Part 2: CMC Gold Rush of Brand-New Riches

Editorial Director’s Product Picks Here’s Part 2 of what caught my attention on a recent visit to the California Market Center, located in the heart of the garment district in downtown Los Angeles. The 6th floor is the showplace for everything in-fashion for children. Most of the permanent showrooms are members of the Kids on 6 co-op association. As you enter your open-to-buy season, make this a must-see destination. If buyers pick up a few new lines, they can reap a “gold mine” for their stores. You can also learn more about sales reps thru the easy-to-search Guide on The Giggle Guide™. Checking out sales rep showrooms in advance can help you plan your shopping itinerary. Tell them The Giggle Guide™ sent you! And let us know your discoveries!

Clothing the Boom — A breed apart!

Clothing the Boom has been a long-time favorite of mine. Renee and Heidi are always eager to share their proven best sellers, along with new discoveries. On my most recent visit we “howled” about the doggone “adoption” attraction of “doggie bags” from Fuzzy Nation! They introduced a new collection of diaper bags that feature scenic graphics of dogs and cats. Plus, the “Love on a Leash” pooch purses are any young girl’s must-have accessory. The purses feature faux leather shoulder strap and a bone collar charm. So many cute breeds, you’ll want a litter of these puppies in your window! Plus, the suggested retail prices are so impulse-buy reasonable that you can stock a full menagiere. The Fuzzy Nation Canvas Tote Bags retail for $28 to $42.

A chorus lineup of terrific one-piece from Haute Stuff are also a kick at Clothing the Boom. (Click on “See More” photo below.)

Clothing the Boom also showcases Jeeto Aluminum Bottles in eco, kid-friendly designs. Very cool for summer and all-year long! Had to laugh too at the Happy Jumper from Haute Stuff. Other brands represented include Bottle Pets, Le Fromage et L’Orange, Small Audience, Trumpette, Miss Me Girls, Zootie Patootie, Cherise and more!

Clothing the Boom - A603
213-614-0052
www.clothingtheboom.com

4 Kids on 6 – Adds up to lots of brand-name winners

A few years ago, Teresa Stephen and Joanne Torres, seasoned rep vets at the California Market Center, combined their showrooms to form a powerhouse of experience, brands and dedication to their customers. Renamed 4 Kids on 6, the large showplace is jammed with brands that offer variety, quality, trends and traditional top-sellers. Teresa was one of the first sales reps I met in the children’s business, and she has been a loyal and informative resource for me in my work at my advertising agency, Earnshaw’s and The Giggle Guide™. I admire her work ethic and experience.

On my most recent visit, Teresa’s daughter Krystal showed me the wall of Posh International! A mountain of pink! Everything and more for girls that love to dress-up, love to dance, love their bedrooms, and really love fashion accessories. If you’re in the market to cater to the playful imaginations and fancies of young girls, a Posh display of products would be a girly-girl magnet in your store.

4 Kids on 6 is the place to help you maximize the power of pink!

I also enjoyed seeing the latest dresses from Genuine Rose. This brand has a long tradition of presenting beautiful dresses at affordable prices. Their experienced and versatile designer, Cynthia Mower, knows her retailers and their customers. Season after season Genuine Rose designs dresses for success!

Take the 4 Kids on 6 tour and discover a wide variety of brands, including i Play, Cotton Kids, Haddad Christening, Nannette, Trimfit Hosiery, Jamie Rae Hats, Sweet Baby Jess, ICM Sleepwear, Baby’s Own, Max Daniel Blankets and more for gifts, apparel and accessories.

4 Kids on 6 - A653
866-723-KIDS
www.4kidson6.com

The Treehouse Showroom — New rep branches out

The Treehouse Showroom is the newest showroom open for business. This showroom is under the direction of Elisa Lysiak, a creative entrepreneur and multi-tasking mother of four. She is also the designer of Pippi Tails hair accessories, jewelry, apparel and footwear. Having learned a lot about promoting and selling her own line through dedication, hustle and creative networking, Elisa has branched out to share her abilities with other brands. In addition to her work as a multi-line sales rep, she provides marketing support and a combination of in-showrrom and on-the-road sales. Elisa visits retailers in person every week, meeting and greeting buyers and seeing first-hand how her brands fit children’s boutiques throughout her territory.

