We have all had those days when the bedroom closet looked a little more like a dumping ground for fashion artifacts and misfits that should have probably been left on the SALE rack a long time ago… but you caved to your impulse-buyer side anyway, and the pile steadily grew. However, not everything in the world’s collective graveyard of unwearables is doomed to end up vaporized in an incinerator (although those Member’s Only jackets probably should be!), or languishing at the bottom of a landfill. Haven’t you ever wondered what happens to some of that stuff that you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing… but might be a nice discovery for somebody else who’s looking for something unique?

Yes, I’m talking about the recycled apparel shops, the gently-used clothing market, the indie fashion boutiques, and Internet vintage clothes sellers. It’s become a rather important money-spinner in this age of economic downturns and headline news that make you want to take a shot at being a wandering vagabond monk, wearing nothing but an orange sash and a pair of sandals as you seek peace and enlightenment… but there’s money to be made in those old gems you’ve been hoarding for so long, and it’s no secret that this is a big industry; both in the form of brick-and-mortar establishments, and online sales. Have you looked around at the vintage clothing market? A quick search on Google turns up some interesting – and varied – leads. It would seem that there’s something for everyone in this area, and it’s even becoming a little difficult to distinguish between a true vintage clothes dealer, a gently-worn goods retailer, and the venerable neighborhood thrift shop.

Now there’s a funny one. Neighborhood thrift shop. I remember a while back when I was a kid, seeing a few of these kicking around in busy sections of downtown… usually near the department stores. These days it almost seems like you have to make a special trip out to parts unknown to find one of them, and when you do find one, it’s become a sad reminder of why your mother used to yell at you for wearing a t-shirt with a hole in it, or it looks more like a typical big-box retailer, without all the charm of dusty floors and cardboard boxes. Things have changed, and it’s especially true these days with Internet sales growing on a daily basis. While retailers like Buffalo Exchange have taken a bite out of the neighborhood thrift shops, craigslist and the almighty ebay have taken a stab at them, too. Shrinking donations have put the freeze on St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill Industries. Owners of shops that catered to a more specialized crowd looking for authentic, truly vintage goods from bygone eras are finding it harder to locate – and acquire – these old items for their customers.

(image courtesy of MT)

Others have moved on, and found new ways to approach the changing market. Stores like Hollister are making the best out of the fact that virtual sales are eroding away at actual floor sales, by creating an in-store experience that can’t be found anywhere else. While their UK brand Abercrombie & Fitch is in a world of hurt, Hollister has been successfully meeting the needs of those who want more than point-and-click. That’s expensive, though. I personally don’t like the idea of having to deal with the overhead and management issues of a physical location, so the Internet becomes the logical alternative. Looking at the Moscow Times (your favorite morning read too, right?) I found an article of particular importance to wholesalers and online retailers about Shtripka, the online fashion design company that is marketing and selling their creations almost exclusively within the realm of social networking sites. The husband-and-wife team of Dima Sher, 25, and Sveta, 22, are doing it. Why shouldn’t you? Let the economists and talking heads on TV ramble on about how the economic crash will crush us all… “The economic crisis can’t harm social networks,” Dima says. “It [word of mouth] was how new ideas traveled in the Soviet Union, around the kitchen table, and it will continue to work now, online.”

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Check out my sneak-peek into the world of China’s night markets!

To be fair, there are a lot of places making fake goods that didn’t make this list. Therefore, I invite you to comment and share your findings with the rest of us, in order to help increase awareness – especially amongst the first-time and newbie wholesalers! So, without further ado, let’s swing by my neck of the woods – Asia – to begin our world tour…

• China / Taiwan
• Not a real surprise there, since these two have been cranking out the fake goods for quite some time now, and continue to be the world’s leaders in making knock-offs of pretty much anything you can imagine. I live in Hangzhou, and I see them everywhere. Let me be more specific: I SEE THEM EVERYWHERE. Fake bags are literally falling off the backs of bicycles and electric scooters, as they dodge and weave their way past thronging crowds of shoppers who may very well be waiting for the sellers to show up with these goods. The most interesting aspect of this selling environment is the fact that most of the dealers will simply wait until the big-name department stores shut down for the day, and set up their little blankets with portable lighting rigs right in front of the stores that carry the real goods! Ooh! Ouch! Wince! I can practically hear the collective teeth of the designers grinding… but it happens almost every day here, and there’s a lot more cities in China besides the one I happen to be in.

