Exhart's Making Smiles One Garden at a Time

From electronics to garden décor ... That’s the path that Exhart’s founders, Peggy & Isaac Weiser, have taken these past 24-plus years to establish Exhart as a leader in today’s Lawn & Garden Marketplace.

Who would have thought that a battery-operated pest deterrent known as the Gopher + MoleMover would have propelled this family-run business to explode onto the garden décor scene 10 years ago with its introduction of WindyWings Garden Stakes & Wind Chimes?

Nearly a decade later Exhart continues to be an industry leader in the ever-popular garden décor category. Peggy and her daughter Shari work tirelessly throughout the year to research, develop, design and ultimately produce the most creative, colorful, whimsical and magical “whatchamacallits” the industry has ever seen! In the process they have created an entirely new vocabulary embraced by retailers and consumers: GeekyBeeks, Windywings, NerdyNecks, Flockers, Pucker-Ups, Geeky Gals, Geeky Guys, Dodo Birds, Springee Spinners, etc., etc. …

One of the keys to Exhart’s success has been the company’s efforts to secure licensing agreements with artists and companies alike to reproduce their creations for the retail marketplace. This assures the consumer that they are purchasing top-quality merchandise that meets the licensee’s approval! 

The phrase “Living Geeky” captures the spirit of the Tim Twinkler Collection; this line has evolved significantly during the past six-plus years with its colorful cast of characters. Many of these items, while intended to be used in the garden & patio area, never make it outside and can be found decorating home and office areas throughout the country, and more recently, throughout the Canadian and European markets as well.

In addition to the Tim Twinkler Collection, Exhart acquired the Twisted Whiskers license from American Greetings; the lovable Dogs & Cats with the bulbous eyes make delightful gifts. For the first time in 2010, the company offered new “Bonijean” items, the colorful resin snails and metal garden stakes are doing well at retail in their first season, and exciting new designs will follow for 2011.

In 2010 Exhart also acquired the license for the Travelocity Roaming Gnome, quite possibly the most recognized gnome worldwide, benefitting from the extensive media advertising by Travelocity and the Roaming Gnome’s appearances on CBS’ popular television show, The Amazing Race. If you haven’t seen these you don’t “gnome” what you’re missing!

While colorful and whimsical have helped position Exhart as the leader in the category, it was the company’s decision to offer a new line of Metal Filigree Birds in 2009 that helped Exhart reach an entirely new audience. This assortment of Metal Birds ranging in sizes from 19 inches to 60 inches tall has created a lot of excitement for retailers!

Exhart isn’t done yet, however! In 2009 the company launched the WindyWings Bird Feeder line of Wild Bird Seed Feeders and Hummingbird Feeders. Several new designs are ready for Fall 2010. Exhart is taking birding to a whole new level as evidenced by the latest “Birding with Bling” promotional efforts. You can check out the new Fruit Shaped Feeders on YouTube; just type in: Exhart Fruit Shaped Feeders in the search box.

While Exhart has spent the better part of the past 10 years focusing efforts on décor offerings, the company hasn’t forgotten its roots. This past year Exhart launched the new Wiser Living Brand, offering an eco-friendly branded pest deterrent line of products, building on the long term success of the electronic pest deterrents, Gopher + MoleMovers. This expands Exhart to offer a complete line of ultrasonic and electromagnetic products, including some unique designs combining the company’s knack for décor with functionality.

What’s in store for 2011? Exhart will be showing retailers “The Light” with a full array of decorative accent lighting unlike anything on the market today. Anywhere Lighting will encompasss an extensive line of indoor and outdoor lighting – powered by batteries so they can truly be used anywhere and everywhere. Stay tuned for some exciting news regarding décor lighting in the near future!

Exhart’s goal is to continue to provide innovative and exciting designs in all the company’s categories. “NEW” items are the category drivers. The track record of success these past 10-plus years has been phenomenal, and for this Exhart says “Thank You” to all of its retail partners. It’s their ongoing support and passion for products that continues to drive Exhart forward!