Announcements

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~ As always, thanks for supporting CRT ~

Children’s Retail Today will be back in October!

Catching up on some much needed R&R after a “Summer of Surgery” to replace both hips. It’s all good. See you then!

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Lelli Kelly Kids Shoes


North American Shoe Company to Relaunch the Footwear Brand in Spring 2018

Rhode Island-based North American Shoe Company is the exclusive licensee for Lelli Kelly Kids in the U.S. and Canada, planning a relaunch of the shoe brand with a new collection in Spring 2018.

Lelli Kelly is renowned for putting the fun and funky back onto little girls’ feet. Launched in Italy in 1992 by the Attilieni family, every little girl wants a pair of Lelli Kelly’s because the gorgeous sparkly collections feature detailed hand-sewn beads and sequined flowers.  A fast favorite with girls, parents are thrilled because each shoe is machine washable, ensuring these high-quality styles stand up to being their little girl’s favorite.

“We are thrilled to be relaunching this much beloved brand in North America,” says Jon Shapiro, director of sales for North American Shoe Company. “This is the first time in several years there has been a specific U.S. distributor targeting consumers in the States. This gives the Lelli Kelly brand the opportunity to be showcased to moms and daughters in a way they are accustomed to.”

Sparkle & Shine Guaranteed Year-Round

The new spring assortment will include 12 to 16 styles of canvas sneakers, Mary Jane’s, high tops, sandals and joggers available in girls sizes from toddler to youth. A new website will launch in 2018 (www.LelliKellyUS.com) and the line will be available to consumers in late January. The launch will be supported by a social media campaign across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with U.S.-specific platforms.

Jon tells us that the relaunch will not only appeal to established fans with easily recognizable looks, these designs will stand out from the crowd, creating new fans as well. “Children’s retailers across the country are so excited about the news and looking forward to having Lelli Kelly back on their shelves,” he says. “We’ve experienced such great response to the relaunch.”

Established in 1918, North American Shoe Company (NASC) is the exclusive distributor in the U.S. for Beeko, Foamtread slippers, Lelli Kelly Kids and Tundra Boots and also distributes Tingley rubber boots. NASC is the leading wholesaler catering to footwear retailers, catalogs, specialty boutiques and online retailers. The company is showing the Lelli Kelly line at the Atlanta Shoe Show, August 19-21, booth #127-133.

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Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small


First major toy launch for beloved little bunny character in the U.S.

Miffy, one of the most recognizable characters in the world, is capturing the imagination of preschoolers in the U.S. this summer.

This past fall, the beloved little bunny created by the late Dutch artist Dick Bruna made her début on Nick Jr. in a new HD CGI TV series, Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small. Children’s apparel lines by Uniqlo, H&M and Kira Kids followed, as well as a book series by Simon and Schuster.

This summer, Walmart rolled out a toy line based on Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small, exclusively, in stores and online, including:

Miffy 3” Family Multipack ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) – This adorable family figure set includes Miffy, Daddy, Mommy, and Snuffy, each with moving, poseable features. Collect them all!

Miffy Little Red Plane ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) Plush – Miffy is ready to take to the skies, fly to new places and have new adventures.

Miffy Little Blue Car ($11.88 – Ages 2 and up) – Take a ride with Miffy in her iconic blue car. Miffy is always ready to jump in the car and go.

6” Miffy, Melanie and Snuffy plush ($5.00 each – Ages 18 mos. and up) – Miffy and her friends are all here available in soft, plush format complete with embroidered features.

On August 1, Walmart adds to the Miffy toy line with feature plush, a Miffy house and several Miffy figurines.

 

The 411 on Miffy

Born June 21, 1955, Dutch artist Dick Bruna first draws Miffy to entertain his young son while on a rainy seaside holiday in Holland. The series of picture books which follow use simple illustrations and rhyming text to explore the universal experiences of childhood. Sixty-two years later, the Miffy books have sold more than 85 million copies; currently published in more than 50 languages. Merchandise is sold across five continents, several musicals tour year-round, plus The Miffy Movie and Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small television series are introduced globally. The Miffy Museum in the city of Utrecht, provides an interactive space specifically designed for young children to discover the world around them – a dominant theme in all Miffy-related projects.

 

 

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cuddle + kind


Together, the company + their customers have given 1,151,798 meals to date.

If you enjoy social media, you’ve probably spied the fabulously adorable posts from cuddle + kind. The company makes ethically produced, hand-knit dolls that help feed children.

