We are sad to report that Stacey Brown, our Denver-based sales rep, will be leaving MacPherson’s on March 15th. Stacey has accepted a position at Grimstead Commerford representing their product lines in the mountain states and New Mexico. Stacey started with us in the summer of 2006 and during her time at MacPherson’s she made a significant contribution. We will miss Stacey and wish her all the best. We are seeking qualified and art materials experienced candidates to fill her territory, serving independent art & craft retailers in the mountain states, Kansas and parts of Iowa. If interested please send a resume to Steve Robinson at stever@macphersonart.com .
Golden Artist Colors announced recently that Scott Weller has joined the company as its new Director of Marketing. In this position, Scott will manage the company’s brands and global strategic marketing initiatives. As Director of Marketing, he will support the company’s connection to the arts community and growing the educational resources. Prior to joining GOLDEN, Weller was Director of Dressings Category Development at Unilever, where he was instrumental in growing sales and developing several next generation innovative ideas.
Susie Coliver, owner of Arch in San Francisco, and her partner Bob Herman are principals of Herman Coliver Locus Architecture. They were recently recognized for their work on affordable housing by the Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco. Way to go!
Michaels announced recently it will be expanding into the Québec market in Canada with 7 stores in the greater Montréal area in the fall of this year. This expansion means Michaels will have stores in all 10 Canadian provinces. “Opening seven stores in a single year makes a strong statement that we are committed to Québec,” said John Menzer, the company’s president. “We have taken a lot of time carefully preparing to enter this unique market to ensure we do it right with respect to the language and culture.”
Brent Beebe, VP Merchandising at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft, announced recently that Eric Bell has been promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager of Craft. Eric has been with Jo-Ann for 13 years and in his most recent role was responsible for the foodcrafting, Fine Art and Decorative Paint categories.
Helix has been acquired out of “administration” (UK-speak for bankruptcy) by the French company Maped. Maped’s business focuses on school supplies, office products and writing instruments in over 130 countries around the globe. They also have 16 manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in major markets around the world. This is now the leading school supplies manufacturer in the world.
COMPLETE NAMTA’S RETAILER SURVEY TODAY
Every three years NAMTA sponsors a major study of our industry to help all of us — but most importantly, you, our industry retailers — succeed. Please complete the anonymous NAMTA Retailer Survey today at Namta Retailer Survey or go to namta.org and click on the Retailer Survey button on the home page for more information. Either way, complete the survey today.
The 2012 U.S. and Canada retailer and artist survey results will include information to benefit your business:
• Marketing best practices, including use of social media
• Areas of opportunity: products, artist segments, trends
• Retailer financial benchmarks
• Retailer feedback for suppliers
• U.S. and Canadian market sizes
Plus, NAMTA is offering a prize drawing as a way of thanking you for your participation. The winner will receive the full U.S. and Canadian retailer and artist survey results, a hotel room at NAMTA 2012 Orlando, and a ticket to the festive President’s Reception on May 9th (total value $486).
Quite a few North American Art retailers traveled to Frankfurt and the Paperworld show in January. A brave few faced the unseasonably cold weather in Germany to pay a visit to the Montana Cans factory and headquarters near Heidelberg, Germany. From let to right are Lisa Slauson (MacPherson’s), Mimi Baer Comerford (AGA), Fred Gold (Aboveground Art), Howard Krinsky (Binders), Betsy, Henry & Judd Meininger (Meininger’s), Scott Cronshaw (Opus), Eric Zelenko (Plaza) & Michael Scaringe (Dakota Art).
Jerry’s Artist Outlet in West Orange, NJ commissioned a 15 foot + mural to celebrate the main wall of Jerry’s new Urban Artist Outlet. Using Montana Cans & Paint Markers Jersey graffiti legend SUE WORKS & Jersey stencil artist :01 (JOE IURATO) did an amazing job!
