Merchandise Monday: Show Mother Earth Some Love

Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day, an annual celebration during which events take place all over the world in support of environmental protection. According to Wikipedia, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 192 countries on April 22 each year.

In honor of Earth Day, this week we’re focusing on green, eco-friendly and socially responsible items available in our assortment. Why not do something good and give back to Mother Nature, the planet and the people who inhabit this home we all share!

Dreambean Candles Bliss Bag

Dreambean Candles products are handmade by participants of Bright Endeavors, a non-profit social enterprise and job training program committed to helping homeless and at-risk young women ages 16-25. Elevate the at-home spa experience with the Bliss Bag, 32 ounces of soothing fair trade Pink Himalayan soaking salt scented with invigorating, phthalate-free rosemary and mint oils. Each biodegradable Bliss Bag offers up to eight relaxing baths that draw out impurities and gently soften skin. Proceeds go toward support training, mentoring and permanent job placement for the young women that lovingly create and package each product.

Helping Hand Artisans 8.5-inch Square Bowl

Helping Hand Artisans is a social enterprise comprised of fair trade crafter and artisan collectives in the developing world. Its mission is to help these people create sustainable livelihoods for their families through the sale of their beautiful, eco-friendly crafts. They offer a line of fair trade, stylish, handmade accessories, housewares and gifts that are perfect for every occasion – each with an individual story. Freedom and independence ring true in these bold iron bowls. Artisans in India collect each individual iron ring from local repair shops and hand-weld each of the connection points. Helping Hand Artisans provides jobs and stability where few employment opportunities exist.

Smart Solar Umbrella Hanging Solar Lantern 8-pack

Looking to add a little light to your outdoor space? The Hanging Solar Lantern set is ideal for your patio or deck. Simply clip to an umbrella for ambient lighting around a table or even place on a flat surface. These open-bottom LED lanterns are eco-friendly and powered by an integrated solar panel that automatically turns the lamp on at dusk and off at dawn. When fully charged, they provide up to 8-hours of light per night. Lanterns include handle, hanging clips and replaceable rechargeable Ni-MH battery.

Superex® Deluxe Solar Powerstation with Air Compressor

Solar charging is really in right now and the Powerstation features a heavy-duty, large capacity battery that is a fully portable power source, perfect for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors, power failures or situations without conventional power sources. Features include built-in professional strength 6-gauge booster cables with reverse polarity alarm and multiple power outlets – two 12-volt (auto), 110 volt (household appliances, 200 watts max.) and USB port (for charging PDAs, iPhones®, MP3 players and other portable devices).

Wagan® Solar eCharger™ 2.1A

The Solar eCharger™ 2.1A recharges mobile electronics with a built-in Li-ion battery that fully recharges in 5-8 hours via sunlight or 2-3 hours via AC adapter. Indicator lights when unit is ready to deliver power (either from DC or solar) and when batteries are charged. Uses superior monocrystalline solar cells and features two USB outputs. Accessories include AC and DC chargers and cell phone tips. 

Merchandise Tuesday: Time for a Touchdown!

As summer draws to a close, the dawn of a very important fifth season is upon us – football season! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just go for the tailgating, Hinda’s recent merchandise additions include some great items you’ll want to pick up before you get too engrossed in the season.

i.Sound® 2.4A Car Charger with Lightning Connector

You might be ready for tailgating, but is your technology? The 2.4A Car Charger with Lightning Connector brings you professional audio processing technology in convenient, on-the-go charging. The high-powered 2.4A charger delivers the fastest, safest charge available. Made for iPhone®5 and other Apple® products with Lightning Connector. Never be without your favorite tunes!

Jawbone® Big Jambox™ Bluetooth Speaker

The big game deserves big sound! The Jawbone Big Jambox™ Bluetooth® Speaker/Speakerphone enables you to turn any mobile device (phone, tablet or laptop) into a portable, party-powering hi-fi sound system. Fill any space, indoors and out, with stunning audio, and never miss the game no matter where you are!

RCA® 3.5-inch Digital ATSC/NTSC Pocket LED TV

Not home to watch your favorite team?  Not to worry! The 3.5” Digital ATSC/NTSC Pocket LED TV features a bright LED backlit display and receives free off-air DTV RF channels and current analog NTSC channels. It also features real-time signal strength display and current program display, channel editing and search and smart power management. Cheer your team on from wherever you are!

Sklz® Football Training System

Ready to perform like your favorite players? The Sklz® Football Training System will help you elevate your game. Improve speed, acceleration and change of direction with the Quick Ladder. Use Reaction Belts for improving offensive and defensive. Maximize top end speed with the Speed Chute and refine hand-eye coordination with the Hi-Viz football. Game on!

