children’s retail blogs

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Hatch Things


070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_logoSimple solutions for smart parents.

A city-dwelling Mom to three boys –and an industrial designer to boot- Sonjie Feliciano Solomon founded Brooklyn, NY-based Hatch Things so she could focus her design skills on kids and the stuff that surrounds them. Speaking of designing smart, modern products for urban parents, Hatch Things recently introduced two products to the market:

SureShop™ is a reusable shopping bag with a patent pending design that that won’t let your stroller fall over. It redistributes weight towards the stroller’s center of gravity to keep it standing upright. The bag clips to umbrella strollers, most single handlebar strollers, shopping carts, chair backs, bike handles and more – plus it holds up to 10 pounds on each side. Watch a video:

070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_ColdsnapColdSnap™ is a coat extender that uses body heat and an optional thermal insert to keep mom and baby warm and dry. The patent-pending, waterproof, draft-proof design clips to the edges of your coat and wraps around either your baby bump (when coats don’t fit anymore) or your new little one. It also comes with a reversible hood, so baby can face inward or outward. Plus, I love the name!

HatchThings got ink! “Since we introduced SureShop in October at ABC Kids, the response has been very positive and momentum is building,” Sonjie tells me. “It has been featured as a great problem-solving product  in many online and print magazines including Real Simple, Pregnancy & Newborn, Apartment Therapy, All You Magazine, Stroller Traffic, A-List Moms and MomTrends.” And now, Children’s Retail Today!

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PlaqueMaker.com


070814_CRTPost_PlaqueMaker_suncatcherMoms and Dads everywhere know that one of the best ways to make any day a celebration is to personalize it.

  • You’ve got a fabulous picture from vacation with grandma? Custom frame it.
  • Getting ready to celebrate your son’s special birthday? Create a puzzle card.
  • A beloved kid’s best friend? Memorialize him.

It’s faster, easier and more affordable than you’d think.

070814_CRTPost_PlaqueMaker_ArchedPhotoPlaqueMaker.com is an online retailer for personalized plaques, signs, trophies, tags, memorials, awards and gifts. The Indiana-based, family-owned and operated business is a wonderful resource for all types of engraved products. From glass and wood to metal and plastic, the custom engraved plaques and gifts are designed in the USA, using materials sourced from all over the world – and for PlaqueMaker, that’s 4 million plaques and counting since 1999!

PlaqueMaker ROCKS! This was my first order with PlaqueMaker and their customer service is THE BEST! The product was gorgeous and when I had a problem, customer service was on it immediately and resolved it with no delays. I was really floored with how quickly they took care of it and how professional they are — these days customer service doesn’t have a lot of “service” in it but not here, they truly believe in customer first! Delivery is another plus — I had my order so quickly I really couldn’t believe it! Love these guys and have already told all my friends, including Facebook, how wonderful they are!

-Kathe Kelly, new customer

062314_PlaqueMaker_Materials_Puzzles_02Get inspired to make any day a celebration. PlaqueMaker’s graphic designers, craftsmen and customer service specialists help you bring your inspiration to life, no matter what you’re celebrating. Creative types will enjoy customizing plaques and gifts right on the site, and if anyone needs a little help –that’s available too. PlaqueMaker takes the guess work out of personalization by emailing you a digital proof of your design the next business day. You get to see what your creation will look like, customized with your artwork, wording and specifications, before you even buy it – with no obligation! That’s right! Upon approval, 99.7% of PlaqueMaker orders ship within two business days of payment and arrive with a 100% money-back guarantee. How sweet is that? Make sure to check out the PlaqueMaker blog for all sorts of new personalized gift ideas.

PlaqueMaker’s website is easy to navigate and once you’ve submitted your item for a proof they are extremely fast about sending you a proof, and are very open to making changes until it’s perfect. The product itself came JUST as it was in the proof, and the materials itself were perfect. I would highly recommend.

-HPC Hollywood

Babyhome Dream Bassinet


Introducing the exclusive Dream Premium. 

070214_CRTPost_Babyhome_DreamBassinet_02Barcelona, Spain-based Babyhome is an award-winning manufacturer of high-quality children’s products. This summer, the company is introducing the Dream Premium, a stunning exclusive edition of the Dream bassinet made of natural leather and polished black aluminum.

Sophisticated and glamorous, Dream Premium is designed for parents who appreciate the value of the unique and the authentic. Made of high quality natural, micro-perforated leather to enhance breathability, the bassinet’s characteristic style combines elegance and durability in its materials and finishes.

