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Hiking 101: The importance of sensible shoes

Hiking 101: The importance of sensible shoes By Jen Wielgus Calkins Media, Inc. | 0 comments

Two people went on a hike Sunday morning at French Creek State Park. One wore an old pair of running shoes; the other some hiking boots.chocolate equipment

Guess which of the people had to work out in his stocking feet today, due to some horrifically ugly, bloody blisters on his heels?

Turns out you don't need to look like something out of an LL Bean ad in order to be a smart, efficient hiker.

You just have to dress comfortably and watch where the heck you're stepping. It also helps to plan your route with a trail map before walking off into the woods (ahem, random clueless tourists who kept stopping my husband and me to ask directions!) But let's keep the focus on the footwear.chocolate making equipment

I'm not saying hiking boots are bad. It's just not the best idea to pull out some shoes you haven't worn in months, and mostly wore as a fashion statement to walk around your office in, and throw them on for a challenging six-mile jaunt up and down rocky hillsides.

Tried-and-true, broken-in shoes will always trump "specialty" shoes, as far as I'm concerned.chocolate making machinery

It's like my trainer said to me once after a running-intensive workout. I had complained that if I'd known we were going to run so much,New or used chocolate machinery and complete chocolate production machinery lines. I would have worn my running shoes and not my cross-trainers. And he scoffed, "It doesn't matter what shoes you wear. Running is running. It's even better to do it without shoes."

And then I remembered seeing him in a pair of those ridiculous-looking "Fivefingers" shoes that are supposed to simulate being barefoot and thus give you "a more natural footstrike" when you're working out. Typically, I'm all about being natural, but I'd rather go around in plastic clown shoes that squeak with each step than those Fivefinger things.chocolate production machinery

On the other hand, I'd buy two pairs today -- on the spot -- if they could guarantee me a husband who hiked faster and didn't whine so much.The importance of sensible shoes

Wholesalers Redesign Online

Giving Customers What They Want in Product and PresentationWith independent retailers using multiple channels to research and purchase products, many wholesalers have become strong advocates of Internet based businesses. It’s a classic mistake, however, for wholesalers utilizing Internet space as a marketplace to create a website that is focused on their products alone, rather than on the needs of their customers. Searching for some expert advice? China chocolate bar production lineSome Internet wholesalers, such as Fetpak, have made a lucrative business through their Internet operations, following some general rules in design and presentation to create that customer friendly feel.

With initial sales placed to CEO, Wayne Fetta, at his house, Fetpak has come a long way from the 1980s, now occupying a 36,000 sq. ft. warehouse with a diversified collection of products. Although 40 percent of Fetpak’s business is based on its jewelry display lines, retailers are not limited in their selection of other packaging, labeling and display merchandise. As Fetta emphasizes, “We like for our customers not to buy one product from us, but a whole cross section. I know it is a hassle for retailers to be cherry picking one item here or there, so we make it easy for them and deliver it fast.” A testament to Fetpak’s fast and easy delivery system begins with the product selection process. With the help of categorized navigation and multiple visuals, visitors are one click away from having all product details at their fingertips.China chocolate machinery supplier

Fetpak’s website was first launched in 1997. Claiming to be one of the first wholesalers to launch a website, Fetpak was making about 15 percent of its sales by 1998/1999 via the Web. After a decade of customer feedback and website redesign, Fetpak’s website now brings in 80 percent of sales. The Internet wholesaler’s simple yet effective advantage, Fetta reveals, “it’s a huge website, we have thousands of items. To make it as easy as possible is what we try and do.”

What does Fetpak make obvious for their visiting customers? Every item listed has an associated description, color/style drop down menu, and most importantly, quantity breakdown price. All prices and details are upfront, honest, and accessible to anyone visiting the site. Fetpak’s easy to use online catalogue, and tremendous success in closeout offerings, keeps Fetta hopeful of the company’s continued growth. Fetta confirms, “The recession and slow down hasn’t stopped us. We’ve done it for over 20 years and we hope to for many more.”China chocolate machinery

Easy access and details at your fingertips seems to be 79 South China’s approach to online wholesale as well. Opening business in 1979, 79 South China’s goal has always been to provide what the customer wants, such as value footwear at an affordable price and great quality. As owner, Bobby Cheung, explains, “People are looking for a particular price point. Our footwear ranges from 45 cents to $6 wholesale, and the best retail price point for us is $5 to $10.”

