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The Official AmeriBagŪ Healthy Back BagŪ Newsletter
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A Cause to Celebrate
AmeriBag Makes Large Donation
to Breast Cancer Charity
AmeriBag co-founder and Executive V.P. Margery Gaffin,
with Breast Cancer Options Executive Director Hope Nemiroff
On Saturday, October 18th, at a festive fundraiser party and silent auction at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, AmeriBag co-founder and Executive Vice President Margery Gaffin presented local charity Breast Cancer Options with a donation check of thirteen thousand, five hundred dollars ($13,500). The generous donation was a result of proceeds from the sale of AmeriBag's Cause Bag, the little bag that was developed solely for the purpose of supporting a breast cancer charity.
"We are thrilled to be able to make this donation," stated Margery as she presented the check to Breast Cancer Options Executive Director Hope Nemiroff, "Your organization was right there with me when I was going through my treatment and you have helped so many others in amazing ways." Gaffin, a breast cancer survior herself, recalled how representatives from the organization were by her side during her battle when she was going through her treatment. It was a heartwarming moment to see Hope's reaction when the check was presented, and one which Marge will always remember, "They had no idea of the amount," she said, "It was my time to give back."
Margery chose Breast Cancer Options as the charity to receive the donation at the beginning of 2008, while the Cause Bag was in production. The Kingston-based charity educates patients on treatment options, advocates informed patient choice and promotes public awareness regarding cancer risk reduction. They offer emotional, physical and even monetary support to women diagnosed with breast cancer. She felt confident that it was a deserving organization and would put the money to good use.
"We are amazed at the sum we were able to donate to this cause," states AmeriBag President and CEO, Irwin Gaffin. "The bag just sold and sold. In fact, many of the bags were sold out before they were even produced." The bag continues to be a hot selling item at Amer iBag's retail store in Kingston, AmeriBag Adventures, and will continue to be available through the end of the year. AmeriBag expects to make another donation at the end of 2008 from additional proceeds.
"I know that our friends at Breast Cancer Options are incredibly appreciative of this donation." reflects Margery, "Thirteen thousand dollars can go a long way to help them accomplish their goals, and we know that every dollar will be spent to help those in need."
The Cause Bag retails at $25 and will be available through the end of the year. It makes a wonderful Holiday gift! To locate a retailer or to order online, please visit www.ameribag.com
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Fall Focus:
Retailers Enjoy 20% Savings on Poly Suede
and Cotton Canvas
Our
poly suede and cotton canvas Healthy Back BagŪ totes have always proven
to be great Fall sellers. To help our retailers stock up on the bags,
we are offering a 20% discount on these materials until December 31st.*
Poly suede now comes in five great Fall colors: black, brown, olive, grape and blueberry (shown).
Cotton canvas is available in four earthy colors: fern, hazelnut, natural and brick.
Take advantage of this great promotion and stock up before the Holidays!
*No minimums; cannot be combined with any other discount; all sizes/colors of cotton canvas and poly suede only. |
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New Product Highlight:
In Celebration of 20 Years
The Anniversary Bag Takes Center Stage
 Soft, supple leather. Organic curved pockets. Rich, classic colors. All with the same unique patented profile that made the Healthy Back BagŪ tote famous...the new, limited edition Anniversary Bag celebrates twenty years of quality, comfort and style.
With an emphasis on elegant detailing, this one-of-a-kind bag is a step above in style. Curved exterior pockets and a gently tapered shoulder strap accentuate the organic shape of the bag. It is available in classic black or rich cognac leather, and it arrives in a limited edition cotton drawstring dust cover, which makes it a wonderful gift.
The Anniversary Bag is now available for orders and will ship in November 2008.
For more information, please visit
www.ameribag.com or call 888.758.1636.
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New Contemporary Collection Dragonfly Series:
A Symbol of Growth and Change in a Upbeat, Colorful Print
 AmeriBag will introduce colorful new Healthy Back BagŪ's and other fun totes in an upbeat new collection for 2009 - The Contemporary Collection. These bags will blend the quality and style of the current Classic Collection with fashionable fabrics, prints and patterns for fresh new looks that are sure to become fast favorites for customers.The first bags in this eclectic collection to debut will be a series of black microfiber totes adorned with a charming and lighthearted dragonfly pattern. Symbolic of change, growth and positive transformation, these colorful dragonflies have wings in the shape of our patented, world renowned Healthy Back BagŪ tote. It is the perfect pattern to introduce this exciting new collection - a reminder of where we've been, and where we are going. The playful dragonflies signify how the Bag started out as a vision and has since transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, revolutionizing the industry and offering unsurpassed comfort and organization to millions. All in a beautiful and organic shape that conforms to the natural curves of the body. We couldn't think of a more appropriate pattern that embodies the essence of what the AmeriBagŪ Healthy Back BagŪ tote is all about!
 The Dragonfly print first made its debut in our 2008 Accessories Collection and the pieces quickly became some of our most popular items,selling out quicker than we had ever anticipated. The new Contemporary Collection Series will consist of our classic small Healthy Back BagŪ tote, along with a larger version of our popular Baglett, and a small shoulder tote. Each bag will have our signature easy-see silver lining inside, as well as organized pocket configurations and all the unique features that give our bags superior comfort and functionality.
The Dragonfly print will be available to ship by mid January. Please contact beth@ameribag.com for any additional information on these fun, upbeat new bags!
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The New Contemporary Collection
It's Official...Tapestry is Back!
