Picture Perfect

Frames and photo accessories are still a gift-giving standby

When searching for a fail-proof gift, consumers flock to the go-to category of photo frames and accessories. With their wide age appeal and endless possibilities for design schemes, frames allow people to showcase their favorite memories captured on film. A number of well-known companies in the industry have exciting new collections, many of which offer high style at affordable price points. Here’s a snapshot of their new introductions, organized by trend.

Express Yourself
Frames embellished with words, quotations, and social expressions are appealing to consumers for their personal nature and friendly, funny, or faith-based messages. A number of manufacturers are introducing photo frames with new phrases that they predict will be top sellers.

The message on Malden’s (800/426-3578 or www.malden.com) new Third Generation Frame is perfect for Mother’s Day. The frame reads, “Three Generations—Children are born, traditions are passed, the love continues.” The frame’s look is classy with a sleek black color and silver text and accents. The 4” x 6” easel-backed, matted frame is made of wood and metal. It has a suggested retail price of $14.99.

New from Mud Pie (800/998-1633 or www.mud-pie.com) is the Mom & Dad Clip Frame. Part of the Quotables Collection, the frame is made of beveled glass and has an embossed matte board. It is embellished at the top with a dangling, heart-shaped metal charm that says “Mom & Dad.” The frame has a light, contemporary style that is geared toward young couples. Its message reads, “One great mom + one awesome dad = a house full of love.” The 5” x 3.5” frame retails for $10.

Mud Pie also has a line of frames geared toward younger shoppers. The company’s Laugh Out Loud collection is perfect for young girls who love bright designs and hanging out with their friends. The line features popular Tween acronyms, including LOL (laugh out loud), LYLAS (love ya like a sis), and BFF (best friends forever).The LOL frame, which is made of paper, has 3-D flower-shaped pop-ups adorning the top and a vibrant flower pattern. At $5, the frame is a great party favor for Tweens.

The LYLAS frame, also made of paper, is covered with circular 3-D pop-ups and has three hot-pink grosgrain bows. It has a suggested retail price of $3.75. Both the LOL and LYLAS frames measure 10.25” x 10”.One larger piece in the collection, which measures 8.5” x 10.5”, is a hanging magnetic board that comes with magnets featuring these phrases: “Friends are FOREVER,” “HAHA,” “Boys are WHATEVER,” “LOL,” and “BFF.” Tweens can use the magnets to display snapshots, notes, and important reminders. A large, hot-pink grosgrain bow allows the board to be hung from a door or wall. Perfect for bedrooms and study areas, the piece has a suggested retail price of $7.50.

Colorful frames with loving messages are available in Joan Baker Designs’ (800/248-1983 or www.joanbaker.com) Hummingbird & Lilies collection. One hand-painted, art glass frame in the collection features a hummingbird and butterfly amidst pale-pink spring blooms. The message reads, “I hold you in my heart.” This particular frame retails for $22.

Another option for displaying photographs alongside words is the Book Crops collection from Danielson Designs (800/746-4149 or www.danielsondesigns.com). The wooden signs, which can be hung or placed on a surface, such as a table or a shelf, have a rustic look and feature inspirational quotations. Book Crops can be used individually above or below a single portrait, or they can be grouped together to border a favorite family photo. They can also serve as a “word wall” with photos randomly placed throughout the arrangement. The possibilities are endless.

The signs have a suggested retail price of just under $25 each, which makes creating a striking wall arrangement affordable for consumers. Phrases in the collection are varied, so shoppers will be sure to find a Book Crop that speaks to them. Here are just a few of the available options:

•“There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” –Jane Austen

•“And in the end, it’s not the years in a life, it’s the life in the years.” –Abraham Lincoln

•“Whatever is done in love is done well.” –Vincent Van Gogh

Interestingly, 2009 marks the biggest product launch in Danielson Designs’ history, and this year’s photo accessories are sure to please. Mark Danielson, president and co-owner of the company, says, “We know it’s tough to be a retailer in this economy, and we’ve worked hard to develop a new product launch that’s fresh and sure to breathe life and new sales into our retailers’ stores.” No doubt, the Book Crops will entice customers with their interactive, personalized nature.

