show opener!
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show opener!
WHAT’S INSIDE… Book your ad space now for September/ October Retail News Learn more about complimentary shipping at the shows Update your Product Locator profiles and more… MEMBER NEWS THAT MATTERS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS SHOW OPENER! The Power of Persuasion Date: August 10 Register by: August 2 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. FREE MEMBE SEMINARR ! If you have invested time, energy and money preparing to exhibit at the Toronto, Alberta and Montreal CGTA Gift Shows in August, you won’t want to miss this special presentation. Did you know that approximately 23,000 unique gift show visitors will be walking the floors at all three shows looking to write orders? Experienced store owners will be stocking their shelves with triedand-true products that sell consistently. But, they also want to surprise their customers with exciting new products and value propositions. To convince them that you can fill that need, you will want to man your booth with sales staff who know how to do the following: 1. Identify the critical moments of power that occur within every sales conversation. 2. Know when and how to effectively ask for a retailer’s business. 3. Compel your leads to contact you. Invite your sales staff to join us on Saturday, August 10 th. Even your best people will benefit from Gary’s advice on closing more business. SIGN-UP CONTACT Click here to download a registration form. Angela Voelkner Member Services Associate Direct line: 416-642-1046 E-mail: [email protected] WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 Gary Ford is the author of Life is Sales and speaks frequently to groups in Canada and the United States about influence techniques. At the Toronto Gift Show, he will counsel exhibitors and their sales staff on ways to invite “yes” responses from prospective buyers. 1/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS CALENDAR SHOW INFO INDUSTRY NEWS DOWNLOAD THIS CALENDAR as a single-page PDF July 2013 Toronto Gift Show Alberta Gift Show Retail News Special Events Click to view more information SUNDAY MONDAY 1 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY TGS 2 Deadline to submit Buyers’ Guide print ad material THURSDAY 3 RESEARCH TGS 4 Deadline to book ad space in the Toronto Gift Show Booth Location Map Montreal Gift Show Click to send an e-mail FRIDAY TGS SATURDAY 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 CGTA Hospitality Bureau hotel booking deadline Deadline to submit food prep forms AGS Deadline to book Buyers’ Guide print ad space Last day to update online Buyers’ Guide 7 8 10 9 Reminder! Update your Product Locator profiles today. TGS 11 Deadline to submit print ad material for placement in the Toronto Gift Show Booth Location Map AGS Deadline to submit Buyers’ Guide print ad material CGTA Hospitality Bureau hotel booking deadline MGS Deadline to book Buyers’ Guide print ad space Last day to update online Buyers’ Guide 14 15 16 TGS 17 18 Deadline to sign-up for free display space at the show Submission deadline for show welcome bag product samples MGS AGS WWW.CGTA.ORG 21 22 23 28 29 TGS 30 Online exhibitor badge registration closes 800-611-6100 TGS Deadline to submit Buyers’ Guide print ad material CGTA Hospitality Bureau hotel booking deadline Last day to submit Super Tuesday special offers for posting to the CGTA website 24 25 31 2/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS CALENDAR SHOW INFO DOWNLOAD THIS CALENDAR as a single-page PDF August 2013 SUNDAY INDUSTRY NEWS Toronto Gift Show Alberta Gift Show Retail News Special Events Click to view more information MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 Deadline to submit “Tuesday Madness” special offers for posting to the CGTA website 5 6 7 Click to send an e-mail AGS 8 Online exhibitor badge registration closes SE 12 13 14 TORONTO GIFT SHOW – AUGUST 11 to 14 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 18 19 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Deadline to register to attend: The Power of Persuasion 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hall C wine reception at 3 p.m. SUPER TUESDAY! 