West Coast Port Strike Poses Major Threat to U.S. Toy Industry

On November 27, negotiations that have been ongoing since June 2010 broke down between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 Office Clerical Unit (OCU) and the Harbor Employers Association (HEA). Though negotiations continued through the weekend and into this week, the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement. Despite a local arbitrator's order to return to work, the job action has spread, shutting down 10 of the 14 terminals at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Together, the affected ports handle an estimated 39.5% of all U.S. imports; the strike is costing the U.S. economy an estimated one billion dollars per day. Even if the work stoppage were to end today, it would take several weeks to bring the supply chain back to normal.

Since the job action, ships have been backing up in the ports and putting a strain on storage in terminals. Ocean carriers have also begun diverting cargo to other ports on the Western seaboard, including those in Mexico and in Canada. However, the diverted cargo raises the possibility of strikes occurring at other U.S. ports as union chapters show solidarity with OCU.

TIA has sent a letter to the White House, calling for President Obama to intervene and take whatever action is necessary to facilitate negotiations and settle the dispute between OCU and HEA. The Association has also joined as a signatory with nearly 100 other organizations in asking the President to take immediate action.

TIA is calling upon its members and other stakeholders in the toy industry to join in taking action by reading TIA's letter and sending it to the appropriate Congressional Representative asking them to request the Obama Administration's immediate intervention to end the current port strike. Questions or comments may be directed to TIA's director of federal government affairs, Rebecca Mond (rmond@toyassociation.org; 202-344-4554).

Help your customers keep kids happy over the holidays

Keeping kids occupied over winter break can be quite the challenge for parents, especially once the holidays have come and gone. This holiday season, you can be sure children are entertained with activities that are not only fun and engaging, but also educational. Lilly Cueto, spokesperson for SoapTime, an action-packed hand soap that teaches children proper hand-washing habits while having fun, offers the following tips on how to provide children with an enjoyable, informative and healthy winter break. 

1. Learn Your Numbers: Young children are eager to practice skills they are learning in school, especially when mastering counting and math facts. Musical CDs of math facts and number rhymes encourage children to move their bodies and sing to catchy songs while they practice their counting. What could be better over the holidays than combining learning with dancing? For Math Facts Melodies and other educational, yet fun CDs visit kid2020.com. They start at approximately $8. 

2. Learn About Health: Kids and germs go hand-in-hand, especially during the wintertime cold season. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent illness and the spreading of germs, says the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now with SoapTime, keeping those little hands clean is more fun than ever. SoapTime consists of three uniquely shaped bottles: ABC, Earth and Elephant set in a SmartBase®, a battery-powered audio and visual system. Each bottle is recognized by the SmartBase and has a distinct educational theme that includes unique songs, factoids and LED light shows. SoapTime products give children of all ages an entertaining experience at the sink, while giving parents a tool for teaching healthy habits. They're also a great stocking stuffer.

Magical Bells Extends a Helping Hand to Hurricane Sandy Survivors

For one company, the words "I believe" are more than just a line from the famous children's storybook The Polar Express. They are the inspiration behind the brand Magical Bells, and the driving force behind their decision to become a part of the relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy.

Magical Bells hopes to share their belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the love each person harbors for their neighbors in need through their new fundraising program. They are proud to be able to work with the American Red Cross in helping the survivors of Hurricane Sandy get back on their feet. With each sale of Magical Bells' special heirloom sleigh bells, they will donate a percentage of the proceeds to benefit the victims of this horrible natural disaster.

A product endorsed by Tom Hanks, who is quoted saying "this product is great!", their new Polar Express Sleigh Bell Gift Set, is the exact replica of 'The First Gift of Christmas' from Santa as seen in The Polar Express story. It is the only one of its kind and is the perfect addition to any family's Christmas traditions and decor. Each set comes with a gleaming bell, round trip ticket aboard the Polar Express, a special note from Santa, and a silk red velvet keepsake bag, all within an authentic Polar Express gift box. By purchasing one of these beautifully packaged sets, anyone can make a difference in a survivor's life and inspire others to believe in the good nature of others.

