Wally Bronner Marks Milestone Birthday
Bronner's Gathering Stars a Hollywood Christmas
Hot Trends Heat Up Holiday Anticipation
Larry Joe Campbell Visits Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
Remember Forever with Commemorative Gift
Neil Patrick Harris Visits Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
New Bronner's Exclusive for 2006
Click of the Camera Wins Woman $100 Gift Certificate
New Wholesale Website Offers Convenience for Christmas
Bronner's Gathering Celebrates Christmas Joy from the Orient
Operation Marry Me
Book Tells Bronner Story
'Tis the Season for Special Events at Bronner's
Bronner's Stocking is Full of Holiday Events
Guests Galore at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
Bronner's Sets Stage to Benefit Salvation Army and Red Cross
Bronner's Staff Stirs Things Up with a New Cookbook
The Secret is Out at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
Bronner's Says "I Do" to Extreme Makeover: Wedding
Edition
Bronner's Tannenbaum Shop Comes to Life as Department
56 Exclusive
In a Pickle Over Christmas Decorations?
WALLY BRONNER MARKS MILESTONE BIRTHDAY
February 23, 2007
Public Invited to March 9 Celebration at Bronner's CHRISTmas
Wonderland
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Wally Bronner invites the public to
join him for complimentary cookies and beverages in Season's Eatings snack area
on Friday, March 9, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The invitation comes in celebration
of Bronner's 80th birthday.
Guests who make a tax-deductible contribution of $80 or more
to the Frankenmuth City Beautification Committee on March 9 may select a free
copy of one of Bronner's books: "Sharing JOY 365: Autobiography of Wally
Bronner," or "Picturesque Story of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland."
(Contributions may be brought to Bronner's Season's Eatings snack area or to
a checkout cashier.)
"It's a great idea and a great contribution to Frankenmuth
beautification," said Frankenmuth City Manager Charles Graham of Bronner's
offer. "Wally's 80th birthday is a significant milestone in his life, and
I'm glad he's still able to be as involved as he always has been with the beautification
committee. He's a driving force."
Bronner is a charter member of the Frankenmuth City Beautification
Committee (organized 1955), whose goal is to keep the city looking like a park.
With the cooperation of area businesses and organizations, the Frankenmuth City
Beautification Committee is responsible for providing thousands of flowers,
flowering baskets, banners, flags, and Christmas lights and displays throughout
the city. Arbor Day tree planting is also an annual project for the committee.
Guests making a purchase of $80 or more at Bronner's on March
9 may also select a free copy of one of the books for signing and personalization.
During Bronner's Luck 'O the Irish Sale from March 2 through 18, guests will
receive 17% off in-stock, in-store purchases of $17 or more.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at
(989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S GATHERING STARS A HOLLYWOOD
CHRISTMAS
January 23, 2007
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland held its 2006 staff gathering
on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. About
700 staff members and their guests attended, which was a record turnout.
Bronner's annual staff gatherings are observed in the traditions
and customs of different nationalities around the world or regions/locations
in the United States. The Bronner decorating team transformed the party site
into an atmosphere characteristic of Hollywood.
The Horizons Center staff prepared a delicious buffet meal.
Following dinner, guests enjoyed a program of prize drawings and anniversarian
tributes followed by a dessert buffet and dancing to the band CEYX.
The Bronner family honored staff members who attained five-year
plateaus of dedicated service on the Bronner team with a remembrance gift and
service pin. Mike Laux and Janet Savage were recognized for 40 years of service.
Linda Turner was honored for 35 years of service. Pat Hecht and Carol Myers
were recognized for 25 years of service. Gail Berndt, Pat Colton, Alice Hall,
Tammy Hall, Chris Miller and Sarah Schlegel were honored for 20 years of service.
Receiving honors for 15 years of service were Loretta Bronner,
Gladys Custer, Charlotte Hakes, Chad Harry and Georgia Rupprecht. In addition,
14 employees were recognized for 10 years of service, and 37 team members were
honored for five years with Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland.
On behalf of the staff, Sarah Schlegel, 20-year anniversarian,
presented the Bronner family with a staff donation of $3,022 to the American
Cancer Society in their honor.
HOT TRENDS HEAT UP HOLIDAY ANTICIPATION
The world's largest Christmas store is feverishly stocking
its shelves with hot holiday product for Christmas 2006. Buyers for Bronner's
CHRISTmas Wonderland hope their holiday picks will fly just as quickly off the
shelves and into decorators' homes this holiday season.