• Malaysia
• Unlike the frenzy of the Chinese night markets, the markets in Malaysia are open 24/7 for you convenience! It’s usually best to stroll through the shops in the morning, when things tend to be a little more subdued, and the goods are fresh from their drop points. Haggling and bargaining is the key here, although the indoor air-conditioned shops will usually keep their goods at a fixed price, to offset the cost of being in a nicer facility than outside in the sweltering heat.

• Singapore
• There seems to be a raging debate over whether high-grade fakes are produced by these manufacturers, but the truth is that there are a massive amount of them being shipped out of Singapore to parts unknown in Vietnam and Malaysia. It looks like CHANEL is the flavor of the week every week in this part of the world, and there are a lot of nicely crafted knockoffs making those A-grade producers in Korea a bit jealous.

• Thailand
• If you’re thinking of Patpong in Bangkok, then you’ve obviously done your homework! The famous night market in Patpong is home to many of the goodies shipped in from a few of our previous winners on the fakes list, but there are plenty of manufacturers putting their own touch on bags within the country as well. The fakes are a riskier prooposition, though; similar to the counterfeight goods produced in mexico, these bags tend to weather and fade in a big hurry, exposing their flaws in a matter of days – or hours- much to the buyer’s chagrin!

• India / Saudi Arabia
• You’ve come to another one of the heavy-hitters in the fake goods category, and this time you’ll notice that the emphasis is on quality. Of course you’ll find some cheapies that fall apart if you look at them too long… but there are a surprising number of manufacturers and sellers who advertise their wares as being “identical to the real thing in every detail, right down to the serial numbers embossed on each item.” There are money-back guarantees if you’re not delighted with your fakes, and there’s real-time custoemr service from the sellers, too. Some of the actual designers could learn a thing or two from the counterfeiters about customer service, it seems.

• Turkey
• Kiyici Genuine Fake Bags. Need I say more? In a move that reminds us of the Indian and Saudi sellers from the paragraph above, we seem to be noticing a new wave of fakers who stand by their products with pride! Even the NY Times covered this phenomenon, and it might come as a surprise that you won’t necessarily save money buying these goods.

• Indonesia
• Bali is renowned for being a high-grade tourist destination, and the fake goods are certainly making themselves a part of the local scene as well. In a short time, visitors can find themselves face-to-face with some beauties like MIU MIU knock-offs, and the usual stable of brands like LV and GUCCI, to name a few. Quality ranges from sky-high to bottom of the barrel, so this is considered a riskier place to locate the goods by many.

• Russia / Ukraine
• Ah, Russia… with leadership that has been famously touted as being a large scale crime group, it’s no surprise that there are some close ties with their equally-famous neighbors to the south in China. Lots of goods, and I do mean lots are being shuttled back and forth  between Russia and the PRC. Every kind of bag is in production, and there’s such a Byzantine mazelike network of sellers, distributors, and dealers… that nobody seems to really know where the goods come from. I’ve talked to a few of them, and they simply laugh and shrug emphatically when asked.

• Germany / Italy
• What? You didn’t know that some of the biggest outlets for fakes are coming straight out of the EU? To be fair, there’s a good number of them even coming out of the USA – and I suspect this number will increase over the coming months and years – and access to quality materials and machinery make the difference here. On top of that, branding the goods as “made in Italy” is easier to accept when the stuff really is made there! Capitalizing on the fame and reputation of the world’s most famous fashion countries has its benefits, after all.

Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, etc… these are also on the list, as well as a dozen more. I think you’ve got the picture, though. Be aware of what goes on, keep your wits keen, and remember that due diligence is the only real measure of control you’ve got available at all times as you continue to Find it. Source it. Profit!

