-By Michelle Moran

Around my house, dogs rule, despite what my cat might think. And while my family believes our pooches are perfectly happy chasing sticks about, I like them to have nice toys and dishes and dog beds and treats. And I am not alone. Pet sales are one of the fastest-growing categories in the gift world.

The following selections are perfect for your pet department, gift department or for specialty gift baskets. Plus, many of these companies give back to the community with charitable works in honor of our four-legged friends. We discovered these great new lines during the summer at the New York International Gift Fair and Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. You'll be sure to find these companies and more at the upcoming winter shows this January and February.

The Belmont Paisley Collection from OrePet. Lush paisley patterns in blue or brown decorate the foam rubber placemats, which measure 12"x18". Add two-tone ceramic food and water bowls in either blue or brown hues to finish off your pet's fashionable new look. There is so much fun stuff in this range your customers will love, check it out at www.Oreoriginals.com, or call 562-961-3300.

Perfect gifts for pet lovers. Madame du Matin (Ms. Morning) is part of a collection of mugs with messages. The pictures wrap around the mug with the front of the mug displaying the owner and the back displaying the dog. Stationery company R. Nichols turns everyday happenings into stylish cards and now mugs. MSRP: $12.00 for 15-oz. stoneware mugs. For more information, call 407-310-3981, or visit www.r-nichols.com.

Your best pals can now dine in style with Pacific Merchants Kitchen/Pet Mats fashionable rubber-backed polyvinyl mats perfect for catching crumbs and dribbles. These mats serve several purposes in the kitchen, so they'll fit in any department in your store. Easy to clean up with a sponge, so there's no need for washing machines or messy floors. MSRP: $14.00 for small; $30.00 for large (27"x18"). Call 888-207-8999, or visit www.pacificmerchants.com.

Harry Barker has a very cool range of pet products for felines and canines alike. From feeding dishes to chew toys to pet foods to gift buckets — the collection includes great ceramics including these Food Storage Cans (MSRP: $22–$24) and Beveled Treat Canisters (MSRP: $15). They even stock the treats to put inside! The company gets great press because its creator Carol Perkins is pretty forward-minded with packaging and materials that are recycled, use soy-ink, and are ecologically sound. Fibers are natural and made in the U.S., and community involvement also manifests itself in the company's yearly multimedia summer arts program for at-risk and foster children. For more information, call 843-766-8686, or visit www.harrybarker.com.


Planet Dog's new Orbee-Tuff® PRODUCE dog toys are perfect additions to any specialty food or kitchenware store with fun gift departments. Made in the U.S. from Planet Dog's award-winning Orbee-Tuff® material, the whimsical Strawberry, Artichoke and Eggplant shaped toys all feature a Treat Spot™ for stuffing healthy treats and spreads. They also contain a dog's daily requirement of rompoflavin, chompohydrates and vitamin Wag. Each "crop" is certified unique. On the more practical side, they are bouncy, buoyant, minty and 100% guaranteed. Planet Dog also gives a percentage of every Planet Dog purchase directly to their philanthropic arm, the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF). In 2006, the foundation donated more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations to worthy nonprofits nationwide. The suggested retail price is $9.95 for the Strawberry (3" high), $11.95 for the Artichoke (3.5" high) and $13.95 for the Eggplant (5.75" high). Visit www.planetdogretailer.com, or call 800-381-1516 for more information.

Everyday Studio launched its Modern Tales line complete with wall-mounted dog diners and innovative dish stands. Designed to endure, these modern and sleek feeders are fabricated using 16-gauge laser-cut steel. Available in 100% pure stainless or in a high gloss powder finish, Dog Dish (MSRP: $130) and Pet Dish (MSRP: $75) are the new classics. For more information, call 415-421-1600, or visit www.everydaystudio.com.

Gaia & Gino, named for founder Gaye Cevikel's nickname and her dog Gino, creates quirky and innovative gift and tabletop products. Its new line of "Gino the Dog" canine products created by California College of Arts students under the direction of design luminary Yves Béhar brings a freshness to the category. From porcelain or melamine food bowls to a doghouse made of genuine leather, the range gives whole new meaning to the phrase "it's a dog's life." Definitely for people who love their pets, the "Twins" set has an MSRP of $105. For more information, visit www.gaiaandgino.com

My pups love Wagatha's Organic Dog Treats from Vermont. Made using only the finest "human grade" ingredients, they are gluten-free, 100% certified organic, kosher, and contain nutritious ingredients that offer a variety of benefits to keep pets healthy. Wagatha's biscuits were developed by a chef, food educator and restaurateur who spent 25 years perfecting his recipe to be a healthy alternative to other dog treats. Wagatha's is planning to launch three tantalizing wheat-free flavors this fall and is also looking to create "mini" biscuits for smaller dogs. The company is involved with Therapy Dogs of Vermont and many other local nonprofit organizations. A percentage of each purchase is donated to charitable causes that enhance the lives of pets and their owners. MSRP is $7.95 for an 8-ounce canister. For more information, visit www.wagathas.com.