Although actively meeting independent retailers at 20 plus tradeshows a year, such as ASD, WSA and Smoda, 79 South China still relies on its website to make most introductions and uphold its customer friendly mission. According to Cheung, “We keep the site open without a login.” Cheung finds that most retailers have mixed feelings about a login, and wanting to give customers that welcoming feel, exclusivity could hurt that. Therefore, over 200 items are listed publicly, all details included. Whether looking to purchase flip-flops, aqua shoes, or men’s, ladies’ and children’s footwear, 79 South China’s website breaks down all possible choices by color, size and pricing. These details are then transferred during purchase and brought to store shelves, case by case. From online to in-store, 79 South China runs a smooth process with constant accessibility, as it has expanded from the New York area to small boutiques, discount stores, and Walgreens throughout the U.S., Caribbean islands and a few international countries.

While Internet wholesalers do well with full disclosure, others also look to appeal through organization. What good is a website if no one can navigate through it? Bryan Eisenberg, co-author of, “Call To Action,” a how to book on creating customer friendly websites, explains, it’s about, “making sure that everyone can get in quickly, buy quickly, then get out again quickly.” Retailers won’t be buying anything if they can’t find it, select it and checkout.chocolate factory machine

Working to supply the thousands of everyday necessities such as health and beauty, cleaning products, laundry detergents, paper products, general merchandise, and cosmetics, Discount Wholesalers, Inc., utilizes its online space to efficiently and effectively showcase every item. As Executive Sales Manager, Saja Stark, details, “We try to keep everything in the appropriate category for easy identification.” With an accessible navigation bar at the top and left of Discount Wholesalers’ website, retailers have access to all general merchandise, health and beauty products (HBA), cosmetics, and household items.

Customers are then presented with product visuals, promising what you see is what you get, with Discount Wholesalers’ quality original case or shelf pulled items. Stark confirms that sometimes, “We post manifest listings when we have them. Some pallets come in with a complete excel file with all the UPC codes, wholesale values and piece counts, and we’ll post these as well.” Stark believes that keeping all this information together in an organized manner for visitors to access, allows for smoother operations when searching for a product, placing an order, and prepping to ship by the pallet or the truckload. Like Fetpak, Discount Wholesalers is looking to meet multiple product needs, and organization is key when fulfilling mixed pallet orders. For example, Stark details, “A typical mixed pallet of health and beauty aids could include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other subcategories within the overall HBA category.” With organization online and in warehouse, Discount Wholesalers is able to supply mixed pallets to enable a purchase that fills a lot of shelves in a lot of different aisles with a single order.

Shannon Miller, office manager for Y Weng Trading, highlights the organized layout of Y Weng Trading’s website as well, commenting, “It is very user friendly, sponsored through WholesaleCentral.com. All the items are listed in a category. We receive great feedback on our website.” This type of feedback is what every Internet wholesaler is looking for on their website, especially when carrying 25 different product lines with over 2,000 individual products.

Website details and disorganization play a role in customer satisfaction, and through trial and error many Internet wholesalers are learning the tricks of the trade. However, other online necessities,New or used chocolate machinery and complete chocolate production machinery lines. such as providing a place to chat and interact with your visitors, has caused many Internet wholesalers to redesign. As reported in Independent Retailer’s May 2011 issue, “One of the big shifts in shopping last year was the emergence of social ecommerce, as brands and retailers found that social networks aren’t just a means to extend their visibility, but also a way to pull in more revenue.” Therefore, consumers are noticing more Facebook, Twitter and other social media widgets in the design of both retailers’ and wholesalers’ online stores.

Your first hope in starting out an online business is that you will drive many users to your site. Your second hope is that these users will become repeat customers. Today, you are not only looking for repeat loyal customers, but fans. Specialty Store Services, founded in 1986 as a four page flyer targeted to video stores, now offers, but isn’t limited to, a wide selection of store fixtures, store showcases, and slatwall panels. Over the years, Specialty Store Services has truly become a one-stop shop for independent retailers, including clothing, grocery and pet stores, offering plastic and paper bags, cash registers, security products, scratch-off games and much more. Specialty Store Services’ success, however, isn’t solely measured in its expansive product offerings, but also its utilization of online space to target fans among its customers.

