Where in the World is The Brand Guru?

Rymax recently hit the skies to uncover the latest products and trends to add to our assortment of merchandise offerings to the incentive market. The trip started at the Ambient trade show in Frankfurt where every year, exhibitors present an international range of products in the categories ofSaareck Castle tableware, kitchen, home, furnishing, and giving. And our trip ended with a visit to Saareck Castle, home of Villeroy & Boch a premium international lifestyle brand.

Sporting Ferragamo shoes and a Philip Stein watch I walked the tradeshow floor and had strategic merchandise assortment meetings with leading houseware companies known around the world.  A few of our brand partners present at the show were Meyer, KitchenAid, Villeroy & Boch, Lladró, and Oxo. Rymax’s partnership with these worldwide brands demonstrates the strength of our brand portfolio and also our ability to bring the newest merchandise to the incentive industry. This show provided the opportunity to hear directly from the brands about their hottest household products and check-out first handCirculon Infinite cookware a wide range of products. Exhibitor displays entailed everything from dinnerware sets to cooking appliances to decorative items. Products like the Circulon Infinite cookware line and Lladró “Cherub of Love” figurine were some of the top products displayed at Ambient and it will be no surprise if in the future these are some of the top redemptions in the homegoods category.  
 
Lladró “Cherub of Love” figurineAfter the tradeshow, I lived like a king at Villeroy & Boch’s Schloss Saareck Castle. Since the 1700s, Villeroy & Boch has been a prominent ceramics manufacturing force providing high quality and trendy household items including flatware, dinnerware and glassware.  Rymax has an exclusive relationship with Villeroy & Boch and brings a unique mix of their products to the incentive market. A product to watch is the New Wave Caffe 10-oz. Latte Macchiato cups which feature a wave in their sweeping handle that is both ergonomic and elegant, and stainless steel and glass construction. Another hot product is the American Bar Double Old Fashioned Tumbler that features thick lead free crystal, a thickerAmerican Bar Double Old Fashioned Tumbler base, narrow mouth, and is dishwasher safe. These are only a few of the products we discussed during our meeting to grow our assortment of the Villeroy & Boch line in the industry and we New Wave Caffe 10-oz. Latte Macchiato cupare proud to partner with this premium European brand.  
 
As a leading provider in the incentive industry, this trip was another way in which Rymax continues to expand our offerings and include the highest quality products in the United States and around the world.  Now that’s hot! Villeroy & Boch dinnerware set

Welcome to Fresh Product Tuesday, Rymax’s brief weekly look at some of the latest and greatest products we’re offering to our customers.  This week we’re keeping in shape with the Yoga for Beginners Kit by Gaiam.

If you have never participated in yoga but have always been interested in learning, this kit has what you need to start moving like an expert.  The Yoga Beginner’s Experience DVD contains an hour of routines that will help you learn the basics.  Utilize the “A.M. Yoga” workout to clear your mind before a long day of work or the “Daily Yoga” routine to increase circulation and mobility, invigorating you when you feel low on energy.  Also included on the DVD are a short instructional video on correctly using the yoga props and a ten minute meditation preparation.

In addition to the instructional DVD, this set comes equipped with the necessary props.  The kit includes a yoga brick for proper positioning and support, an alignment yoga mat to help guide hand and foot placement, and a yoga strap to lengthen and align stretches.  With these accessories and the DVD, you will be ready to advance to the next level in yoga in no time.

And there you have it… the fastest way to learn yoga.

Truly enjoying a cup of coffee requires more than just a great brand or delightful flavor.  Just as different styles of wine are best consumed in a particular wine glass, different styles of coffee such as cappuccino, latte or espresso require a unique cup to bring out the best in the beverage.  The experts at Villeroy & Boch understand this concept and have perfected the art of designing cups that enhance your coffee.