The Dish
Mark Rypien, Monica Walters and Irv Zakheim celebrate the success of the Zak!Celebrity Open. The 2007 event raised more than $450,000. Proceeds from the two-day event benefit the Rypien Foundation and YWCA Child and Youth Services. This year's unprecedented total, which surpassed last year's record-breaking figure by nearly $50,000, brings the total that the Zak!Celebrity Open has raised in its eight-year history to $1.5 million.
Photo by Elements Media Production

Exciting Developments Planned for NYIGF in 2008
The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) will expand with exciting developments in every division and at all locations -- including the launch of STUDIO; a new lifestyle division at Pier 92; incorporation of EX*TRACTS®: New discoveries in beauty and wellness into the Javits Center; expansion of New York's Newest at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Personal Accessories featuring Details® at the Javits Center; and refinements to Accent on Design, At Home, General Gift, Handmade and Tabletop & Housewares. The 154th semi-annual edition will run Friday, February 1, through Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

"As the industry evolves, so does the New York International Gift Fair," said Dorothy Belshaw, GLM senior vice president and NYIGF director. "We are committed to keeping NYIGF on the cutting edge, whether through the addition of new product categories or expansion of existing divisions. This February, we plan a number of changes, new introductions and refinements that make the New York Market a must-attend for buyers and sellers in the gift and home furnishings industries."

New STUDIO Division Presents Lifestyle Products at Pier 92
STUDIO -- a new juried lifestyle division showcasing a variety of trend-driven, innovative and inspired lifestyle merchandise across all categories from baby gear to pet products and fine stationery to hip home decor -- will debut at Pier 92 in February 2008. STUDIO will present 125 companies, including Agnes & Hoss, Fleurville, Joy by Mel Lim, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Rani Arabella, Snow and Graham, Skip Hop and Two Simmons Studio, in approximately 15,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

According to Belshaw, "STUDIO will present a selective collection of cross-category lifestyle merchandise defined by style and sophistication. Its broad mix of products will reflect a trend-driven and functional aesthetic."

EX*TRACTS Expands Range of Personal Care Resources Presented at Javits
GLM will broaden the scope of personal care and wellness resources presented at NYIGF by relocating EX*TRACTS®: New discoveries in beauty and wellness into the Javits Center from the Metropolitan Pavilion. Current EX*TRACTS exhibitors, as well as personal care resources from other NYIGF divisions will be coalesced in Hall 1A, on Level One at the North end of the Javits Center, alongside NYIGF's Personal Accessories and At Home divisions. This shift will double the size of EX*TRACTS to feature 150 companies, presenting cosmetics, perfumes, skincare, bath & body care, beauty accessories, hair care, natural/organic products, and well-being lines.

According to Belshaw, "This adjacency to fashion accessories as well as mid-to-high-end bed, bath, linen and home accessory products will offer synergistic buying and selling opportunities for both personal care and home fashions market participants."

New York's Newest Expands at Metropolitan Pavilion
New York's Newest -- the launching pad for companies new to NYIGF -- will expand to feature 150 companies in some 19,000 net square feet of exhibit space on Levels 1, 4 and 5 of the Metropolitan Pavilion. "There is no shortage of newcomers to the NYIGF," said Belshaw. "With EX*TRACTS' relocation to Javits, we can accommodate a larger number of new resources at the Metropolitan Pavilion, making this venue a must-see destination during market."

Details® Expands and Introduces New Look
Mirroring growth in the fashion accessories market, GLM will expand the Details® showcase area within NYIGF's Personal Accessories division to feature 50 companies in 6,600 net square feet of exhibit space. According to Belshaw, "We are moving Details forward on the exhibit floor to a more prominent location, and will introduce a stylized new booth package to enhance and highlight Details' mix of contemporary and specialty boutique-quality personal accessories." NYIGF's Personal Accessories division presents a total of 205 exhibitors, with a full range of wearables, jewelry, fashion accessories, luggage and travel accessories, on Level One of the Javits Center.

At Home Refines Home Textiles at Javits and Expands Outdoor Living at Pier 92
At Home, which is presented at both the Javits Center and the Piers, will continue to coalesce its mid-to-high-end home textiles resources at the Javits Center, while extending its hard goods beyond Pier 94 to include Outdoor Living exhibitors at Pier 92. Between the three locations, At Home presents some 500 exhibitors with a full range of soft and hard lines for the home, with At Home featuring Outdoor Living at Pier 92 featuring 75 companies in 15,000 net square feet, and At Home featuring Home Textiles at Javits showcasing more than 100 companies in 25,000 net square feet.