Initiating its Web presence in 1998, Specialty Store Services’ website is in its third generation and shortly will be launching a fourth generation design. Along with a detailed and organized presentation, with hard to miss Deals, Sales and Blowouts pages, it also highlights its heavy involvement in social media. Below all listed items, visitors to the site can select to follow Specialty Store Services via Facebook, Twitter or Blogger. It couldn’t hurt to become a fan or follower, as each promotional widget provides access to news about special deals, new products, products usage and more. Today’s social world indicates that consumers want to interact with Specialty Store Services and its products in a way that makes them comfortable, and therefore, Eric Weinstein, owner, continues to promote social media forums such as Facebook, Twitter and Blogger.

Yet, to allow even greater interaction between retailer and wholesaler, and to let visitors to the site and purchasers of the products really be heard, Weinstein has also implemented an online review forum. Weinstein says, “People can learn a lot from reviews. After implementing the review program, we now have a couple thousand reviews on products.” As Specialty Store Services prepares to launch its new website redesign, Weinstein admits that social media and reviews will still remain a fundamental part of its presentation.

Global Imports, selling different merchandise than Specialty Store Services, admits that whether you are selling displays and cash registers or ladies intimate wear and fashion jewelry, the social media frenzy is an effective means for any Internet wholesaler to interact with customers. Global imports has seen great success in selling its popular women’s intimate wear and gemstone fashion jewelry. According to Lillian Mo, VP of marketing, Global imports sells over 400,000 pairs of women’s underwear each year, even with a minimum order of $100. Yet, Global Imports is hoping to drive more visitors to its site and products via its social media involvement.

Use of a widget on the website’s homepage reminds visitors of Global Imports’ social networking involvement, enticing customers to “Like” and become fans. Fans reap rewards, as many times a special deal will be issued via the social site. For example, Mo confirms, “Sometimes we’ll issue a promo code for 10 percent off orders over $500, or free shipping on orders.” Although Global Imports successfully uses Facebook as an alternative form of customer interaction, a more direct line of communication can be accessed via its new Live Chat feature. Easily accessed at the top of Global Imports’ homepage, all product details can be inquired from a live agent ready to help when needed.

According to Retail Systems Research, “Consumers showed conclusively that they weren’t going to sit passively and let retailers push products at them. Consumers have taken control of the dialogue, and they insist on being (digitally) heard.” Internet Wholesalers such as Fetpak, 79 South China, Discount Wholesalers, and Y Weng Trading have effectively mastered the customer friendly design for those detail oriented and organized customers. For the new age customer, demanding to be digitally heard, Specialty Store Services and Global Imports are on the right path. The best advice, as agreed upon by these featured Internet wholesalers and Eisenberg, “Ask your customers exactly what they want, and keep on asking. Because once you think you know what they want, they change their minds.”

Heartland: Costume jewelry has vintage appeal

One of the biggest potential misconceptions about that messy box of old costume jewelry in Grandma’s closet is that it’s worthless.

The connoisseur of vintage costume jewelry knows, as D. Brett Benson points out, a brand like Trifari produced different levels of quality — a mass-produced commercial line, an in-between line sold at better department stores and a high-end, or couture line that could rival Cartier in design.plastic injection mold manufacturer

“I have costume jewelry priced at $25,000,” says Benson, a Chicago-based dealer, Tremont native and self-described mover and shaker in the global vintage jewelry market. “Even during its day, some of it was very expensive.”

Another misconception is nobody wants it.plastic injection mold

Dealers will buy it to resale,The quality of your coffee roasting and chocolate processing machinery can make all the difference in your level of success. in effect a salvage and recycling operation. Collectors will steal for it.

At least the man Benson calls “my friend Dennis” did.
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Google “Brett Benson” and “Dennis” and up pops a November 2000 article in New York magazine headlined “Costume Drama.” Benson’s friend, Dennis Maselli, thought nothing of spending thousands of dollars to feed his obsession with Bakelite jewelry, a plastic costume jewelry in vogue during the 1930s-era Art Deco years. Maselli, whom Benson calls a scholar of the field, served three years in New York’s prison system after pleading guilty to stealing $7 million from the law firm where he was head of payroll.