K.I.D.S. needs merchandise donations for Sandy relief

The Kids in Distressed Situations ( K.I.D.S.) Sandy Disaster Relief Team has mobilized on the ground in communities in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and New Jersey to distribute NEW products to help the victims of Superstorm Sandy. The needs are enormous! Please continue to help! Your gift of $50, $100 or any amount will help us provide essentials to families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. K.I.D.S. is committed to working with local partners to support these families for the long haul. Because of our 10 to 1 system of matching $10 worth of product for every $1 donated, your $10 donation will provide $100 worth of brand new merchandise to victims in need. You can easily make a donation by texting.

Text GIVE 12048 to 80088 to donate $10 to K.I.D.S. Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Message and data rates may apply. Only works for US mobile phones.

To make a larger donation, please click HERE or contact Cristina Morais at 212-279-5493 ext. 204.

Introducing the New Brian James Women's Footwear Collection

Angela Edgeworth, founder of the award-winning and quickly growing children's footwear brand pediped, announces the debut collection of Brian James, a new footwear line for women. The new line, which will be available at retail mid-December 2012, marks Edgeworth's entry into the women's footwear industry.

Edgeworth made a commitment to develop a women's footwear line following years of countless requests from mothers, celebrities and fans who were seeking the same quality, comfort and style as pediped Footwear for children. The collection is named after Angela's husband Brian who, besides shoes and her two daughters, is the love of her life.

"This collection has been two years in the making and after tireless design meetings and countless hours of sketching, I believe we got the comfort, style and fit just right," said founder Angela Edgeworth. "I'm thrilled to have completed this collection that is perfect for the woman who appreciates fashion just as much as she loves comfort."

Designed for women who adore fashion but refuse to sacrifice comfort and quality, the collection will be the perfect staple in every woman's summer wardrobe. Brian James shoes offer a soft, flexible sole and all-leather uppers and linings. This collection fits every trendsetter's desire for style and every shopper who puts comfort first.

ABC Show Exceeds Expectations

The 10th Annual ABC Show was a resounding success last week, in Louisville, KY. With stellar events like Maternity Row ABC Runway Show, JPMA 50th Anniversary party and a big announcement from Brixy, community of independently-owned baby and children's retailers the show dazzled and impressed. Next year, the show will be returning to Las Vegas, NV, and many of the exhibitors expressed their happiness at the move. See you all next year in Las Vegas!

September's National Show Digital Issue of Baby & Kids Magazine

Dear Baby & Kids Magazine Reader,

Welcome to our September National Show digital issue of Baby & Kids Magazine.

The Baby & Kids digital magazine includes all the same great content as found in the print edition.

New Feature: Now Viewable on all flash & HTML5 devices

Please Note:
Baby & Kids Digital magazine requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of Baby & Kids digital magazine. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at babykids@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The Baby & Kids Team

Nuna's state-of-the-art products are designed for long-term use and stability

Blending paramount style with the reality of having kids, Nuna nuna.eu offers intricate yet balanced products that make a statement, all while exceeding standards and expectations as well as accommodating the needs of today's family.

Featuring unsurpassed and durable materials, Nuna's state-of-the-art products are designed for long-term use and stability with each product designed to grow with the child. After achieving remarkable success throughout Europe, Nuna will be debuting two of their leading baby and children's products to the United States market. As an industry first, the LEAF offers a distinctive avant-garde façade created with an unparalleled nurturing feature to cradle baby as it sways. As an industry first, the LEAF offers a distinctive avant-garde façade created with an unparalleled nurturing feature to cradle baby as it sways. Comprised with a 100% organic cotton insert, this leaf-shaped and motor-free chair has the capacity to remain in motion for up to two minutes with just a single push.

The revolutionary ZAAZ highchair adapts to the needs of every child as it is equipped with modular accessories and assisted height adjustment. Adhering to the needs of parents with the ability to easily clean and store, this sleek, distinctive and trend-setting chair offers an extraordinary hint of rebellion and style to every home with customizable options that make ZAAZ the perfect fit for every table.

