The Biz: The Grapevine

The Kimochi line of toys was born out of a desire to teach children about their emotions through play and interaction with others.

Kimochi means “feeling” in Japanese. The colorful plush pillows have a feeling word printed on one side,with a facial expression on the other. Each set of toys comes with a 32-page Feeling Guide written by a nationally-renowned child communication expert, Ellen Pritchard Dodge, M.Ed. CCC-SLP. The Feeling Guide has fun descriptions of each character’s personality as well as tips and exercises for parents that use the toys to increase emotional awareness in children.

Those involved in the lives of children are all too aware of the daily struggles many of them face. Kara Tamanini, a licensed psychotherapist, specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents experiencing a variety of issues and concerns. Her new book collection, the Kids Awareness Series, is focused on filing the gap between adult explanation of complex situations and what a child understands and feels.

At the recent Licensing International Expo 2009 in Las Vegas, Disney Consumer Products announced key character franchises poised for breakout growth at retail over the next several years. Learns what’s coming for these favorites … Handy Manny. Hannah Montana. Toy Story 3. Mickey Mouse. Winnie the Pooh. Disney Princesses. Tinker Bell. Disney Fairies. DCP has plans to keep favorite characters going and growing for new and old generations!

Women recovering from a Cesarean, c-moms as they are called, have a unique challenge caring for a newborn while healing from major surgery. As if childbirth wasn’t hard enough. C-Panty, The After Cesarean Underwear, is a new product developed to provide relief to new moms during their recovery. Named a Top Product by Pregnancy Magazine, the C-Panty was developed by a rehabilitation specialist and surgeon team who are also husband and wife.

The Snuggin Go is an infant positioner designed by Beth Rumack, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. After years of helping parents position the smallest infants into car seats with rolled blankets and towels, her own daughter was born in 2004 at just 6 pounds. Beth spent 5 years researching and designing the Snuggin Go out of a sincere desire to reduce the danger infants face when improperly positioned in a seat.

Piggy Paint, an all-natural line of nail polish, offers an alternative to traditional kid polish. Water-based and made from natural ingredients, Piggy Paint provides polish in bright and exciting colors, suitable for even the smallest diva.

Toy industry giant Toys “R” Us announced the acquisition of the iconic FAO Schwarz early Thursday, May 28. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

In a press release, Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO of Toys “R” Us says of the acquisition, “We have enormous respect for the FAO Schwarz brand and for the special place it holds in the hearts of children everywhere.”

Toys “R” Us will takeover operation of the store in New York City, the Las Vegas store, as well as all e-commerce and the FAO Schwarz catalogue. All FAO Schwarz entities will retain the brand name.

Even in a down economy, parents are buying.

Children’s clothing retailers are posting strong earnings in the first quarter of 2009. Children’s Place (PLCE) reported a 21% increase in profits. The clothing retailer reported $23.5 million in first quarter earnings, up from $19.5 million in 2008. Sales reached $401.9 million while same store sales increased 1% over the same period.

Henderson, Nevada-based kokopax®, debuts at retailers nationwide beginning June 1 with a range of fashionable and lightweight classic baby carriers, coordinating totes, sun hats and organic accessories.

New kokopax Lightweight Carrier Combines Fashion, Function and Freedom

Login:

Username:
Password: