KidShow Las Vegas is a Sure Bet for Multi-Line Reps

I have been attending the KidShow in Las Vegas for the past 7 years. I was there at the first windy tent event at the Rio, through many seasons at the Riviera, and for the past few years at the convenient and comfortable Bally’s. KidShow, under the welcoming and efficient direction of show maestro Denise Raeside, is one of my favorite children’s business events. KidShow hosts a great showplace, offering many perks (I love the free breakfast and lunch) and value to both exhibitors and retailers. The great news is that Denise told me, “KidShow has more pre-registered buyers than ever before. We have a 30% increase in buyer registrations.”

Several multi-line reps are regular KidShow exhibitors who showcase a terrific selection of brand-name collections. I talked to a trio of reps to find out how they continue their lucky streak with this Vegas show: 4 Kids on 6, Bob Parrish and 2-2 Hot. In addition, KidShow hosts lots of other company-sponsored booths with leading brands in every fashion category. KidShow is at Bally’s Las Vegas, February 15-17.

4 Kids on 6 Adds Up to a 10

If sales reps were scored on experience, dedication and retaining top-name brands, 10 being best, I believe that Teresa Stephen and Joanne Torres, partners of 4 Kids on 6 at the California Market Center, would earn a big 10! With over 30 years of experience in their own showrooms, they combined forces about 3 years ago and expanded their brands and services. Teresa is a veteran supporter of KidShow, and keeps going back. She says, “We like KidShow for the visibility. It attracts customers from all over the country, not just in the Western region. Some customers we serve only shop at KidShow. It’s the only place we see them. So, KidShow definitely does not detract at all from our business at The California Market Center in Los Angeles.”

Two of the new 4 Kids on 6 lines showing at KidShow include Baxter and Beatrice, a brand extension of Mis Tee-V-Us and Ladybugs and Lullabies, a hair accessory collection. Baxter and Beatrice features girls infant thru 6x with wovens and knits in fun, funky-fashion print combos and patterns. Other brands filling their booth include Max Daniel, Nannette, Attitude Rompers, Baby Bling, Boutique Collection, Feltman Brother, Posh Petals, Wee Squeak and New ICM.

4 Kids on 6 is a must-stop at KidShow. Contact them at 866-723-kids or www.4kidson6.com

Bob Parrish is a Sales Rep with a Reputation of Service and Experience

Bob Parrish, a seasoned sales pro with over 35 years of service to children’s retailers throughout Northern California, has earned his rep with his affable combination of business ethics, above-and-beyond personal service, sound merchandising direction, and an “old school” commitment to hard work. Bob is renowned for his positive personality and comforting Southern charm, acquired through his Tennessee roots and the early lessons he learned about “how business should be done.”

He’s been living in California since 1973, but Bob’s gentlemanly charm is still apparent in his Southern drawl and genuine desire to help his customers. For many years, Bob was an on-the-road salesman, peddling his lines throughout Northern California every Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays he would turn in his paperwork and get ready to go again.

“I think I’ve visited every children’s dress shop in my territory over the almost 9 years I was a road rep.” His experience keeps retailers trusting his recommendations, and leading brands retaining his services, including Biscotti, Kate Mack, Elegant Baby and the original Taggies blanket line. Bob offers a good mix of quality fashions for every season, plus an assortment of gifts to balance out shifting buying demands and the need for new retail profit categories. Other brands scheduled for Bob to display at KidShow include Bibo, Charming Hawaii Kids, Ice Caps by Purple Mountain, Up and Away Jackets, Princess Soft Toy’s and Peaceable Kingdom Press.

Why does Bob keep coming back to KidShow? He says, “I consistently increased my business year after year at KidShow. Even the past few seasons have been decent. I always make new contacts and open new retailers, from all across the country. It pays to be there.”

Meet Bob Parrish at KidShow or contact him at (415) 621-5696.

How Does 2-2 Hot Sizzle in Sin City?

What’s hot in the kid biz? Ask Helene Cohen. I always learn something new from Helene, owner of the 2-2 Hot rep showroom at the California Market Center. She’s a favorite of mine too, as I enjoy her sense of fun for the kid’s business, her eye for unique collections and her business ethics. Plus, with over 20 years of experience and a combination of East-Coast chutzpah and West-Coast openness, she wins over her retailers and manufacturers alike. Helene describes her eclectic brands as “alternative collections that go from sleep, to lounge to outside fun for children.”

Helene travels up and down the California coast repping her lines and attending various regional trade events, but it’s the KidShow that keeps her coming back for more and more sales. For her, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas, because she always opens new stores that she continues to serve from her L.A. base! Helene says, “I’m proud to be the first rep to do KidShow. Denise Raeside invited the reps to a luncheon several years ago to tell all of us about the new venture in Vegas. I was the first to sign up, but not the last.”

Helene views the KidShow as a way to gauge the “vibe” that predicts the upcoming season, “I feel what the season may be like by what happens at KidShow. For me, it’s a jump-start to the season! People come and they are ready to buy. I always write new business, which is key to fueling future sales.” Plus, she appreciates the show’s ambiance, “KidShow is no pressure. We are all like friends at KidShow. It’s fun, and it works very well for me.” Helene also shares a tip that all the reps that are successful at KidShow follow, “You have to make appointments ahead of show time. KidShow is generous to supply an updated registered buyer list to exhibitors. That resource is very valuable and another bonus that many shows never offer.”

2-2 Hot started the first KidShow with one small booth. Now, Helene has 5 chock-full booths, filled with brands that include Bee My Sunshine, Dots & Dreams, Fresh Tea, Jack Flash Tees, Krickets (ask for their 10% off show special), Layzone, Natural Wonders Organic, Papa Bear, Show Money, and Sozo. Sozo’s owner Sean Gildea will be in Helene’s booth. Sean’s energy and enthusiasm for his brand is infectious. Sozo has long been a brand-favorite of mine. Sean consistently creates new items every season that combine whimsy, humor and giggle-out-loud reactions. Sozo brand is one reason I wish my own kids would hurry up and make me a grandpa!

Meet the 2-2 Hot team at KidShow or call (213) 627-5773.

More Reps Mean More Brands at KidShow

I have presented a trio of the several multi-brand reps that are scheduled to exhibit at KidShow. Be sure to check out these other reps at KidShow, as it’s a great way to preview several brands at one-stop: Buzz Dannenfelser Sales in NYC, Diana Gonzales at My Rock Star Baby, Gloria Davis Kids Wear & Accessories, Lynn Meyer Sales in NYC, Elisa Lysiak from The Treehouse Showroom and Catie Foster of Catiedid Sales, one of the newest reps at the California Market Center.

Retailers Can Win Free Gifts at KidShow

The Giggle Guide’s Leesa Valentino, Co-founder and Editor, and I will both be attending KidShow. Come by our booth near the registration desk. Retailers are invited to enter the free Retailer Gift Giveaway. Each day, we will be giving away great gift assortments from several brands represented at KidShow.

Let me know why you like KidShow too, and what brands in Vegas you see as winners for Fall 2010!