First Data report: Thanksgiving, Black Friday spending up 9 percent

First Data released its analysis of consumer spending for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Unlike other reports, First Data's analysis is based on actual consumer transactions rather than surveys or speculation. Topline Facts:

Overall, Retail Spending growth was up 9 percent year-over-year (YOY), which represents solid growth on top of strong growth from the prior year (9.4 percent in 2015 and 3.5 percent in 2014). The total share of eCommerce spending has increased significantly, nearly doubling over a four-year period YOY: 15.7 percent YOY (2014), 18.3 percent (2015), and 24.7 percent YOY (2016). Meanwhile, several malls and retail chains were closed on Thanksgiving morning and afternoon, most opening their doors until evening. Retail sales growth took a hit, but across the nation, consumers jumped in at 6 p.m. and sales recovered. In terms of overall spend (not just retail), the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is becoming just as strong as Black Friday.

Store owners from U.S. and abroad shop the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas

Retailers and buyers not only from across the country but across the world visited Las Vegas Oct. 18-21 to be at the ABC Kids Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Zavnvra Pingkan and Ratih Danisworo, co-owners of Mom's & I in Jakarta, Indonesia, had been to one other trade show in Singapore, but it was their first time at the ABC Kids Expo. "We heard everyone say that the ABC Expo, you need to go there. We did hear it's more to the U.S. market, but we don't totally agree with that," says Danisworo. The two also noted that they were happy to meet with vendors that they already have relationships with, such as Bebe Au Lait, Weegoamigo and Little Linen.

This was the third year at the Expo for Jaimee Nicolino and Kari Newman, co-owners of the Swell Shop for Baby in Iowa. They said they spent most of their time browsing the Modern Baby section, which is more in line with their store concept. "We're always trying to bring new products into our area, so that's the reason why we come to ABC—to see what's new and what's different and what we need to bring back to Des Moines."

In addition, Newman says she values the opportunity to make connections with new vendors and network with your existing vendors. "We like to show them that we're supporting them and we continue to enjoy having their products in our store," she says. This year was the third Expo for Jill Geyer with Kaplan Early Learning Company in North Carolina, who noted that the Margarita Meet-up, Modern Child Wine Bistro and Modern Child Coffee Café were all much-appreciated options this year.

"It's just a little benefit. We went to the coffee one so far," she said on the floor. It's the first Expo for her co-owner, Lila Catrett, who said she loved seeing the wide array of different vendors so she can view products and know what's on the market, even if they don't fit her concept. In addition, she found visits with her existing vendors—such as Kids Preferred and EduShape—to be an invaluable part of the Expo experience. "They can explain the product to us and say this is new and this is why we love it, and they give us pointers on how to use it. It's wonderful." The ABC Spring Conference and Trade Show will take place May 1-3, 2017.

New product: Big Red Rooster's projection alarm clocks

Big Red Rooster has added three new animals to its Projection Alarm Clocks: Dog, Cat and Dinosaur. With green eyes and white paws, the cat alarm clock projects the time and four different feline images; the brown and white dog projects the time and four images, and can rotate its head 340-degrees; and the dinosaur alarm clock projects four prehistoric images as well as the time. Whether it is used as a nightlight or alarm, customers can decide to project just the time, the image or a combination of image blended with the digital time. "Our mission is to create innovative products that help people fall asleep or get out of bed in the morning," said Brian Johnson, founder of Big Red Rooster. "The three animal clocks are ready to become bedside buddies as kids choose the best companion to be their first alarm clock."

For more information, visit bigredroosterproducts.com.

Matimati's soft drool bib keeps baby mess-free

The trendy baby bandana drool bib from Matimati Baby is made out of 100 percent soft organic cotton so it's extra absorbent while the back layer boasts soft fleece. It features a unique design that makes it functional, and it comes with adjustable snaps. These bibs are a stylish accessory that's available in various colors and patterns. Matimati Baby was created by the mom of a serious "drool monster" for other parents and their drooling little babies.

For more information, visit matimatibaby.com.

GUND campaign donates 1,000 plush toys to kids in need

GUND has announced that its #HowDoYouHug charitable campaign reached its 10th milestone on August 3. According to the campaign's website, the goal is to transform expressions of love into real-world comfort for children in need. The social media driven campaign represents 20,099 "hugs" that have been shared via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. In addition, 1,000 plush toys have also been donated to children in need at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, Starlight Children's Foundation, Our House Grief Support Center and Comfy Cozy's For Chemo.