Penguins, dance, and more-personalization-than-ever are trends that Bronner's
buyers expect to be popular.
"Penguin ornaments and trims should be very strong sellers this year,
perhaps due to the release of 'March of the Penguins'," said
Anne Koehler, Bronner's salesroom merchandise manager. "Dance ornaments
and trims also look to be very popular," Koehler said, "probably
due to ABC's success with "Dancing with the Stars."
Personalized ornaments will continue to ride the wave that first broke a few
years ago. New inflatables offered by Bronner's will include a lighthouse,
fishing Santa in a boat, beach Santa with palm trees, and new snow globes (some
animated).
"Almost all trees will be prelit and more realistic than ever,"
according to Sandra Schafsnitz, Bronner's assistant salesroom merchandise
manager.
2006 will even bring Christmas-themed magnetic car art (decorations for cars).
Collectibles magnate Department 56 is offering some new village pieces with
LED/battery lighting that eliminates cords. Glitter lamps (glitter instead of
lava in the lamp) will be available in Christmas shapes (tree, snowman, Santa).Trendy
colors for 2006 include chocolates, pinks, teal, lime green, oranges, and coppers.
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is the world's largest Christmas
store, offering over 50,000 trims and gifts from its Frankenmuth store, catalog,
and online store at www.bronners.com. Bronner's employs over 250 people
year-round - over 500 people in the busy fourth quarter.
LARRY JOE CAMPBELL VISITS BRONNER'S
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
July 24, 2006
Actor Larry Joe Campbell visited Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
in Frankenmuth on Monday, July 17. Campbell, who currently plays Andy on the
ABC sitcom, "According to Jim," was born in Cadillac , Michigan. He
received his bachelors degree in theater from Central Michigan University and
a masters degree in theater from Wayne State University.
The entire Campbell family - including Larry, his wife Peggy
and five children - visited Bronner's. They were on vacation in the area.
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is the world's largest Christmas
store, offering over 50,000 trims and gifts from its Frankenmuth store, catalog,
and on-line store at www.bronners.com. Bronner's employes over 250 people year-round
- over 500 people in the busy fourth quarter.
REMEMBER FOREVER WITH COMMEMORATIVE
GIFT
July 17, 2006
Your event has been everything you planned it to be and more.
Help your attendees remember it forever with a striking commemorative gift.
Look for a quality gift that will be used often and bears a
name or message that will create high recall of the event. It is important that
the commemorative gift is cost-effective and keeps you within your budget.
Work with a distributor who will closely match your gift to
your event and attendees. Professional interest and quality service are a must.
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has
been providing meeting and event planners and organizations with custom ornaments
for over 30 years. Austrian glass ornament artisans produced Bronner's first
custom ornament of the Valparaiso Chapel, commissioned by the Ladies Guild of
Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1975.
Acrylic, glass and metal ornaments are available in various
shapes and sizes. Logos, drawings, photographs or other work can be printed,
engraved or laser-etched onto ornaments. Custom-penned, Bronner-exclusive ornaments
are also available.
For more information, visit Bronner's custom ornament pages
at www.bronners.com or contact Dodi Krueger at (989) 652-9935, ext. 446 or dkrueger@bronner.com.
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS VISITS BRONNER'S
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
July 10, 2006
Actor Neil Patrick Harris visited Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
in Frankenmuth on Friday evening, July 7, 2006. Harris, who currently plays
Barney Stinson on the CBS sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother," established
his acting career in the late '80s as "Doogie Howser, M.D."
Harris purchased several items from Bronner's and had them shipped
to his home. Monica Guerra, customer service supervisor, reported that, "He
was very friendly and said that his house would be the best decorated on the
block."
Harris was coming from the Cherry Festival in Traverse City
and had also visited Mackinac Island. A traveling companion suggested they stop
at Bronner's. After shopping at Bronner's and signing some autographs, Harris
joined family and friends for dinner at Sullivan's Black Forest Restaurant in
Frankenmuth.
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is the world's largest Christmas
store, offering over 50,000 trims and gifts from its Frankenmuth store, catalog,
and on-line store at www.bronners.com. Bronner's employs over 250 people year-round
- over 500 people in the busy fourth quarter.
