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The housewares industry came together for "A Purpose. A Plan. A Promise," to raise nearly $2 million at the Housewares Charity Foundation's (HCF) 20th annual gala on Monday, March 20. Proceeds from the event, held at Chicago's Navy Pier, benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF's legacy charity, and No Kid Hungry, a campaign by Share Our Strength that works to ensure that every child in the United States has access to healthy food where they live, learn and play. Since the first gala in 1998, HCF has raised more than $49 million and has been credited with donating more than $28 million to BCRF. The 21st HCF gala will be held March 12, 2018.
For more information about the Housewares Charity Foundation, its honorees and its charities, visit housewares.org/show/charity.
The 2017 International Home + Housewares Show took place in Chicago from March 18-21, and 13 housewares suppliers ranging from well-established brands to first-time exhibitors won an IHA Global Innovation Award (gia) for product design.
To view the list of finalists, visit HERE.
"Congratulations to these winners of the IHA Global Innovation Awards for product design; they are excellent representatives of the cutting-edge innovation and creativity that is driving the housewares industry today," said Phil Brandl, IHA president and CEO. Additionally, the IHA Show announced the 2017 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence: Potten & Pannen – Staněk; KitchenAid Concept Store & Gourmet Academy, Czech Republic; The Loft Co., Ltd., Japan; Green with Envy, New Zealand; Rustan's Department Store, Philippines; Borough Kitchen, United Kingdom. Both gia national winners and Global Honorees were recognized and prominently featured at the IHA Show.
This year marks the five-year anniversary of the All About Baby Expo in Utah. The expo is celebrating with a spring tour of Utah, taking All About Baby on the road to numerous markets around the state, highlighting great options for moms and dads and hosting a fun and informative event.
The Expo is accepting quality partners that cater to moms with babies and young children. There is exhibitor space available, and there are options for national businesses who can't attend to still participate in a strong way.
Find the application HERE, or visit HERE.
MOBY now offers a Ring Sling in addition to its classic Moby Wrap, Meh Dai, and Buckle Tie carriers. "A sling-style carrier is a classically comfortable and simple way to carry babies," says Gillian Beerman, founder of MOBY. "We have wanted to introduce a Ring Sling option to our family of baby carriers for years, and are so excited to finally make that dream come true." The new Ring Sling is made of sturdy 100 percent woven cotton and features a fully customizable fit with three color options: Ocean Twist, Jet Ribbons, and Silver Streak.
Find more information at mobywrap.com.
Following in their tradition of philanthropy, Baby K'tan is donating nearly 150 Baby K'tan Diaper Bags to Twice As Nice Mother & Child, a nonprofit that strives to ensure that every mother and child has his or her most basic needs met.
The donation will provide moms in need with the brand's innovative diaper bag which features a built-in wetbag with antimicrobial lining, a much needed compartment for dirty baby items. The pocket keeps in moisture and liquid while preventing the growth of germs and odor causing bacteria.
For more information, visit https://www.babyktan.com/blog/commitment-to-philanthropy
Ju-Ju-Be today released the limited edition prints "Super toki" and "Sweet victory," the latest addition to its collaboration with tokidoki. The print will be showcased on a number of Ju-Ju-Be's backpacks, diaper bags, wallets, bibs, totes and a duffle, among others.
Super toki is an all-star cast of colorful characters from the tokidoki universe displaying hero-like qualities as they soar across bright comic book frames. In 2012, Ju-Ju-Be launched its first collaboration with tokidoki, and the two companies have since released a number of successful collections together.
For more information, visit ju-ju-be.com.
The is a modern day piggy bank that's fun and engaging. Designed by a working mom, each three-tiered piggy box is made from handcrafted recycled paper and features three separate drawers with built-in dividers.
The original, easy-to-use piggy box helps children learn how to: spend, save or give (donate) money as well as organize and arrange money based on denomination.
Kids can also track spending with the free included app.
Visit thepiggybox.com for more information.
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries' charitable organization, announced that more than 40 auction items–including luxury experiences and unique gift and home décor products donated by leading suppliers–will be offered during the 25th annual Party For Life on Monday, Feb. 6, in New York City. The auction items are available for pre-event online bidding this week.
Among the notable auction prizes are a Simon G diamond ring, pearl earrings, business consultations, wardrobe/interior consultations, a New York Jets signed football, and a private wine tasting for 10 in Napa. "The 25th Anniversary Party for Life is gearing up to be and fantastic party and most likely our best event yet," said Frank Joens, Gift for Life, Chair. "The silent auction is going to be outstanding this year and I am very grateful that the industry's leading suppliers have been incredibly generous with their sponsorships and their support through auction prize donations."
Babyganics' Natural Wool Dryer Balls are made of 100 percent natural, American wool that works to soften fabrics, reduce static, and speed up drying time up to 25 percent.
Reusable up to 1,000 loads, it's a compostable alternative to traditional fabric softeners. There are no chemicals, PVC, fragrances or dyes.
In addition, it's non-allergenic and biodegradable.
Soft toy maker and lifestyle gift creator Douglas Company has just introduced Princess Mermaids with brushable hair. Ciara, the 15-inch large Aqua Mermaid, is elegantly serene in shades of aquamarine with a fancy, textured tail with translucent blue organza fins. Her hair is shades of aqua and platinum blonde and she comes with a brush included. Designed for ages 3 and up,
DOUGLAS Mermaid Collection will debut at all the Winter Gift Shows including Toy Fair in Booth #1669 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
The entire Mermaids Collection is expected on specialty gift store shelves in March 2017.
Dapple, a line of plant-powered cleaning products made specifically for homes with babies and toddlers, announced a new patented innovation in laundry: dapple Pure 'N' Clean Baby Laundry Detergent Strips. Lighter and thinner than a dryer sheet, they're super-concentrated with powerful stain elimination that's gentle enough to protect baby's delicate skin. They work for the entire family and are perfect for travel.
With 32 strips to a pack, one Baby Laundry Strip instantly dissolves in water to handle one load of laundry. It's a gentle alternative to conventional baby laundry detergent and it's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making them safe for sensitive skin or eczema.
They're also compatible for use with cloth diapers and are biodegradable, giving them an added environmental-friendly nod.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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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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 housewares industry came together for "A Purpose. A Plan. A Promise," to raise nearly $2 million at the Housewares Charity Foundation's (HCF) 20th annual gala on Monday, March 20. Proceeds from the event, held at Chicago's Navy Pier, benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF's legacy charity, and No Kid Hungry, a campaign by Share Our Strength that works to ensure that every child in the United States has access to healthy food where they live, learn and play. Since the first gala in 1998, HCF has raised more than $49 million and has been credited with donating more than $28 million to BCRF. The 21st HCF gala will be held March 12, 2018.
