Advice for retailers

KidStyleSource.com


Two websites in one, for savvy kids fashion shoppers of all kinds!

Kindred Spirit. Whether you’re a style-minded shopping parent or a fashion-forward retail buyer, KidStyleSource.com is a fabulous online find – one after my own heart. The entire site features the latest news in apparel, accessories and furnishings for infants through tweens, organized for the shopping public as well as for professionals in the children’s product industry.

041614_CRTPost_KidStyleSource_webpageThe brainchild of editorial director Tracy Mitchell, who has covered the children’s market in various editorial roles at Fairchild Publication’s Children’s Business magazine for almost 20 years, KidStyleSource.com features breaking collections, undiscovered designers, emerging labels and familiar brands –for both parents and professionals- presented in a grown-up, insider-type way.

As an industry insider, KidStyleSource surveys the market and tracks down the trends as they develop. And more importantly, we’re known for presenting those trends in a meaningful way that we believe enhances the retailers’ shopping experience. Translating this curated approach from online to the show floor is designed to take the retail buying experience to the next level.”

-Tracy Mitchell

Comprehensive Coverage. The site also features merchandise by trends and by categories in easy-to-navigate sections. The style showcase ranges in price “from mass to class,” which makes visiting a great shopping experience.

Fashion director Lynda M. Johnson is a fashion journalist and stylist with 28 years of experience working for both trade and consumer publications and leads the fashion resourcing efforts for the KidStyleSource, among other things.

A division of Style Source media LLC, the six-year-old KidStyleSource.com is a unique destination for both parents and industry executives to find great fashion stories.

Video

Totally New Rock The Locks


A fresh, fun and fabulous range of organic hair care products specially designed by moms for kids.

Made in the USA. Here’s a great find just in time for Valentine’s Day: Rock The Locks hair care products for kids is the brainchild of moms and friends Joie McKim and Lori Derr, who want safe, natural products for their kids. Only problem is, they’re either hard to find or outrageously priced out for most working moms. But no more. Rock The Locks is all-spray, organic, natural hair care for kids, in fruity scents and packaged in colorful containers that make hairdos fun again!

021214_RockTheLocks_01

No Aerosol Here. All Rock The Locks products use a patent-pending spray technology that’s safe and ozone-friendly and brand new. The quick, one-hand application technique is fun and easy, too.

Why it ROCKS …

        • Organic and natural
        • No harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients
        • No dyes, arsenic or aerosol

Lori combined her 27-year experience in the hair industry with Joie’s eight-year experience in the retail industry to create Rock the Locks. The Pennsylvania-based team worked with a local company to develop the product line, including kid-approved fragrances, pediatrician-approved ingredients and the new patent spray technology. Parents love the easy application and the safe, natural, organic ingredients -and kids of all ages love the fun smells and colors.

Wholesale Now. “The mom-invented Rock The Locks hair care line is so new you won’t have seen it at any trade shows,”  Martha Wright, executive director of sales and marketing tells me. Salons, retailers and distributors can email sales@RockTheLocks.com directly for a wholesale price list. Visit this Rock The Locks web page for current availability in-store.

TWELVElittle


Fashionable, functional carryalls for Moms and Dads who “need it all.” 

092413_TWELVElittle_01Launched in June, TWELVElittle is (might I say lovely-named) a New York-based company that makes baby bags, diaper clutches, accessories, designed with style and engineered with practicality.

Made of high quality, water resistant fabrics and supple leather, TWELVElittle bags not only make it super easy to call any baby essential, they transform into the most fashionable accessory for any Mom or Dad, after baby grows up.

Our TWELVElittle baby bags are precisely made to assist every parent at the right moment, and capture every experience with ease and grace.

