In one handy package, Made By Humans combines a fork, removable knife, spoon and a bottle/can opener. Great for the outdoor enthusiasts and die-hard campers. Read more...

Cool wheels! Strut some serious funk with luggage and handbags from Fashion Import designed by Italian artist Simone Legno and Hard Candy co-creators Pooneh Mohajer Arnold and Ivan Arnold. Read more...

Sleek styling and on-trend colours make this the perfect wine cooler for hot summer days. The transparent acrylic coolers are available from Electro Tech in a rainbow of hues. Read more...

As a retailer, vendors are one of your most valuable business partners. You rely on them to provide you with a flow of good products, but there are other ways you can leverage your wholesale partners. Here's how:

By Anne Millerd

ASK AWAY

• Ask for display ideas. Good suppliers practice displaying their own products and should have suggestions to help you show their products in the best light.
• Ask for product knowledge materials. It's much easier for your staff to sell a product when they know all about it.
• If you're not sure why an item is more expensive than a competing item, ask your supplier to explain its value so you can relay the information to customers.
• If you're considering a new line, look for a supplier who shows a willingness to learn about your store. Ask them whether your store is a good match for their product.

Read more...

Famous Home Fashions has announced an alliance with Van Es Home, a leading fashion bedding company in Europe. Famous will license Van Es' multiple brands and produce them in Asia for the North American market.

The new collections will debut in Canada during the upcoming Toronto Gift Show. Shipments to retailers will begin in March 2012. Read more...

As an import company whose primary sales revolve around nautical decorative products, such as sailboats, ships and boats, Leemen International is celebrating its 25th anniversary while honouring the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. Read more...

The world's cutest dog – Boo – can now be hugged by households around the world with a plush version from Gund.

The canine cutie has 2.5 million Facebook fans and over 8 million video views on YouTube. He's been featured in People Magazine, has appeared on Good Morning America and has his own website. The designers at Gund have paid particular attention to Boo's fluffy face and unusual fur style resulting in a remarkably lifelike rendition. The plush version will be available in 2012 for a suggested retail of $23.99. Read more...

Trudeau Canada has appointed Jeff Gilman (pictured) as product and sales manager. Jeff will support and maximize the potential of the company's glassware product under the Trudeau brand while also representing the Bormioli Rocco product. Jeff was most recently vice-president of sales for Intercontinental Mercantile. 

In other company news, Trudeau announced the appointment of Rob and Cindy Liebermann as the new sales representatives in British Columbia. Based in Langley, Rob and Cindy have over 17 years experience in the industry, and are replacing the area's long-time sales representative Sharon Cormier who retired at the end of the year. Read more...

Design Home Gift & Paper is the new Canadian national sales representative for Tag Furnishings Group, the contemporary-lifestyle furniture division of the highly-acclaimed housewares, gift and home décor manufacturer Tag.

“Never before has our furniture division benefited from comprehensive national coverage in Canada nor visibility at Canadian trade shows,” say Joe Fahy, director of business development at Tag. Read more...

Nature's Window has secured the Canadian distribution rights for an innovative product line called Thermo. The collection of rechargeable, heat-emitting clothing and accessories was developed in Austria and has been selling on the European market for the past two years. Read more...