NEW BRONNER'S EXCLUSIVES
FOR 2006
June 16, 2006
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
is offering a number of new, exclusive ornaments for 2006. Businesses may call
Bronner's resale ornament department at 1-877-TRIM-A-TREE or visit www.bronnerswholesale.com
for more information.
Personalization and pets continue to be popular themes. Bronner's
brings the two together in dog and cat dish ornaments. The 3-inch glass ornaments
can be personalized with your dog's or cat's name. The ornaments
(dog - #1115079 and cat - #1115080) retail for $8.99 each.
It's travel time with Bronner's fifth wheel RV (#1115074)
and RV travel trailer (#1115407) glass ornaments. Each ornament measures 2 ¾
inches high and 4 ¾ inches long and retails for $9.99.
Celebrate the great outdoors with Bronner's new, glass
moose ornament. This big fella (#1115582) measures 4 inches by 4 inches and
retails for $10.99.
Bronner's annual form ornament, produced in Poland, features
a warm and welcoming fireplace setting for 2006. The glass ornament (#1114974)
measures 4 inches high by 5 inches long and retails for $19.99.
Three inspirational ornaments, produced in Hungary, are being
added to Bronner's line in 2006. Each 3 ¼ - inch round glass ornament
retails for $6.99. The three themes include "The Lord's Prayer"
(#1115786), "God Is Our Refuge and Strength" (#1115784), and "Exercise
Daily, Walk with the Lord" (#1115781).
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth,
Michigan, is the world's largest Christmas store, with over 50,000 trims
and gifts. Over 2000 items are available for purchase at www.bronners.com. Bronner's
commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls,
churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.
CLICK OF THE CAMERA WINS WOMAN
$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE
March 15, 2006
Joyce Ziemba of Streetsboro, Ohio, is the winner of Bronner's
CHRISTmas Wonderland's 2005 Landmark Photo Contest. The winning photo
features Donna and Joyce Ziemba holding Bronner's bags in front of the
tall ship Constellation, docked in Baltimore, Maryland. Joyce received a $100
Bronner's gift certificate for her winning entry.
Entries must capture a person enjoying a visit to a famous landmark
while holding a Bronner's bag or brochure. One annual winner is randomly
drawn from all entries. Rules and an entry form for the annual photo contest
are available at www.bronners.com.
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth,
is the world's largest Christmas store, with over 50,000 trims and gifts.
Over 2000 items are available for purchase at www.bronners.com. Bronner's
commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls,
churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.
NEW WHOLESALE WEB SITE OFFERS
CONVENIENCE FOR CHRISTMAS
February 27, 2006
Resellers can now conveniently order Christmas product through
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland's new wholesale web site at www.bronnerswholesale.com.
For many years, Bronner's wholesale department has sold products in quantity
to retail stores, catalog houses, and museum and hospital gift shops across
the country through Bronner's print wholesale catalog and in-store visits.
"Our wholesale web site offers real convenience to our
established customers and should bring some new customers our way, too,"
said Dodi Krueger.
Bronner's new site, www.bronnerswholesale.com, currently
makes about 3,000 Christmas products, primarily ornaments, available to resellers.
Many of the ornaments are exclusive to Bronner's. Each reseller must be
authorized through Bronner's wholesale department and be given a password
to be able to use the site. For more information, contact Dodi Krueger at (989)
652-9935, ext. 446 or dkrueger@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S GATHERING CELEBRATES
CHRISTMAS JOY FROM THE ORIENT
January 23, 2006
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland held its 2005 staff gathering
on Saturday, January 21, 2005, at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. About
600 staff members and their guests attended.
Bronner's annual staff gatherings are observed in the
traditions and customs of different nationalities around the world or regions
of the United States. The Bronner decorating team transformed the party site
into an atmosphere characteristic of the Orient.
The Horizons Center staff prepared a delicious buffet meal featuring
Oriental cuisine. DJ Bill Howard provided dinner music. Following dinner, the
guests enjoyed a program of caroling and anniversarian tributes. DJ Bill Howard
provided dance music.
