HobbyCraft, the UK’s largest chain of craft superstores, is heading for its “best ever year” as the trend for families to indulge in lower cost activities grows, according to Retail Week. Eric Caplan, formerly with A.I. Friedman has landed a job selling Computer Cables & Components @ SR Components. Meininger’s has a great new and colorful look at its flagship Denver location. The design work was conceived by McGinty of Boulder, CO. Check out the company’s blog, McGinty Blog.
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Sanford Art Stuff – November 2009
• The Prismacolor Holiday Consumer Rebate began on November 15th for purchases made between November 15th, 2009 and January 15th, 2010. Prismacolor Purchased at Dealer Retail Amount of Rebate $50.00 $10.00 $100.00 $20.00 $200.00 $40.00 $300.00 $70.00 • Your MacPherson’s representative has a limited amount of Holiday Rebate POP kits. Contact them for yours today • The Holiday Rebate Coupon is available for download or printing at www.prismacolor.com. Sanford encourages all dealers with web sites to download the coupon from its site and post it on your site. We have attached a copy of that coupon to this edition for your convenience. • The new Illustration Marker display and Conversion…
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Chartpak News – Check out the great deals in MacPherson’s Winter Back-to-School Promotion for 2009/2010 (Now through 2-12-10)
Grumbacher “New” Palette Knives – Grumbacher’s new plastic Palette and Painting Knives are like nothing offered in our industry. Molded from hard-wearing ABS plastic, these knives won’t corrode or rust like traditional metal knives. They are 10” in length, and are lightweight with excellent balance for all day use. They are solvent-safe, easy to clean and can be used with all mediums. Each knife has the appropriate flexibility for shape and purpose. The “New” Grumbacher Palette and Painting Knives come in 6 shapes, and are offered at 50/10%. Grumbacher Color “Open Stock” – All Academy Watercolor Acrylic and Oil, Finest Watercolor and Pre-tested Oil in all sizes, at 50/20/5%. Grumbacher…
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New Canvas Folds from Art Alternatives
Art Alternatives has come out with an option for retailers who want to sell bulk canvas but don’t have the space for rolls – canvas folds! Packaged in sturdy bags, these 2-yard folds can be pegged or displayed on a shelf. The premium grade, natural, unbleached cotton duck is ready for priming with either oil or acrylic primers. Folds are available in 7, 10 and 12 oz. weights, and in both 52″ and 72″ sizes. They are in stock in all MacPherson’s distribution centers and are at a launch discount of 67.5% off for a limited time! See the MacPherson’s Winter Buyer’s Guide page 59 for more details.
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All Kinds of (Great) Golden News, December 2009!
2010 Pricing Announcement We are grateful to be coming into the last half of this very unique year with some greater optimism for the future. In forecasting the next 18 months, we continue to seek ways to internally create efficiencies and reduce costs. In addition, we believe the external factors that create pricing pressures on our wide range of products will remain relatively consistent. Therefore, not withstanding some critical supply chain disruption or other unforeseen cost out of our control, our 2009 product prices will remain in effect at least until February 2011. As the current prices remain in effect, we will not be sending out a new product price…
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A New Blue Pigment is Discovered
Chemists at Oregon State University were delighted when they discovered a new, durable and brilliantly blue pigment by accident. Will a fabulous “new blue” paint follow? Read Friday’s New York Times article here.
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FREE Painting Knife Techniques DVD from RGM!
You may have seen RGM‘s beautiful DVD demonstrating painting knife techniques earlier this year, when we previewed it at NAMTA. RGM retailers can now get their own FREE copy to show in their stores or post on their websites. The 40-minute DVD features technique demonstration by artist Danielle Jouault using the RGM Plus Palette Knives and also the New Age Knives, against the gorgeous backdrop of Venice. Ask your MacPherson’s rep for your free store copy today! Please note this is a promotional item and not available for resale. Consumers are also welcome to request their own free copy on the RGM website; http://www.rgm-art.com/en/spazio_artisti.php
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The Green Zone for Winter BTS
Located in the centerfold of the just-released MacPherson’s Winter Buyer’s Guide is a new feature – the Green Zone! This special section was inspired by retailers who asked us to share our ideas for “green” end-caps. A team of green-leaning MacPherson’s employees got together and developed end-cap suggestions, downloadable signage, vendors’ inspiring stories and more. See pages 40 and 41 in the Winter Buyer’s Guide or log on to www.macphersonart.com/greenzone for details. Have other great ideas? Let us know! We’re in the business of helping customers succeed.
