The Biz

Sweeters wiggle worm is the latest addition to the pals family - squeezable, cuddly fun for babies to youngsters. Always handknit here in the USA, all cotton, machine wash & dry with personalization available

Meet the Sweeters Pals, a new line of 100% cotton hand-knit brightly colored creations sure to bring joy to all little boys and girls.

With their zany stripes and colorful clothes, these adorable friends are the perfect combination of color and imagination.

Contact: Sue Katz / (407) 645-1601

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

The newest thing in surfing has arrived for tots! Haiden Surf, started in 2008, offers a large selection of hip and sporty board shorts and surfing accessories in sizes 3m to 7. The line was created by Katie Motika and Alli Baldocchi, two women who know a little about boys and surfing. The Southern California surfers have four boys between them. Frustrated by the lack of stylish surf wear for their tots, the friends decided to grab a wave of opportunity and design children’s wear with a surf motif.

Visual merchandising. More than an arrangement of signs and products. To increase sales, engage more senses. Create an experience. Satisfy needs, but generate wants. The Giggle Guide™ provides display tips for retailers and manufacturers. In stores, or at trade events, what you see and hear matters. Create attention grabbers Generate buzz. Turn window shopping into increased sales! What customers see, hear and touch influences what they get!

The Giggle Guide™ introduces our exclusive “Ask The Moms” series. We’ve surveyed 26 mothers, living throughout the United States and Canada, about today’s children’s market and the products they purchase. We’re kicking things off with a question to help everyone get to know the moms, and their purchasing influences, a little better:

What are the primary ways you discover new children’s products?

The Giggle Guide® takes a look at changes in cotton diapers! We discover the real scoop on the cloth vs. disposable debate, and find some of the “cons” about cloth are just a lot of poop. Learn more of the facts about the budgetary and environmental benefits of cloth diapering. Retailers could help their bottom line by offering a selection of cotton diapering products for your eco-responsible customers.

The city council of Chicago voted on May 13, 2009 to ban the use of BPA in all beverage and food containers labeled for use by children under the age of three. The ban was approved after stricter legislation that included all children’s products was defeated. The ban will apply to all containers sold after January 31, 2010. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical used during the manufacturing process that hardens plastic. The chemical has been linked to developmental delays as well as an increase in certain types of cancers and diabetes.

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