children’s retail blogs

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Poco Nido


Take a Whistle-Stop Tour ‘Round the Global Zoo with a New Mini Shoe Collection.

In 2011, Catherine Lobley starts a Poco Nido. A footwear designer and mother of two, Catherine decides to use her talents to create her own alternative the tired, unimaginative shoes available for children at the time. That’s when her Mini Shoe is born.

Over the last three years, Poco Nido has grown to include over 70 retailers and five distributors worldwide. The UK brand is recognized with two consecutive gold awards at the Loved By Parents Awards for best baby footwear and is shortlisted for best baby fashion brand in the PP&P awards.

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Design Personality

Poco Nido style is deeply rooted in a love of color and pattern. Designers Catherine and Joanna don’t follow trends, they design based on whatever pops into their heads. They take inspiration from travel, children’s stories, patterns, symmetry, a dislike for over-packaging, a passion for upcycling and frustration with fastenings.

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SS17 Mini Shoe Collection

Right now, Poco Nido is excited to announce its wildest range of mini shoes yet. Inspired by adventures and animals from all around the world, the SS17 collection features eight new prints with roosters, whales, zebras, elephants and armadillos. There’s a travel print with stickers and boarding passes, an English Garden design and a print inspired by Native Americans, too.

“Creating our SS17 range of Mini Shoes was great fun,” Catherine says. “As a team, we love animals, nature and bold colors. How these elements are brought together in our latest range of prints is what makes it so exciting. Five years on after the first mini shoe was launched, we know what our customers love to see and we cannot wait to show off our new collection.”

In addition to the eight new prints, the Mini Shoe will also be available in a selection of plain colors including cornflower blue, pink and lime green, which have been chosen to complement the printed collection.

Poco Nido’s signature Mini Shoes are made from 100% cotton with suede sole, use non-toxic inks and feature a hidden elastic for extra comfort. They are available in sizes EU 17-22, from 3-6 months.

The company also designs children’s clothing, essential accessories and gift sets. Wholesale available here: https://wholesale.poconido.com.

10 Must-Know Trade Show Facts [Infographic]


Prepare for the upcoming trade show season!

Stacey Woods, Business Development Manager at mobile commerce solutions company Pepperi, shares this handy dandy infographic to help you prepare for Playtime New York February 12-14 and any trade show you’re planning to attend in 2017.

“The top 10 must-know facts include how many attendees have buying authority, how many of them are first-timers, how many have buying intent, and much more,” Stacey says. While you’re at it, take the opportunity to stop by and meet with Pepperi at the shows – if you have the chance!

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Top 40 Kids Fashion Blogs


Children’s Retail Today is on the list! 

Happy New Year to me! Anuj Agarwal, founder of Feedspot, just let me know that Children’s Retail Today has been selected by the company’s panelists as one of the Top 40 Kids Fashion Blogs on the web.

“I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world,” Anuj says. “This is the most comprehensive list of top kids fashion blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!”

Best Kids Fashion Blogs List

The list features the best kids fashion blogs from the thousands in Feedspot’s index using search and social metrics. Anuj and his team plan to refresh this data once a week.

The Top 40 are ranked based on following criteria:

  • Google reputation and Google search ranking
  • Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites
  • Quality and consistency of posts
  • Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review

So, this explains the nifty award on CRT’s home page! Thanks so much, Feedspot.

CRT Stats Update

Here’s an update on CRT’s stats you see on Feedspot’s Top 40 list. CRT typically publishes once a week, on Wednesdays. According to WordPress, CRT has more than 800 followers; an average of 115 people view the site on a daily basis. Get social with CRT on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For a handy list of children’s fashion trade shows, click here. If you’re wondering what childrenswear folks think of CRT, read our testimonials.

What is Feedspot?

The Feedspot Blog Reader is a fast, easy and simple way to keep up with all your favorite blogs and websites in one place. Through Feedspot’s apps and website, you can also discover new blogs and website, too – Feedspot reviews a plethora of blog types, picks the best and lists them for you on their blog. I know I’m going to check out a few of the other Top 40. Pretty cool, huh?

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ModCloth x Who’s Little


ModCloth believes fashion is for every body. Founded in a college dorm room by high school sweethearts Susan Gregg Koger and Eric Koger 14 years ago, the exclusive line of apparel is available in a full range of sizes – plus, ModCloth’s curated selections feature styles from hundreds of independent designers.

