editor’s letter www.nurserytoday.co.uk | Instagram: nurserytoday | LinkedIn: Nursery Today
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elcome to the March issue where we take a look at a number of product categories, including Wheeled Goods, Sleep Time products, Bottles & Sterilisers and Traditional & Wooden Toys. Wheeled goods for so many Nursery Retailers is a great staple product and has continued to show growth coupled with innovation. Trends within wheeled goods constantly reflect the everchanging consumer preferences when we look at style, colourways and design. Perhaps one significant trend is the rise of eco-friendly and sustainable options that are now also available by way of fabrics used. This is also a product sector where social media rocks. As Dorel’s Senior Field Marketeer Nicola Coletti told Nursery Today “Social media plays a multifaceted role in the wheeled goods category, influencing purchasing decisions, shaping brand perception, and facilitating community engagement among parents and caregivers.” You can check out our feature starting on page 16 where you will find a host of products, which are all available to order now. Turning to Sleep Time, this is such an emotive product category and one which can create a great level of anxiety for parents. As an industry we are so fortunate that brands continually respond to develop products that not only provide safe sleep solutions, but are also on trend. This is also perhaps a sector where products that have gained a level of accreditation by a recognised organisation or
Searching for wheeled goods? Look no further, simply turn to page 16!
accolades via consumer awards can excel. With this in mind, you will find an article from The Lullaby Trust within the pages of this issue. The Lullaby Trust is the UK’s leading safer sleep charity that saves babies’ lives and supports bereaved families affected by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby or toddler where no cause is found after detailed post-mortem examination. To find out more, read how you can become the next Lullaby Trust brand partner and why 97% of new parents would choose a product with The Lullaby Trust logo on it over another simply turn to page 48. Keeping on the subject of sleep, after introducing the Air Lite Bedside Crib at Harrogate and K&J, Shnuggle are excited to share a closer look at all it has to offer ahead of launch next month. You can check it out from page 38. You will also have spotted our Cover Star this month – BabyStyle! From humble beginnings back in 1999, BabyStyle has been a steadfast advocate of the high street from day one and is now celebrating their 25th anniversary. Turn to our Cover Story (page 10) to find out more. Also, if you are looking at creative ways to boost your presence and getting your news out into the world, as a trade sector Nursery has the perfect PRs at your disposal. They know and understand our industry and take the pressure off and can do all your promotion for you. Why not turn to page 54 where you will find the start to this month’s Meet the PRs feature. On a final note, The Baby Products Association have now announced the date for their next AGM is
scheduled to take place in central London on Wednesday 19th June 2024. As always, a great line up of speakers is planned, together with the opportunity to network with colleagues in the industry. More information will follow in the coming months – but save the date!
Celebrating 25 years of BabyStyle – check out our Cover Star this month over on page 10.
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Editors letter March.indd 1
12/03/2024 17:42