Snapware® Assorted Food Storage and Transport

Looking for a way to transport your goodies to the party or store leftovers when the game is over? Look no further than Hinda’s assortment of Snapware plastic storage containers. From stackable trays and deviled egg holders to dry goods canisters and more, Snapware makes a size and shape for virtually any snack-saving or storage need you have. And just like football, Snapware is made in the USA.

Tervis Tumbler® 16-oz. Tumbler with Footballs Wrap and Brown Lid

Football fans will dream of game-winning touchdowns with this realistic football design. Whether you play or just enjoy the sport, show your love for the game with this football tumbler. Unique double-wall insulation reduces condensation and keeps hot drinks hotter and cold drinks colder. Fits most car cup holders. Strong enough not to melt, chip or crack – just like your unwavering loyalty.

Merchandise Monday: Keeping the Kids Entertained

Summer is in full swing, school has been out for a few weeks now and sooner or later it’s going to happen – the kids are going to get bored. Those of us in the working world have no idea how or why this happens, but the best defense is a good offense, right?

Lucky for you, we’ve just added lots of great new toys and activities for kids for those rainy days or when sunburn strikes and they need a break from the pool. As an added bonus, none of these toys require your children to stare at a screen or even stay indoors!

Alex® Let’s Pretend School

School is in session! This pretend school set is a great way to get little ones excited for school and a fun way for older children to pretend they're the teacher. It includes lots of school activities like wipe-away boards with letters, numbers, colors, shapes, world map and food pyramid, pointer, nine pencils, dry erase marker and eraser. Easy to bring along for school on the go, too!

Alex® Silly Me Photo Booth

Why take just a plain old picture when you can have photo booth fun? The Silly Me Photo Booth lets you make all kinds of silly props, like a pirate face, funky glasses, scuba dive gear and more! Before you say “Cheese,” get creative with stickers and paper shapes you can use to ham it up in front of the camera! Fun to make at a party and then give the keepsake pictures for party favors!

 Fashion Angels® Tapeffiti™ Bracelet Kit

Choose your favorite patterns of Tapeffiti and cut the length you need for your bracelet design. Then place it on the cuff bracelet and smooth it out. If it doesn’t go on right the first time, don’t worry! Tapeffiti is easy to lift and reposition for perfect results. Stack your arms with your creations or share them with your friends. 

LEGO® Friends Stephanie’s Outdoor Bakery

The LEGO Friends are on their way for a girly day in the sunshine! Stephanie is putting the finishing touches on her garden party. Take the fresh-baked cakes out of the oven. Help Stephanie wash dishes in the sink and set the umbrella garden table. Accessories include cakes, plate, glass and milk carton – everything you need for the perfect garden party!  

LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man™: Spider-Cycle Chase

Venom™ has taken control of Nick Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. flying car and is making a super-fast getaway. Send Spider-Man™ to the rescue in his cool Spider-Cycle! Help him catch this venomous villain and return the car to the good guys! Use the folding wheels on both vehicles for the perfect high-speed pursuit in the air or on land, but watch out for Venom's vicious symbiont web attack!  

Your children’s hands and imaginations will certainly be busy with these fun toys, and they’re great for fostering interaction with friends, siblings and parents, too. What do you do when summer vacation boredom strikes? How do you pass rainy days cooped up in the house with your kids? Let us know your tips in the “Comments” section below!

Merchandise Monday: Hinda Incentives’ Summer Vacation

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year! The weather’s heating up, the kids are out of school and, if you’re lucky, things at the office are slowing down just a touch. Everyone needs a break, and summer is always the perfect time to take that much-needed vacation.

Here at Hinda, we know the feeling, and that’s why we’ve added a bunch of great new vacation items to our assortment just in time for your big camping trip, family reunion or friends’ getaway. All of these items are durable, too, because we know you like to play as hard as you work.

cinda b Vacationer II

This super-sized duffel is your new best friend. Generous enough to hold everything you'll need for a week away, it's big and sturdy but amazingly lightweight. Custom designed by Cinda Boomershine, all cinda b styles are stylish and fun as they are versatile and functional. Proudly made in the USA with durable, water-resistant and machine-washable poly/nylon fabrics.

 Coleman® Bravo™ Xtreme 1080p Full HD Waterproof Sports Cam

Built to cover all the action and extreme sports, it records amazing quality Full HD videos at 30fps. The 175-degree wide-angle lens captures the scene with flawless perspective and clarity. The camera is bundled together with an underwater housing waterproof to a depth of 100’, various mounts for use on just about any surface, remote control and Li-ion battery. Capture all the action of your summer!

 Eton rukus Portable Wireless Sound System with Solar Panel

This portable wireless sound system features a high quality efficiency solar panel so you can play your music all day long. Easily connect to any Bluetooth® enabled device and take the rukus Solar with you camping, to the park, to a barbeque or even just to your own backyard. The lightweight rukus also has a USB output to charge most smartphones and mobile devices. Don’t leave home without it!