Adhering to the strictest of safety regulations, all Nuna products test above and beyond industry standards and prove their excellence and durability time and time again. Designed to last a lifetime with high quality, pure, undiluted materials and processes, all Nuna products are durable, easy-to-use and machine washable. In addition to the LEAF and ZAAZ, Nuna will be expanding their offerings with the SENA and SENA MINI pack and play, PIPA carrier and the PEPP stroller to be launched in the upcoming year. The LEAF will retail for $229.95 while the ZAAZ will retail for $259.95.

Kind + Jugend Leading Trade Fair

Kind + Jugend is strengthening its position is the most important international specialist trade fair for the baby and toddler outfitting industry. At the end of the trade fair on Sunday, September 16, 2012, the event again recorded a good result, as in the record year 2011. Including estimates for the final day, over 21,000 visitors from 103 countries were counted this year. The share of foreign visitors was above 70%. A total of 938 exhibitors from all segments of the baby and toddler outfitting industry presented trends and innovations to the professional audience over an area of 100,00 square meters.

The international importance of Kind + Jugend can be clearly seen in the regions of origin of the professional visitors. Over 70% of visitors came from abroad. Particularly high increases were recorded this year from overseas: North America (+15.7 %), Asia (+14.7 %), Australia/Oceana (+7.6 %) and Africa (+7 %). The Koelnmesse visitor survey confirmed the value of Kind + Jugend as the most important industry platform. Around 90% of the specialist visitors would recommend a visit to Kind + Jugend to friendly companies.

The Innovation Awards presented on the first day of the event for outstanding product innovations have become a fixed highlight in the baby and toddler outfitting industry and are regarded as an important quality criterion in international trade. This year, 169 companies from 31 countries participated in the away, submitting a total of 217 products – more than ever before.

The winners of the Kind + Jugend Innovation Awards 2012 
World of Moving Baby: 
Kudu, PLAY S.A. (Spain)

World of Travelling Baby: 
CYBEX Sirona, CYBEX GmbH (Germany)

World of Moving Baby & Travelling Baby Accessories: 
AIR TRAVELLER, Deryan B.V. (Netherlands)

World of Baby Safety at Home: 
Video Baby Monitor, BabyPing c/o Y-cam (Great Britain)

World of Baby Toys: 
Wishbone Flip, Wishbone Design Studio (New Zealand)

World of Baby Textiles: 
Hamac Swimsuit 2012, Génération Plume SAS (France)

World of Baby Care: 
Anti-colic bottle, Nûby New Valmar (Belgium)

World of Baby Furniture: 
Bednest (Great Britain, Netherlands)

MeeGenius Teams Up With Sesame Street For Exclusive E-Book Partnership

MeeGenius, the digital home for children's books, today announced an exclusive partnership with Sesame Workshop to bring six Sesame Street e-book titles to the web, iOS and Android platforms.

The additional Sesame Street titles, debuting every Wednesday throughout the month of September, are: Count to 10, Elmo and Abby's Wacky Weather Day, Get Ready for School: Colors, It's Check-up Time, Elmo and The ABCs of Cookies. Each title features lively audio narration and text highlighting. An exclusive set of fun questions and activities at the end of each story extends the learning beyond the book and also helps build reading comprehension skills. "Bringing Sesame Street e-books to the MeeGenius platform is a significant milestone for us," said Wandy Hoh, MeeGenius, chief executive officer. "Sesame Street has an unparalleled reputation, reaching almost every young child as their first learning experience. MeeGenius is proud to now offer this great content to our ever-growing user base."

Hoh, a mother of three young daughters, launched MeeGenius in 2010 as a way to educate and stimulate the imaginations of not only her own children, but also an entire generation of early readers, who are growing up surrounded by technology. "Sesame Workshop is proud to join the MeeGenius app, which has quickly become a destination for parents of preschoolers looking for high-quality digital reading experiences with their children," said Jennifer A. Perry, Vice President of Worldwide Publishing at Sesame Workshop. "Our Sesame Street collection focuses on important school readiness topics in order to encourage active learning when children and parents use digital technologies together."

