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.

The 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.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Pink Pewter Purseline Collection

The popular accessories brand just launched a new line of stunning handbags due for delivery in May.

Pink Pewter, the brand synonymous with high-fashion accessories that are fun, edgy and favorites of fashion-savvy girls and women all over creation, has just launched a new, gorgeous couture collection of handbags! Trendy as ever- beautifully jeweled clutches suitable for a range of looks, from runway elegance to casual nights out with your friends … each piece also complements Pink Pewter’s signature design and style.

Retailers and Buyers – Handbags can only be purchased by phone (888-214-5678) or by contacting your sales rep.(sales@pinkpewter.com). Visit Pink Pewter at upcoming markets at the Dallas Market Center, International Gift Show, Atlanta Apparel, Stylemax, and ATS.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

pediped®

The Nevada-based footwear company plans to open 20 retail boutiques within the next three to five years.

Award-winning children’s brand pediped® is also an American favorite- known for exceptional quality and comfort, the distinctive styling has made it fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. The company is also known for its philanthropic efforts; in 2012, pediped was awarded the coveted Earnie Award for Company for Good for their philanthropy efforts of nearly $2 million.

pediped® footwear is currently sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with more than 140 designs for boys and girls available, including the signature lines Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and FLEX®. In an effort to solidify its global recognition as the gold standard in children’s footwear, the company plans the opening of 20 retail stores within the next three to five years, providing an ideal setting for parents looking to gain more access to the endless styles and benefits of the popular footwear.

We are working hard to give our international customers direct access to the endless benefits of pediped®. We will continue to look at these markets and are excited to open more doors both domestic and international.

-pediped founder Angela Edgeworth

In addition to celebrating the opening branded boutiques in Las Vegas, pediped has opened stand-alone retail stores and in-store boutiques in Shanghai and Beijing, China, expanding to the Czech Republic with stores in Prague and Brno, through a partnership with Nohel Group®.

Another Hilary Abbott Communications, Inc. client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Desigual

This Spanish sweetheart of fashion continues to amaze and delight.

Stop by any children’s trade show, market center floor or showroom these days, and one word seems to dominate buyers’ conversations:

Desigual. With that unusual “s”.

Pronounced de’-zē-gwal and roughly translated from Spanish to English as “different, unequal,” this global apparel company for people of all ages continues to take the children’s market by storm – thanks to a characteristically different, optimistic, uninhibited approach to clothing and accessories. The company’s eye-popping colors and innovative designs dress kids in all shades of happy. The company even teamed with Cirque du Soliel on the Rainbow collection, an artistic line for little ones inspired by the magical world of the circus.

Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the company makes clothes that touch the emotions. Producing at sites worldwide, carefully selected for their exacting ethical codes, Desigual designs surprise attendees each year at events such as MAGIC Marketplace Las Vegas, Bread & Butter Berlin, Who’s Next Paris and more –it’s now available for children’s buyers at The Rose Garden in New York … not to mention shoppers everywhere.

Quality of Life Clothing. Thirty years ago, Swiss-born founder and creative director Thomas Meyer envisioned a future where people dressed in a different way, in clothes that helped generate positive feelings, affordable to all. Ever since, Desigual – the business and the brand – emanates positivism, commitment, tolerance, constant improvement, innovation and fun. Today’s huge staff encompasses at least 30 different nationalities. For those that work – and wear – it, Desigual is a state of mind, as reflected in Desigual Kids’ optimistic, carefree mood – a kids collection that’s been introduced every season since 2004.

Desigualization. Desigual already enjoys a significant presence in the American market -and this is just part of the company’s future focus: to ‘desigualize’ the world. Perhaps it’s the fact that the company is wholly committed to the customer, creating experiences for them and getting them to share in the evolution of the brand. Or maybe it’s the founding philosophy inherent in each new collection.

Whatever attracts kids and parents to Desigual, it’s working.

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! Portions re-purposed from Desigual – A Global Sensation, written by Beth L. Gainer for HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review.

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!

Nancy Rosenzweig Joins Scandinavian Child

The company that brings you the Beaba, líllébaby and Svan brands has a new president.

As children’s shop owners and retailers gear up for several high profile trade shows this month, you may enjoy hearing about this industry news. North Carolina-based Scandinavian Child (SCI), a juvenile products company known for innovative lines of functional and stylish children’s products, appoints Nancy Rosenzweig as CEO and president. Nancy brings more than two decades of experience at the forefront of business growth for companies such as Ikea North America, Toms of Maine, Bright Horizons, Zip Car and The Natural Dentist.

This is an exciting time at Scandinavian Child. We are moving the company forward, establishing ourselves as a significant player in several key juvenile categories. We are committed to keeping the great design that SCI has become recognized for and keeping social responsibility at the forefront of everything we do.

Brenda Berg, founder of Scandinavian Child remains with the company as an owner, director and advisor. As a leading expert and advocate for juvenile product safety, Brenda will ensure SCI continues to stay ahead of the curve as a most trusted brand for parents and retailers. She is a current board member of All Baby & Child (ABC) and a post Chair of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

“I have always had a passion for companies that benefit children,” Nancy says. “Scandinavian Child continues to present a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the quality of life and well being of children and families through our commitment to design, functionality and – most important – safety.” Built on the company philosophy “Childhood Without Compromise,” all SCI products meet the company’s criteria of innovative design, usefulness and safety.

