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!

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!

Kids.woot

This daily deals e-retailer has built a special consumer community with a style all its own.

When Woot.com débuted in 2004, its main online store offered just one product each day, discounted to the max. The Texas-based Woot Services LLC quickly added more sites to its woot-dom, including Kids.woot, which launched in 2009. About a year later, Woot was acquired by Amazon.com, and is now an independent subsidiary selling products by Woot, Inc.

Kids.woot sells children’s products – “all the accoutrements that make your little bundle of joy so damn expensive,” they say in the spinoff site’s online description. And there you have it – the thing that makes Woot so … special.

Woot Style. For many parents, just visiting Kids.woot is an entertaining adventure, due in large part to the company’s irreverent, funny writing style. The fan-based social community of woot includes a plethora of venues where folks are encouraged to “discuss,” including Kid Woots, Woots Plus, World of Kids.Woot, Everything But Woot and more. Which could make shopping, well –a lot more fun. Sophomoric? Perhaps. But can you get through one visit without at least one woot (i.e. chuckle)?

Cool Cheap Stuff. They say that Woot is “the hope in the eyes of a child when that child realizes you don’t have to pay List Price for cool stuff.” In the end, Kids.woot can give a shopper great new deals every day. Special shopping events, too.

Perhaps that’s all the woot you need.

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!

Red Tricycle

The buy local/shop local movement has inspired a cottage industry of resources to help you find what you’re shopping for locally.

From trend to craze to legitimate movement, buying local is catching on and fast becoming a preferred way to shop. With this spirit, this week I’m focusing on a few children’s specialty resources in my own locality.

Local Family Fun. Described as a digital city guide for parents, Red Tricycle is an online resource for parents. CEO and founder Jacqui Boland and her team are dedicated to helping parents have more fun with their kids, delivering a hot list of local things to see, kid-friendly places to eat, fun ideas for family experiences in the neighborhood and more. The free bi-weekly email newsletter is dedicated to a neighborhood, in fact –in my case, Seattle- as well as Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, SoCal, Chicago, New York … and counting. The company is on its way to becoming “the leader in local family fun in every major metro market,” expanding to almost a 500, 000 readership and poised to offer a mobile app.

For Jacquie, Red Tricycle originally filled a need to connect with other parents who were experiencing the newness of parenthood. The company is always looking for those must-have recommendations from “hip people who happen to be parents, too” – from where to stage fun birthday parties to ideas for kids rooms, travel, Moms Night Out, Daddy DIY and Crafty Mama projects, where to eat, recipes and more.

Known for the Totally Awesome Awards –where users can nominate their “favorite kid everything,” and win prizes, too – Red Tricycle was named the Best Parenting Web Resource, Seattle Magazine in 2007.

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!

keekoo’s New BID2WIN Events

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

New 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.

What’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.

Launched 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!

Exclusive 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.

ON 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!

Razzleberry 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.

AFG 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

Gypsy 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.

Look 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!

Design a YooHoo & Friends Contest

For the first time ever, fans of the best selling plush toy line YooHoo & Friends have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help manufacturer Aurora World design the next YooHoo.

The online contest, hosted on the official YooHoo & Friends Facebook page, asks contestants to download a predesigned template of line art. Then, either by hand drawing or using a computer program such as Photoshop, contestants can design their entries for consideration in an all-new YooHoo dinosaur line to hit stores in April 2013.

Aurora’s judges will review all entries and determine a grand prize winner. The winning design will be made into a special edition YooHoo to début at the industry trade show Toy Fair in 2013.

With over 22 million sold, YooHoo fans expect a lot of enthusiasm for this contest! For more information, please visit YooHoo & Friends on the official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/yoohoofanpage.

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!

Born To Be Sassy

Made in the USA, this line boasts unique boutique designs at very affordable prices.

Alabama-based Born To Be Sassy was born in 2006 and in just six months, outgrew its manufacturing facility! Just like a child.

Today, with more than 51,000 likes on Facebook – the apparel line of appliqué clothing for kids has grown “beyond our wildest dreams,” say the owners. Offering daily sales on social media and free shipping –always … the company makes quality clothes for both girls and boys as unique as your very own child.

We love being a part of those special occasions where only the perfect outfit will do.

