Feature Articles: Features

Features

Socks with Style

By Carolyn Kavarnos

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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.

Features

The Vintage Advantage: What's Old is New and Never Out of Style

By Kelly Lee

Trends come and go, but one thing always stays the same: classic clothing. While customers are sure to scoop up a few of the latest trends for their children, they are happy to invest in foundational pieces that never go out of style. Vintage clothing and accessories speak directly to our nostalgia, our sense of sturdy, trusty fashion, and remind us of our heritage. Partnering with vintage purveyors, including Home Spun Vintage, Grass & Clovers, Rachel Riley and Bottleblond Jewels, offers a timeless way to add to a retailer’s sales foundation.

Features

Style Rules for the First Day of School

By Emmi Kern

Every year, companies that specialize in children’s products roll out new, trendy items just in time for September. With all the options being marketed to kids, parents have to choose which make sense and will benefit their child the most as they begin a new grade. Back to school gear should be both stylish and practical. It should help give children confidence and offer easier, better ways of doing what kids do each day. This means moms and dads should be shopping for durable clothes, tough backpacks, and convenient portable storage options. Here are some brands that score high marks from The Giggle Guide^®: Junebug, Lily & Momo, Madpax and Innobaby.