It all started with an umbrella case modeled on a Chanel evening bag. And now, with several innovative new products about to be launched, Creative Unique Ideas (CUI) is proving to be a company that lives up to its name.
“We want to offer novel, unique things,” said Judy Hare, marketing director. “We don’t ever want to be in the mainstream.”
The Atlanta-based company premiered its first product, the Weather or Not umbrella, in January of 1993 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. It promptly sold 2,400 pieces in two days. The umbrella comes in black, gray, brown, neutral and an animal print for fall and is equipped with a quilted vinyl case with a gold Chanel-like chain. It’s manufactured in China, and CUI plans to expand distribution into Canada and Europe.
“The idea grew out of losing umbrellas or not knowing what to do with them at social events,” said Hare, who designed the product. It was “immediately knocked off,” said Hare, a problem that should be solved by the granting of a design patent in April.
Currently the umbrellas are sold in department stores such as I. Magnin and Mercantile Stores, as well as in around 1,500 gift and specialty stores such as Accessory Lady, Mori Luggage and Gifts and Isaacson’s. They are priced between $12-$14 wholesale. Industry sources estimate that since its introduction, the umbrellas have sold over $1 million. With the new additions, Hare projects $5 million in total sales for 1994.
Louise Barnard, owner of Isaacson’s, a bridge-to-designer women’s specialty boutique in Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza, started carrying the umbrellas during the Christmas season and brought them back for Mother’s Day.
“At Christmas, we sold out and had to reorder [24 units] three times,” said Barnard. “We put them on the counter or hung them over raincoats. They make great gifts both for our local customers and for people who come from out of town.” Barnard now plans to carry the umbrellas year round.
All this success has inspired Hare, a former gift store retailer, to broaden the product mix. In June, CUI will introduce its Double Vision eyeglass case, designed to hold two pairs of glasses, and a Glamour Apron in metallic gold intended for formal dinner parties.
Related Articles
You May Also Like
The most visually intriguing piece, a vinyl backpack called the Motorcycle Jac Pac, looks like a Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket, with silver belt, buckle and pockets. The eyeglass case and apron wholesale for $7.50, the backpack is $25. All items are carried in the Preferred Accessories showroom, 7E-107.
“We want well-thought out products that don’t just look good, but that have a purpose,” said Hare. “Most business products for women are just men’s items that have adapted to women. We design with women in mind.”