A dozen Dallas dandies (Part I)

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 begins a series on items that caught his fancy during the recent Dallas Gift Market -- and features his take on each product.

 A.       B.

A. ABC Glass offfers good shipping, great packing, good delivery and good prices. Nice, thick glass, great sizes for floral, planting and display. (770) 449-6586   

B. California Floral offers several sizes of the American Flag ... a good wall piece and affordably priced.

 C.     D.

C. Park Hill offersmany different styles of numbered planters. Favorite Numbers take a lot less inventory than initials. (501) 603-0600

D. Homes and stores need Suggestion Boxes, and Park Hill offers the best in this class -- one that appears to have suffered through many bold ideas! (501) 603-0600

 E.     F.     G.

E. Midwest offers night-lights in hundreds of designs; this one is a chandelier. Holiday and everyday designs are available with displays, too.

F. Romantic frogs embrace a spirit of loving ... and this sculpture depicts the art of love. From California Floral.

G. Knud Nielsen offers many unusual items that are preserved, real, natural products of nature. This winding band of green makes a group of leaves in an outdoor planter look arranged and appropriate for any home or garden.

 H.     I.

H. Trapp Candles is offering its Gold Members a sweepstake promotion that will thrill the consumer and offer her a chance to sniff all the scents you feature in the store -- and win what they adore!

I. Peking Handicraft features more than 1,000 different guest towels for all season and all reasons during the year. Holiday themes are especially strong.

 J.     K.

J. This three-set of spirited ghosts hang together to spook anyone ... large and showy ... and affordable. From Califonia Floral.

K. This wooden witch has a partner, and both are made of wood and attachments. Both are available from California Floral.

 L.

L. Great legs! These fabric leg covers are meant to cover the legs of any table completely and are in the designs of a skeleton or a witch. From 180 Degrees. (404) 577-8229