How do they do this? One word: personalize, baby. (OK, that’s two words, but who’s counting?) Born To Be Sassy clothing can be monogrammed with your child’s name or initials, creating an “only-for-me” outfit your child will love.

I especially love the fun and easy “How to Shop” promotion Born To Be Sassy’s doing on Facebook.

Boo-ya! It’s timely, affordable –and fun! Thanks to my sister-in-law for introducing me to Born To Be Sassy.

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 Have a Winner in the OMAs!

Premiere Organized Mom Awards sponsor Stuck On You donates $1000 to Regina Food Bank for Local Mom

When Kathryn Lavallee was growing up, her family didn’t have much money. Often, she and her siblings were convinced that they would run out of food. “No child should ever have to feel that fear,” she says.

Kathryn is the newly crowned winner of the Organized Mom Awards 2012 (OMAs) –an exciting new way for moms to share tips, favorite things and fun stuff that makes life easier for families everywhere. And as part of this honor, Kathryn is presenting a check of $1000 to her favorite charity –the Regina Food Bank in Regina, Saskatchewan, her hometown. “Thanks to the Food Bank, children are able to sleep knowing there will be a meal waiting for them the next day,” Kathryn says. “It’s not just about providing food to families, it’s about giving children the feeling of security that so many of us take for granted.”

With a total cash prize of $2000, OMA sponsor Stuck on You also presented Kathryn with $1000, donating a second $1000 to the charity of her choice on her behalf. “To be able to give such a wonderful gift to a cause I support so strongly is going to be an incredible experience and I am honored that the Organized Mom Awards has given me the chance to do that.”

Entries came in from families of all descriptions and all sizes, all with an organized mom at the center.

100 Words or Less. Throughout the summer, moms from all over Canada and the United States entered the OMAs by explaining in 100 words or less what makes them feel like an organized mom, sharing their top three tips for organization. Friends and family were able to vote for their favorites on the OMA Facebook page. “The common thread was that moms are doing the very best they can and have developed the most inventive and creative ways of managing their families and keeping organized,” says Carrie Felton, Stuck on You owner and mom of three boys. The Award judges enjoyed reading all of the wonderful entries and were overwhelmed by the hard work, dedication and care that so many moms are providing to their families. “We loved Kathryn’s entry because it was genuine, had the perfect balance of humor and humility … and we all agreed that we will be using her tips.”

Kathryn is a mom of two boys and the editor of Mommy Kat and Kids, a blog offering solutions that make life a little easier for busy moms and their families. Here’s a little of what Kathryn shared in her OMA entry:

I am nominating myself not because I am the most organized person in the world; I am not. But if improvement is considered, I’ve got this one in the bag! I went from total slob to Manager Mom after the birth of my boys and while I’m still learning as I go, I can’t help but be proud of how far I’ve come!

Read Kathryn’s Top Three Tips here.

Children’s Retail Today is a very proud media sponsor of the OMAs, where I shared a few of my favorite children’s companies that also support charitable causes with panache. In addition to Kathryn’s prize, the top 30 entries who received the most votes will also receive a voucher from Stuck on You.

Stay tuned for some exciting news from Stuck on You later this fall!

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!

Big Ideas at Small Concept

Launched in 2011, Atlanta, GA-based Small Concept caters to new moms as well as fashionista kids.

Small Concept is an online children’s boutique offering a wonderful array of brand name kids clothing, including Daily Tea, Wonderboy, Appaman and more. Small Concept also caters to new moms, offering maternity clothing for expecting mothers, baby clothing, diapers, baby gear and other accessories.

If you’re a parent who can appreciate fashion and enjoy the quality and luxury of designer clothing, then you’re going to want the same for your little ones.

Designer kids clothes is Small Concept’s specialty. Be sure to check out the New Arrivals section, and the Sale section features the latest in children’s clothing at a discounted price.

“Small Concept was created out of not only the absolute love of babies and children, but the fascination for their style as well,” they say. “All of our designer kids clothes, baby clothing and other items are made with the highest in standards for you and your tiny tot.”

Organized Mom Awards Supporter. Small Concept recently gave away a $200 voucher, in support of the Organized Mom Awards. Cecilia Charm told them how shopping online at Small Concept helped her to be an organized mom –and she won the prize! She gets to chose from top quality clothing labels to create new wardrobes for her kids! Have you entered the Organized Mom Awards yet? Enter here. Contest ends August 19.

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!