25 26 21 AGS Deadline to submit health & safety, insurance and onsite contact forms 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 27 28 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Power of Persuasion: free member seminar TGS Special pre-show theatre event: “Anything Goes!” RN 17 Deadline to submit product and copy for editorial consideration in the Sept./Oct. issue of Retail News magazine RN 22 23 24 29 30 31 Deadline to book print ad space in the Sept./Oct. issue of Retail News magazine RN Deadline to submit print ad material for placement in the Sept./Oct. issue of Retail News magazine TUESDAY MADNESS! Breakfast seminar at 9 a.m. WWW.CGTA.ORG 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 10 16 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MONTREAL GIFT SHOW – AUGUST 25 to 28 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. SE 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 20 3 MGS 15 Online exhibitor badge registration closes ALBERTA GIFT SHOW – AUGUST 18 to 21 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. SATURDAY 2 MGS Deadline to submit health & safety, insurance and onsite contact forms 11 Montreal Gift Show FRIDAY MGS 4 RESEARCH 800-611-6100 3/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS New Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act Proclaimed In Force October 2013 Canton Fair Grant Eligibility for Qualifying Companies Federally registered, not-for-profit corporations like the CGTA were previously regulated under the Canada Corporations Act, Part II (CCA). A new, Canada Not-For Profit Corporations Act S.C. 2009, c23 (CNCA) was proclaimed in force by the Government of Canada on October 17, 2011. All existing federal NFPs wishing to continue operating are required to file for a "continuance" under the new CNCA or face dissolution. Until a not-for-profit corporation has been granted a continuance, the CCA regulations will still apply to that entity. The deadline to seek a continuance from Industry Canada is October 17, 2014. Requirement: Exhibitors must showcase “Made in Canada” product Your Board of Directors and CGTA staff have been working on the various changes necessary to seek a continuance for the association. These changes include a revision of the association by-laws to meet the expanded requirements under the CNCA. The official representative of each Gold member company in good standing is invited to attend a Special General Meeting of Members at 7:30p.m., Tuesday August 13, 2013, at the Toronto Congress Centre, to vote on the amended by-laws. This will clear the way for the formal filing of our continuance documents with Industry Canada in ample time to ensure there is no disruption of services to members. To view the new CNCA-compliant by-law information, click here. Last Call to Register for Western Golf Date: June 25 Players ready your swing and venture out to the CGTA’s Western golf tournament to enjoy some good-natured competition with your friends and colleagues. The event will be held at the Fraserview Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C. Organizer: China Foreign Trade Centre Location: Pazhou Complex, Guangzhou, China Gross exhibition space: 1,160,000 square metres Estimated buyer attendance per show: 189,000 Canadian businesses interested in exhibiting at the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) this coming October may qualify for a grant covering up to 50% of their expenses. LEARN MORE Contact: Jaclyn Zhang, Director Futurevic Global Sourcing Inc. Telephone: 647-206-6618 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.futurevicsourcing.com New Market Monitor Coming in July Early next month, the CGTA will be publishing its next online edition of Market Monitor. It will cover top member-requested subjects such as sales and marketing, new product development, market and distribution trends and more. Watch your inbox for this informative e-publication! To read the current edition of Market Monitor, click here. REGISTER NOW Click here to download a participation form. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 Margo Warren Special Events Manager Direct line: 416-642-1045 E-mail: [email protected] 4/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS CGTA Gives Support to Sheridan and George Brown Awards Programs Many talented young people aspire to develop careers within the gift industry and the CGTA is pleased to support and encourage them. For years now, the association has sponsored awards that have been conferred to promising students in the Sheridan College Visual Merchandising Arts and George Brown Culinary Management programs. Congratulations to the 2013 award winners! George Brown Student Success and Industry Recognition Awards – Held on April 8th During this beautiful evening, over 80 awards were bestowed courtesy of corporate sponsors such as the CGTA. The evening also featured a keynote address from celebrity chef, Michael Bonacini, Partner of Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants. Angela Dorau is the winner of the CGTA Culinary Award of Excellence in acknowledgement of her outstanding academic achievements. Presenting the award is CGTA Special Events Manager, Margo Warren. Sheridan College Theme: Brand X4 Spectacle – Unveiling was April 9th Smiling proudly is the full scholarship winner (right) – Eleanor Stieva – sharing this special moment with program coordinator, Louise Franklin. A partial scholarship went to Jessica Utomo (not shown). Three students out of a class of 50 also won top placements for their “Branded Trade Show Design and Scale Model” displays. 