One practical, “why-didn’t-I-think-of-that” item Elisa found is The Dapper Snapper. Available in a variety of colors, The Dapper Snapper is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and fashionable answer to droopy drawers. Simple enough, this innovative invention makes pants fit better, and keeps them from falling down! Makes a brilliant addition to any impulse-buy retail counter, and a sure-bet add-on to pant sales.

Elisa is looking for brands to complement her current collections, which include Pippi Tails, Darling Droolers, Dapper Snappers, Red Wagon Baby, Zack & Mikey, Padalily, Ajo Bebe, and Soxeteer.

The Treehouse Showroom - A640
951-538-3930
www.thetreeshouseshowroom.com

Eloisa & Mia – For retailers on a shopping spree!

Eloisa & Mia’s is one of the largest showrooms on the floor, with experienced sales reps that can help every buyer find the perfect match to store, location and customer base. Some of my favorite brands include Azul (can you even get immediate buys on swimwear still?), Gold Rush Outfitters, Kicky Pants (best product catalog I’ve seen this season. Plus, congrats on your new baby!), Pinc Premium, Little Giraffe (great robes and blankies), Rock Me Records (a gift-givers must hear), and the always giggle-worthy Wry Baby.

This trip, I discovered Zebi Baby’s Bucket of Burpies A can-do gift that packs some modern, graphic-driven burp clothes that are sure to make customers drool.

Eloisa & Mia combine the best of well-known brands with the up-and-comers. Retailers search for the right mix of established brands, as well as buzz-brands of the coming seasons. Ask Eloisa, Mia and Kathy and Sheena for a guided tour. Plan for an extended shopping stay!

Eloisa & Mia - A611
213.486.9827

Renee Navarre Showroom – Starring Tori Spelling’s Little Maven

Tori Spelling launched an infant/toddler clothing line for children, Little Maven, manufactured by Hartstrings. Now showing in the Renee Navarre Showroom, the line reflects traditional styling and captures a balance of Sunday-best and cruise-wear comfort. Remember when cruise wear was a seasonal staple? The premier collection includes greys with color splashes, prints and patterns, sure to be a favorite for family portraits, parties and dressier play dates! Tori has brought together the traditional looks that are appropriate for kids, with just the right touch of comfortable, yet sophisticated styling. Worthy of the Hollywood jet setters, with a mind for manners!

Renee Navarre’s beautiful showplace has long been the shop spot for a bit more dressy, traditional, and special-occasion styling. With a selectoin of dresses, ensembles and coordinating finishing touches, Renee is known for her classy style and good taste. Always with a touch of “cute” that’s a must when celebrating children’s fashion.

Her brands are very well represented and benefit from being surrounded by classics, including le top, rabbitmoon, Corky & Company, Little Things Mean a Lot, Haute Baby, K.C. Parker, Pink Ginger, Plum, Susanne Lively, Moo Boo’s, Jefferies Socks, Country Kids, No Slippy Hair Clippy, Buds and Bows and more!

Renee Frasca Navarre - A696
213.622.6640
www.reneenavarre.com

The Glitter Box – Turning pink into gold!

Jeannette Trujillo of The Glitter Box wishes buyers “a sparkling day!” Her showroom is a refreshing burst of “pretty-in-pink”! One of her latest exclusives is Lucy Locket, a British company that enjoys worldwide sales, but has only recently arrived in the U.S.A. They specialize in everything pink, glittery and fluffy for girls, ages 3 to 8. Lucy Locket’s popular items include costumes, jewelry boxes, cosmetics, stationery and toys. For the quality, unique designs, and ability to capture the power of princess, the UK line is a great customer-oriented, profitable label. Add Lucy Locket and start the craze in your area!

The Glitter Box categories include infant and toddler cloting, size 4-14 clothing, costumes, tutus, hair accessories, baby accessories, room décor, diaper bags, backpacks, jewelry and shining surprises! Brands include Beeby, Bella Bling, Bon Bon Cupcakes, Cutie Pie, Posh Petals Couture, Spoiled Little Mama, Twinkle Couture Wee Step Shoes, Luxe Baby and more.

The Glitter Box Inc. - A618
213-489-7605
www.theglitterboxshowroom.com

What’s News in Your Showroom?

See Part 1 of the CMC report here.
I invite sales reps coast to coast to let me know what’s new in your showrooms. Until I can visit you all in person, share your brands on The Giggle Guide™. E-mail David Gaunt, Editorial Director, .