The auction house that sold Maselli’s collection sorted through some 10,000 pieces of jewelry, including 4,000 pieces of Bakelite, worth an estimated $1 million according to another article in Forbes.

Dealers loved Dennis. Rather than haggle for a lower price, he’d pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars more than the value. Benson sent items to him at least once a month for four years and later organized a pre-sentencing dinner for him where all dealers wore “Free Dennis” T-shirts.

“He really changed the market,” Benson says now, somewhat wistfully. “He actually set the value.”

Almost all the local dealers know Benson, 53, whose interest started when he was 9. They all know each other and they all know brand names like Eisenberg, Original by Robert, Juliana, Coro, Sarah Coventry and Avon. Make that classic Avon.

They also know the market for vintage jewelry is changing in ways that have nothing to do with Dennis.

The huge online market for vintage has had an impact. Kim and Dan Phillips’ decision to close Illinois Antique Center will have an effect. Record high prices for gold and silver may take a toll on the availability of finer pieces.

John Vrabel, who deals in vintage accessories such as watches and cufflinks, says customers might not be willing to pay $1,000 for a vintage gold watch but he can scrap it and get $950.

“It’s more valuable dead than alive.”plastic injection mold maker

On the flip side, high gold and silver prices could draw new customers looking for more affordable types of vintage.

Abbie Ann Alexander, owner of AAA Antiques on Lake Avenue, has a shop full of vintage jewelry. It’s the single largest item at her store and probably what she sells most.

She knows Benson and people like his friend, minus the tendency toward larceny. She also teaches vintage jewelry classes for Peoria Park District and Bradley University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“There’s a lot of fanatics here in town, they buy and sell,” she says. “Some just hoard and won’t show it to anybody.”

But most of the people who take Alexander’s vintage jewelry classes just want to identify a piece they inherited.

Vintage jewelry is not confined to costume jewelry. Trying to define it is like trying to define antique, Alexander says. Generally vintage jewelry is anything older than the 1980s, which happens to be a hot period right now. But definitions overlap with estate jewelry and antique jewelry, generally anything more than a century old.

Collectors build collections on a variety of characteristics. For instance, by manufacturer, material (remember Dennis and his Bakelite collection,) or designer (Alexander collects Georg Jenson and Miriam Haskell, mainly broaches).

Alexander organizes her classes by four historical time periods which mirror the architectural and furniture styles of the time.

The Victorian era coincides with Queen Victoria’s reign, approximately from the 1840s to 1860s, and is generally quite ornate. Mourning jewelry was also popular, as was jewelry made of woven human hair, sometimes the hair of the person being mourned. The arts and crafts movement from the 1890s to 1920s resulted in artistic, handmade pieces with simple lines. Art Nouveau, with its curving lines and feminine motifs, took off around the same time. Art deco, followed by retro or modern, fill out vintage jewelry eras.

Dealers like Alexander love to talk about stones set in prongs versus glued-in stones, real rhinestones versus fake rhinestones, or signed versus unsigned pieces. As knowledgeable as they are, they know the appeal of vintage jewelry can’t be defined.

“Mostly, it’s the desire,” Alexander says.

Benson wonders if the desire that drives collectors will remain as they age out of the business.

“We’re at an uncertain time, I don’t know where it’s going to go. Now people are looking at it more for fashion than collectability.”

But he does know post-World War II American-made vintage jewelry is prized in Europe.

“It was the best, so people still want it.”

Nahant fashion show to raise money for education programs

It's a show involving high fashion and the country club, but the Catholic Charities' Fashion Forward for Education fashion show is focusing not just on the "ladies-who-lunch" set, but on raising money for young women who are seeking a high school diploma.
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"It's a wonderful pairing for those who want to enjoy a ladies night out but also for doing something they want to support," said Catholic Charities North Development Coordinator Sarah Bartley. "It raises funds specifically for education programs and provides a way for women on the North Shore who want to make investments for students."

The event will be held Thursday night at the Nahant Country Club and includes a runway show featuring Boston award-winning designer Denise Hajjan, who is the designer-in-residence at the Fairmont-Copley Hotel. Hajjan offers women's professional and evening wear that Bartley describes as "very beautiful and wearable," and event attendees will have an opportunity to purchase the clothes they see on the catwalk.China chocolate machinery supplier

Hajjar has received awards and accolades for her classic tailoring and styles that appeal to Boston women.

