Eco-Friendly Nohi Kids

It’s a Zoo! Nohi Kids shows off animal-themed adorables for Spring/Summer.

One Cute Package. Nohi Kids designs high-quality, eco-friendly children’s apparel –the kind of clothes kids never want to take off and durable enough to pass down to the next.

Janel Andersen’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection features brand new animal prints typical of Nohi’s trademark style and color story, made in sizes newborn to 7/8. Mix and match pieces, including bodysuits, tees, leggings, dresses and cardigans, are reasonably priced, too.

What’s a Nohi Kid, anyway? In the Maori language, nohi nohi means, “to be small.” In Japan, Kodomo Nohi -one of the most popular national holidays- is a day to celebrate children. And, in Hawaiian, Nohi means brightly colored and vivid. So, I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!

Nohi uses a combination of certified organic cotton and bamboo fiber, with “a touch of spandex,” and low-impact, water based inks to create comfortable clothes kids love and parents can keep looking great wash after wash.

Nohi Kids’ new zoo print is a whimsical menagerie of elephants, birds, bunnies and giraffes. The zoo print is featured on new reversible jackets and top-selling footless rompers for babies sizes 0-3 months to 12-18 months as well as a short-sleeve tee for boys in kids sizes 2 to 7/8.

The new collection uses rich purple, persimmon and sky blue hues to complement the artful graphic designs- including a wraparound octopus tee, new horse print dress (available in sash and flutter sleeve styles), and a new “Love” print flutter sleeve dress.

Spring Bounty. A portion of sales is donated to the Caine’s Arcade Imagination Foundation, dedicated to finding and fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in kids.

Another Magnolia PR client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Think Asia, Think Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is reaching out to companies, industry leaders and select schools in the United States, focusing on opportunities to work together.

We live -and thrive- in a global economy. I’m a huge fan of the “Made in the USA” moniker, not only as a “shop local” philosophy, but as an expression of how we can export our goods and services to benefit the world. The “follow” quality of the Made in the USA movement also inspires other nations and manufacturing powerhouses to step up their ways of doing business, too.

That’s why I’m bringing attention to what can be the largest Hong Kong promotion ever to take place here this summer: Think Asia, Think Hong Kong.

Promotion organizer Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is showcasing the advantages for American companies looking to tap new business opportunities in China and Asia with symposiums held in New York and Los Angeles on June 11 and 14 respectively. Scheduled speakers include CY Leung, chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and more than 60 prominent senior executives from global companies. “As the global economic balance continues to shift to Asia, Hong Kong is the ideal business platform from which to access the myriad regional opportunities now available in the growing ASEAN area and the Chinese mainland,” says HKTDC chairman Jack So. “Our low taxes, free economy, rule of law, English-speaking environment and world-class business services make us the preferred partner for any overseas businesses wishing to tap these growing possibilities.”

The Think Asia, Think Hong Kong sessions will focus on why US companies should use Hong Kong’s business advantages, how Chinese enterprises are expanding their international presence through Hong Kong and what mainland companies are looking for in global partners.

Established in 1966, HKTDC is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers, and is getting support for the Think Asia, Thing Hong Kong promotion from 14 Hong Kong partners and close to 100 US organizations. About 1,400 US trading, banking, finance and transport firms are in Hong Kong, and roughly 869 US companies maintain regional headquarters or offices there – more than any other country.

Learn more about US Success Stories by visiting this link: http://www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/usa/en/intel_successstories.html

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Introducing Brian James – for Mom!

Ever wished the makers of popular children’s shoe brand pediped® made footwear for moms? Wishes do come true, because –they are!

Introducing Brian James™ New Essential Women’s Footwear Collection from Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning pediped brand. The début collection launches for Spring/Summer 2013.

Angela was inspired to develop a women’s line after years of countless requests from moms, celebrities and fans looking for the same quality, comfort and style as their kids’ pediped shoes.

After two years in the making, I’m thrilled to see this line come full surface. Sketch after sketch, our focus remained the same – to create a line that was stylish and timeless while providing an extreme level of comfort.”

The Brian James collection highlights seasonal designs essential to any women’s wardrobe. Angela says, “Brian James reflects a sense of timelessness and relaxed elegance, focusing on luxurious fabrics and a perfect fit.” With soft, flexible soles, all-leather uppers and linings, “this line meets the needs of every trendsetter’s desire for style and every shopper who puts comfort first.

Also based in Nevada, the Brian James™ Spring/Summer 2013 collection features four different styles: the Katherine Sandal, Chantal Sandal, Angelle Sandal and Angie Ballet Flat available in EU sizes 36-41 (US 5.5-11).

Purchase online at www.brianjamesfootwear.com and in select retail stores.

Another Hilary Abbott client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Spring Summer 2013: TANE Organics

Inspired by the goodness of the Earth…

TANE organics’ Spring Summer 2013 collection is full of freshness, sweet shapes and delicious softness.

