Dublin Gift Company Scoops Top Award

Newsletter of The North American Celtic Trade Association
Contents
April 2013
Dublin Gift Company Scoops Top Award
2President’s
Message
3 New Members
4 The Shop Corner
5Vendor Profile
6Celtic Warrior
Awards
Dublin Gift Company Scoops Top Award
Craig Lowy of Dublin Gift Company accepts the Gift Supplier of the
Year Award from Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise O’Muiri.
Supplier of the Year Awards were presented in
Dublin on January 20th in conjunction with
Showcase Ireland. Co-sponsored by Enterprise
Ireland and presented by the Lord Mayor of
Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí, these awards recognize
the top suppliers in our market and reward the
commitment and dedication of these companies and their employees. Congratulations to all
nominees and winners.
7Supplier of the
Year Awards
8 Vendor News
10Retailer News
12 Home to Ireland
12 Upcoming Events
Ireland
Show
April 20–23, 2013
Secaucus, NJ
www.irelandshowsecaucus.com
Celtic
Marketplace
Sept. 22–24 2013
Lombard, IL
www.celticshow.com
Pat Shannon, Alan Clancy & Karen Woods receive their awards as
top company representatives. Alan Clancy was the overall winner
for the 5th consecutive year and for the 7th time in all - wow!
Billy Lane, Erin Knitwear who was voted Best New Vendor accepts
his award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Supplier of the Year Award Winners
Jewelry Supplier of the Year
Shanore
Best Packaging & Presentation
Keith Jack Inc
Gift Supplier of the Year
Dublin Gift Company
Best Promotional Support
Solvar
Supplier of the Year
Textiles Apparel & Accessories
Mucros Weavers
Best Sales & Service Person
Alan Clancy, Shanore
Best Ecommerce Support
Shanore
Hottest Product
Leather Wristbands
by Amethyst Dublin
Best Craft Company
Wild Goose Studio
Best New Vendor
Erin Knitwear
Best Online System
The James Trading Group
Best New Product
Trinity College Merchandise
by Fashionflo
Best Jewelry Designs
Boru Jewelry
See page 7 for complete list of award winners
President’s Message
The mission of the North American
Celtic Trade Association is to facilitate
communication among businesses
involved in Celtic retailing in the USA and
Canada, and to develop and implement
programs of value to its members.
President
Fran Siefert
Ballyhugh Irish Imports, Audubon, NJ
Vice President
Stephen Hand
Legends of the Celts, WI
Treasurer
Margaret McLemore
Irish Traditions, Easton, MD
Secretary
Anne C. Gleine
Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland, OH
Executive Director
Anne Tarrant
Board of Directors
Michael Cox, The Scottish and Irish Store, Ottawa, ON
Lanora Davidson, Things Celtic, TX
Patricia Lloyd, Irish & Celtic Imports, NY
Tom McGrath, Tipperary Celtic Jeweler, NY
Ilene Moss, All Things Irish, ID
Betty Flanagan Rohman, Harp & Thistle Imports, IL
Patricia Theobald, The Irish Walk, VA
Eve Turner, JMH Manufacturing Co., Ireland
The North American
Celtic Trade Association
27 Addison Avenue
Rutherford, N.J. 07070
Tel: 201-842-9922
Fax: 201-804-9143
Email: info@celticbuyers.com
www.celticbuyers.com
2
I have been privileged to serve as President
of NACTA for the past 5 years and have been
on the Board of Directors for 13 years, first as
a director, then as Treasurer, Vice President and
finally President. It has been a wonderful and
rewarding experience but having served two
terms as President, I must now step down and
hand over the reins. I owe a lot to my predecessors as I filled their shoes and steered NACTA
along the path they paved for this dynamic
trade association.
I want to thank the many members who
served on the board of directors and provided me
with such support over the years. I am especially
grateful to our current officers, Vice President
Steve Hand, Treasurer Margaret McLemore and
Secretary Anne Gleine. Margaret McLemore will
be the next President and I am confident passing
the torch to such a talented, experienced and
proficient individual. As treasurer for the past 4
years, Margaret knows the association inside and
out and will provide a seamless transition as she
moves our association forward.
I could not have done my job as President
without the help of our Executive Director,
Anne Tarrant. Not only did Anne provide me
support, but her remarkable commitment to our
organization and market was evident throughout
my 13 years on the board.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity
to build relationships with many important and
influential groups and individuals in our market.
Enterprise Ireland has been a key partner
in several NACTA initiatives for many years
providing critical support for our market. One
of the most valuable of those initiatives was the
Vendor Tours which brought NACTA retailers
to Ireland to visit factories and workshops to see
for ourselves where products are made and to
build stronger relationships with the vendors. I
know I speak for many when I say we would like
to see the return of the Vendor Tours so I will
do whatever I can to assist the new president in
making this happen.
And speaking of trips to Ireland, the annual
trip to Showcase in Dublin remains a ‘must-do’
for many of our members in spite of challenging
economic times. This innovative show continues
to generate a buzz and NACTA always receives
a warm welcome, for which we thank Gerry
Murphy and his team in addition to the Crafts
Council of Ireland who continue to produce a
top class event year after year.
It has been our privilege to work on a number of projects with the Crafts Council of Ireland
and its CEO Karen Hennessy. One program
that I feel should be repeated is the Meet the
Buyer Workshops which help manufacturers
and producers to get one-on-one critique and
evaluation of products before launching them in
our market. In the past, these workshops were of
huge value to all participants and NACTA was
delighted to facilitate.
