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The Dollhouse and Miniatures Industry Prepares for Promising Holiday...

The Dollhouse and Miniatures Industry was once dominated by European firms. In the late 1800's, American toy companies began to produce similar products. But, unlike the European companies, American dollhouse builders and miniaturists typically designed houses relevant to American architecture.



The industry was simply no longer just a European hobby, it became the "Cottage Industries," with its own distinct revenue stream in what was the modern economy. Dollhouse companies popped up everywhere. Retailers built complete sections for the retailing of miniature products. Dollhouses became so popular in the 1940s, that what was once a section in a store, became a complete retail store environment, with miniatures and dollhouses stacked to the ceiling. Hence, the birth of the complete miniature store began.



The holiday season was the busiest time of year, producing the greatest amount of gross for any miniatures store. Modern day miniatures stores are almost entirely online. With the majority of miniatures sales happening in the virtual environment. One of the most prominent online retailers, www.dollproperties.com told us what it's like to prepare for the holiday season.



In our discussion with their President, Charles Rhodes, we had the opportunity to grasp a general sense of the preparation process. Charles stated that the holiday season preparation is the organization of current assets and the acquisition of the proper mix of houses and miniatures for the season. Charles's preparation is marked by trips to Germany and China for a small portion of www.dollproperties.com's stock. He is proud to say that much of his inventory is produced by U.S. firms. Some of the U.S. firms include, Duracraft (Dura-Craft) Dollhouses, Corona Concepts, Real Good Toys, and Greenleaf Dollhouses.



Charles also stated that the preparation for the holiday season is met with much labor and preparation. During August and September, www.dollproperties.com hires some ten artisans to create and build dollhouses for the holiday season. Www.dollproperties.com calls these dollhouses "pre-builts." The dollhouse industry is still thriving in its current status, but much of the product has gone overseas to Southeast Asia. But, Charles takes great pride in saying that over 75% of his houses in stock are made in the U.S.A.



With the holiday season coming, there is always great risk in what to stock in a company's inventory. A buyer for a company such as www.dollproperties.com must understand what their clientele will be looking for. Luckily, Charles is very experienced in this fashion, and much of the responsibility lays with the actual manufacturer themselves. As we discussed things further, Charles stated that he believes Duracraft Dollhouses will sell very well this year. He thinks that people will be attracted to their rarity and small distribution channel. With the main corporation of Duracraft going out of business in 2005, their remaining stock is highly valuable on the collector market, and Charles's company owns 100% of their stock, as well as production rights. He's also happy to say that he has parts and service for all of his current customers on the Duracraft product.



www.dollproperties.com had one of its strongest seasons last year. Charles believes his sales will grow by almost 25% in 2005. Why Because his company has web presence, great warranty standards, and they are more than just a virtual company, which is important in this industry (statement by Charles). Based on statistics, Charles believes the economy is stronger than it was a year ago, which will also help to boost sales in general. Lastly, he believes the season will be strong, because Internet security has boosted the confidence of first time buyers online, making it easier to shop for products not held at brick and mortar stores. This is Case Mansar with Dollhouses and Miniatures Monthly.

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