The Biz

Starting a business is like setting out on a journey. To get to your destination you will need a road map, otherwise known as a business plan. It’s reported that up to ninety-five percent of new businesses fail within the first five years. One of the the primary reasons contributing to their failure is lack of planning. Whether it’s a need for business understanding, just trying to navigate the world as a new entrepreneur or simply a lack of time, many business owners set out to develop their new venture without a proper business plan.

Sales reps and their showrooms are an important and valuable service link between manufacturers and retailers. In the children’s industry, sales reps often hold the key to open the right retail doors for manufacturers to succeed and boost sales. Many of the best reps work their trade in permanent showrooms designed to showcase multiple lines to their best advantage. These showrooms are the ideal venue for wholesale buyers to shop efficiently and do business with trusted sales professionals. The Giggle Guide® regularly features sales reps and showrooms throughout the country that play a valuable role in the distribution chain. Today, our spotlight is shining brightly on Two’s Company, The Klein Group, Accentrics, The Rose Garden and Ali’s Market.

ENK Children’s Club at Javits Center in NYC opened Sunday and continues through March 9th. This event is the largest children’s apparel show featuring Fall 2010 collections, as well as some immediate-buy specials for this spring and summer. Before the red carpets are pulled up for another season, check out these fantastic brands at Children’s Club: Kicokids, Honeyami, Ideo and No Added Sugar.

The African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child,” could not hold more true for us at The Giggle Guide®. As a comprehensive online destination for information related to the children’s marketplace, we are committed to the industry we represent: children. Like everyone in the children’s business, we are fortunate to be a part of the “business of youth,” and want to give back and make a difference in the lives of children who are innocent victims of their environment.

While it’s vital to take care of your own backyard, it’s also important to remember your backyard connects with the rest of the world. At The Giggle Guide®, we applaud organizations who make it their business to reach out to those in need. K.I.D.S., Soles4Souls, First Candle and Dignity U Wear take the adage, “love thy neighbor,” seriously. Together with many volunteers and donating companies, these organizations work hard to make the world a better place, and provide wonderful opportunities for the children’s industry to lend a helping hand.

According to Milk Money Boutique’s store owner, Rita Thomas, her children’s specialty store in North Carolina is “for the child who has everything but deserves more. At Milk Money, every day is a special occasion.” Rita shares how she went from marketing for the federal government to marketing her own store and its assorted collections of quality apparel and gifts for boys and girls. Inspired by a move to North Carolina, her own sense of style and how she wanted to dress her son, Rita is successfully showing everyone that a little “milk money” can go a long way in making children and moms feel special.

Spring 2010 Gift & Home Market™ at the L.A. Mart® March 14-16, 2010

The Spring 2010 Gift & Home Market at the L.A. Mart, March 14-16, 2010, buyers and retailers will discover fresh, new product from a multitude of categories and will shop some of the most exclusive product, much of which can only be found in Los Angeles.

“The Spring Market is shaping up to be the best yet, with new and exciting product offerings in every category,” said Peggy Coleman, vice president marketing, L.A. Mart and California Gift Show. “Our buyers will see some of the hottest, most innovative lines available today.”

Contact: LA Mart / (213) 763-5817

All over the globe, there is the undeniable presence of poverty and loss. Basic human rights are often violated, parents struggle to feed their families, and animals cope with reduced habitat. With so many hands outstretched in need, it’s easy to turn the other way, not seeing how to make a difference individually. However… together we really can make a difference. MayaWorks, Oomfy Corp and Bébé Ravi Collection are three of many outstanding organizations that make it their daily mission to provide answers that are sustainable, ethical, and empowering!

We’ve heard the tales of yesteryear when Grandpa whittled toys out of a stick or soap, and cobbled together a rocker from backyard branches, while Grandma sewed cozy Christmas pajamas and the infamous coat of many colors. Today, at Jack Rabbit Creations, each item is made with an appreciation for hand-craftsmanship and an artistic eye that commemorates traditions of days past, reminiscent of simpler times when treasured belongings often included a special story about their creation.

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