The Credit Crunch

Credit card only, credit card only, credit card only....It seems as though that's a common phrase these days that we as wholesalers have to tell our clients and retailers are hearing more and more from their vendors. Factors are tightening up their credit policies as receivables age longer and longer. Companies that are not factored are being forced to require credit cards as net 30 is turning into net 60, 90, etc.


As a former retailer I understand the dilemma of always being asked to use credit cards. We don't want the bills piling up and we certainly don't want to pay the mounting finance charges. However, manufacturers must pay for their materials before they make product and without cash flow this becomes increasingly difficult. So, we see ourselves in a catch-22 in a tough economy.


I am asked regularly to have my vendors extend net 30 terms. Again, as a former retailer I made the same requests. In the days when I could actually pay my bills in 30 days I had great confidence that I would live up to my end of the bargain. However, when the economic dowturn began, I found myself regularly faxing creditors and vendors requesting additional datings. Everyone was very accommodating; many thanked me personally for at least alerting them. I was told how unusual it was to be notified - that most often, stores paid late with no warning.

This really threw me. It dawned on me that was one of the reasons that the situation has reached this level. When bills are blatantly ignored for a long enough period of time - and by enough clients - manufacturers are going to have to make changes. By requiring credit cards, they ensure they are paid and not chasing down money.

So that has brought us to where we are now. The demand for credit cards is at an all time high - and so is the resistance to using them. There is a solution that seems cut and dried and that is if you have/request terms with a vendor, pay the bills within your terms. If you can't at least notify them and make arrangements to pay - and most of all live up to your end of it. The vendor has shipped your merchandise in good faith and can't continue to operate if they are not collecting their receivables. If vendors see that the trend is changing, there will most certainly be more of a willingness to allow terms. With things as tough as they have been, some of the enjoyment has been taken out of what we do - let's not let that get any worse! We're all in this because it's what we love to do. Lets keep it that way!

To Accessorize is to Maximize

Its so hard to escape the media's forecast of doom and gloom. I am by no means a financial expert, but there is one thing that I studied quite a bit back in my college days; when the economy is down, women start to buy more and more accessories.

Why is that?

Instead of splurging and putting money into one or two new clothing items, she figures she can simply "shop" her own closet and create new looks by adding accessories. That is why we are seeing a resurgence of statement jewelry- pieces that stand out from the clothing itself and takes on a life of its own.

Many of our artists have brilliant statement pieces- bib necklaces, bright and bold cocktail rings (seriously, if you have never had a statement cocktail ring, take this advice and get one!), stacks of bangles, glistening chandelier earrings.

For example, last summer sheath dresses and babydoll dresses were all over the place. This season, the trend has run its course. So, what to do? Easy- belt it! Not only will the dress take on a totally different look, but the belt will help visually draw the eye to the narrowest part of your body..the waist!

Another option would be to use a scarf instead of a belt, something I used to do for years. Its a fun alternative and can give your outfit a splash of color. You can even mix and match patterns. The general rule is if your dress has a large print pattern, pick a scarf with a small pattern. You can also do the other way around.

Happy accessorizing!










Allison Daniel












Lotus

The Metal Queen

Every once in awhile if we are lucky, something or someone comes along in life that can instantly change everything. Of course we hope these are good things; a new relationship, a new job. For a sales rep there is nothing better than getting a new line that breathes life into your business. For a retailer, that new line can have the same results!

8 years ago I had a decent assortment of jewelry and handbags but didn't have any particular line that called clients to my attention. I had only been in the business 3 years at that time and had not yet built a reputation. So, imagine my surprise one January day in 2001 when I arrived home to a message from Marjorie Baer, a literal icon in the jewelry industry. As I listened to her message I remember myself falling back into my office chair with my jaw dropped. A client had recommended ME to represent HER as she had just recently parted ways with her rep. Within 30 minutes of returning her call I was hired. I had to pinch myself to believe it! And the staggering number of clients that came with it was incredible!

Marjorie's career began on the steps of The Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was there that she began selling her handcrafted metal creations that are now so well known. I had the opportunity to travel to her factory in San Francisco later that first year and what an amazing experience! I was shown every step of the way what goes into the creation of a jewelry line. From the drawing board to the final product, each step is a 100% hand crafted process.

Utilizing brass, silver plate and copper Marjorie's creations of contemporary mixed metal jewelry has yet to be duplicated by anyone. Season after season her creative flow never wavers! A few weeks ago I received nearly 40 new boards of collections (not only is her jewelry fantastic, her presentation is too!). I could only marvel at her talent as she does this 4-5 times a year!

With the economic struggles we have all seen in the past year, it's wonderful to work with a designer that understands high fashion doesn't always have to equal high prices. This current collections heftiest price has a tag of $35. With average prices ranging from $12-$25, it's no wonder clients range from art museums to boutiques; gift galleries to department stores. Women from 18-80 always find styles they love and can afford.

The designs are timeless and can be dressed up or down and in my case, slept in! Her two tone pieces are a favorite among clients and the availability of clip earrings fills a huge gap in the market (yes, there are many women who do not have pierced ears!). Marjorie has covered all the bases which certainly explains her continued popularity. Every summer at a local art fair I sell our discontinued samples; I have people waiting for me before I open and do not stop selling all day. I am always told I have the best booth at the show - I only wish I were the artist! But I am certainly glad to be her rep!