1st Nicole Winteremute 2 nd Aubrey Srnec 3 rd Melissa Boily (presented by Retail News Editor-in-Chief, Erica Kirkland) Pictured here is one of the winning scale models. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 5/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 CGTA NEWS Ad Space Now Being Booked for Toronto Gift Show Booth Location Map September/October Retail News This foldable and portable easy-to-read floor map features ad positions that can Retail News is the giftware industry’s only trade magazine, but it’s also a professionally-designed and award-winning CGTA publication. The complimentary print and digital editions are read by over 18,000 retail buyers and industry affiliates. • Keep your products on buyers’ lists as retailers firm up their gift show orders. • The industry’s most successful retailers consistently read Retail News. • Advertisers reach retailers for just pennies per store. Print ads also appear in the digital edition of the magazine (with website links) at no additional cost. point to your location at the show. Book your ad today. Book Buyers’ Guide Ad Space Today! Advertising in all three gift show buyers’ guides can help you get onto more retailer buying lists. Booking deadlines are fast approaching! • The Toronto, Alberta and Montreal buyers’ guides are distributed to retailers at all the gift shows. Advertising space is available to exhibitors in each guide. • Because they are one of the first things buyers pick up when they arrive at the shows, buyers’ guides are a highly visible medium for creating awareness for your company, products and booth location. Retailers also use the buyers’ guides as reference resources between shows. FALL 2013 RETAIL NEWS & GIFT SHOW ADVERTISING DEADLINES BUYERS’ GUIDES TORONTO ALBERTA MONTREAL Focus: Gift show information and member listings Ads start as low as: $926.50 (net) for a ¼ page Deadline to book ad space: JUNE 25 JULY 5 Deadline to submit advertising material: JULY 2 JULY 12 TORONTO BOOTH LOCATION MAP RETAIL NEWS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 Portable large-size map distributed onsite at the Toronto Gift Show Editorial theme: planning and purchasing for winter $395 (net) $547 (net) for 1/6th of a page JULY 12 JULY 4 AUGUST 22 JULY 19 JULY 11 AUGUST 29 $395 (net) for a ¼ page CONNECT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ADVERTISING PLANS OR BOOKING AD SPACE, CONTACT: Retail News & Toronto Gift Show Alberta and Montreal Gift Shows Marisa Florio Publications Account Specialist Direct line: 416-642-1042 E-mail: [email protected] Alison Salman Marketing Co-ordinator – Regional Shows Direct line: 416-642-1056 E-mail: [email protected] Click here to download Retail News media kits which detail advertising information and file specifications. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 Click here for instructions on submitting Retail News editorial or contact: Erica Kirkland Direct line: 905-690-0492 E-mail: [email protected] Submit product and copy for editorial consideration by: August 17 6/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO Save time and money by scanning the following pages for dates, deadlines and resources that may be important to you. Good luck at the shows! Upcoming Show Dates & Hours Be Safe at the Shows TORONTO GIFT SHOW SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 12 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. ALBERTA GIFT SHOW SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 19 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. MONTREAL GIFT SHOW NEW HOURS! SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 26 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. BE INFORMED Please carefully read and comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act relevant to your province. The safety of exhibitors and attendees at the CGTA Gift Shows is a top priority. The Occupational Health & Safety Acts in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec insist on reasonable precautions being taken