"It's been an amazing opportunity to partner with organizations that help so many children in need," said Sally Drewes, vice president of marketing. "We're looking forward to sponsoring even more charitable programs in the future."

For more information, visit howdoyouhug.org.

Delta Children to furnish new lactation rooms in New York

In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed a bill requiring certain city offices and service centers to provide a lactation room for nursing mothers. Joseph Shamie, president of Delta Children—a manufacturer of strollers, cribs and other juvenile products—has pledged to decorate the rooms with the necessary furniture. Currently, there are only three lactation rooms in Brooklyn, which Delta has already furnished with changing tables and gliders.

"Medical research shows the health benefits of breastfed children," said Shamie. "As a community, we are all helping the next generation of children to become healthier, happier and smarter by offering these facilities."

Babyletto launches on-trend colors for fall collection

Babyletto is introducing black, grey and white palettes in three of its collections: the Maki, Origami and Lolly. Nurseries featuring the color trend has taken off on social media, so retailers can help their clients stay on-trend with a bold and playful style. Currently, the Origami Mini Crib is available in matte black. 

The Maki Folding Portable Crib will be available in white, grey and black. The Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib will be available in matte black and a washed natural finish, as well as the Lolly dresser, which will feature a matte black finish and washed natural feed and pulls.

For more information, visit babyletto.com.

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Keep parents trendy with FCTRY's Mustachifi

Pacifiers get a trendy edge with the Mustachifier, a kids-wear line designed to put smiles on the faces of kids and their parents. Designed by FCTRY, the mustache pacifier comes in three distinct styles: The Ladies Man, Gentleman and Cowboy.

"We wanted to challenge the idea that you stop being cool when you have kids," said Jason Feinberg, CEO and creative director of FCTRY. "We designed all of this for our own son and I swear, it worked. He's only 3 now, but he owns every room he walks into."

For more information, visit mustachifier.com.

The World of Eric Carle Launches Little Artist Collection

Kids Preferred is delighted to share the all new Little Artist collection from the World of Eric Carle, which gives kids the chance to express themselves. Mold and fold the world into favorite shapes with The World of Eric Carle Super Dough. 

This colorful dough is non-toxic, and air-dries making it a great craft for even the youngest of artists! The Super Dough Set includes what kids need to make them all, plus the option to create his or her own. They can showcase their finest Super Dough creations in the World of Eric Carle Super Dough Display Dome. 

This unique dome case will showcase a favorite creation in a beautiful display while keeping it safe.

T. Rowe Price survey says parents still spend freely on kids

T. Rowe Price's 2016 Parents, Kids & Money Survey found that parents' reluctance to discuss money with their kids has not translated to a reluctance to spend it on them. Nearly half of parents (46 percent) have gone into debt to cover something their kids wanted, and many say they spend too much on things their kids do not need (57 percent). Yet most worry about spoiling their kids (58 percent), and many kids have come to expect their parents to buy them what they want (57 percent). And while many parents have some reluctance to discuss family finances (71 percent), they tend to talk to boys more about money than girls. When asked why, one of the top reasons given was that boys need more help with money.

ABC Kids Expo launches new primary product category

New this year, All Baby & Child will be adding a new primary product category called "Health & Nutrition," which includes companies that manufacture vitamins, food/formula products, skincare, etc. According to Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child Corporation, "health and nutrition represents an important growing market internationally."

"We are pleased to be able to offer products in this category to help meet the needs of buyers and sellers alike," he said. Booths categorized in the primary product categories will feature all white drapes and blue jay carpet. Current primary product categories on the ABC show floor are Apparel/Layette/Gift, Room Decor/Bedding, Nursing/Feeding, Baby Care/Safety, Furniture, Toys/Games/Books/AV and Service Providers.

For more information on the ABC Kids Expo and to register, visittheabcshow.com or call 210/691-4848.

Pet Vet Checkup Center by Just Play wins Toy of The Year award

Hundreds of global toy executives and guests gathered in New York City on Feb. 12 to pay tribute to the toy industry's best and brightest toys, games and individuals at the 16th Annual Toy of the Year Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Hosted by the U.S. Toy Industry Association in support of the philanthropic work of the Toy Industry Foundation, the "Oscars" of the toy industry were held at the American Museum of Natural History, which served as the official kick off to the 113th North American International Toy Fair.

