Rome Happenings

Rome featured on the TODAY show

2011-07-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

We were excited to see Kathie Lee and Hoda feature Rome s'more maker and dog'n brat cooker on the TODAY show this morning. They were doing a segment on "glamping" which is basically camping with all the creature comforts of home. The term first appeared a few years ago in the UK where people attending large rock festivals such as Glastonbury would bring everything but the kitchen sink to their campsite. Glamorous Camping or 'glamping' was born.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rome Announces New Outdoor Rep For Southwest

2010-09-20T21:25:00.001-07:00

Madison, WI – Outdoor cookware manufacturer, Rome Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce that Specialty Reps West has joined their roster of outdoor industry independent reps.

Based in Southern California and covering Nevada, Arizona and California, Specialty Reps West is a 30 year old agency led by Richard Stone who is well known by his account base and industry peers for his product knowledge and understanding of the outdoor industry. Presently the southwest agency for such manufacturers as Wisconsin Pharmacal and Nitz Ize, the Rome product line of fun base camp cookware will add to a solid base of core accessory vendors.

A family business since 1964, Rome Industries, Inc. is known for their niche selection of unique campfire products such as Pie Irons, marshmallow roasting forks and grilling tools.

download press release

Online Ordering Available

2010-07-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce that you may now place your wholesale Rome orders online, 24/7

To access the online order system, simply go to www.romeindustries.com and click on “Dealer Log-In”.

You’ll be prompted for a password which you may obtain by writing us at sales(at)romeindustries.com or giving us a call at 800-818-7603.

In addition to placing orders, this is the first place to find out about new items, discontinued & out of stock sku’s plus any specials or closeout promotions that we’re running.

Upcoming Trade Shows

2010-07-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

We'll be hitting the road over the next couple months and will attending a number of trade shows. Stop by the booth to see what's new and take advantage of in-booth show specials.

Atlanta Gift Show
Rome Showroom #9-B-54
Building 2 West Wing
TheGardens
July 14th - 21st
http://americasmart.com

ORA (Outdoor Reps Assoc.) Show
Madison, WI
Voyageur Sales Booth
July 20th - 22nd
http://outdoorrepsassoc.com

Independent Garden Center Show (IGC)
Navy Pier, Chicago
Rome Booth #2529
August 17th - 19th
http://igcshow.com

Outdoor Retailer
Salt Lake City, UT
Rome Booth #108
August 3rd - 6th
http://outdoorretailer.com

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Assoc) Show
Oaks, PA
Mansback Assoc. Booth #30-31
August 11th - 13th
http://eora.org

MRA (Midwest Reps Assoc) Show
Lansing, MI
Marc Nigg Assoc Booth
August 16th - 18th
http://midwestreps.net

NBS (Nations Best Sports) Show
Fr Worth, TX
Rome Booth tbd
Sept 11th - 13th
http://nationsbestsports.com

Position Openings

2010-06-16T12:57:00.001-07:00

We're now taking applications for Independent Sales Rep positions for the Rome outdoor cookware line (not garden products) in the following territories:

Southwest: California/Arizona/New Mexico/Nevada

Southeast: All of the southeast is open and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. We will look at large groups that cover the whole territory as well as breaking up the states into several territories. It all depends on territory strengths of the right candidates

The applicant should have extensive & active experience in the outdoor industry and have complementary hardgood lines to Rome cookware & accessories. A deep knowledge of various retail channels in the territory is a must.

Accounts called on include independent outdoor retailers, regional sporting good chains, distributors, general stores, RV dealers, campgrounds & resorts. Mail order/dot com may be available to the rep on a case by case basis.

Ideally, positions will be filled by Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Interested applicants should contact Michael O'Russa, (michael at romeindustries.com)

Camping Life 2010 Gear Guide

2010-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Just received Camping Life magazine's annual "Gear Guide" and was very pleased to see that both our Marshmallow Tree and Kebab'n Grill made the cut.

