e a r n i e awa r d w i n n e r s
2017
children’s world Apparel | Accessories | Shoes | Gifts DÊcor | Maternity | Juvenile Products
Showroom: Teacup Tots While Teacup Tots is always brewing new ideas for better business, owner Heather Rubino says Southern hospitality is the key ingredient to the showroom’s success. “I see the showroom as an extension of my home,â€? Rubino says. Relocated this year to a new space on the atrium in AmericasMart Atlanta, the 1,200-squarefoot space features a warm dĂŠcor with picturesque chandeliers and hand-painted brick walls. The customer experience is enhanced with a custom playlist of contemporary music coupled with homemade treats like sweet potato bars and biscuits, as well as a fully stocked coffee station. “In the South, you’re taught to show people you love them through food,â€? Rubino says, noting that being born and raised in Texas taught her the customer service fundamentals. “The customers’ comfort is always our priority,â€? she says. Prior to her career in childrenswear, Rubino spent 15 years working in marketing for an Atlanta-based Fortune 500 company. She left to pursue a more family-friendly path that has allowed her to combine her business and marketing acumen with a passion for children’s apparel. The mother-of-two opened Teacup Tots in 2010 and, along the way, hired three women with more than 30 years of combined industry experience. The Teacup Tots team connects with local retailers through personalized e-mails, calls and social media outreach. “We are like a mini family,â€? she says. “And we want our customers to feel that.â€? The showroom’s new location has been key to providing a more streamlined shopping experience. Housing 19 brands that span children’s apparel, accessories and toys, Rubino has divided the space into individual buying stations to help organize and simplify the process. “We also took the opportunity to really narrow in on our best of the best brands,â€? she says, noting, “A retailer can get overwhelmed looking at one huge brand after another, so we work with lines that have the perfect trifecta of specialty designs, great partnerships and good customer service.â€? The Teacup Tots roster includes 2017 newcomers Luna & Stella, Art & Eden and Un Deux Trois, while big names like Joules, Snapper Rock and Mayoral were once again the showroom’s leading sellers. Rubino reports an uptick in sales overall for the year, citing the tween and accessories categories as particularly strong performers. Whatever is trending, she adds that it’s Teacup Tots’ mission to be a reliable showroom for retailers. “We always have an eye on upcoming trends, what’s new and what opportunities could be on the horizon,â€? she says. “But it comes down to balance and having our stores’ backs. If we see a brand is not performing well—no matter how much we love it—it’s not a fit.â€? —A.J.
Mark Your Calendars Children’s World at February Atlanta Apparel 2018 SHOWROOMS & TEMPORARIES:
February 6 – 9 Saturday, February 10: Select Building 3 Showrooms Open— Please schedule appointments to make sure the exhibitors you wish to see are open for business.
Don’t Miss the Cutest Runway Show Happening: Wednesday, Febuary 7, 2018 6:15 p.m.
Visit AmericasMart.com for the latest Market date information. Dates subject to change.
Register Today at AmericasMart.com/ChildrensWorld
800.ATL.MART
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Š 2018 AMC, Inc.
LINES FE AT URED: Joules, Lilly + Sid, Lil’ Pyar, Moulin Roty, Paisley Magic, Umi
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