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Creative Leisure News
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Date:
July 15, 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTSCOMMENTARY: REMINDERS1. By all means, if you want a hard copy of this issue, click on "Printer Friendly Version" first, and print that. It's the same issue, but with wider margins and no blue left-hand column. You'll save paper and your printer cartridge.2. The requests from companies of all types for our new Business Profile have been very gratifying. (The latest installment is Next Level Marketing, below). There's only one Profile per issue of Creative Leisure News and the issues are booked through Christmas. If you'd like more information on how your company can be profiled, call me at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com. 3. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the ACCI and INRG shows. I will talk to as many of you as I can in person, but if I miss you, please email your thoughts, on or off the record. The more honest feedback I receive, the better reporting job I can do.
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JUNE SALES SKYROCKETIf these aren't the best monthly sales figures in the industry's history, they have to be close, especially coupled with the reports (see below) from Rag Shops and A.C. Moore.Jo-Ann's same-store sales jumped 10.2% and overall sales rose 9.7% to $141.1 million, despite strong sales a year ago when the company was launching its clearance sales. Year-to-date sales are up 11.0% to $620.9 million and same-store sales are up 11.3%. Because of better than previously anticipated results, the company has raised its earnings estimate for the fiscal year a whopping 20 cents/share, to $1.60-$1.70. Michaels same-stores sales rose 9% and overall sales jumped 20% to $210.2 million. Sales for the year are up 16% and same-store sales are up 6%. Officials now believe same-store sales in July will rise 6-8% and quarterly earnings will be better than originally expected, up to 16 cents/diluted share. A conference call with analysts that was held last week when the results were announced has been archived until this Thursday. To listen to the call, visit www.michaels.com or call 973-341-3080 and use PIN 3121398. Hancock's same-store sales rose 7%, while overall sales rose 6% to $34.8 million. Year to date, sales are up 7.8% to $168.2 million and same-store sales are up 7.4%. Wal-Mart reported an 8.7% increase in same store sales for its regular store division, more than double the increase (4.1%) of the Sam's Club division. Because of the strong figures, the discounter is also raising its earning expectations for the quarter a penny to 43-44 cents/share.
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A.C. MOORE: SALES JUMP, STOCK SPLITSSales for the second quarter ended June 30 rose 23% to $67.1 million and same-store sales rose 10%. For the first half of the fiscal year, sales are up 26% to $168.7 million and same-store sales are up 12%.CEO Jack Parker stated, "With this sales performance, we expect to beat both the consensus estimate and our own previously announced outlook for the second quarter." Second quarter earnings will be released this Wednesday and there will be a conference call at 5:00 pm EST. Listen to the call by visiting the investor portion of its website at www.acmoore.com or at www.vcall.com/EventPage.asp?ID=81960. Meanwhile, the board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split to be paid on July 31 to shareholders of record as of July 15. As a result of the split, the number of outstanding shares of common stock will increase from about 9.4 million to approximately 18.7 million. "The decision by our board to split the stock," Parker said, "reflects our ongoing commitment to maximizing shareholder value and underscores the continued confidence in our long-term growth prospects. Furthermore, the split should make our shares more attractive to a wider range of investors and enhance the liquidity of the stock."
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RAG SHOPS' PROFITS DOUBLENet income for the third quarter ended June 1 almost doubled to $90,000 ($0.02/diluted share). For the first three quarters, net income was $1.6 million ($0.33/diluted share), versus $1.4 million ($0.29/diluted share).Same-store sales rose 5.2% for the quarter and 4.3% for the nine months. Officials attributed the increases to a better in-stock position, new products, improved merchandise display, and consumer trends that resulted in increases in average sales and customer transactions during the quarter and strong Christmas season sales earlier in the year. President Jeff Gerstel said, "We continue to make progress on our key objectives for this year -- sales growth and profit margin improvement. Our customers are responding to our introduction of new products, improved product merchandising, and better in-stock position. The gross margin improvement primarily resulted from progress in reducing markdowns." Rag Shops' stock has increased along with other industry-related chains. Since the first of the year it has increased 90%. The stock is traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap System under the symbol, RAGS; the website is www.ragshop.com. The current store count is 66 and the company plans to open two additional stores before the fiscal year ends Aug. 31.
