Progressive Preschool September 2015

The B2B Publication For Preschool Products and Retailers

ISSUE 19 SEPT/OCT 2015

Cologne Calling

K&J Show Preview

Elmo In Residence

The Furchester Hotel

Licensed To Thrill

BLE Show Highlights

Push The Button

Electronic Learning Update

Trade Publication. Sign up to our newsletter at www.progressive-preschool.com and follow us on Twitter at @prog_preschool FC_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd 1

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www.progressive-preschool.com MARKET LEADING TRADE MAGAZINES

March/April 2013

MARKET LEADING TRADE EXHIBITIONS

MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

this month SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

For those of us heading to Cologne for Kind und Jugend, London for Brand Licensing Europe and Birmingham for Autumn Fair, it’s fair to say that those long, lazy days of summer are really just the calm before the storm, lulling us into a false sense of security before the run-up to Christmas (and 2016!) begins in earnest.

Impressively for what has been an admittedly dismal few months weather-wise, the summer trading Above: Progressive Preschool’s reports are reasonably positive, with character Jacqui and Rob. merchandise ruling the roost after huge investment from licensors and studios at the start of the year. There is a whole raft of preschool brands keeping our toddlers entertained and our tills ringing - as PPS found with two key features in this issue. An interview with Sesame Workshop about CBeebies co-production The Furchester Hotel and an exclusive tour of the new Nickelodeon Store in Leicester Square both emphasise the importance of licensing in the preschool arena - whether the fans are the children or their parents reminiscing about their own childhood.

Keeping in character (sorry!), two major events are looming large on the licensing industry’s horizon; The Licensing Awards on 14 September (organised

by PPS’ parent company Max Publishing) and the mighty Brand Licensing Europe event at Olympia, taking place from 13 - 15 October. PPS has previewed the latter for its preschool picks, which can be seen from page 77.

The forthcoming Kind und Jugend nursery show in Cologne, running from 10 13 September, is another prominent date on the preschool calendar, and recent years have seen a huge rise in buyers making the trip from the UK and indeed worldwide. (A warm welcome to the 866 worldwide buyers selected to receive this special preview issue - we hope you enjoy it!)

While preparations for the upcoming shows have been taking place, PPS HQ has also been juggling packages as thousands of product entries for the Progressive Preschool Awards have been coming in thick and fast, while September will see a huge panel of major and independent retail buyers spending their time assessing each individual entry. The retail and special awards categories are still open - but only just Team Building - so now is the time to act if you are a retailer who feels worthy of the spotlight, or you’d like We’re delighted to welcome the to nominate a colleague or client for the new talented and very lovely Becky Outstanding Achievement Award.

Phillips and Samantha Loveday to The PPS team will be keeping a high profile in the PPS team. both Cologne and London, so do say hello as we make our rounds - it’ll be hard to miss us!

The Progressive Preschool Team Jacqui Parr, Rob Willis, Becky Phillips, Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.max-publishing.co.uk

Our editorial wordsmiths include: Fiona Pavely, Sue Marks, Michelle Board and Samantha Loveday.

@prog_preschool

Progressive Preschool is published by Max Publishing Ltd. Rob Willis - Publisher. Jakki Brown Editor-in-Chief and Joint Managing Director. Jacqui Parr - Editor. Fiona Pavely, Michelle Board and Sue Marks - Editorial Wordsmiths. Ian Hyder and Warren Lomax - Joint Managing Directors.

Becky Phillips - Sales and Marketing. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 Email: robw@max-publishing.co.uk, jacquip@max-publishing.co.uk, beckyp@max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2012. The publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text.

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contents

07 21 23 29 61 63 73 77 83 87 89 97 101 103 107 114

Autumn Fair 2015 Stand 5D23

Kind & Jugend 2015 Halle 11.1 Stand H38

NEWS – Reporting from the preschool world.

KIDKRAFT WELCOMES YOU TO OUR STAND!

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – From market research company GFK. MEDIA WATCH – Spotted in the glossies.

KIND UND JUGEND 2015 – Full Cologne show preview.

CATHY’S COLUMN – Licensed to nursery.

MOBILITY – Thevery latest in travel systems designs.

KidKraft creates, manufactures and distributes children’s award winning wooden toys and furniture. We strive for quality and creatively designed products for imaginative children.

NICKELODEON – Leicester Square’s newest resident.

New Floor Puzzles

BRAND LICENSING 2015 – A preschool property preview.

GLOBAL SOLUTION – GSC’s licensed apparel attack.

LINDSAY LOGS IN – Tech benefits for modern tots.

THE FURCHESTER HOTEL – Checking in with the gang.

ELECTRONIC LEARNING – 2015 kids’ tech sector update.

HAMLEYS – Stacey’s autumnal show and tell.

FEEDBACK – Autumn Fair exhibitors share their thoughts.

FEEDING TIME – Helping to make feeding easier.

WHAT’S HOT – Retailers current bestsellers.

Rocket Ship Play Set

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NICKELODEON

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THE FURCHESTER HOTEL

Country Estate Dollhouse Contact Us! T: +31203058620 E: europesales@kidkraft.com W: www.kidkraft.com PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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www.progressive-preschool.com

PPS takes a look at the recent happenings in the preschool sector TOP STORY

Kind + Jugend Excitement Mounts With just a few weeks to go before Kind + Jugend gets underway, the world's leading trade fair for the baby and toddler sector is making its final preparations before more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries come together to present their latest innovations and newest products.

Taking place from 10 – 13 September, the Köln-based exhibition provides a showcase for an incredible number of brands, innovations and trends, bringing together the very latest in babycare product from around the globe.

A key draw is the ever-popular UK Pavilion which is organised and run by the BPA, while the Innovation Award, Design Park and Trend Forum are also key attractions which help indicate how the international preschool market is developing.

Trends which have been earmarked for 2016 and beyond include individualisation and customisation (which are relevant

across all segments of the baby and children's market), while sustainability remains a strong focus, as does perceived value and increasing digitalisation.

For more information about the show and how to attend, please visit www.kindundjugend.com and see our preview, which can be found on page 29 onwards.

Right: The 2015 show promises to be the highlight of the year for many.

Free EPNC Conference At K+J As part of its mission to share knowledge and support the European baby products sector, the The European Nursery Products Confederation (ENPC) has joined forces with Koelnmesse to deliver two seminars during its Trend Forum, held at the show.

Taking place on Thursday 10

September, delegates will be able to discover how parents across Europe are spending their money on baby products, their shopping habits and how best to target them.

Full details of these and other Kind und Jugend Trend Forum seminars can be found online at www.kindundjugend.com.

Tots Imagine With Peppa

Toys R Us Moves Into Ireland

Peppa Pig is partnering with publishing partner Ladybird Books for storytelling sessions, which will be taking place at the Children’s Bath Literary Festival.

Peppa's appearance at the ten-day festival, which opens on Saturday 3 October, will include costume character meet and greets and narration of the Ladybird book The Big Tale of Little Peppa (launching this autumn), to kickstart Entertainment One Licensing's ‘Imagine with Peppa’ marketing initiative.

The ‘Imagine with Peppa’ marketing campaign ties into Character Options’ new ‘Once Upon a Time’ toy range, while eOne is also partnering with Tumble Tots to run a nationwide Peppa 'Once Upon a Time' themed campaign during The National Children’s Activity Week (5 - 11 October). Broadcasters Channel Five and Nick Jr. will also be supporting the initiative with on-air activity.

Toy retailer Toys R Us is taking on Smyths Toys, as it has revealed plans to open ten new stores across Ireland within the next five years.

The US-based group has announced that it has earmarked over €5million which will be used to open five new branches over the coming year. The first opened in Dublin at the beginning of September, while the second will open at the Parkway Centre in Limerick in October, in time for the all-important run-up to Christmas.

Above: The campaign highlights the importance of fun and imaginative play in early years development.

Right: Three more Toys R Us stores are expected to open across Ireland in 2016.

Brian Donoghue, former chief operations officer at Smyths Toys, secured the licence to operate Toys R Us across Ireland. He told the Irish Independent that he believes Toy R Us can take on Smyths Toys – the country’s current dominant toy retailer, which currently has over 70 stores across Britain and Ireland – in its home market.

Making Sweet Music

Travelling Light

DHX Brands has teamed up with Jo Jingles, the UK’s largest provider of preschool music, singing and movement classes, to create an In the Night Garden activity programme for preschoolers.

Taking place this autumn, the activity programme will reach over 30,000 young fans, utilising the music, movements and rhymes from the popular television series.

“Music and dance are key components of early learning and we are confident that the programme we have developed alongside our fantastic partners will be a new favourite,” said Charlotte Hill, senior brand manager DHX Brands.

Multi-award winning luxury pushchair and stroller brand, Quinny, has partnered with hotel group, Novotel, to provide family guests with free Quinny Yezz strollers during their stay.

Andrew Ratcliffe, md of Quinny UK, said: "We are always looking for opportunities to link up with like-minded urban brands, so the partnership with Novotel is a perfect match."

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Mothercare Recovery Dips Nursery and infant specialist Mothercare has seen its muchdiscussed recovery in question as sales for the 15 weeks to 11 July 2015 dipped, with total sales slipping by 3.5% year-on-year.

The retailer asserted that overall trading remains in line with expectations, with the UK market making a good start to the year while international business is experiencing a degree of 'macro volatility'.

The UK market continues to benefit from strategic initiatives with gains in gross margin and an online sales growth of 24%, but shares dived after the store group revealed a slowdown in UK sales growth at 1.3% (compared with 5.1% in the previous quarter).

The retail group blamed problems in the Middle East and Latin America for a 4.8% fall in sales

at its international business.

“Trading across our international business has been more volatile," outlined Mark Newton-Jones, the group’s chief executive."

“Our strategy in the UK is continuing to deliver results,” he continued. "As a result margins are improving without adversely affecting like-for-like sales. It is still early days in our turnaround and we recognise that there is still much to do."

Inset: Mothercare's UK business is currently trading from 180 stores.

Shirley Hughes Recieves Lifetime Achievement Inset: The popular Fish ‘N’ Splash Water Table.

Little Tikes named Top Toy

Leading toy brand, Little Tikes, was named the number one top property for NPD sales in June 2015. Beating brands such as Frozen, Minions, Nerf and Star Wars, the preschool brand grabbed the top spot for the first time in 2015.

These successes have come alongside strong growth across Little Tikes' infant preschool business as a whole."This is the result of major investment in product development, increased marketing activity and a lot of hard work from the whole team,” said Little Tikes' UK marketing manager Michelle Lilley.

PPS Awards Judging Begins As New Sponsors Join

The judging is about to begin for the 2015 Progressive Preschool Awards. During September, a large panel of retail buyers will judge, in person, thousands of submissions for this year’s product categories, covering toy, nursery, gift, apparel, publishing, homewares, and innovation. The retail and marketing entries will also be judged in

The first ever Book Trust Lifetime Achievement Award winner is the author and illustrator of more than 200 cherished children’s books, Shirley Hughes OBE. The prize was presented to Shirley at the beginning of the summer to launch Book Trust’s Children’s Book Week.

The award celebrates the body of work of an author or illustrator who has made an outstanding contribution to children’s literature.

Above: Shirley’s most celebrated works are the Alfie stories and Dogger, which was voted the public’s favourite Kate Greenaway Medal winner of all time.

September by selected industry experts.

Recent new sponsors include Golden Bear Toys, We Made Me and Carte Blanche Greetings. They join a raft of high profile sponsors including headline partner GfK Retail & Technology, Tickets and tables are available for the awards ceremony, held on 12 November at The Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair. Alongside a champagne reception, three-course lunch, comedian and presentation, retro girl band The Tootsie Rollers will entertain guests with a modern take on old school classics.

Toy Fair Registration Now Open

Visitor and media registration is now open for the 63rd London Toy Fair.

Taking place at London’s Olympia from 24 – 26 January 2016, next year's show marks a significant change for Toy Fair, as it moves dates to avoid a direct clash in the calendar with the Nuremberg Toy Fair.

Toy Fair welcomes thousands of visitors each year including buyers, merchandisers, agents, importers, distributors, licensors, designers, play specialists and national media.

New exhibitors in 2016 will include Magformers, JNH Europe, Arklu, Keycraft, TinyTodds and Suncrest as well as returnees such as Lego, Simba Smoby, Re:creation, Spin Master, John Adams, Character Options, Bandai, Vivid Toy Group, H Grossman and Flair Leisure Group. The ever-popular Greenhouse area, dedicated to smaller and start-up companies, sold out in August and has since been expanded to make room for an impressive 41 exhibitors.

“We are really looking forward to Toy Fair 2016 for what is set to be another busy show full of innovative and exciting new launches and plenty of opportunities for visitors to network,” said Majen Immink, Toy Fair head of sales and operations.

Visitors can register for free at www.toyfair.co.uk.

Crayola And Huggies Team Up

Creative children's brand Crayola has teamed with Huggies Pull Ups for an onpack promotion. The partnership is part of an ongoing strategy to target parents with the educational My First Crayola brand.

The promotion ties into Huggies Pull Ups’ own educational programme, offering parents potty training advice to provide support through their child’s development.

The partnership will be supported by various marketing and PR initiatives including sampling at The Baby Show in May, with plans to extend this to the Baby & Toddler Show in October, as well as blogger outreach and promotional activity right across the parenting press.

“Partnering with Huggies Pull Ups fitted perfectly into our overarching brand strategy to communicate with mums of very young children and make the Crayola brand more relevant in their eyes,” said Leon Jarmolowicz, head of marketing, EMEA, Crayola Division.

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www.progressive-preschool.com x TOP STORY

Handlebars Over Handsets The latest research for the British Toy & Hobby Association's Make Time 2 Play campaign has revealed that children are spending too much time playing in the virtual world and not enough in reality.

Talking to over 2,000 parents, the report (entitled 'Play – it's in their DNA') highlights the vital importance of real world play for development and calls for it to be recognised as more than just entertainment.

According to the research, which tested parents’ perceptions of play, a third of those surveyed said their children's idea

of play is using technology over traditional play, with only 20% of parents recognising the benefits of traditional play to their child's development. A further 20% even believed too much outdoor play could have a negative impact on their child.

The survey revealed 56% of parents use entertainment screenbased play to cure boredom, with 77% relying on high amounts of recreational screen time because of the educational and learning benefits.

In contrast, the BTHA report shows traditional forms of play, both indoors

Baby And Toddler Show Deal Extended

The Baby & Toddler Show has extended its exclusive retailer partnership with Baby Planet for five more years, taking the deal through to October 2019.

The Baby & Toddler Shows are run in association with Emma’s Diary. Covering the next 18 shows, the partnership means all wheeled goods, car seat and furniture retail sales at the show will continue to be sold through the retailer.

The two autumn 2015 shows will be taking place from 25 – 27 September 2015 (Sandown Park) and 9 – 11 October 2015 (EventCity, Manchester).

and outdoors, have enormous hidden benefits; including improved behaviour, increased abilities to concentrate and better grades in later life.

The Make Time 2 Play campaign was launched in 2010 to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Licensing Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists in all of the Best Licensed Property categories in The Licensing Awards 2015 have been revealed, with a number of top preschool names in the running.

The Best Preschool Licensed Property finalists are: ■ Fireman Sam ■ The Gruffalo ■ In The Night Garden ■ Paw Patrol ■ Peppa Pig ■ Thomas & Friends ■ The Very Hungry Caterpillar Other preschool favourites which have made the final cut include: Frozen and Paddington (for the Best Film Licensed Property) and Me to You, Mr. Men and Little Miss, Sesame Street and Spider-Man (for the Classic Licensed Property Award).

The winners will be revealed at The Licensing Awards event on Tuesday, September 15th, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Inset: Real world play is key for preschoolers' development.

▶ Arklu will be taking on the distribution of its Lottie brand in the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.

New Campaign For Tommee Tippee

Leading UK baby feeding brand Tommee Tippee has launched a new global branding campaign encouraging new parents to trust their own instincts.

The company has now created a new global platform that encourages parents to trust their instincts and 'Parent On'.

It is designed to counteract the flood of conflicting parenting advice and criticisms offered by well-wishers.

Tommee Tippee will be bringing the campaign to life with the engaging global microsite www.parent-on.com and by using the hashtag #ParentOn. “We’re using our new platform and campaign creative as a rallying cry to empower and unite parents all over the world in a positive, fun and inspiring way," said Tommee Tippee's head of marketing UK, Jonathan Brougham.

▶ Australian brand Bubbaroo has launched a brand new website exclusively for the UK market (www. bubbaroo.co.uk), making their products more widely available. ▶ Puzzle and game expert Clementoni launched its first ever UK television advertising campaign for preschool and infant brand Baby Clementoni last month. ▶ Kooltrade has embarked on a new distribution partnership with Swedish brand AXKID, specialists in rearward-facing car seats. ▶ The Little Green Sheep won Yeo Valley’s ‘British Business of the Month’ award in August, at the same time as it launched its highly anticipated new baby brand Snüz. ▶ Much loved organic lifestyle brand Finn + Emma will now be available to retailers in the UK through UK distributor Natural Baby Shower.

TU Moves Online

Grocer Sainsbury’s has taken its Tu clothing range online with a new website launch which sees the collection available for delivery across the UK. Sainsbury’s Tu clothing website, www.tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk, provides nationwide delivery for the apparel collection for the first time. Click and collect is also available in 710 stores, including 112 convenience stores.

Customers are shopping Sainsbury's childrenswear ranges more frequently than ever before, making Tu the fifth largest childrenswear retailer by volume and seventh by value.

It is also third in the UK for children’s Halloween dress-up.

"We’re seeing particularly strong online sales of dresses and childrenswear,” said Sainsbury’s director of online, Robbie Feather, “and look forward to customers’ reaction to the new site.”

Above right: Tu clothing sales grew to £800m earlier this year.

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www.progressive-preschool.com LICENSING LOWDOWN

TOP STORY

The Baby Show Boom The Baby Show, the UK’s leading event for new and expectant parents, has announced a recordbreaking year so far, with sales hitting an incredible £30 million across the series of three shows.

With a 25% increase in spend by individual visitors, the shows – organised by Clarion Events and in association with Made for Mums – have become a major shopping destination for new and young families.

Over 64,000 visitors have attended the series, which is set to return to London Olympia in October (23 - 25), and also takes place at London ExCeL in February and the Birmingham NEC in May. “We are absolutely thrilled by these results which

Natural Baby Shower Opens Store Award-winning baby retailer naturalbabyshower.co.uk, online retailer of ethical and eco-friendly baby products, has opened a flagship store in the heart of Surrey Heath.

Natural Baby Shower was founded by Surrey mum-of -three Victoria Hampson.

The company, which was launched eight years ago, specialises in eco- and environmentally-friendly baby products such as cloth nappies, organic clothing and accessories. It now turns over more than £1million each year.

Below: The store offers an enjoyable, stress free shopping experience.

▶ Spin-off brand The Minions has become the top-selling licence for the British toy market, according to global information provider, The NPD Group. ▶ Popular construction brand JCB is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a number of new partnerships at family destinations across the UK.

Above: Some 80% of space for the next event at London Olympia is already sold.

demonstrate how important The Baby Show has become within the nursery market," said Susanne Rauberger, show manager for The Baby Show.

For more information on exhibiting at The Baby Show please visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

The Toy Trust Challenge The annual Toy Trust Charity’s Big Challenge fundraising day for summer 2016 has been confirmed for Saturday 2 July and will be based near Bedford.

The challenge, seen as a highlight in the toy industry's calendar, will include running, cycling and skydiving, as it aims to raise over £200,000 for children’s charities. There will be 280 places available for teams in the toy, licensing and retail community which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Next year’s Big Challenge is shaping up to be the most exciting event the Toy Trust has ever held,” commented Toy Trust chair, Foye Pascoe.

Further event details will be available shortly, but teams or individuals wishing to register interest in participating should email Matt Jones at Matt@btha.co.uk as soon as possible. For more information, please visit www.btha.co.uk/toy-trust.

