The Shows: Show Reports

Toy Fair - New York City, New York (2/12/12 - 2/15/12)

New York City played host to nearly 27,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries when the four-day 109th American International Toy Fair showed off more than 100,000 products at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. “Toy Fair has evolved into one of the greatest shows on earth, attracting powerful players from the $83 billion global toy industry,” said Carter Keithley, TIA President. “Our show is proven to be a critical stop on the global toy circuit and a magical, exciting experience for all who come.” Here are a few of the showstoppers discovered by The Giggle Guide’s Leesa Valentino at the latest Toy Fair: Greenzys, Follow Me Fairies, Joi Dolls and Dazzu.

New York International Gift Fair - New York City, New York (1/28/12 - 2/2/12)

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child Best New Product Awards at the recent NY International Gift Fair. The Wonder Forge™ received the “Blogger’s Best” distinction for its Angelina Ballerina Dance With Me interactive game. In addition to the “Blogger’s Best” award, Baby & Child Best New Product Awards winners are recognized semi-annually for excellence in four categories: Toy, Décor, Gear and Apparel. Baby & Child at NYIGF featured 125 companies offering a wide range of products for children 0-10 years. Here are some that especially caught the attention of The Giggle Guide®: Spots and Ladybugs, Tutu Couture, Wee Urban, and Auggie Home Collection.

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® - Atlanta, Georgia (1/11/12 - 1/18/12)

By all accounts, the Atlanta International Gift Market at AmericasMart that took place January 10th through the 18th was a great way to start the new year. The show reported record-breaking buyer traffic with soaring registrations, non-stop order writing, and exclusive product introductions — a real thrill for all involved. A number of new companies and products debuted in Atlanta, including logo loops, Bitsy, The San Francisco Music Box Co. and Pierre Belvédère Inc.

Children's Club - New York, New York (10/2/11 - 10/4/11)

I have been preaching for years to recognize the difference between a “brand” and a “commodity.” I see both at every trade show. Walk down any aisle and look at the signage, photography, product display and the professional demeanor of the sales team. Brands promote a certain image in every detail. Commodities are there to “just sell dresses, shoes, shirts, pants, or other ‘kinda-like-them toos’”. The brands are busy writing orders. At the ENK Children’s Club for Spring 2012, brands once again were the show stoppers, including Sweet Potatoes, Trish Scully and Real Kids Shades (RKS).

ABC Kids Expo - Louisville, Kentucky (9/23/11 - 9/26/11)

The world’s largest juvenile products trade show held its 9th annual exposition at the Kentucky Exposition Center September 23-26, 2011. “Most exhibitors we have talked with had good shows,” said Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child, Inc., adding that some felt that the show was the best ever in terms of order writing and quality of buyer attendance. Several brands impressed the The Giggle Guide® including Über Baby Lifestyles, Packit, numi numi design, Hatched Egg’rs, Kidzikoo, and Kaya Goods.

ABC Kids Expo - Louisville, Kentucky (9/23/11 - 9/26/11)

Attorney Jeremy Richardson, a partner at the NYC-based law firm of Phillips Nizer LLP, is a familiar face at children’s business trade events, including the ABC Kids Expo and ENK Children’s Club. At the recent ABC Kids Expo, he helped educate the children’s industry about how Phillips Nizer can help in legal issues of concern to the children’s fashion and juvenile products industries, with emphasis on the compliance challenges brought about by the often confusing CPSIA, as well as licensing agreements to support partnerships and profitability for both licensors and licensees.

ABC Kids Expo - Louisville, Kentucky (9/23/11 - 9/26/11)

At the recent ABC Kids Expo, SwaddleDesigns CEO and designer Lynette Damir, RN introduced the new Angry Birds collection that has found happiness on swaddle blankets, one-piece rompers and more. Dads are flocking to get in on the Angry Birds craze!

Lynette also showcased bold and fashion-forward jewel tones in a variety of shades and patterns on a complete assortment of coordinated or mix-and-match baby essentials, including the Swaddle Duo which features two blankets for both warm and cold conditions. The Jewel Tone collection also features another fave bird trend — owls!

SwaddleDesigns also introduced a sweet and soothing collection of licensed products inspired by Disney’s Small World.

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