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.

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.”

The 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!

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.

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!

Stuck on You – Primary Sponsor of the Organized Mom Awards 2012

It all started when I innocently created some labels for my son. With word spreading rapidly through the school community, orders started coming in and Stuck on You was born.

-Carrie Felton, owner of Stuck on You

Carrie’s innocent label-creating began in Australia circa 1995, and since then, Stuck On You has grown to be the most recognized name labels company in Australia, offering products in hundreds of countries worldwide, with offices in many regions, including the USA.

Our labels are tough, they have been tested by kids all over the world. Our success has come from word of mouth. Apart from great quality, our products are great fun; they are loved by mums, dads, kids and schools alike.

Looking for labels and more? All of the products from Stuck on You are created out of necessity to make life easier for moms –and their kids. The clever design team is constantly coming up with new designs that your kids will love. And the Stuck on You product line continues to expand with drink bottles, learning books, canvases, height charts, backpacks, lunch boxes, library bags, personalized clothing and more. Carrie and her company have a passion and love for all things organized -she just loves to create time to do the fun things in life, like spending time with family and friends, cooking and entertaining. That’s why Stuck on You is the primary sponsor of the Organized Mom Awards 2012.

Stuck on You USA. Name labels, school labels and personalized gifts can all be created by you on the Stuck on You USA product previewer before you buy. Stuck on You labels are designed to stick and stay stuck.

Stuck for a gift idea? The company ships anywhere in the United States. Choose from the enormous collection of name labels, kids labels, school labels, clothing labels, iron on labels, bag tags, luggage tags, lunchboxes, drink bottles, kids clothing, stationery, wall art and more, then start personalizing with color, design, nearly anything your heart desires- to create your very own personalized Stuck On You USA product. “We love a bargain and we know our customers do too,” Carrie says. “Keep an eye out on our latest offers online for bargains, specials and brand new products.”

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!

Jefferies Socks Loved by Children’s Retailers Everywhere

Jefferies Socks has been a leading manufacturer of socks and tights for 75 years.

The Burlington, NC-based company expanded their product line to include the children’s market in 1962, and now offer everything from basics to fashion for children of all ages.

Our crochet baby bootie collection for baby girls and baby boys are all hand crocheted. They are one of our great sellers.

–Sandra Sullivan, marketing executive for Jefferies Socks

Jefferies is the kind of company that children’s retailers and specialty stores love to do business with. “We bring selection, product expertise, in-store service, quality and prompt delivery to the retailer,” they say. “In addition to our brands, we also offer private label program.” The company also makes socks and tights to wear with school and military uniforms as well as selections for men and women, too.

If you own a children’s store, the Jefferies team makes it easy and fun to buy wholesale, offering online catalogs, a list of showrooms where shop owners can see product, as well as trade show information and online specials. Follow Jefferies Socks on Facebook and Twitter; keep up with company news on Jefferies’ blog, too.

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!

Sugar Plum NY Launches Laundry by Shelli Segal Collection

The sugar plum is a legendary symbol of everything sweet and delectable. And so it is with the delicious selection of girls dresses from Sugar Plum NY, Inc.

Ask for it by name. Sugar Plum’s three signature brand designs are Dorissa, Sugar Plum, and Little Miss, plus the recently introduced The Girls’ Collection from Laundry by Shelli Segal (pictured at right). Find Sugar Plum’s chic-traditional party dresses, Communion and junior-inspired dresses in lux fabrics like shantung, organza, chiffon, taffeta, flocked velvet, satin and sequined lace in rich colors like burgundy, teal, pewter, black and plum. Sweet and delectable, indeed.

Little girls feel special and happy in our dresses -adding joy and festivity to their celebrations. As an owner of Sugar Plum since 1985, I’ve enjoyed working with the finest team, and we hope it’s a special part of their fondest memories.

Sugar Plum president Michael Fallas recently talked to me about what makes Sugar Plum dresses so special.

Designed in the USA. Our collection is designed in-house. We find this hands-on approach much more worthwhile, especially because it involves our entire team from the very beginning.

Making Our Dresses is Extremely Unique. We make sure that each dress in every brand stands on its own, with an individual identity. The collection is based on fun fabrics and trims, intriguing embellishments and an eye-catching colors.

There’s the Perfect Dress for Any Occasion. Interestingly enough, although all of our brands are special occasion dresses, each has a distinct difference. Dorissa is contemporary and updated. Sugar Plum is traditional with our special flair and touch. Little Miss is classically traditional, with sizzle.

We Know Our Brand. We know it’s most important that the consumer be drawn to our attractive, appealing dresses; that they are very pleased with the price; and finally, that they recognize the brand for its integrity and tradition. And we always deliver.

Known for fine quality, trendy fabrics, unique and distinctive styling as well as excellent value, Sugar Plum NY is a wonderful line of chic, sophisticated looks and whimsical, flirty and fun dresses.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

What’s the MeQ™?