▶ Infant toy brand Fisher-Price has been chosen as the global master toy licensee for upcoming animated CBeebies preschool series Go Jetters. ▶ Toy specialist Golden Bear launched its inaugural My First Forever Friends collection this summer (licensed by TLC in the UK). ▶ Magic Light Pictures, the BAFTA award winning brand-building and production company has launched a new Gruffalo Cakes range, in collaboration with licensee Park Cakes. ▶ Leading licensing business Character World has launched an exclusive bedding and accessories range featuring preschool Nickelodeon hit Paw Patrol. olden Bear has announced ▶G a long-term collaboration with Merlin Entertainment Group, launching with an on-pack giveaway across its key CBeebies brands. ▶ Acamar Films and TLC have signed two new partners for Bing.

Woodmansterne is launching a range of greeting cards while character costumes are on the way from Rainbow Productions. ▶ Picture-book writer and awardwinning publisher Alison Green has partnered with illustrator Jo Rose to create a brand new picturebook story for illustrated children's brand Deer Little Forest.

Two Decades Of Toys Classic wooden toy company Le Toy Van celebrated 20 years of business this summer. The family-run business with traditional values makes and supplies gorgeous wooden collections that encourage imaginative play, hand-to-eye co-ordination, shape and colour recognition.

“We've had a great 2015 so far,” said sales and marketing executive Stephen Le Van, “and we have some exciting plans in store for 2016 – and the next 20 years!”

ABC Registration Surges Buyer registrations for the ABC Kids Expo are currently twice as high as they were at this time last year, indicating a surge of interest in the show, which is taking place from 18 – 21 October 2015 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Organiser All Baby & Child

Corporation is extremely pleased with the results, which have seen registrations from 65 different countries, with exhibitor space also expected to sell out within the next month. For more information, visit www.theabcshow.com

This October will mark the third year that the BPA has hosted a UK Pavilion at ABC Kids Expo. For more information, contact Simon Anslow, UK Pavilion organiser as soon as possible on 01902 88220 or email: simon@nurseryfair.com

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Strong Q2 For Toy Brands A number of prominent toy companies reported a strong second quarter for 2015, as sales rose for Mattel’s Fisher-Price brand, US toymaker Jakks Pacific and preschool favourite Hasbro.

Fisher-Price toys and lower costs helped toymaker Mattel reach profit under new chief executive, Christopher Sinclair. Sales of Fisher-Price toys have risen by 9% in Q2, accounting for a third of Mattel’s total sales. The same period last year saw sales of the infant brand dip by 17%.

Mattel’s gross margin improved to 47.9% in the period, as costs fell to 10%. The firm has also revealed a renewed partnership with Disney for the Toy Story films, gaining global rights for toys based on the fourth installment of the franchise due in 2017.

Meanwhile, US toymaker Jakks Pacific has reported a successful record quarter, as net sales increased by 19% to $245.3 million in its first half results

Above: Key preschool toy brands are enjoying a strong 2015.

of 2015 (compared to $206.7 million in 2014). Jakks Pacific has credited its line of Frozen licensed dolls, Disney Princesses and fairies for its success in the second quarter.

Finally, Hasbro has posted a better than expected net profit of $41.8 million for Q2 2015 (compared to $33.5 million in 2014). The preschool category in particular grew by 14% to $118.1 million, fuelled by growth in its franchise brand Play-Doh and shipments of Jurassic World.

From Babies With Love Launches Online baby retail brand From Babies With Love - which donates 100% of its profits to orphaned and abandoned children - will be presenting its first own-label collection this autumn.

“This new collection is an exciting step for our brand that will enable us to help many more vulnerable babies grow up in loving family homes,” said founder Cecilia Crossley.

Brands Head To BLE The global licensing community will be heading to Brand Licensing Europe this autumn, as preparations for the threeday show continue apace.

Now in its 17th year, the Advanstar-organised show – which is taking place from 13 – 15 October – will see over 300

Left: From Babies With Love currently supports over 500 children in over 25 countries.

A full 100% of the company's profit is donated to partner charity SOS Children, who build and run children’s villages around the world. SOS mothers provide a loving family home and the children receive healthcare and education.

exhibitors displaying more than 2,500 of the newest, most popular and most exciting properties, characters and brands.

For more information on the preschool brands that will be at the show, from Peppa Pig to Cloudbabies, please see the PPS show preview, which begins on page 77. To register for BLE, visit www.brandlicensing.eu

Preschool YouTube Channel Launches Toy Range Preschool YouTube nursery rhyme channel Little Baby Bum, which is currently one of the top five channels on Google’s online videos service, is moving into the toy market.

Little Baby Bum has now signed a licensing deal with Commonwealth Toy to launch a range of plush toys based on its animated characters, including nursery-rhyme staples like Incy Wincy Spider and Baa Baa Black Sheep.

The videos have been watched more than 3.6bn times since the channel was first launched in 2011 by UK-based couple, Derek and Cannis Holder.

Above: The collection of animated songs includes nursery rhymes and original songs about numbers and letters.

Kids Book Sales Soar Children’s book sales increased 23% over the summer holidays, with a strong demand for titles for all ages. Sales of children’s print books in the UK grew to 5.5 million for the six-week period 28 June – 15 August, a 23% rise from the previous six weeks, according to Nielsen BookScan.

PEOPLE NEWS ▶ F ormer Maclaren coo Russ Cohen has joined the Innovation Makers team - home of the multi-awardwinning ‘OmniO Rider’ stroller - as a strategic advisor to the Board. ▶T im Maule has joined Goodbaby International Holdings as chief commercial officer, to oversee commercial strategy across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. ▶ E x-Argos senior toy buyer Mark Whittle has joined The Entertainer as head of buying and merchandising and will have responsibility for all current and new stores.

Whether you’re looking for your next step on the ladder, you want to know your options, or indeed you are a company looking for some awesome talent - call me for an informal chat, today.

Specialist recruiter to the toy, nursery, and licensing industries.

www.birchwoodrecruitment.com Tel: 07796 697100 @AmandaBirchwood

BirchwoodRecruitment

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The Progressive Preschool Awards take place on Thursday 12th November 2015, at The Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, London.

Now in its third year, this hugely popular awards ceremony sees all sectors within the preschool aged product and retail sector coming together to network, celebrate and enjoy.

The Progressive Preschool Awards recognise retail and product excellence, as well as marketing, innovation and both individual and company talent within the trade. The nomination, voting and judging process differs for each of the various categories to ensure that the utmost integrity is maintained to the highest level.

Last Chance To Enter Product Award Categories – CLOSED FOR JUDGING Marketing Award – CLOSED FOR JUDGING Retail Award Categories – ONE WEEK REMAINING FOR ENTRY Outstanding Achievement Award – TWO WEEKS REMAINING FOR ENTRY Wholesale / Distributor Award – ONE WEEK REMAINING FOR ENTRY Enter online at www.progressive-preschool-awards.co.uk or email Rob Willis on robw@max-publishing.co.uk Join industry peers across manufacturing, licensing, supply and retail for a day of celebration for the preschool sector in a glorious setting.

NEW awards for 2015 * Best Wholesaler or Distributor of Preschool Product: Open nominations from both manufacturers and retailers, to recognise excellent service to the trade. * The Outstanding Achievement Award: Nominated by industry peers for outstanding contribution to one’s own company, retail or service, or to the industry at large.

For ticket information Please contact Clare Davies, Createvents Ltd: T: 01183 340085 E: clare@createvents.co.uk W: createvents.co.uk

www.progressive-preschool-awards.co.uk

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The Retail Award Categories • • • • • • • • • •

Best Supermarket Retailer Best Multiple Retailer Best Mixed Retailer Best Department Store Retailer Best Online Retailer Best Retail Initiative Best Independent Nursery Retailer Best Independent Apparel Retailer Best Independent Toy Retailer Best Independent Gift Retailer

The Product Award Categories • • • • • • • • •

Best Preschool Essentials Range Best Preschool Publishing Range Best Preschool Outdoor Range Best Preschool Home or Furniture Range Best Preschool Mobility Range Best Preschool Apparel or Accessories Range Best Preschool Toy or Games Range Best Preschool Gift Range The Innovation Award

Special Awards • • •

The Marketing Award The Outstanding Achievement Award Best Wholesaler or Distributor Award Sponsors include

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Twirlywoos ™ DHX Worldwide Ltd. © 2015 Ragdoll Productions Ltd and DHX Worldwide Ltd.

www.twirlywoos.co.uk

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BOOKING FORM The 2015 Progressive Preschool Awards will take place during a lunchtime ceremony at

the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane London on Thursday 12 November 2015 To confirm your attendance, please carefully complete this booking form and return to Createvents. Allocation of tables are made on a first come first served basis.

Please reserve the following: EXCL VAT

INC VAT @ 20% (Amount Payable)

Table/s of Twelve (12)

@ £2,160.00

@ £2,592.00

Table/s of TEN (10)

@ £1,800.00

@ £2,160.00

Single places

@ £180.00

@ £216.00

Please note: price includes drinks reception, three course lunch and celebrity hosted awards ceremony. All other beveragesincluding table wines are additional which are ordered with and charged by the venue directly. Full details in yourconfirmation email which will be provided following receipt of a signed booking form..

For table bookings & event logistics contact Mandy Biddle.

Tel: +44 (0) 1183 340 085 E: mandy@createvents.co.uk Address: The Progressive Preschool Awards c/o Createvents Ltd, 450 Brook Drive, Green Park, Reading. RG2 6UU For entry nomination & sponsorship enquiries contact Ian Hyder.

Tel: +44 (0) 207 700 6740 E: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk PAYMENT OPTIONS

INVOICE ME

CHEQUE

Purchase Order # :

to the sum of £

Please note: ALL INVOICES MUST BE PAID 30 DAYS FROM INVOICE, TICKETS WILL NOT BE SENT UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. This means that we can only process bookings that require us to issue invoices until 15 October 2015.

For bookings made after this date either a cheque or credit card is required.

Made payable (INCLUDING VAT) to: Max Publishing Ltd

CREDIT CARD Visa

Please send to: The Progressive Preschool Awards 2015 c/o Createvents Ltd 450 Brook Drive, Green Park, Reading RG2 6UU

BOOKING CONTACT INFORMATION

cvc: Valid to:

Cardholder:

Cardholder Address: Cardholder Signature:

Surname: Position:

Tel:

Company:

Fax:

Address:

Email:

Signature:

Postcode:

Valid from:

Maestro - Issue #:

NOTE: if paying by personal credit card, please provide home address

First Name:

County:

Mastercard

Card No:

Date:

Bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of a completed booking form. By signing this form you authorise Createvents Ltd on behalf of Max Publishing Ltd to proceed with your booking, and you acknowledge and understand the cancellation policy as follows: Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to: The Preschool Awards, c/o Createvents Ltd, 450 Brook Drive, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UU No refund will be made/full payment will be required for Cancellations received after 12 October 2015 Cancellations received on or before 12 October 2015 will be accepted and refunds will be given less a 15% administration charge Max Publishing Limited will use your information for administrative purposes and analysis. We may share your information with carefully selected third parties. We, or they, may send you details of other goods and services which may be of interest to you. The information may be provided by letter, telephone or other reasonable method of communication. [ ] Please tick this box if you do not want your details to be shared with carefully selected third parties. Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP

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21/08/2015 10:07

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

CLUNK CLICK EVERY TRIP

“

As one of the world’s largest market research companies, GfK offers retailers and suppliers valuable insight into the way people live, think and shop. Here, nursery account manager Tullika Bhalla takes a look at an increased spend across the nursery industry and the stroller market in particular.

This is the month in which the UK nursery industry heads to Kind und Jugend – the show of the year for many – and the excitement in the air is tangible. The infant and child sector as a whole is eagerly anticipating new launches, innovative inventions and of course dramatic unveilings of next year’s collections.

As the sector heads towards crossing the £900 million mark in 2015, figures now show that July has been a record-breaking month, with 21% growth when compared to July 2014.

Car seat sales for the second and third stages have risen.

Car seats are practically a compulsory purchase for new parents.

Safety First

Safety Investment

“A compulsory purchase for every new parent, the car seat/booster seat category has experienced a bigger value growth than volume growth as prices have increased by almost 6% in the last 12 months.

While half of seats sold are ‘growing age’ car seats (those spanning more than one age / size group), the share of iSize car seats is steadily growing. As the focus on establishing iSize as the new EU norm increases – and as we get closer to the old legislation being gradually phased out – we can only expect the number of models being introduced as iSize or iSize compliant increasing. This has also meant a 37% growth in the volume sales of Isofix car seats.

Within the older age groups, booster seats car seats have also shown some growth, mainly driven by the high-back booster seats that provide additional protection to the child in the case of a side-impact collision.”

“Car seats are an essential investment in safety of the child.

Bearing this in mind, parents look for longer term solutions, which is why sales of extended age groups car seats – such as Group 1/2 or Group 1/2/3 are growing. While car seats are more functional than strollers, there has also been a small positive shift towards licensed car seats.”

Are You Connected?

With almost £4 out of every £10 being spent on transport equipment for babies, the key category is continuing to grow at a robust 16% year-on-year. While wheeled goods retain the largest value share, car seats and other accessories are by far the faster growing segment. Worth over £100million at retail, the category is growing at 26% year on year.”

“Online presence also remains important, as social media and mobile purchases continue to drive online sales. Over one out of every four car seats sold were bought online in the first half of the year. However, unlike other products, retailers continue to add value while doing a traditional (offline) sale which may also include installation advice.”

■ Cost Of Innovation “With so many parents travelling extensively, the priority is to ensure safety when travelling with baby/ child and the growth of second and third stage car seats have seen an increase over the years. The market today is demanding longevity in car seats catering for birth onwards.

The market changes annually and so many cars now have Isofix attachments. More parents are demanding this facility is incorporated into all car seats to keep their infants safe at all times.

Online sales are also increasing, due to reviews which detail indepth exactly what each car seat has to offer. Many customers will now read reviews, go along to a store to check out the item before then ordering online due to internet pricing being so competitive. This is a growing market and specialists are moving in the right direction.”

Sue Griffiths, marketing manager, Hauck

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The worldwide leader in multi-level logic games

www.smartgames.eu

uk@smart.be 01903 885 669

www.smartmax.eu

The award winning pre-school construction system 022_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd 1

25/08/2015 11:46

In the

Public Eye In Media Watch, Progressive Preschool takes a look at the consumer press to see what parents will be splashing their cash on over the coming months.

SEPT 2015

Sun And Sea

Deluxe Grey

Wheely Great

Jog On

A ‘Fun in the Sun’ feature in a July edition of The Telegraph Magazine included a mention of the new Scrunch and Quut range of beach toys from Cheeky Rascals. Scrunch’s silicon rollable, foldable bucket and spade set are suitcasefriendly, while Quut’s innovative designs offer everything a beach babe could want.

An article titled ‘Teach Your Child to Ride A Bike’ ran in the July/ August issue of Little London, featuring tips to get preschoolers on two wheels from FirstBIKE, while the August issue of Pregnancy & Parenting Magazine made no secret of the fact that the lightweight balance bike is a favourite, describing it as ‘safe, lightweight and beautifully designed’.

A feature on the latest pushchairs in the August issue of Gurgle magazine led with the new special edition Eton Grey Silver Cross Surf Special. Described as ‘an utterly, perfectly tailored buggy’, each element has been ‘carefully thought through’, making it Gurgle’s top choice for the luxe factor.

A pushchair feature in the summer issue of B baby magazine threw the focus on the Britax BOB Revolution, pointing out that the high-spec stroller is made for jogging as well as country rambles. A special mention is given to its ‘high-impact polymer wheels’ which can be locked or left to swivel.

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New Farm Range in stock and ready to order! trade.bigjigstoys.co.uk bigjigstoys

@bigjigstoys

bigjigstoysltd

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05/03/2015 09:21:02

Shuffle has a game for everyone!

024_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd 1

approval

Monopoly Jnr available for delivery AW15.

subject to licensor

Š Disney/Pixar. Š 2015 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro.

4

More great Shuffle titles coming soon!

Sales@Cartamundi.co.uk Ph: +44 1268 511 522 www.shuffle.cards

29/08/2015 13:48

MEDIA WATCH

Wild Thing

Birthday Picnic

Lifestyle magazine At Home With Jo Frost featured Cuddledry’s new WWF toddler towels in its July issue.

The publication highlighted the fact that the charity partnership sees money from the sale of each cute bamboo and cotton towel going towards helping to conserve the endangered snow leopard.

A July edition of The Guardian celebrated the Sylvanian Families 30th birthday in style with a full-length article onand off-line, dedicated to the furry friends’ birthday party, which took place in Surrey’s Hatchlands Park. The party and anniversary also secured coverage in The Metro – both articles celebrated the wholesome appeal of the cute toys.

The Bright And The Bold

Internet Sensation

The August issue of Prima Baby featured some gorgeous loose summer trousers from Frugi in its ‘Brilliant Buys’ fashion section, which unsurprisingly focused on swimsuits, jelly shoes, hats and other beach-ready clothes for little ones.

The online portal to all things parenting, Emma’s Diary has featured Hauck products in its popular best buys guides not once, but twice, in recent weeks. The travel systems feature included the Hauck Lift Up 4, while the best Group 1 Car seats piece featured the Hauck Guardfix. Both were chosen for their practicality, value and good looks.

Travelling Light

The cover page of the Upfront section in the August issue of Mother & Baby magazine was dedicated to new baby fashion brand Rockin’ Baby.

The super stylish clothing range – which launched on August 14 – was lauded for its ‘Hero’ range, which sees one item of clothing donated via Child Fund International for each purchase.

SEPT 2015 Who’s Who?

The PR companies, distributors and suppliers featured in this issue of Media Watch are: Bump PR (Cheeky Rascals, Frugi), Neat PR (Silver Cross, Rockin’ Baby), Noisy Communications (FirstBIKE), Threepipe PR (Britax), Need To Know (Cuddledry), Highlight PR (Sylvanian Families), Media Three (Hauck).

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EVERY DAY’S AN ADVENTURE

A NEW WORLD TO EXPLORE WITH NEW FRIENDS AND ADVENTURES! • Average of 2.3 million viewers tuning in each month across Nick Jr. and Milkshake* • CP launched in July 2015

ON A ROLL! • #1 ratings driver to Nick Jr.** • #1 new property in the UK Toy Market***

A PRESCHOOL TAKE ON THE TURTLES FRANCHISE • Over £1.2 million sold at retail YTD • 44 minute special airing in AW15

*Source: BARB, Advantedge, All Homes rank, Channel 5 (stagger), K4-15, Inds 4+, Feb - Jun 2015, weekends 9.30am, slot average based on 52 weeks prior to 1st ep, reach across Nick Jr. & Channel 5 based on 1+ 3 mins cont. viewing. **Source: BARB, All Homes, Nick Jr. (stagger), K4-14, Inds 4+. ***Source: NPD Data July 2015. ****Source: BARB, All Homes, Nick Jr. incl. 1, K4-14 Inds 4+, premieres 6-20th Mar 2015, M-F 4pm. Slot average based on 52 weeks prior to first ep. © 2015 Viacom International Inc. PAW PATROL - © 2015 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. LILY’S DRIFTWOOD BAY™ ® & © 2015 Sixteen South Limited. All Rights Reserved. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES © 2015 Viacom Overseas Holdings C.V. All Rights Reserved.

026-027_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd 2

25/08/2015 11:49

FEATURING YOUR FAVOURITE FRIENDS THERE’S A NEW ADVENTURE WASHED ASHORE EVERYDAY IN LILY’S DRIFTWOOD BAY • Winner: Best pre-school show at the Broadcast Awards 2015 • CP launch in 2016 REPRESENTED IN THE UK ONLY.

LET’S BLAZE • 2.9 million viewers have tuned in since launch March 2015****** • CP launch in AW15

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT CONSUMERPRODUCTS@NICKELODEON.CO.UK

026-027_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd 3

25/08/2015 11:49

l nuovo pack TOYS

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Stimulating play, learning new skills

through motor development

GOAL LEAGUE When a goal is scored fun lights and sounds are set off.

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FISHING ISLAND

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+ giallo al 55% in sovrastampa

Rod recognises fishes when caught and activates fun lights and sounds.

