NEW WEB CATALOGS

DoodleSport When Amy Vansant Brunell bought a Labradoodle, a Labrador/poodle mix, in September, she instantly fell in love. But when she couldn't find any merchandise with a Labradoodle embossed on it, Brunell figured that as the CEO of Web development firm Vansant Creations, she would be the perfect person to launch a Website dedicated to personalized clothing, gifts, and accessories for both standard and “new” dog breeds such as cockapoos (cocker spaniel/poodle hybrids) and puggles (pug/poodle mixes) and their owners.

Annapolis, MD-based DoodleSport launched in November 2005, just in time to take holiday orders. Average orders have been larger than expected, at about $100, and include three or four items each. Brunell says 90% of orders are from consumers, with dog breeders and veterinarians accounting for the rest.

DoodleSport products range from $49.99 V-neck men's sweaters adorned with an embroidered dog to $19.99 cotton dog collars. Brunell has marketed the site through pay-per-click advertising on Google, Yahoo!, and Overture, as well as via press releases and local advertising. She has no plans to mail a catalog.
— Heather Retzlaff

URL: www.doodlesport.com Product category: dog-related clothing and accessories Launched: November 2005 Target customer: dog lovers Phone: 410-266-0888 Competitors: In the Company of Dogs, Orvis

Hannspree A television set with all of its cords and cables exposed can be a living room eyesore. Hannspree is out to change that with its stylish line of televisions and accessories. The Fremont, CA-based U.S. headquarters of Taipei, Taiwan-based television manufacturer/distributor Hannspree in November launched a stateside consumer Website. Its first U.S. store had opened in Beverly Hills, CA, in July 2005 and a second in San Francisco in October.

Unlike typical television manufacturers, Hannspree designs the product then fits the technology to it. “We are attempting to design products that fit into a lifestyle while still maintaining a high level of performance,” says Randy Irvine, e-commerce business unit manager. The company sells 180 TV designs, with some offering 30 variations such as Disney-themed and Major League Baseball set frames.

Irvine says sales are matching projections, although he wouldn't disclose specifics. Products include a 23" sleek, flat-screen TV for $999.99, a 10" TV with a plush giraffe cover for $249.99, and a ladybug-shape remote control for $39.99.
— HR

URL: www.hannspree-usa.com Product category: consumer electronics Launched: November 2005 Target customer: design-centric consumers Phone: 888-808-6789 Competitors: Sony, Samsung