Dr. Toy Announces 100 Best Children's Products of 2012

Following are the award-winning toys and products and the companies that make them grouped in selected categories of "smart" play. You can find more products by assigned codes that designate types of products.

Ten Best Active Products - Chicco (4-in-1 Ride On Car), First Act (WrapStar Mic), FirstBIKE Int'l (FirstBIKE Balance Bike), GeoPalz (GeoPalz Pedometer), Kinderfeets (Kinderfeets), OgoSport (OgoSport RAQ), Razor USA (Razor FlashRider), Sbyke (P-20 Rear-Steering Scooter), Smiletime Toys (Inflatable Pirate Ship), System Ent. (RingStix).

Ten Best Audio/Video Tapes/CDs - Brainetics (Brainetics), BrainFood Learning (Fascinating World of Birds), BrillKids Int'l (Little Musician Basic), Little Pim (Spanish Intro Gift Set with Book), Master Comm (Worlds Together Series), Moey's Music Party (Princess Revolution!), Music Together (She Sells Sea Shells), New Hope Records (WO!), ScienceAndMath.com (Amazing Science! Vol. DVD), Steps4Kids (Steps4Kids to Draw).

Ten Best Building Products- AroundSquare (Deconstruction Blocks), Bridge Street Toys (Hydrodynamic Deluxe Building Set), Citiblocs (CTBIN500C), K'NEX (K'NEX Classics 50 Model Building Set), LaQ USA (LaQ Dinosaur World T-REX), Laser Pegs Ventures (Laser Pegs The Dragon), LEGO Systems (Friends Olivia's House), MEGA Brands (Build 'n Learn 1-2-3 Count!), Smart Blocks (Smarcks Smart Blocks), Thinkplay/Morphun (Starter Tub)

Ten Best Children's Products - Ann Williams Group (Loopdedoo), Buckle Toy (Buddy the Backpack), Dress Up America (Black Fire Fighter Kids Costume), Gryphon House (Budding Builder), Innovation First (HEXBUG Warriors Battle Stadium), Klutz (Coin Blaster), Monkeying Around (Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 1), Schoenhut Piano (My First Piano II), SeatPets (SeatPets), Smart Trike (Smart Trike 4-in-1 Dream).

Ten Best Creative Products - ALEX (Ceramic Bead Sticker Party), Blue Orange (Tell Tale Fairy Tale), Colorforms/Univ. Games (Tinga Tinga Tales Create-A-Creature Game), Creativity for Kids (Stunt Squadron), Hero Arts Rubber Stamps (Ink 'n' Stamp Animal Prints), Kiwi Crate (Kiwi Crate), Kaleidograph Design (Kaleidograph), Tech 4 Kids (3D Magic Magna Color), Wowopolis (Colorgami Craft & Activity Kits), WowToyz (E-Z Crafts Paint-A-Bank Kits).

Ten Best Educational Products - Creative Foundry Games (KerFlip!), Exploramania® (Exploracise Multiplication Football), Learning Journey (Match It! Mathematics Memory), Learning Resources (Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card), LittleBits Electronics (littleBits Starter Kit), MathTwister (MathTwister), Peaceable Kingdom (Snug as a Bug in a Rug), Shainsware (Notebook w/100 Elements), Style Paige (Shallie Starter), Whistlefritz (Cha, Cha, Cha).

Ten Best Games - Bag-O-Loot (Bag-O-Loot Junior), Edupress (That's Baloney Games), Flying Rabbit Enterprises (Baffle!), Game Chef (Rollick!), Gamewright (Big Fat Tomato Game), Hutter Trade (Talat), Indie Boards & Cards (Flash Point: Fire Rescue), Patch Products (You're Invited Game), Strikerz Gamez (STRIKERZ Soccer Card Game), ThinkFun (Distraction™).

