The Biz: Feature Articles

Too many adorable pooches languish in animal shelters. Help put an end to pet heartache by buying a limited-edition educational book and stuffed animal set that encourages pet adoption from Operation ResCUTE. The book tells The story of Jingles, a real-life rescue dog who began life on the streets of New York City. Along the way the pup suffers numerous trials, but in the end her life is turned around by a timely adoption. The collectible set comes with an Operation ResCUTE sticker reading “I am a ResCUTER” for kids to wear to show their part in the endeavor.

What country comes to mind when you hear the term “manufacturing hub”? China? Vietnam? Indonesia? There’s a long list of potential countries from which manufacturers and buyers can choose to source products. The real question is which country is best – or, more to the point, which country is best for you? In this bulletin, you’ll learn about five of the region’s growing manufacturing hubs and the different opportunities and challenges presented by each.

From their earliest days, girls naturally cleave to dolls. Tiny tots get hold of that first, soft doll who often becomes a natural bestie, there at night as a soothing bedtime companion and around during the day to snuggle with or just be at a little one’s side. Grown up girls cherish special dolls given to them long ago by a parent, adored granny, aunt or friend and often keep them forever. We’ve gathered a tea-party worthy group of special dolls that will delight young ladies of different ages and stages from Bonikka, Pennymeade, Arianna and My Friend Huggles.

An exciting adventure story with neatly woven-in sociological themes is bound to get kids’ hearts racing and their imaginations engaged while winning enthusiastic nods from parents. Lottie’s Run is the story of a girl whose dad is captain of England’s football team. She gets kidnapped and is forced to hide in the dark, scary woods. Lottie, a good student and very able athlete, relates the dramatic story of her pursuit and how she ultimately manages to escape. Readers learn the value of using imagination and considering different options as they enjoy the intriguing story.

A simple, yet meaningful message written on a napkin and placed in the lunchbox can help a child get through those tough days at school. Canadian mom Margerete Volpe happily got on board with the lunch box note habit, but the practice had a down side. While her daughter loved the notes, Margarete did not love the waste made from throwing away so many napkins every week. As an environmentally conscious person, Margarete was hit with inspiration: Why not make reusable cloth message napkins? And that’s how PICKmeUP Napkins was born.

Pillows in the crib are a big no-no, but there are still plenty of ways that little ones can enjoy the soft, cushiony luxury of pillows in other settings. Back Buddy, Shuga Bebé Couture, Peek Away, and Baby-BeeHaven all have something new and different to offer to customers looking for nursing pillows and other comfort pillows for themselves or their babies. Whether they’re in the market for a luxury nursing pillow that complements their bedroom décor, a seat for a softer stroller ride, or a travel bed that converts into multiple baby care accessories, they won’t be disappointed by the products from these unique companies.

This spring and summer, as your customers become more aware of what’s on the labels of their clothes, proudly display Made in the USA. Marketing surveys are showing an increasing desire, in particular among Americans, to purchase products made in the States in support of American jobs, hand craftsmanship and durability. This label and the movement behind it has gained popularity and retailers can take advantage this summer with Flap Happy protective swimwear, airy dresses from Aria, joyous outfits from Giggle Moon and daring denim from Preston Miles Kids.

Ever hear children tell a story with such imaginative happenings, you want to draw what’s in their head at that very moment? Doodle Do did… and does! Doodle Do offers doodles that decorate shirts, pants and rompers. Doodle Do is a little different. Focused on organic, but full of color and fun, the company specializes in branching off from the bland with quirky and imaginative wearable art. Doodle Do features the drawings from kids who imagine crabs can fly, dogs can share secrets, and anything is possible. Capturing that fearless dreamlike quality is what Doodle Do is dedicated to doing.

NapiNol Nursery Therapies creates all-natural skin care products with only the most necessary ingredients. They vow to use as few ingredients as possible, and each with a vital purpose for the skin. Their products contain no synthetics, no chemicals and nothing that isn’t on the label. Their products meet the strictest standards set by the Environmental Working Group, scoring a zero toxicity rating. NapiNol values this honesty and clarity because they have a working knowledge of both natural maternal needs and pharmaceutical formulation, allowing them to find natural solutions to product development where others resort to synthetics for help.

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