“I Want to Wear My Western Chief Kids Gear!”

Autumn brings rainy days and cooler weather, so kids need boots, umbrellas and slippers in the closet.

Western Chief Kids, the industry-leading designer of children’s rain gear brought to you by the Washington Shoe Company, offers a wide range of colors, patterns and styles in rain boots, umbrellas and raincoats. From special edition rain gear featuring Hello Kitty, Thomas the Tank Engine, Batman and Superman to iconic favorites such as the ladybug, frog and firefighter, Western Chief Kids offers something to please even the pickiest youngster. Most patterns are available in umbrellas, rain boots and raincoats to create a complete matching outfit on rainy days, too.

For babies and toddlers, autumn months bring cold weather; Washington Shoe Company’s brand, Staheekum, keeps their tiny feet warm with soft, cuddly sheepskin slippers, available in sizes to fit infants from 0-18 months.

What’s the MeQ™?

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

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

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

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

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Woolly Boo

Woolly Boo essential baby products make life easier for parents and heavenly for baby.

Whether it’s naptime or nighttime, Woolly Boo® Infant Sleep Sacks wrap little ones in luxury. Made with organic wool filler, which is layered with un-dyed natural cotton for breathable, hypoallergenic softness. A single color cotton fabric is sewn inside, followed by an outside fabric -usually a durable, easy-to-maintain damask- and it is finished off with a zipper. All seams are protected so that they do not irritate a child’s skin. Can also act as a wearable blanket.

The best way to maintain the Woolly Boo® Infant Sleep Sack is by exposure to fresh air. Spot clean. Air dry flat.

“We do not recommend washing wool unless it is absolutely necessary, as traditional detergents strip away many of the natural benefits of wool. In extreme cases, soak the product in cold water with a capful of white vinegar or use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for wool. You can also wash it in a machine that has a specialized ‘wool’ or ‘delicate’ cycle.”

Woolly Boo also makes Crib Bumper Pads, Toddler Travel Pillows and Crib Mattress Pads/Toddler Pillow/Comforter Sets, too. All available in cotton Damask, cotton twill and cotton flannel in prints and solid colors.

826 National T-shirt Design Challenge

Threadless challenges its community to create an inspirational t-shirt design around the mission of exploring students’ creativity and improving their writing skills.

Since its founding in San Francisco in 2002 by award-winning author Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari, 826 National has sparked students’ imaginations. The nonprofit, which runs centers in Ann Arbor, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC, offers a variety of inventive programs that provide under-resourced students ages six to 18 with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills.

Each of the centers operates a street-front retail store filled with unusual products, entertaining signage and books for sale. The organization believes every future superhero, secret agent, space traveler and pirate has something in common: a good education and strong writing skills. To create awareness of its mission, 826 National is partnering with international community-driven company Threadless to challenge the public and Threadless’ community of 1.5 million artists to design a t-shirt for the organization.

For the design challenge, artists are asked to create a design inspired by 826 National’s mission of exploring students’ creativity and improving their writing skills with type-based tees encouraged. For inspiration, artists can check out the organization’s gallery featuring the best student writing from workshops, field trips and tutoring sessions from 826 centers across the country.

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Perry Winkles Kids

Toronto, Canada-based Perry Winkles Kids specializes in hand-smocked dresses and dressy boy outfits in traditional designs with a modern flair.

Inspired by the talented sewing skills of their own grandmothers, mother and daughter team Graciela and Maria Montero started Perry Winkles Kids in 2006. Originally from Peru, they moved to Canada in 1988. Superior quality, ease of care product made with only 100% petal-soft pima cotton and finished with thoughtful details like hand-smocking and hand-embroidery. The Spring/Summer 2012 Collection includes delicate and fresh prints for the little girls and new styles for baby boys, including new Christening wear and cotton cardigans.

Created with the specialty retailer in mind, with wholesale prices ranging from $30 to $37 for dresses and boy outfits. The company manufactures its entire line in Peru. Perry Winkles Kids is donating a portion of sales to non-profit Kiva, an organization that works with microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. and wanted to create a business that would also benefit their home country.

Get to know Sara Sara

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

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

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

Baby Sara

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

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

Hannah Banana

In your opinion, do girls still love wearing dresses?

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

The Collection by Sara Sara

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

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

Truly Me

What’s next?