"By shifting our Outdoor Living showcase area under the At Home umbrella, we can offer a complete range of indoor/outdoor home furnishings at the Piers," said Belshaw. "At the same time, we can continue to make a major home textiles statement in At Home at the Javits Center."

General Gift Expands Kids and Museum Areas; Adds Floral & Garden Showcase
General Gift will continue to develop unique "neighborhoods" on the Javits Center exhibit floor, with continued growth of Just Kidstuff® (with 85 companies) and The Museum Source® (with 55 companies), and the introduction of a new Floral & Garden Accessories focus area (with 33 companies) in winter 2008.
"General Gift is NYIGF's largest division, with 750 exhibitors," said Belshaw. "By creating these special focus areas within General Gift, we can facilitate category shopping and sourcing for our customers."

Handmade® Adds "Made in the USA" Showcase
In response to increasing demand for American-made items, NYIGF's Handmade division will introduce a "Made in the USA" showcase area in February 2008. This area, which is comprised of more than 30 exhibitors, will allow retailers seeking U.S.-produced merchandise to more easily source American crafts. Handmade presents a total of 575 juried participants, offering buyers an unparalleled selection of handcrafted items from 35 American states and 13 countries worldwide.

Tabletop & Housewares Expands Luxury Lines
As the luxury market momentum continues, GLM will expand the Tabletop & Housewares division to showcase more luxury tabletop and home entertaining lines as part of its overall product mix. Overall, the division will expand to present a total of 200 companies in 53,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Accent on Design® Introduces "Incubator" Program for Emerging Designers
GLM will introduce an "incubator" program featuring new designers and showcasing design innovation as part of Accent on Design beginning in February 2008. Participants will present prototypes, as well as finished products.

"The addition of this incubator program will allow Accent on Design to spotlight emerging design talents, alongside established contemporary design resources," said Belshaw. "For more than 20 years, Accent on Design has been a premier resource for design-led retailers. This new feature will enable attending retailers to continue to push the contemporary design envelope in their merchandise assortments." Accent on Design presents a dynamic juried collection of 200 contemporary and innovative exhibitors.

NYIGF is the nation's premier gift and home accessory marketplace, with 2,700 exhibitors featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. NYIGF is held concurrently with EXTRACTS at the Javits Center and Home Textiles Market Week at the Javits Center and Pier 94, 230 Fifth Avenue and 7 West 34th Street. More than 40,000 buyers from around the world are expected to attend. Additional information and registration are available online at www.nyigf.com.

Martha Stewart Makes Splash at Macy's
The official launch of Macy's exclusive "Martha Stewart Collection" in September represents the largest brand rollout in Macy's history; the Martha Stewart Collection is a broad assortment of bed, bath, entertaining and cooking products inspired by Stewart's personal collections and favorite things.

To celebrate the launch, Martha Stewart surprised the entire studio audience at the season premiere of her Emmy-winning "how-to" program "The Martha Stewart Show" with a shopping spree at Macy's Herald Square in New York City. Footage from the shopping excursion aired on "The Martha Stewart Show" and on the Macy's Jumbotron in Herald Square.

The Martha Stewart Collection encompasses a broad range of home goods including bed and bath textiles, housewares, casual dinnerware, flatware, glassware, cookware, holiday decorating and trim items.

"The Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's is inspired by treasures in my personal collections from around the world and by beautiful, useful items that I love in my own home," said Martha Stewart. "I am very excited to officially launch the Martha Stewart Collection and bring my studio audience on the ultimate shopping trip."

"The new Martha Stewart Collection takes Macy's home assortment to a whole new level of interest and relevance for our customer -- supported by an editorial voice that is one of the world's most-recognized authorities on home decorating, cooking and entertaining," said Tim Adams, chairman and CEO of Macy's Home Store. "In the spirit of Martha's own love of collecting, the new product at Macy's is an authentic expression of the Martha Stewart perspective, articulated throughout the collection with personal inspirations like design references from her antique linen collection to new interpretations of faux bois. The Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's is a true reflection of her magazines and the product in the original Martha by Mail Catalog coming to life in our stores."

Macy's stores also carry Martha Stewart Collection home furnishing products, Special Occasions merchandise, bridal registry items, and Martha Stewart books. Martha Stewart Collection "shops" are prominently positioned within each respective department. In "The Cellar," for example, Martha Stewart Collection Cooks' Tools are merchandised together with a wall of tools and kitchen accessories anchoring the brand's in-store design statement. In decorative housewares, the Martha Stewart Collection casual dinnerware, glassware, flatware and oven-to-table products are mixed and stacked on display tables, or presented on fixtures that replicate those in Martha's home and television studio set.

