Nontando, African Art, Gifts and Decor, now 8 years old!

May 15, 2011 - PRLog -- Nontando, opened its retail store in 2003 in Sarasota, Florida. In 2009 Nontando's online operation, www.nontando.com was launched. Over the past 8 years, Nontando, owned and operated by Gary Stern, who was born and raised in Africa, has become the number one choice for African Art, Decor and Gifts in Florida. With the online operation, Nontando, has attracted customers all across the US and internationally and has become a popular choice for designers and decorators seeking quality African product at affordable prices. Nontando's buyers travel to the continent of Africa annually, hand selecting products covering a wide array of categories, including Stone Carvings, Wood Carvings, Lighting Fixtures, Leather Hide Products, Music and Musical Instruments, Jewelry, Masks, Textiles, Metal and Wire Figurines, Copper and Brass Range, Pewterware, Giraffes, Shadow Boxes & Frames, Ceramics, Kitchenware, Ostrich and Porcupine Assessories and more. Nontando often deals directly with the African artists and is continuing to strive to bring unique products to the American consumer.

"Our annual trips to Africa gives us an opportunity to assess and select from a diverse selection of product lines to bring to the US market" said Gary Stern, CEO of Nontando. "The innovation and creativity is phenomenal". Stern believes the US and international consumer have become to appreciate the quality and beauty of African Art.
" Greater exposure and marketability of African Art has allowed the consumer to get a much better appreciation of this art form" said Stern, "It is wonderful to meet artists from all corners of the African continent that are coming up with new ideas to bring unique and beautiful products to the marketplace". Stern personally does much of the travel and buying in Africa himself but says the rewards are endless. "The scope is plentiful and bringing these talented artists to the forefront of the US marketplace is very satisfying" said Stern.

The owner of Nontando does see challenges with his company's direct buying and importing approach, "International importing and shipping has its obstacles and having imported each year over the past 8 years the process has not been smooth sailing", Stern said, "Regardless, we still would not do it any other way. "To find these treasures and bring our customers the best quality product at affordable prices, our buying approach is the way to go" Stern said. He recognizes that the importance of price affordability in today's challenging economic environment. In 2006 he bought the commercial property that Nontando's retail business operates from. He limits the use of wholesalers and middleman in his buying strategy. Operates the storefront himself with no employees. Maintains and manages his online business himself. Manages the importing and shipping process in-house, hence reducing the need for 3rd party support and maintains a tight budget on marketing. "All these factors help to limit overhead, with this strategy we can be very competitive with our pricing strategy and bring affordable products to our customers", Stern said.

Over the past 8 years, Nontando has expanded its product lines and will continitue to do so.
Nontando has a few exciting new products and service offerings in the pipeline.
They accomodate for a wide range of consumer. Stern said, "You can visit our store and find a unique gift for a few dollars, or you can find an electic piece of home decor".  With the lauch of the website, designed and written by Stern himself, a new frontier has opened. "Its still in its infancy but the initial response has been amazing", Stern said,"We are very excited thus far with this sales channel".

Contact:

Gary Stern - Nontando
6578 Gateway Avenue, Gulf Gate Village, Sarasota, Florida
941-929-7844
www.nontando.com

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Nontando, operating since 2003, has the largest and best selection of African Art, Gifts and Home Decor in Florida. www.nontando.com was launched in 2009 has attracted customers from all over the US and internationally, becoming a popular choice for designers and decorators.