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Halloween was always a time of DIY for me, ever since I was a kid. Part of what made this holiday one of my all-time favorites was the feeling of anticipation, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment I would get after I found some crazy and creative discount item or costume at the local dollar store or wholesale store that made my friends drool with envy. Come on, admit it… you were just as bad as me, egging everyone on with hints and vague descriptions of what you would dress up as, or show up with at the party.

I was only 5 years old… and already a little devil.

Part of the fun was always in digging up the crazy stuff that nobody else could find, and sometimes I really envy the kids today who have access to the Internet, and can find stuff from parts unknown to make their costumes with. There’s an unbelievable amount of awesome gear out there, and it’s not limited to the online sellers, either. Dollar stores and local discount shops are full of hidden treasures, and the recent economic hard times have even made the appearance of rapidly-disappearing seasonal stores a common occurrence these days.

But wait, I’m all gown up now… I don’t need to worry about getting the coolest costume any more. I’m not concerned with finding a gross-looking fake severed limb or plastic skulls, and I definitely don’t care about looking for the gags and novelties that make my Halloween escapades more of a trick, rather than a treat…

Check out the amazing black balloons behind me!

I’m a proper adult now, and that means I need a bunch of fake body parts! Lots of candy and treats! A whole truckload of novelties and party items… because now that I’m all grown-up, I’m the one who’s having the Halloween party!

Party planning requires a good deal of… well, party planning. It’s important to be the early bird, if you want to offer the best deals on the hottest Halloween goodies to your eager customers. You’d better believe I’m chomping at the bit, getting ready to make this the best year ever for a night of fun and experiences to remember! Remember… I live in China, where Halloween is viewed with little more than mild curiosity… so you shouldn’t leave your customers in the dark! Don’t be afraid to offer a dazzling variety of discount holiday goods, because this time only comes around once a year… and I’m terrified that you’ll miss the fun holiday sales opportunities, if you don’t start looking for the best wholesale and retail strategies for moving those hot Halloween goods now!

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Welcome to Hangzhou, China! There was a time – over three years ago – when I couldn’t watch more than 10 minutes of programming broadcasted by CCTV9 (the only English-speaking channel, which was great for a guy who didn’t know a word of Chinese), without seeing at least one sappy advertisement spot for “Hangzhou, the most beautiful city in China.” I guess this not-so-subliminal stuff worked pretty well on me, because I’ve been calling Hangzhou my home for over a year now. Come on, why do you think they call that stuff on TV programming?

While I can’t say that Hangzhou is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited, I can say that it’s been a good experience so far. One of the things I like is that it has apparently shifted gears in a big way, as the focus has been softened on tourism… and intensified upon the tech industry. This smallish second-tier city is currently one of the few on the mainland with such a high CPC-approved ranking. In a bidding war that makes the Pepsi Challenge look like a schoolyard scrap, local governments of cities and provincial zones are going head-to-head in a mad dash to be named among the chosen ones who will serve as the industrial/information base for China’s emerging global identity in the electronics business.

This brings us to the 2009 Hangzhou Electronics and Information Fair. I attended the show and spoke to several vendors about their wares, in an effort to bring you a little closer to some of the people who are trying to make themselves known in this often chaotic raging tide of changes and developments. There’s a lot of similarities between the shows in the USA and the ones here, and at first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary… but a closer look will reveal the differences, and those who know what to look for will be ahead of the curve as they find new ways to promote China-wholesale electronics or other types of products in their respective wholesale and retail markets back home.

First of all, it’s worth noting that this show was definitely the place to see small startups and underfunded ground-floor outfits that are looking for some investors to help them develop their businesses. Major players like SAMSUNG, Ebay, MOTOROLA, and China Mobile were also there… but it didn’t seem like they were really trying too hard to impress anyone or make a statement about what they had on offer. It felt more like the industry leaders just had to be there, so they wouldn’t look like they were losing market share to the smaller companies who were pulling out all the stops. Could this be a case of the big ones resting on their laurels… as the little guys nip at their heels, and later grow to overtake them? It’s happened before, and it could certainly happen again.

(click the picture to see the video!)