092413_TWELVElittle_IllustrationCarry Your Inner Animal. According to the Asian zodiac, I was born in the year of the Rooster. “Roosters are good at listening and keeping promises. By being natural observers, they are knowledgeable and resourceful,” it tells me on the company’s 12 LITTLE WONDERS web page, where each wonder -an animal that represents the year each child is born- is explained and illustrated by Catherine Min. Catherine’s illustrations evolved into the 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, “perfect little reminders of how special every child is.” The leather dangles can be used as keychains or personal identity jewels. I love these!

092413_TWELVElittle_03Bonding Over Baby Bags. Julia Min and her friend Jenny first met at Rhode Island School of Design while both studied for their BFA in Industrial Design. Each chose a fashion career designing handbags –and it was the search for the perfect baby bag that brought them together again to launch TWELVElittle. Juila is inspired by her son Noah and daughter Noelle, and Jenny is a world traveler and animal lover –one reason why TWELVElittle bags are so handy while on a trip to anywhere-land! Great job, ladies!

Pink Olive School


Pink Olive is a whimsical boutique filled with beautiful gifts that make you smile.

071713_PinkOlive_GraceKangEver since savvy entrepreneur Grace Kang opened Pink Olive in 2007, I’ve been a fan. The former buyer for Bloomingdale’s, Saks.com and Barney’s New York has curated a treasure box of wonderful things for people of all ages –not only in New York’s East Village, Manhattan and Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhoods but online as well. Whether it’s working with local artists, artisans and small businesses, to celebrating their wonderful customers, to championing local charities and other causes, the Pink Olive team strives to discover creative products that inspire giving and beautiful living.

“Our recent venture, OliveBox (a monthly subscription service), has been a wonderful expansion of this mission, building on our community from New York to California to Canada,” Grace tells me, “working hand in hand with companies we never would have had the chance to work with otherwise.”

We are stronger together than we are alone.

071713_PinkOlive_visualPink Olive School. Now, Grace and her team are taking their commitment one step further, with the introduction of Pink Olive School.

“While we have always loved showcasing local talent, and working with designers, now is the time to expand in our mission to mentor creative product-based entrepreneurs to step up and thrive in this ever changing economy,” Grace says. “Without the diverse array of creative products, stores would all look the same and customers will leave uninspired. You wouldn’t want that, right?”

Creatives, Small Businesses and Local Talent –Take Note! Pink Olive School is a one-stop opportunity to start and grow your creative business. By mentoring creative product makers of all kinds, Pink Olive School can help you take your creative passion into a sustainable business. Grace says, “Whether you’re in the very beginning stages of development, or have a fully functioning business, we can help take you to the next level.”

071713_PinkOlive_logoCongratulations, Grace and Pink Olive! If you share Grace’s mission, please email her at hello@pinkoliveschool.com. “In celebration of our launch and my birthday month, I have a special gift that I am offering creative makers want to create a product business they love,” Grace says. Click here for details.

Introducing Loubilou


041113_Loubilou_lifestyle_03In this new global marketplace, independent designers and small merchants rule –and shoppers can find very unique “childrensware.”

First introduced in the UK and now launching in Australia, Loubilou (Loubilou.com.au in Australia) is an online selling platform for independent retailers offering children’s clothing, gifts, toys and accessories.

We search far and wide to find the most unique and delightful childrensware, and then bring it together in one hub. In this way, we humbly aim to make the world just a little bit smaller.

041113_Loubilou_landingpage_ukLoubilou offers only merchandise that is well-made and not mass-produced, giving both buyers and sellers a personalized shopping experience far more authentic than department stores, or even other e-commerce sites.

How? “Most parents have limited time and rely on retailers from large shopping centres to shop for their children,” says founder Heath Kane, father of two, award-winning designer and also the former creative director of global marketing firm Sapient. “I noticed my kids -and all their friends- were looking like little department store clones.”

Heath recognized that a child’s individuality is important, but he was very frustrated trying to find one single website offering the kind of clothing, toys and accessories that took that personal style to heart, much less all in one place. So he created it.

