Nashville Wraps Blog

A controversial ordinance in Manhattan Beach, California banning the use of plastic bags by retailers at the point of sale was struck down in the California Court of Appeals. The court decided that the government (Manhattan Beach in this case) cannot arbitrarily “ban” plastic bags without an environmental impact report proving that a ban is warranted. It sets a precedent for truth and fairness to rule as we tackle a key environmental issues in retail packaging.

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The January Gift Trade Shows are history. Here’s our update on the shows and what it may mean for the rest of the year.

Even with the hassle of extra airline security, trade shows ended with more attendance and a better mood of buyers and exhibitors alike. Vendors are investing in new products and buyers as well as consumers are responding. This will provide positive effects for several months as new goods get back into the system. [Read more →]

I’m one of the crafty folks around here and I could hardly wait to get my hands on the gift wraps, tissues and natural ribbons. So naturally I was excited when I saw our new handmade products  from Distant Village.

Our Merchandise Director came up with this beautiful packaging idea for Christmas gifts (at left) using the Mulberry Blend papers, Sinamay ribbon and natural enclosure card in the pretty red card holder. They turned out top notch.

I put a new video in this blog to show you some ideas on how to use these new sustainable, eco-friendly products.

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In the retail gift, home and gourmet food industries it seems that we are often in a David versus Goliath scenario. Independent retailers as the Davids have gained ground recently against the Goliaths, or the big-box retailers. However, Goliath still rules retail, and to a degree they has contributed to the destruction of many American jobs in the process.

We can change the face of American economics without government intervention, but it is going to require a grass-roots effort.
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It’s hard for me to even think that it is the year 2010. It sounds like something from science fiction. Growing up I would have expected 2010 to have people living on the moon, flying to the office on anti-gravity vehicles, growing hydroponics in large scale and so on. But fortunately we can still dream, and dreams are what realities are born from. I would like to hear what your vision of 2010 is… Back yourself up 20 years or more in time and think about it.

OK…So back to the future (or the present). For 2010 the short answer is “more of the same”. But before you get disappointed at that short answer, give me a minute to explain that more of the same is not so bad…

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by guest author Karen Lee of ecokaren.com

My family and I watched a documentary called Food Inc. on Thanksgiving. I’d figured, I better capitalize on the opportunity while everyone was in food coma and couldn’t protest. I also reasoned (and yes, there was some pleading involved) that since I fed them, I should get to choose a family movie. Good negotiations tactic, right?

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Is your recycled office paper really from Indonesian rain forests? That sounds impossible with all the environmental controls today, and you carefully read the contents to be sure you are buying a high percentage of recycled paper.

Yep… Just like the state of California thought they were doing. But much to their chagrin they found out that 30% recycled PCW paper actually contained 70% virgin pulp from Indonesian rain forests.

Here is some truth and advice to insure that this doesn’t happen on our watch.

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One of the best ways to keep customers from shopping the big discount and department stores is by offering a free gift wrapping service. Most chain stores have gotten away from this service. However, busy consumers welcome free gift wrapping to save them time and money.

Money spent on packaging will be a good return on your investment because of the sales you wouldn’t have had otherwise. If you are not currently offering gift wrapping here are some tips from some of our customers.

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A few years ago I met a starving entrepreneur with great hopes and aspirations for the future. Like Jake and Elwood Blues, Rich Cohen is a man on a mission, but he needs two things… a louder voice and customers.

Rich took a year away from a high-paying corporate job and traveled the world living in the homes and villages of local people in far off places. During that time he saw artisans in the Philippines making paper from local materials (many off the jungle floor) and thought, “If only they had a way to market these talents.” [Read more →]

This is the second of a two-part series on how to plan your own Christmas Open House, step by step. Click here for tips on Step 1: Plan Your Fun-Filled Event.

2. Promote, Promote, Promote.

• Get the word out about your open house via postcard mailings, email newsletters, Facebook and Twitter. For inspiration, see the postcard Patricia Jane & Co. sends out (at right).
• Include your open house information on your website. Invite customers to bring a friend and double their own chances at your door prize drawings.

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