As you can see in the video, there were a lot of new names amongst the collection of industry giants. Some of the tech on display was not particularly hair-raising, while others made me stop in my tracks, and take a closer look. 3G technology is all the rage right now, and the Chinese companies are hoping to ignite desire in the hearts of hungry consumers over this one… especially since it’s such an irresistibly attractive option for the CPC to replace that aggravating, unruly, and free-speech laden Internet with an easy-to-filter domestic version that beams straight to your handset… from servers that are all plugged into the current censorship protocols. Pretty grim stuff, I know… but while we can’t really do anything about it, the fact is that 3G is getting amazing funding and preferential treatment over all other forms of wireless technology right now. It’s gaining serious traction in Latin American countries as well, and that means that you should be paying attention to it too. If for some reason – let’s say in the USA – consumers are suddenly swept up in the 3G craze, who do you think will be in a position to dominate the market right from the beginning? You got it… that would be China, and select partners in Japan and Korea. You want to get in on that kind of action, or not?

(click the picture to see the video!)

In a brief interview with Troy Meng, CEO of ZiZai Tech Company Ltd., I was able to get some inside info on the cloud-based computing revolution that is just about to unleash itself upon the Internet. Here are a few things Troy had to say:

“This is real cloud-based apps in the China IT area. This technology will change the usage of [the] whole Internet, and let everybody build his own page easily. Basing some operational business models such as ads, blogs, interactive video, etc… this tech will take a bigger share of the Asian market. We can rebuild the protocols of [the] Internet, and make it more dynamic, more interactive, and able to provide more usable statistics.”

“Using this kind of online application tech will put an end to software piracy, and even make popular products like Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and other design software unnecessary. It will also allow people to easily rebuild their blogs with more dynamic content, and users will be able to enter the area of IPTV or mobile TV more easily. This will change people’s way of looking [at] web-based video.”

Cloud-based computing is another bug in the ear of software developers and web-hosting companies far and wide… after all, there’s a lot to be said for the existence of invisible servers nestled amongst the soft, serene clouds of cyberspace that do all of the heavy-hitting for you… while leaving you free to move around without having to lug an arsenal of hardware – and software – that enables you to get the job done. It will also do wonders for the companies that are vexed by software piracy, as they suddenly find themselves in a position where nobody can rip them off, unless the would-be pirates go to their physical site… and haul away the outfit’s computers in the back of an unmarked van! It’s also going to make pay-per-click advertising a whole new animal, much like the search engines and social networking sites have done. After all, a captive audience is a captive audience, no matter how you slice it into demographic groups or profiles. People who tune in to your network as often as they turn on their PC… now that’s what I call customer loyalty! Companies have been doing it for years, with employee-accessible web portals and proprietary sites… but it’s been slow to catch on with the consumer public. Once it hits, there will be no turning back. How will you use this technology to promote your online business, or your distribution network in the wholesale business?

Be sure to watch for the next installment of this series, as I give you my TopTen list of points to consider in the new China wholesale electronics market, and a little more to think about as we all watch China grow its tech industry, one day at a time.

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In an effort to bring the news directly to you, I have taken a moment to put together a little video clip of the 10:30pm scene outside of one of Hangzhou’s biggest and most popular retail attractions, the InTime Shopping Center. It’s a large and modern shopping haven for anyone who likes to spend top-dollar (or renminbi, in this case) for name-brand apparel and goods from all parts of the Western world. However, at night the situation is totally reversed, as the factories give their ‘emergency liquidators’ a special deal, and shave off some of that excess inventory at blow-out prices.

Check out my video clip:
Glimpse Into the Chinese Wholesale_ Retail Night Markets

Sales cycles for goods that don’t make it off the rack, or maybe don’t even make it to the distribution points can be interesting. With a population in excess of 1.4 billion, China’s retail sector is a logistical nightmare that often makes the control of goods a very challenging thing to grapple with. Instead of being afraid of it, most vendors simply look for the best and most ‘auspicious’ times to move their merchandise, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s funneled down to the lowest-level outlets for sale and eventual integration into the consumer pool… even if that pool looks more like a raging torrent.

What can you learn from the sellers working the streets of China? It’s not very different from what we do in the USA… because at the end of the day, it’s all about making those closeout/wholesale items move!

