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Connections
February/March 2016 Powered by indiCo / Uniting Independents
Buying Power to the Nth Degree
Paula Haerr
VP Retail Services
You know the product, you know the price, you know the minimums,
you know the vendors. What’s holding you back from the best deals in
the industry?
THE
SOURCE
A Joint Connect2One ICBA Program
The vision of united buying power for our apparel programs has
transcended buying group borders. The SOURCE—a Joint Connect2One
ICBA program—is now in its second year.
With the mid-January announcement of The SOURCE Vendor Selection
Team’s decision, buyers can make fully informed commitments now
through March 31.
Why a Commitment in the First Place?
Part of the vendor price negotiation relies on the projected volume
of business that will be generated by the two groups. For the
manufacturers, forecasting inventory and production time is crucial to
meeting delivery demands for this united buying model.
On the store side, your first and best commitment sends a message to
the vendor community that you support the united buying model. By
planning out your buys as Syracuse University Bookstore does with
their doorbuster promotions, you are able to build a promotional
calendar and project sales and gross margin dollars with certainty.
Commitment Forms due March 31
Questions? Contact [email protected] for your commitment
worksheet and any questions you have about The SOURCE program . Or,
stop by the Connect2One booth #2525 at CAMEX. We’ll be happy to help
you.
Our lowest priced adult short-sleeve t-shirt in
the 2016 program is 100% cotton and offers
quantity splits within minimums to expand
garment and imprint colors for greater variety.
Also awarded: youth short-sleeve t-shirt and
adult long-sleeve t-shirt, both in 100% cotton.
The Selection Team noted Russell’s color variety
and graphic design capabilities as key to the
awarded categories. The 50/50 cotton/poly
t-shirts are available in minimums as low as 72
pieces in adult short-sleeve, adult long-sleeve
and youth short sleeve styles.
In a unanimous decision, the Selection Team awarded Russell Jerzees an
exclusive on the fleece category which includes the 8 oz. crew, hoodie,
full-zip hood, quarter-zip and sweatpants in both banded and open
bottom styles.
New for 2016: All Russell Jerzees orders with pre-approved art
and a 90+ day lead time on delivery qualify for FREE FREIGHT.
The popular style of The Game’s low profile
unstructured cap is a fan favorite. New for 2016: The
Game will offer pack and hold options within 144
and 288 piece minimum orders. Contact your MV
Sport / The Game sales rep for details on pack and hold
when placing your order.
Watch your inbox for details on the
EXCLUSIVE Connect2One Paper
Commodities Program awarded to Top Flight.
Products include 1, 3 and 5 subject commodity
wirebounds, comp books and filler paper.
February/March 2016
Connections 1
New Vendor Partners for 2016!
Celebrating
its 25th
anniversary in
the college market, CI Sport is known for superior
quality artwork, embroidery and tackle twill.
Minimums are just 24 pieces per style and they
offer fast turnaround times. CI Sport is offering
Connect2One stores 4 great Show Specials at
CAMEX that save you over $500 each. Order at
CAMEX or before 3/11/16. Choose from a Basic
Cotton Package, a T-shirt Package, a Performance
Package and a Ladies Apparel Package. The
Performance Package features a Ladies Quarter
Zip, Men’s Quarter Zip, Solid Poly Hood and
Colorblock Tee. In each package you get 36 pieces
of each style. See the entire line at cisport.com or
visit CI Sport in booth #4501 at CAMEX.
Emerson Street
Clothing is a strong
resource for “on-trend
Missy fit” collegiate
clothing. Emerson
Street takes an upscale,
fashion approach that’s
hard to find in the college market. From scarves
to dresses to sweaters, they offer a dressed up
yet casual look. The Peruvian Collection features
great looking sweaters perfect for sporting events
or casual business wear. Their Infinity Scarves
and Headbands have been a big hit. The new Knit
Accessories Collection offers Knit Scarves, Gloves
and Headbands with a sporty flair. Emerson’s
infinity “watercolor” scarves are a light, feminine
style that’s comfortable to wear. Emerson still
offers its Nightshirt in a Bag, the first style they
carried that’s still popular today. Connect2One
stores get a 5% discount. Visit Emerson Street
in booth #3901 at CAMEX or on the web at
emersonstreetclothing.com.
As a university
student, Kevin Feng
recognized a need
for headwear that
allowed students to
look fashionable and stay warm on their long
treks across campus. Kevin began searching for
quality fabrics and concepts. Thus, Hanhat was
born. Hanhat uses the very best Australian angora
and wool available. Styles include several knit
berets with the option to embroider the Everly
and Fallyn styles with your school logo. Other
styles include the Belle Knit Cloche Hat and the
Taylor Knit Bow Hat. Hanhat seeks to provide the
highest quality of products and fashion available.
Connect2One stores save $2.00 per hat.
Visit Hanhat at hanhat.com or at CAMEX in
booth #1947.