NFEOW R 2015

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MONKEY STRIKE

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MINI GOLF CLUB

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An electronic mini golf game tailor made for a child.

2 electronic game modes: Training and hit the mole With encouraging sound effects and lights. colore di base PANTONE verde 368

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range

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An active lifestyle starting from early childhood is essential for our children’s growth.

Children nowadays tend to lead a more passive lifestyle; real play is limited – they don’t move around or run freely.

Fit&Fun combines motor development and new skills with social play allowing children to not only improve balance and coordination, but also enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence too.

BALANSKATE 3 games in 1

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For information on these products, contact us at orders.uk@artsana.com, or please call 01623 750870

05/03/2015 10:23

21/08/2015 10:20

PREVIEW: KIND UND JUGEND 2015

Inset: Visitors take time to examine product at the 2014 show.

International Innovation 10 – 13 SEPTEMBER 2015 WWW.KINDUNDJUGEND.COM

T

he world’s leading trade fair for the baby and toddler sector is just around the corner, and exhibitors and visitors from across the UK are now making their final preparations. Taking place from 10 to 13 September, the exhibition provides a showcase for an incredible number of brands, innovations and trends, bringing together the very latest in babycare product from around the globe.

One of the most significant attractions is the BPA-organised UK Pavilion – which now contains over 65 exhibitors – while the Innovation Award, Design Park and Trend Forum are also key draws for UK visitors looking for international trends.

JASON LEECH

managing director, Kidsaw HALL 11.1, STAND D089

The European Nursery Products Confederation (ENPC) will also be holding a free conference at this year’s show, as part of its mission to share knowledge throughout the European baby products sector.

The two seminars, which are taking place on Thursday 10 September, will provide essential information for anyone looking to understand consumer buying habits and how to effectively market to new parents.

JÖRG ZEHE, managing director, ABC Design HALL 10.2, STAND C041

“

Kind und Jugend is the world’s leading trade fair in our sector. Taking part means the opportunity to have a personal exchange with our customers, strengthen customer relations and to share ideas and thoughts on the market. Presenting our new collection to the market is the most exciting time of the year for us. The reactions and immediate feedback we receive are of great importance and are the greatest gain from the Kind und Jugend show.

Fashion-forward design, technical refinement and innovative developments of our proven models have resulted in a convincing portfolio for 2016.

We will launch some exclusive style designs in classy colours full of personality and will give more room for parents’ individuality.”

BC’s Zoom is a versatile tandem pushchair.

Inset: JCB room set for younger children brings a toddler’s room to life.

We have exhibited at the “Cologne show on a number of

previous occasions and it has undoubtedly been the launch-pad for Kidsaw into various European markets. We are exhibiting there again this year to build on that success and will be showcasing a number of new and popular kids’ furniture ranges such as JCB and other fun themes.”

 PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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ing c u d intro

™

PROGRESSIVE BABYWEARING SOLUTIONS. C

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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW ?

HALL 11.1 STAND B060-C069 Kind + Jugend 10-13 Sept 2015 Soohu Sling™ - Classic Special Edition - Superstar Grey

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PREVIEW: KIND UND JUGEND 2015



ANDY CRANE

BOLA LAFE managing director, Opus Innovations HALL 11.1, STAND A077

“

We have met virtually all of our current European distributors at Kind und Jugend and are now back looking for new distributors covering more territories across Europe, especially as we plan to launch our new Aquaint ‘Electrolysed Pure Water Wipes’ this year.

These ground-breaking wipes will be made from organic biodegradable cotton and will set new higher global standards for ‘pure wipes’ that are not soaked in chemicals or preservatives.”

Left: Aquaint sanitising water – safe enough to drink!

managing director, BabyStyle HALL 11.1, STAND A050, B059

“

BabyStyle is really excited to be exhibiting at the world famous Kind und Jugend. We have always found our attendance to be very worthwhile, and it is an amazing opportunity for us to showcase our products to a worldwide audience. This year we will showing a range of our extensive portfolio while also focusing attention onto our new iconic luxury Egg stroller.

Kind und Jugend gives us the perfect platform to gain higher international recognition of this incredible new product.”

PAUL GUSTAVSSON

ceo, Britax Group HALL 10.2, STAND D010, E019

“

At Britax, we never stop challenging ourselves to find new ways to keep families even safer and more confident on the road – our 2016 showcase at Cologne is testament to this.

With our new generation

senior business manager, Je Porte Mon Bebe HALL 11.1, STAND A010, B015

“

Left: The Physiocarrier allows parents to carry in four different positions.

Kidfix and Advansafix range and the introduction of SecureGuard technology, we are once again returning to the show with technology and developments that will make an industry impact and set new safety standards.”

Left: The Britax Advansafix II, which boasts SecureGuard technology.

VICTORIA TAYLOR

SOPHIE HUARD

Kind und Jugend is a key show for us because we meet all our big buyers/ distributors there. This year, we hope to get in touch with more big buyers/ distributors of targeted countries in order to develop the markets there.

The UK is a huge market for us, and parents there do love our products – we see a significant sales progression every few months. The new Physiocarrier will be our focus for the show this year as it completes our selection and allows us to answer every need for parents looking to carry their babies.”

Above: Luxury, design-led stroller Egg, in forest green.

brand account manager, East Coast Nursery HALL 11.1, STAND D059

“

Kind und Jugend is going to be a great chance for us to showcase our Rest & Play range, which now includes some exciting new products and updated Solitaire print. We are looking forward to catching up with our existing customers at the show, and are hoping to make some new contacts to expand our business globally.”

Below: The Dreamer Rocker from East Coast Nursery’s Rest & Play range.

MALCOLM TRAVIS

managing director, Travis Designs HALL 11.1, STAND G031 We produce beautiful baby and “children’s styles for generic and

licensed ranges and distribute all over the world, so Kind und Jugend is really important for us.

This year we’ll be showcasing our award-winning Disney Baby character outfits, with best-selling princess styles as well as classic characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. We’ll also be showcasing our gorgeous Sophie la girafe costume range, as well as a collection of Mitty James beachwear.”

Above: These Daisy and Donald Duck toddler costumes are super cute.



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,

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21/08/2015 10:31

PREVIEW: KIND UND JUGEND 2015



MARK NICHOLLS

DANIEL PARSONS

co-founder of The Little Green Sheep Family HALL 11.1, STAND D079

managing director, Kub Products HALL 11.1, STAND B090

“

2015 has undoubtedly been our most significant year yet.

Above: The SnüzPod Having unveiled our new baby brand Snüz in natural wood. and announced the rebrand of The Little Green Sheep at Harrogate earlier this year, we are excited to unveil the developments to an international audience at Kind und Jugend.

Both The Little Green Sheep and SnüzPod are well-established brands within the UK, and we are looking forward to building on this and expanding our overseas distribution. Kind und Jugend provides the perfect platform to do this.

This year’s show will be a busy one as we will also exclusively be giving buyers a first look at the all-new Snüz product range, which we are extremely excited about.

We will also be showcasing the SnüzPod 2, the new and improved version of our multi award-winning bedside crib.”

DAN ALLEN

sales director, Konfidence HALL 11.1, STAND D071

“

Kind und Jugend is a show we always look forward to because it enables us to extend our reach globally and talk first hand with existing and potential partners from across the world. This will be our ninth show, and as a direct result of exhibiting year-on-year we now have our protective swimwear on sale in top retailers in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

We’ll be using this year’s show to explore opportunities in new markets, to meet with our existing network of distributors and we’re also excited about unveiling some new designs across our product range.”

Below: The popular float-filled swimsuits and other accessories have made Konfidence a household name.

“

The Kind und Jugend show is still the most recognised in the world and has been a huge success for KUB in the last two years. With the continued help of the UKTI grant which assists small businesses, we are still able to be part of the UK Pavillion which is a real draw for many international visitors. We had a fantastic show in 2014, meeting many new international customers which we have built on over the last 12 months. This year Kub has developed a new range of products specifically focusing on international customers.”

Below: Kub’s stylish sleigh cotbed in dark wood.

Above: Disney Pixar’s Nemo is perfect for LittleLife’s SwimPaks

DAN MARETT sales director, LittleLife HALL 11.1, STAND C068

“

Kind und Jugend is the key show for exhibiting the LittleLife brand to the European market. Each year we look forward to presenting our new and existing product ranges, as well as potentially meeting new distributors. It’s also great to see what other brands are doing and get a sense of the industry as a whole.

We’re introducing new premium edition child carriers and SwimPaks; a range of water-resistant kids’ roll-top bags perfect for the beach and swimming. The licensed product range will expand with the introduction of Disney Pixar’s Nemo and Dory characters, plus a number of Gruffalo products. It’s an exciting time for the brand and rewarding to see it grow. Our main goals for the show are to showcase our new items to existing customers and to introduce the LittleLife brand to new regions internationally.”

SARA KEE

director and founder, Babycup HALL 11.1, STAND B73 Babycup’s mini open cups are “made in Britain and we love flying

the flag in the British Pavilion. Kind und Jugend has connected us with excellent retailers and distributors in the past, whom we are now proudly working with. Sales are going brilliantly well and we are looking forward to forging more new partnerships in 2015.”

Right: The weaning cups are a huge hit for infants learning to use cups.

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Ideal for Air Shows, Music Concerts and Motor Racing Events’

Banz Ear Defenders – the latest trend in Children’s Accessories info@babybanz.com T: 0044 1963 240803 Banz.indd 1

28/08/2015 11:22

PREVIEW: KIND UND SPRING JUGEND FAIR2015 2015



MARC KELLY

FIONA SMYTH

founder, TotsBots HALL 11.1, STAND D069

“

Kind und Jugend is a key show for us as it gives us a great opportunity to meet our retailers and learn more about the market.

It is always an important part of our calendar and this year in particular, we are very excited to catch up.

This year we will be focusing on a very exciting new TotsBots range, which will remain top secret until the show! We are looking forward to hearing feedback from our retailers, and to let everyone know the latest news from TotsBots and connect with other brands.”

Above: TotsBots’ rhyme time collection.

ANTHONY TEMPLE

sales director, CuddleCo HALL 11.1, STAND D061

“

We are extremely excited to be exhibiting again this year. Kind und Jugend is a key opportunity for us to show everyone the work we have done throughout the year and unveil developments in our product ranges. As the leading international trade fair for this sector, it gives us the chance to expand into international markets and also meet our existing retailers.

This year is particularly significant for CuddleCo as we will be unveiling 37 products from our new soft plush range.

We are keeping everything secret until the show, but Above: The Greentom Upp is made of high quality, visitors can expect ‘luxury for less’ from this range and recycled plastic. we can’t wait to showcase it! We are looking forward to seeing everyone and hope to come away with some new retailers on board.”

DANIEL LUCAS

founder of We Made Me HALL 11.1, STAND B060, C069 are really looking forward “to We the show this year. Having

used last year’s event as the platform to unveil our new branding and product range, we knew we had to return this September with something equally as exciting, and we are confident we will not disappoint.

managing director of Rainbow Designs HALL 11.1, STAND I028

JACQUELINE WAGGETT

owner, Pacapod HALL 11.1, STAND D050

“

We are looking forward to promoting all our nursery and preschool collections at Kind und Jugend this year including renowned brands such as Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You and The Very Hungry Caterpillar as well as announcing some fantastic new lines.

One of our key focuses this year is our fantastic Air Puppy collection. The cute Burford Farm, Hickory Shack and Hedgerley Farm collections are just perfect for nursery and preschoolers.”

Inset: Perro Pig plush, from the Hedgerly Farm collection.

und Jugend is “theKind gateway to the rest

of the world for PacaPod, for us there is no other show that gives us that level of exposure to a global market. We have some really great new bags for SS16 and will be meeting with our international partners to present these to them and share thoughts and ideas on the next 12 months for each country.

It’s a really sociable show and we love catching up with our nursery trade show friends from other brands too as well as a good deal of our UK retailers.”

Right: The Pacapod Mirano – the ‘Mary Poppins’ of changing bags.

Since officially launching the We Made Me brand, it has undergone phenomenal development and the reaction from retailers globally has been tremendously supportive.

At Kind und Jugend 2015 we will reveal for the first time the Soohu Sling, an exciting evolution of theBabaSling, our original award winning 5-in-1 hammockstyle sling.”

Left: The all-new Soohu Sling offers a number of carrying solutions.

JAN VAN DER VELDE ceo, Kit For Kids HALL 11.1, STAND D070

“

Kit for Kids is gaining global recognition in the cot mattress industry, not just because of our evolution of designs but by the ways we assist the retailer in upselling this category to make it a major contributor to profit. Kind und Jugend provides the ideal meeting place for ourselves and our many customers, both existing and new, to get together. It is the platform from which we will launch our new concepts and designs to further ‘The Science of Safer Sleeping’.”

Above right: Ellergenic cot mattresses from Kit for Kids.

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Family adventures begin with LittleLife Introducing the 2016 range at Kind + Jugend this year, including: • New Child Carrier designs- introducing Premium editions • Licensed characters including the Gruffalo, Buzz Lightyear and Spiderman • New Animal Snuggle pod designs, brand new SwimPaks... and more.

Visit us at end Kind + Jug Hall 11.1 8 Stand C06

www.littlelife.co.uk For enquiries call +44 (0) 118 981 1433 or e-mail sales@lifemarque.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

RAINBOW DESIGNS

Rainbow Designs new and on show this autumn will be illustrated Wooden Picture Blocks Sets for both the Guess How Much I Love You and Peter Rabbit collections, Stacking Blocks from the Peppa Pig for Baby collection and a beautiful Guess How Much I Love You 3 Piece Breakfast Set. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar collection including the Wooden Counting Caterpillar, Tell the Time and Play Clock and new illustrated Wooden Picture Block Set. +44 (0) 0207 795 1390 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand I028

PABOBO

TRAVIS

Disney Baby Princesses, Daisy & Donald Tabards and gorgeous Winnie the Pooh and Friends plush Vintage rompers will top the bill this Autumn. Comfortable, soft and stylish character outfits for infants from 0 to 2 years. Styles include dresses, tutus, tabards, rompers and a gorgeous selection of cotton jersey bodysuits and rompers. +44 (0) 1442 289898 www.travis.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand G31

MARY MEYER

French company specialists in lighting for babies and toddlers are launching the new Turtle Stars Projector within the UK. Improved, with better star projections and longer runtime, the soothing, funny turtle projects a pretty starry sky with automatic changing colors and a little lullaby. Small and compact, parents can bring it everywhere. +44 (0) 800 051 8080 www.pabobo.com Hall 11.2 Stand C049

CHICCO

Crinkle Me Taggies are 6.5” squares with eight Taggies ribbons around the edge with crinkle paper and squeaker inside. A colorful, flexible clip lets parents hang in a crib or stroller for added fun.

Six styles, with textured back and ribbed fabric for added stimulation. +1 800 451 4387 www.marymeyer.com Hall 11.1 Stand F061

Chicco are delighted to be extending their Next2Me collection, with the introduction of an elegant new range of sleeptime accessories. Mums and dads will be able to purchase specially designed bed sheets, a First Chicco sleeping bag and breathable mattress cover, enhancing Chicco’s position as the ultimate sleeptime provider. +44 (0) 208 953 6627 www.chicco.co.uk Hall 10.2 Stand B019/A010

ERGOPOUCH

The ergoPouch range is designed in Australia. Covering baby swaddles, sleeping bags and suits that are both luxurious and practical.

Winner of the K+J innovation award (travel for baby) 2014. +61 (0) 403 209 352 www.ergopouch.com.au Hall 11.3 Stand B38

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Hall 11.1 Stand C071!

!

Looking for International Distributors and UK Stockists!

Launching new Gummee Glove Teething Mitten for European Market!

!

Special Show Offer with code:!

GUMMEEPROGRESSIVE!

!

www.gummeeglove.co.uk

Tel: +44 1822 834032

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Email: enquiries@gummeeglove.co.uk !

25/08/2015 12:38

WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

AQUAINT

Multi award winning Aquaint returns to K&J along with its highly demanded wet wipes. Aquaint’s new wipes will be the purest and safest wet wipes on the market, comprising 99.997% water.

Their only other ingredient is Hypochlorous Acid, a natural acid produced by the human immune system. +44 (0) 1293 516150 www.aquaint-uk.com Hall 11.1 Stand A077

BAMBINO MIO

BABYCHIC

Babychic want what’s best for baby!

That’s why they use premium grade cotton fabrics and soft fluffy cotton fillings where most other brands use synthetic velour’s and polyester. See their range of new pram accessories and nursery decor.

UK +44 (0)7593 655 853 AU +61 433 177 542 www.babychic.com.au Hall 11.1 Stand A-019

CLIPPASAFE

Clippasafe have made some subtle changes to the designs of their fireguards. Among their best-selling home safety products, Clippasafe’s Classic Fireguard has an updated shape to suit modern decor styles. Both the Classic and extendable fireguards can now be fitted with separately supplied depth extensions to suit deeper fireplaces and wood burners. +44 (0) 115 921 1899 www.clippasafe.co.uk Hall 10.2 Stand D51

The UK’s most widely used reusable nappy brand has launched a range of new products this year including some brand new designs for their multi award-winning cloth nappies.

These prints have been an instant hit with consumers and are bringing more new customers to the brand than ever before. +44 (0) 1604 883777 www.bambinomio.com Hall 11.1 Stand D051

BUGBRUSH

BANZ

BugBrush is a unique toothbrush designed to tackle the soaring rates of tooth decay by empowering infants to clean their teeth through play. BugBrush is the first product in the world that combines the plaque removing effectiveness of a toothbrush, with all the fun and safety elements of a toy. +44 (0) 7872 329204 www.bugbrush.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand D080

Banz Ear Defenders are specifically designed for children aged three months and upward. Fully tested and compliant with European Standards, these earmuffs offer great comfort and style for the modern child. Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, they are the latest trend in children’s accessories. +44 (0) 1963 240803 www.europe.babybanz.com Hall 11.3 Stand C029

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

BUMBO

Bumbo has added a changing pad to its selection of products.

Stylish and practical, the Bumbo contoured changing pad is made from the same polyurethane used in making thier famous Bumbo floor seat.

The changing pad provides a clean, safe and comfortable diaper changing surface. +27 12 564 8900 www.bumbo.com Hall 11.2 Stand A38/B39

DOREL

Among the highlights for Dorel Juvenile are new Maxi-Cosi pushchairs, special edition colourways for Quinny; Underthe-Sea themed Gymini range of activity mats and bouncers from Tiny Love; new Easy Close Gates with SecureTech and bathroom aids from Safety 1st; plus creative new souvenir stationery products from Baby Art. +44 (0) 208 236 0707 www.dorel.co.uk Hall 11.3 Stand A10/B29

GUMMEE GLOVE

DODDLEBAGS

DoddleBags are refillable, zippable pouches with a nozzle and antichoke cap. The concept marries re-sealable food bags with baby food pouches and parents have the choice of what to put inside.

DoddleBags are 100ml, great for little hands and travel. Funky, with colourful stickers, DoddleBags can be stored in a freezer or cleaned in a dishwasher. +44 (0) 800 086 8864 www.doodlebags.com Hall 11.1 Stand B089

The Gummee Glove team is excited to be launching a new version of its multi award-winning teething mitten at Kind + Jugend. The multi-sensory mitten is designed to fit babies from 3-6 months. It was invented by a Mum four years ago and now is helping teething babies around the world. +44 (0) 1822 834032 www.gummeeglove.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand C071

KIT FOR KIDS

CHEEKY CHOMPERS

Cheeky Chompers, home of the Neckerchew, the World’s first chewy dribble bib and the luxurious attachable teething comforter, the Comfortchew, are thrilled to be returning to Kind and Jugend to launch two new Cheeky products and showcase new designs, including new collaborations with British designer brand Joules. +44 (0) 131 440 8370 www.cheekychompers.com Hall 11.1 Stand C081

As cot mattress experts, Kit for Kids have become synonymous with innovation, uncompromising quality and above all safety. Safety comes in many forms and Kit for Kids embraces them all within their vast range of mattresses. Discover the next evolution in cot mattress design at Kind & Jugend 2015. +44 (0) 1732 455000 www.kitforkids.com Hall 11.1 Stand D070

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Th eB r oo iD iff er e

c en

Our stringent commitment to providing the very best environment for your child has been rewarded by Greenguard awarding us their highest ‘Gold’ level of accreditation for all our collections -

To achieve Greenguard Certification means that products have been tested and certified to meet some of the world’s strictest, third-party chemical emissions standards – helping reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments to improve health and quality of life.

