Trail of Painted Ponies email regarding Enesco move.

These last 2 posts are about the end of the email to retailers from Rod Barker of Trail of Painted Ponies. There was some retailer specific information at the end of the email that won't be posted here. Since we have had some retailers contacting us about what's going on we want to let you know that's okay. We're happy to share any information we have. Okay, back to the trail

Winter 2010 Release - Sneak Peek: "The Trail of Painted Ponies has an established and loyal collector base that is passionate about Painted Ponies. They not only collect for themselves, they love giving Painted Ponies as gifts to others.
The Trail of Painted Ponies has both national and international brand recognition. We are consistently ranked as the top collectible by industry trade publications, including Giftbeat Magazine.
Painted Ponies figurines have a unique authenticity. They are not products of an in-house art department. Each begins as an original work of art created by an individual artist, and each tells a story. Being miniature works of art enhances their perceived value.
Painted Ponies figurines are supported by bestselling books, an award-winning website that is updated monthly, and companion merchandise.
The Trail of Painted Ponies has a history of integrating philanthropic contributions into its business practices, having raised over $1 million for various non-profit organizations.
The Trail of Painted Ponies is committed to helping retailers through:
a) a website that is dedicated exclusively to retailers: www.paintedponiesretailers.com;
b) a Store Locator feature on the home page of our own website to make it easy for customers to find stores close to them that carry Painted Ponies; and
c) in-store special events.
There is only one Trail of Painted Ponies. There will be imitators. There will be knock-offs. But no other collectible horse figurines will evoke the emotions expressed by this California collector: 'It's difficult to tell you how much my Painted Ponies mean to me. Each horse has a special meaning and a special place in my heart.'"

Trail of Painted Ponies Winter 2010 Release - Sneak Peek

Winter 2010 Release - Sneak Peek: "It was seven years ago that The Trail of Painted Ponies stampeded onto the gift and collectible scene, and in that time we have become an inspiring success story. Painted Ponies figurines are one of the most popular and beloved collectibles in America, and have generated over $100 million at retail. What distinguishes us now from everyone else is:"

More on Trail of Painted Ponies move to Enesco from Rod Barker

"We believe this transition is happening at an opportune time. Enesco and The Trail share a similar strategic vision for long-term growth in the gift and collectible industry, and we are both committed to building on the phenomenal success of this world-wide collectible brand.
Right out of the gate, we intend to introduce new dimensions to The Trail of Painted Ponies that will excite and energize your customers and collectors:

1) First, there is the Celebrity Collection, designed to showcase the tremendous artistic talent of well-known celebrities. Legendary Hollywood actor and artist, Tony Curtis, has created the first Painted Pony in this collection, titled 'Shiloh.'
2) We are also pleased to introduce an entirely new horse form to the collection - a classic, Rearing Painted Pony, dramatically balanced on its hind legs and appearing to gallop towards the sky. The 2010 Winter Release will feature three stunning Rearing Painted Ponies.
3) We are proud to add a second Rearing Horse 'Paint Your Own Pony Kit' to the line, complementing the bestselling running horse kit.
4) Painted Ponies manufactured by Enesco will come in attractive new packaging that is specially designed to enhance the collectability of the figurines."

General Response To Last Nights Trail of Painted Ponies Comments

In general it seems that last nights comments centered around what will happen to the quality, price and availability. As I said, I'm not familiar with Enesco so I have no background to comment on quality or price. I guess time will tell.

Availability: I have been told that on December 15th Enesco will purchase all of Westlands remaining Trail of Painted Ponies inventory. It would seem that based on the license actually changing hands on January 1, 2010 that Enesco would not begin selling Ponies until that date. The problem is that Westlands inventory is already very low, and there is one last boat on the water from China. I would estimate, based on the out-of-stock reports that I've seen from Westland that they have less than 50% of the current figurines in stock. From the report I received on what's coming on the boat from China, I can't see where it's going to change things much. It appears that everything on that boat has already been sold. I believe there will be major availability problems at least until January 1, 2010. Past that it depends on how prepared Enesco is.

I'll be posting more of the Trail of Painted Ponies email I received throughout the day. Thank you for your comments.

Email received from the owner of Westland Giftware

"To Our Principals and Managers,

Due to irreconciable differences, Westland Giftware has made a difficult decision to resign as a licensee of Painted Ponies effective December 31, 2009. Westland Giftware and The Trail of The Painted Ponies have enjoyed a properous relationship for the past several years but it's time for both companies to explore other options: Painted Ponies with a new licensee and Westland with its proprietary line of Horses. We would like to thank Painted Ponies for the opportunity of fostering the development of Painted Ponies from an obscure public art project in Santa Fe to a worldwide collectible brand but we also look forward to the challenge of nurturing our exciting new line called 'Horse of a Different Color'. A sneak preview is attached to jump start our enthusiasm...

Happy Trails!

Ken

P.S. This notice was sent only to principals and managers but feel free to share this information with your associates."

First paragraph of Trail of Painted Ponies Announcement

In this paragraph Rod is referring to a letter he sent to retailers this summer. My immediate reaction in reading that letter was that he was moving away from Westland, although I could not get that confirmed at that time.

Rod Barker - Trail of Painted Ponies: "Earlier this summer I promised to make an announcement that would 'rock the collectible world.' Now it's time to make good on that promise. With this letter I am pleased to announce an exciting, new partnership between The Trail of Painted Ponies and Enesco, one of the premiere gift and collectible companies in the world. Beginning in January 2010, Enesco will become the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of The Trail of Painted Ponies figurines and companion merchandise."

Trail of Painted Ponies News Flash!

We've just received word that Trail of Painted Ponies is moving the license for the production of Trail of Painted Ponies figurines from Westland Giftware, to Enesco. We really don't know much about Enesco. We'd appreciate your comments on this development. Please weigh in. What do you think the outcome of this move will be?