Dec 3, 2008

‘The Next Big Thing’ Finalists Announced

DALLAS – Dallas Market Center, the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resource, today announced the finalists for “The Next Big Thing” national product search contest – Good For You Girls, SIPATINIZ and Vintage Hem. The three finalists receive a free booth and travel to the upcoming Dallas FINDS Temp Show January 16–19, 2009 to coincide with the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (January 14–20, 2009).

Good For You Girls, based in New Hartford, Conn., is the first 100 percent natural skincare line that addresses the needs of girls age 9 to 15 years old. The company offers a skincare kit containing a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. All products are formulated with the purest natural and organic ingredients that are effective and safe for young skin.

Founders Kim Grustas and Grace Havasta-Petrarca were inspired to develop the product line while looking for products for their own daughters. Having used only natural baby products, they wanted to continue the commitment when it came time to show their daughters the proper way to take care of their faces. After researching existing natural skincare lines, they realized most products contained additional ingredients that focused on anti-aging and were too harsh for young skin. To learn more about Good For You Girls visit www.goodforyougirls.com.

SIPATINIZ, based in Rowlett, Texas, is a spill-resistant martini glass. The glasses are the traditional shape and style of a martini glass with a design that prevents spills. The curved rim is a practical enhancement to the iconic martini glass and allows partygoers to move around with ease, without worrying about spills.

Renee Williams, founder of SIPATINIZ, noticed the martini was frequently the drink of choice while attending social and business events. She always loved the sophistication of a martini glass but hated the spills; as a result she designed a glass that she could enjoy and share with others. To learn more about SIPATINIZ visit www.sipatiniz.com.

Vintage Hem, based in Draper, Utah, adds layers and length with slips that are meant to extend below skirts and/or dresses. This new take on slips lets ladies enjoy the latest styles affordably with Vintage Hem’s favorites in tulle, silk and even polka dot hems. The hems change the look of an outfit and expand a women’s wardrobe by adding length and a little something different.

Jennifer Young, founder of Vintage Hem, always considered her stylish mother and grandmother to be great fashion role models. From an early age, Jennifer’s mom taught her that presentation in dress is an important detail. She wanted an option for her own wardrobe that would enhance different looks with beautiful fabrics, colors and textures – and that was affordable. To learn more about Vintage Hem visit www.vintagehem.com.

“The Next Big Thing” contest received more than 100 applications from various artists, product designers and entrepreneurs depicting their unique and innovative ideas. The contest allows up-and-comers, whether companies or individuals, to show their product(s) in front of domestic and international retail buyers at Dallas Market Center.

The three finalists were selected by a panel of market center representatives and will receive airfare and hotel to the Dallas FINDS Temp Show (January 16–19, 2009) to show their product in a complimentary exhibit space (10′ x 10′ booth). This opportunity allows “The Next Big Thing” finalists to be seen by more than 50,000 attendees during the show.

During the show the finalists will be judged by editors from trade and consumer publications. The judges will select a winner based on the finalists’ product, trade space presentation, and production plan. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 17, 2009 and will win a prize package worth more than $10,000 including exhibit space at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market FINDS Temp Show, June 26–29, 2009, a feature profile in one of Dallas Market Center’s award-winning custom publications, consultations from leading industry experts regarding branding, public relations, visual merchandising and much more.

For additional information on the contest visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com and click on “The Next Big Thing” or e-mail thenextbigthing@dmcmail.com. Dallas Market Center holds four Total Home & Gift Markets (January, March, June and September) and five Apparel & Accessories Markets (January, March, June, August and October) each year. Retail buyers are offered new lines and products at Dallas Market Center throughout its permanent showrooms and temporary exhibition space.