For a relaxing cup of coffee at home, look no further than the New Wave Caffè Coffee for Two set by Villeroy & Boch.  The two cups and accompanying saucers are crafted from vitrified porcelain for strength and durability.  The curvy, modern appearance is not only stylish but designed to maximize the flavor of your coffee.  In addition, the saucers offer generous space for a treat on the side.  Both the cups and saucers are microwave and dishwasher safe. 

If you are tired of coffee in paper cups to-go, redeem for the New Wave Caffè Coffee for Two and enjoy your coffee like never before.  

Welcome to Fresh Product Tuesday, Rymax’s brief weekly look at some of the latest and greatest products we’re offering to our customers.  This week we’re showcasing some style with the Swatch Full Blooded Gold watch.

In 1983, Swatch released its first wrist watch in the midst of a Swiss watch industry crisis.  With about half of the components of a typical watch, the Swatch watch was highly affordable yet high quality.  Since that time, the innovative watch went on to become the most successful wrist watch of all time and The Swatch Group has grown to become the largest and most dynamic watch company in the world.

The Full Blooded Gold watch continues Swatch’s trend of high quality, affordable and stylish timepieces.  This watch features a gold dial with crystals, golden brushed steel strap, stainless steel head casing and a transparent plastic case.  Durability is another strong point, as the Full Blooded Gold watch is water-resistant up to 100 feet.

And there you have it… the latest in sophisticated and stylish watches.  

What’s Happening at Toy Fair?

Over the past few years, Rymax has seen a notable shift in loyalty and recognition program participant’s redeeming gifts for others. This has lead to an increase of children’s product redemptions across the board, everything from toys, baby gear, play furniture, and interactive and developmental games. This growing trend in the incentive industry makes my stop at Toy Fair especially exciting. I look forward to uncovering the latest educational and creative toys for the incentive world. If you want the inside track to discovering the hottest merchandise, then call me today to schedule an appointment and meet me at Toy Fair! 
 
The team at Rymax has been working hard to expand our offerings, demonstrated by our recent partnership with Melissa & Doug, the leading designer and manufacturer of educational toys. This relationship adds to our robust brand portfolio of children’s lines featuring Alex Toys, Fisher-Price, Gund, Lego, Maclaren, Little Giant, Magnif, Radio Flyer, Razor, Schoenhut, and Step 2. From riding a scooter to painting on an art easel; making fashion pieces to building a truck; learning to count to playing in a kitchen; Rymax offers a variety of gifts for that special child in our participant’s lives.  Now that’s hot!

Finding the perfect gift for your significant other on Valentine’s Day can sometimes be a tricky task.  Boxes of chocolate are a popular choice, but after years of giving can become predictable and redundant.  This year, think outside the box with a gift that your loved one will remember and can use for years to come.

Menus & Music Chocolate Bliss SetOur first choice is the Chocolate Bliss gift set from Menus & Music.  Rather than handing your partner a box of premade chocolates, find a delectable recipe the two of you will enjoy making together such as devil’s food cupcakes or chocolate mousse.  The pack also includes a CD featuring bossa nova performances to create an enjoyable and romantic setting.  The simple act of baking and enjoying music together will be much sweeter than a typical box of chocolates. 

Another perfect gift is a Nostalgia Electrics chocolate fondue fountain.Nostalgia Electrics Fondue FountainCreate a truly romantic dessert with your loved one and coat anything from strawberries to marshmallows to pretzels in chocolate.  The fountain offers easy to use heat and motor controls to ensure your treats will be prepared just as you desire. 

With either one of these gifts, you can transform an ordinary Valentine’s Day gift into a memorable one.

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Now Here’s Two Red Lobsters for You!

Mark this Valentine's Day or your upcoming anniversary as the one you will always remember. Avoid the costly and annoying pitfalls of dining out and instead treat your significant other to an intimate romantic lobster, steak or seafood feast at home.

Make this happen by utilizing your hard earned loyalty or employee recognition program points and redeem them for a gourmet meal to share with the one you love. Through Rymax’s partnership with LobsterGram we are able to offer specialized and complete meal packages that are delivered right to your door. Take it from me, a man who loves Lobster, there is nothing sweeter than preparing and sharing a meal from LobsterGram to create a night to remember. 