That’s why the women’s clothing and lifestyle retailer is collaborating with girls’ wear brand Who’s Little? for a first-ever children’s collection. The folks at Who’s Little? like to say they’re committed to giving children “the magical moments only a pirouette-worthy dress can provide.”

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ModCloth x Who’s Little for the Holidays

Each adorable dress for girls sizes 2 to 8 is unapologetically sweet! Choose from:

  • a mom-and-me look
  • a “color me” dress, which comes with markers and allows girls to DIY their way to their own bespoke look
  • traditional tartans
  • plenty of tulle, sparkle and holiday themes

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

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Kelsey MacLean


Named one of Oklahoma’s 50 most powerful people in 2015, Kelsey MacLean is offering her line directly to you.

The Kelsey MacLean brand of fine clothing and accessories for babies, children and adults the epitomizes timeless country club style. Named after founder and creative director, the custom-embroidered luxury apparel features classic designs expertly crafted in Peru of “decadently” soft Pima cotton and other fine textiles for superior comfort and long life.

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Create One-Of-A-Kind Clothing

Using the latest technology, Kelsey MacLean is one of just a few companies in the United States to offer such an extensive personalized custom embroidered collection. Kelsey MacLean craftsmen can personalize most garments by adding monograms, names, logos, icons or text embroidery to create a truly unique one of a kind piece. Choose your text, font and thread color for monograms and names – or select a logo from the company’s list of charities and non-profits and support you favorite – it will receive a portion of the proceeds.

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Personalized in the USA

All aspects of the personalization process, including artwork design, embroidery, hand finishing and pressing- are done at the company headquarters in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to ensure that your custom piece is not only what you envision, it is made with the highest quality. For instance, the embroidery machines use very small needles, which help make the personalization crisp and clean.

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Founder/Creative Director Kelsey MacLean launched her line in 2013. Once only available in high end hotels, resorts, country clubs and golf clubs, her company Fore Kids Golf has earned Preferred Vendor status for The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, and is an Official Licensee of the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Network. Named one of Oklahoma’s 50 most powerful people in 2015, Kelsey is offering her line directly to you through KelseyMaclean.com.

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Freshly Picked Marketplace


Newly launched online shopping community curated by Susan Petersen. 

Baby and kid lifestyle brand Freshly Picked just launched the Freshly Picked Marketplace, an online community made up of small businesses that features hand-selected and unique baby products. Not only will shoppers learn the passion behind each business, they can buy the products online directly from the Freshly Picked Marketplace.

The unique companies are “freshly picked” by the Freshly Picked founder Susan Petersen, who started making durable, well-designed baby moccasins from premium leather in 2009. Her highly coveted moccasins soon became adored by parents across the country, have remained a celebrity kid must-have and are available online at www.freshlypicked.com and retailers nationwide, including Nordstrom, Zappos, Bloomingdales and others.

“The Marketplace community of small businesses is truly the best of the best, hand-picked and tested by the Freshly Picked team. I’m excited to introduce moms and dads to each of these wonderful brands, and to add to the Marketplace community moving forward,” Susan says. “As new baby product innovators have emerged and try to gain exposure for their awesome products, I’ve thought, ‘I’ve been there before’. As I found myself wishing I had megaphone to share each of their stories and products in a way that didn’t distract from our focus at Freshly Picked, my team and I came up with the idea for Marketplace.”

Susan and her team want to create an online destination for small brands that need and deserve exposure – and Marketplace shoppers can rest assured they are getting well-made, amazing products. The first companies selected include:

Sproutling + Co

“Sproutling + Co’s simple wooden baby mobiles are a stunning, keepsake-worthy nursery accessory.”

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Sproutling + Co is a modern mobile company started by Kristin Okada in 2016. Simple, beautiful baby mobile made of natural products and handcrafted with care for your sweet new baby. Each mobile is shipped in a beautiful muslin keepsake bag.

Koko’s Nest

“Koko’s Nest blankets’ modern design, heirloom quality, and intelligent versatility make them a must-have for every new arrival.”

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Koko’s Nest is a contemporary knit baby blanket company started by Sy Yang in 2015. Made of 100% Egyptian cotton and spun in Italy, this year-round, versatile blanket will become a part of your everyday life as a family.