Find out more about our commitment to creating healthier indoor environments at

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www.boori.co.uk

25/08/2015 12:03

WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

RHSM GROUP

Solid end and traditional cots in an array of plain colours and stunning prints to include the three adorable, classic themed designs from the Heritage Collection. New to the range is the innovative BreathableBaby Crib liner which offers parents extra protection from knocks and bumps and keeps tiny new limbs safely within the crib. +44 (0) 7976 773486 www.breathablebaby.com Hall 11.1 Stand D087

NEAT NURSERY KONFIDENCE

Leading manufacturer of premium protective swimwear for children.

Showcasing their newest designs for their award-winning Original Buoyancy Swim Jacket. The new high-end designs have been created by a leading UK swimwear designer for Konfidence and include various classic, marine, character and fashion-oriented styles. +44 (0) 1566 777887 www.konfidence.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand D071

Character care grooming kit has been cleverly designed for every moment of clipping, shaping and protecting. Soft simple and shaped for the first years of life, Character Care kit includes a brush, comb, toothbrush, scissors, clippers, bath thermometer, emery boards and travel-friendly case to hold it all in. +44 (0) 1843 854011 www.neatnursery.com Hall 11.1 Stand C091

LITTLELIFE

In addition to launching a new line of premium child carriers, LittleLife will also extend its range of day sacks and accessories including new licensing agreements with Disney Pixar, Marvel and the Gruffalo products. +44 (0) 118 981 1433 www.littlelife.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand C068

PHP GIFT & BABY

JE PORTE MON BEBE

Babybundle is an exciting collection of must have baby and nursery products designed to solve every parenting need.

Beautifully packaged for stand out at retail, Babybundle is set to become a firm family favourite for parents everywhere. +44 (0) 1784 225925 www.babybundle.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand D068

JPMBB launches an evolutive and four seasons baby carrier to carry on the front, side and back, from birth to 20kg (with booster extension pack) The JPMBB PhysioCarrier packs the JPMBB DNA: physiological baby position, usability, security, comfort and colours. +33 (1) 41 63 14 97 www.jeportemonbebe.com Hall 11.1 Stand A010

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

SNUGGLEBUNDL The Snugglebundl solves the age old problem of moving a baby without walking them. Healthy for the parent and the baby, it’s effectively a cosy shawl with handles. Helps with post birth recovery and bad backs. No more carrying car seats or leaving them in too long. +44 (0) 0207 795 1390 www.snugglebundl.co.uk Hall 10.1 Stand G020-H039

KUB Kub introduces the new Sleigh and Dreema cotbed to the Mix and Match collection. Both cotbeds are available in white and dark finish. The Chatsworth and Rosewell glider chair with footstool offer a choice of traditional and contemporary design to suit personal styles. +44 (0) 208 207 3377 www.kubnursery.com Hall 11.1 Stand B090

LITECUP Created by a parent Gavin Reay, the litecup is a clean and colourful cup with an integrated night-light to support independent, mess free drinking for your child, day or night! +44 (0) 208 780 9806 www.litecup.com Hall 11.1 Stand A080

Boutique designer providing individual, high quality, children's and mum's bags and accessories.

Visit us at the Kind & Jugend exhibition in Cologne!

Stand number: Hall 11.3, Stand # G039

www.pennyscallan.biz

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Come & visit us at

NURSERY FURNITURE

10 - 13.09.2015

Koelnmesse

@ KUBsleepwell

Kind & Jugend!

UK Pavilion

Hall 11.1

Stand B090

/kubnursery

customercare@kubproducts.com 0208 207 3377 www.kubnursery.com

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

WORLDS APART New for Kind & Jugend, Rose Petal Cottage from DreamTown will feature alongside HelloHome’s stylish POD bed.

Also starring every young Elsa’s dream – the Frozen Sleigh Toddler Bed - WorldsApart makes family life easier and more fun. +44 (0) 1637 882211 www.worldsapart.com Hall 11.1 Stand 039

CLOSE PARENT Showcasing their Caboo carrier range, Close Parent also have swimming covered with extensions to their Swim range for 2016 as well as new core designs for their Pop-in 2016 collection, featuring some fun and engaging new print stories. +44 (0) 1992 554045 www.closeparent.com Hall 11.2 Stand G48

KIDSAW With Kidsaw now holding the worldwide distribution rights for their best selling range of My First JCB junior beds and furniture, exhibiting again at Kind Und Jugend in 2015 will surely be the best platform to build on previous success.

COME TO VISIT OUR +44 (0) 1455 848969STAND HALL11.1 A010 www.kidsaw.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand D089 OR JPMBB.COM

COME TO VISIT OUR STAND HALL11.1 A010

COME TO VISIT OUR STAND HALL11.1 A010

OR

OR

JPMBB.COM

JPMBB.COM

COME TO VISIT OUR STAND HALL11.1 A010 OR

JPMBB.COM

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visit us...

STAND - G48 Hall 11.2 Breathable Ad Progressive Preschool 110 x 145 Sept 2015 HR.pdf

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

LOVE BOO Sleep & Snuggle Pillow & Room Spray is the first ever sleep spray by Love Boo, known for their natural, UK-made skincare for Mum and Baby.

A relaxing blend of calming lavender, chamomile and patchouli that can be sprayed on to bed linen and in Baby’s room to signal sleepy time. +44 (0) 1924 370240 www.loveboo.com Hall 11.1 Stand A071

Visit our stand at • UK Pavilion Kind und Jugend Hall 11.1 Stand C058

MINENE

My First Friend

bedding including nursery See the full range ets, bathtime toys, muslins, blank layette, sleeping bags, 116 2792901 Charlotte +44 (0) call rs orde place To

NATURES PUREST

Gorgeous cotton collection featuring pretty florals, little polka dots, stars and prints in a number of soft and soothing colours ideal for little one’s nursery. The stunning interiors range includes five sizes of storage, bedding bumpers, bedding bundles, laundry baskets and more. +44 (0) 208 458 7764 www.minene.co.uk Hall 11.3 Stand H031

Natures Purest NP Baby collection has introduced a little colour. Still using super soft 100% cotton the My First Friend collection features a grey and orange elephant print, ideal for any fashionable baby. All packed in beautiful recycled brown gift boxes tied with ribbon. A perfect package. +44 (0) 116 279 2961 www.naturespurest.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand C058

to request a catalogue, please contact 01692 408801 or visit www.bebecar.co.uk (Part of the East Coast Group)

BebecarUK

@BebecarUK

Hip-Hop tech in Swan White,on a chrome/silver chassis optional matching car seat also available.

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

BIBETTA Bibetta, the baby accessories experts, will be launching seven exciting and innovative new lifestyle products, all with fantastic design features and new fabrics. They will also be showcasing their cool and contemporary animal print designs for 2016, applied to their award winning neoprene bibs and machine washable lunchbags. +44 (0) 1223 840236 www.bibetta.com Hall 11.1 Stand B082

BABYHUB

LITTLE BUTTERLY LONDON Luxurious & botanical, Little Butterfly London baby skincare products are designed for newborn skin, organic-certified

by Ecocert, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.

Carefully crafted formulas support effectively sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin and are absolutely free of mineral oil, paraffin, parabens, silicones, SLS, DEA, TEA, PEGs and artificial fragrances. +44 (0) 203 1513 772 www.littlebutterflyorganic.com Hall 11.1 Stand A078

Babyhub SleepSpace is a lightweight, easy to use travel-cot which can be re-used as a play tepee. The first product in their new brand, representing innovative, safety-conscious, design-conscious and dependable products. Also introducing the NeoSpace bedside crib – with fully patented fold down mattress side. +44 (0) 1534 867984 www.babyhubshop.com Hall 11.1 Stand A074

The new Rest & Play Solitaire range

For more information:

Kind + Jugend, hall 11.1 stand D059

www.eastcoastnursery.co.uk

EastCoastNursery

East Coast Nursery Tel: 01692 408802

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@EC_Nursery

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lling Europe’s No.1 sen s id a y c a y o u b m iu m pre W NE FOR 2016

W NE FOR 2016

er brand new 2016 See these and our oth ns at Kind & Jugend sig de Konfidence Jacket ll 11.1 Stand D-071 this September in Ha www.konfidence.co.uk sales@konfidence.com +44 (0)1566 777887

The must-have toothbrush for small teeth, small hands and independent minds!

www.bugbrush.co.uk rowena@bugbrush.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Showcased at this year’s K&J show. 10 – 13 September.

EAST COAST NURSERY With its combination of white and wood finishes and minimalist shape, Monaco is the eyecatching new range from East Coast Nursery. The cot bed features a large underbed drawer and the dresser has a removable changing frame. All drawers and doors feature push-to-open mechanisms for a clean finish. +44 (0) 1692 408802 www.eastcoastnursery.co.uk Hall 11.1 Stand D059

PACAPOD

BOORI This year Boori will show the full range including the revolutionary cot bed to single and double bed technologies.

And look out for something very new – the launch of a brand new product. They’re not telling, so you’ll have to drop by their stand and take a look for yourself! +44 (0) 1635 295671 www.boori.com/uk Hall 10.1 Stand G020-039

PacaPod is a unique 3 in 1 baby organising system for parents who like to stay in control. The system combines a stylish parent changing bag, hidden inside the brains behind the brand, a feeder pod and changer pod with mat and buggy clips included. +44 (0) 844 351 0222 www.pacapod.com Hall 11.1 Stand D050

Hall 11.1 stand D059 For further enquiries +44 (0)1692 408802 www.silvercloudnurserybedding.co.uk SilvercloudNurseryBedding

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See us at Kind + Jugend

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KIND UND JUGEND 2015

Kind und Jugend 2015 Exhibitor List TRADING NAME at Fascia Board

COMPANY NAME

STAND NO.

Aquaint Opus Innovations Ltd Babycup Babycup Babybundle PHP Gift & Baby Ltd BabyHub Stumpydog Innovations Ltd Baby Travel Ltd Baby Travel Ltd Bambino Mio Bambino Mio Ltd Bambooty Real Bambooty Real Nappies Ltd Nappies Bibetta Bibetta Ltd BoBo Buddies Starjump Designs Ltd BPA- Baby BPA Association Products Breathablebaby The RHSM group RHSM Group Ltd BugBrush Ltd BugBrush Ltd BundleBean Ltd BundleBean Ltd Cheeky Cheeky Chompers Ltd Chompers Ltd COGNIKIDS Creeper Crawlers/ CogniKids DoddleBags DoddleCreation Ltd East Coast East Coast Nursery Ltd Nursery Fill n Squeeze Ltd Fill n Squeeze Ltd Gummee Ltd Gummee Jakabel -Safety Jakabel Ltd & Fun in the sun Kidsaw Ltd Kidsaw Kub Products Ltd Kub Products Ltd Little Butterfly Little Butterfly Organic Ltd London Love Boo Boo Boo Products Ltd MELOBABY Melobaby Ltd MerryGoRoundUK MerryGo Round UK MOBA Premiere Baby Ltd

11.1 A077 11.1 B073 11.1 D068 11.1 A074 11.1 B080 11.1 D051 11.1 A070 11.1 B082 11.1 C079 11.1 C075 11.1 D087 11.1 D080 11.1 B091 11.1C081 11.1 A088 11.1 B089 11.1 D059 111 B079 11.1 C071 11.1 B071 11.1 D089 11.1 B090 11.1 A078 11.1 A071 11.1 D078 11.1 A075 11.1 C060

TRADING NAME at Fascia Board

COMPANY NAME

My Buggy Buddy My Buggy Buddy My Carry Potty My Carry Potty Natures Purest Natures Purest PacaPod PacaPod Ltd Pourty Pourty International Ltd International Ltd ShadeMe ShadeMe Ltd Snugglebundl Ltd Snugglebundl Sock Ons Sock Ons Ltd Spilly Spoon Ltd Spilly Spoon Steribottle Ltd Steribottle Ltd Sunproof Sunproof Ltd TotsBots TotsBots Ltd Totseat & Totseat Ltd SnapDragon TUMTUM Nest (UK) Ltd yoomi Feed Me Bottles Ltd Babycare TENS Body Clock Health Care Ltd Cosatto Ltd Cosatto Ltd Kit for Kids Ltd Kit for Kids CuddleCo Klyne & Klyne Konfidence Konfidence Ltd litecup And Design Little Life Lifemarque Ltd Neat Nursery Flambeau

Europlast Ltd Oyster, Egg, Babystyle UK Ltd BabyStyle Shnuggle Shnuggle Ltd Trunki Magmatic Ltd The Little Jenons Ltd Green Sheep We Made Me Ltd We Made Me

STAND NO. 11.1 D093 11.1 A091 11.1 C058 11.1 D050 11.1 D088 11.1 B061 11.1 A081 11.1 C081a 11.1 B093 11.1 A073 11.1 A060 11.1 D069 11.1 B081 11.1 B077 11.1 D091 11.1 D090 11.1 B050/C059 11.1 D070 11.1 D061 11.1 D071 11.1 A080 11.1 C068 11.1 C091 11.1 A050/B0959 11.1 D098 11.1 C050 11.1 D079 11.1 B060/C069

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Come hug a Taggies Petals Hedgehog and more!

Visit us at ‌ Kind + Jugend Kolnmesse, Germany 10-13, September 2015 Stand F-061, Hall 11.1

Distributed in the UK and Europe from our Chichester, UK distribution centre.

Contact Claire at Tel: +44 (0)1243 780501 or claire.bradley@whitepebbleint.com

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WHAT’S NEW ARDEGA New products for retail, from Ardega Nursery Distribution.

REATHABLEBABY 3 B IN 1 MATTRESS PAD The 3 In 1 BreathableBaby Mattress Pad uses two breathable layers which work together to maximize air flow between mattress and baby. The mesh core adds extra comfort and support, whilst the top layer acts like a sports performance fabric to reduce sweating, keep heat away, and baby at optimum comfort.

UNBORNHEART FETAL DOPPLER The UnbornHeart Fetal Doppler uses modern technology to monitor your unborn baby’s heart rate in the comfort of your own home. It connects to your smartphone so you can monitor, record and share recordings of your baby’s heart rate, for sharing the joy of expecting a baby and for reassurance when worried.

JL CHILDRESS DIAPERING STATION TO-GO Change nappies quickly and easily in the car or when out and about and protect your baby from dirt and germs. The large changing pad protects baby’s entire body, is fully padded and wipes clean. With three large, easy view mesh pockets, you can store multiple nappies and wipes ready for when needed.

BREATHABLEBABY MESH COT LINER IN WHITE WITH SILVER TRIM BreathableBaby developed their original best-selling Mesh Cot Liner over 10 years ago to ensure a safe and restful night’s sleep.

The adjustable liner uses soft, breathable mesh which allows air to flow through the cot and helps to prevent overheating, as well as preventing little limbs getting stuck between bars.

MOTROLA MBP85CONNECT WI-FI VIDEO BABY MONITOR The MBP85CONNECT Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor turns your smartphone, tablet or computer into a baby monitor so you can keep an eye on your little one, wherever you may go. It includes crystal clear two-way communication, night vision and pan, zoom and tilt features, all controlled from your device.

www.ardega.co.uk sales@ardega.co.uk 01473 228862

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Hall 11.1, Stand D-051, UK Pavilion

Booth 112, UK Pavilion

www.bambinomio.com

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WHAT’S NEW HARDENBERG & CO@K+J Come and chat to us about our exciting new product launches! Hall 11.2, Stand A010/B019.

MEGABABY ALILO BRAND NEW: Looking for the next big thing in Children’s Edutainment?

These new story-telling bunny friends are a real must-have this Christmas.

Interactive digital media players with integrated night lights make these an ideal companion and gift for children. Hardenberg is also launching a world’s first interactive digital rattle, complete with night light and colour identification!

Contact us for appointments to secure exclusive product previews 01785 503 305 marketing@hardenbergco.co.uk

MEGABABY ANGELTALK

DUUX

BRAND NEW: Hardenberg is pleased to launch its first pre-natal products during the show. Strengthening the bond between parent and baby, MegaBaby Angeltalk Fetal Heart Monitors provide a safe, easy-to-use and quality monitoring system for unborn baby’s heartbeat from the comfort of the home.

Having made an impressive impact upon the UK market since launching autumn/winter 2014, Duux will be exhibiting the latest and greatest in product innovation and simply projecting effortless style.

SASSY Inspiring their entire collection are baby’s emerging senses; Touch, Taste, Hearing and Vision.

Pop over to discover and explore our new play mats, sensory gyms, bouncers and jumpers. This beautiful collection will awaken the imagination.

ANGELCARE Last year the stand was a hub of innovation, and this year is no different. Showcasing brand new baby monitors complete with separate Angelcare screens that are bigger and better; buyers won’t be disappointed! Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to see Hardenberg’s worldfirst innovations within the bathing and changing categories too!

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Leading the way in

child safety

Clippasafe lead the way in child safety products for the home.

VISIT US AT KIND + JUGEND

HALL 10.2 STAND D51

We have over 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing a huge range of products that eliminate dangers around the home, as well as out and about.

Parents and carers can rest assured that with Clippasafe, the safety of their little ones is in the best hands.

24 PIECE HOME SAFETY STARTER PACK

EXTENDABLE, DUAL-FIX PUSH TO LOCK GATE

Visit our website to view the full range of safety products; including home accessories, stair gates, safety harnesses and much more.

DESIGNER HARNESS & REINS

Clippasafe Ltd Lanthwaite Road, Clifton, Nottingham, NGII 8LD, Tel: 0115 921 1899

www.clippasafe.co.uk

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The brand that parents trust

25/08/2015 12:26

CATHY’S COLUMN CHARACTER CRAZY There are many different things that make parents and other gift-givers choose one product over another – and the power of using well-loved characters is well-recognised. In this month’s column Cathy takes a look at the benefits of offering licensed nursery, infant and preschool products.

“

Some licences – driving licences for example – are essential. What I’m talking about here, though, are the characters from a book, film or television programme that manufacturers licence from their copyright holders so they can use them on product.

We know that design is all-important. If it looks right, if it has that ‘je ne sais quoi’, then it will sell quickly and for a higher price than items which are plainer or unremarkable.

One way of instantly getting into the right fashion is to licence the use of famous characters – from classics like Winnie the Pooh to current hits like Frozen – and feature them on various products. The licensing industry is big business these days, with entire trade shows dedicated to licensing opportunities. (See PPS’ preview to the preschool highlights at Brand Licensing Europe on page 77.)

Blockbuster films often make more money from licensing and selling related merchandise than they take at the box office – a point spoofed in the Mel Brooks film Spaceballs – and so getting the right deals at the right price can make all the difference between making a profit or not! Having the right character on product can make it fly off the shelves – and with a higher price tag – so it’s an obvious route to take, isn’t it?

Not necessarily! The first decision to make is which character lines you think suit your store the best – are you a Beatrix Potter retailer or a Peppa Pig advocate? And if you manufacture your own lines as well, then it’s no good thinking that you simply can decide to put – for example – Mickey Mouse on your bibs, and then telling Disney.

The copyright holder understandably wants to know a great deal about the business and brand it is

Cathy Bryan has been part of the nursery industry for the last 28 years. You can sign up for Cathy’s free newsletters at www.nursery-online.com.

letting use its carefully protected imagery before it will agree. Getting the right match for each brand is very important, and so licensors are on the lookout for suppliers they consider to be a suitable fit or to offer an exciting new approach. Anyone who produces cheap, poor quality merchandise is quite likely to be told to get lost!

As such, manufacturers who have been able to jump through all the necessary legal and quality control hoops in order to work with a copyright holder (the licensor) are likely to be reliable and therefore reflect well on your business as well. The question of cost also inevitably arises. The licensing process is not cheap and the extra cost is passed onto you and eventually the consumer, meaning it will be listed at a higher price point. Retailers need to consider how that will reflect on the rest of their stock and their customer base – will the market stand for it?