Ten Best High Technology Products- Bandai America (Omnitrix Touch), Diggin Active (Wobble Deck Extreme), Ganz (Amazing World), LeapFrog (LeapPad2), MGA (iTikes Map), Pixel Ent. (Global Game Changers [book app]), Scholastic (Storia), Small World Toys (Haute Couture Fashion Studio), SmartLab Toys (DJ Rock Dock), VTech (MobiGo 2).

Ten Best Socially Responsible Products - b. dazzle (Black Capped Chickadees Scramble Squares), Discover w/Dr. Cool (Shark Teeth Excavation Kit!), DuneCraft (Butterfly/Bird Mixture Seed Bombs), Easy Daysies (Easy Daysies Every Day Starter Kit), Metamorphic Toys (Mythical Creatures Silly Signs), Mudpuppy (Fruits & Veggies Wooden Magnetic Set), My1story (My1story Book Collection), Rubbabu (Shape Sorter Bus), Tiny Green Bee (Crunch a Color Conversation Starters), University Games (Very Hungry Caterpillar Match & Munch Game).

Ten Best Toys- 4D Cityscape (4D Time Puzzle), B. toys by Battat (Symphony in B. by B. toys), Build-A-Bear Workshop (Marine Midnight Teddy), Fisher-Price (Servin' Surprises Cook 'n Serve Kitchen & Table), Gibout Toys (Gibout Big Blocks), Jada Toys (Cutie Pops), Make It Mine (MIM Doll & Accessories), Ohio Art (Limited Edition Etch A Sketch), Sassy (Loopy Ball), World of EPI (Diva Abrielle).

PTPA Awards Exclusive Offer & #ABCTweetup Event:

The ABC Kids Expo is very excited to announce our 2012 ABC Expo Tweet Up Event, sponsored and co-hosted by PTPA Media. Register today and join us for refreshments, meet with industry colleagues and learn more about integrating Twitter into your marketing efforts. Samples must be received by September 4th. Contact Kathryn Howell at 905-738-1447 ext. 222 or find her on twitter@Dogpaddling and @PTPA for more info.

The Tweet Up will be Monday, October 15th 2012 at 3:30 p.m. during the ABC Kids Expo.

The ABC Expo is also pleased to announce a special ABC Kids Expo Awards Campaign open exclusively to participating exhibitors at the show. Enter your product today with our popular Premium Package and receive a suite of Bonus Media Add-Ons (Over $750 Value):

- Exclusive Invitation to PTPA-Hosted Tweet up Event at the Show (Open to buyers and media) 
- Feature spot in OhBaby! Magazine Galleries sectionohbabymagazine.com
- Chance to be included in post-expo Television Segment 
- Inclusion in PTPA-Hosted TweetChat leading up to the show

The PTPA Media Seal of Approval is one of the most prestigious and highly recognized awards in the industry. PTPA Media represents the best of the best in family products which are tested by parents, for parents. At this year's show there will be dozens of exhibitors displaying their PTPA award winning products. Here's your opportunity to do the same.

An Five Best New Product Awards Presented at NYIGF's Baby & Child

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child "Best New Product Awards" today, with Box Play for Kids® receiving the "Blogger's Best" distinction for Box Play for Kids Stickers. Baby & Child, one of 10 divisions in the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Wednesday, August 22, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. 

In addition to the semi-annual "Blogger's Best" award, Baby & Child "Best New Product Award" winners are recognized for excellence in four categories: toy, décor, gear and apparel. A panel of eight editors from trade media, kid-centric blogs and websites selected products which exemplified innovation, design and style. 

The summer 2012 winners and finalists, selected from 116 products, are: 

BLOGGER'S BEST:
Box Play for Kids® (Phoenix, AZ) for Box Play for Kids Stickers, eco friendly stickers made of 100 percent recycled paper that turn old boxes into new toys. 

TOY:
Winner: PlanToys, Inc. (Mountain View, CA) for Play House, a three-story rubberwood and PlanWood doll house with a handle to carry and a rooftop that becomes a garden.
Finalist: Fat Brain Toy Co. (Elkhorn, NE) for Tobbles Neo stacking toy.
Finalist: Juratoys US Corp (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) for Magnetibook Crazy Face. 

DÉCOR:
Winner: HABA® USA (Skaneateles, NY) for Teepee Play Tent, a portable personal space for little explorers to take exciting and creative adventures.
Finalist: Magicforest, LTD (Portsmouth, NH) for Fly With Me Hot Air Balloon Music Box.
Finalist: Milk Moon Kids (Cincinnati, OH) for Growth Charts. 

GEAR:
Winner: aden + anais® (Brooklyn, NY) for Serenity Star, a 5-in-1 electronic sleep and feeding system for mom and baby.
Finalist: MadPax (Phoenix, AZ) for BUBBLE nibbler. Finalist: Love Mae (Stokers Siding, Australia) for Tableware – Melamine Dinnerware. 

APPAREL:
Winner: Pipopipo™ (Los Angeles, CA) for Pipopipo friends socks, which come in a reusable bamboo package with three pairs of socks designed either for boys or girls.
Finalist: Cutey Booty (Mount Pleasant, SC) for Girl & Boy Outfit.
Finalist: Keepsake Threads (Fort Wayne, IN) for Upcycled T-Shirt Baby Bibs.

Sweet Baby Feet Ring in the Holidays

Make your baby girl's sweet little feet sparkle and shine this Holiday Season with Toe Blooms (toeblooms.com). She'll be the cutest gift around. Adorable new styles include, "Jingle Bells," "Buttercup," and "Fancy" in both black and red velvet.

Toe Blooms wrap around baby's feet and can be worn with or without socks or tights. They are the absolute perfect addition to all holiday outfits. Also the ideal gift for all new Moms and Moms-to-be during the holiday shopping spree season.

Moms love these as an alternative to stiff baby shoes so baby's sweet feet can grow, be comfortable, and still look beyond cute. What more, Toe Blooms stay on baby's feet so there's no more wondering where all the shoes have gone. Just another reason why Moms love them so much!

Swordpen Launches Children's Publishing Company with Seven Original Titles

SwordPen Publishing is pleased to announce the official launch of their children's publishing company, with an impressive seven original book titles in print. The company is founded on the goal of creating educational and entertaining literature for children. Novels are geared toward kids from three to twelve years old, but people of all ages are sure to enjoy the intriguing stories. SwordPen is focused on making a difference in the lives of young readers. They believe in the power of the word to uplift, educate, entertain, and transform.

Many of the stories are written by SwordPen CEO and author Zev Lewinson, and are complemented by colorful, vivid illustrations from artists such as Debi Coules, Lisa Griffin, and Robert Nailon. Each book is carefully crafted and flawlessly edited, with the focus on allowing young readers the pleasure of inferring the story as it unfolds. This, in turn, teaches children to be creative readers rather than passive learners. Lewinson feels a deep, personal connection to each individual tale he publishes. "Before I sign off on a book, I have to be able to answer the following question: 'Have I put my heart and soul into inspiring the children who will read this?' If the answer is 'yes,' then I know I've done a great job." 

Currently, seven literary works are complete and available: When You Gotta Go!, Of Course I Love You!, The Golden Butterfly, Don't Get Stuck on Being a Duck!, My Dog Ate It!, The Hippo That Flew!, and How Mice Became Small. Six more titles are in production with plans for publication dates in 2013. Twenty-eight more acquisitions (i.e., SwordPen masterpieces) are presently in the pipeline. 

SwordPen is a small publishing company that places great emphasis on sound investments. Every one of their books is truly priceless! New York businessman and Extell Development Company CEO Gary Barnett became a personal investor in SwordPen by merely chancing upon several SwordPen stories that he found on his mother's dining room table. Gary (famous for his ability to spot a gem), immediately contacted Lewinson to ask if he could use an investor, and the rest is history. 

All of SwordPen's titles are classic works of art. Librarians swoon over each release, as do parents – and their kids! SwordPen's passion for conveying inspiration, knowledge, and humor into homes and libraries all over the country can easily be seen on each and every page of their elegant stories. "I want children of all ages – and their parents – to experience the contrast between a run-of-the-mill children's book and a SwordPen book," Lewinson says. "The difference is not just striking … it's downright astonishing." Prices for individual books range from $9.95 to $12.95. All available narratives can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and on the company's personal website: swordpen.com. 