NACTA has a long-standing and productive relationship with CIE Tours International
who consistently delivers a quality product, and
by providing us with an annual Familiarization
Tour helps us to sell it to our members and their
customers. It is a powerful and profitable relationship that is going from strength to strength
thanks to our joint commitment and to the hard
work of the NACTA office in collaboration with
the CIE team, and in particular Carol AlbinoDoherty.
We have achieved much because of our collaboration with the Federation of Jewelry Manufacturers of Ireland (FJMI), and in particular Joe
Harbourne from whom I have learned so much.
With his help, we developed the Irish Jewelry
Quality Assurance Flyer, the Jewelry Accreditation Program and were privileged to be the first
group to tour the newly renovated Assay Office in
Dublin Castle. With Paul O’Neill of Boru Jewelry
as the new vendor representative on the board of
directors, I know that the strong relationship with
the FJMI and its members will continue.
One of the most exciting and groundbreaking initiatives during my term as President was
the vote to change the name of our association from NACBA to NACTA. After years of
communication and collaboration between
buyers and vendors, the transition from Buyers
Association to Trade Association reflected the
need to further unify our market and engage
all participants in our common mission – the
growth and advancement of the Celtic market in
North America.
In addition to broadening the Supplier of
the Year Awards year on year with new categories
to acknowledge more vendors - small and large,
new and long-standing, in 2009 we established
the Celtic Warrior Awards to honor outstanding
retailers for their dedication and professionalism.
NACTA’s day to day programs, promotions
and products are continually monitored and
modified to ensure that they serve the needs of
our members. The Celtic Symbols and Creating a Celtic Wedding booklets continue to be
bestsellers in my shop. The still-popular Celtic
Shopping Bag has enabled us to donate $17,500
to the Alzheimer’s Association.
We are ever-conscious of cost and expense
and love to provide members with programs and
opportunities of value at no cost to you – from
terrific seminars at Celtic Marketplace Trade
Show in Lombard to Home to Ireland, we make
a lot happen on a shoestring budget! The Spirit
of Ireland magazine which will soon publish its
third issue is hugely popular with our members
and features a list of all member shops – as does
the NACTA Diary & Yearbook which was
presented as a gift to all members in January.
NACTA’s Celtic Trade Directory is currently
the only directory for our market and is a key
reference guide used by hundreds of retailers and
vendors. And all of those are free of charge too.
While a strong and effective Board of Directors has helped make this happen, much credit
NACTA Election
The recent election to the board of directors of NACTA resulted in the election of the
following officers and directors whose terms commence in April 2013.
President: Margaret McLemore
Vice President: Steve Hand (2nd term)
Board Member: Terry Kast
Board Member (Vendor Representative): Paul O’Neill
Terry Kast is the owner of The Celtic Ranch in
Weston, MO. and has been a member of NACTA
since 2005. She is also the proprietor of the
wholesale company Kiltman Kilts.
“It has been an honor to be on the NACTA board
and I look forward to sharing ideas to help promote
sales in all our member stores. Thank you for the
opportunity. 2013 will be a great year!”
Paul O’Neill is the Director of Operations at Boru
Jewelry (formerly Celtic & Heraldic). He and his wife
Lisa have 3 children and live in Dublin. “Lisa is now
Managing Director of Boru, which suits perfectly as
it gives me more time to spend on the creative aspect
of the business. I look forward to serving on the board
of NACTA”.
goes to you, our members. Your individual
participation and engagement is critical to the
success of our association and because of your
support membership dues have not increased
since 2004!
Finally, I just want to thank you all once
again. I devoted a lot of time to NACTA, but
I have gotten far more out of it than I put in. I
count myself lucky to be part of this incredible
market where I have not only formed business
relationships, but true, valuable friendships.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity
to serve you and the association. I will see you
Secaucus and in Lombard.
Fran Siefert
President
Welcome New NACTA Members
Retail Members
USA Kilts
Spring City, PA
Rocky Roeger
Shamrock Imports
Valley Village, CA 91607
Megan Kennedy
Vendor Members
Irish Penny Watch Company
Co Meath, Ireland
Penny Watches and pocket watches featuring Irish
coinage minted between 1928-1968.
Molly and Murphy
Trumbull, CT
All Natural Irish Horse & Dog Biscuits
Irish Charities American Fund
San Francisco, CA
Non-Profit corporation fund raising for
Irish charities.
Timeless Tresor
New Albany, IN
Distributor for Peter Stone Jewelry.
Ink and Essence
Pottstown, PA
Screen printing on apparel and accessories featuring
“The Unbroken Line” & “Crests of Erin”
GM Belt Supplies Ltd (Glen Esk)
Leicester, UK
Highland Wear & accessories
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The Shop Corner
Celtic Tides
Lexington, Virginia
John & Mary Jo Morman are celebrating
their 8th year, and Celtic Tides’ 15th year of
being in business. Their path to ownership
of a Celtic store, (actually, with the December 2012 opening of Celtic 2 in Clifton
Forge, Virginia, they now have two….) is
probably a little different than most other
folks in this line of work. John, a mechanical
engineer from Rosyth in Scotland, and Mary
Jo, a registered nurse from County Longford
met while playing darts. But this wasn’t any
old “Pub Darts Night”… they were playing darts in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia! John was
subsequently transferred to his company’s
corporate HQ in San Diego CA.
They now have a daughter, living just
outside Liverpool, and two sons living in San
Diego and a total of 6 grandchildren.
