Ice Cream Dreams


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Infantissima Retirement Sale


Attention children’s boutique owners! Infantissima is retiring.

070313_Infantissima_01Trudy Hutchings, owner of Infantissima, the company that has brought specialty baby gifts and accessories to babies and parents everywhere- is ready to be a full-time grandmother, and world traveler.

Customers like you make doing business a real pleasure.

Coos and Smiles. Infantissima has been very near and dear to Trudy’s heart (learn the story behind the brand here), and now she’s ready for a new chapter in her life. And she’s celebrating with the ultimate retirement sale.

“We appreciate all of our customers and have a lot of product still available,” they say. Such a deal! Take a look-

Thank you, Trudy Hutchings, for giving coos and smiles to so many over the years!

Zooligans


Children’s Retail Today Adorables – the founders of Zooligans create a new company, taking the brand to another level.

042413_Zooligans_01Cheryl Andonian, co-founder of Zooligans footwear, tells me it’s been a crazy year since she and  her husband, shoe designer Joel Rusnak, launched the brand. The duo just reformed a new company, ShoeString Shoes LLC to make Zooligans shoes even better.

042413_Zooligans_03Stampeding Toward Fall. The Massachusetts-based company is offering exciting additions to the clever collection of animal-themed shoes for Fall ’13, multiplying for the back to school season with a new menagerie of styles, colors and characters in their Pawflex line.

New critters-shoes include a Penguin, Pony and Kitty boot; a Puppy and Gator Ox; a Dinosaur and Monkey mid-cut boot and an Owl and Panda slip on clog – all featuring Zooligans’ signature Paw Flex bottom with its bold paw print design that’s super flexible. Zooligans shoes are designed for little kids’ growing feet with a roomy toe box for toes to stretch and grip plus the flexibility that little feet need.

042413_Zooligans_02Zooligans is also expanding the brand with Baby Zooligans, a collection of soft-soled shoes for infants. Baby Zooligans’ tiniest menagerie includes a Lamb, Lion, Kitty, Piglet, Puppy and Monkey,  made from soft leather and suede to provide protection, warmth (and cuteness) for baby’s delicate feet. The bottoms are made of soft suede and have a fun printed pawprint on the bottom.

Loved by blogging moms everywhere, recognized as “must have’s” and “most awesome,” the new company will be ready to ship the new Zooligans to retailers in August.

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!

040213_BrianJames_pedipedIntroducing 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.”

040213_BrianJames_logoThe 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!

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.

032713_YooHooContestWinner_resizedJanessa 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.”

032713_YooHooContestWinner_02_resizedJoining 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


032613_RUUM_01The 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.”

032613_RUUM_shoesCelebrate 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.

032612_RUUM_Wallis_Spirit Awards_editedAccording 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.

 032613_RUUM_belts-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!

StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition


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

031913_StartUpNationLeadingMomsInBusiness_logoIf 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.”

031913_StartUpNationLeadingMomsInBusiness_StaplesLogoEnter & 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!

We’re back March 5


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  • Children’s Retail Today is back in March, publishing 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!

keekoo’s New BID2WIN Events


Beginning February 1, keekoo.com is launching an exciting new event for baby gear.

020113_keekoo_BID2WINLogoNew Jersey-based keekoo.com, the flash-sale website devoted exclusively to providing discounted premiere bump to baby products, is launching a new daily bid event called BID2WIN.

“Necessity baby gear such as strollers are notoriously difficult to find in discount online or brick and mortar stores,” says keekoo co-founder Scott Whitley, “but keekoo’s BID2WIN events allow every shopper the opportunity to win baby gear at great prices.”  Launching Friday February 1 (that’s tomorrow!), members can make a bid on a plethora of top-quality baby gear such as strollers, high chairs, carriers and more. The team at keekoo takes the offer to the manufacturer in real time, and if accepted, awards the gear to the shopper at their offer bid or better.

011713_keekoo_01What’s more, the first BID2WIN STROLLERS event also includes free shipping on all strollers won by shoppers!

Become a registered member of keekoo today, using this special invite from Children’s Retail Today, and get it in gear with a winning bid, starting February 1. Membership is free – and remember, members enjoy up to 80% off fabulous maternity, beauty, nursing, baby apparel, gifts, accessories and newborn gear during special sales events created just for you.

  • 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!

Do you keekoo?


Here’s your invitation! An online shopping experience that specializes in must-haves for new moms and moms-to-be … all at amazing prices.

011713_keekoo_logo_02Launched in 2011, keekoo is an online store featuring all of the latest and greatest brands that moms and moms-to-be need for their growing family, at up to 80% off. The keekoo team hand-selects the most fabulous maternity, beauty, nursing, baby apparel, gifts, accessories and newborn gear just for you.

keekoo is dedicated to all of the great moms and grandmoms out there … keep up the great work!

011713_keekoo_01Exclusive Sales Events. keekoo offers fabulous new merchandise each day, through exclusive sales events that last only 24 to 72 hours. The retailer works with brand partners to offer limited amounts of  the most special and in-demand items specifically designed for the new mommy and her little one. Each event is first-come, first-served, and members are encouraged to visit daily for all this awesomeness!

Members Only. Membership to keekoo.com is by invitation only. Registration  is easy and it’s free, too –so read more for your special invite!

Baby Talk for Cookie. When one of keekoo’s founders was a little boy, he used to ask his mommy for a “keekoo,” his baby word for a cookie. His family loves to share this story, and the word “keekoo” became the perfect child-like expression of this company’s mission. Whether you’re a mom, mom-to-be, grandmother or auntie-gift-giver, keekoo helps you save money shopping.

Special Invite to Join keekoo from Children’s Retail Today

Every Children’s Retail Today reader who clicks www.keekoo.com/invite/ChildrensRetailToday and signs up as a member gets a $10 Instant Credit on your first purchase of $50 or More! Remember, only members enjoy daily sales with savings of up to 80%. You have a chance to invite your friends to join, too.

011713_keekoo_TheGrandparentGiftCoON SALE Today!

The Grandparent Gift Co. – sweet sentiments on beautiful keepsakes. When founder Teri Harrison wrote her first poem, grandmothers and mothers started brushing away tears, and Teri knew her words had touched their hearts. These beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts will surely touch you in the same special way.

ON SALE Friday, January 18!

011713_keekoo_RazzleberryKidsRazzleberry Kids – deliciously girly crib shoes, diaper covers and legwarmers for those chunky, squeezable little legs. Frilly and whimsical, animal prints and ruffles, ribbons and sports themes adorn these super-cute newborn accessories.

011713_keekoo_AFGBabyFurnitureAFG Baby Furniture – the perfect foundation for your nursery. Since 1986, AFG’s luxurious yet affordable convertible cribs, changing tables and gliders have been available in a variety of styles and finishes and meet the highest quality and safety standards. FREE SHIPPING

011713_keekoo_GypsyKidsGypsy Kids – with a focus on easy-wear, easy-care quality clothing, this collection is inspired by colorful countries from around the world. Attention to detail, classic styling, exclusive prints and beautiful, pure cotton and linen fabrics are the foundations of the range and will make your little wanderer a standout in style.

011713_keekoo_kissLook for the KISS. Select merchandise receives a keekoo KISS, which stands for “Keekoo Inspected Seal of Support” and means keekoo thinks moms and babies will love the product as much as they do!

Become a keekoo member today!

  • 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!