Congratulations to Iris Williams & Kirk Lowry whose Ojai Creates has set a standard for creative supplies in the Santa Barbara/Ventura area have taken the plunge and opened a new/second store called Ventura Creates! Serving a lot larger general population, the store occupies a much bigger floor plan as well as a new expanded merchandise selection.
Pelikan debuts retail concept. The German company recently opened its first own-branded retail store in Malaysia. The primary purpose of the PeliStation is to showchase the full range of Pelikan products and services. The retail outlet will also carry the PeliFill machine, which provides express ink refill service for the cartridge.
With great sadness we report the passing of Monroe Segal, father of Penco Graphic Supply owners Fred and Conrad on December 10th. In his career he most enjoyed his 13 years selling cars for Hansord Pontiac, where he was known as “Wide Track” Monroe, and he also worked for over 25 years for Penco.
Craft sticker company Sandylion has named Bruce MacDougall President/CEO. Previously he had been President/CEO of Elmer’s Products.
- Chris Crombie, Hobbycraft
UK Arts and Crafts retailer Hobbycraft has hired Grant Thornton to advise the 39-store chain on possible options to sell the company. The chain’s management, led by chief executive Chris Crombie, is believed to be exploring a leveraged buy-out from the company’s family owners. However, an auction process has not been ruled out and could possibly could take place early in 2010.
Marker and pen maker Sanford (Newell Rubbermaid) has opened its new ink plant in Manchester, TN. The new plant is manufacturing ink for use in the company’s Sharpie markers and Paper Mate pens.
In related news, Sanford parent Newell Rubbermaid named Juan Figuereo as the company’s new chief financial officer effective December 7th. Figuereo succeeds Patrick Robinson, Newell’s CFO since June 2003. Most recently, he was the CFO of Canadian soft-drink maker Cott Corp.
- Liisa McConnell
Liisa McConnell, product manager at Canson for Royal Talens, USA and Canada has moved from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania to pursue a new career and personal direction. Canson is in the midst of a search for a replacement.
Crayola and Disney top Moms’ Most Loved Brands of 2009, according to a Smarty Pants® study of more than 4,500 mothers of 6-to 12-year-olds. The study reveals that these two brands outperform other leading iconic brands like Wii, Oreo and Google. Smarty Pants, is a market research and marketing consultancy that conducts youth and family research and guides marketers on brand positioning, new product development and consumer trends.
Smarty Pants Poll
We are very partial to art supply retail advertising that honors incredibly talented dogs. We like to think we know one when we sees one! Check out this TV spot for David’s Art Center in Metairie, LA featuring David the (talking) dog… look out, Mr. Ed!