1. Creative
Displays that
Sell! Sell!
Sell!
Inside
Susan Lordi's
Studio
Season's
Show Stoppers
Trends
that
Shape
Design
V O L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
Manual Magazine

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Contents
COVER STORY
2 Exceptional Allure
Store owners are sprucing up their display
spaces for a better flow and boost their sales.
FEATURES
The Gift Market Skinny
4 Spring Show Stoppers
Out and about the shows,
participants did a 180˚ for
Manual products and stocked up
on inevitable best sellers.
11 Dear Isabella
Manual’s Virtual Traveler and Fictional
Fashionista, “Isabella”, steers store owners
back on track with trend talk and gift market
advice.
13 Tap into Trend
The 2008 Spring Trend Forecast is here!
Manual sheds some light on the latest
product trends for home décor, fashion and
accessories, children’s products and more!
20 What’s New
Check in on Manual’s latest products in home
furnishings, beach accessories, accent metals,
tabletop ceramics and children’s products.
22 Gift Appeal
When sales are slow, turn to inexpensive
impulse buys to get sales back up.
26 Artist at Work
Willow Tree®
artist Susan Lordi invites us
into her studio to share her inspirations
and love of art.
28 What’s Hot
Spruce up spring sales and get the
lowdown on Manual’s best sellers.
Vol.1, No. 1Manual Magazine
Isabella’sJourney™
Children’sParasols
&Totes
800.542.3139 • www.manualww.com
Atlanta • Chicago • Dallas • Las Vegas

3. Predominate Easter
merchandise can be paired
with other spring or nature
themed decor to carry the
versatility of holiday and
everyday display.
Build up! Decorative tables,
urns and benches guide the
eyes up for a striking showcase.
Be color conscious and
cross merchandise with
related products
such as Tea Rose Bedding,
Isabella’s Journey™
Veranda backing dish and
lark metal bench.
The look and ambience of a store profoundly effects its
sales. Countless details impact presentation, but putting it all
into perspective and focusing on trends, the seasonal market,
appealing to the senses, and the accessibility of products
generates optimal sales results.
Cross merchandising is key. Product displays influence
sales because they showcase a beautiful collection with
complementary items from another grouping. Customers can
absorb and create their own spectacular presentation from
these exhibits in their home with the products from a collection
and other merchandise that coordinates. Even small additions
that appeal to the senses like potpourri and florals can draw a
customer into a product display and get them looking at the
bigger picture.
Whether there is limited space or an abundance, we
want to encourage retailers to improvise and utilize spaces as
efficiently as possible for the sake of the customer. Keep the flow
of the store conducive to customer browsing. Utilize shelving,
baker’s racks, benches, tables, cabinetry and other materials in
your store to create height and depth for an overall interesting
allure that won’t have customers inching around every corner.
Some store owners are hesitant to create bedding
displays due to space issues. Where there is a will, there is a
way! Improvise and incorporate existing materials, and the
doors of perception will be wide open. One store discovered
a creative way to present smaller scale bedding displays with
collections like Rose Hill and Tea Rose. Using crates or boxes,
a makeshift frame and box spring is created and hidden
beautifully by a bedskirt. Cushions and quilts tucked under the
bedding fabricate a “puffy” mattress look, but make sure to
post signs that read “For Display Only, Do not sit on the bed.”
This downsized display needs a headboard to complete the
allure. Take a valet bench or cabinet and place it up against the
head of the bed. The top can be used to display a coordinating
valance or other items in the collection while the actual bench
part can be used for housing the collection’s packaged products.
Many customers derive their décor ideas from what
they view in stores and suggestions from associates. Be color
conscious and understand the inspiration behind product
designs and trends. Having this knowledge manifests innovative
and stunning displays that speak to consumers. People are
proud of what they want because it expresses their interests and
reflects their personalities. Spend time with customers to explain
the artistry behind products and their visual display. This leaves
the floor open to spark customer brainstorming and can lead to
additional sales.
Exceptional Allure
CREATE
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A downsized display of the
Rose Hill Bedding
Display or storage, make the
most of merchandise.Click to View more Displays4 5

