Why would a retailer need a new souvenir resource?  That was the question that Mary Ellis and Kenny Bookbinder needed to make sure they had answered before they started Fifth Avenue Manufacturers. The answer was that there was a void in a better looking souvenir.  The challenge was how to take advantage of Mary’s artistic talent and put her art on key souvenir products. Then there was the question of getting the products produced with great quality and then being able to sell them at competitive prices.

 Fifth Avenue is excited and proud to say that these questions have been successfully answered.  Our pricing is competitive, our products are first quality and Mary’s art is high end. Fifth Avenue’s success has been driven by three key people.  Mary Ellis, who pioneered the concept of putting artwork on clothing back in the 70’s and 80’s with her design and manufacturing business, DesignPoint.  Prior to that, she studied and graduated from the Pratt Art Institute, and studied under some of the great American artists of all time.  She worked her way through Pratt in the 60’s as the Hat Check Girl at the Village Gate in Greenwich Village. 

Kenny Bookbinder started Big Apple Enterprises in 1973 and it is still going strong.  It is one of the largest gift repping companies in the country.  In 1988, he and Mary met in Kenny’s booth at the New York Gift Show and lots of things happened.  One is that they got married. Another is that they started Fifth Avenue in 1995.  At first, the products were geared to New York and sold solely through Big Apple.  But, over the last several years, the company has become national and its’ products are now sold in 25 states and hundreds of cities, and throughout the Caribbean. 

A good portion of the recent surge in business is due to Wayne Gmitter, who has been with the company since its inception.  Wayne, who is a graduate of F.I.T. and a part-time actor, combines tremendous people skills with his eye for products and his overall enthusiasm, and is a vital component in Fifth Avenue’s success. 

Fifth Avenue Manufacturers: 157 Main Street • Ossining, NY • 10562