to protect the health and safety of all persons involved in show production. As an exhibitor, it is your duty to understand your obligations on behalf of yourself, your employees and your hired workers at the shows. REMEMBER! • Please don’t pile boxes behind booths. • Make sure all your lighting is tightly secured. Electrical energy is capable of causing severe personal injury, death or fire. For this reason, electrical equipment must be installed in accordance with the Electrical Safety Code for your province. For more information specific to each show, click Toronto, Alberta or Montreal. AsAs AnAn Exhibitor, Your Obligations Include: Exhibitor, Your Obligations Include: ONE TWO Making sure all persons on a show floor are wearing safety shoes during move-in and move-out. Open shoes will not be permitted under any circumstances. Providing additional protective equipment such as hard hats and safety goggles, so they are on-hand and available for staff use in the event of overhead activity or construction near your booth location. THREE Ensuring that your staff are informed of these rules and are fully protected against injury. Click on the icons below to access this information by show. TORONTO WWW.CGTA.ORG ALBERTA 800-611-6100 MONTREAL 7/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO Shipping & Business Services Complimentary Shipping Exhibitors will enjoy complimentary domestic shipping services at the Fall 2013 Toronto, Alberta and Montreal Gift Shows, courtesy of Canpar and Loomis. PACKAGE DROP OFF LOCATIONS & HOURS OF OPERATION TORONTO TORONTOGIFT GIFTSHOW SHOW CANPAR AND LOOMIS International Centre Hall 1 - CGTA Member Resource Centre August 12 Noon to 5 p.m. August 13 Noon to 5 p.m. August 14 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Congress Centre South Hall 9 - Main West entrance (outside show office) Congress Centre North Hall 12 - Southeast corner ALBERTA ALBERTAGIFT GIFTSHOW SHOW CONNECT CANPAR AND LOOMIS Room E1 - Next to the CGTA Business Centre office August 19 Noon to 4 p.m. August 20 Noon to 4 p.m. August 21 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact: Angela Voelkner Member Services Associate Direct line: 416-642-1046 E-mail: [email protected] MONTREAL MONTREALGIFT GIFTSHOW SHOW CANPAR AND LOOMIS Level 4 - Next to the CGTA Business Centre office August 26 Noon to 5 p.m. August 27 Noon to 5 p.m. August 28 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CGTA BUSINESS CENTRE For a nominal fee, photocopying and fax services are available. International Centre - Hall 3 - Retail News / Info Booth #3360 TORONTO TORONTO ALBERTA ALBERTA MONTREAL MONTREAL WWW.CGTA.ORG Toronto Congress Centre South - Hall 8 – Member Resource Centre, Booth #8375 Outside Hall E, Room E2 Level 4 800-611-6100 8/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO For Show Planning, Log into the Exhibitor Toolkits Today! The exhibitor toolkits for the Toronto, Alberta and Montreal CGTA Gift Shows are comprehensive web resources. They will help you get information, update details, download forms and research marketing opportunities. Many suppliers offer discounted rates for orders placed before deadline dates! Submit your orders early and save money. RESOURCE Buyers’ Guide DETAILS TORONTO TORONTO are also available in your renewal package. Persons arriving onsite without an exhibitor badge will be required to show a personalized business card and photo ID Exhibitor kit Access a complete list of forms and documents Hotel booking Book your hotels for the Fall 2013 CGTA Gift Shows Marketing opportunities Find free and paid opportunities to promote your company and booth Show rules and regulations To help you set up for a successful show, rules and regulations are in place to ensure safety and fairness to all exhibitors WWW.CGTA.ORG TORONTO TORONTO ALBERTA ALBERTA MONTREAL MONTREAL ALBERTA ALBERTA MONTREAL MONTREAL CLOSES JULY 7 CLOSES JULY 14 Update your information online (username and password required). Instructions Exhibitor badge registration EXHIBITOR TOOLKIT HOME 800-611-6100 (closed) Enhancements available! Enhancements available! CLOSES JULY 30 CLOSES AUGUST 8 CLOSES AUGUST 15 DEADLINE: JULY 5 DEADLINE: JULY 12 DEADLINE: JULY 19 Toolkits continue on page 10… 9/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO DOCUMENT DETAILS Deadline checklist Stay organized as you plan for your shows Floor tape information IMPORTANT! If incorrect flooring tape is used or removed after a show, the exhibiting company will be charged directly for floor cleaning. Double-sided cloth tape is recommended. Health & safety acknowledgement This form is