4. Spring
Show
Stoppers
Parasols
Participants were
stocking up for
spring with the
Isabella’s Journey™
adult and child
parasol starter kits.
Adult parasols are
quintessentially
feminine and flirty
with a darling ruffle
trim. Gorgeous
girly designs
flourish upon
these charming
parasols with a
fresh carnation
pink and vintage
imagery, a bounty
of butterflies,
smart stripes and
dramatic dots in
vibrant colors.
Child parasols, like
their adult-sized
counterparts, are
specially designed
to be lightweight
and compact for
portability with a
stylish carrying case.
Children’s Umbrella
Starter Kit Display
Child
Parasols
6 7

5. Behold an enchanting garden
of baroque design. Bold
black and white botanicals
unfold their entrancing
beauty edged with a smart
stripe design and a touch of
red trim for upscale allure.
8 9
Baroque
Enchantment
Botanical design, another hot
ticket at the spring shows,
proved its preeminence
with Manual’s Baroque
Enchantment collection. In
this collection, florid design
unfolds to reveal the grandeur
of a hypnotic, illustrious
motif in black and white
with red trim that produces a
bold, eye-catching glamour.
Botanical and Baroque themes
continue to blossom on trend
in 2008 and take shape as
tapestry home décor products,
handbags and apparel.
<

6. Mayfair The ethereal elegance of shabby chic took
a firm hold on show participants with the
Mayfair collection. Vintage vignettes coupled
with an airy color paletteproduced sensational
home interior accents and fashion accessories.
Mayfair demonstrates a successful renewal of
classic design elements.
Offer women
what they really
want, effortless
elegance on
the go. Shabby
chic travels to
delightful and
darling luggage.
10

