The Biz: Feature Articles

Fair Trade is an organized social movement that focuses on exporting original goods from developing countries around the world to larger markets through fair treatment of producers. Quite often, the artisans are disabled, widowed, or ill. In many cases, income to these workers and their families is double the local average. In addition to providing individuals with the opportunity for a quality life, several Fair Trade companies donate to worldwide charities and orphanages. By purchasing Fair Trade products, consumers enjoy beautifully-crafted merchandise while making a real difference in the world!

For several years now, many designers have taken the mod vibe from a trend to a well-established apparel category. Hip, edge-driven designs are at the forefront of fashion for the littlest customers, and while these kiddos are too young for a driver’s license or credit card, it doesn’t stop them from wearing fashion-forward apparel in the crib and to the playground! With tattoo-inspired graphics such as flaming guitars, toned-down colors and high-quality fabrics, trendy apparel from no added sugar, Pink Axle and Rock Star Baby makes an up-to-the minute, sophisticated statement.

What do you want to be? That’s a question children bring to life in imaginative play throughout the year — not just on Halloween! Costumes have become more kid-friendly and realistic in recent years, as manufacturers in the children’s industry are paying close attention to what get-ups today’s kids want in their dress-up trunks. The Giggle Guide^® presents creative garb from Aeromax, Small World Toys, Kids Safari and Groovy Holidays to put in your retail costume closet for year-round sales, from full body costumes to the perfect dress-up accessories.

In January, Bobux, the children’s shoe brand, celebrates its twentieth anniversary! Designers and parents Chris and Colleen Bennett invented the original pre-walker shoe in New Zealand to help their own child. Before Bobux, retailers and parents were largely not aware of the benefits of footwear for babies. Pre-walker shoes has become a growing product category worldwide, with many competitive brands touting their features and fashions. Bobux gives The Giggle Guide^® a “Behind The Brand” look at its company, from its first baby steps to the great strides it has taken in its product expansion and marketing to families around the world. We, of course, especially love the latest Bobux brand slogan: “Giggle & Grow… Naturally!”