mandatory because safety is a top priority. Insurance form This form is mandatory. Move-in/out information Reference move-in/out dates and hours as well as shipment details Onsite contact form Let us know how we can reach you onsite at the shows in case of an emergency Retailer invitations Exhibitors, invite your buyers to see you at the show using these handy tools Seminar registration Attend informative member seminars free-of-charge. But, you must pre-register. TORONTO TORONTO ALBERTA ALBERTA MONTREAL MONTREAL DEADLINE: PAST DUE DEADLINE: AUGUST 2 DEADLINE: AUGUST 9 DEADLINE: PAST DUE DEADLINE: AUGUST 2 DEADLINE: AUGUST 9 (not required) DEADLINE: AUGUST 2 DEADLINE: AUGUST 9 (not applicable) (not applicable) Speaker: Gary Ford Sales Specialist REGISTER BEFORE: AUGUST 2 CONNECT TORONTO TORONTOGIFT GIFT SHOW SHOW INTERNATIONAL CENTRE Michelle Ricci Show Coordinator Direct line: 416-642-1029 E-mail: [email protected] CONGRESS CENTRE Rita Grossi Show Coordinator Direct line: 416-642-1035 E-mail: [email protected] CGTA HOSPITALITY BUREAU WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 ALBERTA ALBERTAGIFT GIFT SHOW SHOW Angela Clarino Show Coordinator Direct line: 416-642-1054 E-mail: [email protected] MONTREAL MONTREAL GIFT GIFT SHOW SHOW Janie Gagnon Show Coordinator Direct line: 416-642-1053 E-mail: [email protected] Toll-free: 855-460-0296 Fax: 705-735-1534 E-mail: [email protected] 10/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO UPDATE YOUR FREE PRODUCT LOCATOR PROFILE Last year retailers performed over 256,000 searches using the CGTA Product Locator. Search rates tend to peak closer to the shows, so now is the perfect time to update your information for all three shows – Toronto, Alberta and Montreal. To begin, click here. For assistance, e-mail: Dora Hluszkiw Operations Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] DID YOU KNOW? Produ WE'VE MADE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PRODUCT LOCATOR ocator ctL We recently performed an extensive upgrade to the Product Locator system that has improved service for both retailers and CGTA members. To learn more, click here. Toronto Gift Show Best Booth Awards At the upcoming Fall 2013 Toronto Gift Show, a panel of industry peers will evaluate exhibitor booths in all categories. The winners will be notified at the show and will also enjoy special coverage in Retail News magazine, on the Toronto Gift Show website and in the association’s member newsletter, CGTA Connects. Action List The Toronto Gift Show is almost here! Below is a special mention of some upcoming dates and deadlines you may not want to miss. ONE TWO Submit Food Prep Forms SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 5 Include Product Samples in Show Welcome Bags SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 17 Sign-Up for Free THREE Display Space BOOKING DEADLINE: JULY 19 FOUR Come With Us to See ‘Anything Goes’! Saturday, August 10 Cost: $105 Per Person (INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION) For more details on each item, click here. HOW TO ENTER Just by being an exhibitor, you are automatically entered! No applications and no paperwork required. All you have to do is apply your imagination and work hard to ensure your booth is great-looking and inviting to retailers. Good luck! WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 11/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO What Can Exhibitors and Buyers Expect at the Alberta Gift Show? FREE WI-FI FREE PARKING during move-in and show days for all exhibitors and buyers P + What’s New at the Montreal Gift Show? NEW Show Hours! To reflect the realities of commuting to downtown Montreal, the Montreal Gift Show will now open at 10 a.m. Sunday to Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Buyer Bucks” Returns! Back by popular demand, the “Buyer Bucks” program will once again offer retailers an opportunity to win $1,000 to spend with exhibitors at the Montreal Gift Show. Hall A Closure Take Part! Effective this August, we will be permanently closing Hall A and consolidating the floor plan in the other halls. Made in Canada has moved to Hall H, where we plan to relocate TRIPS West in February 2014. Breakfast Seminars NEW! Retailers can take advantage of one of two kick-off breakfasts on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., before the show opens! Share in the Fun! Super Tuesday If you are exhibiting at the show and have a special you would like to offer on Tuesday, August 20th, please e-mail Alison Salman at [email protected] before July 17th, to be included in the Buyers’ Guide and promoted on the