Mary Jo’s brother and sister-in-law, Mike
and Bernadette Esler, own Irish Eyes of Virginia in Fredericksburg, VA, and they asked
Mary Jo and John to look after the store
while they attended a trade show. “We fell in
love with Virginia and enjoyed taking care of
the store, said John. When it was apparent
that they were facing relocation because of
dwindling career opportunities, Mike said
4
the owners of Celtic Tides in Lexington were
looking to retire from the retail business,
and brokered the deal that saw John & Mary
Jo take on a new adventure in February of
2005. “Lexington is a beautiful, historic little
town at the head of the Shenandoah Valley.
It really is similar to Scotland and Ireland in
many ways”, said Mary Jo.
John is a Past District Governor for Lions
Clubs International, and after joining the
Lexington club John & Mary Jo suggested
they start a “Scots Irish Heritage Festival”
as a fundraiser. The festival, which will be
celebrating its 7th year this year, has helped
the Lexington Lions Club generate over
$65,000 for their charitable account. John
has also served as the President of the Scottish Foundation of the Virginia Highlands.
They are both very active in church activities. “Membership of service groups and
other community organizations as well as the
Chamber of Commerce is, I think, critical
for small business people”, says John.
Their greatest challenge, as with many
members, is the current tenuous economic
situation, so they have looked to do things
a little differently. First of all, they offer
custom engraving and enameling services,
featuring Celtic and Heraldic artwork on a
variety of products. “We’re very proud to be
suppliers to a number of NACTA members”,
says Mary Jo. They also participate in a large
number of Celtic Festivals away from the
stores. Let’s not forget their expansion into
a second store during a “down” economic
cycle, either! “If it’s difficult for prospective
customers to get to us, we try and get to
them”, says John.
“The greatest service or incentive is to offer customer service that goes above and beyond the customer’s expectations”, says Mary
Jo. “We drum that into our assistants. We
are fortunate to have customers who come
back to us time and time again, many from
a considerable distance, because they know
we offer fair pricing and great service. We
can’t keep everyone happy all the time, but
we do our best”, added Mary Jo. “Although
we always hope they do, a happy customer
might not tell anyone how well they were
treated. However, an unhappy customer will
tell everyone they know!”
“The downside of attending so many
Festivals”, says Mary Jo, “is that it makes
attending either the Secaucus Show or the
Lombard show almost impossible. “We’re
trying to reschedule some of the Festivals so
we can get to at least one of them each year,
but so far haven’t been able to get there.”
Vendor Profile
Using our location and connection to the ‘West of Ireland’ as
an inspiration for our jewelry
line ‘Jewelry by James’, we
created two design collections – ‘Clare Island
Collection’ and the
‘Grainne Collection’ featuring rings, pendants and
earrings with design references to
Celtic symbolism and imagery, including the Claddagh, the Celtic
The James Trading Group has been
Cross and the Trinity Knot.
serving North America since 1989. We are a
We recently launched ‘The
manufacturer and wholesaler of Irish clothing
GAA Official Merchandise’,
and goods with exclusive rights to a variety
which we believe signifies the
of quality specialty goods such as Guinness
epitome of Irish pride. The
Licensed Merchandise, GAA (Gaelic Athletic
range includes hooded sweatshirts,
Association) Official Merchandise, Jewelry by
performance tee’s and other fashion-forward
James, Croker Clothing, Walton’s Music Irish
leisure garments whose easy, edgy styling and
instruments and music publications, as well as
distinctive GAA logo will appeal to customers
a great selection of Irish gifts for every occasion.
seeking to wear their ‘Irishness’ in an attractive,
We manufacture a wide range of Guincomfortable and singularly authentic way. We
ness collections, including sportswear, casual
were delighted to take a group of customers to
clothing, giftware and barware as well as mirror
visit Croke Park during their trip to Showcase
and art collections. The range is continuously
in Dublin in January for a special tour to
developing and expanding and the Guinness
celebrate the launch. Among the buyers who
brand makes for
joined us was Susan
a great product
Banks of Faith &
to stock in your
Begorra, Denville,
store.
NJ. She said of
The James
the new products
Trading Group
“They are already
is known for
selling nicely in the
bringing quality
shop, and Croke
Irish garments to
Park was a great
the US market
place to introduce
for over 20
the GAA product
years. As an Irish L-R: Peter Sheridan (Sales Manager), David Culhane (Marketing
line.” We are curManager), Finbarr James (Director), Jennifer Morrow (Sales Executive),
company, based
Susanne Short-Kerins (Sales & Marketing Executive), Colleen O’Connor
rently running an
(Sales Executive).
in New York,
‘All-Ireland Ticket
we understand
Competition’, where anyone who buys ‘The
how to bring the best of Irish and European
GAA Official Merchandise’ range, is autofashion culture to our strong Irish American
matically entered to win tickets the All-Ireland
Heritage. The result is a line that is truly differChampionship Finals and will also be provided
ent. The Croker brand combines unique Irish
with in-store promotional material to run their
designs with high quality fabrics to achieve a
own in-store competition around this new,
distinct range of superior Irish clothing under a
exciting line.
categorized Croker Family; ‘The Croker Sports
Our mission at the James Trading Group is
Collection’, ‘The Croker Tradition Collection’,
to be the best Irish clothing and giftware com‘The Croker Casual Collection’.
pany in North America, consistently growing
The James Trading Group
and improving.
We believe the key to
achieving this is our
design and sales teams,
who are located in
the ‘Heart of the
West of Ireland’
in County
Mayo, and of
course our customers who are vital to the
success of The James Trading
Group and recently voted us
Best Online System & one
of the top 5 Gift Suppliers of
the Year.