Our Tapestry Collection has always had a very devout following, and since we discontinued it two years ago, many of our customers have missed these unique Bags. Well, we heard you...and we're happy to announce that a Limited Edition Tapestry Collection is back for 2009!
We've chosen a beautiful floral print for 2009. The fabric of muted red, green and blue tones against a classic black background is especially nice because this bag will be a handsome companion piece to any wardrobe, and works well with the current layering fashion trend.
And we aren't stopping here! We are already researching options for future patterns and fabrics for 2010!
The Limited Edition Tapestry Collection will be available in extra small and small, and will make their debut early in 2009. For more information, please contact beth@ameribag.com
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Global Growth
Healthy Back BagŪ International News
What's new overseas? Our UK team dished out the following dirt for us!
In the UK
Melin Tregwynt
September has seen the launch of our Limited Collection of Melin Tregwynt bags. Over 30% were pre-sold and the remainder are selling through our retailers and direct to mail order customers. The Melin Tregwynt mill is also selling them direct and are about to mail their client base of 24,000 with details of the collection in their new brochure. The launch of the collection has been accompanied by PR and advertising campaigns.
HBB Cause Bag
This BIG little bag has been selling like hotcakes. Helping to support our breast cancer charity Abreast in the UK, the bag has proved popular with our customers and will be featured in the British Medical Association newsletter published on the 27th September which is read by 100,000 doctors in the UK. The bag will also be featured in the November issue of Women's Health magazine.
Graphics
We are about to print our new Autumn '08 brochure. Containing details of our full range of bags and our latest lifestyle photography, the brochure will also be available online, downloadable via our website.
We will be launching our new website in mid-October. The website will make browsing the range easier and benefit from improved layout and graphics along with more streamlined ordering and the ability for us to maximise direct sales using targeted data and on-line incentives.
Baby Loves Disco
In conjunction with the US, we will be running an 8 month competition beginning in November to 'Pimp My Nappy Bag' on the UK Baby Loves Disco website. We'll be giving away one Baby Bag a month to the provider of the most gruesome picture of their old nappy bag. Part of our plan to grow sales in the 'young mums' market.
Upcoming Shows
OTS Outdoor Trade Show - 30th Sept/1st/2nd Oct
The Back Show - 4th/5th October
AIS - 14th/15th/16th October
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Baby Loves Disco and AmeriBag Host
Pimp Your Diaper Bag Contest.
Baby Loves Disco, a fun and fabulous organization that is currently in 21 cities nationwide, is featuring our Healthy Back Baby BagŪ tote in an 8 month online contest! This hip company transforms trendy nightclubs into discos for toddlers and preschoolers on Saturday afternoons and has a large following of Moms and Dads.
The contest will run from this November through next June.
Here are the rules:
1. Mom or Dad sends in a picture of their old baby bag - the grungier the better!
2. We'll pick the one that makes us laugh most each month
3. We'll send the monthly winner a new Healthy Back Baby BagŪ tote!
A BIG thank you to our U.K division for introducing us to this fabulous organization!
Our UK division, The Healthy Back Bag Company, is doing a similar contest simultaneously with the UK division of Baby Loves Disco.
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And speaking of babies...
Welcome
Evette Inez Bull
On April 20, 2008, Lora Hosie, our Human Resources Manager, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Evette Inez Bull.
Since then, we've had the honor of meeting Evette in person and she is every bit as pretty in real life!!
Congratulations Lora! We extend you, your family, and little Evette all of our best wishes. We hope to see more of Evette, so please, feel free to bring her into the office to show off anytime!
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New Directions:Look How We've Grown!
We've come a long way since we started in 1987, but our core product, the Healthy Back BagŪ tote, remains the same ergonomic profile that made AmeriBag a world renowned company. This classic, patented bag continues to sell through based on its health and utilitarian benefits and stays true to its highly recognizable teardrop shape.
Though our core product itself has never changed, we've periodically updated our brand image throughout the years, and 2008 is no exception. You can see our new logo on internal, promotional, sales and press materials. With an emphasis on the organic and ergonomic shape of the Healthy Back BagŪ tote, our new "look" is being well received.
 We are also in the process of developing additional marketing and sales tools to assist our retailers, including point-of-purchase displays and updated image CD's, just to name a couple. We are excited about these changes and encourage you to let us know what materials you think would help you the most. Just email us at marketing@ameribag.com.
Here are a few of the projects that we have in the works. We will keep you updated on their progress!
In the works....
- Website redesign
- Point of purchase materials
- New marketing CD which includes logos and images
- Presentation materials
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 OEM News
Our OEM division is busy, as always, developing their own unique products. Currently, we are in partnering with several companies including:
· Longaberger
· 4H
· Black Dog
· Stenograph
· Chelsea & Scott (for One Step Ahead)
Anyone with questions about our OEM Division can contact Hanna Kim.
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Winter/Spring 2009 Trade Show Schedule
We will be at
NYIGF
(New York International Gift Fair)
January 24-29, 2009
at the Jacob Javits Center
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We will be at
WSA Show
February 12-14, 2009
at the Las Vegas Sands
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We will be at
Travel Goods Show
March 3-5, 2009
at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Anyone with questions regarding our upcoming show schedule, please contact Beth at
beth@ameribag.com
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The AmeriBag offices
will be closed
Thursday, November 27
& Friday November 28
in celebration of the Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving
to everyone!
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We'd love your input and ideas for our quarterly newsletter!
Please feel free to contact us at marketing@ameribag.com
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