So which characters work well in nursery? Of course for the very littlest ones, it is the prospective parents or other gift-givers making that choice.

Many watch very little children’s television – unless they have children of their own – and so these characters are not as well known. Classic book characters, retro names or Disney are a better bet, especially characters that have an ‘aaah’ factor or are a classic that everyone knows.

Once children start watching television and recognising the characters (which can be surprisingly early) then the children’s television and film characters themselves become more important. Discovering which ones are going to be a hit next year isn’t easy. Get it wrong and you have unwanted merchandise lining your shelves, but get it right and you’ll soon know about it.

Once it’s all done, however, and the product is on the shelves, all you have to do is keep your fingers crossed!”

Above right: Fisher-Price’s new Bing toys feature a new CBeebies character which non-parents are unlikely to be aware of, but which children will love! Above left: East Coast Nursery’s Very Hungry Caterpillar collection features a classic kids’ literary character which is popular with new parents.

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maxi-cosi

Families

Discover axissfix Maximum safety for your children Maximum ease of use for Parents The Maxi-Cosi AxissFix is a clever car seat that combines state-of the-art i-Size safety with improved head and neck protection and a unique 360째 swivelling system.

axissfix Rearward facing Approx. 4 months to 2 years

Forward facing 15 months to approx. 4 years

Experience the ease of use and outstanding safety with AxissFix, which offers up to 2 years* of rearward-facing travel and can be used forward-facing from 15 months up to the age of 4**.

Find out more at

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/axissfix *87cm (approx. 2 years old) **105cm (approx. 4 years old)

i-Size safety

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TRAVEL SYSTEMS AND CAR SEATS

Inset: Cosatto’s lightweight To & Fro combines a frombirth stroller with an ability to carry the car seat.

Have

Baby,

Must Travel

T

he first journey most millennial babies will experience is the tentative car drive home from the hospital or birth centre – strapped tightly into a brand new car seat, with anxious new parents checking and rechecking the five-point fastening at every opportunity.

Being able to take the family’s newest arrival out and about is a priority (for the parents’ sanity if nothing else) – and while car seats demand a guarantee of certain safety standards, travel systems have become a symbol of style and design.

The chassis-based pushchairs which allow parents to easily swop between carrycot, buggy seat

and car seat are ubiquitous on Britain’s high streets, and distinguish themselves from one another with clever new features and fashion-led design touches.

“Design and style are incredibly important elements to consider,” agreed BabyStyle’s managing director Andy Crane. “The first impression remains the most critical, as this determines whether parents will make a closer inspection or not, to ascertain if that initial ‘wow’ reaction is replicated throughout all the features within the travel system.”

It is this attitude towards attracting new parents looking for something different which has seen the parenting community embrace BabyStyle’s iconic new Egg travel system. Launched earlier this year – to much fanfare – the Egg offers parents ‘luxury, style, practicality and ease of use whilst still delivering safety and comfort for the passenger’.

Above: BabyStyle’s iconic new Egg offers parents luxury, style, practicality and ease of use while still delivering safety and comfort for the passenger. Left: Bebecar’s Hip-Hop tech travel system, seen here with the car seat on the chassis.

Shopping for a new baby is an exciting rite of passage embraced by most new or prospective parents, but there are surprisingly few products which can be classed as real essentials.

Travel systems and car seats fall into this category – and as PPS discovered, there are solutions on the market for every conceivable need.

As Andy explained; “Innovation and new features are important factors to consider when deciding upon the perfect travel system, but these shouldn’t come at the expense of safety and comfort.”

BabyStyle has worked hard to be able to provide a complete and extensive range of quality products across the price spectrum, meaning no matter what your customer’s budget may be, there will be something suitable within the company’s portfolio. “Cost can naturally be the deciding factor in any purchase,” said Andy, “but we do not compromise on design, quality or – most importantly – safety, in this respect.”

The more expensive end of the travel system market can often be seen as aspirational, with parents seeking out certain brands – such as Bébécar – to showcase their precious new arrivals.

“Our costs are based on quality,”  PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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TRAVEL SYSTEMS AND CAR SEATS

Inset: The ABC Design Takeoff from Obaby folds into its tiny size in just two simple steps and, by adding a 0 + car seat, offers the perfect solution for parents on the move.

commercial director Kevin Golding

explained. “Our pushchairs are manufactured in Europe using high-quality materials and beautiful fabrics, so consumers can feel the difference when they push one.”

Kevin also believes that new features are important, stating that; “Parents want to be reassured that manufacturers are thinking about their requirements, and innovations and updates are great for showing that we are continually considering their needs.”

Bébécar’s latest travel system update is the High Up Elevator kit, which raises the position of the carrycot, pushchair seat or infant car seat on the chassis, bringing the baby closer to its parents, which in turn helps with bonding, speech and development.

“Publicity around the new i-Size legislation has also made the consumer more knowledgeable about car seat safety guidelines, even if they’ve only heard enough to ask what it means when they visit a retailer,” said Kevin.

“The extra dialogue is a great thing for child safety.” Bébécar’s new Bobob Fix RF Group 1 car seat offers extended rear-facing up to an impressive 18kg.

As far as innovative new car seats go, CuddleCo’s Doona is a hybrid buggy/ car seat which takes the meaning of travel system to a whole new level. “As

Above: Hauck’s iCoo Acrobat is just one of the new travel systems offered by the company.

▶ START WITH A SMILE

“At Britax, we never stop challenging ourselves and are committed to enabling everyday family freedom for parents.

With so much to think about when venturing out with children, the new Britax Smile pushchair offers a stylish travel solution for parents looking for a travel system that will make getting around with baby a breeze.”

Paul Gustavsson, ceo Britax Group Right: The Britax Smile comes with a matching carrycot and integrated Click & Go adaptors, which are compatible with the award-winning Baby-Safe plus SHR II infant carrier.

a travel system, Doona is extremely low in price,” explained sales director Marc Kelly, “but compared to other car seats, it is expensive. However, the value it provides is priceless.”

The car seat has integrated wheels, making the need for a separate chassis redundant, and CuddleCo has been overwhelmed by its success. “People have tried to bring hybrid car seats to the market before,” said Marc, “but with multiple consumer and industry awards to its name, Doona has captured the attention of parents everywhere.”

Marc believes that brands need to ensure their offering stands out in the vast nursery market.

“Parents are spoilt for choice,” he pointed out, “and this is a purchase both parents get involved with, so the product needs to impress. Parents are always looking for a travel system which is the lightest, smallest, safest, strongest...”

CuddleCo also offers the Greentom travel system, which is the world’s first (and only!) 100% green stroller, made from recycled and bio-based materials. “We are delighted to be able to offer the Greentom at a competitive price,” said Marc. “We are passionate about delivering the most innovative products at amazing value, making the lives of parents easier.”

As with any significant purchase, cost will always be an essential condsideration for most parents.

Obaby is currently working on making all its from-birth strollers travel system compatible, so that even its lowest-priced products can offer flexibility. “It is becoming standard for strollers and pushchairs to be travel system compatible,” explained marketing manager Josie Giles, “and we expect this to become more prevalent as time goes on.”

Obaby offers two separate brands, covering both ends of the market. The Obaby brand offers good quality items at affordable prices, while German brand ABC Design offers a wealth of cutting-edge design, clever features and innovation at a slightly higher cost.

Both brands reflect the fact that innovation is a key consideration for modern parents. “When it comes to features, the more competitive, high-tech and unique the better,” said Josie, “and this is reflected in designs and patterns as well, with families keen on standing out from the crowd.”

Obaby’s answer to this trend is a range of eye-catching prints and designs  for both pushchairs and car seats.

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DAISY Travel System

RRP ÂŁ370

www.mjprams.co.uk Tel. 01432 279055 or 07815179574

To find out more about the range, or to discuss becoming one of our growing list of stockists, please do get in touch with us directly by calling 01432 279055 or 07815 179574.

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TRAVEL SYSTEMS AND CAR SEATS

▶ WORKING TOGETHER

“Parents are always looking for the latest innovations to make their lives easier and their babies’ safer when out and about. Bumbleride design all their travel systems – such as the compact lightweight Indie 4 – to be compatible with the best infant car seats on the market, and currently work with Maxi Cosi, Cybex and Besafe.”

Peter Holm, sales director, Little Saints (Bumbleride’s UK distributor)

Right: Bumbleride’s Indie 4, a compact lightweight four-wheel stroller, is a nimble yet robust urban solution with all-terrain capabilities.

“Our new Disney Circles designs also

reflect this idea,” said Josie, “with bold and colourful circles set against a black background to create maximum impact.”

It would be remiss to discuss design and style without mentioning Cosatto – the baby product company often credited with introducing bright, bold prints and fresh patterns to the market. “Customers look for unique features and benefits to make life easier,” said deisgn and marketing director Vicky Morley, “but aesthetics are also incredibly important and we bring the thrill of colour, pattern and quirky design to the world of baby stuff.”

As a creative company, it’s no surprise that Cosatto also offers clever breakthroughs in design, such as car seats fitting on lightweight umbrella-folding strollers rather than a separate chassis or bully buggy.

“The lightweight To & Fro has a number of patents pending for its unique design,” explained Vicky, “as it combines a from-birth stroller in which baby can face parents for longer with an easy switch to world-facing and ability to carry the car seat.”

Cosatto’s other technical design developments include the anti bucklecrunch design for its Group 1 belted seat.

“The new design

Right: The Quinny BuzzXtra chassis paired with a Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus car seat.

eliminates dangerous ‘buckle crunch’ (where the buckle sits on the plastic part of the seat)”, explained Vicky. “No other manufacturer has this design or is confident to talk about buckle crunch.

We are proud to be able to do so.”

Meeting the needs of parents is vital in this competitive market, and Hauck’s marketing manager Sue Griffiths is quick to point out that the company continually puts products forward for review so its can find out what parents are looking for and what they need for the future.

“The results of these reviews are then analysed and sent to our design team to be incorporated into future product development,” she explained. “Parents’ lives are changing all the time and new technology and busy lifestyles mean they are always looking for lighter, easier to use travel systems and all-encompassing car seats.”

The new Lift Up 4, Lift Up 3 and the iCoo Acrobat are Hauck’s latest travel systems and have taken innovation to the next level. “They are easy to fold, steer, store, style is second to none and they turn heads,” emphasised Sue, “although of course comfort and safety is a priority and durability remains key.”

Although Hauck mainly concentrates on delivering a wide selection of travel systems, it has launched a few new innovative car seats in recent months (such as the Guardfix) and all its car seat design and development for the future will adhere to the new iSize legislation.

With its Maxi-Cosi car seat brand one of the most popular on the market, Dorel UK knows a thing or two about the new legislation, and has led the charge in introducing iSize child car seats to the UK market.

The new legislation has had a huge impact on car seat design, as managing director Andrew Ratcliffe explained.

“We were the first to launch an iSize compliant seat,” he said. “The level of safety made it technically very difficult, but as the first infant carrier to pass this, our Pebble Plus is rapidly becoming the car seat of choice as parents upgrade for the added safety.”

Many modern travel systems are compatible with Maxi-Cosi car seats, and Dorel’s pushchair brand, Quinny, is equally popular.

“Both Quinny and Maxi-Cosi are premium quality brands

offering innovation, outstanding design and safety,” Andrew continued.

“Parents increasingly expect buggies to be innovative and include intelligent new features that can help make time with their young families all the more enjoyable and are willing to pay extra to have these benefits.”

Travel systems and car seats may be essentials for most new parents, but the varied needs of different families means that there is a seemingly endless spectrum of products to choose from. Retailers need to meet all these expectations, offering premium, unique products alongside affordable, practical solutions. In the meantime, manufacturers will continue to design, develop and produce safer, more comfortable products to meet the ever-increasing demands of tomorrow’s consumer – and to ultimately capture the customer’s attention in an increasingly competitive market.

Left: CuddleCo’s Doona is a hybrid buggy/car seat with integrated wheels.

▶ SAFETY FIRST

i-Gemm is the first infant carrier from Joie to come with iSize certification when used with the i-AnchorFIX base or i-Base. A new development from Joie’s existing Gemm car seat, the i-Gemm allows for easy transition to the i-Anchor car seat, bringing iSize technology to the infant carrier car seat, offering parents the reassurance of the latest safety standards while still having the convenience of quickly moving baby from pushchair to car and vice versa.

The i-Gemm is the perfect partner for Joie strollers, creating a safe and reliable travel system option.

Above: Joie’s i-AnchorSafe System meets the new safety standard, allowing rear-facing travel up to approximately four-years-old.

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KIND UND JUGEND 2015 Visit the collection: Hall 11.3, Aisle H, No 050

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WHAT’S NEW CAR SEATS / TRAVEL SYSTEMS New Product releases for Autumn/Winter 2015.

BABYSTYLE

OBABY

Egg is delighted to team up with the award winning Kiddy Evo Lunafix infant carrier. The Egg travel system available as a stylish single or compact tandem. The true ride technology PU tyres, high levels of comfort and durability and lie-flat features on the Kiddy car seat ensure comfort is guaranteed. +44 (0) 1509 816444 www.babystyle.co.uk

Offering families flexibility and fun, Obaby has created matching Group 0+ Car Seats for their Disney Circles single strollers, in both Mickey and Minnie styles. With the use of handy adaptors, these bold and striking car seats attach easily to the stroller’s frame, providing ultimate convenience and versatility for parents. +44 (0) 1652 641491 www.obaby.co.uk

DIONO The Diono Radian 5. The only seat that can take a child rear facing and forward facing in a 5-point harness, both up to 25kg. This revolution will allow parents the flexibility and ability to keep their child in the safest position for longer. +44 (0) 1827 310557 www.uk.diono.com

EASYWALKER

HAUCK

The MINI by Easywalker. Iced chocolate brown frame, brown suede sun canopy and silver metallic rims, the Highgate product range is not just as elegant as the MINI Highgate car itself, but also refers to the expensive London neighbourhood. A unique design of the highest quality whilst being compact and easy in use. +31 20 420 7000 www.easywalker.nl

Hauck Guardfix Group 1 car seat suitable between 9-18kg and setting up new standards for safety, handling and functionality.

Forward facing car seat which can be reclined through three positions and comes complete with fivepoint safety harness. Quick and easy to install and has an extended side protection system, utilising memory foam. +44 (0) 1978 664362 www.hauckuk.com

RENOLUX Serenity, is a unique experience of comfort for the child with specific technology of high density foam and its comfortable reducer.

Comfort and security are the main key features of this car seat, from birth up to four years old. +33 607 433 314 www.renolux.co.uk

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PLUS Series and numerous product innovations Sept. 10th - 13th 路 Cologne Hall 10.2 - Booth C041 Think Baby.

庐

UK Distributor

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WHAT’S NEW CAR SEATS / TRAVEL SYSTEMS New Product releases for Autumn/Winter 2015.

MJ PRAMS Introducing the Daisy 3 in 1 travel system.

This smart looking travel system comes with ISOfix 0+ car seat and carrycot.

ISOfix base available and comes in a choice of 3 colours - grey, red and black. +44 (0) 1432 279055 www.mjprams.co.uk

DOREL Compact and versatile new pushchairs from Maxi-Cosi include Dana, a super lightweight stroller for newborns and toddlers; and Stella, one of the narrowest from-birth pushchairs on the market, measuring just 55cm.

Luxury pushchair brand, Quinny, will be unveiling a Bold Block Special Edition range, based on a combination of dynamic geometric shapes and solid colours. +44 (0) 1284 413141 www.dorel.co.uk

CHEEKY RASCALS Designed for use with a Group 2-3 car seat, (a high-back booster) BeltUpp provides extra support for children not used to sitting upright in a car without a 5-point harness, stopping them from slumping forward if they fall asleep. Fully tested to ECE R44/04 and TRL carseat regulations +44 (0) 1730 895761 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk

JOIE Joie is thrilled to launch its new group 1, 2 & 3 car seat, Transcend.

A forward facing seat with side impact protection, providing optimum security for the head and body. SnugShield impact cushion reduces strenuous forces on a child’s delicate body and increases comfort, ease of use and proper usage. +44 (0) 844 395 0012 www.joiebaby.co.uk

VCOSATTO Woop, Cosatto’s faff-free 2 in 1 travel system with built-in pram. No separate carrycot, just one feature-packed intuitive nest with newborn recline. Gliding into seated from newborn recline mode with two simple clicks when baby’s ready to sit up.

Fits matching car seat, sold separately. +44 (0) 800 014 9252 www.cosatto.com

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Visit us at Kind and Jugend show  th - �th September in Hall  Aisle H Stand  �­

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

Worlds Apart - Making Family Life Easier and More Fun! For more information please phone:

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RETAIL FOCUS: THE NICKELODEON STORE Inset: The Leicester Square Nickelodeon Store opened on 30 May with a spongestudded launch!

Best Of

Brands

S

ituated in London’s prime tourist location of One Leicester Square, surrounded by cinemas, theaters and restaurants, it’s hard to imagine a more accurate venue for the term ‘destination store’. In that sense, the Nickelodeon Store is already a huge success – the bright orange frontage and colourful window displays make no secret of the merchandise found inside, with parents and children alike proving powerless against the wide range of iconic entertainment brands found within, from Dora the

Below: The ground floor is ideal for picking up souvenirs, with exclusive London-themed Nickelodeon product and seasonal lines taking centre stage. Below right: Interactivity is key, with colouring areas and this pineapple iPad station keeping preschoolers engaged with the brands and characters.

When children’s entertainment company Nickelodeon announced a flagship store would be opening in the heart of London’s tourist hot-spot Leicester Square, a ripple of excitement ran through fans of all ages.

Three months after the launch, PPS went along to see what’s in store for the channel’s preschool audience.

Explorer to SpongeBob SquarePants.

The impressive store spans two floors (and more than 4,500 sq ft), and offers kids and families the opportunity to experience and interact with their favourite characters in an exciting and tangible way. State-of-the-art multimedia and interactive elements include 40 LCD screens which show animations, music videos and promotions, creating a compelling showcase for the Nickelodeon brand. Colouring tables and a fully operational iPad station also encourage children (and their responsible adults!) to relax and enjoy the experience.

“It’s essential that children are able to engage with the characters and products in store,” explained Marianne James, vice president of consumer products UK and Ireland. “We believe this is key for a

fully immersive experience. The store is more than just about merchandise, it’s about bringing to life the characters and essence of Nickelodeon. All the interactive elements support this, helping to make the visitors happy and feel part of the experience.”

Owned and operated by

▶

VIRTUAL SHOPPING

“The Nickelodeon UK online store is integral in helping us serve our fans and while providing an exciting commercial opportunity in its own right, the site is also a great promotional tool for the store itself.”

Marianne James, vice president of consumer products UK and Ireland.

Entertainment Retailer Limited (a division of Entertainment Retail Enterprises), the Leicester Square store is the sixth Nickelodeon retail store to launch, and the first in Europe. Location was key, with a high footfall of both tourists and UK visitors, and since the launch (on 30th May, 2015), over 50,000 individuals have visited the store.

Split into a number of dedicated zones, it is easy for fans to find what they are looking for in the specially designed areas which bring the world of famous characters and properties to life.

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Š 2014 Rainbow Designs Limited

See the fabulous Air Puppy and our other Nursery brands at the Kind & Jugend, Cologne, Rainbow Designs Stand, Hall 11.1, I-O28

Call for our new catalogue Tel: +44 (0)1329227300 Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk

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Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

25/08/2015 12:27

RETAIL FOCUS: THE NICKELODEON STORE more child-focused Dora lines, from toys to backpacks.

“Dora is a great example of a preschool brand with a wide reach,” Marianne continued. “Much of the product for older preschoolers is fashion-led, influenced by current trends, while the younger, infant lines are still cute, colourful and fun, without impacting the appeal of the rest of the range to older kids.”