Babyhome’s Dream line of bassinets is the first and only authentic aluminum mini-cradle with three interchangeable, easy-to-use positions: rocking, wheels and stationary.

Included with the Dream Premium are a Naturalmat-handcrafted Coco Mat organic mattress, organic mattress protector and sheet. Made of organic lambs’ wool, the mattress is naturally flame retardant and thanks to the coco husk fibers, it facilitates natural ventilation, helping the baby keep a consistently pleasant and uniform body temperature.

070214_CRTPost_Babyhome_logoIn addition to the Dream bassinet line, Babyhome offers a dynamic range of award-winning high quality stylish, functional and affordable child care products including includes a stroller, highchair, bed rails and a wood collection that includes a mini cradle and a bounce chair.  Babyhome’s U.S. offices are located in Budd Lake, New Jersey.

Ah Goo Baby


Thoughtfully designed, well crafted and attractively presented.

070114_CRTPost_AhGooBaby_PlushPadBusy parents, grandparents and caregivers need baby essentials like portable baby changing pads, stroller blankets, pacifier totes, wipes cases and more. Ah Goo Baby® has it all –a smart, stylish, sophisticated line of baby gifts and gear, all perfect for baby showers, new moms, baby travel and the nursery.

070114_CRTPost_AhGooBaby_KneekersCaring for Our Children with Love. The privately held New Jersey-based company makes unique, upscale yet affordable products that resolve the daily challenges of child rearing, offering luxury, “must-have” essentials to help change, feed, dress  and rest our children.

The Plush Pad® has been selling to the families since June 2007. Additions to the line include Kneekers®, The Grab & Go Bag, The Diaper Pouch, The Wipes, Case, The Pacifier Clip, The Pacifier Tote, The Bottle Strap and The Bib.

070114_CRTPost_AhGooBaby_GrabnGoBagKarin and George Telegadis founded Ah Goo Baby in 2005 to develop branded products, with plans to expand their business by helping nurture and develop creations brought to them by others with innovative product ideas relating to Ah Goo Baby’s market. Wholesale available.

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Lil’ Waves


This new company makes Lil’ Waves Beachpool, an innovation that provides a fun & safe interactive aquatic play area!

A Pool Just for the Beach! Jersey City, NJ-based Lil’ Waves is a family owned and operated children’s beach toy company specializing in unique, high quality products. This start-up just introduced their premiere product that makes for fun, safe and relaxing days at the beach for both parents and children. This video says it all!

Introducing the Lil’ Waves Beachpool™, a children’s pool designed specifically to turn the wavy, cold ocean water into a warm, mini oasis for children to enjoy – right at your feet. The rim of the pool stays practically level with the sand, allowing a child to interact with the water and sand in a safe way, all while you keep close watch.

  • Provides a fun introduction for young children to the ocean
  • Patented design creates a shallow wading pool that warms up cold ocean water quickly
  • Encourages family time and fun interactive beach days, from set-up to clean-up
  • Recommended for ages 3 and up

061814_CRTPost_LilWaves_KitInventor Dennis Devino was born and raised in Monmouth County, NJ and loves the Jersey shore. As an licensed architect with his own firm, Dennis has extensive experience in constantly finding creative ways to meet his clients’ needs. This entrepreneurial approach to problem solving is what ultimately led him to create the Lil’ Waves Beachpool.

With the Lil’ Waves Beachpool, we hope you and your children of all ages are able to spend safe, quality time at the beach, just as we have. So sit back, unwind and enjoy the beach with peace of mind!

061814_CRTPost_LilWaves_beachpoolSold separately or in a kit that includes:
• Lil’ Waves Beachpool*
• Mesh carrying bag
• Circular template
• Repair patch
• Foot pump
• Instruction booklet

*Some assembly required (beach bucket recommended for set up, not included). Foot pump or electric pump also sold separately.

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Eighth Annual Women In Industry Luncheon


K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc. honors Celeste Gudas, 24 Seven Inc.; Deidre Quinn, Lafayette 148 New York and Patti Buckner, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc. is committed to being a change agent in our communities. Working closely with businesses and community organizations is essential to our goal of making a difference in the lives of people in need. We are proud to recognize our honorees who share that vision and congratulate them all on this well-deserved award.

– K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers co-chairman Gary Simmons

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., the newly merged non-profit organization that has provided more than $1 billion in new product donations to individuals and families affected by poverty and tragedy, recognized three top leaders from fashion, real estate and entertainment at the Eighth Annual Women In Industry Luncheon (WIIL) June 3 at The Pierre Hotel in New York.

