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!

All-in-One Thermal Baby Bottle from Pacific Baby

The first thermal baby bottle in the world that lets parents see what’s inside!

Complete Liquid Visibility. American baby product brand Pacific Baby introduces the All-in-One Thermal Baby Bottle, a unique design that not only keeps baby’s drink warm or cold for up to seven hours, it also lets moms and dads see all of the feeding liquid. The new design is a thermal system that uses a plastic bottle inserted neatly into a stainless steel thermal outer bottle.

Our All-in-One Thermal Baby Bottle has set an entirely new benchmark and quality standard for parents. These thermal bottle applications make feeding on-the-go quite a lot easier for today’s parents.

-managing director Cameron Honarvar

Eco-friendly Functionality. The outer bottle can easily be used as a sippy cup, then a drink bottle, simply by using Pacific Baby’s handle and spout accessories, giving the product an ultimate life of more than five years.

In keeping with modern trends the bottle’s few plastic parts are free of BPA, PVC and Phthalates, and the product has been tested against a wide range of European and North American safety regulations.

Cameron Honarvar, father of five, founded Pacific Baby in 2010. “My vision for the company was to create a dynamic new brand that would focus on developing innovative, fun, stylish and practical new baby products, designed without fear of departing from traditional norms,” he says. “Targeting parents with an active lifestyle, we continually seeks to ‘raise the bar’ for a parent’s product expectations in each new category that the company enters.”

Find the All-in-One Thermal Baby Bottle at Canada’s guzzieandGuss.com and at select retailers all over the globe.

Another Pink Pearl PR find! 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!

Introducing Gallo en Fuego

Made in the USA collection of boys belts, t-shirts, pet accessories and more from the designer of mom and baby accessories line, 2 Red Hens.

Rooster on Fire! Introducing Gallo en Fuego, a new collection of boy’s and men’s accessories, custom designed logo t-shirts and pet products from Red Holliday Studios founder and designer Lori Holliday. Pronounced “guy-o en fway-go,” which is Spanish for “rooster on fire,” the line is made from decommissioned fire hoses. How unique!

Being married to a fireman has more than safety perks. It sparked my design inspiration, too. When fire hose is past its action-packed prime, it is decommissioned with little chance for a second life. Gallo en Fuego takes those spent pieces and transforms them into stylish wearable accessories for men, boys and pets.

New York City Hot. “After years on the battle lines, even the toughest fire hoses have to retire from the field,” they say. Gallo en Fuego sources most of the hoses from New York. At the company’s Colorado-based custom workshop, the hoses are cleaned, keeping all their with distinctive marks from the fire ground intact. Both the inner rubber lining and the tough woven exterior become the raw materials used to hand-craft Gallo en Fuego’s distinctive collection of wallets, belts and other products.

Inspired by her husband Mark, a firefighter for 15 years, Lori wanted to honor him and his fellow heroes, who put their own lives on the line each day. So the company has partnered with The National Fallen Firefighters Association in their mission to remember America’s fallen fire heroes and assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. A portion of the proceeds from each sale of Gallo en Fuego products is given to help the families of those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Available online, UncommonGoods.com (a favorite of mine!) and select boutique retailers nationwide.

Thank you, Hilary Abbott, for introducing me to Gallo en Fuego! 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!

Eco-Friendly Nohi Kids

It’s a Zoo! Nohi Kids shows off animal-themed adorables for Spring/Summer.

One Cute Package. Nohi Kids designs high-quality, eco-friendly children’s apparel –the kind of clothes kids never want to take off and durable enough to pass down to the next.

Janel Andersen’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection features brand new animal prints typical of Nohi’s trademark style and color story, made in sizes newborn to 7/8. Mix and match pieces, including bodysuits, tees, leggings, dresses and cardigans, are reasonably priced, too.

What’s a Nohi Kid, anyway? In the Maori language, nohi nohi means, “to be small.” In Japan, Kodomo Nohi -one of the most popular national holidays- is a day to celebrate children. And, in Hawaiian, Nohi means brightly colored and vivid. So, I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!

Nohi uses a combination of certified organic cotton and bamboo fiber, with “a touch of spandex,” and low-impact, water based inks to create comfortable clothes kids love and parents can keep looking great wash after wash.

