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From February 28-March 2, New York City hosted the last stop of the winter season for the Playtime trade shows. Nearly 1,820 professional visitors made it to Playtime New York, a rise of 10 percent from last season. Taking the pulse of the latest trends in the children's universe, buyers and media discovered the exhibitors' newest trends for Fall and Winter 2015/16 in an inspiring and relaxing work environment. All the best of the children's universe was brought together across two levels for a beautiful selection of nearly 120 collections. Though certain brands have now become regulars at the fair, 40 percent were participating in the show for the first time, thereby constituting a complete and dynamic offer. Composed of a majority of American brands (53 percent), it was nonetheless clear that the proportion of international brands at the fair (coming from Spain, France, Italy, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia) had risen slightly, reflecting the attractiveness of Playtime New York for those international brands targeting the American market.
Playtime also shared some constructive propositions, in this case on Monday, March 2 in collaboration with its partner, Earnshaw's, during a conference organized around the theme of 'The emergence of a new generation of ultra-connected consumers.' This is a strong trend running through society that can even be seen in the way professionals are adopting new work methods. Playologie, the online trade fair created by the organizers of Playtime, was there to present its services and help professionals integrate the sector's latest changes.
For the second time, Kind + Jugend, which takes place September 10-13, 2015, is distinguishing outstanding designs in the children's outfitting and furniture sector with the Kids Design Award. The international competition consists of ten best entries selected by the board of trustees in advance, and will be showcased at the trade fair in a special exhibition zone. During Kind + Jugend, a jury will present the best design from among the exhibited concepts with the Kids Design Award. In addition to the Award winner, project sponsors from the industry sector will examine which of the prototypes are suitable for development through to market launch and will accompany the designers throughout the subsequent development process.
After the introduction of the Kids Design Award, Kind + Jugend now covers the entire product development chain. The concept and prototype phase (Kids Design Award) is followed by the presentation of products ready for market launch in the Design Park of Kind + Jugend. The next stage is covered by the trade fair section, Young Innovative Companies, which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the aim of which is to enable the start-up companies who have developed marketable products access to the market at favorably-priced trade fair conditions. Already established companies, on the other hand, can enter their new products and further developments to the renowned Kind + Jugend Innovations Award. Kind + Jugend also takes the opinions of the international consumers into account in the form of the Consumer Award that was introduced in 2014. In country-specific online voting, parents select the best products, which are presented to the international buyers and specialized dealers on a special exhibition area at the trade fair - a good barometer for tapping into new markets.
Parents-to-be have an abundance of options when shopping for cribs, strollers and diaper bags. Brixy, a trade association for independent juvenile retailers, believes the old-fashioned method of walking into the neighborhood baby store is still the best bet for setting up the nest for a new baby. Brixy-affiliated stores offer the consumer personalized, expert attention that can never be duplicated from an online site or big chain outlet. Now 2 years old, the 280-store strong association has hired KidStuff Public Relations to spread the word that help for new parents awaits them, right in their region.
As parents-to-be get ready for the newest family member, they need to acquire baby furniture, tiny clothes, must-have gear and a long list that begins with diapers and wipes. Where to start? KidStuff Public Relations, experts in spreading the word among traditional consumer press and social media that targets moms, will work in tandem with association shopkeepers to start the conversation, "what to expect when expecting."
"Everyone has an opinion on what products you should buy," acknowledges Jill Cartwright, Brixy's executive director, "from your mom, to your best friend, to the stranger you meet while waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store. Our stores are here to help you to filter all of the options out there and find what products will work best for you and your baby. Plus, by buying from a Brixy store, you can feel good about supporting a local store and have confidence that you're getting the same or lower prices as you would in a big-box store. By coming together into one organization, Brixy stores are able to negotiate discounts just like national chains and websites plus offer exclusive products."
"As the publicist to toy manufacturers, juvenile gear and specialty gifts and clothing for over 20 years," explained Lisa Orman, President of KidStuff Public Relations, "I know that Brixy retailers truly care about their customers."
KidStuff PR will prep materials for Brixy to distribute to its members at the All Baby and Child Spring Educational Conference next month in Las Vegas, NV. Local, regional and national exposure will be just one of the promotional benefits of being a Brixy store.
There's a new notable company in the onesie department, making its presence known in the child and baby apparel space. Somerville, Mass.-based Phebe-n-Me originally focused on adult apparel for dog lovers, and has recently released organic onesies for newborns up to 18 months and they are being praised for their super soft cotton and great fit. "What I love about this onesie is that it is so comfortable for her, she hardly notices she is wearing it." said Jennifer Seigler, editor and blogger of Life of a Southern Mom.
Phebe-n-Me products display original artwork that speaks to the love and experiences that only a dog can bring. Named after and inspired by a special dog, these lovable designs capture the heart of dog lovers everywhere.