 Grace Digital ECOXGEAR® Bluetooth® Wireless Waterproof Floating Speaker System

The ECOXGEAR® is a one-of-a-kind portable audio system that combines Bluetooth®, lithium battery and waterproof technologies. The result is a shock-resistant, floating, full-range rechargeable wireless speaker system.  Do everything from stream and play your music from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or audio device to answer your incoming calls over the built-in speaker phone. 

Under Armour® Victory Large Duffel

Pack everything you need for your vacation, weekend trip, the gym or the big game! The Victory Large Duffle features a large main-zip compartment with additional storage on side pocket, mesh ventilation for breathability and adjustable, padded shoulder strap for easy-grab access. This classic duffel comes in Black/Gray and displaying the Under Armour logo.

Victorinox® Spectra Extra-Capacity Carry-On

The Spectra is engineered to be lightweight without sacrificing durability. Constructed of 100 percent pure bayer polycarbonate, it combines a dual trolley handle system and an 8-wheel construction for superior maneuverability. A travel sentry-approved luggage lock secures your belongings, and the Swiss tracker bag tracking program helps reunite you with your bags should they be lost.

We’d love to hear about your big summer plans! Where is the wind taking you this year? What kind of gear are you bringing? Brag about your travels in the “Comments” section below!

Merchandise Monday: Celebrating Dads and Grads!

Nothing says “Father’s Day” like power tools and getting dirty in the backyard – and nothing says “happy graduation” like a new gadget to help in the adjustment to college life or transition to the working world. Treat the deserving dad or grad in your life this season to a new “big kid toy” fresh from Hinda’s assortment!

Coby® Bluetooth® Stereo Headphones

Stylish comfort meets Bluetooth® technology without the hassle of wires. This full-size headphone easily syncs with any Bluetooth enabled device, such as smartphones and portable devices, while delivering premium performance. Dynamic 40mm drivers transmit unparalleled audio, and convenient access to buttons let you play, pause, fast forward and control volume.  A built-in noise-canceling mic means you can always stay connected anywhere.

HP 15.6-Inch Pavilion Notebook Computer

Perfect for everyday computing, the Pavilion Notebook with Windows® 8 lets you pay online bills with ease on the numeric keyboard, view photos in stunning detail on the 15.6” diagonal HD display and connect all the devices you need with a full array of ports. Features include 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor, HD BrightView LED-backlit display (1366x768) and five hours of battery life on a single charge. Enjoy your favorite content and stay connected with social media, too!

HP Slate 7-Inch 8GB Tablet

Carry your world in the palm of your hand. Access and manage your photos, documents, music, games and apps on the go with a fully-featured, 7” diagonal tablet that brings everything down to size. Create and share memories at every turn with the 3MP rear camera or video chat on the go with the front VGA webcam. Other features include the Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, Beats Audio™ and up to five hours of video playback – and much more!

Poulan Pro® 16-Inch 38cc Chainsaw

Whether you’re pruning branches or cleaning up after a storm, this unit can handle all jobs. The Poulan® chainsaw is a balanced machine that can cut trees up to 34” in diameter. Standard features include 38cc’s of power, a 16” bar and chain, chain brake, automatic oiler and carrying case. Get out there and show Mother Nature what you’re made of. Your backyard (and nosy neighbors) will thank you!

Poulan Pro® 17-inch Gas-Powered Curved-Shaft String Trimmer

The Poulan Pro® curved-shaft trimmer is well-suited for more demanding residential lawn maintenance and is powered by a reliable SureFire 25cc 2-cycle gas engine. With a spring assisted start system and 17” maximum cutting width, this model is easy to use, efficient and cost effective. Split boom shaft with Pro-Link attachment system transforms your trimmer into a multi-functional yard machine. Additional attachments are available and sold separately. Show your backyard who’s boss!

Vivitar® 5.1MP Flip-Style HD Camcorder

The 5.1MP Flip-Style HD Camcorder is a convenient and easy-to-use camcorder you can take anywhere! The 2.2” touch screen features a 5.1 MP resolution (2595 x 1944) so you can preview all the gorgeous images you’re capturing. Check out your videos close up with 4x digital zoom and don’t forget to save your masterpieces with the camcorder’s SD card support feature (SD card not included). Watch out, world, a new filmmaker is on the rise!

Vivitar® 10.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Zoom

The 10.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Zoom is a portable and easy-to-use camera you can slip in your pocket or purse. The 2.7” preview screen features a 10.1 MP resolution (3648 x 2736) to insure that your pictures will be sharp with brilliant colors, plus 4x digital zoom gets you close to the action. The expansion SD memory card slot gives you the flexibility to expand the memory capacity up to 32 GB (card not included). Hone your photography skills while capturing memories that will last a lifetime!