041113_Loubilou_lifestyleThis Stuff is Cute. Both Loulibou sites cater to parents with youngsters up to the age of 10, a one-stop shop for high-quality, boutique children’s goods from independent sellers, designers and craftspeople around the world (I particularly like Clareoncloud9’s adorable cloud with smiley faced rain drops). Heath plans to integrate both sites within the next six months to provide a global marketplace for children’s indies –and their fans.

The Loubilou’s are open to any independent merchants or designers that fit the criteria of “high quality, unique and independent.” It’s free to join and there’s no lock in.

“Our mission is to build a platform to give small businesses a voice in a world dominated by big corporate players and to bring small wonders and delight to children through a world of cool stuff,” says Bree Jessup, manager of Loubilou Australia.

Connect with Loubilou on Facebook.

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.

040313_ThinkAsiaThinkHongKong_skyline

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.”

040313_ThinkAsiaThinkHongKong_logoThe 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!

Maira Fashion House


030713_MairaFashionHouse_logoThis New Delhi-based fashion apparel company has made a good name for itself in the global garment industry.

030713_MairaFashionHouse_11Since its incorporation in 2009, Maira Fashion House is recognized as a dynamic supplier and exporter of ladies scarves and leather bags in India. The OEKO-TEX® -approved manufacturer runs a modern facility with in-house dyeing and printing mills sourcing new fabric designs in cotton, nylon and viscose, and specializes in silk printing. Under the careful guidance of managing director Ms. Anshu Chaudhary, the support of advanced machinery and an outstanding team of professionals, Maira offers customized solutions, producing 40,000 pieces per month.

030713_MairaFashionHouse_05In August 2012, the company launched the Maira Fashion kids brand, comprised of casual wear designed using breathable fabric to give a comfortable fit. The company also has a reputation for being a pioneer in children’s party wear, offered in elegant colors, designs and patterns of superior quality that bring out the innocence of a child. Maira plans to open five retail stores in 2013.

Stylish, trendy and attractive, Maira Fashion House is creating a buzz among children’s wear clients across India, the UK and other parts of the world –including the USA.

We believe that our growth is dependent upon the quality of our products, honesty in relationships, timely services, and customer satisfaction.

030713_MairaFashionHouse_10The company’s new website, www.mairafashion.com, is still under construction. You can connect with Maira on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mairafashion12 and by contacting Ash Nagpal by email at anshu@mairafashion.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!

Shop Small with Me Giant


With Small Business Saturday® just four days away, here’s a business that’s perfect for the cause.

small things, big style. Me Giant is a team of illustrators, cartoonists, and graphic artists, order takers, shippers, floor sweepers and joke makers who specialize in making funny t-shirts and accessories for kids, designed for their playful personalities and bubbling imaginations.

I love small business, funny jokes, good people, being a mommy and living giant.

Shelia Butler is the company’s “chief keeper upper.” After spending seven years co-owning Aidan Gray Home, Inc., a successful wholesale décor and furniture business, she switched to children’s design after adopting two children within an 11-month period. “Talk about a change of lifestyle,” she says.

Sheila and her team at Me Giant are committed to exceptional customer service, safe products and pursuit of happy little giants, and they do this by offering products that are fun, simple, quirky, different and sometime old (she loves vintage finds) -high-quality design that’s also safe. Recently featured on zulily, parents can find stylish bibs and one-pieces; blankets and picture frames are now launching. And although the business doesn’t appear to be part of Small Business Saturday this year –it’s something to plan for in 2013. Wholesale available.

We believe that even the smallest of things can encompass giant style and that children are no exception when it comes to great design, sophisticated decor and chic apparel.

Sheila writes a blog to share her experiences with building a small business, offering the tips and tools she uses to do it, as well as interviews with other successful entrepreneurs filled with how-to ideas.

Small Business Saturday®, sponsored by American Express, is a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday that’s dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Learn more at ShopSmall.com.

  • Another Rachel Florio 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!

Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund


Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) creates the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by the Superstorm.