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

New company helps retailers navigate internet marketing

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

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

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

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

-Amy Munice, founder

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

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

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

At Home in the Hamptons

Walk down Main Street in Westhampton Beach, NY and you’re likely to run into locals who know Elyse Richman.

Elyse owns and operates not just one, but three shops there –Shock, a women’s clothing store, Baby Shock / Shock Kids and Shock Ice Cream. Her very loyal customer base -mothers and grandmothers who know her women’s store- shop Baby Shock / Shock Kids for their children’s needs or baby gifts, naturally. Elyse says, “When he was a baby, I used to keep my son Maxwell in a crib at my store window. Everyone on Main Street has watched him grow up.” Now that Maxwell is 11 years old, he’s outgrown the store. In the years to come, Elyse hopes to secure approval for a complete renovation and expansion of Baby Shock / Shock Kids and double its size.

I am very lucky to live and work and ‘shop at Shock’ in Westhampton Beach. My commute is less than three minutes. The people in the Hamptons are out here to get away from their worries and harried lives. The style of Baby Shock / Shock Kids reflects the casual, beachy lifestyle here. We really don’t carry any serious clothing.”

Baby Shock / Shock Kids is a 1,000-square-foot space. Attached to it is Shock Ice Cream. “We have the best ice cream store a kid of any age could imagine; it has over 60 flavors of ice cream, Italian ice and gelato along with Dippin’ Dots and soft serve. We do birthday parties there,” Elyse says. Baby Shock / Shock Kids is packed full of merchandise: layette to size 7 for boys and layette to size 14 for girls – collections from Baby Steps; ArtWalk Baby sweaters and blankets; Mish Mish, Lemon t-shirts, Signorelli, Charlie Rocket, Tickle Toes, Trumpette, Twigs and Twirls, Lily Pulitzer, Twirley Girl, Flowers By Zoe, So Nikki, E Land, Kids Republic, Angel Dear, Skivvy Doodles, Books to Bed and more. Zutano is a staple; the line is the first Elyse buys for the store back in March 2000, at her first ENK Children’s Club trade show in New York. “Most people visiting my store come in just to take a look around. I believe in offering my customers a variety to choose from,” she says.

Through the years, all three businesses have been voted to the “best” lists of Dan’s Papers -a cherished magazine covering life in the Hamptons since 1960- and Hamptons Magazine, a glossy go-to-30+-year publication. The Shock brand adds to the friendly personality of Westhampton Beach by supporting local charities and community events like the local soup kitchen fundraiser and Shock’s own annual coast drive, collecting hundreds of coats that are donated to the needy.

Business in the Hamptons can be a bit challenging. We are a year-round business in a resort community. Traffic slows down in the off season, but Baby Shock / Shock Kids stays open every day, all year.”

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Skylar Luna débuts at ENK Children’s Club

Designer Wen C. Reese is débuting Skylar Luna, an in-stock, organic pajama collection for Fall 2011, at ENK Children’s Club -offering retailers year-round availability.

“Through my experience in children’s wear, I know that value is key for retailers today. With Skylar Luna, retailers get a high‐quality product at reasonable prices.”

-Wen C. Reese

She describes the line as “soft, organic cotton washed in a sophisticated palette using simple designs,” choosing organics because children wear pajamas close to the skin for many hours each day. “I wanted a product that was as pure as possible.” The collection is available in sizes 12‐18 months to size 8 for both boys and girls, and meets CPSC guidelines. Features snug‐fitting, two‐piece bodies constructed of yarn‐dyed,100 percent organic cotton and flat seams. Each set packaged in reusable linen pouches. The launch collection features stripes in eight color combinations including a holiday-themed combo perfect for Christmas pajamas, a bubble print and a hand‐drawn robot motif. New colors and prints released twice a year, wholesaling for $17. “Because we ship all the time, stores can try the collection out right away with minimum risk and easy, immediate reorders.”

Wen also owns and designs the Skylar sportswear label, a family business, and like it, Skylar Luna is produced in the family factory in China. This arrangement ensures the line is always delivered on time and offers consistent, superior quality.

See Skylar Luna at booth#2211 during ENK Children’s Club July 31-August 2.