Bold Brights
When it comes to spring and summer photo accessories, the brighter the better. Many companies have new collections in eye-opening and refreshing colors that will add interest to your store’s shelves. One fun frame from Burton + Burton (800/241-2094 or www.burtonandburton.com) features blooming yellow sunflowers that pop against a green background. The hand-painted metal frame holds a 4” x 6” photo and retails for just under $15. The company also has a collection of colorful Mother’s Day frames in unique shapes; they sell for $16 and under.

Kalalou (800/249-4229 or www.countryoriginals.com), formerly Country Originals, has a set of playful frames ideal for beach-themed rooms. Not only do the company’s Adirondack Chair frames have a unique shape, but they also feature a rustic, whitewashed texture with bold stripes in Aqua, Red, Lime, and Orange. Each wooden chair measures about 6” x 6” x 9” and can hold a 3” x 4” oval photo. A small piece of glass covers the photos and protects them within the frame. The set of four chair frames retails for just under $50.

With globally influenced design elements, the Costa Brava collection from Two’s Company (800/896-7266 or www.twoscompany.com) can be incorporated into nearly any setting as a bright accessory. Named after a unique area off the northeast coast of Spain, the Costa Brava frames are inspired by designs from Mediterranean architecture and artwork. The elegant frames—which come in orange, green, and fuchsia—are hand-painted and made of bone. Each sells for $41. Another bright line from Two’s Company is the Bondi collection, which features sectional glass wall photo frames that come in pink and orange; one design holds six 4” x 6” photos, and the other holds nine 3”-square photos.

Known for its bright, holiday-themed tabletop and home accessories, Tag (800/621-8350 or www.tagltd.com) has two new frames in its spring and summer collection. The charming Cottage Rose frame is made of wood and has a hand-screened floral design. Bright magenta and orange blooms pop against the frame’s clean white background. The handmade Flora frame, also made of wood, is covered with a silk-screened fabric in a bold floral pattern. The contrast between the white flowers and aqua-blue background is stunning and commands attention in any room. The frames both have easel backs as well as hooks for hanging, which makes their placement versatile. Both of Tag’s frames hold 4” x 6” photos and sell for about $26 each. Coordinating tableware and accessories are also available.    

Old & New
It seems that there is no wrong or right when it comes to the question of new or antique; photo frame manufacturers are embracing both styles this season.For customers seeking sleek, contemporary frames, the new I.

Frame collection from Abbott (800/263-2955 or www.abbottcollection.com) does the trick. Reminiscent of the simplistic design of the iPod, these technology-inspired convex frames are made of glass and available in black or white. At just under $45 retail, the clean-lined I.Frames are a way to vamp up a room with an upscale, design-oriented piece.

Customers who prefer the antique look will love photo frames from Blankety Blank Designs! Inc. (310/828-8802 or www.blanketyblankdesigns.com). The California company offers a handmade frame that features vintage, black-and-white and sepia-toned images of cowgirls and women from the Old West. Signed by the artist, the piece retails for $68 and is a great gift for those who hold a reverence for the past.

Natural Beauties
Nature has long been the muse of giftware designers. A number of new frames this season mimic the shape and texture of objects in nature; this adds visual interest and complements all types of décor, particularly eco-minded design.

CBK (800/394-4225 or www.cbkhome.com) has a collection of mosaic frames made of natural stone, quartz, and glass. They are finished with a gray, teal, and lavender wash that gives them a soothing, neutral color. The mosaic frames are available in three sizes: 4” square, 4” x 6”, and 5” x 7”. Each retails for $28.

New designs from Abbott are also nature-inspired. The company has all-white frames that shift the focus from color to texture. Pure Daisy, Pure Shell, and Pure Wood are available in 3”-square and 4” x 6” styles. Made of resin, the frames feature carved flowers, seashells, and twigs respectively. Mixed and matched together, the frames complement one another because of their identical color. The Pure collection frames retail for less than $20 each.    

Creative Collages
One of the hottest trends in wall décor—whether with photographs or artwork—is gallery-inspired arrangements. In design magazines as well as in showrooms, framed pieces are shown in a collage-like display. The look can be cohesive, with all photographs in black-and-white or all frames the same color; it can also be eclectic, with frames in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. The possibilities are limitless, and the result is personal and unique. Nearly every photo frame company has a collection that can be grouped together for such collage treatments.Another small-scale option is collage-inspired frames. These pieces look as if the pages of a scrapbook have been framed—multiple photos can be displayed, and text, fabrics, papers, small embellishments, and other decorations often surround them.

