The Biz: Feature Articles

ABC Kids Expo celebrates its 10th anniversary, October 14-17, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky. According to President and Show Manager Larry Schur, “We are very encouraged to see such a positive response in registrations from all retail channels, especially from those located internationally.” The ABC Kids Expo is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with domestic and international buyers, media, and manufacturers at the premier juvenile products show in the world. Here is just a small sampling of products to see at the event: Curious George and Suzy’s Zoo by Fun Rugs, Gummi Teething Jewelry from KidKusion, strollers by guzzie+Guss, and Ubabub’s unique cribs.

Abraham Maslow, well known for the creation of his hierarchy of needs chart, managed to delineate in five steps all the needs of humanity. He starts with the most basic, physical needs including food, water and clothing and then progresses up through safety, love and esteem to what he calls self actualization. In the marketplace there are products to address and capitalize on these needs. Those products meeting the needs of the categories higher up on the chart can command a greater price because theoretically, they are harder to achieve. Knowing where your product is on the physical to emotional spectrum helps to direct how you communicate your product to the marketplace.

Zeenie Dollz are the newest trend in eco-friendly toys and in the doll world! The modern and stylish design for these dolls might be enough to make them fly off the shelves, but Zeenie Dollz take it one step further by emphasizing the importance of taking care of our planet. These dolls are certain to be a hit this holiday season. “Saving the planet… that’s our style!” is the battle cry for this line of sassy and creative dolls. The dolls are all made from 100% sustainable materials while the story behind them teaches and encourages kids to take responsibility for the health of our Mother Earth.

While many manufacturers generate waste, here is one that heads in the opposite direction, keeping zillions of pieces of paper out of our landfills. Notebagz transforms this detritus into edgy handbags, cosmetic cases and other accessories. The style alone is enough to recommend Notebagz, even if they didn’t make right-on-the-money bags of all kinds made entirely out of recycled publications, magazines and posters. American-made Notebagz lean on nostalgic icons and vintage books as well as images from television, movie and music artists. All bags feature snappy designs whether shoppers’ tastes run to music, magazine covers, peace signs, travel posters or other icons of times gone by.