For more information, please visit SwordPen's website at swordpen.com or swordpenbublishers.com.

Playtime New York will spotlight 90 creative brands at its fifth edition

Playtime's signature sophisticated yet whimsical ambiance will set the tone. Playtime New York offers a comprehensive international selection of today's best collections in the children's market. The show encompasses infant and children's clothing, shoes and accessories, baby gear, toys, deco/design products. 

The stunning venue, 82 Mercer, reflects both a creative and commercial style, in one of New York's trendiest neighborhoods. The show provides an easy-to- navigate layout and an open booth design, which affords exhibitors the opportunity to customize their area.

As a special convenience for professional visitors, the show will also operate a complimentary shuttle service between 82 Mercer and The Show Piers. 

Exhibiting this season for the first time, many brands are looking forward to expand business at the American market: Pazitos, HBB, Grow studios, Hazel Village Toys, Bouton, Mirasa design (USA), The Brand (Sweden), Chat mechant (Belgium)… and many others join Playtime New York! 

In addition, many important brands are returning to the show this season, between them: Lucky Wang, Mini & Maximus, Noch, Neve/Hawk, Atsuyo et Akiko (USA), 10is, Pom d'api, Le vestiaire de Jeanne (France), Bobo Choses, Yporqué (Spain), Noé & Zoë, Tannhaüser (Germany)… 

For this next edition in August, Playtime New York is about to grow with more brands exhibiting, always with the same demand and desire to enable its visitors to experience a quality offer in an exceptional environment. Since its creation in 2007, every year Playtime selects a new artist to illustrate its trade fairs in Paris, New York and Tokyo. This year we are pleased to be working with talented American illustrator Patrick Hruby, who will take us on a journey through his colorful, geometric universe!

CHA Craft Fusion Show is a Big Success

The 2012 Craft & Hobby Association Show was help July 16—19 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL and Baby & Kids was on hand to experience the sights and multiple demonstrations of the show.

In booth 523, Ranger was featuring a demonstration by Tim Holtz. Holtz was demonstrating how to use the signature Ranger supplies to a large group of craft enthusiasts and buyers. Additionally, there were demonstrations at Martha Stewart Crafts, 3M, Modge Podge and many others!

The show was busy with orders and crafters trying out new products and sharing insights into how to get the best use, and sales out of the crafting supplies. The smell of hot glue and fun was in the air!

Atlanta's America's Mart Summer Gift Show

The Atlanta America's Mart lifted the summer buying season with a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the juvenile category, especially. The show was well attended from all over the country and internationally and attendance numbers are projected to have held up to those of a year ago, boding a good market. The quality and variety of the offerings — from clothing to baby products to juvenile toys — provided a wonderful selection of unique goods to offer customers and separate the savvy baby retailer from the big box crowd.

Baby & Kids' June Digital Issue is Now Available for Viewing

Please click the image above to start reading our June issue of Baby & Kids Magazine

Baby K'tan Announces Surprise Price Cut

In a surprise move designed to help parents & retailers cope with the current economic recovery, Baby K'tan has temporarily slashed the domestic MSRP of its flagship baby carrier by almost 10%, to just $49.95. Wholesale pricing has been reduced to reflect the new MSRP. The price cut, which will be in effect for the entire last half of 2012, is in stark contrast to price increases recently announced by some competing baby carrier manufacturers.

"We understand how difficult it is for many parents to make ends meet in the current economic climate," says Baby K'tan President Michal Chesal. "Our unique baby carriers were already a great value, and now they're even more affordable. We are proud to be able to make our carriers more affordable to parents and caregivers by lowering our prices temporarily. Not only should our new pricing help customers, it should stimulate additional business for all of our retail outlets."

