The Shows: Show Reports

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.

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).

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.