Introducing Loubilou

In this new global marketplace, independent designers and small merchants rule –and shoppers can find very unique “childrensware.”

First introduced in the UK and now launching in Australia, Loubilou (Loubilou.com.au in Australia) is an online selling platform for independent retailers offering children’s clothing, gifts, toys and accessories.

We search far and wide to find the most unique and delightful childrensware, and then bring it together in one hub. In this way, we humbly aim to make the world just a little bit smaller.

Loubilou offers only merchandise that is well-made and not mass-produced, giving both buyers and sellers a personalized shopping experience far more authentic than department stores, or even other e-commerce sites.

How? “Most parents have limited time and rely on retailers from large shopping centres to shop for their children,” says founder Heath Kane, father of two, award-winning designer and also the former creative director of global marketing firm Sapient. “I noticed my kids -and all their friends- were looking like little department store clones.”

Heath recognized that a child’s individuality is important, but he was very frustrated trying to find one single website offering the kind of clothing, toys and accessories that took that personal style to heart, much less all in one place. So he created it.

This Stuff is Cute. Both Loulibou sites cater to parents with youngsters up to the age of 10, a one-stop shop for high-quality, boutique children’s goods from independent sellers, designers and craftspeople around the world (I particularly like Clareoncloud9’s adorable cloud with smiley faced rain drops). Heath plans to integrate both sites within the next six months to provide a global marketplace for children’s indies –and their fans.

The Loubilou’s are open to any independent merchants or designers that fit the criteria of “high quality, unique and independent.” It’s free to join and there’s no lock in.

“Our mission is to build a platform to give small businesses a voice in a world dominated by big corporate players and to bring small wonders and delight to children through a world of cool stuff,” says Bree Jessup, manager of Loubilou Australia.

Connect with Loubilou on Facebook.

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

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!

Truly Sanctuary

After spotting this truly adorable little man on Fab.com recently, I simply had to know more about his t-shirt.

TrulySanctuary is one of those unique and unctuous Etsy shops featuring t-shirts and one-zies for kids with “clever design motifs that will appeal to painfully hip toddlers, studiously urbane children, and assiduously influential adults.” Luckily for Truly, the clothing comes in big kid and adult sizes, too.

Co-creators Ron and Beth Remsberg named the shop after their daughter, Truly-Louise, and started at Etsy – “We only came in here cause we thought we smelled cake.” They make their creations with favorite materials “unicorn love and laser beams.” Even after their second daughter Normandy Mae was born -only 13 months younger than Truly- each inspired piece is still handmade by Ron and Beth “in their very busy home full of love.”

Who wouldn’t want something made from that?

We escaped the rat race. We don’t drive, we use our feet and bicycles. We don’t clock in for anyone. We live simply and embrace community. Love tops our to-do list. Our designs reflect us … when we connect with a customer, we connect with a like-mind.

Quirky Happiness. It was one of Beth’s aha moments that got Ron feeling better about where their lives were headed –straight for entrepreneurship. “A ridiculous snapshot of Ron wearing a giant fake mustache instantly came to mind,” they say on their site. After purchasing everything she needed, Beth carried out Operation Cheer Up Daddy. She ended up designing the first TrulySanctuary one-zie, a garment that made Ron laugh and feel loved, truly loved. It didn’t take long before the Remsbergs started making personal experiences using fashion for all of their friends, and then some.

It looks alike everyone’s taking notice, 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!

Chirp

What better way to welcome the first day of Spring than with a little chirp-chirp?

“Chirp is an online clothing shop featuring classic wardrobe staples with a fun and unexpected twist,” owner Adrienne F. Hofmann tells me. “I create and design all the products that you see on the site.”

Adrienne started her Connecticut-based online business (my home State!) to answer this often-asked question:

Babies are cute just on their own, but how much cuter are they in mini versions of adult styles?

Welcome to The Chirp Shop! With this inspiration, Adrienne gave the classic polo shirt a little bit of pizzazz by building in an element of surprise –for those occasions that warrant unexpected creative expression as well as for those that don’t. She calls them her signature “popped” collars, which can be worn folded down. And this is just the beginning …

Everyone loves to give something to a new mother that will make her feel special and make their baby look irresistibly stylish. And so, after trial and error and lots of work and support from my family and friends and their babies, Chirp was born!

Adrienne strives to make the shopping experience at Chirp as easy as possible, with simple ordering of beautifully hand crafted, comfortable clothing and accessories made from 100% cotton, that’s tagless, too! Fast, flat-rate shipping adds to the ease. Styles are made for infants, with matching toddler sizes available for your other “Chirpmeisters” – you can even enter the Chirpmeister of the Month contest by tagging Chirp in a photo and posting it to the facebook page, or emailing the photo to Chirp. New designs include bucket hats, hoodies, longsleeved shirts and more – like the adorable Tulle Belt, with tutu included! I also like the little plush birdies.

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!

The Magical Mrs. Iptweet and Me

Mayfield Media launches an Etsy Shop of original fine art and kids lit by Barbara Mayfield.

Barbara Mayfield is a child’s treasure. A gifted artist, painter, performer and children’s author/illustrator who not only does improv, “the biggest surprise in a life full of surprises has been becoming a professional puppeteer,” she says. Through her company Mayfield Media, Barbara’s work “engages, inspires, encourages and educates audiences through humor, hilarity and riveting stories not to be forgotten” – not the least of which is her award-winning children’s story, The Magical Mrs. Iptweet and Me.

