The Biz: Feature Articles

Retailers come in all shapes and sizes from the specialty boutique with those hard to find unique items to nationwide mass retailers who will sell a thousand units of the same product in a day. Knowing how to talk to each, and do so effectively, will greatly impact the results of the pitch. The keys to a successful pitch include: having a realistic and clear understanding of what you have to offer, demonstrating a respect and insight into the retailers needs, and finally having the business acumen to make your case illustrating the benefits you bring to the table.

Everyone who has heard the phrase “soft as a baby’s bottom” knows that it is used to describe only the silkiest and smoothest of things. The saying also conjures up images of plump baby nether cheeks that are cushy cute! Today, The Giggle Guide^® is delving into our diaper bag of tricks for the top products from Bumkins, Happy Heinys, Mad Gab’s and Starbunz that go into making those babies’ bums so soft and healthy. With new parents eager for the best products to keep their little ones clean, happy and dry, the possibilities are, well… bottomless!

Summer Place is a wholesale rep group specializing in high-end baby and children’s products. The sales organization has over 2000 active customers, and covers the Southeast territory, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Summer Place represents 30 different product lines. Owner Brittany Harrell says, “We strive to provide outstanding customer service to our stores through a consistent and dedicated sales rep team and a customer relationship management system designed specifically for our industry and our showroom.” Here, Harrell gives us an up-close, personal look into what makes Summer Place shine.

A monster wave of kid’s swimwear for 2011 is making a huge splash with functional and sun-safe on-trend styles! As parents have become more aware of the dangers of solar rays, the popularity of sun-protective swimwear has expanded exponentially. While sunscreen is always a must, several brands provide added safety through innovative UV-protective swimwear that deftly doubles as all-day playwear. For the latest colorful hats, darling bikinis, and hip and happening swim trunks and rash guards, check out these shining examples of next season’s fun-in-the-sun fashions from Seasons UV, Babi-Kini, Sun Busters and Flap Happy.