The Posh Society

“The Posh Society’s leather bows are the perfect size and shape for every tiny fashionista!”

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The Posh Society is a playfully indulgent baby bow company started by Sasha Petersen in 2013. Each bow is made with genuine Freshly Picked leather and is attached to thin ivory elastic, made with felt on back of leather for maximum comfort.

Hazel Village

“Hazel Village produces their soft toys responsibly, striving for heirloom quality at a reasonable price.”

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Created by Jane Van Cleef in 2010, Hazel Village is a soft toy company inspired by her favorite childhood stories like Brambly Hedge, Uncle Wiggly and the Little House stories and then expanded into making woodland theme animal toys.

Bannor Toys

“Made with all safe and organic materials, Bannor hardwood toys are beautiful and last a lifetime.”

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Bannor Toys is a wooden toy company founded in 2012 by Jesse and Stacey Bannor.

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The NEW Angelcare/Sassy


“We’re pioneering design and functionality that is going to change the conversation about monitoring and baby care for years to come.”

-Tom Bratton, Angelcare CEO

This year, Angelcare Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Sassy Inc transformed as a company to create groundbreaking new products in baby monitoring and developmental toys. Combining the latest technological advances with scientific insight and modern intuitive design, the Angelcare and Sassy offerings deliver what today’s parents and caregivers want: peace of mind while helping their children thrive.

The Industry’s Top Innovators

Canada-based Angelcare assembled a team of the industry’s best minds to drive this unprecedented step forward in baby care standards. “Recruiting top talent was our number one goal for the relaunch,” Tom tells us. “We built our team from top global brands in a range of fields—baby, health and beauty, consumer electronics, technology/SaaS—to create this unique culture of innovation and thought leadership. When you get this caliber of people together, it’s amazing what they can create.” With a growth mindset and shared commitment to supporting children, parents and caregivers, the Angelcare/Sassy team focuses their combined insights and skillsets on transformative solutions that truly advance the industry standard.

Intentional, Science-Driven Design

Angelcare/Sassy taps into the desires and expectations of today’s millennial parents. From data-driven tools and a modern design aesthetic, to the latest technology and the best materials, Angelcare/Sassy brings baby care up to the minute and set the standard for decades to come.

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A Breakthrough in Baby Monitoring Technology

Coming in January 2017 to North American retailers, Angelcare’s new AC417 and AC517 baby movement, sound and video monitoring systems have a new sleek design and include the only wireless movement sensor pad on the market. They feature Angelcare’s new Activity Analytics for tracking baby’s movement. “Our new wireless sensor pad is all about simplicity combined with safety. Parents are going to love it,” says Angelcare President Jordan Riggs, “but the real game-changer is the activity tracking and reporting built into our new monitors.”

Current fans of Angelcare products know that their monitors are designed to sense baby’s slightest movements and sound an alarm if no movement is detected after 20 seconds. The new models offer this core alarm feature plus the ability to track, record and report on baby’s bigger movements (like restlessness, rollovers, and kicks). With this insight into baby’s activity level during sleep, parents are better able to adapt routines and respond to baby’s needs. The ultimate result is more peace of mind (and rest) for everyone. “Today’s parents use technology in all aspects of life,” Jordan says, “and at Angelcare, we provide moms and dads with easy-to-use monitors that help them care for baby, relax and enjoy the adventure of parenthood.”

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Sassy Set to Launch 100+ Products in 2017

Working with premier child development PhD’s and experts, Sassy renewed its focus to incorporate the latest research into all Sassy products with its trademark child-pleasing colors and shapes. The company is launching more than 100 new toys, feeding and baby care products in early 2017 that will help children thrive by focusing on developmental and educational needs.

The fresh offerings include an exciting range of new materials and bolder colors designed to help children play with purpose, as well as learn to solve problems, be flexible and self-motivate. From toys to teethers, bathing products to innovative cups, all of Sassy’s new products are designed to fit a child’s growing sensory perception, motor skills, and creativity.

“The Sassy team not only understands the importance of child development, they also bring a high level of style to the process,” says Sassy Vice President of Marketing Susan Hinshaw. “Today’s millennial parents demand more from baby and child care products. Sassy’s flair for stylish touches make the company’s new products consistent with modern aesthetics and compatible with on-the-go lifestyles.”