7. Veranda collection
With so many admirers of the Biltmore Estate legacy, the Biltmore™ For
Your Home Veranda collection was a guaranteed success. This collection
features a wide selection of metal accents like wall art, basket sets, plant
stands, candle holders and nested tables for the veranda or any outdoor
living space. Most of the pieces display classic fleur de lis motifs, enchanting
scroll work and exquisite patinas.
12
D
DEAR ISABELLA: While I was straightening
shelves after a toddler tornado, I overheard Mrs.
Mom-to-be discussing the lack of unisex and
gender neutral baby products with her friend.
They continued perusing only one isle of my
store baffled and criticizing. Many of my cus-
tomers are very content with the selection of
products available in my store. I can’t decide if
I’m over reacting about this eavesdropping or if
this is like my little head’s up on the latest trend
in baby products and accessories.
Although it was eye-opening, I’m determined to
dodge another situation like this. I normally play
it safe with products that have been best sellers,
that I admit may be fringing on old-fashioned.
How can I get my store back on track and meet
my customers needs? Can you suggest some
products for a trial?
-- CLUELESS IN CONNECTICUT
DEAR CLUELESS: Fashion and trends are
hard enough to keep up with for adults, but
with babies and toddlers, it can be anything
goes. Some parents and parents-to-be seek
traditional colors and styles for toys and fur-
nishings while modern mommies and daddies
desire a more contemporary or trendy look and
feel to their child’s surroundings.
I’ve got just the thing! The Isabella’s Journey™
Children’s Collection features a new line,
Precious Treasures. This includes two designs
of fleece throw and pillow sets and six different
“piggy” banks with inspirational phrases.
Although the tried and true may pay the bills,
the clock is ticking and sales will wane without
keeping up on trends and doing a regular rota-
tion of product to provide your customer with
the latest in baby and children’s products.
Testing out new products in your store is the
key to discovering what your target audience
desires. Check out the “On Trend” section of
our website for tips. Soon, customers will seek
you as their children’s trend and décor guru!
Gender Neutral Colors to consider...
Dear Isabella,������
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8. D
DEAR ISABELLA: I have a lot
of customers come in looking
for vintage décor. They want to
recapture the good times and feel-
ings from when they were chil-
dren visiting their grandparents.
These particular customers aren’t
looking for “countrypolitan”, but
something that resurrects those
warm fuzzy feelings and remains
true to current trends.
I’m always open to new ideas to
increase sales. Is there anything
you would recommend?
--OPEN TO OPTIONS IN VA
DEAR OPEN: Many people love to reminisce on better, simpler times of childhood. This often conjures fond memo-
ries of helping grandma in the kitchen or picking berries on a hot summer morning. The Berry Sweet Collection
may be just what you are looking for. This collection combines classic vintage elements of darling dots and scalloped
embellishment with the latest trend colorways upon ceramic and woven decorative pieces.
DEAR ISABELLA: Spring is here, and love is in the air! Bride after
bride steps into my boutique looking for something exceptional for
their wedding. I’ve always prided myself on offering wedding acces-
sories that enhance the ambience of a wedding, and make guests feel
special.
I hate to admit it, but I’m running out of originality with so many
weddings. It’s like the secret society of brides have all compared notes
and know exactly what’s been done. Each one wants something dis-
tinct and unique from that last. This isn’t really anything new, but it’s
getting harder and harder to make the sale. How else can I appeal to
these finicky females? -- PERSEVERING IN PARIS,TX
DEAR PERSEVERING: Brides will
be brides! Everything must be perfect
for their special day.
You need a burst of brilliance with a
fresh color palette. Simple, but elegant.
Check out some accessories from the
Stately Floral Collection. There’s a ro-
mantic, sweep you off your feet, plate
holder that makes a lovely and unique
display upon reception tables.
Don’t forget about the bridesmaids.
The Isabella’s Journey™ Mayfair
collection features a charming and
delightful jewelry case, a perfect and
practical bridesmaid gift with a touch
of shabby chic.
D
14
Home décor products in the
new year thrive in natural themes
to unite the home with the serenity
of the outdoors. Consumers,
recognizing and embracing the
importance of the environment,
reflect their awareness, passion and
concern not only in their actions,
but their décor as well.
Americans are “going green”,
and we see this mirrored in natural
motifs, fresh colorways and the
use of organic materials. Natural
beauty takes center stage enhancing
the tranquility of the home with
bedding, home furnishings and
veranda accents from collections
like Rose Hill and April Cornell’s
Splendor collection.
Tap intoTrend

15

9. Oversized bags
Hip
Handbags
From the airport to the grocery store our
tapestry bags and large doctor’s bags are ultra
versatile. As today’s consumer aquires more
electronic gadgetry to lug around, we have
taken the initiative to fashionably house these
products with style and convenience.
Large or small, the docor’s bag is today’s
hippest handbag. We see old favorites surface
with a modern twist in beautiful designs worn
over the shoulder, by the handles or in the
crook of the arm.
In 2008, serious shoppers are getting
a handle on heftier bags and sporting
more compelling constructions.
Oversized bags not only show
off a savvy sense of style, but they
accommodate for all the essentials of a
woman on the go. These big bags are
more practical than precious. Isabella’s
hand bags are wonderfully roomy for all
the “must haves” of the modern woman.
Isabella’s Journey™
Florentine Crest
Doctor’s Bag
April Cornell for Isabella’s Journey™
Poetry Doctor’s Bag
April Cornell for Isabella’s Journey™
Sunshine Doctor’s Bag
Isabella’s Journey™
Echo Doctor’s Bag
April Cornell for Isabella’s Journey™
Poetry Carpet Bag
Isabella’s Journey™
Maderia Carpet Bag
Isabella’s Journey™
Venice Carpet Bag
Oversized handbags are all the rage as they create a
slimming, delicate look for its owner.