The Kebab'n Grill is new for 2010 and it's a beauty for those that want to bring a grill that uses charcoal or wood to a picnic or camping trip. Portable gas/fuel grills have their place, but there's something to be said for cooking over a flame made by briquets.

Our folding grill converts from a traditional grill with a grid to a kebab grill and comes with 6 kebab skewers. Packs in a storage case to 10.5" x 16" x 2.25".

Rome Sundial & Base Special

2010-02-22T10:52:00.001-08:00

The #B25 Combo Promotion

Here’s the skinny –

Buy 1 #2308 Solid Brass Grow Old With Me Sundial & 1 #2316 Solid Brass Cherub Sundial at regular wholesale and receive 1 #B25 Set of 2 Wire Frame Pedestals For Free.

We only have 100 Sets to sell and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Special Notes -

- Limit of 5 dial & base combos per account

- No product substitutions

- Use code B25Combo when ordering

- Orders must be for asap shipping

- Regular minimum order of $125 has been waived for this promo

- Net 30 terms if already established or AMEX/VISA/MAST/DISC
This is a Wholesale Only Promotion

New Outdoor Rep For Michigan & Indiana

2009-10-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Madison, WI – Outdoor cookware manufacturer, Rome Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Marc Nigg to their roster of independent reps for the outdoor sports industry. Marc will be joining forces with longtime Rome rep, Don Schuller in the great lake states with a primary focus on accounts in Michigan and Indiana.

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Marc comes to Rome with over 20 years in the outdoor industry and is an avid camper, hiker and alpine and nordic skier. Some of the other lines represented by Marc include Chinook, Manzella and Terramar.

A family business since 1964, Rome Industries, Inc. is known for their niche selection of unique and fun campfire products such as Pie Irons and marshmallow roasting forks.

download press release

Rome Teams With Nielsen Outdoor To Broaden European Distribution

2009-10-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Madison, WI - Family camping cookware manufacturer, Rome Industries has reached a European distribution agreement with the Danish manufacturing company, Nielsen Outdoor Solutions. With an offering of Danish designed firepits, grills and smokers, Nielsen Outdoor Solutions currently reaches a diverse account base of European dealers in the outdoor and bbq market. Combined with Rome’s classic cast iron Pie Iron sandwich cookers, roasting forks and grilling accessories, the two companies offer European dealers a complete package for open fire cooking and relaxation.

Distribution territory of the Rome brand of products by Nielsen includes all of Scandinavia and Europe excluding the Benelux countries, UK and Ireland which are distributed by Qvist Cookware & Grakka Ltd, respectively. Prior to this agreement, Rome cookware was distributed in Scandinavia and Germany by Danish Outdoor. Managing director of Danish Outdoor, Jacob Andersen will be employed by Nielsen Outdoor Solutions as an advisor and strategist of the Rome program.

Michael O’Russa, Rome’s director of sales and marketing says “Jacob has developed a robust dealer network for Rome in Scandinavia over the past few years and I’m thrilled that he will be working closely with Nielsen Outdoor as we introduce our unique range of outdoor cookware to the rest of Europe. “

A family run business since 1964, Peoria IL based Rome Industries is best known for their wide selection of fun & original cookware for open fire use.

For more information contact:
Rome Industries, Inc. (800) 818-7603, www.romeindustries.com.
Nielsen Outdoor Solutions 45 70 20 76 74, www.baal-grill.eu/
Download press release

Rome products in the Nielsen booth at the recent Spoga show in Germany

ACE Hardware

2009-10-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 21st is ACE Hardware Day at AmericasMart in Atlanta. if you're an Ace dealer, stop by our showroom and check out our unique line of outdoor cookware and distinctive garden decor.

As an Ace drop ship vendor, all orders written in the Rome showroom will receive exclusive booking specials.

Showroom Location:
TheGardens
Building 2 West Wing, 9th floor
#B-54

You may also place your order with our sales rep group, Total Marketing at:
tel 800-323-0780
fax 800-852-8916
TeamTotal
AmericasMart

and let's not forget simplicity

2009-04-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading this gem of a piece by Iconoclast's Nissa Hanna on the value of both visual and emotional simplicity in today's market.

