Feature Articles: Features

A 32-year veteran of AmericasMart in Atlanta, Larry Lucas, of Larry Lucas Inc., knows firsthand the multitude of challenges store owners face. He recently presented a decidedly informative Retail Management seminar at the Atlanta Gift Show in which he highlighted the “must knows” and “must haves” to survive in the gift boutique business in today’s economy and beyond. The Giggle Guide® is happy to share some insightful highlights from Larry Lucas’ excellent seminar.

The NYC Baby and Kids Fair at 7 W New York runs Jan 30th - Feb 1st. The 11th floor will be filled with everything under the sun for children, including gifts, apparel, bedding, furnishings, room decor, health care, bath aids and toys. The 7 W New York Gift & Home Textiles Market and New York International Gift Fair are also taking place, so NYC is the place to be for buyers who want to cash in on the gift market. Here’s a preview of a few of the exciting exhibitors that will be at the 7 W NYC Baby and Kids Fair, including Stonz Wear, mimijumi, First Toddle and JudiZuzu.

American families are busier than ever, so it’s often long after the groceries are unpacked that mom or dad realize they forgot to replace the toothbrushes… again! Help them out by placing kid’s toothbrushes near the checkout. Specialty retailers may brush off this idea as inappropriate for their product mix, but unique toothbrushes from Live-Right, Benedent Corporation, Dr. Fresh and Preserve are exceptional finds that make customers smile! Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be changed every 3 months, so dental care products, especially those with impulse-buy appeal, can be a great way to brighten profits.

Still a child, not yet a young woman – those awkward tween years are momentous for girls. Their personalities are maturing along with their bodies. Their sense of style is influenced by the media, the Internet, celebrities and peers. Pivotal changes in tweenagers are reflected in their speech, actions, hobbies and clothing choices. There are several terrific fashion brands who recognize that tweens are growing up, and emphasize designs with an age-appropriate balance. JK Tees, Havengirl, T2Love and Claesen’s USA do a great job celebrating young tween spirits with their fashion collections.

The Chicago Market’s Living and Giving Show, January 21st – 27th, is set to showcase the latest in children’s fashion and innovative children’s products. The show will also feature a variety of free seminars on current business topics ranging from strategies for growth to incorporating Fair Trade products in retail. In anticipation of a great show, The Giggle Guide® would like to shine the limelight on products from Folkmanis, Bitty Block, Sophie the Giraffe, and Lifefactory.

The Giggle Guide® is back on the trade show trail, showcasing great new children’s products at industry events throughout the country. This month we’ll be covering events across the country including: AmericasMart, LA Mart, California Gift Show, Kids on 6 at CMC, ENK Children’s Club, 7 W NY Baby & Gift Fair, NYIGF and The Dallas Total Gift & Home Market, January 13th - 17th. Here’s a little teaser of some products you’ll find at the Dallas show from Sue Berk Designs, Mag Tagz, Blessing Banks and K. Co. Kids.

Kids know that the perfect pajamas can make or break bedtime. The “right” PJs make nighttime more comfy, relaxing and fun. They also tend to stay on well into the next day! So, whether kids and their parents are searching for PJs that boast exceptionally soft, breathable fabrics, hypoallergenic qualities or strikingly cool designs, The Giggle Guide™ has found the jammies that everyone will adore. Here we showcase some leading brands in the children’s sleepwear market: New Jammies, Dots and Dreams, Sara’s Prints and 37°.

Once upon a time, children’s parties required only the basics… a few party games, some sweet treats, and kids ready for a good time. While fun and games still remain the focus, modern parties have evolved to include everything from pony rides and magicians to swag-heavy party bags! At The Giggle Guide®, we’d like to highlight some creative activity products that can help make a party memorable and meaningful, without touching the college fund. Check out these great options from Fresko’s Nuvo-Group, Makeit Products, MyDesign, and Minui. They’re perfect for a sleepover, birthday, holiday, or “rainy-day” celebration.

Slumber parties filled with friends, fun, food, and games are an important rite of passage, and are currently more popular than ever before. Whether it’s a first night sleeping at a friend’s house, camping out in the backyard, or going to sleep-away camp; a friendly, cozy sleeping bag and pillow add enjoyment and comfort to the event. The Giggle Guide® has found some great brands that offer multi-use sleep sacks for children: My NapPak, Bazoongi, Bergans of Norway, Kelty and Cellcorp.

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