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CRAFTS A BIG WINNER IN CHAIN SURVEYThe annual industry report by DSN Retailing Today provided more evidence that the industry is on a magic carpet ride. Sales in craft chains rose 8.7% to $6.332 billion in 2001. The total sales were higher than those of book, closeout, music, home dec, baby goods, farm goods, jewelry, and party supply chains. The only types of chains showing a bigger percentage increase were supercenters, consumer electronics, dollar stores, home specialty chains, and pet superstores.The magazine, formerly called Discount Store News, ranked the top 150 chains according to sales. The following are some companies of interest: On the rise: QVC up one place to 28 ... Michaels up 1 to 39 ... Jo-Ann's up 4 to 51 ... Hobby Lobby, the same at 66 ... Pamida up 1 to 71 ... Garden Ridge up 2 to 96 ... Hancock up 6 to 103 ... Frank's Nursery up 33 to 112 ... A.C. Moore up 9 to 115 ... FAO entered the ranks at 124 ... Rag Shops up 3 to 146. Wal-Mart took three of the top five spots with the supercenters #1, the traditional discount stores #2, and Sam's Club #5. Costco was #3 and Kmart #4. Down in rank: Target down 1 to 6 ... Toys R Us down 2 to 16 ... Fred Meyer down 5 to 23 ... Ames down 5 to 32 ... ShopKo down 2 to 37 ... Home Shopping Network down 4 to 50.
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MIDYEAR PREDICTIONS1. Summary. Business is excellent and there are no signs on the horizon to indicate any imminent change. But a year ago this time, we reported business was generally flat with nothing on the horizon then, either. Then the terrorists struck.2. Competition. The more the chains expand, the more they will bump heads. In the 80's the sewing segment of the industry was "over-stored" in major metropolitan areas; that may very well happen in crafts, but not in the next year or so. 3. Independents. Look for Michaels to expand the number of smaller population areas in which the company opens its Village Crafts stores. Some of independents who have never had to face direct, local competition from Michaels will have to work harder and smarter to survive. 4. Categories. No category is showing signs of weakening. Hopefully the new Decorative Painting for Everyone program from Decoart, and Plaid's One Stroke program, will attract more newcomers to decorative painting. (Note: 600+ teachers have committed to the Decoart program.) 5. Scrapbooks. Don't be confused by some talk by traditional sources that scrapbooking and/or stamping may be slowing down. A number of craft stores may think that, but it appears to be due to new specialty stores siphoning off sales. 6. Trade shows. The number of exhibitors across virtually all industries is down. The decline is not as strong in our industry as it is in most others, but it is happening here, too -- and will probably continue. Some companies are exhibiting at fewer shows and/or reducing the size of their booths and the number of personnel to staff them. This year's decline in attendance by international buyers should stop, assuming there are no more major terrorist acts on U.S. soil. 7. Margins. The more successful the chains become, the more demanding they are. That won't change. To cope, vendors must adjust their own operations to produce and ship their products more efficiently and profitably; build their business with independents; and/or expand into other industries. It's a trite phrase, but true: "It's time to think outside the box." 8. Consumers. The trend toward patriotic designs will wane now that the 4th of July is over, but the need to cocoon, to have family-oriented activities, to decorate the home, and to relax will continue, as will the concern about the very shaky economy. 9. Costs. Inflation won't be a serious problem, but business travel costs will creep up after the post-Sept. 11 decline, and insurance bills will continue to skyrocket. The unemployment rate shows no sign of decreasing soon, so the labor pool for new hires should be better.
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MID-YEAR STOCK PREDICTIONSCraft related stocks have been a beacon of light in a very dark stock market. Will that continue? The good news: Michaels, Jo-Ann's, A.C. Moore, Hancock, and Rag Shops all appear in good shape and well situated for continued growth in sales and profits. The bad news: In the past nine months craft companies have become the darling of Wall Street. But Wall Street is a fickle lover, and the chains have a very tough post-Sept. 11 act to follow.Craft stocks will rise if: investors frightened by the accounting-brokerage-CEO scandals look for a safe sector with steady growth and a scandal-free management. Then a rising tide will lift all craft boats. Craft stocks will falter if: disillusioned investors flee the stock market entirely, in which case the tide will be lower.... Craft companies may have trouble improving upon the incredible post-Sept. 11 sales figure growth of last year and the old "what have you done for me lately?" investor attitude may come to bear. At some point, the stocks may be judged to be over-valued.