Primitives By Kathy (866/295-2849 or www.primitivesbykathy.com) offers a number of collage frames. One small scrapbook frame is designed to honor those serving the country and is available in themes including United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and U.S.A. Proud. Featuring American flags, this design is made of wood, paper, and glass; it retails for about $16. A mini scrapbook frame called Simplicity has a beach feel and features seashells; it measures 7” square and retails for $13.95. Primitives By Kathy also has scrapbook frames with multiple openings; these have themes such as family and holiday. 

Keep It Classy
Traditional photo frame styles are perhaps the most enduring and the safest for retailers to supply; these frames can serve as permanent pieces in a room, even as its décor changes. Traditional designs also complement a variety of photos, whether they are portraits or landscapes, color or black and white.Traditional photo accessories are available from Mele & Co. (888/733-0631 or www.melecompany.com). The company has new memory boxes that display and store photographs from important events. The boxes are embellished with silver accents and have removable trays and tassel key locks. Each measures 11.5” x 8” x 4.5”. Options include “Anniversary” and “Baby Memories.”

Prinz Ltd. (800/323-8360 or www.prinzusa.com) has more than 450 new items this year. Many, such as the long-standing Dakota collection, provide decorating solutions for both traditional and contemporary styles at a value-oriented price. As for the classily designed Empress collection, Prinz CEO and President Richard Feldstein says, “The collection was inspired by the desire—for a reasonable price—to add flair to a room. The frames can be added to a home office, a dressing table—any rooms we frequent and want to make special.” The Empress frames are made of pewter and retail for less than $50. 

Overall, Richard believes retailers should offer a selection of quality frames with long-term appeal. “Prinz’s social expressions frames are more subtle than some of the more gift-category decorative frames,” he says. “They side more on the home décor track.” This is not to say you should eliminate fun-colored frames from your store; rather, offering your customers design-inspired frames may widen your customer base and attract shoppers who are shying away from expensive home accessories these days.

Future Of Frames
The future of the photo accessories industry is largely dependent on a few major factors, including the development of technology and the economy. Digital photo frames were a particular hit this past holiday season, as the additional technological element made them a multi-faceted gift. Some manufacturers are adding other twists to their contemporary, traditional, and novelty frames. For example, Mark Feldstein & Associates’ (800/755-6504 or www.mfagifts.com) Expressions Multi-Message Picture Frames can hold three 10-second voice recordings. Available in black or tan, the innovative frames hold 4” x 6” photos and retail for $24.95 each.

The popularity of digital photography has no doubt also affected the photo frame industry, but not necessarily in a negative way. People are still printing their photographs, but are doing so more selectively and choosing to display important pictures in large frames where they can be showcased in the home. Richard of Prinz says his company is seeing its 8” x 10” frames equaling the sales of its 5” x 7” frames.    

“Because of the popularity of digital photography, people are making enlargements of their favorite photos,” says Richard. “Before, it was easier for people to drop in one of the 4” x 6” prints they picked up at the store when they got their pictures developed. Now, it’s just as easy to display larger prints. Before it was a hassle.”

Although the downturn of the economy has taken a toll on giftware businesses across the country, Richard notes the photo frame business is likely to be resilient for one major reason: affordability.“

Frames aren’t completely recession-proof, but they continue to do well because you can introduce new decorative pieces to a room—design-oriented pieces—without spending a lot of money,” he says. Truth be told, photo frames are a relatively inexpensive way to change up a room’s décor. Stocking your store with traditional or fashion-inspired frames is the best way to appeal to shoppers looking for decorative elements on the cheap. And many manufacturers are reviewing their collections and making small changes in materials and production that allow both retailers and consumers to save money. As far as materials go, many companies continue to explore the use of plastic alternatives after safety concerns arose internationally last fall. Prinz, for one, has a number of frames made of polyresin, which it uses in its children’s and casual collections.

Whatever frame styles or sizes you choose to carry in your store this year, what matters most is your frames’ ability to make your customers reflect, laugh, or be inspired.

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