K.I.D.S. –the non-profit organization that brings new products to children and teens impacted by natural disaster and more- has mobilized its resources to establish a Hurricane Relief Fund in response to the need for new products for children and families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Since 1985, K.I.D.S has provided almost one billion dollars to help nearly 70 million children impacted by poverty and tragedy as an outcome of homelessness, military deployment of a parent, domestic abuse, major illness or natural disaster. And for those who are passionate about children’s fashion, it’s the organization of choice to facilitate truly awesome assistance to those in need.

To make a new product donation to the K.I.D.S. Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund, please visit KidsDonations.org. Agencies in affected communities are in dire need of new apparel, blankets, shoes, toys, baby products and books.

K.I.D.S. is committed to working with local partners to support these families over the next few months. Because of the organization’s 10 to 1 system of matching $10 worth of product for every $1 donated, your $10 donation will provide $100 worth of brand new merchandise to those in need.

In New York City, the Boroughs and Long Island, K.I.D.S. is partnering with multiple agencies to set up two major distribution sites in Queens. The bridges in New York are now open to truck donated merchandise to these locations. These sites will serve families who have lost their houses to fire, floods and storm surge.

In New Jersey, K.I.D.S. is working with partners all along the Jersey coast to collect and distribute relief supplies to families who have suddenly lost everything.

West Virginia has already seen feet of snow, and K.I.D.S. is dispensing goods and supplies that collected from the organization’s corporate donors.

In addition to making new product donations, cash donations can also be made by visiting KidsDonations.org. Cash donations are needed to assist with the transportation and distribution efforts to move the product to local partner agencies serving those affected by the Superstorm. Your gift of $50, $100 -or any amount- will help us provide essentials to families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Once their most urgent needs have been met, there will be a long road ahead as families clean up the damage from the storm and begin rebuilding their lives.

You can easily make a donation by texting GIVE 8000 to 80088 to donate $10 to K.I.D.S. on your mobile phone bill. To make a larger donation, please contact Cristina Morais at 212-279-5493 ext. 204.

K.I.D.S. wants to thank American Girl, Carter’s Oshkosh, Delta Children’s Products, Graco, Kahn Lucas, Million Dollar Baby, Operation Compassion and UGG Australia for being so generous with their product donations to support the K.I.D.S. Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund.

  • 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!

Super Shopping Experience for Children’s Shop Owners


Children’s wear companies looking for a prime go-to destination for doing business are heading to 34 West 33rd Street in New York City.

Roseann Yarusi, president of The Rose Garden, moved into Suite 1224 in 2009. She’s thrilled with her showroom – and her customers love it, too.

This building already has a strong group of reps as well as children’s wear manufacturers. The convenience of not having to run all over the city is very important to our buyers. So now, more than ever, it’s a huge benefit to have as many reps and manufactures under one roof.

The Rose Garden Look. Roseann started The Rose Garden “to celebrate her love for all things fabulous,” offering children’s brands seen in Saks, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Lester’s and many high-end specialty boutiques. She calls it “The Rose Garden look” – and a children’s shop or department gets it by carrying the kind of merchandise that kids love, such as Bows With Bling, Cach Cach, Hollyword, Kid CuteTure, MonCheri By Joan Calabrese, Signorelli, Twirls and Twigs, Warrior Poet and more.

Convenient and Comfortable. Located in the heart of New York’s Garment District, 34 West 33rd Street has been marketed specifically to the children’s wear companies for about four years now by owner-manager Adams & Company Real Estate LLC. Currently the third, ninth and twelfth floors, all with multiple showrooms, house children’s wear companies exclusively. Of the 30 or so Adams & Co. properties in Manhattan, 16 are niche locations like 34 West 33rd. The building spans the block, through to West 32nd Street, so many of the showrooms take advantage of the natural light shining in from the large windows, making it a pleasant experience for both the showroom personnel and their clients, too.

So if you are a children’s shop owner heading into the city on a shopping spree, why not visit Roseann Yarusi and other children’s wear companies at 34 West 33rd Street? You’ll be glad you did!

  • 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!