THE STATE OF BUSINESS IN EUROPEThe real situation in Europe is much better than people probably think. Because of my business, I stay in touch on a monthly basis with the total trade of the European countries, and the customers from our industry. Since January this year, Europe became a common market with one currency (the Euro) in 15 countries. In 2004, there will be 19 countries, with a total consumer market of 385 million people.The people in the industry update me about the situation of the European market, especially about the sales and all the products that come from the U.S., and of course from China. The total craft industry is still a growing, expanding market in Europe, compared with the traditional needlework-notions industry. Now, with a strong dollar, it is a great time to buy in Europe (1 Euro = 93 cents U.S.) -- as a tourist or to buy a European company. -- Rudy Heukels (Note: Rudy is president of RH International, a company that assists U.S. vendors wishing to export to Europe, and European companies wishing to sell in the U.S. Rudy can be contacted at 2 Eagle Nest Lane, Long Valley, NJ 07853. Phone 908-684-1998; fax 908-684-1112; or email RH99INT@aol.com.)
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THE CREATIVE NETWORK: JOB OPENINGSTo see a sampling of the current job openings and to contact The Creative Network, click on the "Jobs" button in the left hand column.
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THE CLN RETAIL INDEXA. C. Moore (ACMR) Last*: 39.63 ... Change**: -3.04Ames (AMES). Last*: 0.10 ... Change**: -0.04 Hancock Fabrics (HKF). Last*: 18.02 ... Change**: -0.56 Jo-Ann Stores (JAS.A) [a]. Last*: 27.05 ... Change**: +3.94 Michaels (MIK). Last*: 42.65 ... Change**: -0.80 Rag Shops (RAGS). Last*: 5.70 ... Change**: -0.25 Wal-Mart (WMT). Last*: 56.95 ... Change**: +2.85 CLN Retail Index. Last*: 100.501 ... Change**: +1.1% Dow Jones Index. Last*: 9,474.21 ... Change**: -4.5% *June 14 ** from May 31 [a] voting share Prices are exclusive of dividends
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THE PERKS OF BEING OVER 40This was emailed from a friend, who said if you're over 40, enjoy the list; if you're under 40, read to see what you have to look forward to:1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 3. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 4. You can live without sex but not without glasses. 5. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it. 6. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room. 7. You sing along with elevator music. 8. Your health plan is beginning to pay off. 9. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. 10. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size. 11. You can't remember where you read this list.
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REMINDERS1. Paid subscribers are invited to have their website evaluated by Lynn Carlisle of Carlisle Communications. She'll check the site and provide a confidential assessment and suggestions for improvement. Just email mike@clnonline.com or ljc@carlislecommunications.com.2. If you want a hard-copy of this issue, click on "Printer Friendly version". 3. If your company is a paid subscriber, everyone in the main office is welcome to register, free. 4. If you want to recommend CLN to a friend, use the "Tell Your Friends" box on the home page. 5. Creative Leisure News is published on the first and third Mondays of each month. Your next issue will be Monday, July 1.
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