2 Connections
February/March 2016
LXG offers excellent
quality product at
very moderate
price points and
minimums are
unusually low.
Categories include gift sets, tech products and
desk accessories, just to name a few. Their
products, many in bold school colors as well
as sophisticated silvers, look great on the shelf
and are a good choice for department and VIP
sales. All products come packaged making a
strong presentation and perfect for gift giving.
Connect2One stores save 4% year round. Check
out the LXG Show Special which offers 10%
off 3 new styles of drinkware. See the entire
line at lxginc.com or visit them at CAMEX booth
#2017.
Canvas prints from
Paulson Designs
make a bold statement
and come ready to
hang in many different
sizes and colors.
Custom designed for each school, Paulson’s
contemporary artwork can be sentimental with
love and heart designs, or show iconic buildings,
statues and stadiums. Paulson is licensed for
many large schools but welcomes new schools
who want their product. Designs can be adapted
for most schools. Paulson Designs also offers
magnets, postcards, picture frames and greeting
cards. All products are USA-Made. Connect2One
stores receive a 5% discount. Check out
Paulson Designs at paulsondesigns.com or visit
CAMEX booth #3509.
Want to try some fresh,
new looks in your kid’s
clothing department?
Then try Wes and Willy!
From rough and tumble
clothing for boys to soft
and pretty styles for girls,
this line aims to please.
Wes and Willy is known for
its unique 2-pc. pajama
sets that come in infant, toddler, boy’s and girl’s
sizes. Slubs, glow-in-the dark and colorblocking
are all part of the line. Check out their Blended
Jersey, Sports LS Inside Out Crew and LS Raglan
Hood - great for school or play. Girl’s styles
include Cheer Sets, Polka Dot Pullovers and
Cuffed Pants, and a healthy dose of pink - plus
much more. Connect2One stores save 5%.
Visit Wes and Willy at wesandwilly.com and at
CAMEX booth #2709.
February/March 2016Connections 3
Tell Us About New Vendors!
Bay Sales offers the highest
quality product in school and
office supplies at the best
possible prices. Stop by the
booth in the Destination C2O
area to see multiple brands:
✓✓ Creative Colors is a school and office supply line featuring fun
colors and designs: Trendsetters, Neons, Skulls and more.
✓✓ Arctic Star is a unique assortment of backpacks, lunch bags,
cooler totes, pouches and premium notebooks showcasing
quality fabrics and trendy designs.
✓✓ The Boardroom is a professional brand of boards (dry erase,
calendar, cork) and accessories to keep even the most
unorganized person organized!
Check out commodity items—index cards, 2-pocket folders, and
binders—for super pricing. C2O stores receive an average
18% savings from regular wholesale (that’s over 75% off SRP!).
Contact [email protected] or call 215-331-6466.
Discover great pricing on
dorm and desk accessories
from Artistic Products, LLC!
Look for desktop lamps and
frames, work study pads, message boards and more.
The “On My Desk” line of LED desk lamps features
contemporary design, sensor touch dimmer and
full-color packaging! C2O stores receive 10% off
regular wholesale prices. Stop by CAMEX booth
#2732 to talk with a rep or call 800-274-7824.
4 Connections
February 2016
When you partner with Consumer Priority
Service (CPS), you aren’t simply entering
new SKUs into your product feed. Think of
CPS as another department within your store,
whose sole focus is your customer’s post-sale
experience!
CPS offers Extended Warranty Protection
including: Extended, In-Home, Date of
Purchase, Accidental Damage, Replacement,
and OEM Parts & Labor Service Plans. With
total coverage, a hassle-free claims process,
and repair guarantee, your store can offer total
peace of mind to your customers.
C2O stores receive an average 8% savings
from regular pricing. Contact kevink@
itechcheck.com or call 320-230-2020 to get
started.
Bijoux International offers a variety of backpacks
and bags perfect for the college student:
✓✓ FUEL® - Inspired by the drive and passion of
the young athlete.
Active, youthful designs in vibrant styles
capture trends, not fads. FUEL® is dedicated to
innovation in functionality. With a Performance
for Life™ Guarantee, Bijoux stands by their
commitment to manufacturing quality products
that perform for life, guaranteed. They will
gladly replace any FUEL® product found
with manufacturing defects in material or
workmanship, no questions asked.
Visit www.fuel-usa.com for product details.
✓✓ Eastsport - Functional bags fit the everyday
lifestyle.
Whether you are a professional, a student,
an athlete or a pro skater, they’ve got a bag
to fit your needs—and the Eastsport Lifetime
Guarantee to support you. Visit
www.eastsport.com for more information.
C2O stores save an average 32% from regular
prices! Stop by Booth #2634 in the Destination C2O
area at CAMEX to see everything available, or call
866-259-1885.
