CURATE @ Children’s Club

Children’s Club débuts CURATE, an elevated showcase for global children’s wear collections.

Children’s Club returns to New York’s Jacob Javits Center August 5-7 with a selection of the best children’s brands in the market across newborn to age 12, layette items, fashion accessories, footwear, toys and gifts.

This August, the show débuts a new destination that highlights the most elevated children’s collections from the SS’19 season, re-imagines the show floor to offer a new perspective of the kidswear marketplace and will serve as the destination for retailers to engage with the most innovative designers in children’s fashion.

“Our mission for 2018/2019 is to build the momentum behind the children’s wear market and unify the children’s community on both a domestic and global scale. The launch of CURATE is the first step in developing more aspirational neighborhoods that continue our mission to reimagine the children’s market,” VP and Brand Director Shawn Hazan says. “The area will offer our retailers a platform for exploration, discovery and networking with an elevated selection of well-merchandised brands. We’re launching Curate with over 45 internationally-inspired collections, an unprecedented representation for Children’s Club.”

A “neighborhood” at the entrance to the show, the new CURATE @ Children’s Club features as well-known brands from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, The U.S., Canada and Turkey: 3 Pommes, KENZO, Lil’ Lemons by For Love and Lemons, Petite Coco and Tartine et Chocolat. In addition, actress and lifestyle expert Haylie Duff will also be at the show with brand, Little Moon Society.

More new things at the August edition of Children’s Club:

FRESH @ Children’s Club – In response to retailer request, Children’s Club is proud to feature over 100 new, emerging and never seen before collections at market.

The Classroom @ Children’s Club – In response to conversations with both brands and buyers, Children’s Club launches The Classroom, an ongoing educational experience designed to address hot topic items impacting the children’s retail community.

UBM Fashion and Children’s Club

In June 2018, UBM Fashion combined with Informa PLC to form UBM Fashion, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B event organizer in the world. Children’s Club, the international exhibition featuring every category of children’s clothing from newborn to age 12, layette items, fashion accessories, footwear, toys and gifts, is now organized by UBM Fashion.

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

JPMA Baby Show

The JPMA Baby Show is poised to become the industry’s premier trade show and leading consumer baby show franchise in North America.

The 2nd Annual JPMA Baby Show is March 20-24, 2018 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. Part of The Baby Show Series created by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) in partnership with Family Media, LLC, this event provides a world-class trade show experience with three days of a trade show floor, two days of educational conferences and one of the largest consumer baby shows in North America.

Providing parents and caregivers with new, innovative, well-designed products at retail is essential to the health and vitality of the juvenile products industry. The JPMA Baby Show is where industry leaders discuss relevant safety issues, educate the industry, connect with consumers and provide a showcase to launch and sell new products.

Registration Now Open

The JPMA Baby Show is the only juvenile products industry event in North America that combines an educational conference, trade show and consumer day rolled into one event. Admission to the trade show/education conference is open to businesses in juvenile products and related industries.

manufacturers, their representatives and distributors
national and specialty retailers
social influencers
the press
licensors
service providers
entrepreneurs
standards organizations
child safety-focused NGO’s
non-profit organizations

Estimated 2,000 – 3,000 Attendees

JPMA member manufacturers are the leading sources of new and innovative products.

Learn what’s new, what’s trending and how you can drive your retail business forward to success through seminars and workshops at a JPMA University Session.
Connect with suppliers, designers, social influencers, media and entrepreneurs from across North America and around the world.
Discover new products, check out the JPMA Innovations Award-winning products and learn about the research findings that can change your business.

The Baby Show Series kicked off in May 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center with JPMA’s conference and trade show followed by the one-day Anaheim Baby Show for consumers. The inaugural event hosted over 300,000 sq. ft. of curated exhibit space. JPMA is an international trade organization of more than 200 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico – manufacturers, importers and distributors of prenatal to preschool products. Each year, JPMA sponsors Baby Safety Month in September to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use and selection of juvenile products. Family Media reaches over 120,000 families per month through print magazines, online platforms and local community events, including the New York Baby Show -the largest consumer show for new and expectant families in the country- and the New York Family Camp Fair Series and education recognition awards, among others.

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

Hoot Company Inspires Imagination Through Play

Get to know the new Hoot Company at this week’s Atlanta International Gift Show.

The folks at Hoot Company® believe childhood should be a hoot (very cute) – and offers unique, high-quality toys and books that focus on fun and imagination. Columbus, Ohio-based parents and entrepreneurs Kerri and David Love have created this new toy company to follow their passion for igniting their own young children’s imaginations – and now they’re excited to be introducing their two-year-old company to the children’s gift industry at The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Visit them in Bldg. 3, Fl. 3, Booth #404.

Introducing Lovelets Plush Animals & Princess Kitty Butterfly – the First Toy Collection & Children’s Book

Hoot Company is entering the toy and gift markets with two initial brands that demonstrate the company’s commitment to fun and imagination: Lovelets® plush animal friends and Princess Kitty Butterfly®, an illustrated, read-along book and accompanying plush animal.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our company to those in the market looking for high-quality toys and books that inspire children’s imaginations. As parents ourselves, we believe children learn best through play and have made it our mission to create a family of toys that foster open-ended play.”

Lovelets® plush animals are one of two exclusive Hoot Company toy brands launching in Atlanta. The Lovelets collection features six super soft, 13.5-inch plush animal characters, each with a unique feature – arms that reach out as if to say, “Let’s Hug!”