The Bronner family honored staff members who attained five-year
plateaus of dedicated service on the Bronner team with a remembrance gift and
service pin. Linda Barrera was recognized for 30 years of service. She spoke
about growth and change at Bronner's over the years and the many related
people, events, and situations for which she is thankful. Lynn Harry and Kathleen
Holzhei were honored for 25 years of service. Karen Schorge, Nola Thornton,
Carol Schnell, Scott Miller, Kay Veitengruber, Ruth Wolverton, Wahnita Schiefer,
Julie Reinbold, Helen Klammer, and Jim Bierschbach were honored for 20 years
of service.
Receiving honors for 15 years of service were Barb Konieczka,
June Wascher, Ron Knoll, Ed Rupprecht, Alice Stephen, Sandra Woodke, Nancy Rummel,
and Renee Lacewell. In addition, 15 employees were recognized for 10 years of
service, and 50 team members were honored for five years with Bronner's
CHRISTmas Wonderland.
On behalf of the staff, Lynn Harry and Kathleen Holzhei (25-year
anniversarians) presented the Bronner family with a donation of $2,888 to the
American Red Cross Disaster Fund for Hurricane Katrina relief in honor of the
Bronner family.
OPERATION MARRY ME
December 15, 2005
It looked like a scene from a movie. And that's just the
way Brandon Rike from Ohio wanted it to be.
His November 18 proposal at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
to long-time girlfriend Lindsey went off without a hitch. Operation Marry Me
was a success.
Rike coordinated all the details with Bronner's assistant
supervisor, Connie Daenzer. There were the musicians to place in the perfect
spot in the tree section; a little privacy for the proposal, the hugs and kisses
(she said yes!), and the dance. Tears flowed freely.
Bronner's gifted the couple with a laser ornament featuring
their photo.
BOOK TELLS BRONNER STORY
Released During Bronner's 60th Year November
29, 2005
The "Picturesque Story of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland"
is now available at Bronner's Frankenmuth store and online at www.bronners.com.
The 254-page, softcover book, which includes over 550 photos, chronicles the
story of the World's Largest Christmas Store.
Wally Bronner relates the story of the business from its early
days in 1945 as a hobby in his parents' basement. Today's complex
is the size of 5.5 football fields and offers over 50,000 gifts and trims. Wally
Bronner will be signing purchases of the book, which sells for $18.95, on Saturday
and Sunday, December 3 and 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information or to order a copy, contact Bronner's
customer service department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
'TIS THE SEASON FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
AT BRONNER'S
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Byers' Choice collectors
have the opportunity to purchase two, special-event caroler figurines at Bronner's
CHRISTmas Wonderland on Saturday, December 3, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests who
purchase both "Emily's Mother" and "Emily" will
receive a f ree "Emily's Puppy" (retail value $17) while supplies
last.
Ornament artist Teresa Thibault will be signing her Heart Gifts
line of ornaments purchased at Bronner's on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,
December 9, 10, and 11. The ornament line features inspirational to whimsical
themes. Thibault will be signing Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information , contact Bronner's customer service
at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S STOCKING IS FULL OF
HOLIDAY EVENTS
November 14, 2005
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland brings a mix of events
to your holiday calendar.
Santa will be greeting children at Bronner's from Friday,
November 25, through Saturday, December 24. His hours will be Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. to 8
p.m. On Sunday, Santa will be greeting children from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For groups
of 25 or more, please call (989) 652-9935, ext. 556. Because Santa is so busy
on Christmas Eve, his visiting hours will end at 3 p.m. (Bronner's closes
at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.)
On December 2, Bronner's ornament artist Connie Larsen
will greet guests from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. She will sign
purchases from her ornament lines as well as the book, "Ornament Legends,
Symbols, and Traditions," which she illustrated.
Meet originator Wally Bronner on December 3 and 4. Wally will
greet guests, sign autographs, and pose for photos from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Heart Gifts ornament artist Teresa Thibault will be at Bronner's
on Friday, December 9, through Sunday, December 11. She will sign and personalize
her ornaments purchased at Bronner's from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to
5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service
department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com..
GUESTS GALORE AT BRONNER'S
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
November 8, 2005
Emanuele Fontanini will appear at Bronner's CHRISTmas
Wonderland on Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. Great-grandson and namesake
of the Fontanini Heirloom Nativities founder, Emanuele will sign Fontanini Nativity
purchases from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on November 18 and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on
November 19. He will also sign two pieces from guests' personal collections
in addition to all items purchased at the event.