10. C
O
L L E C T I O
N
S
I G N A T U R
E
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With a tender touch, It’s time to
Rise and Shine like the smiling sun. Incredibly soft
and snugly, this fleece throw and pillow set features
adorable Eskimo kissing giraffes and makes the
perfect addition to baby’s nursery. Parents want to
present a loving and inspiring environment for kids.
Neutral tones and charming animal imagery steer
clear of gender defining color palettes.
Children’s parasols are on trend this season in a
variety of darling designs. Catering to nearly every
little girl’s fancy, these parasols display butterflies,
dots, stripes and flowers along with a stylish and
convenient carrying case that doubles as a purse.
Blazers are heating up the
fashion industry from polished to casual.
The Highlander Blazer bestows vast
wardrobe versatility. Wonderfully soft
to the touch, this medium brown micro
suede garment, shimmering beautifully in
the light, features a delicate embroidered
design and pewter colored buttons.
Child
Parasols
18

11. S pring and summer trends
set a course for a seascape.
A pinch of periwinkle,
indigo and waning tints
of sky blue and honeydew
compose a light and
inviting color palette in
this collection. A gentle,
sand-like texture skirts
about the edges of ceramic
plates, bowls, serving trays
and mini plates with an
eye-catching, iridescent
luster.
Seashells
by the
Seashore
Consumers Say Hello
to second home owning serenity!
As the summer heats up, beach house
owners and coastal residents seek
refuge in their seaside sanctuaries
with beautiful nautical home accents.
20

12. Manual stays on top of the
game with fresh products for spring
and summer.
Biltmore™ For Your Home metal
accents breathe new life into upscale
décor with an enchanting veranda
collection that includes basket sets,
serving trays, nested tables, wall art,
garden stakes and more!
Consumers looking to bring the
outdoors in can wrap up in the artistic
style of April Cornell's Splendor
home accents and bedding. Imagine a
cottage garden in the home. Raspberry
and soft yellow flowers bloom on a field
of blue sky.
Whether the objective is cottage
charm in the bedroom or berrylicious
beauty for the kitchen, Manual caters
to all discerning tastes with collections
like Rose Hill and Berry Sweet.
Darling half aprons, in six different
designs, bring mothers and daughters
together in the kitchen for quality time
with their culinary cunning.
Parents also want to give their little
one something they can treasure like
a first “piggy” bank. Wide eyes, shiny
veneers and six different inspirational
messages fashion a variety of adorable,
ceramic banks.
What’s
New Now!
View all our What's New items at
www.manualww.com
2322

13. Gift
Appeal
The increasing popularity of giftable
items under $35.00 indicates the
consumer is concentrating on the small
impulse buys more so than the big
ticket items. In order to assist sales
reps and retailers, we ask for your
ideas and suggestions that boost sales
and provide an “out of the box” sales
experience.
Tabletop Ceramics
Ceramic products have proven their
popularity due to their versatility in style,
design and function. Manual’s tabletop
ceramics display a captivating shine,
detailed beauty, variety and are affordable
to the average consumer. These products
peak for seasonal gift giving, co-worker
gift exchanges and work wonderfully for
coordinating with party accessories. Our
ceramic gifts have proven success with
credit due to the value of selling as a set
of two. Mini plates offer a creative way to
display an abundance of special interests
that include botanical, seasonal, avian,
nautical and outdoor themes. They are
fabulous, collectible gifts that are specially
designed for wall or tabletop display.
Candleholders
Manual offers a wide selection of
candleholder styles to rekindle love of light
and gift giving. Most of our candleholders
come in a set of three which is a great
value for the consumer. When grouped
with varying heights, color and design,
candleholders create more visual impact
and warmth, a concept highly utilized
for wedding receptions, spa accents,
reastaurant and hotel dining accessories as
well as everyday atmosphere in the home.
Submit sales ideas to vickyg@manualww.com
24
Our popular Stately Floral
collection includes elegantly
embellished tabletop ceramics such
as 8" plates, charger, mini plates,
plate racks, cups and serving trays.
View our video of giftable items at the Rep's Corner at www.manualww.com 25