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NEW ACCI EXHIBITORS(Note: The two previous issues of CLN included reports on other new ACCI exhibitors. To access them, click on the "CLN Archives" button in the left-hand column of the screen.)Quality Accessories (#4217). Optical accessories: eyeglass cleaning solutions, micro fiber cloths, design packaging, custom imprinting. 800-735-3937 (800-735-EYES); www.qualityaccessories.com. Quickutz (#4214). Offers a versatile portable die-cutting system. Six alphabets, shadowing, and many intricate shapes. 888-702-1146; www.quickutz.com. Retail Navigator (#4830). Offers a wireless, handheld inventory control system for art and craft stores where "quick response" ordering is the primary goal. 949-494-5473; www.retailnavigator.com. Rollabind (#4235). A binding system which allows the user to remove, replace, rearrange, and update easily. 800-438-3542; www.rollabind.com. Rust Wholesale (#4234). Distributor whose services include designing and plan-o-graming a variety/craft store, and supplying the fixtures, merchandise, and reorder systems. 812-663-7394; www.rustwholesale.com. Safari Ltd. (#4639). Backyard exploration toys and tools, realistic animal replicas, posters, science. 800-554-5414; www.safariltd.com; email info@safariltd.com. Schusters of Texas (#4261). Wide variety of floral-related products. 800-351-1493; www.schustersoftexas.com. Scrapbook Synergy (#4736). Layouts, idea books, and t-shirts. www.scrapbooksynergy.com. SFC Services (#5131). The Wooden Handycraft department features a wide range of hand-carved wood products. 305-477-8005; www.sfcservices.com. Shrink Magic (#4247). Preprinted designs to be colored, cut, and baked to shrink. Kits to make shapes for magnets, necklaces, key chains, etc. 800-993-6459; www.shrinkmagic.com. SmoxRox (#5232). Washable twill art/play smocks for girls and boys up to grade four, as required by daycares and schools, in many designs and colors. www.smoxrox.com. Stampin FUNaddict (#4537). Rubber stamps, many categories of designs. 888-9 STAMP 9 (888-978-2679); www.stampinfunaddict.com. Stamping Sensations(#4629). Rubber stamps and accessories. 815-589-2086; www.stampingsensations.com. Stampourri! (#4259). Handcrafted stamps, kits, and card samples. 888-80-STAMP (888-807-8267); www.stampourri.com. Suburban Paper Products (#4267). Papers & cardstocks for scrapbooking, stamping, and crafts. 317-803-8870; http://shop.store.yahoo.com/creativepapers/info.html. SunFeather Natural Soap (#4333). Handmade olive oil based soaps; soapmaking books, supplies, equipment, and more. 315-265-3648; www.sunsoap.com. SYNTA (#4225). Anita's crafts and paint. Acrylics, yard & garden paint, glass leading & paint. 404-373-7284; www.synta.com. The Stamp Doctor (#4929). "An Outpatient Clinic for Stampaholics." Stamping products, tips and techniques, and card galleries. 208-286-7644; www.stampdoctor.com. Totes On Wheels (#4338). Rolling totes, pet carriers, makeup cases, duffle bags, messenger bags, and more. 619-227-4946; www.totesonwheels.com. Traplet Dist. (#4211). British book publisher, with titles in crafts, quilting, sewing, stamping, and hobbies. 800-695-0208; www.traplet.com. Trend Frames & Accessories (#4238). Hand-crafted items including photo albums, frames, keepsake and jewelry boxes, desk accessories, glass. 800-468-7363; www.gotrend.com. Uniform Designs (#4252). Die cuts, stickers, stencils with a military theme; scrapbooking tips and ideas. 480-654-0969; ww.uniformdesigns.com. Unilever Bestfoods (#4200). Rit Dye for coloring fabrics, wood, wicker, paper, and plastic. 35 colors which can be combined to create almost any shade. www.ritdye.com. Universal Laser Systems (#4120). Innovative laser engraving, cutting, and marking systems; materials and kits. 800-859-7033; www.ulsinc.com. Van Aken Int. (#4105). Specializing in the formulation, design, and manufacture of safe, non-toxic paints and modeling clay for artists of all ages. 909.980.2001; www.vanaken.com. Verilux (#4110). Visually efficient lighting products that simulate the full spectrum of natural light, for personal and institutional applications. 800-786-6850; www.verilux.net. Vyn Flowers (#5035). Canadian-based producer of quality dried and preserved floral products. 