show’s website. New Exhibitors Welcome! Thinking of exhibiting in Alberta? Call Brenda Harrison, Show Manager at 800-611-6100 ext. 1049 and join these new and returning exhibitors: Artizan Bradford Exchange C. J. Marketing Designer Greetings Fruits & Passion Gunther Mele ... just to name a few! WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 Mint Silver Collection The Tate Group Torre & Tagus Designs Upper Canada Soap Victorinox Swiss Army Meet Dany Vachon, one of the original “Dragons” from “Dans l’oeil du Dragon” (Dragon’s Den, Quebec) who will present “From Zero to Heroes”. Learn from Mr. Vachon’s views on ownership, leadership, motivation and vision. (Seminar presented in French) A keynote speaker from “MakePR” will help both exhibitors and retailers adopt effective techniques to help boost their visibility and increase their sales. (Presented in English) New Product Gallery Exhibitors are invited to submit photos of their new products for display in an online photo gallery. Help us promote your new products on the show’s website. The sooner you send in your photos, the more FREE exposure you will receive! For more details, contact Alison Salman at [email protected]. Tuesday Madness! Offer a show special on Tuesday, August 27th and drive buyers to your booth. Please e-mail your special to Alison Salman at [email protected] before August 1st and we will help you promote it on the show’s website and in the Buyers’ Guide. Thinking of Exhibiting? Call Show Manager, Melanie DeCoteau at 800-611-6100 ext. 1051 to join these industry leaders: C.J. Marketing, Giftcraft, Splash International, Nostalgia, V & L, Pottery Lane, Myles... and many more! 12/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 SHOW INFO INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS WATCH LIST Convention Expo Travel & Global Housing Management Misleading Exhibitors Convention Expo Travel and Global Housing Management have contacted CGTA Gift Show exhibitors and attendees implying that they officially represent these events. The CGTA never collaborates with these organizations. If you choose to do business with these companies, please exercise careful due diligence. Only the CGTA Hospitality Bureau is the official travel and hospitality point of contact for the Toronto, Alberta and Montreal Gift Shows. If you have questions, contact us toll-free at 855-460-0296. Industry Urges Diligence in Light of Bangladesh Disaster The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is updating its industry guidelines following the collapse of a Bangladeshi garment factory that killed over 600 people. In a statement, the RCC said it would revise the educational materials and resources available to its members. It will also join a North American industry coalition of retail associations, and is working with the International Labour Organization and the Bangladeshi government, to come up with safety standards for the Bangladesh garment industry. The RCC represents 45,000 Canadian retailers, including department, grocery and independent merchants. To read more, click here. U.S. Injunction Issued Against FairGuide Source: CTV News The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued an injunction against FairGuide (Construct Data Publishers) with the assistance of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. In the past, FairGuide has been known to send members an Expo-Guide exhibitor directory form which refers to the CGTA Gift Shows. If you receive a communication inviting you to sign and return a form for entry into an online directory, please DO NOT complete any forms without reading the small print thoroughly. Umbra Committed to Overseas Inspections What To Do If You Have Been Misled If you have been misled into signing a FairGuide online directory form, believing you were participating in a free CGTA program, you have recourse. Click here for more information and to download a “cease and desist” letter that you can customize and issue to FairGuide on behalf of your organization. Expo-Guide, fairguide.com and Construct Data Publishers are in no way associated with any of the CGTA Gift Shows or with the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association. If you have questions, contact us at 800-611-6100. In an article in the Toronto Star business section, Umbra president and CGTA member, Les Mandelbaum, said he visits his company’s overseas factories in China personally. He estimates he has travelled abroad more than 75 times. He inspects the factory Umbra operates in Shenzhen and other facilities where Umbra products are made under the Umbra brand, or as private labels for retailers including Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Home Outfitters, Winners and Bed Bath & Beyond. To read more, click here. Source: thestar.com JewelPop and Marina Textiles Make the PROFIT 500 List “Spectacular” is the word PROFITguide.com is using to describe the performance of businesses it has included in its 25th annual ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies (the Profit 500). Two CGTA members have made the list this year: Marina Textiles Inc. and JewelPop Inc., whose products are distributed in Canada by Lotus Jewellery. To read more, click here. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 13/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 RESEARCH RESEARCH Outmaneuvering Product Copycats The reality is this: if you develop a new product or service, at some point a competitor may try to “knock-it-off” and sell it at a cheaper price. “You have to expect that you will have competitors, and that as soon as you demonstrate success in the market, others will enter,” says Stephen Daze, entrepreneur in residence at University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management. “So the key is to out-execute them, providing better, stronger, cheaper and faster solutions.” Tools in Your Arsenal It may not be easy, but there are ways to guard against idea appropriation. One option is consulting a lawyer to discuss trademarking, copyrighting or patenting your idea. Granted, however, that not every business can afford to do this. But, every business – big or small – can do the following: ONE Innovate: Rethink your model: Don’t rest on your laurels. Keep evolving and never stop exploring how you can continue to provide a better product at a lower price. Communicate your value proposition to customers: How does your product differ from the competition? What does your brand offer that only you can deliver? In 1999, CGTA member, Foxy Originals Inc., began manufacturing jewellery pieces that were seen adorning celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Sienna Miller. Soon cheaper “knockoffs” were spotted at trade shows and in catalogues. Foxy Originals has worked hard to “outfox” their competition through innovation. To read more about their experience, click here. Source: Toronto Star TWO Work on improving what you have and stay a step ahead of your competition. THREE Close to Home CGTA Member, Foxy Originals, Fighting Overseas Knockoffs of its Jewellery FOUR Outperform the competition: Decide where your niche is going to be and then deliver excellence. • Come up with a cheaper way of doing what you do; • Create a variety of product lines and services that offer consumers different choices and price points, or; • Focus on a specific segment of the market. Luxury buyers, for example, may appreciate pricier high-end products that promise beauty, quality and craftsmanship. To read more, click here. Adapted from the Toronto Star Business Club, Canadian Small Businesses Can Combat Copycats: Innovation, Marketing, Trademarks and Patents, March 20, 2013 WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 14/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 RESEARCH Popularity of Small Business Mobile Apps Growing Stop Retailers from Walking Past Your Booth The growth of mobile apps has exploded. Today, there are well over 1 million applications available for download for every imaginable need. And it’s no surprise, according to a study sponsored by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE). Thirty-eight percent of American business owners said they could not survive without mobile apps because of the benefits in time management, productivity, sales development and cost reductions. Trade shows are large-scale selling venues that attract large numbers of qualified buyers. But, even in a sea of booths, every exhibitor has a unique presence that can shine in its own distinct way. Here are some tips for attracting retailers to your exhibit. To stand out from the crowd, personalize your display and make it your own. To read more, click here. Source: Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE) Apps for the Giftware Industry For product presentations and fast order entry, there are numerous apps available. While the CGTA can’t endorse these mobile tools, some CGTA members have begun using these applications in their offices and on trade show floors. Could some of these applications be useful to your business? We invite you to decide for yourself. www.handshake-app.com Purpose: To write and receive orders on the iPad, iPhone and web. Details: Offers a free trial and suggests