With such a broad preschool portfolio to choose from, choosing which to feature within the store was never going to be easy. The store currently focuses on the ‘classics’, with high-profile newer shows like Paw Patrol and Bubble Guppies also making an appearance. “Paw Patrol is relatively new but performing very well in-store already,” said Marianne. “The store will extend the collections as they become even more established.”

Other new preschool shows will also be amaking an appearance in the future.

“Blaze and the Monster Machines will certainly be a priority for the coming months as well as the preschool Turtles line Half-Shell Heroes and into 2016, Shimmer & Shine,” Marianne confirmed, pointing out that key Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) brands are a priority when selecting which to feature in the store. “These brands have a robust content schedule, but also have the benefit of having a full consumer products programme with multiple categories from toys right through to confectionery that could be sold in-store.”

It’s the sheer depth of product on display that makes the store such an exciting place to be – along with the interactive features, regular in-store character appearances and other planned in-store activity that means fans will find it hard to walk past.

Inset and below: Dora and Boots comforters and other dedicated infant lines.



A preschool zone houses toys, apparel and accessories focusing on Dora, Paw Patrol and the Bubble Guppies.

SpongeBob SquarePant’s Bikini Bottom is a shrine to everyone’s favourite yellow sea sponge, while a sewer-style Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle area caters for all types of Turtles’ fan. The ground floor also offers London-themed gifting, stationery, apparel, homeware and souvenirs.

“There’s a dedicated preschool zone – which covers approximately a third of the shop floor – baby and infant product can be found right across the store,” explained Marianne. “Very young children might not be aware of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – but their parents certainly are! So we make sure we have onesies and toddler apparel as well to cater for those looking for that retro appeal.”

▶ TOP FOR TOURISTS Recognising London as the world’s most global city and Leicester Square as a top tourist attraction (with projected tourist footfall set to hit 18 million in 2015!), the store’s 70 staff are able to communicate in at least twelve different languages.

The product range on offer within the store features more than 600 products across all key categories, with an incredible 80% of in-store product created exclusively for Nickelodeon stores. “Having so many lines exclusive to the store means we can really make sure we are offering something special,” said Marianne. The newborn Dora and Boots collection – which includes blankets, comforters and other infant items – is a prime example of this, and a dedicated style guide separates it from the other

▶ BEHIND THE SCENES Creating a destination store in the heart of London is no mean feat, as Ruth Crowley, evp international business development for Entertainment Retail Enterprises explained.

“We want people to have a positive experience in the store, with all of their favourite Nickelodeon characters.

We designed unique elements which are exclusive to the store, with zones where people could ‘play’ like the Pineapple iPad station and the Dora colouring tree. It is really important that preschool children enjoy the store.

There is nothing better than hearing the laughter of children and watching them – especially the sheer joy when SpongeBob makes an appearance!

Individual yet complementary style guides provide a great reference for creating exclusive product. Quality is at the heart of what we do and we take great care to ensure the ranges appeal across all consumer demographics.

The ranges will continuously evolve, with additional seasonal capsules; the key is continuing to listen to our customers and updating assortments.

There are so many great Nickelodeon properties, we have a lot to work with!”

“Preschool is absolutely key to the store and as the NVCP preschool portfolio continues to significantly expand, so will our focus on the preschool product and activity,” concluded Marianne.

With such a wide-ranging preschool portfolio to work from – as well as the parent-focused retro brands – it’s clear that the Nickelodeon Store has got its sights firmly set on the consumers of the future.

Left: Retro-styled babygros appeal to parents who still love TMNT from the 80s. Below: Preschool brand Bubble Guppies is a popular choice for young children who know and love the show.

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WHAT’S ON: BLE

London’s Calling Inset: Brands aplenty at BLE.

L

icensing is huge generator of preschool products and October sees the licensing industry converge on London’s Olympia to discover new properties and catch up with existing favourites. PPS rounds up some of this year’s preschool highlights that will be found in the bustling aisles.

Now in its 17th year Advanstar’s exhibition,

Brand Licensing Europe is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, and takes place from 13 – 15th October at Olympia in London.

In 2014, over 7,000 retailers, licensees, manufacturers and sales promotion professionals attended Brand Licensing Europe from 69 countries. Retail buyers’ attendance was up last year with representatives from the likes of Amazon,

Peppa’s Globetrotting Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) will be returning to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to showcase its roster of preschool properties including Peppa Pig and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom.

Just before the show eOne will be hosting Peppa Pig storytelling sessions at the Children’s Bath Literary Festival on Saturday 3 October in partnership with master publishing partner, Ladybird Books.

The activity will include costume character meet and greets and

Asda, Carrefour, Debenhams, Harrods, Morrisons, Mothercare, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Toys’R’Us walking the aisles.

With over 300 exhibitors displaying more than 2,500 new and innovative brands available for licensing opportunities, including characters, brands, images, artwork and designs there will be more than a smattering of preschool opportunities to see.

narration of the Ladybird book The Big Tale of Little Peppa, which will kick off the licensor’s digital marketing activity for the brand’s ‘Imagine with Peppa’ theme.

The ‘Imagine with Peppa’ marketing campaign ties into Character Options’ new Once Upon a Time toy range that includes a variety of Peppa action Left: Peppa figures, plush is increasing and playsets her global appeal at based on classic BLE.

Brand Licensing Europe 2015 takes place from 13-15 October 2014 at London’s Olympia.

To register for BLE visit www.brandlicensing.eu

fairytale adventures.

The Once Upon a Time Princess Rose Peppa was shortlisted recently in Hamley’s Top Toys for Christmas 2015.

Firmly established as a leading preschool property in several international territories, this year the property launched in China and at mass market retail in the USA. eOne is rapidly expanding the brand’s retail footprint in Australia, Latin America and Central Eastern Europe and merchandise will launch at retail in Canada from 2016.

Booth F005 PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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WHAT’S ON: BLE

Digging It With JCB

Inset: The new look Teletubbies will be unveiled at BLE.

Time for Teletubbies DHX Brands heads to BLE with a diverse slate of properties this year - headlined by Teletubbies alongside preschool favourites In the Night Garden and Twirlywoos.

The original Teletubbies is one of the most successful children’s brands of all time and was voted one of the Best Children’s TV Programmes of the last 50 years by international kids’ television experts at the 2014 Prix Jeunesse International.

The hotly anticipated new version, set to air late 2015 on CBeebies, features the characters with a refreshed, contemporary look and will be supported by heavyweight national PR and advertising campaigns.

Twirlywoos is innovative, inspiring entertainment with slapstick devised by renowned producer Anne Wood.

Currently airing on CBeebies with strong ratings, the property is going from strength to strength in the licensing arena. Leading toy partner Golden Bear has come on board as master toy partner for the brand, and will launch toys from July including Talking Twirlywoos Plush which won Best New Toy at London Toy Fair. Generating huge interest in the UK licensing industry since it was launched to the trade, Twirlywoos is also being snapped up by licensees across key categories.

Stand E070

JCB will be celebrating in style at BLE this year, marking its platinum 70th anniversary with a totally new stand design featuring scaffold, bricks and new lifestyle imagery capturing kids and adults fully immersing themselves in the iconic British digger brand.

2014 proved to be an extremely successful year with the retail sales value of licensed products exceeding £85million and a record year on apparel and accessories. This success is set to continue with its latest campaign which launched this year ‘Dig The Adventure’ encouraging children and their parents to venture outdoors, get active and explore the world around them. The great range of lifestyle images available reflect this drive and fully capture the JCB brands clear appeal to young fans. Aligned to this campaign, JCB will be showcasing its new collections of hard-wearing outdoor clothing featuring bold and fun graphics designed to cope with everyday rough and tumble play.

Visitors at the show can also view the new range of toys, targeted at a range of age groups launching this year and into 2016.

New licensing partnerships now in place enable JCB to expand its product offerings into new categories including greetings, baby gifting and die-cast to name but a few.

Stand G020 Below: New hard-wearing JCB clothing.

Boj-a-Boom!

As one of the most watched characters on CBeebies, hit preschool animation Boj is already flourishing, with a whole range of multi-character magazines including CBeebies, Friends, Favourites, Toybox and Busy Time, while the show’s popularity with young readers has prompted Redan Publishing to go for a standalone Boj magazine in February 2016.

The show currently airs not only in the UK but also in USA, France, Canada and Australia with new deals

Head in the Clouds Hoho Entertainment’s priorities for BLE include colourful preschool series Cloudbabies and girls’ fashion brand Mimi and Bibi.

Cloudbabies features the adventures of four adorable, childlike characters whose

covering South America, Middle East, Pan Africa and a launch in Spain next year.

Booth F125 job it is to look after the sky. Earlier this year Hoho Rights announced that it had appointed IVS Group as the master toy partner for Cloudbabies, Global Solutions as the dress-

up partner and Zippy as the new baby and toddler clothing licensee for the brand. Zippy is developing a range of high quality baby and toddler apparel and accessories for Cloudbabies to include nightwear, daywear, baby essentials, bibs and more which will launch this autumn.

Stand B100 Left: Cloudbabies is on a skyward trajectory.

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WHAT’S ON: BLE

Green Lights for Kate & Mim-Mim FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment’s key preschool shows for BLE are Kate & Mim-Mim and Tree Fu Tom. Kate & Mim-Mim - an animated series about the special friendship between spirited fiveyear-old Kate and her toy bunny Mim-Mim- has recently been greenlit for a second season which will air globally from spring 2016. The 23 x 22’ series is currently in pre-production and will include two themed seasonal specials and the tent-pole episode ‘The Mim-Mim of Oz’.

A number of key consumer products partners have also signed to the property. Leading US-based toy company Just Play is on board as global master toy partner and will initially focus on the development of plush, dolls, playsets and figure packs launching in 2016. Penguin is also on board for publishing in North America and will

Bob’s Back

Inset: Kate & Mim-Mim has been greenlit for a second series.

launch its first products in autumn/winter 2016.

Co-produced with CBeebies the third series of Tree Fu Tom is currently in production and introduces a whole new layer of magical excitement with the addition of ‘Red Magic’.

This heroic hit property enjoyed further growth in 2015 with the launch of the first live stage show in the UK and the Tree Fu Tom Training Camp

Mattel heads to BLE with a full slate of preschool favourites including the highly anticipated release of Bob the Builder. The new CG-animated series will debut on Channel 5’s Milkshake! from early 2016 and keeps the core values that were loved by fans of

within CBeebies Land at Alton Towers continuing to draw the crowds.

New master toy licensee Jazwares launches its first products in the UK and Australia this autumn, followed by a wider roll out across other key territories in 2016 with new role play items to reflect the additional elements in the new series.

Stand E080

the original series – construction, teamwork, positivity, empowerment and learning as well as many of the core characters.

It’s also full steam ahead for Thomas & Friends as the brand continues to celebrate his 70th anniversary year, with a programme of friendship-themed activities.

Rounding off its trio of preschool favourites is Fireman Sam which boasts exciting new content and an extensive licensing programme.

Stand D050

Sooty Prepares for Movie Debut

Redan Alchemy is taking Sooty to BLE to showcase its new range of products which include books from Award Publications, Apps from Playrific, a calendar from Carousel and new range from Fun Stickers; all of which were signed at last year’s BLE. Redan will be taking the opportunity to catch up with its Australian agent BBC Worldwide which has some great broadcast news to share and will be looking to make further contacts abroad and get people up to speed on preparations for the Sooty Movie. Richard and Sooty will also be at the stand at various times throughout the exhibition.

Stand GO62 Below: Sooty has big plans ahead of his movie release.

Left: A new look Bob the Builder will be a key focus for Mattel at BLE.

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FACE TO FACE: PRETEND TO BEE

Right: Pretend to Bee specialises in children’s dress-up and role-play costumes.

Pretending To Be...

Learning through imitiation and role-play has long been considered an essential part of early years development – and looking the part is an important element of that. PPS spoke to Harrison Palmer, sales and marketing director of children’s dress-up brand Pretend to Bee to find out more.

T

here’s nothing more exciting for a young child than pretending to be something – or someone – else. Whether that means playing at being a fire-fighter or a doctor, a butterfly or a dinosaur, the simple act of pulling on a

▶ EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The early years framework used by nurseries and reception classes across the UK offers a number of different ways to interpret the topics covered. Pretend To Bee pays close attention to these guidelines, ensuring it can offer a costume to help introduce a concept or develop an idea. “Interactive learning and imaginative play is vital for this age group,” said Harrison, “so we make sure we can help get kids out from behind their desks wherever possible.”

The design team also monitors educational trends – such as mini-beasts, personal hygiene or preschool graduations – and reacts quickly, before the market moves on. Offering lesson plans and highlighting key dress-up opportunities ensures that Pretend To Bee remains at the forefront of educational role-play.

costume and ‘becoming’ a new character is hugely appealing.

The actual process of makebelieve play offers young children a myriad of learning opportunities, and has been a key focus for Global Solutions for Clothing - the parent company behind Pretend to Bee – for many years. The family-owned company, which started out making lace lingerie in the 1950s, spotted a gap in the market for educationallyfocused children’s dressup, and has been

specialising in that market ever since.

“We actually began making childrens’ clothes in the 1980s,” explained Harrison, “and at that point Adams Clothing was one of our biggest customers. It was in the early 1990s that Disney approached us to make the dressup lines for Disney Stores. Of course we said yes, and that was our introduction into the world of children’s dress-up and costume.”

The family business – which is currently headed up by Harrison’s father David – created the Pretend To Bee brand in 2005, with the onus firmly on the early years educational sector and the value of role-play within that.

“We identified a gap in the dress-up market for a better quality role-play costume – one that would be easy-to-wear, washable and strong enough to stand up to the ‘classroom test’,” Harrison explained. “If children are going to be using the costume on a daily basis it needs to be a lot more robust than one which is used only occasionally.”

The range of children’s dressing up clothes offers a wide range of quality costumes  Far left: The T-Rex costume is a key part of the Natural History Museum portfolio. Left: The Thunderbirds licence is leading with Scott Tracy.

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FACE TO FACE: PRETEND TO BEE Left: Sales and marketing director Harrison Palmer is the third generation to work in the family business. Below right: Classic roleplay lines include uniforms such as this pilot.



Go! animation launched in April on ITV and has seen solidly impressive viewing figures so far.

Meanwhile, Cloudbabies has been a CBeebies favourite for the last three years and the Natural History Museum is a prestigious heritage brand with great educational values in its own right.

“We’re very excited about the new ranges,” Harrison continued. ideal for both the classroom “The Thunderbirds costumes and the home – from traditional inspired by the new familyrole-play characters like doctors friendly series start at age three, and emergency services to more and will be led by the Scott specialist, educationally-themed and Virgil Tracy costumes, tabards. This autumn will also see giving children the chance to the company offering a selection of dress as their favourite pilots.” licensed costumes for the first time.

The Cloudbabies brand is “Licensing is a new venture for us,” similarly on-message, with its soft, said Harrison, “despite working under cuddly characters and storylines contract for Disney for so many years!” making it the ideal subject The company’s years of experience for a range of plush onesies. and varied distribution channels meant “Cloudbabies really resonated with that it was quick to set up partnerships our company values,” explained with ITV (Thunderbirds), Hoho Harrison, “and we already had a Entertainment (Cloudbabies) and line of best-selling plush onesies the Natural History Museum. in that slightly younger age range “All the licences we have chosen so we were confident that we’d to work with reflect our core be able to combine the two to business message of education, create something really special.” teamwork and family values,” The Natural History Museum said Harrison. “We knew that if collection features a selection of we wanted to make the move extremely popular dinosaur into licensed product onesies which had also then we would need previously been some really strong a successful brands to hang line for our hat on Pretend To in the first Bee. “The instance.”

T-Rex has been a They’ve chosen best-seller for us well – the revamped for the past five Thunderbirds Are years,” said Harrison, “in fact, the Natural Right: The Cloudbabies History Museum already onesies are aimed at the stocked it in its gift shop! younger preschool market.

Making the move to a licensed costume was FASHION FIRST quite a learning curve though – we worked Other children’s clothing brands offered by Global closely with the in-house Solutions for Clothing are more recent developments, paleontology team to which see the company going back to it’s original, make sure everything fashion-led roots. Occasionwear brands Jellybean was exactly right, from and Tutu Clothing have both been developed for the number of claws to boutiques and the independent childrenswear the size of the scales.” trade, offering fashionable options which bridge All three ranges are the gap between dress-up and partyware. launching in October

▶

in time for the Christmas buying season, and will be sold alongside the rest of the Pretend To Bee range before being shown to the wider retail trade at Spring Fair in February 2016. “We didn’t want to stray too far from the Pretend To Bee identity and values,” Harrison explained, “as it’s important that retailers can be assured that the new lines will also meet our high standards.”

It’s those exacting standards which have ensured that Pretend To Bee remains the go-to brand for realistic roleplay products, whether licensed or otherwise. “We’ve found that kids really appreciate that level of authenticity,” Harrison explained.

“Many of our designs are based on real-life outfits or uniforms, so by mirroring them as closely as possible we’re really giving children the opportunity to immerse themselves in that make-believe world.”

Designs from the core range are typically reviewed every two to three years, with some changes more significant than others. A modern nursing outfit features the unisex blue trousers and tunic children will see if they visit a hospital, while firefighters are correctly represented in their beige uniforms. “We need to refresh the ranges frequently to ensure they are in line with what children see on an everyday basis,” said Harrison. “We still offer the ‘classics’ as well, but they tend to be bought by grandparents rather than for the educational market.”

With the new licensed lines set to launch shortly, Pretend To Bee will be looking to grow its presence within the industry. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed developing and launching these new collections,” said Harrison. “Hopefully, this will just be the tip of the iceberg for us!”

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LINDSAY LOGS IN LINDSAY RANDALL

WATCH AND LEARN

There are also several apps which have allowed me to sneak education into my children’s lives disguised as a game – Intro To Letters

by Montessorium taught my eldest his letter formation way before his preschool peers (he’d spend hours tracing his finger around the shapes on the screen and listening to the satisfying Swiping before they can talk, young sound, without really realizing he was learning).

Equally, Squiglet has helped immeasurably children in 2015 are more techwith numeracy, because it’s turned into fun. aware than ever before. But is that ELAs are inching into every aspect of society necessarily a bad thing? Taking a for our children today, and to my mind that’s look at how electronic toys have mostly okay because it’s often an extra nudge for educational changed in recent years, PPS development. The columnist Lyndsay gets high-tech. biggest challenge for me is how to maintain diversity – I still want ecently I asked my fourthem to kick a ball, year-old if she knew where smell a flower, explore the Statue of Liberty was an atlas, turn real pages (not hopeful of a correct and – when they’re older answer if I’m honest). ‘New York’ she – travel the world to see replied in a beat. Thrilled that I was new things rather than clearly managing to impart my limited just Googling them. geographical knowledge onto my children Above: Swiping a screen comes as second nature to this generation’s Perhaps naively, I have through some sort of osmosis, I took preschoolers. tried at times to make full credit for her wisdom. Until she them appreciate how lucky they are to have all this added; “I learnt it from an app on the iPad.” choice to enrich their learning and, basically, have Now – to be clear – as a parent of three young fun. Just this month, I ranted that many children children, there is absolutely a place in my life in impoverished countries have never even seen for electronic learning appliances (ELAs). They an electronic device and, frankly, if mine fight are right up there with a 6pm G&T on a Friday over the iPad once more I’m putting it straight in (and often a necessity in order to keep said a jiffy bag and sending it to Africa. A momentary G&T joyously free from tired toddler whining look of concern shot across my daughter’s face. and sticky raisin fingers). I think many of the Good I thought, point taken… until, “But mummy, VTech products are brilliantly educational and, what if they want some different apps?” despite my own parents shelling out significantly At preschool age, they probably shouldn’t more than peanuts for my private schooling, be asked to appreciate the stark technological Google has become my new BFF when it comes contrast across distances and history. They are to answering some of the more challenging undoubtedly lucky to be growing up in a place questions from tiny enquiring minds. where ELAs are accessible and encouraged and The Leapfrog TAG reading system ignited an early interest in books in both of my older children, within a time where advances are happening so fast that even at 40 I’m struggling to keep and the interactive space map offered a way to up with my four-year-old. We’ve come a long understand the solar system which had them way since the Speak & Spell of the 1970s. gripped for hours. Our trusted Peppa Pig laptop In fact, my in-laws recently cleared out their has seen me through three toddlers and – despite loft and arrived with four large dusty boxes for never having a battery change – still manages to The Husband to sort through. The children were trot out its theme tune in fascinated with the practical ‘history lesson’ laid an excitable (though now out before them and as I began to leaf through slightly wobbly) fashion faded Blur tickets and pleading love letters from every time it’s switched on. broken-hearted teenage girls, I looked round Left: With countless educational apps to choose from, screen to see the priceless image of our 20-month-old time can be a huge benefit trying to swipe the screen of a Commodore 64.” to kids’ development.