877-839-5172; www.vynflowers.com. Watercolor Walls Colorwash (#4253). Offering a kit allowing consumers to mix the wash with water and sponge on walls. Available in six colors. 206-329-4984; www.watercolorwalls.com. West End Wire Display (#4212). Manufactures custom point-of-purchase displays for scrapbooks, greeting cards, magnets, and other products. 800-363-7225; www.westendwire.com. Wild Pony Baskets (#4262). Ruth Andre's kits to introduce basket weaving to kids and adults contain all necessary supplies. 573-472-1960; www.wildponybaskets.com. Window Magic (#5133). A new snap-together frame for Christmas lighting. Consumers can install lights around windows with no tape, tacks, or staples. 866-673-1700; www.thewindowwonder.com. Wyndstone Specialty Products (#4839) Manufactures and markets a wide variety of heat transfer papers for every need. 847-808-9487; www.wyndstone.com
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ACCI NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWJHB INT. (booth #1706). Introducing Mementos, a line of self-adhesive buttons and charms to embellish scrapbook pages and covers ... Haunting Tails, a 12-style Halloween inspired button assortment including several styles showing cats in costume ... Wood Whimsies, a collection of wood, inlaid buttons and trimmers in novelty shapes for embellishing quilts, cards, and more. 303-751-8100; www.buttons.com; sales@buttons.com.Dimensions (#1815). MetalArt Copper Embossing Kits have taken the simple craft of copper embossing to new heights with contemporary designs and creative new looks for up-to-date home decor ideas. Kits include pieces of copper -- one for the design, plus a 3" x 3" piece for practicing; wood embossing tool; pattern; acrylic paint (for optional antiquing); backing boards; and designer mat(s). 610-939-9900; www.dimensions-crafts.com. Highsmith (#4421). New additions to the storage line include an acid-free Storage Caddy with adjustable dividers that will hold everything from 8 «" x 11" paper to 12" x 15" albums; the Greeting Card Organizer organizes greeting cards, die cuts, recipes, stickers, etc., and includes 15 ruled index cards; and the Photo Organizational Kit includes a Photo Tote that organizes 800 pictures, a Negative Box that holds 96 APS film cartridges, a 4" x 6" Photo Keeper to organize photos for pages in progress, and 50 4" x 6" index cards. 800-554-4661; www.highsmith.com. Krause (#612). Now a division of F&W, the book division has released a new Sewing & Crafts catalog with titles in all the major industry categories. 888-457-2873; www.krause.com. Lazertran (#4833). Lazertran Inkjet enables consumers to create custom decals with a standard inkjet printer. The original Lazertran and Lazertran Silk transfer images onto decals once applied with a photocopier. The decals transfer images to a wide variety of surfaces and can be ironed onto cloth. 800-245-7547; www.lazertran.com. Prym Dritz (#2015). As part of its licensing agreement with Mary Engelbreit Studios, the company is introducing the 2nd edition of Mary Engelbreit Collectible Pincushions styled in many shapes, such as teapots, teacups and water cans. There is also a new collection of Mary Engelbreit Iron-On Transfers, available in alphabets, numbers, and sewing motifs, and there are also four new Needle Cards. 800-255-7796; www.dritz.com.
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RANDOM NOTES, RANDOM THOUGHTS1. Here's a sign that knitting is attracting a younger consumer. The G8 summits of financial leaders in the industrialized world always attract thousands of demonstrators, mostly young people. One of the tactics used by the demonstrators at the recent summit in Canada was a "knit-in," Newsweek reported.2. Recently I was in a Jo-Ann etc store in Peoria, Ariz. and was very impressed, particularly with the extensive array of classes offered May through July. If these etc stores succeed as they seem to be, and the company resumes expansion, they should provide very solid competition for the other chains and independents. Jo-Ann's execs froze store-openings for 2002 as they completed their turnaround plan, but watch out for the future. There are currently fewer than 80 etc stores nationwide, but I think you'll see a strategy of closing a couple of traditional stores in a given area and replacing them with an etc store.