New York television personality Jessica Abo again served as mistress of ceremonies at the fundraiser event to honor Celeste Gudas, CEO and founder of 24 Seven Inc., a prominent executive search firm; Deidre Quinn, president and co-founder of Lafayette 148 New York, a leading fashion design company; and Patti Buckner, a vice president in the Apparel & Accessories, Licensing Division at Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

As our first major event post-merger, we are very happy to share this historic moment with these three inspirational women who are undeniably leaders in their field,” said “Their stories prove that real success is founded on not only excellence in business or breaking glass ceilings, but also on the kindness and generosity of helping others.”

 -K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers co-chairman Allan Ellinger

 

Photo caption: Honorees Deirdre Quinn, Patti Buckner and Celeste Gudas

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Konfidence


Europe’s leading designer/manufacturer of award-winning premium protective swimwear makes its American début in more than 94 buybuy BABY stores nationwide and online at www.buybuybaby.com.

Now available in America. Founded in 1998 by Andrew Regan, a UK-based doctor and dad of five, Konfidence is designed for healthy, happy, confident kids. The company makes a complete range of award-winning, color-coordinated protective swimwear and accessories for youngsters from birth to seven years. The Konfidence™ collection also extends to UVPF sun protection clothing and wetsuits for children up to the age of 14 years.

Working with experts in the swimming industry, we have created the most comprehensive, dedicated baby and children’s swimwear range available on the market. When dealing with the safety of babies and children in water, it is important that we continue developing our established and much loved products and bring new items to market that parents and caregivers will want to use.”

– International Sales Director Dan Allen

052814_Konfidence_BabywarmaLook for the Babywarma™ Neoprene Swimsuit, specially designed to keep baby warm while in the water while providing 100% UV protection on covered parts. The One-Size Aquanappy Swim Diaper provides superior protection at the beach or pool. Paddler™ Socks are the perfect solution for protecting little feet from hot or cold surfaces, sharp items and more. The Aquaband with Earplugs keeps water out of baby’s ears. The soft, neoprene band acts like a splash guard while the silicone ear plugs provide an extra level of protection. For busy parents, the lightweight Roll & Go™ Babychanger by Konfidence™ makes diaper changes anywhere a breeze. The Warma™ Neoprene Wetsuit is the perfect learn-to-swim gear made from flexible neoprene, providing warmth in and out of the water, while also allowing freedom of movement. Adjustable shoulder straps allow for growth and ensure a snug fit.

052814_Konfidence_USA logo“Whether it’s for baby’s first swimming lesson, a splash around the pool with mom and dad, a beach holiday or children of any age learning to swim, we have the products to make it all an enjoyable experience,” Dan says.

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Children’s Retail Today is Five Years Old!


????????????????????????????????????????????????????CRT is the one online publication for anyone with a passion for children’s fashion.

A Decade of Street Cred. As the one & only managing editor of beloved trade publication HUDSON’S Childrenswear Review –on board for its creation in 2005 until the final issue in 2011- I’ve been covering the great children’s fashion stories for 10 years, interviewing dozens of specialty retailers, mass merchandisers, family business owners, manufacturers, designers and decision makers who are leading the way to success in every aspect of the children’s business today.

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????For anyone with a passion for children’s fashion. Launched in 2009 to compliment HUDSON’S editorial, and re-branded as Children’s Retail Today in 2012, I’m celebrating five years of getting the word out about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children to love. I write about fun and functional products, key companies, inspiring designers and important issues affecting not only industry professionals, but consumers as well.

Store owners, manufacturers, designers … mompreneurs & inventors …

Get inspired! Read fresh posts about apparel and footwear collections, product launches, nifty services and best practices to take your business to the next level.

Parents, grandparents … gift-giving aunties, coaches, teachers & friends …

Find the best stuff! Learn about new products and where to buy … better yet, convince your favorite shop to carry your picks!

Children’s Retail Today –CRT for short- showcases what I like to call “adorables” –the most desirable children’s apparel, footwear, accessories, gifts, books, toys, products for parents – and more.

????????The New Look of CRT

Big images, bold color, bright white space –the new look of CRT puts emphasis on what everyone is here to discover: innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. And their parents, too. Simply click the dot icons at the top right for a few plusses like the page menu, secret messages, social links and site search!

Enjoy the moment with me! I’m always looking for cool stuff to tell you about, so contact me about your great idea.

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc.


Kids In Distressed Situations and Fashion Delivers merge to better serve people in need.

