MVP Group International Introduces MVP Brands Dedicated to Independent Retailers

MVP Group International, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of premium home fragrances, candles and plush products, has introduced MVP Brands, a new division dedicated to serving independent retailers. The newly created division features the organization’s popular brands including Colonial Candle, Everybody’s Ayurveda, Genuine Monkeez and Friends, Monkeez Makes a Difference and Goofballz product lines. Former Midwest-CBK and Ty president Scott Wehrs is serving as president of MVP Brands.

MVP Brands is changing and expanding its sales force and showroom presence across the country, making it more convenient for independent retailers to shop Colonial Candle, Everybody’s Ayurveda, Monkeez Makes a Difference and Goofballz product lines.

Starting May 1, the Colonial Candle and Everybody’s Ayurveda collections will be available through the following rep groups and showrooms launching during summer 2013 markets:

Atlanta: Gib Carson: AmericasMart Atlanta, Building 2, Suite 1319; Chicago: Peterson Associates: The Merchadise Mart, Suite 13-126; Dallas, Denver and Las Vegas: Imagine That!: Dallas Market Center, Suite 1501; Denver Mart, Suite 1315; and Las Vegas World Market Center, Building C, Suite612’ Minneapolis: Gift Street: Minneapolis Mart, Suite 149.

Genuine Monkeez and Friends, Monkeez Makes a Difference and Goofballz brands will be available through the following plush and toy-focused rep groups and showrooms launching during summer 2013 markets: Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Minneapolis: Diverse Marketing: AmericasMart Atlanta, Building 2, Suite 1401; Dallas World Trade Center, Suite 439 & 421; Chicago Merchandise Mart, Suite 1431; Minneapolis Mart, Suite B121; Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Seattle: Toyology: Las Vegas World Market Center,Building C, Suite 874; LA Mart, Suite 446; and Seattle’s Pacific Market Center, Suite 111; New York: Enchanted Moments: New York Gift Show and International Toy Fair both at The Javits Center in New York 

“We’re committed to serving independent retailers, and excited to expand MVP Brands’ sales presence and showrooms for ease and convenience of shopping in locations closest to our customers across the country,” says MVP Brands president Scott Wehrs. “We’ve carefully selected our sales partners and showrooms based on their dedication to retailers, experience and outstanding reputations in the industry. With these new sales partners and showrooms, we’re dedicated to bringing independent retailers outstanding new products available in more showrooms than ever before and personalized service to benefit their business, backed by the experience, resources and talents of a successful global organization.” 

For more information, call 866/445-9993, email customerservice@mvpbrands.com or visit mvpbrands.com.

DIFFA Offers Matching Grant for Donations Supporting 2013 AIDS Walk New York

Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home-décor industries' leading charitable organization, has announced that DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, will match grants made to Gift for Life in support of the 2013 AIDS Walk New York. Gift for Life is partnering with the National Stationery Show to participate in the charity fundraiser in New York City on Sunday, May 19, the opening day of the Show. The Gift for Life/National Stationery Show team is recruiting walkers to raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS by participating in the actual 10-kilometer walk through New York City, or in a "virtual walk" through the Show aisles at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

DIFFA is asking for supporters either to join the team of real and virtual walkers or to make a monetary contribution to the team. Donations can be made in advance of the walk attinyurl.com/giftofrlifeAWNY, or on the day of the event through fundraising volunteers on-site at the Javits Center.

“Join us in supporting Gift for Life through this unique industry opportunity,” said Felecia Webb, Executive Director of DIFFA. “Whether you walk at the event or simply stand up to support the participants of AIDS Walk New York, we encourage everyone to contribute to Gift for Life’s team.”

Editors of leading trade publications – including Stationery Trends, GIFT SHOP, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Giftware News and Selling Christmas Decorations – have already agreed to participate in the virtual walk and raise funds for the team by covering miles of aisles at the National Stationery Show.

Industry members and friends are invited to join the Gift For Life/National Stationery team as both walkers and as donors. AIDS Walk New York begins on Sunday, May 19, at 10 am in Central Park, or at 9 am at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, when the National Stationery Show opens its doors.

“DIFFA is such a valuable partner,” said Stu Teller, Gift For Life Chair. “Through their generosity, we can make an even greater difference by participating in AIDS Walk New York. Join our cause and make your donation matter.”

To join the team (either at the Show or in Central Park), or to donate, visit the following URL: tinyurl.com/giftforlifeAWNY. For questions, contact Cathy Steel, team organizer, at 203/340-9251, orcathysteel@cathysteelassociates.com.

Since 1986, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $128 million for GMHC and 40 other tri-state AIDS services organizations, and has grown into the largest AIDS fundraising event in the world. In 2012 alone, 45,000 participants, many of whom were members of more than 3,000 corporate and community teams, raised over $6 million. For more information, visit aidswalk.net/newyork.

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7 W Reports Another Record Spring Attendance During Home Fashions Market Week

7 W reported yet another record Spring Home Fashions market with attendance up over 15% compared to what was a record market last year. Every day of market 7 W saw over 300 buyers. 

Over 1,600 of the most senior buyers in the industry from many of the most significant home and textile retailers in the world, attended 7 W during the market. 

“We continue to work to ensure that each market here at 7W is productive for our tenancy. This Spring Home Fashions market not only achieved or goals but well surpassed our expectations. It is very refreshing to see such a positive attendance trend and to see our tenants enjoying such favorable business activity. For a market that attracts primarily larger retail buyers, it is typically unprecedented to have such significant increases in attendance, which make this achievement so exciting for the building and our tenants,” states Chris Collins, VP & General Manager. 

Showrooms reported very positive activity with most enjoying their most productive market in recent history. “This market week was amazing. All of our buyers kept their appointments and were very optimistic about the business”, says Joe Lorenc of Robely Suite 423. “The market was phenomenal! 7 W’s presentation cohesively arranges the finest product from its tenant partners in a manner reminiscent of the finest days of Heimtextil" says Louis Hornick III (Tripp Hornick) of Louis Hornick & Co. Suite 813.

For more information on upcoming markets, visit 7wnewyork.com.