The Biz

The ABC Spring Conference is an event that brings together a cross section of children’s specialty product retailers. The conference is unique because it’s not just a trade show; it’s an educational opportunity. This year, the ABC Conference took place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Retailers who participated enjoyed beautiful surroundings as they expanded their entrepreneurial experience. There were some standout participants at this year’s conference. I Can Tie Shoelaces, Rhoost, Happy Kidz and Snuggy Baby presented products to enhance the health and well-being of babies and young children.

There’s a huge industry geared toward parents who want to start teaching their children reading and math skills even before they can walk, and many of these products and programs really do yield results, helping kids go into preschool well ahead of their peers. Art is often part of these learning programs. Wee Gallery offers a wide selection of toys, mobiles, wall graphics, books and more, all featuring artwork designed to stimulate and enhance the minds of babies and young children.

In the early days of the modern move toward more natural textiles, the image associated with “eco-friendly” materials was one of plain, folk-style design in earth tone colors. Bamboosa is a brand that continues the trend that’s changing the way people think about sustainable cloth, with its collection of luxurious baby clothing, blankets and towels. Bamboosa’s products are made from natural, unbleached bamboo materials. Bamboo is one of the stars on the sustainable textile scene thanks to its many advantages. It is remarkably soft and cozy, making it a great choice for baby apparel.

Who doesn’t want a baby’s toy to be as smooth and silky as baby’s skin? natureZOO of Denmark entered the market in 2011 and has grown into 16 countries. natureZOO’s fame is blossoming for hand crocheted baby and kid accessories made from soft bamboo yarn. Because natureZOO items are all handmade, each of their creations is unique. Your customers can confidently shop for any gift knowing there won’t be another one like it. They can also rest easy knowing the high-quality bamboo yarn has received multiple certifications and has even been given the FSC approval for Responsible Forest Management.

Eating should be fun, so baby foods should be fun, too. Little jars of pureed veggies or smooth infant cereals are great ways to start, but after a while –– usually once they begin teething –– babies start wanting to explore more complicated shapes, textures and flavors. At this stage, it’s important to offer a baby safe, appealing and healthy finger foods to satisfy their developing taste buds. Baby Mum-Mum is the maker of all-natural baby teething biscuits and snacks. Their food line is designed to be a healthier alternative to the typical teething biscuits found in grocery stores.

It’s already started: The summer movie buzz. From “Spider-Man” and “Godzilla” to “X-Men” and “Maleficent,” there are lots of big names and big budgets boosting the season’s big screen entrants. Whether you flood into theaters or choose to watch at home, Hollywood has the formula down for boosting its bottom line. So maybe it’s time to take a page from Tinsletown’s script when it comes to wholesale sales, and more specifically, using your company’s distribution to increase business.

The ABC Spring Educational Conference will be held “Where Dreams Come True” at Disney World Resorts on May 20-22. The ABC annual spring event allows juvenile stores, manufacturers, reps and media to get to know more about each other and their industry. The juvenile industry has been built on dreams, and continues to serve and be inspired by families with new dreams. That’s why I asked several exhibitors these questions: “What are your dreams that have come true, or that you still have?” and “What dream product are you showing at the ABC spring trade show?” I received replies from Duux, MD Moms, Reflo, pello, and oogaa.

Spring has sprung at DownEast and if you’re looking for vibrant colors and patterns to freshen your store, look no further. Ruffles are ripping through the runways this year and the Ruffle Front short-sleeved top in lemon or sailor blue is ready to sell. Heat things up with the Center Ruffle Tank in pink lemonade or purple punch, showcasing a simple ruffle down the front. Girls can take the summer by storm in the Tuxedo Ruffle Top in pink lemonade, violet tulip or white. The ruffles are offset by a slight v-neck cut of the collar for a cool look that can be dressed up or down.

Three friends had two things in common, the desire to work together, and a shared passion for natural living. While brainstorming, they realized all their talents combined could create an all-natural skincare line. And thus, 3Girls Holistic was born. Following the “Going Green” trend, 3Girls Holistic features five product lines that commit to using only natural and organic ingredients targeting the environmentally conscious consumer. The lines include: Skin Care, Aromatherapy, First Aid, Postpartum and For Kids.

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