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All you Top Ten followers, get ready to see some new manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers. From handbags and jewelry, to religious products and DVD’s, you will find dozens of new customers on TopTenWholesale.com ready to take your orders.

Companies like International Jewelry Designs will be bringing some new CZ Jewelry collections to the market place. New exporters from the U.K are hitting the U.S hard with some of the trendiest styles of costume jewelry at really affordable prices. Check out DeansJewellery.com to see some of the latest styles. Vicki Handbags will be bringing in new selections of handbags for the fall. Whatever your needs are, whether they be case packs for your boutique or online stores or truckloads of customer returns and closeouts for your chain stores and thrift stores, you’ll be able to find it somewhere on the Top Ten Wholesale network.

Off to bed, see you all tomorrow.

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Michelle and Scott’s Wholesale Imports have seen substantial sales increases in the past few years amid downturn economy.
Why?
Many of our items are value priced. Earrings, Necklace and Earring Sets, Bracelets, Beauty Supplies, Hair Accessories and many other items and categories have many SKUs selling for $6.50 per dozen sets or less. Customers who historically have sold more expensive items have found out that by switching to a lower price point item, they can sustain their sales and even increase the margin they are making. The end customer out there is looking to save money and get a larger bang for their buck. Michelle and Scott’s specialize in selling individual stores and providing very fast shipping service and low minimums so that the customer can reduce the amount of inventory they have to carry at one time.
Low prices, Good Value, Fast Service and Low Minimums all contribute to the remarkable success of Michelle and Scotts Wholesale Imports and the customers who use them as their fashion accessory supplier.

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Written by Marc. St.Pierre:

In today’s uncertain and challenging economy, retailers will be looking for every edge and angle to capture sales during the upcoming back to school shopping season. Beginning in early August, kids from 6 to 17 will be prowling the malls, local shopping centers, and discount stores in search of bargains on the latest trends. Spending remains tight, and unlike in years past, teens will not be spending $150 on a single pair of designer jeans. This year, we’re expecting an increase in accessories and jewelry sales, as clothing budgets are cut, and kids are forced to dress up and accessorize some of last years outfits to offer a new look. What better way to do that, than a new piece of trendy jewelry?

Something like this:

Wholesale Trendy Jewelry

Peace signs are hot. Instead of spending $75 on a new Ed Hardy or Juicy T-shirt with a peace sign, teens can acquire the same trendy look for a small fraction of the cost with a piece of peace sign jewelry or accessory. Wholesale shell jewelry also offers a cool back to school look, and a fun summer vacation reminder. Retailers have picked up on this, and pre-bookings on catchy counter displays with trendy jewelry are way up. Looking for some trendy jewelry to make some quick and easy sales at your store? Make sure to check out the latest fashions and trends from Cool Jewels ® at CoolJewels.com.

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1. Wholesale ebay
2. Wholesale Music
3. Wholesale Games
4. Wholesale health and beauty
5. Wholesale Disney products
6. Wholesale Handbags
7. Wholesale Wedding Products
8. Wholesale Jewelry
9. Wholesale Shoes
10. Wholesale Clothing

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Find wholesale clothing and fashion accessories

OK, so you want to be an entrepreneur and start a blossoming business full of goodies that drive sales and make em’ come back for more. Well then, you need selection; You need sources and suppliers; You need low pricing and high margin items. I get it all day from friends, colleagues, and the average “Joe” or “Jane” — “How do we find it!!” Easy…Let me help ( if you live in Southern California ).

The La Fashion District is full of 1000’s of wholesalers, importers and manufacturers. In the heart of the fashion district is the California Market Center. This ginormous building is a year round trade show featuring apparel and fashion accessories direct from the source. Buyers from all over the country visit this wholesale fashion district in search of brands, quality, selection, sources and items that will sell in a store, flea market, ebay, web site or any other commerce vehicle.

The fashion district has new merchandise, closeouts, liquidations, name brands , trade managers and a plethora of tools to help you start your business.

Go and check it out somtetime! and most of all….

Happy Wholesaling

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