New Products & Services

When there are deadlines to meet, chores to get done or mom or dad are desperately in need of a little shut eye …

… the Nap Nanny Chill is there to help. Many babies become fussy at nap time because they are uncomfortable having to lie flat on their backs. The Nap Nanny Chill is a portable recliner with contoured sides and safety harness that keep the baby secured gently and safely in the center and won’t let them slip off or crawl out. Made from light, durable foam, it weighs three pounds, has a waterproof lining that protects, is extra soft, removable and washable. The Nap Nanny Chill was designed by sportscaster and mother of two Leslie Gudel after her husband told her to stop dreaming about the perfect nap and play time seat and go create it. The company launched in 2009, and has grown into a team of 19 in order to keep up with their success.

Hello Kitty teams with Vans:

Retail executives struggling to sort out what is current and what is outdated best-practices for e-marketing, e-commerce, online advertising, sales and marketing and web and design can now access a compilation of tools for google advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), global PR services and resource directories such as global editor-recommended translators from Global B2B Communications. The high return-on-investment and low risk tools and services compiled on Global B2B Communications are geared to help B2B company executives and other online retailers responsible for cultivating worldwide lead generation. Amy Munice, president of ALM Communications Inc. and founder of Global B2B Communications explains, “The tools and services collected on Global B2B Communications are based on a very sophisticated understanding of natural language processing, how today’s worldwide search engines really work.” Some of the content highlighted on www.globalb2bcommunications.com includes 1) copy evaluation tools, 2) effective search engine optimization tools, 3) a wide selection of google advertising tools, self-instruction videos that teach you how to sell online and classes, 4) article writing services, global news releases and white papers, and 5) No-cost phone consultations on best-fit web marketing courses in synch with the training.

Freed Foods LLC, a food company founded by a mom-to-be in search of the perfect baby food launches NurturMe, the first and only certified-organic, all-natural, gluten-free baby food made from nutrient-rich, quick-dried fruits and vegetables. By quick-drying, rather than cooking, its ingredients, NurturMe preserves the vital nutrients and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, making it one of the most natural and nutritious baby foods available. Each pouch may be mixed with breast milk, whole milk, formula or water in any amount or combination, enabling feedings to be customized completely to baby and mother’s needs. Designed for children from the age of four months to four years, NurturMe may also be sprinkled into grains, homemade purees, yogurts, apple sauce and macaroni & cheese to give them a delicious and nutritious boost.

Dr. Helen Boehm is elected to the USA Toy Library Association‘s (USA TLA) Board of Directors. The USA TLA promotes safe public play space and toy pending centers in community library nationwide. Boehm is currently an educational consultant to The Hub and is the founder of FCC Ready. She previously served in senior executing positions at MTV Networks/Nickelodeon and the Fox Children’s Networks, and is also an author.

Reading to children is a rewarding routine that helps build a strong bond between parents and children, and can aid in a better night’s sleep for everyone (HUDSON’S definitely agrees!). Little Toader is the up-and-coming company dedicated to bringing creative, humorous, and safe products to play time and nap time. Creators Michael and Lori Bredemeier‘s first creative venture into toddler wear are Storybook PJ’s, snuggly pajamas packaged with a special picture book to make bedtime fun. Their second line of products are soothing teething toys with a sense of humor. Appeteethers come in silly shapes including Chompin’ Chicken Wing and a Baby-Q Rib, and are non-toxic, BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and phthalate-free. All products are tested and CPSC-compliant.

United Legwear Company LLC and Fisher-Price®, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., have partnered to manufacture and distribute multi-product lines for infants and toddlers. Girls and boys legwear assortments include core basics and fashion styles for anklets, crew socks, bobby socks, tights, booties, and slipper socks with gripper bottoms that incorporate Fisher-Price BabyGear characters, styles and themes.

The newest Jottum Pre Spring collection is characterized by the festive, elegant look of luxury fabric qualities such as silk, taffeta and lace. Think Communion, weddings and elegant garden parties. The boys line features linen suits with a choice of lengths and pants with subtle influences from the Navy. Twists on the classic pinstripe, beautifully cut shirts and lightweight sweaters knitted with a reference to the sea combine in unique outfits can be worn even after the festivities. For more, contact Jamari Int’l. Ltd.

Popular in Europe and now available in North America, the Go Anywhere Booster Seat from Polar Gear Baby weighs less than 1.5 pounds and can go anywhere – in the kitchen, to Grandma’s, off to the Food Court. When folded, the seat with carrying strap looks like a messenger bag. Unfold the bag to reveal a chic seat that baby will happily sit upon. Visit A Parent Company for more.