Feature Articles: Features

Features

Walk on the Wild Side

By Mari Gold - Wednesday, June 6th 2012

Buying children’s shoes used to be a chore, but with the popularity of easy-fastening systems and styles that practically dance out of the store, the experience is a lot easier and far more fun. The children’s shoes of today are as jazzy and comfortable as manufacturers can make them. Shoes from Kirsten Licet, Zooshuu, Zooligans and Lelli Kelly take a cue from the animal world to come up with captivating designs that attract kids’ attention. When shoes have child-appeal in the design, and make sense to adult shoppers with fine materials and top quality construction, the bottom line will show the results.

Features

Here’s to the Babies that Drink!

By Mari Gold - Friday, June 1st 2012

When it comes to feeding time, parents, babies and toddlers want a relaxed, pleasant, delicious experience. Show your customers ways to banish tension at mealtime with products that enhance food-appeal and make feeding youngsters as carefree as possible.To ease the transition from breast to bottle, and from bottle to cup, demonstrate to shoppers a variety of smartly thought-out and well-designed products made to help feed young children. Here are some recommendations to calm the feeding frenzies: Mixie, ReliaBrand, Piyo Piyo and Cubbie Cup from Parent Perfected.

Features

Socks with Style

By Carolyn Kavarnos - Wednesday, May 23rd 2012

Socks are an essential part of any wardrobe. Gone are the days of boring, solid colored socks. Today, even the tiniest toes have a more colorful and cozy selection of socks than ever before! For babies, socks that look like shoes are adorable and make quite the fashion statement. Socks that let children express their individuality through bold patterns, bright colors, and awesome animals are a huge hit with kids and parents alike. Companies like Sock it to Me, Happy Socks, Zutano and Bibi & Mimi are creating high-quality socks for little feet that have toes wiggling and feet tapping.

Features

Tween Magnets: Swimwear, Jeans, Bags and Shoes!

By Mari Gold - Friday, May 18th 2012

Looking incredibly sharp is important to tweens, who flaunt their style and eye each other’s stuff to be sure theirs is up to snuff. Girls love to be able to show off a new handbag, pair of shoes or bathing suit cover up and bask in the compliments they get. After all, for the time being, it is all about them. Here are some brand recommendations for cool clothes and accessories made to help young girls feel like they belong: 9’s Swimwear, !iT Jeans, LUV Footwear and m.adonia kids.

Features

Hats On!

By Stephanie Hanlon - Monday, May 14th 2012

Retailers may still be making final buying decisions for the 2012 fall and holiday season. Top off the season with one of the biggest trends: hats, hats, hats! From traditional pom-pom caps to fantastical ski masks, the perfect hat should go with any coat, dressy or play, but have enough detail to set it apart from everyday stocking caps. Our picks all have unique elements, plus are warm enough for little ears while also being adorable enough to make parents skip the local drugstore 2-for-1 sale and head to your store: Ambler, 2HKnits, Virginia Dunn and Patouche.

Features

Fall’s Fashion Forecast is for Capes and Ponchos

By Stephanie Hanlon - Friday, May 4th 2012

The capes and ponchos trend is back and it’s hitting the younger set fast. Light, breezy and easily layered, this trend is totally wearable. Unlike many sweaters or jackets, capes and ponchos give kids the warmth they need while letting them move the way they want. Parents love the combination of style and functionality, and girls love the twirlability. Big-button capes and detailed ponchos are in for fall, so deliver with these designers who do the trend best, including the little hummingbird, NICO.NICO, Girl and a Mouse and Babylady Inc.

Features

Profit with Products Made in the USA

By Kelly Lee - Wednesday, May 2nd 2012

“Buy American!” is a more common rallying cry as concerned consumers support the high standards that make US products some of the best in the world. A Gallup Poll showed that more than half of the consumers surveyed would be willing to pay a premium for US goods. Stateside companies not only support and grow the American economy via sales transactions, but they also create new opportunities for local, quality brands. Capitalizing on American know-how and craftsmanship, 100%Gumdrop, Radish Moon, Holt and Lulu, and American Plastic Toys have stayed true to their roots by bringing customers the peace of mind that US-made goods can buy.

Features

ABC Spring Educational Conference Preview (Part 2)

By David Gaunt - Friday, April 20th 2012

So many exhibitors responded to our inquiry about their “Must See” products on display at next week’s ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show that we made it a two-part series. Since this ABC event is all about learning from others in the town built upon luck, brand representatives also shared their best business tips and the luckiest they have ever been in their lives. See Part One of the ABC SEC preview published April 19, 2012. The ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held April 25-27 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.

Features

ABC Exhibitors are Passionate about New Products… and Lucky in Love!

By David Gaunt - Thursday, April 19th 2012

The ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held April 25-27 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas. This annual event provides opportunities for manufacturers and independent children’s retailers to get to know each other better, learn tips to improve business and see new products on display from a variety of juvenile product manufacturers. In the ABC SEC spirit of new product news and business education in the good-luck town of Las Vegas, I asked exhibitors to tell me about their “must-see” product on the trade show floor, their favorite business tip and what is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to them.