Faces & Places
Pacific Market Center welcomed Three by Three Seattle, featuring designer home, office and school products including desk and wall organizers, bulletin boards, magnets, frames, and bookmarks. In addition to numerous gift shops, stationery stores and museum shops, the company has a broad range of design-oriented customers such as The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Urban Outfitters, and Paper Source.

Oneida Ltd. announced that its board of directors has appointed James E. Joseph as chief executive officer. Joseph, a 19-year veteran of the company, will also continue to serve as president, a position he has held since June 2006.

Due to the continued growth and significantly expanding product offerings of the company and in order to continue to provide the best service possible to its retailers, DEMDACO, a leading company in the gift and decorative accessories industry, will expand its local sales force in the next few months. Interested candidates should apply in confidence at www.careers.demdaco.com.

OneCoast, a provider of sales and marketing services to vendors and retailers of home décor, gift and collegiate products, celebrated its 10-year anniversary at the Pacific Market Center with an expansion of its showrooms. OneCoast operates three showrooms in the center and represents leading companies like C.R. Gibson/Burnes Home Accents, Mud Pie, New Creative, Camille Beckman, Jody Coyote (Oak Patch Gifts), Root Candles, Global Views, Palecek, The Thymes, Woodstock Percussion, and other top lines.

George Little Management has announced changes that will debut at the January 2008 California Gift Show. The show will feature a fresh look and feel including a new floor plan. Beginning in January 2008, the California Gift show will be presented exclusively in the South and Kentia halls which will maximize traffic flow, allow for more cross-pollination between the 11 distinct product divisions, and will better accommodate expanded on-site programs and events. In addition, exhibitors' marketing efforts will be supported by a newly created "Buyer Relations" department that will work in concert with exhibitors to find and attract buyers. The 146th edition of the show will feature more than 5,000 product lines and attract 22,000 attendees. Some 1,200 exhibitors will participate throughout 11 divisions: At Home; Boutique; EX•TRACTS®; Fashion Accessories; Gifts, Etc.; Handmade®; Jewelry (Cash & Carry); LA Contemporary; Resort, Souvenir & Licensing; Stationery & More; and World Style. For California Gift Show exhibitor information, contact Angelia Singleton, show manager, at 213-430-2356, or e-mail angelia_singleton@glmshows.com. For attendee information, contact GLM Customer Relations at 800-272-7469 or 603-665-7524. Additional information and registration are available online at www.californiagiftshow.com.

Nambe expanded its New York showroom at 41 Madison, increasing the square footage by more than double. The expansion was prompted by the recent launch of 27 new flatware patterns, new gift product introductions, expanded product lines and an upcoming dinnerware launch. Nambé has been a tenant at 41 Madison, Manhattan, for over 14 years in its 1350-square-foot showroom. This year, Nambé is leaping forward with 2700 square feet of space and many new exciting product directions and introductions, including a dinnerware launch at the Fall New York Tabletop Show. A complete listing of tableware companies, along with future market dates and events, can be found at www.41madison.com.

Gallery
Quotable Candles feature quotable designs printed on glass, 10.5 oz./300 g., and a wild currant scent; 100% all-natural palm wax (the cleanest burning wax available) with 100% natural cotton wick. MSRP: $22.00.
212-420-7552 x24
www.quotablecards.com
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 426

Julia Knight adds figural pieces to her collection with the introduction of "Falling Leaves" serving Bowls. Made of polished aluminum and hand-painted with pearlized enamel, each food-safe piece is etched with the Julia Knight signature. The collection consists of three sizes in three colors: 7", 13" and 17" serving bowls in Mango, Kiwi and Buttercream. The suggested retails are: 7" -- $45, 13" -- $100, 17" -- $150.
952-475-8474
www.juliaknight.net
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 429

Harold Import Company introduces a new line of eco-friendly kitchen towels. The woven blend of bamboo and cotton makes a luxurious, soft and highly absorbent fabric. The bamboo yarn's natural anti-bacterial and hygienic qualities are perfect for everyday kitchen use. The towels measure an over-sized 20" x 30" and are available in five colors. MSRP: $5.99.
800-526-2163
www.haroldimport.com
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 432

Mum's Creations' Party Picks, a set of 12 3.25-inch stainless steel picks, adorned with brightly colored glass beads, are sold complete with a glass holder. The new packaging offers a secure, yet attractive display and is shaped like a small purse, complete with handles, a clear window, and bright fireworks graphics. MSRP is $15.95.
866-833-1193
www.mumscreations.com
CLICK VENDOR LINK NO. 427

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