TANE organics makes wonderful baby things from the purest, most luxurious natural fibers ever. The comfortable construction and design details are inspired by the shape of the beautiful kimono. “Tane” is a Japanese word that means “seed,” and the color tones in the collection help make the clothing look good enough to eat! The clothes are soft, with simple lines and neat playful details.

Soft ripe oval shapes provide the ease and freedom of movement while the pocket detail reflects the functionality in farming attire. The playful racer back cutout reminds us of warm summer days and the relief in a timeless worker’s tank. Sweet apron-influenced ruffles and shapes echo the humble, authentic delivery of great design.

Nicely said.

This season’s pieces have simple silhouettes that create a perfect mix of detailing, color and elegance, made from 100% certified organic cotton grown without the use of pesticides, GOTS certified low impact dyes, Azo dioxide free, and finished in a nontoxic process.

TANE’s Kayla Bird tells me in addition to minimizing toxic exposure, eco-fabrics last longer. Who knew?

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

YooHoo & Friends™ Limited Edition Design Contest Winner

This April, the winning design will be released, along with five new dinosaurs for the best-selling YooHoo & Friends line.

Janessa Chong from Malaysia and her colorful rainbow-inspired Marshmallow beat out hundreds of other designs from around the world, in Aurora World‘s first-ever Design a YooHoo & Friends Contest.

“We were floored by Janessa’s design. It’s an honor to award her the winning dinosaur, together with Janessa, we hope Marshmallow brings smiles, joy and happiness to the hearts of children and collectors everywhere,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of sales and marketing. “Dinosaur toys continue to be big with kids because they are fascinated with the creatures, and they stir up the imagination.”

Joining Marshmallow (Triceratops) in the YooHoo & Friends dinosaur line is Rexee (Tyrannosaurus Rex), Stegee (Stegosaurus), Woolee (Wooly Mammoth), Toothee (Saber Tooth Tiger) and an endangered Sloth named Speedee. This year alone, Michael tells me that this popular plush animal line expects an epic expansion to include over 30 new styles in all.

Based on animals from around the world -many that are rare and endangered- each YooHoo & Friends animal makes a fun sound when squeezed, plus each character is described in detail on new hangtags.

Available in more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops worldwide and online at http://shop.auroragift.com.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

RUUM American Kid’s Wear

The founders of popular retailer The Children’s Place introduce a new shopping destination for kids.

There’s RUUM for everyone!

That’s what the minds behind the brand have to say about their recently-launched RUUM American Kid’s Wear, a new children’s place full of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Pronounced “room,” RUUM opened its 21-store doors and online shop, offering what they call head-to-toe outfitting, exceptional quality and great value.

“I am thrilled to be back in the kids business,” says CEO Ezra Dabah, former CEO and founder of The Children’s Place. “Our latest brand offers a fresh, new approach to kids wear, making kids look good and feel good. We are driven to growing RUUM into a major brand.”

Celebrate with Special Deals. The grand opening festivities kicked off March 22, including a month-long sweepstakes with daily winners and a grand prize of a $2000 RUUM gift card. Surprise promotions include deals for online and in-store purchases, including Instant Win savings cards and bonus points on RUUM’s new loyalty program.

According to the new company, RUUM collections are designed to coordinate easily in sizes ranging from newborn to age 14, all at a great price, offering great selection in accessories including shoes for girls and boys.

Kid-Friendly Shopping Experience. RUUM stores are made for kids to have a great time, complete with interactive kiosks and photo booths for entertainment while moms shop. Creative, constructive workshops like origami and Plasticine figure creation are also planned.

New line RUUM American Kid’s Wear, catering to the kid with personality to spare, is only adding to our kid’s clothing envy… We love RUUM’s playful use of color: bright striped cardigans, snappy plaid cargo shorts and vibrant floral sundresses make the new collection pop.

-Lucky Magazine

RUUM already has fans among celebrity kids, including Oscar-nominated actress Quvenzhane Wallis.

Shop now at 21 locations or online at www.RUUM.com.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Truly Sanctuary

After spotting this truly adorable little man on Fab.com recently, I simply had to know more about his t-shirt.

TrulySanctuary is one of those unique and unctuous Etsy shops featuring t-shirts and one-zies for kids with “clever design motifs that will appeal to painfully hip toddlers, studiously urbane children, and assiduously influential adults.” Luckily for Truly, the clothing comes in big kid and adult sizes, too.

Co-creators Ron and Beth Remsberg named the shop after their daughter, Truly-Louise, and started at Etsy – “We only came in here cause we thought we smelled cake.” They make their creations with favorite materials “unicorn love and laser beams.” Even after their second daughter Normandy Mae was born -only 13 months younger than Truly- each inspired piece is still handmade by Ron and Beth “in their very busy home full of love.”

Who wouldn’t want something made from that?