R

“

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CHECKING IN: FURCHESTER HOTEL Inset: The Furchester Hotel gang from left to right; Cookie Monster, Funela Furchester, Furgus Fuzz (with Isabel), Phoebe Furchester-Fuzz, Elmo.

Who wouldn’t want to stay at a hotel owned by a family of friendly monsters? With just the merest hint of Fawlty Towersesque chaos, the Furchester-Fuzz Family – along with Sesame Street favourites Elmo and Cookie Monster – come together to solve the problems thrown up by the various guests of the Furchester Hotel. PPS checks in to find out more.

Welcome To The to Furchester

A

s the first ever Sesame Street spin-off, there was a lot riding on the success of Furchester Hotel. A co-production between the non-profit educational organisation Sesame Workshop and the in-house production team at CBeebies, the series, which is aimed at three – six-year-olds, is set in an ‘almost’ world-class hotel, run by a close-knit family of cheerfully chaotic monsters. The show introduces brand new characters alongside the beloved Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. With 52 11-minute episodes produced, the show – which launched in September 2014 – is already in its second season, with the final 13 episodes rolling out this autumn.

“Sesame Street has been extremely well known in the UK for generations,

▶

so it’s incredibly exciting to bring the characters back to the UK for a new generation of kids with this spin-off,” said Risa Greenbaum, Sesame Workshop’s avp international licensing.

Sesame Workshop recognised that the UK market had a significant appetite for Elmo and Cookie Monster particularly, and wanted to create homegrown programming which reflected this. “Sesame Workshop and the BBC have been in discussions for quite some time to bring to market a series that engages kids and highlights these two powerhouse children’s media

GAME ON

“This is a very exciting new licence for us given that Sesame Street has is extremely popular across the generations. The new range offers something for children of all ages and also encourages group play and social interaction – key for early development.”

Stewart Middleton, managing director, Jumbo Games

Above and left: Furchester Hotel domino set and giant playing cards from Jumbo Games.

organisations,” Risa continued, “and there’s no doubt that Furchester Hotel does exactly that.”

Despite being relatively new to Above: The dedicated the preschool Furchester Hotel market, Furchester microsite on the Hotel has been CBeebies website. a huge success, partly because the two companies work so well together, sharing similar attitudes towards corporate and social responsibility. “We are true production partners in that sense,” explained Risa. “We are like-minded when it comes to the audience we serve and the business we support. It’s been remarkable working hand-in glove with CBeebies to produce this series and bring it to our target audience in fun and creative promotional ways.”

The show itself is one of CBeebies’ best performing programmes, and was number one in its timeslot in June (the latest figures to be available). The secret behind its success is relatively simple – by combining humour and friendship, which are core elements to the Sesame brand, with valuable early years social and developmental benefits, it’s a show both parents and children can get behind. “Being a favourite among kids is a strong statement for The Furchester Hotel PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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CHECKING IN: FURCHESTER HOTEL

▶ TOY TIME

Left: Talking Phoebe plush from Hasbro.

“Furchester Hotel is an engaging show loved by children across the country with old favourites and introducing new characters. Our exciting autumn/winter toy line includes the cuddly Talking Phoebe and Talking Elmo and a playset so kids can have their very own Furchester Hotel adventures!”

Kay Green, UK and Ireland marketing director, Hasbro



brand’s licensing activity has got off to a flying start, with master toy partner Hasbro launching its first lines in April, focusing on the more popular characters of Elmo, Cookie Monster and Phoebe. “Hasbro sits at the cornerstone of the overall licensing programme,” said Suzanne, “with innovative products that bring The Furchester Hotel family to life and reflect the fun and and we couldn’t be happier,” said humour found Risa. “It’s also wonderful to have throughout parents and caregivers falling back in the show.” love with their childhood friends like Hasbro’s Cookie Monster and Elmo!” launch was The series uses a cast of zany hotel well-recieved guests to uncover unique situations and at retail with problems that occur during the visitors’ listings secured Above: The stay, and Elmo, Cookie Monster and across all Furchester Team the Furchester Family must engage in major toy stores in a rare moment creative problem solving to meet the of calm on set. and grcers, and needs of each guest. “We know that a new campaign these qualities are an integral element is set to launch in autumn. Publishing in our mission of helping all kids grow partner Penguin and magazine smarter, stronger and kinder,” Risa partner Immediate Media both pointed out. “Education is important launched product in July, ensuring to all Sesame Workshop content.” the educational – as well as the fun – As a non-profit educational elements of the show can be brought organisation, Sesame Workshop’s into the homes of preschoolers. commercial activities help fund projects Other licensees which will be that help children and their families launching over the coming year grow smarter, stronger and kinder. The include a host of best-in-class partners Furchester Hotel licensing programme covering key categories: Abbey combines revenue generating Home Media (DVD), Alfred Franks & ventures with a large dose of fun.

Bartlett (eyewear), Aykroyds and TDP Talking to Suzanne Trevor, brand Licensing (nightwear and underwear), marketing manager at Furchester Hotel’s Fashion UK (outerwear), Gund (gift licensing agent CPLG, it’s clear that the plush), Jumbo (puzzles and games), Kokomo (toiletries), PMS (amusement plush, clocks, balls and pillows), Posh TURNING THE PAGE Paws (bags), Roy s F S CK RS e Kid LT Lowe (socks) “The magazine reflects the Fr e and Zak Designs pace, busyness and chaos (Melamine). of the Furchester Hotel. It “Each item has is jam-packed with comedy gone through a and surprises, challenging o! a stringent product children to come up with development creative solutions to an process, so array of wonderfully bizarre parents can be problems, while branded gifts assured the provide a creative, playful quality of each extension of the show.”

Oh no! and every item FUN! Steph Cooper, group

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meets their expectations of a product from the Sesame Workshop stable,” said Suzanne. “The style guide reflects the tone of the fun, colourful show, but licensees are also encouraged to come up with their own designs, tailored to fit local trends and satisfy the desire for home-grown brands.”

Of course, consumer engagement

FURRY

Batch: T5037.

London, WC2E 7DA. Labels, RG17 0YX. Holiday set: TCS, Stickers: Berkshire under 36 months Made in China. suitable for children Caution! EVA WARNING! Not CHOKING HAZARD. due to small parts. clean, cool tap water. fill camera with not use when vision may stain. Only blank range. Do Do not fire at point when crossing the road. ADULT to e.g, is vital for safety, not adhere stickers REQUIRED. Do SUPERVISION their removal. Please be damaged by for surfaces that may retain this information help Please future reference. environment. to look after the excess Please recycle any the correct packaging where facilities exist. inside. *T&Cs apply, see

£3.75 Issue 2

26 Aug – 22 Sept 2015

Above: The monthly Furchester Hotel magazine from Immediate Media.

is essential for any new preschool brand to succeed. Hasbro will be advertising the toy line on television from September and will continue its in-store marketing, while Sesame Workshop has put a full calendar of events in place; with costume characters meeting fans throughout the coming year. Radio interviews will also be airing on children’s radio, while reading workshops and another media tour are planned before the end of 2015 to take The Furchester Hotel into 2016 – and beyond.

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WHAT’S NEW THE FURCHESTER HOTEL Cross-category licensed product.

AYKROYD & SONS Aykroyd & Sons are among select licensees to have this unique property in their portfolio, and are confident that The Furchester Hotel will become one of the new brands to hit the shelves in 2016. It’s fun nature appeals to both boys and girls and it’s highly colourful imagery is superb for children’s nightwear.

01619291122 www.aykroyds.co.uk

ABBEY HOME MEDIA

IMMEDIATE MEDIA

Come and meet Funella, Furgus and Phoebé. Proud owners of The Furchester Hotel, home to welcoming warmth, heaps of hospitality and entertaining incompetence. Welcome to the Furchester Hotel, the very first DVD featuring six episodes from the hit CBeebies is released by Abbey Home Media on Monday 28th September.

0207 563 3910 www.abbeyhomemedia.com

A brand new magazine for Furchester fans at retail. The Furchester Hotel magazine launched in July 15, with a new issue out every 4 weeks. The magazine is packed with hilarious stories, puzzles and quizzes, colouring sheets, loads of stickers and a fabulous Furchester gift with every issue.

0207 150 5021 www.immediate.co.uk

POSH PAWS A brand new range of Furchester Hotel backpacks are now available from Posh Paws. The bag collection includes key characters from the show along with fun prints and sparkly designs. Kids can choose from Elmo, Cookie Monster, Phoebe or the whole Furchester family. Offered in a variety of sizes these bags are perfect for preschool.

01268 567290 www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk

PMS INTERNATIONAL PMS International will be launching Furchester Pillow Puppets for Spring 16 - a fun new novelty product with great play value.

The item will form part of an exciting range including plush cushions, clocks and playballs which will be marketed under the Gosh Designs brand.

01268 50505 www.pmsinternational.com

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WHAT’S NEW THE FURCHESTER HOTEL Cross-category licensed product.

JUMBO GAMES The Furchester Hotel range from Jumbo Games sees the launch of brand new puzzles and games.

Featuring brightly coloured sets of giants playing cards, as well the extremely popular four in one jugsaw puzzle, the range is the perfect addition to retail’s line up of Furchester Hotel product.

01707 260436 www.jumbo.eu

KOKOMO Profilic childrens’ toiletries experts Kokomo are set to launch an exclusive range of products for The Furchester Hotel. Among the exciting new range is a twin toothbrush set, Furchester toothpaste, and Furchester ‘Wobbly Eyes’ bath and show gel.

A must have range for major retail.

01235 828288 www.kokomostudio.com

HASBRO The Hasbro range of toys and plush from The Furchester Hotel are perfect for on-the-go preschoolers. Children can cuddle up with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Phoebe plush that come in a variety of sizes, while some include sounds and phrases from the show. They can also check-in with The Furchester Hotel Playset featuring iconic places as seen on the TV show, such as the lobby, dining room, and more so the kids can have their very own Furchester Hotel adventures.

0208 569 1234 www.hasbro.com

ROY LOWE AND SONS Prolific sock licensee, Roy Lowe and Sons are thrilled to be among the roster of licensees for The Furchester Hotel. With a strong, fun musical feeling, the feel good factor translates onto fun items of apparel very naturally. New ranges launching with Mothercare in summer 16 are just the beginning.

01623 441144 www.thesockmine.co.uk

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MY PUSH & LEARN THOMAS

Peppa’s Play & Learn Smart Watch ay & Learn Smart Watch TAB 2

© HIT Entertainment Limited

Peppa Pig© Astley Baker Davies Ltd/ Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

© 2015 Kurio™

© 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

T: 01727 827 194

KD UK, First Floor, The Annexe, Salisbury Hall, St Albans AL2 1BU

www.kdplanet.com/uk 14395 Tech Toys Progressive Ad 245x165mm v4.indd 1 096_PPS_Sept Oct 2015.indd Preschool 1

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INFANT ELECTRONICS

Inset: Sophisticated ELAs, like the Number Lovin’ Oven from LeapFrog, appeal to a tech-savvy preschooler.

Come Learn

With Me W

hile they’re as ubiquitious as ever, sales of tablets – including those designed especially for children – are declining, as the market space has quickly become saturated. In the second quarter of 2015, tablet sales declined by 7% year-on-year (IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker).

The overall trend is quite clear, as David Pannett, sales manager for Lexibook UK explained. “There was a huge boom here, starting in Christmas 2013. Tablets were the must-have presents for kids that year and through into 2014.

However, the market soon became totally saturated with cheap imports which drove the market price down.”

VTech has also seen a slight decline in the children’s tablet market, according to Rebecca Lazarus, senior brand manager.

“We envisage that although we have seen

the peak for this category, it will plateau and there will be a consistent demand for children’s tablets. In 2015 we believe there will be a resurgence in traditional ELAs, such as the VTech Challenger Laptop. Parents seem to be favouring the more traditional QWERTY keyboard to help develop essential early computer skills, while making learning fun.”

Talking Animals And Singing Ovens While many players in the ELA market remain committed to developing children’s tablets, there are some interesting developments in other product categories as well. David Pannett is excited about Lexibook’s latest electronic offering. “Our emphasis on ELAs has now shifted to new ‘learning robots’, with our first toy – Marbo penguin – which is launching this year.”

He continued; “UK retailers are really supporting this fantastic e-pet, which Left: LeapFrog Imagicard creates a physical-digital experience for children.

The preschool electronic learning aid (ELA) market has been dominated by tablets over the past few years.

PPS takes a look at how manufacturers are appealing to increasingly tech-savvy preschoolers with a raft of new electronic toys – from a singing oven to a counting penguin. offers a great combination of fun and learning. Exactly what traditional ELAs used to offer in the past.”

The Marbo penguin is a smart toy that talks, sings, dances and teaches children maths, words and logic.

The more a child plays with Marbo, the toy gets smarter and engages in more complex ways.

Parents can connect Marbo to a smartphone and download a large number of fun activities via an iOS and Android app.

LeapFrog has a number of new products too, with the Number Lovin’ Oven bringing baking and maths together, Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Box introducing toddlers to their first step-by-step building project through counting, measuring, and colour Top: Clementoni’s Baby matching T Rex is suitable for and Word children 12 months and above. Above: Marbo Whammer penguin from Lexibook helping is a smart toy that children with grows with the child. phonics skills.

In a similar vein, Italian toy manufacturer Clementoni introduced the Baby T-Rex earlier this year which speaks, sings and moves when activated.

Children can press the three shape buttons on its back and Baby T-Rex responds by walking and turning around.  PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL

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New from the UK’s No. 1 Infant Manufacturer* With new innovation, the award winning 4-in-1 Alphabet Train just got better!

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19-08-2015 21/08/2015 09:21:40 11:26 AM

INFANT ELECTRONICS

▶ VIDEO GAMES FOR TOTS

Above: VTech are expecting big things from the Challenger Laptop this year as parents seek out a traditional QWERTY experience. Above right: Tablets react to Tiggly Shapes just like a screen does to fingertips. Right: Preschoolers have their own wearable tech, with a Peppa Pig smart watch from KD UK.

 Tablet Innovation There’s still plenty of room in the market for innovation for children’s tablets and accessories, because – just like the market for adult tablets – technology moves at a lightning pace. KD UK has had great success with the Kurio Tab with its exclusive motion technology, and this year the company is introducing exclusive two-player motion games. “There is still a need for child-friendly tablets,” said Kyna Covington, trade marketing manager for KD UK, “as guardians do all they can to protect their children from dangers in day-to-day life, which includes keeping them safe online.”

As well as innovation in the tablets themselves, there’s a growing market of tablet accessories. Tiggly Toys is new to the UK market, but is selling extremely well in the UK, despite only

to life when used with a LeapPad tablet. “We were looking to create a physical and digital experience with LeapFrog Imagicard games that provided a more social and traditional learning environment, while still offering an incredibly engaging play experience for children,” said Dr Jody LeVos, director of learning at LeapFrog.

“Children love that they can bring their favourite characters to life in an interactive tablet experience, as well as collect and share cards with their friends.”

Below: Preschoolers can play video games through InnoTV from VTech.

Colourful Characters

As with most preschool categories, licensed characters play a big part in sales of ELAs and this shows no signs of slowing down. “Our licensed ELA portfolio has extended even more this year,” says Kyna Covington.

“We’ve embraced the phenomenon of wearable tech with the launch of Peppa’s Play & Learn Smart Watch which has several games, a motion sensor and watch.”

New KD UK licences THERE’S APP FOR THAT this year include THERE’S ANAN APP FOR THAT Thomas & Friends With so many youngsters having access to tablets or and Paw Patrol. “For phones these days, it’s no surprise that the number Thomas we have My of preschool mobile apps has boomed. Magic Light Push & Learn Thomas Pictures has created a number of apps based on which helps children Julia Donaldson’s stories, including The Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo, with a Stickman app coming in time for Christmas. The apps are designed especially for children, ensuring both players and parents feel comfortable and safe in the digital space with no in-app purchases or third-party ads.

▶

being launched this summer. They use capacitive touch point technology, so that the tablet reacts to the toys just like a screen does to fingertips. The Tiggly Toys come in shapes, numbers and letters and are compatible with most tablets – iOS and Android.

New for LeapFrog over summer was the LeapFrog Imagicard; a series of cards that allow characters to come

New this year for VTech was InnoTV, an educational video gaming console that connects to a TV. “VTech created the preschool video game category in 2004 with V.Smile and V.Smile Motion and is back in 2015 with InnoTV,” explained Rebecca.

“The gaming console features a wireless controller that switches for left or right handed use. The joystick, motion control and smart wheel enables a unique gaming experience. Cartridges featuring favourite characters from Frozen and Paw Patrol among others will be available that work across both the InnoTab Max and InnoTV.”

learn about colours, shapes, numbers and characters,” Kyna continued.

“And for Paw Patrol we have launched walkie talkies, so that little ones can set off on an adventure just like Ryder and the gang.”

While children’s tablets have grabbed the headlines in the ELA market over the past few years, it is great to see more traditional electronic toys making a comeback. But there is certainly nothing ‘old-fashioned’ about these toys – innovative product development ensures that these toys are as high-spec as mum or dad’s latest gadget, keeping everyone happy.

Inset: The Gruffalo game app from Magic Light Pictures captures the fun of Julia Donaldson’s story.

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www.rubiesuk.com 25/08/2015 12:31

A DESIGN FOR LIFE MAKING AUTUMN MEMORIES Moving play indoors for the autumn months often means getting crafty, which can offer parents a valuable insight into how their preschooler sees the world, as Stacey points out...

A

“

utumn catapults me back – to muddy puddles, finding earwigs in curly leaves and conker battles... but as the evenings draw in, more time is spent inside. So it’s even more important that parents are fully prepared with plenty of ways to entertain the kids.

Storytelling, make-believe play and baking, musical and creative-play are perfect play options when stuck indoors. After a full summer of adventures, exploration and discovery, autumn offers a great time to introduce a variety of play-types and new challenges, and parents are likely to snap up any indoor activities retailers can offer.

These indoor activities often offer parents an insight into their child’s imagination, so creative crafts or den-making kits are always popular, as is reading and storytelling. Encouraging children to make up their own stories and characters can transport them into a different world, helping them learn how to explore and apply their imagination – which in turn will help them learn about themselves, and what ideas have the potential to be successful.

This type of activity also helps to promote language and literacy and is the ideal preparation and confidence boost for starting nursery or reception class. During the preschool years though, mastering the set-up for indoor play during the autumn months is important, as it helps avoid boredom, tantrums and the build-up of frustration not being allowed outside.

A great indoor-play experience is when children are given the opportunity to follow their own ideas and interests, in their own way. A time for self-direction and self-amusement, the

Hamley’s brand design manager and toy designer, Stacey Dix has a special interest in preschool product and play and is perfectly placed to share her insights and thoughts about play theory and creative play patterns. rewards come from within the individual child; play indoors should be equally enjoyable and spontaneous as outdoor play.

The first step is to ensure that parents are able to stock up with the perfect indoor play tools to offer their preschoolers opportunities which are high in play-value. This could be anything from paper and pens, easels and paints and modelling clay to magic tricks, musical instruments and memory books.

Memory books – or scrap books for even younger children – are lovely creative-play activities, which can be filled with photos, handprints and memories of special events. The urge to collect unusual and fascinating objects is not specific to children, and going back through a memory-box teaches children the art of reflection and facilitates conversation between parent and child. This in turn leads to a better understanding of each other, strengthening the Above: Craft parent/child relationship, activities like and mastering transferable painting spike in speaking and listening popularity once the summer draws to a skills. Mastering the close. Left: Making thought process and memory collages selecting items – maybe or scrapbooks is a great way of keeping a first birthday card, children busy. favourite little toy or best drawing – is a great way for children to analyse objects and the memories associated with them.