Nancy recently appointed Brandi Royal Washington as marketing director to direct all marketing and communications for SCI and its brands. Brandi joins the company after eight years with advertising agency Brogan & Partners and five years running her own consultancy, BRANDilly Marketing + Creative, where she specialized in branding growth-phase businesses.

In addition, SCI has partnered with Marson Management, LLC and its team of seven sales reps to service territories in the United States and Canada:

Caroline Larkin – DE/NY/NJ/PA & New England
Pete Cohen – Mid Atlantic & Southeast
Rob Greenberg – Midwest
Dan Zielke/Jennifer Fasold – Northwest & Western Canada
Pam Brown – Southwest & Eastern Canada
Alison Bates – Major Retailers
Alison Bates/Pam Brown – Southern U.S.

“I’ve worked as a consultant with SCI for the past two years and I am excited to expand our involvement and confident we will be an integral part of their growth,” says Alison Bates, Marson’s founder and president, which is representing SCI’s Svan and Beaba brands. Say hello to the new sales rep team at the All Baby and Child Expo in Louisville, KY, October 14-17. SCI will be located in the Modern Child Section at Booth #4039

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!

Bluebird Blanket

This new line of American-made blankets and throws for style-conscious moms delights with eco-friendly sophistication.

Bluebird Blanket is a line of super soft, eco-friendly baby blankets that feature kid-friendly themes children can grow with and sophisticated colors that easily complement any family’s décor -in the nursery and throughout the rest of the home.

The Bluebird Blanket collection includes three styles, with additional introductions planned throughout the year. The Animal blanket wrangles a menagerie of creatures big and small, including rhinos, giraffes, turtles, elephants and owls. The inviting color combinations include beige and cream, pink and gray, and dark linen and orange spice. The Transportation blanket is every boy’s dream with trucks, cars, bikes, scooters and road signs in gold on navy. Bold chevron stripes in linen and milk and navy and milk combinations promise a smooth transition from the nursery to the big kid room and beyond.

Made in the USA. “Bluebird Blanket is proudly manufactured in the U.S. We’re thrilled to support the American textile industry and keep Americans working,” says owner Brenda Anderson. “Plus, manufacturing here allows us to have greater control over quality and deliveries. It also allows us to have superior speed to market with new products that reflect current market trends.”

The blankets are made from 74% pre-consumer recycled cotton fibers. Each is generously sized, measuring 31″ by 42″ They are mid weight and washer and dryer safe.

Débuts at ABC Kids Expo. Children’s shop owners and retailers get a chance to see the Bluebird Blanket line up close and personal by visiting booth #2746 at the ABC Kids Expo October 14-17. You may recognize the name Brenda Anderson – her company, Bluebird Sales & Distribution, represents the Mum 2 Mum brand, selling and marketing its whole juvenile products range. Bluebrid Blanket is her own brand.

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!

Sneak Peek at New Collection from Mixed Up Clothing

Mixed Up Clothing débuts Global Citizens collection at ENK Children’s Club.

Sonia Kang is exhibiting at her first children’s trade show October 21-23 in New York City! The owner and creative executive of Mixed Up Clothing –a wonderfully colorful and trendy line of clothes for kids- is introducing her brand at ENK Children’s Club at booth #1825 with a Spring/Summer 2013 collection called Global Citizens. Here’s a sneak peek!

Friendship Through Fabrics. Founded in 2007, the multi-ethnic children’s clothing line based in California is inspired by the textiles, cultures and people of the world, to develop friendships through fabrics. Sonia infuses diverse styles with cultural twists, blending materials and designs from all corners of the world.

My inspiration for this collection continues to be the mission of Mixed Up Clothing: to showcase and celebrate different cultures utilizing fabrics from all over the world. Not everyone gets to travel outside the country so each garment includes a little story to teach kids where the fabric is from. When we learn about the diversity around us, we can begin to accept one another and find unity in our differences.

For those interested, ENK Children’s Club is one of today’s premiere trade shows covering the entire market in children’s clothing, infant and fashion accessories, including layette items and footwear for newborn to pre-teen. Held four times a year in New York City in January, March, August and October, buyers and boutique owners can make appointments to view Mixed Up Clothing’s collection by make emailing zenia@mixedupclothing.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!

Last American Brand

The folks at the Rose Garden showroom in New York City just introduced me to a wonderful fashion find.

Last American Brand is the freshest thing to hit the boys market!

Cool, trendy premium tees … hoodies and pants for boys and kids – Last American Brand is not only Made in the USA (California, to be exact), all the designs, marketing, photography and distribution of these knitted goods are also produced locally at the company’s studios and manufacturing houses.

All of our garments are one of a kind; no two are exactly alike.

Last American Brand makes what they call True Grit American Knit – the knitting, marking, cutting, sewing, dying and printing are completed in the United States.

Inspired by the diversity of the United States –the land and its people- Last American Brand is committed to bringing quality clothing and American design to the kids of the world. Now in its second year, the line expands to include a selection of hoodies and woven bottoms with individual style and unique washes.

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 33^rd 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 33^rd 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 33^rd. The building spans the block, through to West 32^nd 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 33^rd 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!