“Lovelets ‘hugging arms’ encourage the positive and powerful act of hugging, which builds trust and a sense of safety, and also elevates mood and happiness. Not only do these adorable animals provide children hugs when they may need extra comfort on daily adventures, but they empower children to nurture others with hugs in return.”

Hoot Company is also introducing an illustrated, read-aloud picture book entitled, Princess Kitty Butterfly, about a chubby cat who dreams of becoming a butterfly. Readers follow Princess Kitty on an adventure and learn themes of self-confidence, perseverance and imagination. The book is available as a stand-alone item and also available as a gift set with an 8-inch plush toy.

“‘Princess Kitty Butterfly’ teaches young readers that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. As with all Hoot Company toys and books, we hope it will inspire children’s imaginations and foster positive emotional growth through fun and play.”

After the Loves recognized many toys in the market today are void of imagination, diversity and positive emotional messaging, they set out on a mission to bring toys to the market that spark imaginations and encourage open-ended play. Hoot Company is an entirely new kind of toy company formed a wholesale distributor. Toys, games and books will be available through independent, specialty, children’s gift and online retailers, as well as bookstores.

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!

Hong Kong Trade Development Council News

More than 106,000 buyers attend 4 major trade shows to start the new year.

A New Record. Nearly 2,900 exhibitors took part in four shows, which opened on January 6: the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair and HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show. Over 106,000 buyers attended the show, an increase of 5% over the previous year.

Happy Birthday! The Toy Fair, the largest of its kind in Asia and second-largest in the world, celebrated 40 years with two new areas of business, this year. Smart-Tech Toys and Therapy Toys. Here’s a video:

Emerging Markets. “Most Toy Fair buyers came from the Chinese mainland, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the United States,” says Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) deputy executive director Benjamin Chau. “Participation from emerging markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East grew significantly; mature markets like the United Kingdom, Canada and Korea also recorded good increases.”

The HKTDC organized more than 160 buying missions counting nearly 10,000 buyers to the four fairs. Among them were major importers and distributors, including the US’s Toys “R” Us, Japan’s Tokyu Hands, Korea’s CJO Shopping, Russia’s Brainy Brats, the mainland’s yhd.com and JD.COM, and Thailand’s The Mall Group.

Mr. Chau says that the HKTDC would step up its promotional efforts in emerging markets, inviting more local buyers to Hong Kong to help Hong Kong companies capture new market opportunities.

Small Orders, Big Business. The Small-Order Zone was once again set up at the Toy Fair, as well as the Baby Products and Stationery fairs. Some 110 showcases displayed products, which were available in quantities from 20 to 1,000 pieces. Nearly 7,000 buyers visited the zone during the four-day-fair period, generating over 16,000 business connections.

Response to the Smart-Tech Toys zone was strong. One of the zone’s exhibitors, Roam & Wander Ltd, presented TuTu, a rabbit powered by an iPhone app. Marketing Manager Casper Chen says that TuTu was popular among buyers. The product was awarded this year’s “Best of the Fair: Electronic & Remote Control Toys,” at the Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards.

Quality Buyers. Ken Lo, general manager of educational toy maker Eastcolight, says fair traffic was strong. “The quality of buyers and demand were high,” he says. Mr. Lo expects his company’s sales to go up some 5% this year.

Suitable Suppliers. Sebastian Wetzel, CFO of Babyloop, a German online shopping site specializing in baby products, says he had found suitable suppliers at the Baby Products Fair. “We plan to buy a variety of products at the fair, including baby bibs, diapers and sleeping bags. We target to place US$80,000-US$100,000 in on-site orders.”

Russia’s Begemott, with 88 outlets in the country, sells baby toys and games and owns nine brands. The company’s project manager, Evstratova Xenia, says she found the scale of the fair impressive, adding that she had found two quality suppliers through the fair’s business-matching service, and was pleased with the outcome.

The Toy Fair, the Baby Products Fair and the International Licensing Show are organized by the HKTDC, while the Stationery Fair ia organized by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

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

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!

Samantha Conner Designs

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Work-from-Home Mompreneur, this spunky Texas-based designer is making it in the USA.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Samantha Conner has always had a passion for creating beautiful things. So after her first child was born prematurely and she needed to stay home, her passion took an unexpected turn.

Six years after selling her first hair bow at local craft fair -a hobby she started during her children’s nap time that blossomed into a successful home business- she’s taking her love of fun fabric combinations and bright style to the next level, and launching her own girls clothing line.

Made in the USA. Beautiful clothing and hair accessories for girls size 2T-6, Samantha Conner Designs (SCD) is a fresh take on girl’s fashion, featuring bold pattern, rich colors and lots of playful details. Created with what Samantha describes as “the busy girl” in mind, her first collections embody the idea that style and comfort go hand-in-hand. Her two daughters inspire her designs -and now, she’s noticed even they have an eye for fabric, and are learning to sew!

Manufactured locally in Garland, TX, SCD recently launched wholesale at the Dallas Market Center and is available in children’s boutiques all over the US and online. She continues to maintain a custom handmade shop at Etsy.com. Future plans for SMD include growing the business through online sales and local trunk shows.

If I can do it, then anyone can. I feel lucky that I have had the opportunity to pursue my passion. I hope that I can help others do the same by sharing my story.

Crafty Texas Girls. Want to know more about how you can live an inspired, creative life? Follow Samantha’s blog, Crafty Texas Girls, where she documents her journey of balancing motherhood, creativity and running a small business, following her dreams and turning a hobby into a thriving business.

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! SCD Photography by Erin Morman of Splendor Photography and Kristis Mills Photography.

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.

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!