14. Hand Towels
Some gifts are handier than others. Each set of
hand towels displays beautiful embroidery with
vibrant and delightful imagery. Our hand towels
make charming hostess and housewarming gifts
that are widely sought after in kitchen and bath
specialty stores. Cotton hand towels add an
extra element of interest and convenience to any
kitchen or bath style. They not only add a special
touch to décor, but they also come in “handy” as
the perfect, stylish travel accessory for pesky spills
when you are on the go.
Word Pillows
At Manual, we take into consideration every gift
giving opportunity. This allows our word pillows
to reach ultimate sales versatility in the gift
industry. Whether its holiday, birthday, family,
friends, military, pet, sports or inspirational,
we have word pillows that convey a variety of
heartfelt and humorous phrases. These pillows sell
well in specialty shops like florists, hospital gift
shops, pet stores, and military stores, but they also
hold firm ground in décor departments of larger
shopping centers.
Skynets (shown on previous page)
Skynets, in all their gossamer glory, achieve a
whimsical appeal in children’s bedrooms and
create an enchanting display for baby and
wedding showers. When utilized in the bedroom,
the skynet generates a romantic and elegant allure.
Consumers crave classy and affordable high-end
looks that our skynets achieve effortlessly.Gift Appeal
Wovens
As a savvy domestic manufacturer, Manual
recognizes the fact that consumers feel
comfortable spending their money on
inexpensive, quality woven products that
express pride and honor, special interests
and personal meaning. Our products grant
consumers the chance to share significant
sentiments with our woven gifts, made in
America, as well as augment the look and
feel of the home with beautiful items like
tapestry bannerettes, stylish decorative
pillows, inspirational lap blankets and
shimmering artist sketch pedigree pet
pillows.
Wood Accents
Consumers seeking refuge in their “second
homes” look for novelty items that create
interesting and inviting environments.
Our charming wood signs make perfect
additions to lodges, cabins, beach and lake
front homes. Whether the goal is rustic
appeal or an airy ambiance, these wood
signs are beneficial to the impression or
repose desired by second homeowners at
irresistible price points. Gift Appeal
27

15. Susan Lordi’s art reflects our
relationships with people and the
world around us. Her keen observation
of the human form is further inspired
by ballet, modern dance, nature,
and her personal experiences with
family and friends. These influences
are revealed in her Willow Tree®
sculptures, from which emotion is
communicated through gesture only.
Besides her work in sculpture, Susan
has always loved making art with
cloth. She has a Master of Fine Arts
in Textile Design and her fiber art has
been exhibited internationally.
Images of Willow Tree sculptures are
integrated with complex pattern, color,
texture, and woven to create products
of warmth and beauty.
The Willow Tree®
collection
for Manual combines Susan's love
of working with the human form
with her interest in the rich surface
quality of weave structures.
2928

16. With a chuckle in
the kitchen or a heartfelt
sentiment in hand, Manual is
making waves in the market
with a miscellany of best
selling products.
Culinary connoisseurs
are beefing up on kitchen
accessories. Hosts are
harboring a dash of drollery
in the kitchen with a variety
of styles and phrases on
adjustable word aprons that
keep clothing stain free.
Hand towels continue
to prove their handiness
like those in our Woodland
Sanctuary collection. For
decoration or clean-up, hand
towels remain great sellers as
items for housewarming gifts
and travel accessories.
Following today's
movement to natural décor,
consumers find delight in the
details. The nest with three
eggs accents avian and nature
themed décor indoors and
out on the veranda.
Self expression and sweet
sentiments holds strong in
today's trends. Consumers
can speak their hearts and
inspire the world around
them with precious sentiment
totes, inspirational parasols,
child sentiment totes and the
ever popular Willow Tree©
products.
What’s Hot!Sprinkle some laughter and a bit of inspiration with products
that nurture the market like the promise of spring showers!
View all our What's Hot
items at
www.manualww.com
30 31