Best known for newborn carrying, the Baby K'tan is an exceptionally secure cross between a wrap, sling and structured front carrier. Coined as the "ready-to-wear" wrap with a unique double-loop design, it enables caregivers to comfortably carry infants to toddlers in multiple positions. There is no other baby carrier like it.

Midwest-CBK to Host Monkeez Makes a Difference™ Showroom Events During Summer Markets

Monkey around and do good during 2012 summer markets! Midwest-CBK and parent company MVP Group International, Inc. invite retailers to celebrate the launch of the company's new educational, charitable Monkeez Makes a Difference program during kick-off events in Midwest-CBK's Dallas, Atlanta and Las Vegas showrooms.

Monkeez Makes a Difference is a first-of-its-kind, interactive experience that teaches children the importance of helping others. Featuring kid-friendly tools like the best-selling Genuine Monkeez and Friends™ plush characters, online games, real-life Do Good™ challenges and a special donation on a child's behalf to one of three nationally renowned charities of their choice, Monkeez Makes a Difference gives children the opportunity to learn and practice giving back while having fun. It also provides an innovative solution to parents, grandparents and others who are hungry for tools to help them discuss and demonstrate what it means to think of others in today's world.

During the kick-off events, retailers will have an opportunity to participate in Monkeez Makes a Difference game and website demos; meet representatives from charity partners including Samaritan's Purse, Best Friends Animal Society and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation; see special SnapRetail e-marketing program demos; receive "I Made a Difference" badge inserts with purchase; and enjoy frozen fruit or ice cream treats.

Monkeez Makes a Difference launch event was held at the Dallas Market.

Mutsy's New Innovative Designs

Netherlands-based Mutsy, recognized for its modernistic stroller designs and distinctive modular construction, introduces its latest innovation for baby transport, the EVO. This lightweight and stylish combi-buggy is an ingenious baby mobility choice with its outstanding ease of operation at an affordable price.

Mutsy's signature style shines in the compact and simply designed EVO, offering maximum comfort for baby whether in use with a bassinet, stroller seat or car seat. EVO's highly versatile stroller seat can face front or back, and is easily reclined with a single hand to a completely lay down flat position. A uniquely designed footrest with fabric can be attached to the front bumper bar to create a safe and fully cosseted enclosure for younger babies when the backrest is fully reclined.

Designed to be exceptionally easy to push and maneuver, EVO is easy to fold without the need to remove the seat, and extremely compact when closed. Other features include a height adjustable leatherette handle, swivel/lock system on front wheels, extendable hood with mesh panel, easily accessible and very large shopping basket, a carrying handle and flip down sun shade.

Program Helps Midwest-CBK Customers with Product Launch Using Email and Social Media

Midwest-CBK, a leading designer and manufacturer renowned for its design, style and sparkle, has partnered with SnapRetail to provide independent retailers with a free, turnkey SnapRetail Monkeez E-Marketing Program. SnapRetail offers a web-based system for online marketing and sales that is used by thousands of independent retailers.

The program brings retailers a complete social media and email marketing campaign to drive store traffic and sales of Monkeez Makes a Difference Genuine Monkeez & Friends products. Midwest-CBK and SnapRetail have made it easy to promote Monkeez Makes a Difference by providing a complete toolbox of email and social media templates to launch the new program to retailers' customers.

The program is available to independent retailers who purchase $500 worth of Monkeez Makes a Difference products during the summer markets or from their sales reps from June through August 31, 2012, providing retailers with:

• One-month free subscription to SnapRetail's system.  

• Coming soon templates that retailers can easily and quickly share with customers to build awareness and excitement for the program just prior to product availability.
• When Monkeez Makes a Difference products leave the Midwest-CBK warehouse, SnapRetail will help retailers announce that the Monkeez are now available in their store.

"Midwest-CBK is always looking for new ways to support our customers with business-building tools," says Frank Davis, Midwest-CBK director of sales. "The beauty of this turnkey campaign is that it's free with purchase of the program and provides popular Facebook, Twitter and email tools to drive traffic and build sales. Plus SnapRetail and Midwest-CBK do the work; retailers simply push the 'send' and 'post' buttons and watch the results."