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWSIMPORTS. Retailers are beginning to worry about a work slow-down or strike by the Int. Longshore and Warehouse Union which could jeopardize timely deliveries of shipments from Asia during the back-to-school, Fall, and Christmas seasons, reported USA Today and the Associated Press. The deadline to agree on a new contract with the Pacific Maritime Assn. passed a week ago, but talks are continuing. Among the retailers cited by USA Today were Wal-Mart and Toys R Us.PEOPLE. Jay Klein was promoted to President of Notions Marketing -- Herb Latinga remains as CEO ... Jackie George is the new Director of Training for A.C. Moore. AMES. Reported to the bankruptcy court that for the four weeks ended June 1st, the company lost $40.4 million, and for the first quarter ended May 4, the loss was $43.6 million. For the fiscal year ended Feb. 2, the company lost $813.1 million. EMAIL. "Regarding the article in your last issue about the INRG and TNNA, I think the two of them should definitely hold a combined show. It would save the retailers and exhibitors money and bring all forms of needlework into one arena. A win for all!" -- Dennis Clegg, F. A. Edmunds/Representative Sales Co. CONDOLENCES. Our best wishes to the family of Larry McPhedrain, the founder and chairman of Mary Maxim, who died suddenly of a heart attack at age 69. Larry founded Mary Maxim with his father 40 years ago and started the mail order division in 1956. GLASS. The Art Glass Suppliers Assn. show in Nashville drew 731 attendees, including 80 international buyers from 23 countries; 357 exhibitors; and 679 consumers (who attended the consumer festival held in conjunction with the trade show). Class attendance was at an all-time high, as is membership, at 880. The 2003 show will be held in conjunction with the ACCI show in Chicago July 18-20 with education beginning July 16. For info visit www.agsa.org, or call 888-866-2472 or 740-452-4541. STOCK. Jo-Ann's was added to the Russell 2000 Index of small capitalization stocks. The index is used by institutional investors considering stocks to include in their portfolios. CEO Alan Rosskamm said the inclusion "is satisfying in that it offers solid testimony to the success we have had in executing the first half of our 30-month turnaround plan." ... FAO was also added to the Russell 2000 Index. ROLODEX: Destination Stickers and Stamps, PO Box 15027, Fort Wayne, IN 46885; 866-806-7826; 260-482-4047; fax: 260-482-1638; email stateofmine@att.net or journeystamps@att.net; www.journeystamps.com or www.stateofminestickers.com. REMINDER. Instead of an auction at ACCI, the Creative For Life committee is collecting monetary donations and all funds will be used for AIDS research and education. Donations are requested by Aug. 1; make checks payable to Creating For Life and send c/o Craftrends, 741 Corporate Circle, Ste. A, Golden, CO 80401. Major credit cards are accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the Craftrends ACCI booth, #2800. KMART. Maybe we should have been lawyers or accountants. The law firms and financial advisors Kmart retained for its bankruptcy proceedings have billed the discounter for the first three months of service. The total? More than $20 million, reported Chain Store Age. HIA. Is calling for nominations to serve on its Board of Directors. HIA members may submit the name of an HIA member or submit themselves as a candidate. Applications are in the July issue of HIA's Horizons newsletter or can be obtained from Nominating Committee Chair Jim Bremer (Tall Mouse) or from HIA Exec. Dir. Pat Koziol (pkoziol@hobby.org). All inquiries must be received by Aug. 1. QUOTATION, I. "A lot of people just resent the fact that [Martha Stewart's] so popular she's stamped her name on just about everything: television, newspapers, product lines, paint, furniture, even the floor you walk on. I think men are intimidated by that, and I think some women find her offensive in that she can do everything. She's just so darned talented and powerful." -- Craft author/columnist/tv host Kathy Peterson, on FoxNews.com. QUOTATION, II. "Hollywood's hippest pastime these days has nothing to do with sex, drugs or therapy. It's knitting! Edith Eig, owner of Southern California's chic knitting boutique La Knitterie Parisienne, has lured the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Debra Messing, Jennie Garth, Sofia Coppola, Julianne Moore and Allison Janney, to name a few. These ladies are all contributing to Eig's Celebrity Knitted Blanket to benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Fund." -- Syndicated gossip columnist Liz Smith ANNIVERSARY. Plaid