February 2016
Connections 5
6 Connections
February 2016
Connect2One
TRAVEL DAY
Wednesday, March 2
Connect2One
EDUCATION DAY
Thursday, March 3
Connect2One
EXPANDED SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 5
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
C2O Welcome: Stop by for afternoon refreshments and Goody Bags*!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Breakfast on your own: Start the day at your own pace. Coffee and
sodas will be available at the meeting rooms. Goody Bag* pickup
available from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Kick-off: Meet your Connect2One and indiCo team.
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Apparel In-Depth Review: Michelle Johnson reviews best buys from
our apparel programs with a focus on the latest trends in garment
styles, graphic designs and new products.
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Expansion Categories: There’s more to C2O than apparel and
supplies. Join Michelle Johnson and Robb Faust for an overview of gifts,
souvenirs, backpacks, shopping bags, operational supplies, and our new
categories, fitness and sporting goods.
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Speed Dating: Fast-paced visits with some of our unique program
partners and top supply vendors. Five minutes and you are on to the
next table!
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch: Take a break between our morning and afternoon sessions to
catch up with friends and colleagues
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Grow your Mix: Join Robb and Michelle for an overview of HBC,
snacks, dorm, tech products and health sciences. Get the scoop on
course material offerings and resources for independent stores.
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.
Hey Robb! Let’s Talk Supplies: Check out all the 2016 supply
programs.
RSVP online at
connect2one.com
Questions:
800-563-9034 or
[email protected]
Last Chance to RSVP
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
“Be True to Your School” Party: Be our guest for dinner, socializing,
music and entertainment. Represent your school by wearing your
favorite logo apparel.
EXPANDED SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 5, 2016
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Thought Leader Session: What’s Hot: Always new, always fresh!
Translate this year’s What’s Hot trends into actionable buying plans at
CAMEX.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Spotlight on Apparel Commitment Programs - The SOURCE: The
success of commitment programs depends on independent stores
driving critical volume to support lower prices. The SOURCE (a joint
Connect2One ICBA program) 2016 vendor selection will be revealed
with each company presenting program highlights. Open to all CAMEX
store attendees; non C2O or non ICBA stores will be asked to register at
the door.
2:15 – 2:45 p.m.
Flash Session: C2O Vendor Spotlights: Discover how our highly
successful paper commodity program can work for your store. Explore
success stories from fall 2015 and see what’s in store for 2016. Open to
all CAMEX store attendees; non C2O stores will be asked to register at
the door.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
C2O Idea Exchange: C2O Buyers have the best ideas! See some of the
most unique products, bestsellers and engaging promotions submitted
by buyers from stores of all types and sizes. You’ll find lots to inspire
your buying and promotions calendar for the coming year! Open to all
CAMEX store attendees.
C2O Thursday Education Events open to C2O Store attendees only.
*Attendees of the Thursday C2O Education Sessions are eligible to receive
the 2016 C2O Goody Bag. You will receive a Goody Bag redemption ticket
with your RSVP confirmation.
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.
Apparel Partner Insights: Presentations from our major apparel
vendors.
Visit camex.org for housing
and CAMEX event registration.
Last chance to RSVP! online at connect2one.com
It’s free to attend exclusive C2O events, and you must RSVP at connect2one.com to receive your pass to these events.
February/March 2016
Connections 7
PartnerShip® is here to provide relief this returns season with
competitive freight rates and a hassle-free shipping experience. As the
only shipping provider created by and for the college retail industry,
PartnerShip has the expertise to help simplify your returns shipping
and provide you with peace-of-mind during this busy time.
At PartnerShip.com you can easily get rate quotes with multiple
carriers, view your shipment history, manage your account details, and
more!
To get started:
•
•
Log in to Partnership.com to create an account, make a shipment,
and a BOL; or
Contact your dedicated account representative at 800-599-2902
or [email protected].
Don’t Forget Your C2O
Education Day Packet
Attention Education Day attendees!
You should be receiving your
tickets, schedules, and
more in the mail
soon. Please don’t
forget to bring these
materials with you
to the event!
Also, make sure to visit PartnerShip in booth #2931 at CAMEX
2016! When you find yourself in need of a quick pick me up, stop by
the booth to enjoy a complimentary coffee and cookie. Once you’re
refueled, you can get in the action with our new racing game. We’re
bringing a lot of great things to CAMEX and we can’t wait to share
them with you. See you in Houston!
Could Your Store Use Some
Spiffing Up?
Enter to Win a Mini
Makeover at CAMEX!
One lucky winner
will receive an 8 hour
in-store makeover to
transform ordinary
to extraordinary!
Visit connect2one.com
for details and
Contest Rules.
Accessing
Your RedShelf
Catalog
A link for the 2016
Program Catalog was
sent out on January
22nd. If you did not
receive your link
or if you have any
questions please contact us at
[email protected]
or call 800-563-9034.
Before
After
4350 Glendale-Milford Rd. Suite 240
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: 800-563-9034 or 513-754-0111
Fax: 800-600-9034
connect2one.com
[email protected]
8 Connections
February/March 2016