We escaped the rat race. We don’t drive, we use our feet and bicycles. We don’t clock in for anyone. We live simply and embrace community. Love tops our to-do list. Our designs reflect us … when we connect with a customer, we connect with a like-mind.

Quirky Happiness. It was one of Beth’s aha moments that got Ron feeling better about where their lives were headed –straight for entrepreneurship. “A ridiculous snapshot of Ron wearing a giant fake mustache instantly came to mind,” they say on their site. After purchasing everything she needed, Beth carried out Operation Cheer Up Daddy. She ended up designing the first TrulySanctuary one-zie, a garment that made Ron laugh and feel loved, truly loved. It didn’t take long before the Remsbergs started making personal experiences using fashion for all of their friends, and then some.

It looks alike everyone’s taking notice, too.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Chirp

What better way to welcome the first day of Spring than with a little chirp-chirp?

“Chirp is an online clothing shop featuring classic wardrobe staples with a fun and unexpected twist,” owner Adrienne F. Hofmann tells me. “I create and design all the products that you see on the site.”

Adrienne started her Connecticut-based online business (my home State!) to answer this often-asked question:

Babies are cute just on their own, but how much cuter are they in mini versions of adult styles?

Welcome to The Chirp Shop! With this inspiration, Adrienne gave the classic polo shirt a little bit of pizzazz by building in an element of surprise –for those occasions that warrant unexpected creative expression as well as for those that don’t. She calls them her signature “popped” collars, which can be worn folded down. And this is just the beginning …

Everyone loves to give something to a new mother that will make her feel special and make their baby look irresistibly stylish. And so, after trial and error and lots of work and support from my family and friends and their babies, Chirp was born!

Adrienne strives to make the shopping experience at Chirp as easy as possible, with simple ordering of beautifully hand crafted, comfortable clothing and accessories made from 100% cotton, that’s tagless, too! Fast, flat-rate shipping adds to the ease. Styles are made for infants, with matching toddler sizes available for your other “Chirpmeisters” – you can even enter the Chirpmeister of the Month contest by tagging Chirp in a photo and posting it to the facebook page, or emailing the photo to Chirp. New designs include bucket hats, hoodies, longsleeved shirts and more – like the adorable Tulle Belt, with tutu included! I also like the little plush birdies.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Are you an excellent mompreneur? Enter this national contest for your chance to shine!

If you think you’re running a top mom business, enter the StartupNation® Leading Moms in Business Competition today for your chance to win prizes, including $10,000 as the top mom business in the country.

According to StartupNation, a free service founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the number of mom-owned businesses continues to grow, which is also powering our economy. “The way these moms take care of their families while also running thriving businesses is inspiring,” the company says. “To that end, StartupNation is conducting its fourth annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.”

Enter & Vote. If you’re a successful mom business owner, enter today. If you know of a mom business owner, let her know and then start voting every day. Daily votes helps to determine the top 10 Leading Moms in Business. From this select group, a panel of judges determines the top three ranking.

Additional prizes include a complimentary business growth consultation by the founders of StartupNation for the top three winners. The $10,000 grand prize is provided by office products leader Staples. Contest ends on April 30, 2013, so don’t delay!

StartupNation is a community of entrepreneurs who live the dream everyday – and we welcome you to be a part of it!

-Rich & Jeff Sloan, founders

Billed as a “one-stop shop for entrepreneurial success,” StartupNation is considered one of the leading online content and community resources for entrepreneurs. The organization offers easy-to-follow, practical information to start and grow your own successful business, such as advice, forums, networking ops, articles, podcasts, contests and more.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

So Rad

Looking for cool greens for St. Patrick’s Day? How about the Natural Ninja Outfit by So Rad … in Lucky Irish Green!

Founded in 2009 by Jasmine Bashaj, Toronto, Canada-based So Rad is a creative clothing line for babies and toddlers, designed to be functional and “help in everyday parental madness,” she says. Jasmine –who is also a digital illustrator, motion graphic designer, college instructor and mom of two- started the clothing collection after fans of her popular So Rad greeting card line encouraged her to put her unique graphics on children’s clothes. So Rad is eco-friendly, parent-approved and locally made in Canada, too –from bamboo and organic cotton fabrics.

So Rad’s Natural Ninja Outfit gives your child lots of mobility in a lightweight loose outfit. The comfortable thick flat waist makes no elastic squeeze marks, bigger bum for cloth diapers. Ties instead of snaps; ¾-length sleeves and pants for those flailing limbs. Made using So Rad’s 70/30 bamboo/cotton mix, triple stitch cover seam (to keep rippling muscles contained). Comes in a reusable cotton ninja bag. Wash in cold and tumble dry low or hang to avoid shrinkage.

Known for its UV protection and antibacterial properties, bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, good for the environment and super soft on baby’s skin.

So Rad Gives Back. For every Natural Ninja Outfit sold during the month of May 2013, So Rad is donating $3 to the Sick Kids Foundation.

Another Pink Pearl PR client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact mepink today!