"She's outfitted governor's wives, dresses a lot of local newscasters, and if you're doing a special event, she's the go-to person," said Jim Hannon, director of the School of Fashion Design in Boston.

He added that the school counts Hajjan as one of its most successful alumna.China chocolate machinery

"It's not going to be like a fashion show where you could never wear anything that appears on the runway," Bartley said. "Hajjar is a quintessential, well-loved Boston designer, and her clothes appeal to a wide group of people and women of many different ages and sizes."

Hajjar said that the event was an opportunity for her to contribute her skills in fashion and interest in helping women and children. "I just like helping children's and women's causes," she said. "I do it because I love to do it."

But most importantly, a portion of proceeds from the sale, as well as the money raised by the event, will benefit the Catholic Charities North's Education Center.

Education Center Program Director Fran Troutman said the center serves approximately 100 students annually through its GED programs, as well as about 50 students in the English for Speakers of Other Languages.

The center offers three programs in Lynn and Salem, and includes career-development training and helps students prepare for the Massachusetts GED test, which is accepted by many colleges and businesses as an equivalent to a high school diploma.

Youthworks offers individualized classroom instruction for students ages 16 to 21. The Education and Parenting Skills Center offers life-skills development and GED preparation for young parents ages 16 to 21. Both are full-time day programs. Teenstart offers evening classes for young adults ages 16 to 24.chocolate factory machine

"I like it,The quality of your coffee roasting and chocolate processing machinery can make all the difference in your level of success. I really do," said parenting-program student Maricris Angomas. "Teachers really work with me until I feel ready to go and take the test, which is really good for me. There's no timeline."

After modeling some of the jewelry to be offered in a silent auction at the event, student Angely Rosa said it provided the perfect connection between the event and the Education Center.

Real winter warmers in latest store wars

Nadia Coppolino is fitted out by David Jones. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun

ONE has Nadia Coppolino, girlfriend of Jimmy Bartel,The quality of your coffee roasting and chocolate processing machinery can make all the difference in your level of success. as a model, and up to 40 per cent off designer handbags.

The other has mum-to-be Kelly Giansiracusa, wife of Bulldog Daniel, on side, and 40 per cent off designer shoes.

Stylish winter wardrobes are going cheap with retail rivals Myer and David Jones putting their designer fashion brands on sale today.
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International labels such as Chloe and Marc Jacobs and big-name Australia designer brands such as Nicola Finetti and Toni Maticevski are among the names on the bargain list as the retailers make space for summer stock that will start arriving next month.

David Jones regional manager for Victoria Lyn James said a tough retail season meant there was lots of choice at sales, with the department store offering up to 50 per cent off women's designer clothing and up to 40 per cent off designer shoes and handbags.
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"It's no secret it's been a tough season, it's been a really competitive market place," Ms James said.

"People have been saving a lot more, but when there's a sale on people feel a little bit more like opening their wallets."

She said boots, classic black items and plenty of this season's stand-out checks and prints were still available and with a good size range.China chocolate machinery

She said sale items from Australian labels Camilla & Marc and Easton Pearson were particularly good buys.

Myer marketing manager Megan Foster said the store had 40 per cent off some of its top Australian designer labels, and 40 per cent off handbags, including some from international names such as Hugo Boss and Missoni,China chocolate machinery supplier and 50 per cent off designer shoes.

Ms Foster said savvy shoppers had picked out what they were after and were waiting for doors to open.

"Customers know the price, know what they want, they will come in and it's still in season," she said.

Do you know who wear the Christian louboutin best?

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Imagine my utter excitement when I spied these “Tano” sandals by Dollhouse yesterday! This knock-off is probably as good as it gets. Yes, they don’t have strass on the heel,The quality of your coffee roasting and chocolate processing machinery can make all the difference in your level of success. but what do you expect from a $30 shoe? I think they look absolutely fabulous and they’re super affordable, on top of it. Grotto order these ASAP before you guys snap them all away. Available in gold, black and red. Order fast, I really don’t think these darlings will stay too long on the website once people catch wind of these Louboutins 4 less.