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What would you think of ice cubes that light up and glow in brilliant colors? Or a custom made furry footstool in the shape of a bear? Or how about a solar-powered rainbow maker? Wow, sounds like cool stuff, doesn’t it? You’ll find all this and more at the appropriately named Internet business—WowCoolStuff.com—located in Salem.
Founded in 1997 in Chicago by Clem and Alison Stein, WowCoolStuff.com is a classic example of how the Internet is changing retailing. With just a computer, a warehouse of unique products and a knack for spotting trends, the Steins have built a business that serves thousands of customers all across the country. A few years later, the Steins moved to Wisconsin and it was a simple matter to bring the business along.
Clem Stein is extremely Internet-savvy. His knowledge of online marketing has helped his firm survive and thrive, while other failed dot-coms litter the side of the information superhighway.
What is cool stuff?
“Never let anything be ordinary!” That’s both the motto and the business philosophy of WowCoolStuff.com. Calling the firm’s product line eclectic is an understatement. “We sell some really different things, but people love that,” said Schneider. “We don’t really have a target audience—there’s something for everyone.”
The firm’s most popular item is Litecubes, one of its original offerings. Stein saw the product at a trade show in Las Vegas and became one of the first five distributors in the U.S. The cubes are frozen and used like regular ice cubes. But, they also have a switch to turn them on so they flash and glow in bright colors. When the ice “melts,” they can be turned off and re-frozen for another use. The lights last for approximately 12 hours. Schneider says they’re a big hit at parties and weddings—and they’re really fun in a swimming pool.
Other popular offerings include the animal footstools and the rainbow makers, kits to make marble coasters you decorate yourself, beautifully-tuned windchimes and unusual home décor and accessories from around the world. Items that are a bit more out of the ordinary include a bust lamp, custom fortune cookies and “Loo” the toilet paper assistant—a 27-inch tall statue that holds a roll for you in the bathroom. Some of this you’ve just got to see to believe.
On the hand, WowCoolStuff.com also has some unique fine art offerings. They are one of only a few distributors in the U.S. to offer top quality lithographs of the works of French poster artist Jules Cheret. Stein will be exhibiting the artwork at the upcoming Burlington Home Show and possibly other home shows in the Chicago area.
What’s ahead?
The future looks bright for WowCoolStuff.com. Our entire 19,000 sq foot building is loaded with inventory ready to go out to you. Meanwhile, Stein and his staff are always on the lookout for new “cool stuff,” searching out future trends at trade shows and on the Internet. |