has now been selling on QVC for 10 years. The first product was a Picture This fabric transfer kit, and there have been another 350 kits since then. (Note: QVC would not keep inviting Plaid's Carol Smith back if the kits didn't sell.) AWARD, I. The Hobby Industry Assn.'s consumer-educator web site, www.i-craft.com, won an APEX award from Communications Concepts, publisher of the Writing That Works newsletter, in the website category. Other winners included IBM, Coldwell Banker, and the U.S. Postal Service. The awards program drew almost 5,900 entries. The site receives about 18 million hits a year, officials said. AWARD, II. Four Wives' Teddy Rose Carlton won TNNA's TEN award, the association's highest honor, for being one of the original founders of what is now TNNA. JOB OPENING. Midwestern company is looking for a buyer -- hard crafts, memory, and paint. For more info, contact Mike Hartnett, in confidence, at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com. MAGAZINES. Kathy Lamancusa's newest magazine, Flowers Are Forever, published by Primedia, is available on newsstands and in some retail stores. It's a combination of easy floral design how-tos and stories about how flowers have impacted people's lives. Kathy offers three free email newsletters -- Trend Talk, Quilting Inspiration, and Friday's Flowers. To subscribe, visit www.lamancusa.com/newsletters.html. EMPLOYEES. Duncan celebrated the end of a successful fiscal year by giving employees, as part of their annual incentives, gift cards to Michaels and taking them, early one morning, to the Michaels store in Clovis, CA. "We searched for a way to reward them accordingly and educate them at the same time," said President Larry Duncan. "Because each and every team member helps this company make a significant contribution to the craft and creative industries, this type of incentive has even greater meaning as a reward and as an educational opportunity." TV, I. The first series of the PBS show, Quilt Central, hosted by Donna Wilder and Jane Donaldson, won a Videographer Award from a video production group. Series 200 uplinks to local PBS stations July 28th, and Series 300 begins taping this fall. Sponsors include Bernina, Sulky, Blumenthal, AQS, APQS, Free Spirit Fabric, Quilting Machines Int., Gutermann, FunSpecs, Jacquard, and Krause. TV, II. Also uplinking on July 28 is Series 100 of Quilting with Shar. The series, hosted by quilting author/personality Sharlene Jorgenson, is sponsored by Husqvarna Viking, Gammill, Olfa, Rowenta, Sulky of America, Omnigrid, Ott-Lite, and Katie Lane Quilts. CONGRATS. Tera Leigh's Memory Box artist project celebrated its 4th anniversary last month and has created more than 37 THOUSAND Memory Boxes. The program enlists volunteer artists and crafters to create paper mache memory boxes to be donated to hospitals for infant bereavement programs. The boxes are given to the families so they do not have to leave the hospital empty handed, and have a place to store their precious mementos (photos, hand and foot prints, birth and death certificates, etc.). There are 553 hospitals currently in the program and, unfortunately, collectively they require 2,294 boxes a month. (Note: It is a GREAT program.) For more info, visit www.teraleigh.com/memoryboxes. SHOWS. The Home Sewing Assn.'s National Sewing Show is Oct. 1-3 in Las Vegas. Call 516-596-3937. CHANGES. Popular industry veteran Ed Lidz has left HTC to join Precision Custom Coatings, which produces interfacings, interlinings, and specialty fabrics with brands such as Stitch Witchery, Soft-Shaper, Craft-Shaper, Quilt-Block, and others. Former HTC pros Vandarra Robbins and Angela Monica have joined the team, too. Precision Custom Coatings, 200 Maltese Dr., Totowa, NJ 07512; call 973-890 FUSE (3873); fax 973-890-5842; email info@pcc-usa.com; the corporate site is www.pcc-usa.com and will have retail pages soon. MAGAZINES. CC Publishing, a division of Bond America/CC Product Co., and Primedia are publishing a new consumer magazine, Ultimate Knitting. It will be published three times/year and sold on newsstands and in craft stores. Editor Cari Clement says there will be projects for knitters and crocheters of all levels of expertise, for hand and machine knitters, and for all generations. Primedia publishes Craftrends, Crafts, Creating Keepsakes, and others. Bond America produces the Ultimate Sweater Machine, among other products. For editorial info, call Cari Clement at 800-941-2181, ext 21; email caric@bond-america.com. For ad info, call Stuart Tatik at 917-256-2237; email statik@primediasi.com -- or contact Mike Irish at 800-521-2885, ext. 5302; email mirish@primediasi.com.
