Collectibles Industry Experiences Transformation, But Remains Strong
The collecting gene is alive and well! The state of the collectibles industry remains positive, according to Linda Kruger, Executive Director of the Collectors' Information Bureau.

GRUNDY CENTER, IA, February 27, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The collecting gene is alive and well! The state of the collectibles industry remains positive, according to Linda Kruger, Executive Director of the Collectors' Information Bureau, a trade association comprised of top manufacturers in the field of limited edition collectibles. Kruger evaluated the collectibles marketplace while conducting business at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in January, which is one of more than two dozen market centers and gift shows open for retail buying during the year. Kruger spoke with vendors and retailers about buying trends and future plans for 2009.

"Generally, retail traffic at the AmericasMart was lighter this year," explained Kruger, "But most showrooms were buzzing with traffic, and the majority were writing orders. Many vendors had not heard negative comments from their retailers about the past year and some even asked, judging by the activity on the Christmas floors, 'Where's the recession?'"

Despite the challenging economy, both large industry vendors and cottage industry vendors noted the demand for collectibles remains high. Retailers were actively buying in Atlanta, negotiating purchases of smaller quantities and reserving the right to reorder as needed throughout 2009.

"Collectibles are both positive and steady in today's market," reported Mark Roberts, of the Mark Roberts Collectible Gallery (www.Christmas-Magic.com), which is known for its limited-edition Santa fairies and nativities. "Whimsy and tradition are attracting collectors and [demand for] religion is strong, despite the controversies," remarked Roberts.

Joe Wolfe, the director of sales for Rauch Industries, Inc. (www.RauchIndustries.com), which produces Christopher Radko ornaments, noted that a shift within the industry toward more traditional collectible items has occurred. Buyers are looking for quality, traditional items, said Wolfe. Rauch plans to produce more traditional, limited-edition Christopher Radko ornaments in 2009, as it seeks to meet this new consumer demand.

Similarly, in 2009 Swarovski will focus more efforts on growing its collectibles segment. Bill Lippe, vice president of sales at Swarovski (www.Swarovski.com), noted that, as always, the production of luxury items and quality of product will remain paramount within the company.

Many small cottage industry companies are also experiencing success as a result of unique product and attention to detail. Elaine Roesle, artist and owner of the St. Nicholas Collection (www.StNicholasCollection.com), shared that orders from department stores pulled her through what could have been a tough year. Roesle's pieces, which are handmade in Ohio, are one-of-a-kind and use traditional old-world colors.

Teresa Thibault, whose primary market is collectors, can share similar stories of success for her company Heart Gifts by Teresa (www.heartgiftsusa.com). Thibault's American-made ornaments have set record sales over the past two years. She is known for her hand-written Old English script on glass ornaments, which provides a matchless, personal flair.

Uniqueness of product is the key to success, according to Scott Bryson, the vice president of sales at Precious Moments, Inc. (www.PreciousMoments.com). Collectibles are holding substantially at Precious Moments Inc., as every Precious Moments' figurine bears a sentiment or expression that connects the giver with the giftee.

Matt and Anne Litavsky, of Mattarusky Heirloom Ornaments (www.Mattarusky.com), agree, as artist signings and exclusivity have made a huge difference for their company. "Collectors want something personal they can connect to," said Anne Litavsky. "Knowing the artist and the story behind the ornament allows customers to pass on a history with the ornament."

Economic Challenges
Today's economy is challenging the collectibles industry, as witnessed by a number of leading manufacturers who have either fallen on hard times, or entered bankruptcy over the last year. Goebel, founded in 1871 and manufacturing M.I. Hummels since 1935, ceased the production of M.I. Hummel (www.mihummel.com) figurines in October 2008. However, in February 2009, the production of Hummel figurines resumed in Rödental, Germany, thanks to a new investor, taking over all the necessary rights and manufacturing facilities from former manufacturer Goebel Porcelain Factory.

In July 2008, Lenox Group Inc., the Eden Prairie-based giftware and collectibles company whose operations include Department 56 (www.Department56.com), said it was in discussions to sell Department 56, after failing to find a buyer for all of Lenox. Then, in November 2008, Lenox filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It plans a court-approved sale of its business. The company will discontinue some Department 56 product lines, turning its focus to Village Series collectibles, and the Snowbabies line of figurines.

Finally, in January 2009, Waterford Wedgwood PLC entered receivership in Ireland and the UK, the British form of bankruptcy, after efforts to restructure or find a buyer failed. But, it's business as usual at Waterford, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton in the USA (www.wwusa.com). The accounting firm serving as receiver reports there are several potential buyers likely to emerge.

What does this mean to collectors? Bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that a company is going out of business. Many companies, especially the larger corporate firms, emerge from bankruptcy as healthier entities. The company moves forward, continuing to produce the same products it did prior to the bankruptcy.

Industry Observations and Consensus:
Despite the economy, collectibles are generally steady in the marketplace. Companies are learning to adapt and follow industry trends, including a strong demand for traditional items, as well as products that are unique and Made In America. Style trends, noted by several vendors showing in Atlanta, include brighter, livelier color tones, which lift spirits during challenging economic times.

"Let's remember that there are no guarantees of long-term collectability," states Kruger. "As times change, be prepared to take the bad with the good. That's why true collectors buy what they love, not what's running high for the moment on the secondary market."

For more information, please contact the Collectors' Information Bureau at 800.352.8039 or visit www.collectorsinfo.com

Collectors' Information Bureau:

The Collectors' Information Bureau (CIB) is a trade association comprised of the top manufacturers in the field of limited edition collectibles. CIB reaches out to collectors all across the country with news, information, and insights about the fun and fascinating world of collecting. For more information about the Collectors' Information Bureau, contact Pioneer Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 306, Grundy Center, IA 50638, call 800.352.8039, or visit www.collectorsinfo.com.

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