Every cuddle + kind product you purchase will provide 10 meals to children in need. “Our goal is to provide one million meals a year,” says Jen, Derek, Ethan, Brooke and Rachel Woodgate – the family behind cuddle + kind. And they have.

Reflection of Values

The Woodgates started cuddle + kind to reflect their values. The parents have a background in health, and recognize the crucial role nutrition plays in a child’s development. “As parents, we believe all children should have enough food to eat and the opportunity to thrive,” they say. So they created cuddle + kind to make a difference.

Not only does the purchase of one doll provides 10 meals to children in need, each doll is lovingly handcrafted by incredible women artisans in Peru, providing them with a sustainable, fair trade income. “We’re proud that our dolls are made with natural, high-quality cotton because it’s important to us that they’re safe, soft and cuddly.”

Look through The Giving Book, cuddle + kind’s 2016 annual giving report, and you’ll fall in love, too.

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Mosey Handmade


Celebrate Childhood. Make Memories. Repeat.

Jes Mosey is the mind -and the maker- behind Mosey Handmade, a beautiful collection of keepsake crowns, hats, buntings and party supplies for babies and children handmade in the spirit of childhood. “Bringing beautiful touches to your birthday party to mark this special moment with you and your child is our specialty,” says, Jes, “So let’s celebrate in style!”

Whimsical, easy-breezy Birthday Parties

Let Mosey Handmade take care of those birthday party details that are difficult to accomplish during your hectic, everyday life, yet make this moment with your little one special. Each creation is assembled in her studio and sewn by her take-home seamstresses, who get to work from home.

Jes has built a great relationship with her vendors and sources materials responsibly with you and your children in mind. Wool is made in New England in a factory that’s been producing wool felt for over 100 years. “It’s the finest around,” Jes says. “Durable and soft and never scratchy.” The ribbon is sourced from France -the prettiest grosgrains, the most luxe-y satins and the most intricate woven patterns.

Check Mosey Handmade out on Esty, too.

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Zarlex


Jeweler specializing in beautiful pieces for children.

It’s easy to see why little girls would fall in love with the pretty jewelry from kids’ jewelry specialist Zarlex. The Miami-based online jeweler offers a variety of 14K yellow and rose gold earrings, rings, pendants and chains age-appropriate for girls from infant to 16 years old.

Jewelry designs feature colorful enamel, cubic zirconia and gemstones such as pearls, topaz and amethyst among others. Earrings feature safety backs such as the classic French Lock, which is secure, easy to fasten and comfortable to wear, as well as the Classic Stud with a screw-back that is suitable for infants as well as young ladies.

The tradition of giving silver keepsakes for Baptisms dates back to before Colonial times in this country. Zarlex also carries beautiful sterling gifts and souvenirs for Christenings or other special occasions, elegantly packaged sets of baby spoons, baby rattles, baby cups, baby cutlery or teething rings.

“We plan to expand our assortment to include watches, a jewelry line for boys and more,” Alexander Yambikov tells me.

Available online at www.zarlexfl.com.

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K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers = Delivering Good


This Mother’s Day, Honor a Woman Who Inspires You. Make a Donation in Her Name to Delivering Good (formerly K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers)!

Help us make this a memorable Mother’s Day by honoring a special woman in your life with a donation that will help Delivering Good offer hope, dignity and self-esteem to millions of people in need. Your donation, of any amount, helps provide much needed essentials -including apparel, accessories, shoes, home furnishings, toys, books, school supplies and other items- to women, children and families touched by poverty or natural disaster.

Submit the name of your inspirational woman here.

The national 32-year-old charity will add both your names to the 2017 Women of Inspiration Honor Roll that will be displayed at the Women of Inspiration Luncheon, which honors three leaders in the licensing, wholesale and fashion community.

June 7 a Big Day for People In Need

Not only will the Women of Inspiration Luncheon take place on June 7 in New York, the charity’s name change to Delivering Good will be complete. The new website, www.Delivering-Good.org, goes live! Helping to celebrate the milestone will be the luncheon honorees, fashion designer Tracy Reese, Gaye Dean of Target and Lana Todorovich of Ralph Lauren. Delivering Good’s social media sites are now live: @DeliveringGood on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The charity’s current website (www.DonateProduct.com) will provide updates on the renaming progress until the switch on June 7.

