A dozen Dallas dandies (Part II)

Perry Upchurch knows gifts, so much so that at his prompting, Dallas-based garden center Nicholson-Hardie completely overhauled its gift section -- and saw sales more than triple while increasing margins by 15% after sales and clearance, too.

As a consultant to gift operations at a variety of garden centers, Upchurch travels around the globe to find ideas he might pass to clients. This blog entry continues a series on items that caught his fancy during the recent Dallas Gift Market -- and features his take on each product.

 A.      B.

A. Campo de Fiori offers many terra cotta items with real moss growing prior to shipment to your store. These hurricanes feature a huge glass globe and a moss-growing saucer. You add the candle and the moss.

B. Gold Eagle offers the best magnolia garlands, wreaths and picks available anywhere. (404) 431-4090

 C.      D.     E.

C. Midwest has many Santas available in all different sizes. This one has a great smile and good details and a long list of kids to make happy. 

D. Midwest is promoting many different selling tools, including racks that feature different classifications of merchandise. These tree-shaped racks hold the resin ornaments that depict garden center items like tools, birds, seeds and many other items.

E. Jeremie Inc. has many holiday items, but this little reindeer is quite special. Look for the reindeers with a planter in their backs, too. Other holiday items from Jeremie include angels and other spirited items. (800) 362-3869

 F.     G.

F. Heavy and thick Melamine plates look and feel like real ceramic dinnerware. Glazes resemble the real thing, too. They will not chip or break, and they go right into the dishwasher. Colors are strong and go with many patterns, especially these heavenly French Fabrics from Lila A. Reed at the World Trade Center in Dallas.

G. Sipatiniz is a non-spillable martini glass complete with a straw. Selected as the hottest item of 2009, it continues to be a success. Available from Patrick & Company in the Dallas Trade Mart.

 H.     I.

H. Cork Pops has improved its packaging and expanded its line of wine-related products. Over 150 items now tempt the wine lover, and many items are designed to make the process of opening wine and serving it easier and more delightful.

I. This wine glass metal chandelier was custom-made by a Dallas craftsman for the Cork Pops display in Dallas. Within a few days, a 12-glass version will be available to anyone who desires it. Contact Patrick & Company in the Dallas TradeMart.

 J.     K.

J. Orlandi Statuary (left) and K. Jeremie (right) offer a full range of outside and inside sculptures of Saints as decor. This area is expanding and expanding, so customers are looking for Saints for everything to support their pets or to guard their homes and children. Jeremie Inc., (800) 362-3869

 L.

L. Only things with feet should touch the floor in a garden center gift shop ... so this is the perfect two-feet table from Orlandi.