Rick Hay, CEO of the Precious Moments Doll Company, and Linda
Rick, doll designer, will be at Bronner's on Saturday, November 19, from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 20, from noon to 5 p.m. They will greet
guests, pose for photos, and sign Precious Moments doll purchases at Bronner's
during the event. Max and Mitzi, a boy and girl doll set exclusive to Bronner's,
will be available during the event. The Precious Moments figurine, "You
Were Made for Me," will also be available at Bronner's on Saturday,
November 19.
Christina Goihl, M.I. Hummel master painter, will be appearing
at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland November 20 through December 2. Goihl
will be greeting collectors, demonstrating her painting skills, and signing
Hummel figurines purchased during the event. She will be appearing Monday through
Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 5
p.m., and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Sunday, Goihl will be available from 12:30 p.m.
to 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service
at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S SETS STAGE TO
BENEFIT SALVATION ARMY AND RED CROSS
October 31, 2005
The area's needy are not being forgotten this holiday
season. Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is hosting a silent auction through
November 20 with proceeds to benefit the Salvation Army and American Red Cross
of Saginaw County.
The collectible Precious Moments® figurine, "The World
Is a Stage Featuring Precious Moments," will be up for bids. The edition,
produced by Enesco for QVC in 2003 and limited to 1000 pieces, plays "The
Entertainer" and originally sold for $150. (It has been seen on EBay for
$800.)
One piece will be available for the benefit of each charity.
Interested individuals may bid through November 20 at Bronner's. For more
information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S STAFF STIRS THINGS
UP WITH NEW COOKBOOK
September 12, 2005
The staff of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is stirring
things up with the publication of their new cookbook, "Bronner's
Flavorful Favorites." Over 180 staff members contributed just over 400
year-round recipes to the three-ring, hardcover cookbook. "Bronner's
Flavorful Favorites" offers a wide variety of recipes: everything from
appetizers and beverages to soups and salads to main dishes to desserts and
more.
"Bronner's Flavorful Favorites" is available
in-store and on-line at www.bronners.com for $13.99. Or order by phone from
Bronner's customer service by calling (989) 652-9931.
In celebration of the cookbook's debut, WSGW's Art
Lewis and Sue Smith will be airing "Listen to the Mrs." and other
programming from Bronner's Season's Eatings snack area from 9 a.m.
to noon on Saturday, September 24. Guests may meet Art and Sue, taste-test select
recipes from the cookbook while supplies last, and register to win a large gift
box filled with cooking and food ornaments. Everyone is invited to bring nonperishable
food items for Saginaw's East Side Soup Kitchen. Bronner's will
donate $ .50 to Hurricane Katrina Relief for each nonperishable food item donated
to the soup kitchen during the event.
For more information, call Bronner's customer service
at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
THE SECRET IS OUT AT BRONNER'S
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
R.W. Fürst & Sons will launch Klaus Reinhardt's
Secret Christmas Ornaments™ exclusively at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland®
in July 2005. "The Secret Christmas" storybook tells the true, mysterious
story behind this new line of exquisitely painted, molded tin Christmas ornaments.
Hidden away for over 50 years, these unusual ornaments were discovered in Germany
just a few years ago.
R.W. Fürst & Sons, a San Francisco company specializing
in Old World toys, has faithfully reproduced the tin ornaments created by young
Klaus Reinhardt over 65 years ago in Lauscha, Germany, the birthplace of hand-blown
glass Christmas ornaments. As a boy, Klaus accidentally broke his family's
favorite glass ornaments every Christmas. His bad luck with glass led him to
become an accomplished tinsmith who created beautiful ornaments from tin. Fearing
ridicule, Klaus hid the ornaments. Fifty years later, his original ornaments
were discovered at a German flea market. Author Charles Drummond has captured
Klaus' story in a 32-page, cloth-bound book that includes 15, full-page
color illustrations by artist Daniel Gill.
R.W. Fürst & Sons Old World Toys duplicates each of
the features Klaus designed into his ornaments. Each ornament uses the same
small tabs and folded edges used in the original ornaments. Each one is assembled
by hand.
Beautifully packaged, each ornament comes with its own story
card. The collection includes St. Nicholas, the Christmas star, angel, pickle,
nutcracker soldier, and bell ornaments. A storybook and pickle ornament set
is available as well as the complete discovery set.
Drum mond wil l be at Bronner's on Friday and Saturday,
August 19 and 20, to answer questions about the collection, and sign book and
ornamen