The Toy of the Year award and the Preschool Toy of the Year both went to the Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center by Just Play. Given the People's Choice award for most online votes from consumers was KidKraft LLC's Uptown Espresso Kitchen.

A special tribute was made to the Toy Industry Foundation, which gave brand-new toys to more than 1 million children in 2015. The event also marked the induction of Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Descriptions of all TOTY finalists and award winners can be found online at ToyAwards.org. The nominees were carefully selected by committees of academics, journalists, retailers and others who considered 700 submitted products and properties.

The best of Spanish children's fashion to show in New York

A selection of 20 Spanish children's collections will be part of the upcoming Playtime New York trade show on Feb. 14-16.Check out all the amazing brands supported by Fashion from Spain and meet the team at their resting area. Attendees can browse through the Playtime New York list of exhibitors to see the 170 brands that will present their autumn and winter lines for 2016-17.

Register online at iloveplaytime.com/newyork in order to receive a pass for entry.

Bears For Humanity expands with 14 new organic plush friends

Bears For Humanity is expanding their feel-good, do-good collection of organic plush teddy bears with an animal kingdom of lions, tigers and a total of 14 new animal friends, featuring cutting-edge and interactive Smart Organic Toys Collection that utilizes iOKids, an IoToys platform service by Dynepic, with whom Bears for Humanity is partnering in 2016.

When you buy from Bears For Humanity, the company donates equal quantity and quality plush toys to children in need through its Buy One Give One program in the United States. Stop by Bears For Humanity booth 6144 at the American International Toy Fair to see and feel them for yourself.

Paper Punk building kits partners with My Little Pony

Visitors to the American International Toy Fair who visit Booth 1875 will see the brilliance of Paper Punk tactile kits. Whether building a unicorn or a cityscape, the construction kits have been described as "the love child of Lego and origami" by Wired magazine.

Each Paper Punk kit begins as colorful 2D flat shapes that transform into bold 3D geometric paper blocks to create paper toys and art forms. Every kit allows anyone to become a toy designer with part-construction and part-craft sets that promote creative building fun.

New for 2016 is a license with My Little Pony where little fingers can create six magical ponies, including Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle. Inside the six Paper Punk My Little Pony ($9.95) sets are 11 punch-n-fold shapes, more than 120 stickers and 40 adhesive dots to construct a 3D paper figure. For more information, visit paperpunk.com.

ToyFest West is in Full Swing Prep Mode for 2016's Largest Toy Show in the West

The people in the toy industry experience the holiday season like no other. Giving a gift to a child is more than a kind gesture. It is the opportunity to create magic. And it is that chance to make an eight year old believe that a sleigh full of toys circles the whole world with something perfect just for them that drives our industry.

There is no better place to see, touch hold, learn, experience and plan than the aisles of ToyFest West. While 2015 is winding down, plans for WTHRA's 2016 show are in full swing. As with new toys being offered, the show will be innovative and include improvements on the classic set up.

Taking place in Las Vegas from March 6 – 8 at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, the show will include WTHRA's Sunday night Gala on March 6th, celebrating industry leaders from all aspects of the industry. This year's Retailer of the Year is Cheeky Monkey from Menlo Park, CA. The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees include Bernice Baird, John Hansen Jr., John Hansen, Mark Philips, and Dennis Daniello. The Gala will be longer than in previous years with dancing added at the end of the evening. It will be a very celebratory night. Game Night will take place on Monday, March 7th, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Participants will enjoy pizza and beer while learning some of the new games on the market.

This year the show is offering attendees a special opportunity to make the most of their travels to Las Vegas. The EDexpo show will be taking place at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, beginning on March 9. Buyers who attend ToyFest West will receive free entrance to the EDexpo Show on Opening Day, March 9.

Baby, pregnancy monitors thriving in the body sensor market

According to a Tractica report, the body sensor sector is experiencing a transition as heart rate monitors decline in unit volume and newer devices like baby and pregnancy monitors, headbands, posture monitors and 3D trackers begin to build momentum. Smart fashion apparel is still limited to the high end of the market and will require the support of mainstream fashion brands to gain momentum. Tractica forecasts that smart clothing shipments will grow from 140,000 units in 2013 to 10.2 million units by 2020, while body sensor shipments will decrease from 3.0 million units in 2013 to 1.2 million by 2017, before rising again to 3.1 million units in 2020. The Tractica report examined the market opportunities for smart clothing and body sensors.

Find more information at reportbuyer.com.