And the best part is, every package comes complete with a Cooking Manual that makes meal preparationa breeze, even a cooking novice can create a five star meal.  From live Maine lobster, traditional Kobe beef, pork chops, rib eyes, crab claws, shrimp, mussels, New England clam chowder, to atomic cake, cheesecake and super chuck brownies, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste. 

Don’t waste any more time as the big day is approaching, and contact Rymax today to ensure you have the most memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved one yet! 

Welcome to Fresh Product Tuesday, Rymax’s brief weekly look at some of the latest and greatest products we’re offering to our customers.  This week we’re checking out Monster’s iSport headphones.

For those who enjoy listening to music while exercising, finding the right headphones can present a problem.  Loose wires can knock the buds from out of your ears and you can’t be sure that cleaning the headphones won’t damage the set.  These are issues of the past thanks to the iSport headphones by Monster.

Whether you are running, biking, or snowboarding, the rugged and sweat proof iSport headphones are guaranteed to keep you focused on your exercise.  The in-ear SportClip design ensures that the earpieces will remain in place while feeling comfortable at the same time.  With an advanced in-ear speaker and MicroStrand conductors, your tunes will be clear and full of detail providing you with the adrenaline you need.  Feel free to wear the iSport at any location from a beach to a muddy biking trail.  Since the headphones are washable, you can remove dirt or grime without damaging the earpieces. 

And there you have it… the perfect workout accessory.  

Show your support for the Incentive Industry’s first superhero team by visiting Facebook and “Liking” our page. Once you like us, simply enter the Keurig® Giveaway Sweepstakes and tell us what superhero power you would like to have and why.  It’s as simple as that!

The deadline for entries is March 16, 2012 and the winner will be chosen based on the most unique superhero power.

Be sure to check back often for future promotions courtesy of The Loyalty League!  

Visit our Facebook page HERE to enter to win!

Happy Groundhog’s Day!

Given the mild winter the northeast has experienced so far this year, I believe that the legendary groundhog Phil, will be seeing his shadow today and bringing with him six more weeks of winter weather.  The good news is that Rymax has plenty of rewards for your employees and customers to beat away those winter blues.  

If you are like me, before I start my workday I need a steamyKeurig® Platinum cup of coffee from my Keurig Platinum Brewer. This machine features chrome accents 6, 8, 10, and 12-oz. brewing sizes, an auto-off function, and a programmable LCD delivery a delicious cup of coffee in every brew. Another way to keep warm and stay fashionable is with a Burberry Nova Check Scarf, one of the most recognized pieces in the market. This very soft, classic 3-ply Burberry scarf features 100% cashmere and 2" of fringe on Burberry Nova Check Scarfeach end that provides warmth and style that many reward participant’s desire.

On the other hand, if Phil’s shadow is a no show, then we're in for the delights of an early spring.  Take it from an insider, the best way to get your backyard or patio looking spring fresh is with the Dirt Devil PressureFlex 1600 Pressure Washer. This versatile tool will assist in all outdoor cleaning projects. ItDirt Devil PressureFlex 1600 features a 35-foot power cord, compact design for easy storage, spray gun with on-board holder, aluminum pump with auto shut off, and quick-connect detergent spray bottle. While your outside in the sun, you have to stay protected. Staying protected doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. Redeem your points for the Original Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses that are an iconic piece often worn by many of your favorite celebrities today. They feature a distinctive teardrop lens shape, a full-rim metal Ray Ban Original Aviatoraviator frame, a double bridge style, adjustable nose pads, and UVA/UVB protection. And, with Rymax as the leading manufacturer’s representative in the industry you can be confident that we will continue to bring the most in-demand spring rewards to you.

While we can’t say for sure what the Groundhog will bring, rest assured that Rymax has the brand name rewards for every season. Now that’s hot!