One of our greatest
challenges in such a huge
geographical market is meeting our customers
face-to-face - something that is very important
to us. The enthusiasm and feedback we receive
from meeting customers at events, trade shows,
sales trips and even sales calls, provides the
stimulus to create and develop more products
and ranges. Through this communication, we
also gather information on how we can better
service our customers, such as giving simple
advice on merchandising, an example of this
being our current ‘Best Window Display’
competition.
Our next chance to meet and liaise with
our valued customers will be at The Ireland
Show where we will showcase all of our
product lines, with workshops on the new
Drop-Ship Program as well as Show Specials
on all ranges. We will also be showcasing our
products at Celtic Marketplace Trade Show in
September.
Being a member of NACTA has helped our
business in many ways over the years, keeping
us up to date with the Celtic community in
North America and offering advertising and
networking opportunities.
We would like to thank, once again, our
fantastic customers for your continuing
support, and wish you a successful and
profitable year ahead!
The James Trading Group
914-345-1550
sales@thejtg.com / www.thejtg.com
5
Celtic Warrior Awards
Presented to outstanding
WINNERS:
merchant & member of the
Paddy & John Barry
The Irish Boutique
Long Grove, IL
North American Celtic Trade
Association. In recognition of
active participation in the Celtic
market thereby supporting and
promoting Celtic heritage in
his/her community, in North
America and in the Celtic
nations.
Richie O’Shea
Manor Irish Gifts
Stewart Manor, NY
Paul Carey
Irish Design Center
Pittsburgh, PA
Celtic Warriors Paddy & John Barry
The Certificate of
Irish Heritage
The Certificate of Irish Heritage provides
official recognition by the Irish Government
that you are of Irish descent. Anyone with
The Modern History of Celtic Jewelry
is eligible. The Certificate is a beautiful
is the title of both a book and an exhibit that Walker
document in a choice of three designs that
Metalsmiths is presenting during spring, 2013 at their
comes framed or unframed. Each Certifi-
Fairport, NY shop. Celtic art is usually presented to the
cate is personalized, showing the name
contemporary consumer as a living art form handed down
of the recipient and their ancestor’s details
from an ancient tradition going back to the Book of Kells
(name, place & year of birth). The Certifi-
and the Tara Brooch. This project tells the story of the more
cate costs €£40 and shipping worldwide
recent history, from the early Celtic Revival of the 1840s
costs €£5. It is the perfect gift for that special
up to the beginning of the Celtic Renaissance of the 1980s.
family occasion such as birthdays, christen-
On display will be some of the earliest archeological facsimile brooches from Victorian
ings, retirements, anniversaries, graduations
Dublin craftsmen such as Waterhouse, Johnson and Acheson, 19th century Scottish
etc. that will last for generations to come.
pebble jewelry, jeweled dirks and sgian dubhs and “Iona” silver jewelry by Alexander
Ritchie, Iain MacCormick and Hamish Dawson-Bowman. Several of the craftsmen
whose work pioneered the more recent popularity of Celtic jewelry in the later 20th
century are also featured with early examples of their work. These include Aidan
Breen, Ola Gorie, Shetland Jewellery and John Hart. The fully illustrated catalog of the
exhibit includes articles by Dr. E. Mairi MacArthur, Aidan Breen, Stephen Walker and
is edited by Tara Kelly. Ms. Kelly is currently a PhD candidate at Trinity College Dublin
and is doing her dissertation on the manufacture and marketing of Irish Victorian Celtic
metalwork. The exhibit will run from March 8 to June 2 at Walker Metalsmiths Celtic
Jewelry at 140 Packets Landing, Fairport, NY. For more information contact Stephen
Walker 607-478-8567. www.WalkerMetalsmiths.com
6
an Irish ancestor, born outside of Ireland
The Certificate of Irish Heritage Gift Card
enables you to send a unique gift that can
be e-mailed immediately to your loved
ones. It costs €£45 and entitles you to one
unframed Certificate and includes shipping
worldwide. The recipient can redeem the
Gift card on-line, as soon as they have the
details of the ancestor they wish to honor.
The Certificate of Irish Heritage is the perfect gift for those proud of their
Irish Heritage.