Reading Mrs. Iptweet gave me the same feeling as having the sweetest, most imaginative grandmother in the world.

-Jillian Brasch, fan

The first in a series of pre-teen fiction, The Magical Mrs. Iptweet and Me tells the story of Prudence Fish Hornby, a nine-and-a-half-year-old with a curious name and a broken heart. All of life looks dull and sad and hopeless to Prudy, until a certain artist-gardener-Parade Specialist moves into 406 Durham Street –that would be Mrs. Iptweet. The enchanting, whimsical, funny story is Barbara’s first, which she also illustrated, published by Santa Fe, NM-based Azro Press, and winner of several industry awards, including the 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Barbara lives in Santa Fe and studied writing with esteemed children’s author and teacher Jennifer Owings Dewey. She’s working on several more Iptweet stories, planning e-books. “Mrs. Iptweet, in Book 2, will be very interested in star-gazing and astronomy,” she tells her Facebook fans.

A graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Barbara recently opened a shop on Etsy.com, where fans can buy her original artwork and her children’s literature.

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!

Little Quadoo Consignment

Search the words, “shop local” “buy local” and you’ll find quite the populated list of results on your computer screen.

From trend to craze to legitimate movement, buying local is catching on and fast becoming a preferred way to shop. The movement has inspired a cottage industry of resources to help you find what you’re shopping for locally, too –from the aol.com partner Patch.com to local campaigns from RelyLocal.com, ShopLocal.com and more. And moms have led the cause.

In the spirit of buying local, this week I’m focusing on a few children’s specialty retailers in my own locality.

Do you Quadoo? Established in 2010, Little Quadoo Consignment is located in downtown Renton, WA and offers “one of the least stressful kids shopping experiences you’ll ever have,” say the folks at red tricycle, a local resource for parents, which recently gave Little Quadoo the 2012 Totally Awesome Award as Sensational Resale Store. “They have quite a thorough item acceptance policy, so moms won’t have to worry about quality being second-rate.”

Owner Danielle Gould has filled a real need in the Renton area, with a specialty kids shop where customers can consign and purchase children’s merchandise. With over 800 consigner accounts, Little Quadoo focuses on gently used, high-quality children’s clothing and accessories up to size 10, and carries a wide range of other things like shoes, gifts, books, toys and maternity. The store has also built a nice online community on Facebook, too –where neighbors connect with Danielle and her team, finding out about everything from sales to particular items for sale.

Custom Orders. Looking for a unique birthday gift? Little Quadoo fills orders for custom-made capes. Retailing for just $14, you can pick the color and the super hero letter, too.

Danielle tells the Renton Patch that the “quadoo” in Little Quadoo is a made-up word her son Nathaniel uses for garage doors.

Little Quadoo Consignment, 601 S 3rd St., Renton WA 98057, 425-572-6261

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!

Creative Mom Toys

From trend to craze to legitimate movement, buying local is catching on and fast becoming a preferred way to shop.

Search the words, “shop local” “buy local” and you’ll find quite the populated list of results on your computer screen. The movement has inspired a cottage industry of resources to help you find what you’re shopping for locally, too –from the aol.com partner Patch.com to local campaigns from RelyLocal.com, ShopLocal.com and more. And moms have led the cause.

In the spirit of buying local, this week I’m focusing on a few children’s specialty retailers in my own locality.

Creative Mom Toys. Owner Cheri Saburi opened Creative Mom Toys in Renton, WA’s The Landing on Black Friday 2010. Located south of Seattle, the store is a treasure trove of educational and developmental toys for children of all ages, including their parents.

This store is for parents who want to give their kids ‘toys with a purpose.’ Everything has been carefully selected for both its entertainment and fun value. Great toys and online store!

-Thomas K, Renton

Engaging Creativity. Cheri says the mission of Creative Mom Toys is to encourage children to play without the need for modern technology. “We know how hard it is to find rich and engaging products that stimulate, educate and enrich the minds of our children,” she says. Shoppers can find wooden toys, entertaining books and more from top notch companies such as Haba, Melissa and Doug, Automoblox, Manhattan Toy, P’Kolino, Plan Toys, Back Alley Traders, Workman Publishing, Kathe Kruse, Vilac, Seedling, Green Toys, Uncle Goose, Eeboo, Mudpuppy and others. She’s always excited to learn about new products, too -especially from her customers. “Send us an email explaining what you’d be interested in and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.”

In 2005, Cheri started her store online while living in Japan –and with its success, opened her first brick-and-mortar storefront based in the U.S. Since then, Creative Mom Toys has received the Parent Best Toy Store Award of 2011 as well as being honored as a finalist in Red Tricycle’s 2012 Totally Awesome Awards for Best Toy Store.

Cheri’s career specialty is education, having spent time working in several local school districts before taking time to raise her own children. Kids and parents can also enjoy custom birthday parties and other special activities and events held in Creative Mom Toy’s fun and colorful space. Shop for bags and children’s accessories, too.

Creative Mom Toys at The Landing in Renton, 840 N. 10th Pl. Suite A, Renton WA 98057, 206-388-3940

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!