Don’t forget – Father’s Day is June 16! Why not surprise that special dad or grad with one of these great new products – or check out our assortment for plenty of other great gifts they’re sure to love! You’ll make their big day even more special, and they’ll think of you every time they use their gadget or gift! It’s a win-win!

Merchandise Monday: We LOVE Spring Cleaning!

April Fool! But we do love all the new merch we’ve added to help you get the job done – namely products to get rid of the dirt and grime from mud-and-rock-salt-crusted boots that’s been building up all winter. Why not crank some tunes, put a fresh pot of coffee on and get some elbow grease on your floors before you completely forget what they're supposed to look like!

Bissell® PowerFresh™ Steam Mop

Experience a new way to steam mop! Get a deep clean with a fresh scent. Clean sticky, dried-on spots two times faster than the leading steam mop. A handy flip-down scrubber takes out the messes with ease. No more bending over and fingernail scrubbing. PowerFresh™ combines the built-in scrubber with SmartSet digital steam control to safely clean almost any hard floor surface. Eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria when used as directed, and your family deserves a clean, germ-free household!

Dirt Devil® Extreme Power 14.4 Volt Stick Vac

Cordless convenience and a rotating brush! This 14.4-volt cordless stick vac easily moves from carpet to hardwood floors with a fingertip on/off switch for the brushroll. The low-profile nozzle is ideal for cleaning under beds, tables and chairs. The lightweight design and folding handle make it easy to move from room to room, and you can store it virtually anywhere. Maybe you’ll want to clean your floors more often now?

Samsung® TwinChamber Canister Vacuum System

With a 12” two-step brush, this system features an innovative chamber design providing up to 95.2 percent dust separation. An advanced HEPA sealed-gasket filtration system delivers a more hygienic clean by removing more fine particles from the air and trapping more dust and allergens. The large, easy-to-empty 2.5-liter bagless dust bin holds more so you can clean bigger messes in one shot, and the compact design makes it easy to store. Are you ready to experience cleaner floors?

Well, that takes care of your floors! Don’t you feel better? We knew you would. Your family won’t recognize how spotless the house is - they’ll think you’re playing an April Fool’s joke on them! Plus, remember floor care is trending, so clean floors just means you’ve got an edge when it comes to what’s fashionable in the domestic realm!

Merchandise Monday: There’s No Place like Home

The 2013 International Home and Housewares show took place March 2-5 right here in Chicago, and Hinda was on the showroom floor checking out the latest and greatest of what the industry has to offer!

A lot is happening this year in the realms of Kitchen, Home Décor, Floor Care and Outdoor Living. Let’s start with everyone’s favorite room – the kitchen. Eye-popping color is all the rage this year, so why not replace your black, white and stainless steel with bright orange, fuchsia and blue! Everything from stand mixers to pots and pans to servingware is available in brights – and why not?

The Kitchen Chic category is also trending toward the more economical side, with an increased interest appearing in healthy living, bringing your lunch to work, making your own baby food and brewing your coffee at home. Travel beverage and food containers are popular for saving and freezing leftovers and byo-ing your meals – a great way to save a few bucks!

Top emerging trends in the Home Décor category include recycling and refurbishing instead of going out and buying new – and Pantone®’s fabulous palettes are making it easy to match colors and create new looks for items you already have in your home! This year, Pantone is throwing pops of bright color into its earthy-toned palettes to help you spruce up a room or your whole house without spending hours searching for and testing paint.

Texture is also a big factor in the latest Home Décor trends. For example, wicker and shiny white ceramic add another dimension to a brightly painted kitchen hutch; bright throw pillows make a splash on your old comfy couch or easy chair; and waffle-weave crystal for serving or as decorative pieces are hot! Also, look for reflective materials, green and recycled items and simple, bright white lighting.

While we’re on the subject of revamping your home, why not go the extra mile with a little spring cleaning? Floor care is trending right now, with bare floor steam cleaning still a popular way to get the job done. The latest floor cleaners are appearing lightweight, cordless and compact, which makes them easy to use and carry around the house for all your floors. Robotic floor and window cleaners are also emerging in this category, as well as air purifiers and humidifiers. Breathe easy in your newly redecorated home this spring!

And now that spring is on its way, we can finally talk about hanging out outside! Outdoor Living was another emerging trend at the show this year. Look for ways to create beautiful, useful spaces that extend your home living space, perhaps with the addition of a deck, patio, hot tub, pool or outdoor kitchen. Bringing the indoors outside is popular as people are spending more time entertaining at home. Patio furniture and outdoor lighting are becoming more aesthetically pleasing as opposed to just functional.

Stay tuned to Hinda Blog for more tradeshow, trends and merch updates via our weekly column, Merchandise Monday!