We're in the midst of trade show season. I've been barreling through shows from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York.... and soon Fort Lauderdale. It never ends. Once you set up and tear down a booth you're in the next city doing it all over again. When you attend and walk the various trade shows you see all types of exhibits. Large. Small. Well designed. Not designed. Low budget. High budget. The challenges of booth display always rely on time, money and man power. Our booth usually takes one full day to set up. In some cases, we show up two days before an event and set up what we consider the booth infrastructure. Yup - the infrastructure usually consists of lots of drapery, tables & posters. Check out our "before and after" photos from the Chicago Gift Show & NY Gift Shows this year. Look at what we see when we show up in the exhibition hall. And ...see what we later present our customers with. Let me know what you think! -ND
I recently read a blog entry from my friend Caroline Kennedy, the editor-in-chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine. In this blog, she mentions "clearing" your brain by going out for a walk sometimes allows inspirations and ideas to emerge. I agree that "brain clutter" is distracting. I make lists to keep my thoughts organized. This way I don't need to review things over and over and over...so as not to forget. Sometimes inspiration comes my way in the middle of night. It wakes me up....resulting in a sketch or another list. Our long fringe necklace on leather resulted from a midnight dream (SKU: LC3A). This design also was a fabulous seller this season. You can expect it back for Fall 2010 in a host of darker rich color combinations. - ND
I recently returned from Guatemala where I was working on our Fall 2010 collection. Sometimes the design process doesn't flow as easily as other times. However, I'm thrilled to report that the Dunitz line will be replete with loads of new designs (in all price points) in twelve fabulous color combinations. We've added to our new "huipil" collection. Stay tuned for new designs using recycled and repurposed clothing. A new necklace, brooches and.... a cell bag are in order. We also snagged some old denim and we've crafted these into some of our new designs. Here's a peak at some of the season's new colors. For you our readers, you'll have to wait on a peak of new designs. Don't forget to check out our regular postings on our Facebook "LIKE" page! And don't forget to give us your "LIKE" vote! - ND
Do you remember the game I Spy? I can remember long driving trips with my family and playing this game to pass the time. I spy something green. I spy something bumpy. And today.... I'm still playing. I spy something beaded. I spy something coral color. I spy something with Czech crystals. Must be Dunitz & Company jewelry. I've got a new game going. And my most recent finds are posted on our Facebook "Fan" or...now "Like" page. Recently I found our jewelry photographed and shown on our client Island Passage's Facebook pages. I spy a big BLUE arrow pointing at lots of cool bracelets. My hands should look so perfectly manicured. Stay tuned for more I spy discoveries. -ND
Wow. I guess I dropped out for a while. I certainly haven't dropped out of the day to day operations of Dunitz & Company. However, as far as this blog goes, I have been remiss. As of today, Dunitz has been seen at five (that's 5!) major trade shows this year. Accessories, The Show NY... Los Angeles Gift.... Chicago Gift....New York Gift.... and WWIN Las Vegas. I head to Boston on the 19th to exhibit at their regional gift show. The shows have been going fabulously well. I'm thrilled to report that sales at these shows have been up from the last couple of years. What a big relief. Unfortunately there have been cancellations after people have realized they've spent too much $ - or committed to spend too much $. This is always a disappointment. Over all, I'm thrilled with how the season is looking. Posted here for your viewing pleasure are a few booth pics. - ND
Have you checked out Green America's (formerly Coop America) website? It is an excellent resource for information. Read about global warming or how to make your home more efficient. Perhaps you'll find the holiday shopping guide helpful. Dunitz & Company is a member of Green America and supports its causes. We recently paid for an ad in/on their Wholesale Connection section. Check out our .gif ad in the jewelry section. It was my first attempt at an animated gif. (I tried to post it here, but it doesn't seem to work on the blog.) We're hoping that has retailers become more interested in fair trade and green issues, they will use Green America as a source for finding new and wonderful products. Get the word out. Become a member yourself. And...did you turn the lights out before you left home this morning? ND
We're in the midst of trade show season. I've been barreling through shows from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York.... and soon Fort Lauderdale. It never ends. Once you set up and tear down a booth you're in the next city doing it all over again. When you attend and walk the various trade shows you see all types of exhibits. Large. Small. Well designed. Not designed. Low budget. High budget. The challenges of booth display always rely on time, money and man power. Our booth usually takes one full day to set up. In some cases, we show up two days before an event and set up what we consider the booth infrastructure. Yup - the infrastructure usually consists of lots of drapery, tables & posters. Check out our "before and after" photos from the Chicago Gift Show & NY Gift Shows this year. Look at what we see when we show up in the exhibition hall. And ...see what we later present our customers with. Let me know what you think! -ND