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Art Alternatives Economy Canvas Line Extension
It may not interest you right now, on the cusp of the frenetic holiday shopping season, but Art Alternatives just added new sizes to the Economy Value Pack line-up. Double-packs of student grade canvas are now available in 8×10, 9×12, 14×18, 20×24 and 24×30 sizes. We have stock in Reno and Elgin, and we’ll be in-stock in Suwanee soon. See page 58 of the MacPherson’s Winter Buyer’s Guide for more information, plus details on the special 80% off launch discount. (And check out our cool new online “flip-book” version of the Winter Buyer’s Guide here!)
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Chroma Link New Edition Now Available!
The latest issue of Chroma Link, Chroma’s online newsletter, is now available! It’s filled with updates, tips and techniques and ideas that inspire. Highlights include links to fantastic new Atelier Interactive video demonstrations from professional artists Mitch Waite and Mikel Wintermantel as well as a very informative series on the Atelier Mediums by our resident artist Jennifer VonStein. Additional articles feature plein air painting, a twist on “decorative” painting, new artists on our online gallery and information on Chroma’s Student Art Competition. Chroma Link can be found at http://email.webchameleon.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=576752&u=20218. Please pass this informative link onto your customers, so they can learn about all the benefits and features of Atelier Interactive!
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Montana Gold Demo in Wine Country!
Napa Valley Art Supplies in Napa, CA, just held its second successful Montana Gold demo this year! Ten local artists joined the event this time, and were allowed to paint large canvases during the event and then offer them for sale at the store. If the work sold, the artist was responsible for reimbursing the store for the materials, but got to keep the remaining balance of the sale. This event was such a hit, it made the front page of the local newspaper – great publicity for the store! For the full story, please click the link below; Napa Valley Register
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Industry News
We are sad to report the sudden passing of Sharon Rebisz, 64, of Middlebury, CT on October 19th. She was the co-owner of Koenig Art Emporium in Southbury, CT where she has worked for close to 30 years. Sharon was much loved in the industry and leaves 3 sons and daughter, Nancy Hansen, who also works at the store. ColArt America’s VP Sales, Charlie Newcomer has left to pursue new opportunities. A search for his replacement is underway. According to proud dad Steve Caplan, son Eric Caplan has left A. I. Friedman to pursue other ventures in any field. If anyone is interested in hiring a hard working and experienced…
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News from Strathmore Artist Papers
How Do You See Green? Remind your artist customers and friends that Strathmore’s “How Do You See Green?” Illustration Contest deadline is November 30, 2009! Or enter yourself! Create a piece of art that expresses the theme of “green” and “environment” using dry media techniques (pencil, pastel, charcoal, etc.) on Strathmore paper. In January, you can cast your vote for the winner on Strathmore’s website. Winners’ art will be featured on 1 of 4 special edition Strathmore Premium Recycled pads! Visit www.strathmoreartist.com for more details.
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AA13301 Replacement Easel Panels
Have you found additional AA13301 Young Artist Easels in your back room as you prepare for the holidays? Did you forget to ask for a replacement easel earlier? No problem, we have plenty of free, compliant chalkboard panels and we are happy to send them to you. Retrofitting the easels is easy – simply remove the 6 screws holding the green panel, dispose of the panel, then use 4 screws to put the black panel on. (If you have a MacPherson’s sales rep, she or he would be happy to help.) Click here to order replacement chalkboard panels. Questions? Call our recall hotline at (800) 289-9899 x1093 or email us…
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AA13301 Easel Recall Update
As you know, MacPherson’s has been working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on a recall of our Young Artist Easel (AA13301). We are now ready to launch the recall to the public. The CPSC has put the recall information on its website. MacPherson’s has put information and instructions for end-users on its Art Alternatives website. In the next couple of weeks, all retailers who purchased the AA13301 Young Artist Easel will receive a recall kit in the mail. This kit contains a poster with tear-off instructions cards that explain how the consumer can get a free chalkboard panel replacement. The CPSC and MacPherson’s urge you to place this…