Delivering Good is the new name for the national charity formerly known as K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, and launching a new era of reaching millions of individuals challenged by poverty or natural disaster. For 32 years, the charity has helped millions of kids, adults and families affected by poverty and disaster resulting in over $1.6 billion of donated product that has been distributed through a network of community partners. In 2016, nearly 400 companies donated approximately $200 million of new apparel, accessories, shoes, home furnishings, toys, books and other useful items, distributed by more than 500 community partners to people in need. The name change reflects both new and continuing efforts to fight poverty and tragedies through the gift and delivery of new products. The models for helping others are changing nationwide and worldwide, and the re-launch will allow Delivering Good to better communicate its mission of delivering hope and dignity to people in need through community nonprofit partners.

“As our charity has evolved, we wanted to have a name and brand that could be embraced by our product donors, our financial donors, our community partners and the broader audience of consumers,” says Board Chairman Allan Ellinger. “Our programs are expanding to include donations and drives by children, company employees, community groups and more. Recently in Los Angeles, our staff was on the ground Delivering Good by personally handing out sandwiches and new socks to homeless men and women. At the other end of the spectrum, we have brands like BOBS from Skechers, who are Delivering Good by donating 8.4 million pairs of children’s shoes over the past six years, with another million pairs this year.”

Delivering Good receives high ratings from a number of organizations for low overhead and the ability to help people effectively. The charity efficiently leverages cash donations to achieve its mission – for every $10 of cash contributed, over $100 of donated new product can be provided to kids, adults or families in need. Delivering Good distributes product donations through a network of community partners to offer hope and dignity.

Renowned design and branding firm of Graj + Gustavsen has developed the new name and logo for Delivering Good. The law firm of Pryor Cashman has also supported the rebranding initiative. Board of Directors Vice President Milou Gwyn led this effort in her role as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, together with President and CEO Lisa Gurwitch.

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Little Climber


“Read your book once per day and use a climber while you play. Give it time and you will see, your little baby in a tree.”

-Little Climber

After David Stuebe has Lily, his first child, he learns quickly that it isn’t easy to find products that will grow with her. “I come from a background in manufacturing and decided to create a product line that allows our children to play, read and grow throughout their experience with the Little Climber,” he tells me.

Kickstarter Campaign Run Thru May 14

David is now creating one of the only product lines on the market designed to promote 100% natural growth progression of a child’s mind, body and strength. Little Climber is a Smart Home Playground designed to enhance your children’s motor skill development, balance control, creativity and so much more. Little Climber is made for children ages six months to 3+ years.

Why is a Modular Playground so Important?

Every child’s mind, body and strength develops at their own speed. While most products are built based on the progress of the “average child,” Little Climber “actually grows” with your little one, supporting your child’s abilities at the exact moment needed in their stage of development.

The Little Climber Experience

David is a father, designer and creator of what he calls the “Little Climber Experience.” He’s also a student of the Montessori approach, the Dr. Emmi Pikler method and his favorite, Magda Gerber. One year ago, his children inspire him to start his children’s furniture company that produces intuitive environments for little ones that will benefit them today, tomorrow and forever.

  • Step 1 – Play Transform your room, yard or nursery into a fully interactive climbing experience with endless course options. Play on a light, simple course or setup an advanced and rigorous climb.
  • Step 2 – Read Watching your little one climb is such a fun and magical time. David captures that joyful moment in a book to help you and your little one get excited and celebrate the climbing experience.
  • Step 3 – Grow Little Climber is a modular product. As your little one’s abilities grow, slowly advance them to the next level of difficulty by raising or moving the accessories (RockWall, Ladder, Slide).

Built with Care in the USA

“It’s about time that a company builds a product not solely for immense capital gains but to help and benefit others,” a thought that goes through David’s mind while he starts committing his life to helping children with smart toys and playgrounds. David names his furniture factory after his daughters, Lily and River, where every detail of Little Climber and its accessories are refined and perfected for long-term durability, functionality and aesthetics – right here in America. Click here.

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Luvmother


Adding just the right amount of style, versatility, durability and comfort to every kid’s wardrobe.

Founded in 2013 in Montreal, Canada, Luvmother is built on the premise that it is hard to find well-made, long lasting fine clothing for young children in North America. The husband-and-wife founders have roots in the outdoor industry and an eco-conscious approach. Their mission is in line with the North American outdoor specialty marketplace, which prides itself on its land protection origins, responsible manufacturing, great design, commitment to community and preservation of emerging brands in diversified outlets.