Supplier of the Year Awards
JEWELRY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
BEST NEW Products of 2012
Solvar
Boru Jewelry
Trinity College Branded Apparel by
Fashionflo (Overall Winner)
Facet
Hooded Ruana by Branigan Weavers
Amethyst Dublin
Poncho by Carraig Donn
Shanore (Winner)
Knit Hats by Erin Knitwear
GIFT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Touring Cap by Hanna Hats
Belleek Group North America
Celtic Images
Irish Penny Watch by Irish Penny
Watch Company
The James Trading Group
HeatherGems by Latchfords
Royal Tara
Ireland-opoly by Late for the Sky
Dublin Gift Company (Winner)
Matrix Fashions by Matrix Fashions
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Textiles,
Apparel and Accessories
Wee Wishes by Mundo Images
Jimmy Hourihan
Jewelry & Ornaments by Newbridge
Latchfords of Ireland
Jean Butler Jewelry by NJO
Carraig Donn
One-zies by Scotts Highland Services
Hanna Hats
Nativity Set by Wild Goose
Mucros Weavers (Winner)
Ornaments by Wild Rose Pottery
BEST SALES REPs
Suzanne Dahm, Wild Goose Studio
Karen Woods, Amethyst Dublin
Rick Henderson, Celtic Images
Pat Shannon, Facet Jewellers
Alan Clancy, Shanore (Winner)
BEST PACKAGING & PRESENTATION
Keith Jack
BEST E-COMMERCE SUPPORT
Solvar
Hottest Product
Leather Wristbands by Amethyst Dublin
Pins by Nagle Forge
Hottest Products of 2012
Leather Wristbands by Amethyst Dublin
(Overall Winner)
Celtic Lace Bowl by Belleek
Door Mat by Bridgets of Erin
Aran Sweater Santa by Bridgets of Erin
Ornaments by Bridgets of Erin
Celtic Mugs by Dublin Gift Company
Claddagh Bands by Facet
Celtic Challenge by Find It Games
Suantra Scarf by Johnathan Richard
Tree of Life by Keith Jack
Best Craft Company
Party Pocket by Kiltman Kilts
Wild Goose Studio
Ladies Newsboy Caps by Mucros Weavers
Best New Vendor
Trinity Caps by Mucros Weavers
Erin Knitwear
Love Forever by Claypipe Centre
Best Online System
Mugs by Royal Tara
The James Trading Group
Claddagh Birthstone Rings by Shanore
Best New Product
Tara’s Diary by Shanore
Trinity College Merchandise by Fashionflo
Designer Jackets by Tivoli
Best Jewelry Designs
Celtic Claddagh Ring by TJH
Boru Jewelry
Awards were presented by the Lord Mayor
of Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí. The Lord Mayor’s
gold chain of office received great attention
from all the jewelers in the room! The chain
was presented by King William lll to the City
of Dublin in 1698.
Celtic Tiles by Wild Rose Pottery
7
Vendor News
and from the US to Ireland and accommoda-
Kiltman Kilts is introducing product videos
tions for three nights in Ireland during the event,
explaining our detachable, interchangeable
Celtic Images Celebrating 30 Years 1983-2013!
as well as necessary transfers during travel.
clip-on pocket system. Along with a general
Please join Celtic Images for our 30 year cel-
“Our mission for this event is multi-pronged
Kiltman Kilt video we have created videos
ebration with the launch of our new “Counties
and beneficial for all involved,” said Downey.
that demonstrate our pocket system, the Party
of Ireland” range as well as new additions to
“The Run-A-Muck challenge allows our partici-
Pocket and additionally the newly introduced
our eco-friendly “Green Shamrock” line of note
pants not only to have fun and compete in Ire-
Handyman Pocket. The videos are on display
cards and framed prints. A special thank you
land but they’re also fundraising for Ireland with
on the Kiltman website, and on youtube.com
to all of our wonderful customers who voted
a trip back home as their ‘prize’ and while there,
for stores carrying the Kiltman brand in-store
for us as one of your Top Five Gift Suppliers of
they’ll contribute to and support the economy
and/or on-line. www.kiltmankilts.com
2012 as well as one of your Top Five Company
and tourism of Ireland, it’s a win-win-win.”For
Representatives of 2012, Rick Henderson. We
more information on Irish Charities American
sincerely appreciate your recognition!
Fund, please visit: http://irishcharitiesaf.com
The Irish County Crest tartan range from Marton
Mills are undergoing a change. Marton Mills is
working to improve the color palette of certain
Wild Rose Pottery Spring 2013 News. First, we
designs. Many of them are being re-vamped and
scarves has been
would like to thank our many customers for our
the ‘old color designs’ are on sale. The price is
a huge hit with
successful 2012. Not only did we thoroughly
9 GBP / M while supplies last on these specific
our customers at
enjoy the Lombard and the Secaucus shows
tartans (regular price is 18.17 GBP). Call Marton
home and abroad.
but we were so pleased with the way that our
Mills - 011 44 113 284 3364 or email: enquiries@
It features a boy
tiles were accepted and we were almost blown
martonmills.co.uk The tartans that are on sale
called Zafer and
away by the sales of our Ornaments after the
are the county crests of Armagh, Carlow, Cavan,
his cousin’s dog
Lombard show. It was very gratifying to be listed
Down, Kerry, Kilkenny, Longford, Monaghan,
Zara. This poster
by NACTA in the “Best New Products” and the
Roscommon, Tipperary, Tyrone, Waterford,
has been featured
“Hottest Products for 2012” lists; it was indeed a
Wexford, Wicklow. We can suggest a kiltmaker
in promotions from Scotland to Russia with
great honor. We have been very busy develop-
in Scotland to do CMT work (cut / make / trim) to
huge success! Everyone who places an order
ing new products for 2013, come to Secaucus
make the cloth into a kilt... price is 75 GBP labor
for our scarves will receive a poster for your
(suite # 603) to see them. Without revealing all
on a kilt. Gaelic Themes in Glasgow: 011 44 141
window display – a real eye-catcher and sure
of our secrets, one is a special commemorative
332 0407 or sales@gaelicthemes.com. Rocky
to enhance sales. For Secaucus I have some
tile for the 100th anniversary of the Easter 1916
Roeger, Owner & Kiltmaker www.USAKilts.com
exciting new accessory designs to show you.
