KICKS FOR KIDS Footwear Retail & Style
In Toon ACCESSORIES COMPANY ABG gets into character with its Thomas and Friends and Disney licenses. The company, which is a division of Elegant Headwear in Elizabeth, N.J., has high expectations for the pre-walker collection depicting the lovable tank engine, which debuts this month at the ABC Kids Expo. Christina Monroe Black, ABG’s newly appointed manager for the baby category, points to the property’s TV, DVD and collectible products as proof that Thomas is the little engine that could—and does. “Thomas and Friends is an evergreen property that our company has had an eye on for a long time,” she said. “It has a loyal following, and it never seems to slow down at retail.” Based on its popularity at multiple tiers, the company has created discrete collections aimed at mid-tier stores as well as mass retailers. A portion of the soft-sole sneaker and sandal collection, which will cover sizes 0 to 24 months, will be literal representations of the main character. “We’ve had a lot of success in our headwear division with product that transforms the kid into the character, so the shoes will look as
though you’re putting a little Thomas train on your foot,” Black explained, noting details will include wheels on the side and Thomas’s face in full front view on the shoe. Other products will play up the property’s train theme. “We have the headwear license for Thomas as well, so there’s a big focus on sets that package the hat and shoe,” Black noted. Look for coordinating sets like a conductor-style hat with ticking stripes and matching shoes. The company will also introduce collectable footwear featuring Thomas’s friends. In the Disney collection, ABG will bring Winnie the Pooh, Cars and the Disney Princesses to life through a variety of updated products, including socks, soft-soled booties and hats. In addition to sets comprising two pairs of socks, which she said have been selling tremendously, the company is taking cues from buyers who are raving about tights sales, playing around with a lot of different designs in that arena. Design director Hillel Kirschner said that, like the company’s Step Forward and Rising Star shoe brands, these new collections exemplify ABG’s commitment to bringing meaningful product to the marketplace. “Our goal is to offer the cuteness factor and high style of the pricier shoe lines out there and design a line that is both appealing and affordable,” he said. “Many companies have tried this but either fall short on style or the quality is poor… We take babies feet very seriously, and we want to make sure that the shoe doesn’t just look good—it also must feel good and fit properly for these developing tiny toes.” Call (212) 695-8520 or visit www.abgbabyonline.com. —Caletha Crawford
Style Quotient AS ITS WOMEN’S footwear business continues to balloon, ZiGi NY is getting into the girls’ category with a tween spinoff, Ziggies, for Spring ’11. Despite parents’ inclination to shop stores like Target or Payless given their daughters’ fast-growing feet, ZiGi NY president Andy Petersen believes the brand’s highly embellished, fashion-forward designs are precisely what boutique retailers want and need. “The brands playing [in those stores] have been there for quite some time,” he said. “With the tough economy, retailers haven’t branched out beyond their current vendors. Ziggies is giving them the opportunity to bring in something new to freshen up their floors.” Petersen noted that his company’s current sales momentum has led to tons of retailer requests for a kids’ line. To address the wide range of shoe sizes that tweens require, Ziggies offers stylish streetwear product, which mixes takedowns and shoes created just for tweens, in sizes 11 to 5. Ballet flats, sandals and wedges make up the majority of the initial spring collection, said Petersen, adding that the brand’s key item—an embellished cuffed sandal—translates perfectly for younger girls. Spring will see a bit of ’70s influence, but no matter the silhouette, ZiGi NY’s signature attention to detail will be evident in an ornate mix of floral embellishments, glitter, beading, sequins and more. Trends and sophistication are key, but wearability and age-appropriateness also factor into the design, Petersen said. “Obviously, the younger girl wants the trends and fashions her older sister is wearing, but she may not have the maturity level or fashionista sensibility to pull it off,” he said. “We have to find that niche: girly fashion flair that caters to a younger customer.”
According to the exec, Ziggies was warmly received by buyers at the August Magic show, where Kitson was the first to sign on for the retail launch. ZiGi NY’s current customers will naturally be a target for Ziggies, but the company also has an eye on independent children’s boutiques that offer true fashion items. Petersen believes the children’s market holds great potential and expects Ziggies’ size range will eventually encompass toddler product as well with the possibility of accessories down the line. The spring Ziggies collection is set to retail from $30 to $60. For more information and wholesale pricing, contact the company at (631) 470-4804 or visit www.ziginy.com. —Leslie Shiers E A R N S H AW S . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 0 1 9