Luvmother’s fine merino wool layering systems for lifestyle and outdoor apparel are made using the highest quality products with sustainability in mind; their goal is for each piece to be versatile and durable enough to carry on into the hand-me-down cycle that currently exists in the children’s apparel marketplace. Merino is a perfect fiber for comfort, warmth and durability and Luvmother provides children with clothing they know works for young families like themselves.

“To make something ‘well’ is a decision and there really are no short cuts,” says Luvmother founder and partner Kevin Peacock. “We set out to design clothes that not only fit as they should but are also built from quality, traceable materials and feel good next to skin. We believe clothes should stand the test of time, because something worth doing is worth doing well.”

Luvmother clothing is made for children ages two to eight years. The company is expanding their size range to include three months to 12 years in fall of 2017. The collection ranges from tops, bottoms and leggings to extra generous swaddle blankets, hats and accessories.

The company brand name is composed of “love” and “mother,” two words that are packed with positive meaning. The founders are also giving a nod to all moms, Mother Earth, the mother of invention and the idea that with a little “luv,” anything you put your mind to is possible.

What’s UP PR

Luvmother and What’s UP PR have recently partnered on branding and promotion. “Luvmother is a new generation of committed makers of essential goods to benefit families getting outside and teaching others how to enjoy the outdoors comfortably with enduring products – the premise of this industry,” says Beth Cochran, founder of What’s UP PR about their mutual goals. “We are honored to be on board. Our team is made up of outdoor enthusiasts and parents of all ages. It’s essential to constantly welcome new young members to this tribe of business that are making a positive impact.”

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ESLO Shoes


Kickstarter Campaign is Live!

The Lopez Family wants to make masterfully crafted shoes and boots for your family. It’s a beautiful story, really – all about equality, family and you.

ESLO Craft Goods harnesses 50+ years of authentic shoe-crafting experience to provide your children with modern, sleek and stylish shoes and boots that support and nurture their growing feet. In 1965, the founder’s Grandfather starts this journey in the small town of Jesus Maria, Mexico at a time when men migrate for jobs and women aren’t even allowed to work. Nonetheless, Grandfather advocates on behalf of the local women, and soon, they are the ones helping him build the foundation for the company you see today; one defined by equality, family and passion.

“Our mission is to be the bridge between our family and yours, and build the foundation for a sustainable, philanthropic and innovative children’s shoe company. With your help, we can achieve our dream of sharing Eduardo’s family’s craft with the world and provide your children with the highest quality leather shoe possible.”

Grow With ESLO

The ESLO kickstarter campaign is just days old, and is your chance to have shoes custom made. Ryan Eldridge tells me why the CRT audience will join the journey:

It’s a beautiful story – ESLO’s foundation was built over 50 years ago by providing jobs for women in the local community.

We have generations of experience – Our family has been crafting shoes for three generations. Each pair is imbued with experience, love and quality craftsmanship that has been perfected over this time.

Each shoe is authentically made – We source all our leather from Leon, MX – the leather capital of the western hemisphere. Some of our craftsman have been with the company for decades.

ESLO Shoes: Classic to Modern

During the kickstarter campaign, ESLO is crafting shoes in the classic Wingtip and minimalistic Oxford style, and boots in the modern Chukka style. Perfect for both boys and girls, these shoes are “perfected and refined.” Follow along:

  1. HIGH QUALITY LEATHER – Our shoes and boots are crafted from genuine, all natural leather.
  2. PLUSH LINING – The lining we use provides plush cushioning, giving your child maximum comfort.
  3. FOAM CUSHIONING – This top-layer insole makes each step your child takes relaxed and agreeable.
  4. INSOLE – Our second insole is made of soft, durable leather, which gives your child’s foot a cozy foundation to rest on.
  5. HEEL SUPPORT – This added heel support is the bedrock of each shoe and boot. It keeps everything sturdy and stable.
  6. RUGGED OUTSOLE – The uniquely textured outsole provides maximum traction on virtually any surface
  7. FLEXIBILITY – Our flexibility grooves bend with ease and avoid any material pinching against your child’s foot.
  8. MOISTURE WICKING FABRIC – The moisture wicking material absorbs sweat from the toes, reducing discomfort and smell.

Generational, Diverse and Ready Team

Celina, Eduardo, Lorenc and Ryan are armed with their own unique skill sets. They believe that through their combined passions and efforts, they will use these skills – ranging from experienced product design to streamlined supply chain, quality manufacturing to focused marketing – to provide your children with the most stylish, trendy, comfortable and supportive shoes and boots.

So exciting. Good luck, you guys!