RETAIL MATTERS
Retail
matters Online4baby’s Managing Director Christy Foster is looking ahead to the upcoming Kind + Jugend in September and why this is such an important event in their yearly calender. Christy Foster, Managing Director
A
s we bid farewell to what little summer we had, the early change of seasons brings a sense of renewal and anticipation. September always holds a unique charm: children are back at school, and people’s thoughts begin to turn to Christmas. Of course, we’ll see the toy category change with the seasons—from
Online4baby, the coming month is all about the Kind + Jugend event in Cologne. Having attended Kind + Jugend many times, this year is particularly special as I will be accompanied by two of our senior buyers, Jenny and Zaira. Their expertise and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our experience. What we love about
The international scope of Kind + Jugend is one of its greatest assets. It provides a platform to witness cutting-edge products and trends from all over the world, offering insights that can significantly influence our offerings back home. outdoor, which has been a robust sub-category for us this year, to more giftable products. However, for us at
Kind + Jugend is its truly international feel. While the Harrogate trade show remains a cornerstone of the UK baby
products industry, Kind + Jugend offers a remarkable opportunity to explore innovations from global suppliers and partners. The international scope of Kind + Jugend is one of its greatest assets. It provides a platform to witness cutting-edge products and trends from all over the world, offering insights that can significantly influence our offerings back home. The event is not just about discovering new products; it is also about the invaluable networking opportunities. We look forward to sharing learnings with fellow retailers and brands, and meeting with trusted suppliers. In preparation for the event, we have been diligently making appointments and crafting a full itinerary to maximize our time. However, one of the aspects I greatly enjoy about trade shows is the element of surprise. Walking through the aisles, there is always the thrill of stumbling upon something new and exciting or an innovation that could redefine our product line-up. This year, while our focus remains on furniture - a category that continues to evolve with the latest design and safety standards - we are particularly keen on exploring innovations in the
wheeled goods category. The advancements in strollers, car seats, and other mobile baby products have been remarkable, and we are excited to see what new developments will be showcased. Kind + Jugend is more than just an industry event; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in baby products. As we gear up for the show, our team at Online4baby is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. We are eager to bring back not only the latest products but also fresh ideas and insights that will help us continue to offer the best to our customers. It’s remarkable to think about how we will be looking Q4 in the face when we next write. We’ve spoken many times about our focus on profitable growth at Online4baby, emphasizing exclusive products with our brand partners. We hope to see the benefits of this longer-term focus as we progress into Q4. The upcoming quarter promises to be pivotal as we shift from outdoor products to more giftable ones, aligning with the seasonal demands and festive spirit.
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14/08/2024 13:14