Axicon's Customer-Friendly Service
Sets the Stage for a Growing Gift Line.

Axicon World Imports was founded more than 20 years ago as a premier North American importer of distinctive papier mache boxes from Kashmir. But it is really within the past five years that the company has set itself a compelling course for growth - based not only on an expanding selection of on-trend products, but on a customer service program designed to be second to none.

"Our philosophy is that, since we're small and want to grow, we have to offer exceptional customer service," says Bruce Kristal, Axicon's U.S. sales manager. "So we go the extra mile to provide excellent shipping, delivery, and other customer service programs - I'd say this is probably the most customer-friendly company I've ever worked with.

That philosophy has been implemented in the U.S. market since 1995, when current owner Geoff Gudewill purchased the company and made a commitment to expand sales in the U.S. As a result, Axicon established a warehouse in Bellingham, Washington, and also established a seven percent cap on freight charges, no matter where in the country the products are being shipped. Orders are generally turned around within a week, and for most products the company boasts a 90-plus percent fill rate, Kristal notes.

"Along with our outstanding service, our product always sells through very well, which translates to a very high customer retention rate for the company," he adds. "And with that solid foundation, we're focusing additional attention on expanding our product line with a number of new, exclusive designs."

Axicon targets the New Age market along with the general gift market, offering an eclectic assortment that ranges from its Mexican-made Wishes, Hopes and Dreams Pendant; to the Kenyan Soapstone collection of boxes, figurines, vases and other decorative accessories; to the company's best-selling Silhouettes line of picture frames, tealight holders, aromatherapy burners, and more, all featuring colorful resin inserts.

About 28 new and exclusive Silhouettes designs are joining the collection for 2000, including Cat, Coyote, Palm Tree, and Lighthouse motifs that are each available in candle lamp, tealight holders, picture frames, and two styles of aromatherapy burners. Additional series this year include Picasso, Tropical Fish, Jazz, Guitar, Hummingbird, Celestial, Angel, Butterfly, Dolphin, Fire and Rainbow.

In addition, Axicon introduced in January a brand-new, exclusive Glass Expressions collection - which quickly took off to become the company's fourth best-selling line. Encompassing picture frames, hurricane lamps, and votive holders, the collection's six design themes are beautifully crafted to convey an elegant, stained-glass look.

"We're very enthusiastic about the new lines and their potential in the market," Kristal states. "And we're looking forward to further expanding our customer base as we continue to develop our own exciting and exclusive designs for the gift business."

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