I'll be showing Marjorie's collections at Stylemax next week and the at The Minneapolis Show. I hope to see many stores come by to see why her jewelry is nearly 30 years strong!

The Color of Money

What a rainy and dreary day! It feels as though spring will never arrive; everything is gray and faded - just itching for a burst of color. And since color has a myriad of affects on our moods and feelings, it's no wonder that this season's color palette is filled with bright, happy tones. We are all looking for ways to make us feel better, to pull us out of the media induced depression about the economy. So, why not pack your stores with all the color you can?

Combinations of bright orange (promotes feelings of excitement, enthusiam and warmth), lime greens (represents tranquility, good luck and health) and sunshine yellow( cheery and warm, the most attention getting color!) have invaded the handbag market. Turquoise (calming) has once again returned to the spotlight in jewelry; peaches (opens your emotions) and grays (represents independence and self-reliance); more greens and violets (stimulates creativity, compassion and spirituality); fuschias (associated with love and romance!) and more purples - all these colors can be seen in ready to wear, scarves; even shoes are popping with color!

When you fill your store with color your customers will respond. Often times, magazines showcase color combinations. It's a fun and eye catching display idea to group these combinations in your store. Dress a mannequin in a complete outfit utilizing a combo, then fill a corresponding rack with only those colors. Do this with a few combinations and you'll not only have a great display, your clients will appreciate the total look you have presented. This almost always result in a larger sale! And don't forget to add scarves and jewelry to those mannequins!

Always In Style

I just received my April '09 issue if In Style and as usual, I combed the pages to find what is hot, what is now and most of all how that translates to my business. In these troubled times, wholesalers such as myself are having many of the same issues as our retail clients - what lines are going to sell? How can I better serve my customers? How can we all be more profitable? We all have to be 10 steps ahead, putting in more hours than ever. Retailers are always looking for lines that will sell over and over and render good profits. As a rep, I am essentially doing the same thing. I don't choose lines for a quick fix - I look at the long term - if a line does not do well at the retail level, it is useless to me. I want more than to sell a store once. I want to hear from my clients that a line "blew out"; that they need to reorder ASAP!

So - today while searching In Style for trends I was thrilled to see that graphic scarves are a big trend right now. Of course my excitement has a lot to do with the recent addition of "Lulla Collection" by Bindya, scarves that I guarantee my clients will love! I was even more excited to see one of "Lulla's" scarves pictured in the article! (p 255). I get such a thrill when I feel like I've picked a winner that my clients will love as well.

Other accessories that are trending right now are colorful totes, versatile clutches, pendants, cocktail rings. Also hot are roomy bags, drop earrings, link bracelets, collar necklaces and strappy sandals. While I can't provide those sandals, I can absolutely cover every other trend! And since these trends are not over the top, they are saleable and can be worn for a long time. After all, right now value is critical and these accessories can be an investment!

Bollywood Style

Ever since Slumdog Millionaire has won critically acclaimed attention, Bollywood inspired style has been popping up everywhere. I have had a non-stop love affair with India since 1997 and have been incorporating this look into my personal style ever since, so I'd like to think of myself as a bit of an expert on this subject!

One of our designers, Nina Nguyen, has a collection of jewelry in her repitoire that totally fits the bill. Gold filigree, bright gem accents, long dramatic earrings- yum! One of the best features of Nina's jewelry is the fact it can be custom ordered in close to 10 colors/ gems!

Here are a few of my favorites:



I wore these at January Stylemax and received so many compliments. What's not to love about the combo of gold and turquoise?

All Hands on Deck!

This outfit is inspired by a few pieces of jewelry by one of our new designers, Allison Daniel. It also features an unexpected pop of color from the BoBo large Turnlock Tote in Teal.

Oh, Hello!

Welcome to Chelsco Accessories' NEW blog!

Who and what is Chelsco Accessories?
Chelsco is an independent, wholesale accessories company owned by myself, Teppi Jacobsen. I am based in Vernon Hills, IL. Unlike many reps who have a stationary showroom, I am a road rep and will bring all of my samples to YOU at your STORE! I primarily cover the mid-west: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan. I regularly exhibit at Stylemax and The Minneapolis Shows.

At the heart of Chelsco is the commitment to my clients to bring top notch customer service, interesting and quality merchandise, and over 10 years of expertise. Also, having owned a retail women's boutique for seven years has offered me invaluable insight into your world.

So why would a wholesale accessories rep need a blog?
Why not? We ( my marketing assistant Mary Rosemeyer and myself) are WOWed and inspired by fashion everyday, and we think we have an interesting eye. We wanted to share all of the fun treasures we have uncovered on the internet and bring them to you! The great thing about "Mare" and I doing separate postings is that with our age difference we are able to see things from 2 entirely different perspectives! The combination of our two views on fashion appeals to a broad range of ages and demographics. So, enjoy and hopefully you will find our insight useful, informative and most of all, a help to your overall business.