Rising and the other is a line of necklaces. As
I very much look forward to seeing you all
with most of the work we do, these are inspired
again. Tom Renton, Calzeat of Scotland
by customer ideas and suggestions. If you have
A poster to promote Calzeat of Scotland
ideas please do not hesitate to let us know. We
The Irish Charities American Fund, a new
nonprofit corporation headquartered in San
Francisco is dedicated to raising funds in the
United States for registered charities located in
Ireland. Founded by Paul Downey, they recently
opened registration for the inaugural fundraising event, the Run-A-Muck Challenge obstacle
race in Ireland, with proceeds from the race
program benefiting Irish charity, Children in
are also pleased to welcome Mr. Frank Doherty
as our representative in Upper New York State
and John & Rita Fitzgerald in the Mid West
states. Finally, Maureen and I are very excited to
be taking our first trip to Ireland in May. The trip
has been organized by our good friends Anne
and Al at Ha’penny Bridge. It should be a lot of
fun with the best castles and pubs that Ireland
has to offer. Maureen & Barry Payne
Hospital Ireland. The Run-A-Muck challenge
is an outdoor cross-country obstacle event that
The Courtney Davis Celtic card collection is now
challenges participants to jump, run, roll and
printed in Ireland for the first time by Privatmark.
climb through and over mud, water, barriers and
As a result, we will be able to sell them at a
trenches along a 10K course. This year’s event is
better price, at €1.10 each. Courtney Davis is an
on Saturday, October 19, 2013, approximately
internationally renowned Celtic artist, born in
30 miles outside of Dublin, Ireland. Participants
Wales of Irish descent. The Celtic cards will be
in the challenge will commit to raise $5900, or
available at the Ireland Show in April. Michael
more in exchange for race registration, travel to
Fahy, Privatmark Ltd www.privatmark.com
8
JMH Jewellery is celebrating 40 years in busi-
ness! It’s been a busy start to 2013 for us here in
Dublin, and we look forward to unveiling the
fruits of our hard work at the Secaucus show!
It will be the first Secaucus in 6 years that I will
have the Saturday morning “off”, as my term on
the NACTA board has come to an end! It will
be a different show for me! I have very much
enjoyed working with NACTA over the last 6
years, I guess now I have no excuse not to help
Joe get the room set up!! Looking forward to
seeing you all. Eve Turner, JMH Jewellery
The Irish & Celtic Gift Collection is pleased
jewelry are now100% Made in Wales and
to announce the introduction of our new line
can be guaranteed lead and nickel-free! This
of Pub Signs to our wooden sign collection.
is a big selling point”. Annie launched a range
Stop in at The Ireland Show (Suite 714) to see
of jewelry to honor and celebrate her beads
this exciting new range as well as additions
called ‘BEADY’. It is available on cards or in
to our popular line of wooden wall signs and
boxes, without or with gemstones. Prices start
plaques. All of our signs are made in America!
from as low as $3. Annie’s creative juices are
still flowing with her “CWTCH – jewelry with
CelticBelle introduces a First Holy Communion Necklace. It’s gray and dreary here in the
Pacific Northwest but we are trying to think
of sunshine and soft spring breezes in our
studio! I’ve designed a sweet little First Holy
Exciting new Celtic themed wearables are
coming from Ink and Essence, Pottstown, PA,
under its Unbroken Line label. Conceived
and produced by Warren and Sean Holohan,
the designs are derived from the rich graphic
traditions of Ireland and Scotland. Each garment comes with a hang tag that explains the
story behind the designs, whether knotwork,
zoomorphs, crosses, Irish history and culture
Communion necklace that holds a fragment of
an Irish postage stamp showing a blue Celtic
Cross. Designed for a young girl, it is strung
on a delicate 16” chain. It comes gift boxed
with a small card offering a First Communion
sentiment along with a bit of background info
on the stamp. info@celticbelle.com
Mary Lynn Maloney, CelticBelle, 360.379.2401
www.celticbelle.com
a heart” range. CWTCH is from the Welsh for
‘hug’ and is pronounced ‘kooch’. It features
intricate pewter Celtic hearts, dangling from
earrings, bracelets and necklaces with gorgeous gemstones and eye-catching packaging.
And she is just launching “TWT – for Tots”
TWT is pronounced ‘toot’ and is colloquial
Welsh for “neat”. It is a range of gorgeous
little bracelets for little girls wrists, packaged
in brightly colored & carefully coordinated
organza bags. Black Dragon still produces the
timeless CELTIC CHAKRA jewelry and has
recently re-styled the CYFRIN range, making
it more stylish and introducing some new gemstones. “I’m proud that although still small, we
or sayings ranging from just plain fun to pro-
are thriving, despite these difficult times. For a
found. But unlike other imprinted sportswear,
small enterprise, operating from a bleak Welsh
the garments bearing their unique designs are
hillside we’re making wonderful products...
very stylish and are printed in a contemporary
even if a lot of their names are lacking in
pallet. Ladies, juniors, children and men will
vowels!” Annie Wealleans Black Dragon Crafts
all find a desired cut and color.
www.blackdragon.co.uk
Additionally, an entirely new line of products,
from wearables to glasswear will feature the
only copyrighted Irish County Crest images.
You asked, we delivered! We kick-started 2013
Ink and Essence is the exclusive wholesale
with 18 new products, 22 annual consolidated
source for these designs which will be mar-
shipments and no price increases! Drop by
keted under the name ‘Crests of Erin’. Kilts of
Suite 408 at the Ireland Show to see our new
the County tartans are now available through
USA Kilts. Ink and Essence Pottstown, PA
www.inkandessence.net
Having been exhibiting at the Celtic market
place since 2006 GM Belt Supplies Ltd is
pleased to announce that we are now members of NACTA. We will be exhibiting at the
Ireland Show in Secaucus in Suite 802 in April
and look forward to meeting customers new
and old, We have just launched our new web
site www.gmbelt.com and it has lots of new
products on, including our new firefighters
range of buckles and sporrans. Please come
and take a look. Graham Millington, GM Belt
Supplies Ltd. www.Glen-Esk.com
Annie, of Black Dragon Crafts in Wales, designed her first Celtic bead back in 1991. The
original beads were made of partly recycled
plastic and then were cast exclusively for her
in silver-plated pewter. “They proved very
popular and we attracted customers from all
over the world. Then in 2008, the gentleman
who cast the beads decided that he wanted to
retire and offered to sell me all of his equipment and teach me how to do my own casting! It was a huge leap into the unknown for
me but I built an extension onto my workshop,
bought myself some big gloves and went for
it! My loyal team and I have been in production for several years now and it has made a
huge difference to the business. My beads and
products and enter our annual draw to win
$500 of free merchandise from Malham USA.
