Outlook brightens for kids' coloring biz - Hardlines

DSN Retailing Today, April 7, 2003

Within the stationery department crayons have long been a staple. However, the new breed of markers that offer unique features and bold colors have made crayons an antiquated coloring alternative.

Today's markers employ space-age technology so kids can choose from super-bright colors, special tip designs and inks that ensure that caps can be left off for days without the markers drying out. Those features and benefits are appealing to consumers and explain why markers are a growing segment of the stationery category.

When kids go back to school they will have even more choices. Rose Art, a longtime crayon manufacturer, will introduce its new Coloview Liquid Ink Markers this fall and will support the launch with a campaign. The 10-marker line is washable and won't dry out if the cap is left off. One of the coolest features is a visible ink tank with a "full" to "low" gauge so users can see how much ink is left.