Last month, while browsing the booths at the International Home and Housewares Show, I noticed a strong theme: simplicity.

Spotted on the showroom floor: Sagafrom's minimalist self-watering plant container; Simple Human's shower dispensers, which edit the visual clutter of personal care products (and their packaging); and tabletop trends kickin' it earthenware-style with rustic and raw designs.

In this economy, is it any surprise that consumers are craving a redirect to simplicity? A recent survey by Euro RSCG found that shopper mindsets in the U.S., U.K. and France are shifting to a desire for "voluntary simplicity" (Financial Times 4.8.09). Whether personal bank accounts are affected or not, there's a sense that the accumulation of stuff is part of what got us into this mess.

Luckily, simplicity is a value that can be telegraphed to multiple marketing opportunities, whether product design, packaging or positioning. To start, offer the consumer an escape — mentally, emotionally, physically, visually — from the disorder of the economic downturn.

I often think of Rome cookware as having just the right amount of simplicity to make the products easy for anyone to use, yet with enough twists to the designs to keep them interesting and unique. That's probably one of the real appeals to our line and a key areas of continuity for what we're doing.

Iconoculture, Inc.

Staycation 2.0

2009-04-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

While it would be crazy talk to say that the economy is buzzing along, it does seem like the few bright spots are in the outdoor industry. All signs indicate that staycation 2.0 is on it's way. Remember, the staycation is not just the backyard, it's local & state parks and visits within a day's drive. Campground pre-bookings are up all over the country & camping product sales are holding their own so far.

"Chain Stores Ring Up Early Camping Sales
Chain stores brought in $99M, down 17% in units and 18% in dollars from last February. As in specialty stores, nearly every category declined this month, with apparel categories falling the hardest. Positively, sales growth came out of water bottles, recreation tents, rectangular sleeping bags, camp cookware, water purification and hiking boots, suggesting that camping and outdoor vacations continue to resonate with cash-strapped consumers in early 2009."
source: Outdoor Industry Association

2009-03-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Rome's Good Chimin' Promotion

2009-01-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

Dealers - We have a great promotion for first quarter wholesale orders.

Free Solid Brass Rome Windchime for every $200. (at dealer cost) ordered

Value of individual windchimes range from $8.00 - $15.00 dollars wholesale! That’s $16. - $30 of pure profit at retail for every chime.

We choose the windchimes. They’ll be selected from our item #s 502, 503, 504, 508, 509, 512, 513

No limit on chimes. For example, If you order $1,500 you’ll receive 7 free chimes.

When writing an order, put the code “CHQ1Promo” on the paperwork. We’ll add up the order and determine how many free chimes you qualify for.

Our solid brass windchimes are a tremendous value when we sell them – just think about what a deal they are when they’re free.

The chimes are on page 10 of the catalog and here http://romeindustries.com/bells.html

Bookings must be made between 01/27/09 – 03/31/09
All orders must ship by 04/01/09

To order contact your local rep or call Tait in our sales department at 800-818-7603.

First snow is upon us and we're still making pies

2008-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

November may be the time of year when most of us cover up the grill and start settling in for winter, but don't put away those Pie Irons quite yet. Over the past few years, we've been hearing from more and more customers who use our products year round. Be it a nippy winter gathering around the firepit or even in the fireplace, this is the time when Rome dealers should think outside the campground.

We should also not forget the potential for holiday gift giving. Rome's nostalgic & well crafted products are perfect for those looking for a unique gift that is not seen in every big box retailer.

Rome atmosphere shot courtesy Woolrich's Holiday catalog.

Marshmallow roasting in the news

2008-11-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

Garden Design magazine has a nice feature on Rome's Marshmallow Tree in the December issue titled, "Garden Gourmet." The quote, "When was the last time you had this much fun for $9.99" highlights the smiles to dollar ratio of Rome's roasting forks.