We’ll have lots of giveaways and goodies also.
We look forward to seeing you in Secaucus
and partnering with you to make 2013 a successful year. Malham USA, 1-855-4MALHAM
www.hqireland.com
The Celtic Card Company extends a warm
welcome to all of our customers to stop in at
The Ireland Show to see the new additions to
our line of illuminated manuscripts from artist
Kevin Dillon. We will also be offering additions to our successful line of larger image wall
plaques that were first introduced in 2012.
www.celticcardcompany.com
9
Retailer News
Second Saturdays at The Celtic Ranch
What’s new at Harp & Thistle…on March
People look for events! On the second
16th, we had an in-store party with local
Céad Míle Fáilte! The Celtic Cup Coffee
Saturday of every month we stay open untill
musicians & step dancers along with sales
House, in conjunction with Middle
7pm. In February, a new small Irish band
and refreshments (and birthday cake, for
Tennessee’s Highland Rim Scottish Society,
asked us if they could come and play at our
the owner). We kicked off registering for
is hosting “Piping on the Green,” an all-
store during our Second Saturday event.
the Home to Ireland trip. There was also a
day event on April 6 to honor National
The local micro-brew gave us a case of beer
local 5k Blarney Run going by the shop that
Tartan Day. “Piping on the Green” is
to give samples and promote their brand.
morning so we cheered on all the runners
an outdoor/indoor event with Highland
We sent out email blasts twice that week
and passed our coupons to the crowd.
bagpipers playing on the hour, every
including that event and info on Valentines
Betty Rohman, Harp & Thistle Imports, IL
hour. Celtic singers, musicians, and
products. The band sent out emails to their
bands perform in between the pipers.
friends. The brewery sent out emails to their
There will be a Celtic Crafts Faire where
customers. The store was packed. The local
one can find unique, locally made gifts.
college brought in three vans of students.
Also scattered throughout the day will be
The store was rocking on the second
Scottish and Irish dancers, blacksmith and
Saturday in February. It worked! Terry Kast,
pewter demonstrations, and workshops
The Celtic Ranch, Weston, MO
on the bodhran, penny whistle, and Celtic
dancing. This free community event
celebrates the music, crafts, and heritage
of the Celtic people. It is a fun-filled family
experience that educates, entertains, and
provides life-long memories. We welcome
Kentucky Rose
For the second year, Kentucky is sending a
young lady of Irish heritage to the Rose of
Tralee regional finals to hopefully get into
the finals in Tralee in August. It’s all very
Last St. Patrick’s Day, Vera Casey was
exciting. This year we added Rose Buds. This
selected as the UIS (United Irish Societies)
is for girls of Irish heritage between the ages
Irish Mother of the Year. “Mom was
of 6-12. They enter a coloring competition
chosen for her involvement in various
for $10 and part of the proceeds goes to the
Irish organizations in our Cleveland Irish
cystic fibrosis foundation. The winning Rose
Community as well as being the owner
The Irish Centre of Spring Lake, NJ is
and Rose Buds were in our St Patrick day
of our family store Casey’s Irish Imports”
celebrating 35 years being the center of
parade and festival.
said daughter Kathleen. “She, along with
all things Irish at the Jersey Shore. We will
Liza Hendley, Failte, Lexington, KY
the Grand Marshall led the parade on St.
any and all NACTA members to stop by for
a visit! Sláinte!
Denise & Chris Smith, The Celtic Cup
Coffee House, Tullahoma, TN
Patrick’s Day which happened to be her
celebrate with in-store promotions and
some fun giveaways. We are assembling
some great bill boards with pictures from
our history. Through our use of Facebook,
we have reconnected with some great
customers from our early days who have
moved away. The Irish Centre has been
part of Irish Weddings which led to Irish
Christening Gowns and a life history through
our heirloom gifts. The Irish Centre and the
Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce will be
presenting an Irish Street Festival 12– 4pm
on Saturday, May 18th. We will have music
and a dance floor and great food vendors. It
will be a wonderful family day. Mary Reilly,
Irish Centre, Spring Lake, NJ
10
Harp & Thistle Imports would like to
shout out a big THANK YOU to Anne &
Tracey for making sales of CIE Tours so easy
for us. We booked a repeat custom tour for
a local pub leaving in April this year, several
family vacations for folks and are winding
up bookings for our own tour of Wales &
Southern Ireland in July. This time we used
a tour right out of CIE’s line up, rather than
custom. Anne & Tracey are always available
to answer even the most silly questions
with the patience of saints. So thanks you
both for making us look good and more
importantly, insuring our customers enjoy
wonderful vacations!
60th wedding anniversary!” Casey’s Irish
Imports celebrates their 25th anniversary
this October – 25 wonderful years serving
the community of Rocky River, Ohio, a
suburb of Cleveland. Vera Casey and her
husband Tom fulfilled a lifelong dream of
importing the treasures of their native Ireland
to America when they established their
business in 1988 and now Vera has decided
to retire. Her two daughters, Maureen and
Kathleen, along with other family members
and friends will continue to run the family
business with her guidance and blessing.