that you may never write another order by hand again. www.nuorder.com Purpose: Online order entry and contact management. Details: Promises an easy-to-use interface and features that will make buying simple for your retail customers. The website offers an opportunity to sign-up for a demo. Focus: The fashion industry www.stitchlabs.com Purpose: Online inventory management Details: With Stitch, users can manage inventory and orders across multiple channels through one simple dashboard. Whether you sell online, offline, or both, Stitch is a central place to process inventory, orders, invoices, contacts, expenses, and more. Stitch generates reports based on your sales data to help you make better decisions and grow your business. Try Bold Colour Exciting colours married in imaginative, striking combinations do attract the eye. Have you considered adding bright elements to your booth structure? Are some of your products wrapped in colourful packaging, easily lending themselves to dramatic clustered displays? Use Motion Movement can come from a demonstration, a presentation, a video or even from your exhibit yourself. Make buyers curious to see what’s happening. Employ Unique Architecture Much like an unusual piece of art on a living room coffee table might stimulate conversation, an intriguing design element (ideally something that also reinforces your brand) could draw curious buyers into your space. To read more, click here. Adapted from skylinetradeshowtips.com Want to Browse for Other Apps? To explore some of the most popular general apps, click here to visit the iTunes Preview web page. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 15/16 CGTA CONNECTS JUNE 2013 RESEARCH Forrester Report: U.S. e-tailers Diverting Web Revenues from Canadian Companies Canada Post Helping Our Nation Compete in Global Online Marketplace Forrester Research recently released a report, partly funded by Canada Post and Shop.ca, based on surveys of 1,103 Canadian online shoppers. The conclusion: Canadian retail sales are eroding because many domestic retailers and suppliers have delayed launching robust e-commerce websites. KEY ASSERTIONS: To support domestic online retailing, Canada Post has launched the 2013 E-Commerce Innovation Awards. Canadian retailers that sell and ship to Canadian customers through the online channel are invited to compete to share $1 million worth of total prizes. Winners will receive lucrative shipping contracts worth up to $100,000, customized direct mail marketing packages — which include data and targeting solutions — as well as valuable marketing prizes. To learn more, click here. Source: Canada Post • Canadian shoppers are growing increasingly comfortable with cross-border buying. • 25% of Canadian online spending goes through international websites. • Almost three-quarters (72%) of survey respondents who shop U.S. e-commerce websites said it was because they could not find what they wanted from a Canadian e-tailer. Six in 10 (59%) stated cheaper U.S. prices contributed to their decision. Value-added opportunity: Suppliers can build stronger relationships with retail customers by finding ways to support their e-commerce strategies. Source: Canadian Grocer Double Whammy: Increased Cross-Border Visits Also Impacting Canadian Retail Sales When the Federal Government presented its budget last year, it announced that cross-border shoppers would be able to bring more goods back into Canada tax-free. Although felt most strongly in areas closest to the border, some Canadian retailers and suppliers have lost customers; those believing they can purchase cheaper goods in the United States. Canadians make more than 30 million overnight trips outside the country every year. Source: National Post reporting on Canada’s 2012 federal budget, March 2012 To read more, click here. CGTA CONNECTS Canadian Gift and Tableware Association 42 Voyager Court South Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M9W 5M7 Toll-free: 800-611-6100 Telephone: 416-679-0170 Fax: 416-679-0175 www.cgta.org Publisher Editor Tom Foran [email protected] Barb Prazmowski [email protected] DISCLAIMER: The CGTA publishes information for the general benefit of members. This includes, but is not limited to, information containing legal, accounting, tax and marketing components. This information is general and is from sources believed to be accurate. Members and readers are cautioned to seek professional advice with respect to their own particular business situation. The CGTA specifically disclaims any liability as a result of anyone relying on published information. WWW.CGTA.ORG 800-611-6100 16/16