On the subject of the Marshmallow Tree, the LA Times Food section recently had this to say about it.

The Marshmallow Tree from Rome Industries looks like a work of wall art, a slender tree limb with 10 twigs on which you spear marshmallows. This tool requires adult supervision, because in the wrong little hands, this could become a weapon of mass destruction. That said, it's a delightfully goofy and effective way to perfectly roast a bunch of marshmallows at once.

links:
Garden Design Magazine
Los Angeles Times

Rome Camping Early Order Program

2008-11-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

The cut off for the Rome cookware '09 early order program is rapidly approaching. This is your opportunity to receive an easy 5% discount off of your spring orders. Just get them into us by November 15th.

You may send them directly to us or via your local sales rep.

Rome Expands European Distribution

2008-10-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that we've recently signed exclusive distribution arrangements for our outdoor cooking line of products in Europe.

In the UK & Ireland our products are available wholesale from Grakka, Ltd. of Totnes, England.

The Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg are now being handled by Qvist Outdoor Cooking.

Read the press release here.

Both companies are fully instock for 4th quarter sales and bookings for '09.

If you're a retailer in Scandinavia, all of our cookware products are available from the wonderful folks at Danish Outdoor.

Closeout Specials

2008-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

We currently have some great deals going on select garden decor items that we're either discontinuing or have too much inventory on.

Drop me an email (michael at romeindustries.com) or get in touch with your local rep for details. I have a pdf file I can send out with the current deals and can keep you on an email list for future notifications as they become available.

Thanks - Michael

Feb 6th is Market Wednesday in the Atlanta Gardens

2008-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

If the AmericasMart in Atlanta is easy accessible to you outside of the Jan & July shows, you should do yourself a favor and make it to Market Wednesdays. Advertised as the "market between markets", numerous vendors including your's truly will have day only specials.

The next Market Wednesday event is coming up on the 6th. We'll be offering a 5% discount on all Rome orders written in the showroom. We're located on the 15th floor of building A in the Gardens. #117 (right by the escalators and walk way to building B.)

future Market Wednesdays include:
April 2
June 4
Aug 6
Oct 1
Dec 1

Rome Enhances Canadian Distribution

2008-01-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

DMA Becomes Exclusive Canadian Distributor For Rome Industries

Peoria, IL – DMA Distributing of Mt Forest, Ontario has recently signed an agreement to be the exclusive Canadian distributor for Rome Industries, Inc’s line of family camping cookware. This arrangement will give Rome’s growing Canadian dealer base more immediate access to the complete Rome line from a convenient central Ontario location.

“I’m extremely proud to have DMA on board as the face of Rome in Canada”, explained Michael O’Russa, Sales & Marketing Manager of Rome Industries. “DMA owners, Jim & Katherine Dippel present the same hands-on, family business approach and a love for the outdoors that we do here at Rome and so I’m 100% comfortable with the level of service that they’ll provide to our dealers. Having been a regional distributor of our products since 1993, they have a deep knowledge of our products and are best suited to present Rome on a national level.”

In addition to Rome, DMA Distributing distributes unique camping products from a variety of vendors to the Canadian market. Their distribution network includes specialty outdoor stores, RV dealers, campgrounds and hardware stores.

A family run business since 1964, Peoria IL based Rome Industries is best known for their wide selection of fun & original cookware for campfires & firepits including Pie Irons^tm, the Marshmallow Tree^tm and the S’more Maker^{tm

For More information contact:
Rome Industries, Inc. 800-818-7603, www.romeindustries.com
DMA Distibuting 519-323-3033, www.dmadistributing.ca}

OutdoorUtahToday

2007-08-15T14:41:00.001-07:00

Just returned from Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City. As those in the industry know, this is THE rendezvous for those involved in outdoor sports. If you were at the show and hit the main hallway you would have found me at the Rome booth showing off all that's new & exciting for our 2008 selling season*

Some highlights of the show -
Getting the chance to catch up with our dealers some of whom we've been working with for 30+ years.