Popular actor Ashton Kutcher is one of the very first celebrities to reach one million followers on Twitter. He ranks among the top 10 celebrities liked by fans of Kmart, Oral-B, Sega, Save the Children and Emilio Pucci. Should all these brands rush out and hire him as their spokesperson?

“Not necessarily,” says Sree Nagarajan, founder and CEO Colligent, a technology company specializing in social network data collection and research.

“For brands to make serious marketing decisions using this data, the insight needs to evolve beyond who is popular to who is also relevant for the brand. It is important to have mutual affinity between fans of the brand and the celebrity.”

Colligent -the name stands for “collectively intelligent”– recently released a breakthrough in measuring the strength of connection between fans, brands, media and entertainment entities: MeQ™, or Mutual Engagement Quotient, measures the level and strength of engagement between two entities. The company cross-compares the Facebook “likes,” Twitter “follows” and other engagement behaviors of more than 270 million consumers with an ever-expanding database of 36,000 music, TV, radio, movies, sports, magazines and brands. This information is used to create the MeQ score for every entity tracked in the Colligent system, enabling companies to identify the strongest business building opportunities via brand partnerships, sponsorships, media and communication programs and other wide ranging marketing and promotion activities. “We think of MeQ as measuring the mutual love between two entities, or the ‘I like you, you like me factor,'” Sree says. “Our goal is to help companies identify those relationships where mutual love is the strongest. With this information we believe companies can grow their brand franchises through more successful partnering and increase the success rate of their initiatives.”

Continue reading →

Get to know Sara Sara

Los Angeles, CA-based G.B.Y.M., Inc. is a popular family-owned children’s apparel business

known more widely as Sara Sara –a company designing fashion-forward, sensible, unique dresses and sportswear for girls. Wayne Lee is director of marketing; his sister Amy Chang works as head designer for all labels –Hannah Banana, Baby Sara, The Collection by Sara Sara and Truly Me– with designated designers for each label. Amy’s husband Steve leads the production effort.

We catch up with Wayne and Amy, as they give us an inside look into Sara Sara.

Baby Sara

What does your company name, G.B.Y.M., Inc. stand for?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not Go Bother Your Mom … G.B.Y.M. stands for God Bless You & Me. We have been blessed for the last 20-some-odd years with steady growth in sales and customer base. We do know it has to do with keeping the ‘customers first’ mentality.

Hannah Banana

In your opinion, do girls still love wearing dresses?

There are always events that girls will want to dress up for. Every girl wants to experience them looking her best! No matter the time, the season or the state of our industry, girls will always be girls, so dresses will never be out of fashion.

The Collection by Sara Sara

What’s selling for you? How do you accommodate market trends in your designs?

We try to give our customers the latest fashion, designed with kids in mind. We want our kids to be fashionable, sensible and comfortable. For the coming spring and summer, fashion is trending toward long dresses, wide-legged pants with crop tops … bold prints, ditsy prints and a lot of bright colors; stripes are a must; romantic looks and lace, just to name a few. It’s a certain ‘look’ we achieve while still being age-appropriate and kid-friendly. You’ll see a lot of these elements in our designs this season!

Truly Me

What’s next?

Lately, we’ve received so many requests and proposals from around the world, especially from Asia. Representatives from China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are requesting exclusive contracts and we are evaluating them as we speak. We’ve worked with foreign countries for some years now, but we think we can really hit those foreign markets with a bang.

New company helps retailers navigate internet marketing

Worldwide retail executives struggling to sort out what is current and what is outdated best-practices for

e-marketing, e-commerce, online advertising, sales and marketing, web and design can now access a compilation of tools for google advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), global PR services, and resource directories –all at www.globalb2bcommunications.com.

The high return-on-investment and low risk tools and services compiled on Global B2B Communications are geared to help B2B company executives and other online retailers responsible for cultivating worldwide lead generation.

The resources on this site are based on a very sophisticated understanding of natural language processing, how today’s worldwide search engines really work and how companies can combine state-of-the-art artificial intelligence tools for competitive web analysis with Google AdWord campaigns and Global PR tactics to quickly reap significant ROI from their online marketing investments.”

-Amy Munice, founder

The launch of this website and its companion b2c site slated for future release, marks the culmination of a year+ search to find the best-in-class internet marketing tools. Amy, also president of 20+ year-old PR company ALM Communications Inc., specializes in worldwide PR campaigns with pre-set guarantees and deliverables. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, USA, ALM works with a wide network of technical and trade magazine editors across the globe.

Every day I am visiting websites with long laundry lists of the same keywords on every page -ostensibly because the company is ‘optimizing’ each webpage for every one of these dozen or so terms, not realizing the diminishing returns of that type approach. These signs of out-of-date web marketing approaches are ubiquitous -worldwide.”

All inquiries can be directed to info@almcommunications.com.