pello Expands to More Than 200 Retailers Nationwide

In less than 2 years, Ohio entrepreneur Cindy Perry has expanded pello, her patented line of ultra-plush baby floor pillows, from a hobby created out of her home to a must-have baby gear product featured by the premier fashion retailer Nordstrom.com, and more than 200 retails shops across the country. This month, Nordstrom began selling six different styles of pello to its online customers. Known for selling fashion-forward, high quality products, Nordtrom's goals are aligning with pello. While Perry initially hand-made each pello out of her home, she quickly needed to identify a manufacturer as the number of retail outlets wanting to sell pello multiplied. In addition to Nordstrom.com, pello is sold at more than 200 gift and baby shops and boutiques in 37 states and 2 countries. The pello has been featured in Earnshaw Magazine's 2014 Ultimate Gear Guide for babies. Earnshaw's is the pre-eminent media resource serving the children and baby market and reaches roughly 13,000 executives in apparel, juvenile products and gift industries. pello has also been featured in Pregnancy Magazine and Baby and Kids and was selected as a Top Baby Gear item for 2013 by coolmompicks.com. The pello features a distinct, donut-shaped floor pillow with raised edges, ultra-soft plush fabric and a soft padded center that benefits a child at all stages of development.

California Market Center Plans Exciting & Productive Summer 2014 Market With New Resources & Amenities

Among other product mixes, buyers will experience an expanded selection of best-selling fashion accessories and children's merchandise at a unified California marketplace during the summer L.A. Gift & Home Market at the California Market Center (CMC), scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 15 through Monday, July 21, 2014 from 9am to 6pm daily, with extended hours until 8pm on Friday, July 18, 2014. This edition of the L.A. Gift & Home Market will present local and national retailers with the freshest gift, home and garden decor, fine furniture, decorative accessories, personal care and lifestyle products. In addition, buyers will be able to discover over 800 baby and children's resources showcased throughout the California Market Center.

ABC Kids Expo's North American Pavilion at the Harrogate International Nursery Fair!

ABC would like to thank the following exhibitors for joining the 2014 North American pavilion at the Harrogate International Nursery Fair: Baby Elephant Ears, Baby K'tan, foufou baby, Jazzy Toes, Mabel's Labels, Mixie Baby, Pacific Baby Incorporated, Pully Palz, Pura Stainless, RoomMates Décor, Sara Kety LLC, Wean Green and Zoli Inc.

The pavilion, which was located in the 100 year old Royal Hall for the first time, was a success with an abundance of positive feedback. ABC is expecting to increase their presence next year. If you would like to participate in this 'Royal' pavilion please be sure to contact ABC today before space sells out!

This year's ToyFest West let it ride in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa

Building on the enthusiasm for the new locale, this year's ToyFest West show was a win-win in all the categories –attendance, number of products, vendors being shown and ultimately, the number of dollars being written at the show. All of the lines were written, and reps were successful in sharing new products, as well as lines recently picked up in New York. Sales increased significantly for a multitude of companies. Having not attended the show in years, Teri Soelter of Teri's Toybox in Edmonds, WA, was excited about the move to Las Vegas and is considering the idea of skipping New York in the future in order to attend ToyFest West annually. "It is easy to get to from Seattle, not having to worry about bad weather flying in and out. I saw product that I missed in New York, and dealing with my local rep groups was a real plus."

One of the things that set this show apart from any other toy show in the country is camaraderie, especially at the annual Gala and Game Night. Many business owners say they appreciate the built in social events and getting to spend time with a variety of industry people. "It is a great way to learn how the industry is changing and growing, hear about product successes at other stores, and really just enjoy all the great people. And Game Night is the perfect way for me to learn about the games I will be selling in my store this year. The information I received is what my customers want to know," says Dana Chavez, owner of The Wonder Emporium in La Habra, CA.

Silikids Debuts New Web Site and All New Product Line of Safe, Modern Silicone Accessories for Kids

Silikids, Inc. the first mom-founded brand which focuses on creating children's products that are toxin-free, hypoallergenic and made entirely out of silicone introduces a broadened line of innovative feeding products. The new Silikids products now available at retail include: 

Siliskin Sippy-a stylish 8 ounce sippy cup where Silitop and Siliskin Glass come together as one.

Siliskin Top-a Silicone Top which stretches over and covers the top of a glass. Combined with the Siliskin Glass, the glass is completely encased and protected.

Silimap-a portable silicone placement with cool/fun educational themed graphics to teach kids about the US.

Silibib-an ergonomic designed bib that allows for it to lie flat. The bib includes a hidden pocket too that easily flips forward for use so the bib can be worn with the pocket in front or with the pocket flipped behind.

Siliskin Bowl-a sectioned ceramic bowl with Siliskin is ideal for young children starting solid foods and for suggested portions of the four food groups.