Having our Canadian Distributor on hand during the key days of the show. BTW - big news on Canada coming soon.

Being interviewed on Outdoor Utah Today by former cast iron cooking champion Kent Mayberry. The show is broadcast on the 50,000 watt powerhouse AM 700 The Zone in Salt Lake City.

Having a hotel with an indy coffee shop literally next door which allowed me to swagger past the 50 person deep crowds at the show espresso bar - Americano in hand.

After 16 years in the biz, I finally figured out the secret to driving traffic into the booth. DOGS! My neighbors, Rum Reggae had their two black labs "work" the show and it was amazing to watch the number of buyers/reps/exhibitors who stopped to pet them. Lance Armstrong couldn't draw more attention.

Found some choice rare books on my annual SLC trek to Sam Weller's used bookstore.

Lara bar samples. Chocolate Mole - me gusta.

The road show continues for us in the next couple of weeks. Ken Porten of Voyageur Sales will be representing our products at the Midwest Outdoor Rep Show in Madison, WI (August 21st - 23rd) and Lisa Mansback of Mansback Assoc will be showing our products at the East Coast Outdoor Rep show (August 20th - 22nd.) As for myself I'll be attending the Fall NBS show in early September down in Ft Worth as well as the TrueValue trade show in late October.

*Wait a minute. You say that you're an existing customer and you don't have the new catalog yet? You should receive it in the next few weeks along with our early order program. If you're not a current customer and would like to receive the info, drop me a line and I'll have it sent pronto.

Rome rep group Total Marketing achieves major milestone

2007-08-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

While I get out on the road to the tune of a dozen trade shows a year, meet with dealers and yak on the phone I'm certainly not the only face of Rome Industries. If you're a customer of ours you most likely work with one of our regional independent sales reps.

We have a nearly nationwide network of reps who do a phenomenal job of bringing Rome to you. If you'd like have a local Rome rep call on you, please take a look at our rep guide (garden) (cookware).

Speaking of reps, July of this year was a particular milestone for our rep, Total Marketing Associates as they celebrated 30 years in business! Garden centers and hardware stores in the midwest should be quite familiar with Fred Cimaglio and the talented staff of sales & marketing professionals that he has nurture since 1977. Big or small if your store is in Total Marketing's territory you'll be treated with real personal attention, respect & an enthusiasm to help your business grow. Their mantra is "To do the Best, With the Best, For the Best!" and I have to say that from our 10 years of experience with Team Total they hold to that mission.

I hope you'll join us in congratulating Total Marketing with this great achievement.

The best is yet to be

2007-08-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our #2308 Grow Old With Me Sundial made an appearance in the Better Homes & Gardens special interest publication entitled Simply Perfect Garden Structures. I'm a big fan of these annual publications as they're jammed packed with great how to articles and backed by beautiful, inspiring gardenscape photography.

Roasting away in marshmallowville

2007-06-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

It seems that the enthusiasm for our new Marshmallow Tree has now spread beyond the confines of our office and is on its way to becoming an item of wonderment and campfire joy from sea to shining..... well you get the pic.

This month the fork was written up in Woodhall's Campground Management Magazine and RVPro Magazine. It's also featured on the Food Network's Gotta Get It grilling special. The special debuted last weekend during a grilling marathon and is being rebroadcast this coming weekend:
(repeat) Saturday June 09, 2007 5:00 PM ET/PT
(repeat) Sunday June 10, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT

Be sure to check the show out if you get a chance and most importantly, check out the marshmallow tree. At the very least, it's a conversation starter around the campfire!

Rome Spotting

2007-06-08T10:32:00.001-07:00

Sometimes our products show up in the oddest of places. Who would've thought we'd be in Meetings & Conventions Magazine and featured in a full page ad for Colonial Williamsburg? But there it is - front and center - our Grow Old With Me Brass dial paired with our cast iron Baluster base.

It's really a beautiful picture, if only I could have pointed out before the shot was taken that they had the gnomon attached backwards. Doh!