Nohi Kids’ new zoo print is a whimsical menagerie of elephants, birds, bunnies and giraffes. The zoo print is featured on new reversible jackets and top-selling footless rompers for babies sizes 0-3 months to 12-18 months as well as a short-sleeve tee for boys in kids sizes 2 to 7/8.

The new collection uses rich purple, persimmon and sky blue hues to complement the artful graphic designs- including a wraparound octopus tee, new horse print dress (available in sash and flutter sleeve styles), and a new “Love” print flutter sleeve dress.

Spring Bounty. A portion of sales is donated to the Caine’s Arcade Imagination Foundation, dedicated to finding and fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in kids.

Another Magnolia PR client! 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!

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!

Introducing Brian James – for Mom!

Ever wished the makers of popular children’s shoe brand pediped® made footwear for moms? Wishes do come true, because –they are!

Introducing Brian James™ New Essential Women’s Footwear Collection from Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning pediped brand. The début collection launches for Spring/Summer 2013.

Angela was inspired to develop a women’s line after years of countless requests from moms, celebrities and fans looking for the same quality, comfort and style as their kids’ pediped shoes.

After two years in the making, I’m thrilled to see this line come full surface. Sketch after sketch, our focus remained the same – to create a line that was stylish and timeless while providing an extreme level of comfort.”

The Brian James collection highlights seasonal designs essential to any women’s wardrobe. Angela says, “Brian James reflects a sense of timelessness and relaxed elegance, focusing on luxurious fabrics and a perfect fit.” With soft, flexible soles, all-leather uppers and linings, “this line meets the needs of every trendsetter’s desire for style and every shopper who puts comfort first.

Also based in Nevada, the Brian James™ Spring/Summer 2013 collection features four different styles: the Katherine Sandal, Chantal Sandal, Angelle Sandal and Angie Ballet Flat available in EU sizes 36-41 (US 5.5-11).

Purchase online at www.brianjamesfootwear.com and in select retail stores.

Another Hilary Abbott client! 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!

Spring Summer 2013: TANE Organics

Inspired by the goodness of the Earth…

TANE organics’ Spring Summer 2013 collection is full of freshness, sweet shapes and delicious softness.

TANE organics makes wonderful baby things from the purest, most luxurious natural fibers ever. The comfortable construction and design details are inspired by the shape of the beautiful kimono. “Tane” is a Japanese word that means “seed,” and the color tones in the collection help make the clothing look good enough to eat! The clothes are soft, with simple lines and neat playful details.

Soft ripe oval shapes provide the ease and freedom of movement while the pocket detail reflects the functionality in farming attire. The playful racer back cutout reminds us of warm summer days and the relief in a timeless worker’s tank. Sweet apron-influenced ruffles and shapes echo the humble, authentic delivery of great design.

Nicely said.

This season’s pieces have simple silhouettes that create a perfect mix of detailing, color and elegance, made from 100% certified organic cotton grown without the use of pesticides, GOTS certified low impact dyes, Azo dioxide free, and finished in a nontoxic process.

TANE’s Kayla Bird tells me in addition to minimizing toxic exposure, eco-fabrics last longer. Who knew?

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!

YooHoo & Friends™ Limited Edition Design Contest Winner

This April, the winning design will be released, along with five new dinosaurs for the best-selling YooHoo & Friends line.

Janessa Chong from Malaysia and her colorful rainbow-inspired Marshmallow beat out hundreds of other designs from around the world, in Aurora World‘s first-ever Design a YooHoo & Friends Contest.

“We were floored by Janessa’s design. It’s an honor to award her the winning dinosaur, together with Janessa, we hope Marshmallow brings smiles, joy and happiness to the hearts of children and collectors everywhere,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of sales and marketing. “Dinosaur toys continue to be big with kids because they are fascinated with the creatures, and they stir up the imagination.”

Joining Marshmallow (Triceratops) in the YooHoo & Friends dinosaur line is Rexee (Tyrannosaurus Rex), Stegee (Stegosaurus), Woolee (Wooly Mammoth), Toothee (Saber Tooth Tiger) and an endangered Sloth named Speedee. This year alone, Michael tells me that this popular plush animal line expects an epic expansion to include over 30 new styles in all.

Based on animals from around the world -many that are rare and endangered- each YooHoo & Friends animal makes a fun sound when squeezed, plus each character is described in detail on new hangtags.

Available in more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops worldwide and online at http://shop.auroragift.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!

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!