043014_CRTPost_KIDSFashionDelivers_LogoKids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) and Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc., both U.S.-based nonprofits with a global reach, were founded to secure donations of excess new product from manufacturers and retailers to provide relief for people in need. Now, these two organizations have joined forces to create K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., with a new website named as a call to action that emphasizes the mission, www.DonateProduct.com.

We are very pleased that the merger is completed, maximizing the benefits of our consolidation with strengthened resources and, most importantly, our ability to serve families, kids and adults in need.

-Co-Chairmen Allan Ellinger and Gary Simmons

K.I.D.S. was founded in 1985 by children’s industry executives, and in 2005 Fashion Delivers was created by adult apparel and home fashions professionals to serve similar purposes.

Moving donations of new apparel, home fashions, toys, books and other items is a huge effort. Cash donations and other financial support help pay for programs, logistics, coordination and transportation costs so that new product reaches the people who need it most. While the organizations’ work in natural disasters has attracted the most attention, fighting poverty is a daily mission. Together, they have delivered over $1 billion of new product and efficiently operate with less than 3% overhead.

Confronting poverty that robs an individual of their dignity. “Roughly 50 million people in the U.S. live in poverty, including seven million families,” Mr. Simmons says. “K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers brings together a diverse network of more than 1,000 community partners and 390 donors throughout the 50 states and the world to distribute donated product. Connecting these local, on-the-ground agencies with donated product given by some of the most recognizable brands in fashion, footwear, toys, home and juvenile product allows us to provide hope and dignity to families and individuals facing these challenges.”

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers also introduce Joel Newman, former COO of Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger, as president for an interim period. “Joel has extensive senior management experience in the retail and wholesale industry as well as experience with non-profit organizations,” Mr. Ellinger says. “He will initially concentrate on fine tuning strategy and organizational development and will also participate in the search for a permanent president.”

With the merger of K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers complete, Denise Durham Williams, former Executive Director of K.I.D.S., has resigned to pursue other opportunities in direct-service nonprofit work. “We want to thank Denise for her efforts, particularly her work on the merger. We wish her every success in her future endeavors,” says Mr. Ellinger.

New Plush from Aurora World


The award-winning company introduces three engaging new lines the blend trendy with traditional cuddliness.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_01Leading plush toy, gift and doll manufacturer Aurora World Inc. recently added three new original lines -from the eye-catching to the irresistible, Wuff & Friends is based on a proven Aurora best-selling character, while Taddle Toes and Wobbly Bobblees use oversized features to grab the attention and hearts of shoppers everywhere.

These stunning, new product lines provide our customers with a true impact at retail via excellent value, branded merchandising support and engaging consumer experiences.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_02Wuff & Friends. “Shake the animal upside down for a fun feature that makes Wuff and his friends outrageously fluffy,” says Michael Kessler, Aurora’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. Shaggy, waggy and just plain cute, Wuff is Aurora’s best-selling sheepdog highlighting a line of eight dogs including Schnauzer, Chow, Pekinese, Poodle, Malamute, Pomeranian and Scottie. A high-pile, low-pile mix gives this plush line a whimsical, fun look that is soft to the touch.

Retailers:  Merchandise signage and product tags reinforce this messaging.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_03Taddle Toes. “These characters encompass chunky soft bodies, endearing faces and detailed, oversized feet,” Michael says. At recent industry trade shows, Taddle Toes proved to be one of the hottest sellers as the oversized features delighted buyers who wanted a stand out plush product for their stores. The Taddle Toes line features a large variety of popular domestic, jungle and wildlife animals. “We anticipate Taddle Toes to be a long-term plush line with introductions for our ‘everyday’ and seasonal styles, as well as for baby, including adorable pink and baby blue bears and elephants.”

Retailers:Aurora’s branded display rack holds approximately 32 pieces.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_04Wobbly Bobblees. “An innovative, impulse plush line with strong shelf appeal, Wobbly Bobblees feature darling, oversized heads that subtly wobble for an endearing head tilt at retail,” Michael says. “Plus they are extremely cute, and that equals strong sales.” Seventeen styles include a monkey, lion, elephant, white tiger, pig, cow, giraffe, cat and dogs; a spring-themed assortment with lamb, chick, bunny and frog complete the line.

Retailers: Aurora’s collateral merchandising support including a branded corrugated display and product hangtag, highlight the Wobbly Bobblees characters and product features.

Aurora showcases its products at over 50 industry trade shows each year including Atlanta International Gift Show July 8-15, 2014; showroom #784. Aurora products are available in more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops worldwide as well as online at http://shop.auroragift.com. For more information or to make an appointment at an upcoming trade show, visit http://auroragift.com, email info@auroragift.com or call 888-287-6722.