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BUSINESS PROFILE: NEXT LEVEL MARKETINGNext Level Marketing Services, Inc. is categorized by our industry as a Service Supplier, and the principals of the company believe "service" is their most marketable commodity. They express this through their company motto: "Nobody sweats the details for you like Next Level!" Attention to detail is a key to their success as marketers of consumer products.Next Level Marketing began operations in 1998, but the managing partners share over 60 years experience and success in the marketing of consumer products. NLM considers itself unique in the crafts industry -- a one-stop-shop for any marketing needs a manufacturer requires. As the team that brought Eagle Affiliates' CraftStor brand to market in the early 90's, partners Russ Gropman and John Lowenthal have worked in tandem for almost 20 years. Their well-balanced, complementary skill sets allow NLM to provide the broadest range of services: from product ideation and development, to concepts and design for packaging, collateral materials, and advertising through market launch and beyond. The team brings innovation, creativity, and project management to bear on projects large and small, allowing clients to maximize their marketing budgets. NLM has experience in the crafts, housewares, hardware, and toy industries, priding themselves on helping manufacturers make "transitions" from one market or industry to another. According to Lowenthal: "Marketing is marketing; the specific industry rules may change so we need to be up-to-date in our areas of expertise, but quality consumer product marketing cuts across industry lines." NLM doesn't draw the line at assisting only manufacturers; it also furthers the goals of independent inventors and designers through the creation of industry partnerships. "We are particularly intrigued by marketing challenges," says Gropman. "We enjoy taking an idea from its infancy through to market readiness, devising the best retail presentation and trade position for products. We take the very same pride and care in creating our clients' products and programs as we would if they were our own." NLM has helped a wide variety of clients, including Aldastar, All-luminum Corp., and Life of the Party in the crafts arena. The most recent accomplishment will be very visible at this week's ACCI show; NLM served as an integral part of the development team for S&S Worldwide's new Gee-Perz! product line. You can learn more about NLM's history and accomplishments by viewing its "electronic portfolio" at www.nlmonline.com. ROLODEX: Next Level Marketing, 33 Regal Dr., Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. 888-287-8232; fax: 732-329-3680; email: info@nlmonline.com; www.nlmonline.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*: 42.49 ... Change**: -4.86Ames (AMES). Last*: 0.10 ... Change**: -0.01 Hancock Fabrics (HKF). Last*: 16.75 ... Change**: -1.83 Jo-Ann Stores (JAS.A) [a]. Last*: 27.20 ... Change**: -2.00 Michaels (MIK). Last*: 36.90 ... Change**: -2.10 Rag Shops (RAGS). Last*: 4.95 ... Change**: -0.58 Wal-Mart (WMT). Last*: 52.85 ... Change**: -2.16 CLN Retail Index. Last*: 181.24 ... Change**: -7.0% Dow Jones Index. Last*: 8,684.53 ... Change**: -6.0% *July 12 ** from June 28 [a] voting share Prices are exclusive of dividends
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TOO MANY TRADE SHOWSWe don't think God speaks directly to individuals very often, but some trade show vendors must believe they've heard God say they've exhibited at one too many shows:1. During an ACCI show years ago, one of the air conditioners in the ceiling malfunctioned and water poured onto a booth below. When it rains on your booth, inside, it's time to go home. 2. Once a sewer backed up into an aisle at an INRG show. The products might have been wonderful, but they didn't smell so good. 3. There was a bad windstorm during a Silk show in Las Vegas, and one booth was situated so when the bay doors were opened the last day to start bringing in the crates, the booth blew over. Again and again and again.
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REMINDERS1. For more information on how your business can be the subject of a "Business Profile", call Mike Hartnett at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.2. 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. 3. If you want a hard-copy of this issue, click on "Printer Friendly version". 4. If your company is a paid subscriber, everyone in the main office is welcome to register, free. 5. If you want to recommend CLN to a friend, use the "Tell Your Friends" box on the home page. 6. Creative Leisure News is published on the first and third Mondays of each month. Because there are five Mondays in July, your next issue will be Monday, August 5.
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