Today, Northbrook, IL-born Sassy is part of Angelcare Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with development, design and engineering in Grand Rapids, MI. The company’s current product line includes developmental toys, feeding items, baby care products to help children thrive and industry-leading movement monitoring that gives parents 24/7 peace of mind.

 

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Muddy Feet Boutique


Vintage-Inspired Swimwear Handcrafted in Texas

Jessica Sherrill’s traditional and trendy clothes caught my eye five years ago, when she was just starting Muddy Feet Boutique. Now, I’m looking at her fabulous lookbook full of modern vintage-inspired swimwear.

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“Muddy Feet has grown and is focused on responsibly manufacturing high-quality swimsuits that are modestly cut, but still fashion forward,” she tells me.

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What A Delight

The fun, sassy swimwear for girls and young adults in sizes 2-12 sports collections with names like Rebel Belle, Bathing Beauty, Flouncy Bikini, Flapper and more. Bikinis, boyshorts, one-piece and two-piece styles are offered in a large array of fabric combinations, such as Boho, Mermaid, Cotton Candy, Victory Garden, Vintage Boardwalk and Anchors Away. Ruffles, bows, matching headbands and hairclips are definitely all that.

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Contact info@muddyfeetboutique.com for the new 2017 Lookbook and see for yourself.

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Li’l Trunks


Pack your bags! We’re going to our happy place.  

Each season, Li’l Trunks offers a wardrobe of bright, bold options. The juicy colors and joyful patterns are designed to transport you to your happy place. You may remember it -you lived there when you were young.

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“All it takes is the sound of your child’s laughter, and you’re tumbling through time and space. I love that feeling. It’s like an instant holiday,” says Sush Utpala, founder of this Indian-inspired baby and children’s clothing line that features vibrant floral prints with exotic flowers such as lotus, hibiscus and dahlias on rompers, empire-waisted knit dresses and more.

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Sush says Li’l Trunks is an expression of her own happy place. “It’s inhabited by the sights and sounds of India, where I grew up,” she says. “These bits of home now mix and mingle with my adventures since then, living and traveling around the world. Together they swoosh around like a kaleidoscope, creating exciting patterns, delightful combinations and endless smiles. Then they find their home in the collection.”

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Created as a way for Sush to express her two worlds -her love for learning about new places and cultures and her experiences as a new mom- the simple silhouettes and contemporary prints help make Li’l Trunks both timeless and current, east and west.

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I’d also add luscious and beautiful!

Bits of News


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kidpikbasics.com

kidpik, the custom head-to-toe fashion box, designed, styled and delivered exclusively for girls 4-14, recently introduced the kidpik basics collection in super-soft materials and yummy colors. Parents can now stock up on all the essentials that a girl needs in multiples at www.kidpikbasics.com. “Basics are an essential part of a girl’s wardrobe,” Ezra Dabah, kidpik founder and CEO says. “We are thrilled to offer a great selection of basics to complement the kidpik fashion collection.”

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MAM Celebrates in 2016

MAM, a manufacturer of award-winning, innovative and unique baby products including pacifiers and baby bottles, is celebrating its 40-year anniversary this year with all MAM parents, thanking them for helping to make MAM the trusted and admired brand it is today. From its beginnings in 1976 as a small company in Vienna, Austria, MAM has grown into a leading global brand in five continents with more than 50 million products sold annually in 60 countries. “We understand and love babies,” says Jennifer Mitchell, CEO, MAM North America. “For the past 40 years our top priority has been the development of products for the well-being, safety and health of babies that make life easier for parents and allow them to focus on the joy of family. We are proud of our heritage and will remain committed to developing products that unify design, technological innovation and medical know-how.

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LÍLLÉbaby® Re-launches COMPLETE Organic Collection

The luxurious, lightweight 100% cotton COMPLETE Organic Collection is available in three new modern, must-have shades – Sea Glass, Blushing Pink and Powder Blue – as well as returning favorites Blue Moonlight and, for a limited time only, the classic Green Meadows. The Collection is now available for purchase at lillebaby.com and independent boutiques.

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Rocyalox Hair Accessories

Charmin K Edwards has created Rocyalox, the first healthy hair accessory for curly hair. Just wrap and twist the cute hair band around hair and you’re stylin’. “Self-esteem starts early,” Charmin says. “When all girls, no matter their ethnicity, are able to find and purchase the same hair accessory, it’s a great thing!”