Gib Carson Associates

Who is GCA?

We are a manufacturer representative agency in the gift industry.  GCA represents one of the most seasoned agencies in the country.  We are a hard working group of sales professionals with a family feel, and a commitment to bringing great products and great service to the markets we serve.

What region does GCA cover?

Our regional focus is the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeastern demographics of the US including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. 

How long has GCA been in business?

GCA was founded in 1976 by Gib Carson Sr., when he began as an independant sales representative in the State of Virginia.  In January, 2009, we celebrated 33 successful years as a destination for our customers to find quality products and service. 

How many Account Managers does GCA have?

GCA currently has 34 field sales professionals covering our market region.  In addition we have three Key Account Managers, a Close-out Manager, and a permanent Showroom Manager at AmericasMart Atlanta. 

Who are GCA's customers?

GCA customers include specialty gift stores, garden centers, card and gift shops, department stores, hospital gift shops, catalogs, furniture stores, tourist shops, home decor stores, and collegiate fan shops just to name a few.   

Over the years, our sales associates have built many long lasting relationship with their customers.  Last year, over 9,000 accounts bought from Gib Carson Associates.

What type of product lines does GCA represent?

Gib Carson Associate's product package includes general gift, home and garden décor, fashion accessories, candles, personal care, books and stationary, souvenir, seasonal products, collegiate and other licensed products. 

Leading lines include Carson Home Accents, Fiesta Toy, Flag Center, Great Finds, Harvest House, Highland Graphics, Howard's Jewelry, Stephanie Dawn & Brandy J by KAM, Legacy Publishing, Park Designs, Premier Designs, Regal Art & Gift, Silver Forest, Young's and Village Candle.   

GCA gift shows we particpate in?

Gib Carson Associates operates a 14,000 square foot, permanently staffed showroom at Americas Mart Atlanta, which is our window to the gift world. 

Our showroom is a busy, high energy, fun experience, and yet...a productive place for both vendors and retailers to call home while in Atlanta.  We invite you to join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our cafe dining area. 

Through our partnership with Brandwise, Inc., we are completely computerized with our writing scanners, making our order writing exact and effortless.  We enjoy seamless integration between our showroom, road reps and our main office in Virginia.  In addition to Atlanta, we have a large presence at the Philadelphia and the Market Square Gift Shows.  We also participate in the Myrtle Beach, Ocean City, and Gatlinburg shows.

How does GCA train and maintain our sales force?

Rick Jones, our Vice President of Sales joined Gib Carson Associates in 1999.  He previously served as Regional Manager for Carson Home Accents and also spent 10 years with American Greetings.   

With over 27 years of gift industry experience, Rick is continually in the field with our sales associates to promote training and product knowledge and is always assisting our sales representatives in meeting their goals.  Our training program for our sales professionals includes GHTA base line training enhanced by 46 years of senior account leadership.  

Who operates Gib Carson Associates?

The Carson Family owns and operates Gib Carson Associates.  Gib Carson Sr. now serves as the CEO. Gib Carson Jr. joined the company in 1990, and now serves as President, and handles the daily operations of the company. 

Why should you partner with Gib Carson Associates?

Gib Carson Associates is committed to being a leader in the gift industry.  We provide our vendors with the level of hard work, dedication, and success they deserve and need.  We do this by identifying the highest needs of our retailers, and strive until we meet them.  Superior service and a long-term partnership is the goal of every relationship we have. 

At Gib Carson Associates we are committed to excellence in our relationship with you.