Casey’s Irish Imports, Rocky River, OH
www.caseysirishimports.com
Goodbye Angus… Hello Publicity!
We received this lovely letter from his son
When a life-size painted wooden cut-
Declan on behalf of the Lawn Family:
out of a kilted Scotsman mysteriously
“My dad was the sweetest man I ever
disappeared from outside the Celtic
knew. He had this bubbly larger than life
Shop of Dunedin, owner Lynn Thorn was
personality that brought a smile to everyone’s
understandably upset, as were many in her
face. The business was his avenue to make
town. “Angus was kind of an icon here in
your day better. I used to watch him engage
Dunedin” she said. “For years he greeted
with customers because he genuinely cared
tourists, appeared in family photos and
about how their day was going. The constant
kept company with bag-pipers who liked
interaction with vendors, customers, and
to sidle up to him”. Lynn turned to social
friends was addicting for him and something
media putting out a plea for his return and
he truly enjoyed. He absolutely loved to
the response was tremendous. After a local
explain the story behind each item he sold –
nonprofit called New World Celts donated
it was important to him that you understood
a replacement, the Tampa Bay Times wrote
the history and significance of what you
it up and publicized the competition to
were buying. He wanted you to have that
name the new guy. Talk about turning a
connection with something personal he
loss into a gain! Nice one Lynn!
was sharing.
Showcase Ireland
One of my warmest memories is my father’s
need to always have the music volume loud
in the store. He never wanted Bridget’s to
feel quiet and depressing. You would think
it was St. Patrick’s Day because my dad
would be blasting Irish party songs from
the CD player. When he worked, the store
felt cheerful and lively and you would have
almost thought there was a pub in there.
But that was my father, a man who always
wanted things upbeat and happy. The best
compliment I can give my dad is he always
wanted to make you smile, feel good inside,
Norman Lawn, RIP
It was with great sadness that we learned
of the passing of NACTA member Norman
Lawn, co-owner with his wife Bridget of
Bridget’s Irish Cottage in Bridgewater NJ.
Norman, 70, passed away on February 28th.
Surviving are his beloved wife of forty three
years, Bridget Whelan Lawn; his daughter,
Denise Sweet, son Declan, son-in-law Brad,
daughter-in-law Alexandria and his three
cherished grandchildren, Madison, Bridget,
and Brad. We send our deepest sympathy to
his family. Norman will be greatly missed
by his many friends in NACTA. May he rest
in peace.
and share his positive energy of love.
Bridget’s Irish Cottage was my dad’s passion.
He worked long hours and sacrificed an
enormous amount of personal time to ensure
the business was successful. In many ways,
I feel my father’s commitment to the stores
stemmed from his love of my mother. I
truly felt my father’s passion for the stores
and business derived from the idea it was
something he and Bridget could share
together. My father’s warm spirit is still with all
of us. We feel his love and connection around
us and are so thankful to have had him in our
lives. His fantastic smile and warm energy
will be missed but his legacy will never be
forgotten within us and the business”.
11
HOME TO IRELAND IS BACK!
Generate the excitement in your store
NACTA members are delighted that Home
to Ireland is back and FREE OF CHARGE!
Co-sponsored by CIE Tours International and
NACTA, this simple program is successful year after
year with retailers reporting a significant increase in
store traffic as well as an opportunity to build their
mailing list and drive business to their websites. It
also provides an excellent opportunity for publicity
for your store. Here’s how it works: By completing
an entry blank in your store or on your website,
your customers can enter to win a trip to Ireland for
two on CIE Tour’s Irish Heritage Tour plus $1,500
air travel voucher. The promotion can begin in your store as soon as you receive materials
from us and will end on September 17th – Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day – when each
store will draw its finalist. All finalists will then be included in the grand prize drawing
at Celtic Marketplace in Lombard on September 22nd, 2013 You can pick up materials,
posters etc in Secaucus or call us and we will send to you – completely free of charge!
Stop into the NACTA suite 823 at the
Ireland show to pick up the latest issue
of The Spirit of Ireland Magazine.
Showcasing Irish craft, culture, travel and
news and it features a list of all NACTA
member shops as well as photographs
of several stores. Magazines are free of
charge to NACTA members. The cover
price is $4.95 so you can sell at face value
or discount or use as a special gift or
giveaway for your best customers.
Pick up the Spirit of Ireland Magazine,
CIE Brochures, Home to Ireland materials,
Celtic Wedding Books, Celtic Gift Bags,
Celtic Shopping Bags, Understanding Celtic
Symbols books etc at the Ireland Show or
call us now for immediate shipping.
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday
September 22, 23, 24, 2013
Embassy Suites Hotel, Lombard, IL.
Where the Celtic Market
meets to Network, Re-energize,
Learn & Prosper!
Room rates as low as $50 per night!
Savvy Seminars
New Vendors & New Products
Show Specials
www.CelticShow.com
Upcoming Events
NACTA Members Meeting
8:30am, Sunday, April 21st
Embassy Suites Hotel, Secaucus, NJ
The Ireland Show
Secaucus, NJ
April 20–23, 2013
www.irelandshowsecaucus.com
Celtic Marketplace Trade Show
Embassy Suites Hotel, Lombard, IL
September 22–24, 2013
www.celticshow.com
Showcase Ireland
January 19–22, 2014
RDS. Dublin
www.showcaseireland.com
Scotland’s Trade Fair
January 19–21, 2014
SECC, Glasgow
www.scotlandstradefairs.com.uk