The Biz

Keeping up with the tween set may be a challenge for parents, but you can help by stocking interchangeable fashionable items in your store. Doll clothing changes are a blast and super fashionable with SnapDolls totes and shirts. These dolls tell inspirational stories while donning aspirational frocks. Pack up the boring backpacks with Squid Packs, that feature silicone straps that can be removed and changed so kids can easily identify their belongings. Fashion is easy peasy with CAPeezy magnetic rings with interchangeable design collections. Tween moods change frequently, and so can their bling with MOGO interchangeable charms that stick to bracelets, purses and even sunglasses.

Hair accessories are items that many consumers seem to take for granted; they are available in discount stores and there seems to be a nearly endless array of possibilities. However, many parents of little girls will tell you that while hair embellishments might be abundant, they are not always high quality. Over the years, some companies have tried to address the problem and have begun to offer higher-quality accessories that are also trendy and cute. Wee Ones is one of the leaders. This well-respected company provides a wide range of hair bows, clips, and bands, available in a variety of colors and styles.

Regardless of the state of the economy, “free” is and always will be good. Who doesn’t want help for their business at no cost? Previous options included reluctant friends and family members or possibly interns that may work for free. Within the last decade or so a new source of budget-friendly labor has emerged — the public at large. With the advent of the Internet, compounded by the introduction and immense popularity of social media, crowdsourcing has become a go-to resource for companies to address a variety of needs, from advertising to graphic design and product development.

Golden Rabbit is a family-owned company that began producing enamelware over 16 years ago. Golden Rabbit’s speckled collection is based on 18th century designs and is constructed of fine German enamel on steel. Classic and colorful, the dishes are easy to clean, easy to store and versatile — perfect for a country kitchen or in a high-style setting. Enamelware from Golden Rabbit is fully functional without forgetting the fun. Whether mixed or matched, the array of shapes and sizes can outfit any event or enhance an existing table theme, from clambakes or barbecues to Christmas buffets and Easter brunch.

If you’ve ever bought a mattress, you definitely have seen the tag securely sewn into a seam that says something like “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY CONSUMER.” Aside from being the subject of stand-up comedy routines, these tags actually are intended to inform consumers that the mattress is new (or not) and contains all new materials (or not), identify hidden filling materials, name the manufacturer, and state when and where it was made. You may even have noticed these labels are affixed to pillows, comforters and other sleep-related products –– but do they belong on diaper changing pads?

Many popular brands provide unique products that meet customer needs in grand style. In today’s shrinking world, that means an emphasis on understanding a multi-cultural audience. But that focus should not mean a generic approach to product creation. For example, Gryphon Design Collective has its fingers on the world’s pulse and understands the demands of a global marketplace — with insight into satisfying the needs of individuals. Not only does Gryphon bring in talent from dozens of countries, but it also gives back through literacy initiatives and promoting community issues.

Sisters Krystal Kirkpatrick and Suzanne Knutson started their company, Bunnies By The Bay, as therapy after two tragic fishing accidents claimed the lives of their father, brother, uncle, cousin, and 11 other fishermen. Suffering almost unbearable grief, they took the advice of their grandmother to keep their hands busy and began sewing bunnies that were inspired by a childhood story. Bunnies By The Bay’s focus is on creating delightfully endearing gifts for little ones embarking on their first year of life. Through engaging art and playful wit, Bunnies By The Bay offers detailed designs and lush materials in timeless products that promise parents and grandparents a cherished heirloom in the years to come.

Teething is one of the most dreaded ordeals for a new parent. Not only are the little ones up all night and miserably drooling, but inevitably everything from a dog toy to a finger becomes an opportunity for the child to chomp. While many teething rings are functional, they’re just not that much fun. Given the choice, the little tooth-grower is always going to go for something that looks like a toy, not a mini life preserver. So what’s a parent to do if they want a safe option that does the job and is fun enough to keep their child’s attention? Try the Suri the Octopus and Friends line of teething toys by Mayapple Baby.

Who among us doesn’t remember killing some time between learning in school by flicking a paper “ball” into the “goalpost” made by someone’s hands? This pastime was simple and fun… and it can still be played today! Only once again our kids have become too sophisticated for our old-school ways, so it’s up to buyers to catch up and catch on to FIKI SPORTS games. This enhanced version of tabletop football features a leather game piece shaped like the desired ball or puck, a replica playing surface and “scoring apparatus” (a.k.a. way better than someone’s hands).

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