These objects then become tangible artefacts to encourage the sharing of stories, while the box itself is easily customisable and will one day be a wonderful memory in its own right!

The types of play that parents tend to fall back on in autumn are less energetic than summer, but it’s important they still keep the kids active, so a decent stock of umbrellas, wellies and waterproofs will ensure that all opportunities for outdoor play can be grabbed with both hands!

As any parent knows, as little ones grow up the ‘wear-them-out’ factor of any activity becomes increasingly important – particularly for ensuring they go to bed on time!”

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FEEDBACK: AUTUMN FAIR SHOWCASE

Alan Houghton, sales manager, Hippychick Autumn Fair is a great “ opportunity to showcase our

All About

A U T UMN The typical autumnal backdrop of falling leaves and cooler temperatures might not be as reliable as it once was, but the raft of new product coming to market certainly is. Moving into the final quarter of the year offers numerous exhibition and new product opportunities, as PPS found out from a selection of suppliers at Autumn Fair.

Tony Eves, managing director, Cuckoo Autumn Fair is the best place “ to see products that are readily

available for immediate delivery.

As such it’s a very good time for retailers to get out there.

It’s been a crazy busy year so far at Cuckoo. We have totally transformed our collection, adding the Fabulous MiYim Organic Cotton Baby plush line, the imaginative Calafant Cardboard Craft Kits, the wonderful Lumoo Make Me Felt Friends, our quirky Escabbo Bath Toy collection and the wacky Deglingos plush and Mistinguette Dolls. We have also been appointed the UK and Ireland distributor for Small World Toys and Mahina Merfins.

”

Right: Roarsome inflatable dinosaur T-Rex from the Small World Toys range.

product ranges, carry out demonstrations and highlight the true features and benefits of them. It is also a great chance to engage with lots of existing and new potential customers all under one roof and obtain their all-important feedback as we look towards 2016 new product, too.

We are showing our brightly coloured and varied selection of BoiKido musical and educational wooden toys that really captures a little one’s imagination.

”

Right: The very colourful BoiKido range from Hippychick.

Nick Saunders, sales and marketing director, Brainstorm Toys Autumn Fair has a broad range “ of buyers across lots of different

sectors and so is the perfect platform to launch new products for the fourth quarter. We are renowned for our educational toys which are designed to engage and entertain children while teaching them about the world around them. We therefore find that our products are popular with both the toy and gift buyers who visit the NEC.

”

Left: Science rocks! The Geode Discovery Kit from Brainstorm.

Alexandra Heard, sales director, Tractor Ted

“

Autumn Fair offers a unique opportunity to get new Tractor Ted children’s toys and gifts, clothing and homeware into the spotlight.

We find that our Christmas trade sales really start picking up speed from early September onwards.

To get in front of buyers at this key trading time is absolutely vital as we look to seal new trade opportunities and meet with existing retailers.

”

Above right: The Tractor Ted glitter beaker.

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Meet an unrivalled consumer audience of new and expectant parents looking to touch, test, try and buy products and services.

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FEEDBACK: AUTUMN FAIR SHOWCASE

Roger Martin, director, Coiled Spring Games

Hannah Roberts, account manager, Rudolf Stein

“

This is our first time at Autumn Fair and we’re excited to show our fresh new range, Above: My Little Pony hair especially our chalks from Rudolf Stein. gift lines which are ready to order for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate our ability to add incremental sales and profit opportunities to existing and new customers. In particular our brand new My Little Pony hair chalks, which are a new and fun way of adding colour to hair, which is right on trend at the moment. We’re also very pleased to be announcing our forthcoming Care Bears range available in spring 2016.

”

James Roupell, managing director, BoBo Buddies

“

Autumn Fair is consistently one of our best shows, and that’s why we’re choosing to launch our new BoBo Baby Collection here. It’s the perfect time of year, as gift and nursery retailers look to stock up before Christmas.

We’re excited to be showing our new BoBo Baby Collection. This beautifully designed range of rattles, chimes, teethers and comforters have been made using the softest possible materials. We are introducing three new adorable characters, and they come individually packaged Above: BoBo Buddies are in beautiful display boxes, making renowned for them a perfect gift. quality product.

”

Safoura Bahrani, brand manager, WOW Toys

“

We are so excited to be at the show! It’s very focused on fourth quarter gifting and has great attendance from a variety of stores.

We are showcasing our new WOW Christmas lines – the first ever reward charts for toddlers – as well as our successful advent calendars. They are perfect for one- to five-year-olds. It’s a world first and the product is super amazing with buyers and consumers who love the Below: A rewarding new range from Wow Toys quality, size and innovation within the preschool category.

Themes include fairies, dinosaurs, and racers – so there’s something for everyone.

”

We are delighted “ to be back at Autumn

Fair for our eighth year.

The show allows us to meet and mingle with our existing and new retailers in the weeks running up to Christmas.

We have an exciting range of products to show as well as some of our classic bestsellers and welcome the opportunity to make new contacts and place new orders with our existing customers, too – we plan for an exciting and successful Q4.

We are particularly excited to be showing Pengoloo – a great game which teaches preschoolers the art of visual perception, memory and social play.

Above: Pengoloo –

”

hours of frosty fun.

David Bottomley, commercial director, Asobi

“

This time we are launching the beautiful wooden magnetic construction system from TEGU, having just signed a UK and Ireland distribution deal on this award-winning wooden construction system range.

I believe that Autumn Fair is the perfect opportunity to launch a product of this nature as it will have an appeal to the wide cross section of retailers and buyers that attend the show, looking for something new exciting and Below: Fun and learning worthwhile to fill with the Tegu range gaps for from Asobi.

Christmas of 2015 and beyond. The show timing could not be better from Asobi’s point of view.

”

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PA in the B Find us ion, il v a P h Britis A077 , Stand Hall 11.1

The Neat Nursery Co return to this year’s Kind & Jugend event showcasing the exciting launch of their brand new Character Care Baby Grooming Kit to add to their extensive product range.

Available in Pink, Blue & Green

Visit us at this year’s Kind & Jugend

Hall 11.1 - Stand C091

Opus.indd 1 Oct 2015.indd 1 106_PPS_Sept

www.neatnursery.com Tel: +44 (0) 1843 854011

/NeatNursery

Email: sales@neatnursery.com

@TheNeatNursery

29/08/2015 13:12 13:10 29/08/2015

FOOD OF LOVE

THE MILK OF

Human Kindness Even through the fog of sleep deprivation a parent’s most instinctive worry kicks into action – has my baby had enough nourishment? PPS takes a closer look at the army of products available on the market to make feeding even the fussiest babies a breeze.

Inset: Nuk Baby nipples are designed to encourage combination feeding.

W

hether parents decide to breastfeed or bottle feed, manufacturers are continuously coming up with new options to help parents to assuage their seemingly endless concerns.

How many hours has it been since the last feed?

How many ounces did they take? Is that Left: Contomo’s super three-inch wide mound and naturally shaped teat allows babies to latch on seamlessly and prevents ‘nipple confusion’.

too much or too little? Is the bottle comfortable for their mouth? Which breast did I last feed from? These are all questions parents will have asked at one point or another during the first crucial months of their babies’ lives.

An increasing number of manufacturers have stepped in to help mums to breastfeed – a practice encouraged by all the healthcare professionals. Medela, for example, has introduced its new Breastfeeding Starter Kit with everything a breastfeeding mum needs including PureLan nipple cream, disposable breastpads, Pump and Save bags, breastmilk bottles, a Quick Clean bag and Medela’s awardwinning Calma Feeding Device.

Many breastfeeding mums will

keep a notebook to help them remember feed times, particularly in the early weeks when a sleep-addled brain is perhaps less than reliable.

One option to help ditch the pen and paper is aden + anais’ Serenity Star; an electronic sleep and feeding system designed to assist parents in establishing routines for baby. The star-shaped unit can help establish a feeding routine by displaying the time of the last feed and is even able to let you know which breast you last fed from – a very useful feature for bleary-eyed mums!

While the ‘breast is best’ message is emphasised, and few would contend that point, for many new parents it just isn’t that simple. Recent research conducted by Nuk Baby with 1400+ UK mums revealed that a massive 71% of those interviewed experienced problems with breastfeeding and 69%

▶ ACTING PREMATURELY Dr Brown’s offers a 60ml Premature Baby Bottle and teat designed to address the specific needs of infants learning to coordinate breath and rest during feedings.

Dr. Brown’s Preemie Teat flows 57% slower than a Dr. Brown’s newborn teat. The slower flow of Dr. Brown’s Preemie Teat was created through a cohesive effort between medical professionals in the field of feeding and swallowing and the expert engineers at Dr. Brown’s to help infants with exceptional feeding conditions.

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FOOD OF LOVE

Inset: The Serenity Star from aden + anais helps to establish feeding routines.

 felt that the training they received

in prenatal classes didn’t adequately prepare them for a situation where they might not be able to breastfeed.

“It’s clear from these statistics that there does need to be an alternative,” asserts Chris Clarke, UK marketing manager at Nuk Baby.

“So we offer flexibility and a range of breastfeeding aids for those who can and want to breastfeed, but we also offer a range of bottles for those mums who are struggling with it or choose not to breastfeed.”

Right: Dr Browns bottles have been designed to create vacuum-free feeding, helping to prevent colic. Above: Medela’s Breastfeeding Starter kit contains everything a breastfeeding mother should need.

“Our research has shown us that combined feeding is a key requirement for many mums,” she continued.

“So we have designed our teats for this very purpose. By mimicking the shape of a mother’s nipple, the Nuk teat encourages latch on and is clinically proven to help babies switch between breast and bottle feeding without nipple confusion.”

This issue of combination feeding is critical for a large proportion of mums. It allows them a break from breastfeeding if they are struggling, but also permits dads to step in and enjoy the bonding time that feeding affords.

Fiona Kenworthy, marketing manager of Dr Browns, believes mums do have valid concerns about swapping between breast and traditional baby bottles due to the vacuum found in standard non-vented baby bottles.

“Dr Brown’s fully vented bottle design provides vacuum-free feeding similar to breastfeeding, which helps to minimise nipple/teat confusion and allows mums to continue complimentary breastfeeding baby for longer,” she says.

Whether parents opt to exclusively bottle feed or combination feed, for Fiona there is an

▶ BREAST INSIGHT Nuk Baby’s recent breastfeeding survey revealed that 91% of mums who attended prenatal classes planned to breastfeed. However, 45% felt that the training that they received didn’t adequately prepare them for breastfeeding and 70% felt the training didn’t adequately prepare them for a situation where they may not be able to breastfeed. The idea of breastfeeding appeals to most mums but there is a shortfall in the training they are receiving and a lack of education about the alternatives.

“From recent consumer insight research we know that combined feeding is a key want for mums to be, which is completely understandable as it helps gives them a bit more independence and control over feeding,” commented Chris Clarke, UK marketing manager. He adds: “It is often said that ‘breast is best’ – perhaps a better saying would be: ‘breast milk is best’. Wherever possible, we aim to deliver solutions that will enable parents to feed their child whichever way they are most comfortable with.”

issue of comfort that also needs to be considered. Dr Brown’s Natural Flow baby bottle is designed to be used from birth and is clinically proven to help alleviate the symptoms of wind-related colic. It features a patented internal vent designed to create a ‘vacuum-free’ environment, which eliminates the vacuum and air bubbles found in many baby bottles, allowing air to enter the area behind the feed through the teat collar, without being incorporated into the breast milk or formula.

Babies are able to feed more comfortably because the vent allows babies to feed without fighting the negative effects of a vacuum or the discomfort of ingesting air bubbles. “Parents will tell you that it is very difficult to bond effectively with a distressed baby, so the innovative features of the Dr Brown’s system makes for a happier baby,” Fiona explains.

So whether a parent opts for breast or bottle, a rigid feeding routine or feeding on demand, there’s a wealth of products out there to help take the teeth out of the feeding worry and guilt.

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Coming soon to a bedtime near you A revolutionary new 100% natural cot mattress collection by expert bed makers Harrison Spinks Unique baby pocket springs giving babies the best postural start Combined with natural fillings grown on the company’s Yorkshire farm Ensuring the best

possible night’s sleep for babies

For more information contact info@harrisonspinksbaby.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW FEEDING New product releases for Autumn/Winter 2015.

THERALINE The Theraline Plushy Moon pillow cover is super soft and great when feeding without a top on for mum and comfortable for baby. It’s supportive filling, made of tiny micro beads fits perfectly to any shape with minimal effort. Compact, very lightweight and ideal to take out and about. +44 (0) 7768 900072 www.theraline.co.uk

FILL N SQUEEZE

MIMIJUMI

Ergonomically designed with hand grips makes pouch feeding even easier. Can be laid down between feeds with no surface contact, dual pouch spoon allowing single handed feeding and a feeding spoon when no longer required as a pouch option. No twisting, just a simple insert into pouch for a tight secure fit. +44 (0) 7980 853446 www.fillnsqueeze.co.uk

The Mimijumi bottle looks and works like a breast with the baby ‘latching on’ to express milk. This helps avoid confusion and makes the transition between breast and bottle smoother. The innovative bottle offers health benefits to the baby by relieving air pressure during feeding and helping to prevent symptoms of colic. +44 (0) 1384 904025 www.mimijumi.co.uk

COMOTOMO A baby bottle, designed to provide the closest thing to breastfeeding.

Natural shaped teat allows babies to latch on whilst helping prevent ‘nipple confusion’. Made from medical-grade silicone, it’s soft skin-like touch is easy for babies to hold while providing two anticcolic vents to eliminate air intake. +1 800 890 6895 www.comotomo.com

STERIBOTTLE Steribottle Ltd will be exhibiting their unique ready-to-use disposable baby bottle range. Manufactured in their cleanroom facility in the EU, Steribottle is BPA free, 100% recyclable and ready to go straight from the box. Sold in the UK, Asia and the USA Steribottle are now seeking European distributors. +44 (0) 20 3627 2520 www.steribottle.com

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WHAT’S NEW GENERAL New products for preschool aged retail.

HARRISON SPINKS

CARTAMUNDI

Luxury bed maker, Harrison Spinks will launch NaturalStart cot mattresses in October 2015.

Utilising its expert knowledge of sleep and unique baby spring technology, while combining natural fillings which are grown on its own farm will ensure the best possible night’s sleep for babies and in turn their mums. +44 (0) 113 205 5200 www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

Shuffle Monopoly Junior. Available in autumn 2015, it’s a fast and fun version of the classic game for a younger audience. Also part of the groundbreaking Shuffle range, Cartamundi’s brand new product category that combines playing cards and digital technology for an enhanced way to play card games. +44 (0) 1268 511522 www.cartamundi.co.uk

POSH PAWS Posh Paws Disney Tsum Tsum plush are the very latest craze in collectable soft toys. All your favourite Disney characters are now cuter than ever in this Tsum Tsum collection. New Disney characters are being released each month so that fans will keep coming back for more. +44 (0) 1268 567290 www.poshpawsinternational. co.uk

MADPAX MadPax represents the evolution of the backpack. Rocking 3D backpacks that mix funk with function, they have all the pouches, pockets and zippered capacity you would expect from a backpack.

Highly durable, seriously lightweight and suitable for kids of ALL ages. +44 (0) 1132 588630 www.madpaxworld.com

JOHN ADAMS

SMART TOYS & GAMES Smart Toys & Games have made great headway during their first year as a direct UK operation and would like to thank their partners who are supporting the brand at retail. SmartGames is the worldwide leader in multi-level logic games and SmartMax is the award winning pre-school magnetic construction system for children aged 1 year plus. +44 (0) 1903 885669 www.smartgames.eu www.smartmax.eu

Sands Alive is an exciting new range of sand modelling kits, launched under the successful PlayStuff heritage brand. Sands Alive has an amazingly soft feel with a light and fluffy texture and unlike other sands, doesn’t feel gritty. It won’t dry out and super easy to mould into detailed shapes. +44 (0) 1480 414361 www.johnadams.co.uk

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WHAT’S

HOT?

Progressive Preschool spoke to a number of independent retailers, to find out what’s been selling well across the preschool market.

Lia Ball, proprietor, Rutti Tutti Retro Boutique, Southampton A boutique selling traditional toys, gifts and retro adult clothing and accessories.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Puzzle

Tidlo

Magnetic Fishing Fun is one of our top selling Tidlo products. It’s a good price and a popular purchase as a gift.

Play Sets

Pintoy

We do very well with the fire station, fire engine and firefighters, with many customers buying these toys as large birthday or Christmas presents.

Role Play

Le Toy Van

The Honeybake range of play food is just lovely. Parents like it, and so do children.

The birthday cake, complete with candles, is our top seller.

Ride-on Toys

Indigo Jamm

Indigo Jamm is a fab company to work with. Its range of ride-ons are good looking and make great gifts.

Baby Toys

Hape

We stock quite a few products from Hape. They are nice, chunky toys, very well made and parents really like them.

Tidlo

Pintoy

Alex Tham, co-owner, Little Gems Boutique, London

Fashion and footwear boutique opened by two mums. Recently opened another shop in Liverpool.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Baby Clothing

Question Everything

We can barely keep up with the demand for this brand! The dresses are all hand-smocked in the Philippines and are absolutely lovely. Many of our customers buy these dresses for special occasions

Girls’ Clothing

Love Frankie

Customers love the bright, funky designs. The dresses and one-piece jumpsuits are really popular.

Boys’ Clothing

Lilly and Sid

Lilly and Sid clothes always have such wonderful design detail. The snake charmer sweatshirt has been a real hit with customers.

Baby/ Toddler Shoes

Bobux

Bobux are a great company to work with, and we do a lot with them. The new Xplorer range has sold really well.

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Bobux

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BEST SELLERS

WHAT’S

HOT?

continued

June Walsh, owner, Shelley Tots, Farnworth, Bolton

A store operating for nearly 20 years, specialising in nursery equipment, prams, buggies and cots.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Pushchairs

Bugaboo

The Chameleon 3 is our best-selling product, but the new Buffalo is catching up. Men seem to particularly like the Buffalo; they like the big wheels and off-road look.

Strollers

Cosatto, Silver Cross

Cosatto always has such strong designs and prints, popular with those customers who want to make a statement. We also do well with Silver Cross; it’s such a well-known brand.

Furniture

BabyStyle

White nursery furniture is back in fashion and the Aspen range is a high-quality, glossy white set. Parents like the fresh look as it is easy to accessorise with.

Cots

SnuzPod

The SnuzPod is selling extremely well for us. I think parents like the fact it can be used as a co-sleeper, but also as a stand-alone crib.

Doll’s Prams

Silver Cross

From September we’ll start to sell more of the Silver Cross doll’s prams leading up to Christmas. These are big ticket items, and we offer a savings club for our customers.

Bugaboo

Silver Cross

Tracy Bunce, co-owner, Happicraft, Twickenham, London A nursery and toy shop that’s been in the same family for 40 years.

CATEGORY

Pushchairs

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

BabyStyle

COMMENT

We’ve just started stocking the new BabyStyle Egg and it’s becoming very popular.

Strollers

McLaren, BabyZen

Our biggest brand overall is still McLaren, but the BabyZen YoYo has been selling well. The fact it can be carried on a plane as hand luggage is a big selling point.

Car Seats

Kiddy

We do very well with the Guardian Pro 2. It is a Which? Best Buy, something our customers do engage with.

Carrier

Ergobaby

The Ergobaby 360 has to be one of the easiest-to-use carriers I have seen.

There’s been a real surge in the interest in baby carriers.

Gifting

Trudi

The hand puppets from Trudi make beautiful gifts at a good price point.

Kiddy

Trudi

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™

Birmingham 6th–9th September Autumn Fair International, NEC Hall 3, Stand 3W04–X03 Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 Fax: +44 1228 404080 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © Frederick Warne & Co., 2015. © GUND 2015

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