The Biz

Buying children’s shoes used to be a chore, but with the popularity of easy-fastening systems and styles that practically dance out of the store, the experience is a lot easier and far more fun. The children’s shoes of today are as jazzy and comfortable as manufacturers can make them. Shoes from Kirsten Licet, Zooshuu, Zooligans and Lelli Kelly take a cue from the animal world to come up with captivating designs that attract kids’ attention. When shoes have child-appeal in the design, and make sense to adult shoppers with fine materials and top quality construction, the bottom line will show the results.

“A” is for alphabet, “B” is for book and “F” is for the family owned company that publishes books in the AlphabetownUSA series where letters have distinctive personalities. The books, which incorporate bright, engaging illustrations, introduce language skills to young children who giggle over the adventures of Nancy, a green “N,” Frank, a bright red “F” and slate blue “Z” for Ziggy. With lots of help from their four children, Ryan and Nicole Mayer of Rolesville, NC, created the AlphabetownUSA series, illustrated by artist Russ Simmons.

Beloved the world over, Sesame Street entertains and educates children in over 160 countries. What better way to help parents teach children about the world outside their borders than to bridge the gap with the little muppet faces kids (and their parents) know and love? Kiwi Industries adds to the global appeal by launching the “Sesame Street Around the World” collection. It features all the familiar faces with designer colors, updated graphics, and the character’s name in three different languages. Children will enjoy learning what their favorite characters’ names are in different languages, and parents will appreciate the designer look in 100% washable organic cotton.

Parents know the potential horror when they pick their kid up while on an outing and realize a diaper change has to happen right then and there. Blizzard or not, a dirty diaper waits for no man. Offer these frenzied parents the perfect option with Zopheez: a fashionable one-piece outfit that actually looks like two-piece separates. The best part? Zopheez features one zipper down the center front for getting dressed and another through the crotch for presto change-o diaper swaps. As a pediatrician, Kerry Newman, CEO, founder and creative director of Zopheez saw many parents struggle with front, back and crotch snaps that never seem to match up. Kerry’s mission is to provide a safe, stylish and easy option for dressing young babies and toddlers.