June 2012 Issue

I can’t believe that Memorial Day is already here. It always seems to sneak up so silently, but it certainly is a big event. It is symbolic of the strong national pride we have in the United States and our vow to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We should all take a moment to remember those who have defended our great country and our personal freedom.

This month, we decided to provide our own economic stimulus to boost the nation’s economy by focusing on domestic products. America prides itself on many different things, but nothing seems to elicit such strong feelings as domestic manufacturing. In an age where much of the manufacturing has moved overseas, there are still some companies who have remained strong and competitive while continuing to manufacture in the U.S.A. In this issue, we highlight some of these products for you. There are still many consumers who associate with “American Quality” and make it a point to support American business with their buying dollars.

We also take great pride in certain foods that are distinctly American. In this issue, we chronicle some of these American classics that always bring comfort when they appear on the table. With the July Fourth holiday not too far off, you should consider stocking up on these great slices of Americana.

Memorial Day also marks the start of the summer season. The vacation homes are opened, the pools are filled (at least in the northern climates) and the yard work starts to pile up. Now is also the time to make sure the vegetables and herbs are planted in the backyard garden. Of course, we realize that many consumers don’t have the conditions necessary to plant outdoors, so we felt it would be appropriate to highlight some of the indoor gardening options available in the marketplace. There has been a renewed interest in growing locally, and it doesn’t get much more local than your own counter.

Summer also means weddings, which are certainly significant housewares gift giving events. Why leave all this business to the large national retailers? What are you doing to encourage registry in your store? We shed some light on this topic and discuss some of the options that are available to feature wedding registry in your store.

June and July are busy trade show months as well. The Summer Fancy Food Show will return to Washington, D.C., in June, and we have a preview of what you can expect to find there. We also preview some of the introductions planned for the AmericasMart in Atlanta.

Happy summer!