Shopforbags.com – Wholesale Handbags, Wholesale Apparel, Fashion Accessories and Much More.

Store Name:  Katie’s

Store Location:  4905 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703

Email:  bkcrad@aol.com

Phone:  (903) 509-2828

Where is your business located within your community and how long have you been in business? The first Katie’s is located just off the main street of Tyler and has been in existence for about 27 years.  The second Katie’s is located in a shopping center next to the mall in Tyler and is 3 years old.  The newest Katie’s in the Tyler area is located just north of Interstate 20 in a suburb of Tyler, Lindale.

There is a new Katie’s in Lufkin, TX and we own a store in Fredericksburg, TX, which is named Fredericksburg Marketplace.

What was your motivation behind starting your business?  About 27 years ago, I broke a necklace and my husband repaired it, saying that it was not hard for him to do.  So even though I was teaching school and my husband had another job, we started making jewelry.  About this time, twist beads, a fad in the jewelry business, became popular and we started buying and selling twist beads.  This was a huge success and we kept on following the fashion fads.

How and why did you choose the name?  Although my husband Bill was making the jewelry, we didn’t think Bills would be inviting to women so we used my name.

Why do you partner with Shopforbags.com?  Several years ago I stumbled upon the website when looking for handbags.  The handbags were darling and sold well so I started consulting the website daily.

What are your top brands, requested items or products?  Fashion jewelry continues to be our leading product.  The Katydid shirts have become great sellers for us and our customers constantly ask for more.  We sell a variety of handbags and Yellow Box shoes.

What Shopforbags.com products are your best sellers?  At this moment the school-related Katydid shirts are the leaders in popularity and we can’t keep enough on the racks.  Peace, Love, Football in various school colors is the current most popular one.

What is your favorite Katydid Collection design and why? Again, the sports shirts are great!  Everyone, from middle school mothers of football players and cheerleaders, to cheerleaders themselves, are trying to find their school color in the Katydid shirts.

Do you have any advice to others wanting to open their own store?  Work hard, pay your taxes on time, and don’t get discouraged when everything is not perfect.

What is your most memorable Katydid sale?  I still remember the day when I opened our little shop for 2 hours after teaching school all day.  I grossed $100. and thought that was wonderful!  I will never forget that feeling of elation!

If you could add any merchandise to the Katydid line what would it be?  A larger variety of cute dresses and tops.

One thing you can’t live without?  Faith in God and hope for a better tomorrow.

Shopforbags.com Boutique Spotlight: Katie's in Tyler, TX

The boutique spotlight showcases independent retailers who stand out in the marketplace for a variety of reasons.  Make sure to check back each month to learn about a new featured boutique.  If you carry Shopforbags.com products or the Katydid brand and would like to be featured, please email us at info@shopforbags.com.

For Immediate Release:                                                                                          Media Contact:

September 6, 2010                                                                                                            info@shopforbags.com

ShopForBags.com Makes the Inc. 500 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies

Leading online wholesaler ranks 319 on the exclusive business list

DALLAS – Shopforbags.com, a leading national wholesale distributor, has been named to the prestigious 2010 Inc. 500 list, recognizing the fastest growing private companies in America. The Dallas-based online wholesaler is ranked #15 on the top companies in the Dallas metro area, #20 in the consumer products and services category, and #319 overall, with 2009 revenues exceeding $4.5 million. It is the first time Shopforbags.com has appeared on the list.

Shopforbags.com secured its place on the list with an impressive three year growth rate of 936 percent, distributing to more than 10,000 boutiques and retail outlets across the country. The online wholesaler offers more than 1,500 products including handbags, messenger bags and laptop bags, accessories and apparel for women, men and children.

Company president Katy Messersmith attributes much of the company’s continued growth to its private label, Katydid Collection, an apparel company also owned by Shopforbags.com and operated out of the Dallas headquarters.  Katydid Collection Apparel – added just three years ago – is now the number one seller on Shopforbags.com. The creation of Katydid clothing grew out of Messersmith’s intense focus on retailers’ needs and consumer purchasing trends. Another key to the wholesaler’s success is its low minimum order and same-day shipping, which allow small retailers to place orders without large expenditures or restock concerns.

“The recognition from Inc. Magazine is a tremendous honor and validation of the hard work of the Shopforbags.com team,” said Messersmith. “It’s our mission to support retailers of all sizes with quality products, top value and prompt, professional service. We are thankful to all of our loyal retail partners and the part they play in our continued success.”

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About Shopforbags.com

Shopforbags.com is a leading distributor of wholesale handbags, apparel and fashion. Launched in 2002, the wholesale company supplies fashion merchandise to thousands of stores throughout the U.S., providing the latest trends at reasonable prices. For more information, visit www.shopforbags.com.