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Apr 5 2009
LemLem Styles Selling via J.Crew’s Crewcuts
Continuing its recent series of special partnerships, New York-headquartered J.Crew has partnered with Liya Kebede—model, actress, International Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the LemLem apparel line for children and women—on a selection of kids’ apparel. The styles are selling through the retail chain’s six Crewcuts stores and via JCrew.com. J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons initially […]
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Apr 5 2009
Manufacturer Recognitions
• Catherine Moellering, CEO of the New York-based children’s wear manufacturer Best & Co., has been named to the 2009 Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 list. Nearly 1,000 individuals from the corporate, fashion, media and nonprofit worlds were nominated. Moellering was appointed president of Best & Co. in 2007 and in her first […]
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Mar 30 2009
Kapuli Renamed Pimalinda
The Kapuli collection for babies and children, which is produced in a Peruvian factory with more than 30 years of experience, has been renamed Pimalinda. Gabriela Mavros of Kera Group LLC, the brand’s U.S. distributor, said the change helps communicate the fact that the brand (previously named after an Andean fruit) makes its apparel out […]
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Mar 30 2009
Industry to Hold D.C. Rally to Challenge CPSIA Flaws
The Alliance for Children’s Product Safety is spearheading an April 1 rally and congressional briefing to address flaws in the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) at the U.S. Capitol building. Backers said that as written, the CPSIA is harming business for vendors, retailers and charities, as previously “safe” products must now […]
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Mar 30 2009
Halloween Industry Association Appoints New Officers
The Halloween Industry Association (HIA), a nonprofit trade organization that supports the Halloween holiday business, has announced its Board of Directors for 2009-2010. New appointments include: Stanley Geller, president and CEO of Fun World Inc. in Carle Place, N.Y., as chairman Marc Beigem, president of Rubie’s Costume Company in Richmond Hill, N.Y., as co-vice chairman […]
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Mar 30 2009
Showroom News
• See Kai Run has opened a permanent showroom in the Dallas Market Center. The Seattle-based manufacturer of new walkers will partner in a space with sister shoe company Eleven Collection as well as PicaflorKids clothing. The showroom is located on the 8th floor World Trade Center, 2050 Stemmons Freeway, in the KidsWorld Studio #8701-09. […]
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Mar 30 2009
Laura Ashley Lauds Josmo as a Top Licensee
Children’s footwear importer Josmo Shoes of West New York, N.J., was recognized at Laura Ashley Inc.’s recent annual meeting as a top sales performer for the brand in 2008. “For the second year in a row, Josmo Shoes has exceeded expectations by increasing sales among independent retailers,” a Laura Ashley Inc. spokesperson said. “Adding new […]
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Mar 30 2009
FAO Schwarz Names New CEO
New York-based retailer FAO Schwarz recently announced the resignation of CEO Edward Schmults and the decision to appoint Barry Erdos, ex-president and COO of Bluefly, to the position. Schmults had served as head of the company since September 2005, and reportedly left to pursue other interests. In addition to Bluefly, an online retailer focusing on […]
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Mar 23 2009
ENK Reports Strong Traffic at Children’s Club
The recent Children’s Club edition produced by ENK International, which ran March 8-10 at the Javits Center in New York, showcased a total 810 collections from 15 countries and attracted buyers from across the country and abroad, management reported. According to Elyse Kroll, chairman of ENK International, “traffic was solid all three days and the […]
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Mar 23 2009
AmericasMart Announces New SVP
Atlanta’s AmericasMart Apparel has appointed Lori Kisner senior vice president. She will be in charge of all apparel leasing and trade show sales for all women’s, men’s, children’s, bridal and accessories lines, according to Jeffrey Portman, president and CEO of AmericasMart’s parent company, AMC Inc. Kisner rejoins AmericasMart following a tenure at Surf Expo, a […]
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Mar 23 2009
CPSC Responds to Questions Regarding the CPSIA
Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Nancy Nord posted a letter on the CPSC Web site last week in response to questions posed by Rep. John Dingell, (D) Mich., regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Ultimately, the detailed response, which you can read here, outlined the major issues the CPSC faces in implementing the law […]
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Mar 23 2009
Splendid, Ella Moss Acquired by VF Corp.
VF Corporation of Greensboro, N.C., has completed its acquisition of Mo Industries, the Los Angeles-based parent company of brands Splendid and Ella Moss. VF Corp. purchased one-third of Mo Industries’ stock in June of 2008 and the remaining two-thirds earlier this month. According to the company, it paid $161 million “plus the repayment of $47 […]
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Mar 23 2009
Hugo Boss Names Kids’ Wear Licensee
The latest designer label to enter the children’s wear market, Hugo Boss Trade Mark Management (a part of the Hugo Boss Group of Metzingen, Germany) has announced an intent to launch a BOSS Kidswear collection with C.W.F. Children Worldwide Fashion SAS of Germany, which has been creating licensed children’s luxury apparel for more than 40 […]
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Mar 23 2009
Pediped Gives $111K to Make-A-Wish Foundation
Pediped announced it more than doubled its pledge to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 2008. On March 2, the Henderson, Nev.-based children’s footwear company made out a check for $111,621 to David Williams, president and CEO of the wish-granting organization. Pediped initially agreed to raise $50,000 when it first partnered with the foundation a year ago, […]
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Mar 16 2009
Aeropostale Shares Plans for Children’s Retail Spin-Off
Aeropostale, a New York-based specialty retail chain targeting young men and women, has christened its new children’s store concept “P.S. from Aeropostale” and announced plans to launch it in the New York vicinity this summer. Geared toward ages 7 to 12, the stores will offer casual and trend-driven apparel and accessories with a focus on […]
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Mar 16 2009
Bubble Reports Steady Traffic at 7th Edition
The management for Bubble New York, which held its seventh children’s trade show March 8-10, reported that traffic was comparable to the last seasonal show despite the economic climate, with approximately 1,026 attendees visiting the 95 exhibitors—41 of whom were new to the show. Fourteen percent of buyers came from international locations, including Belgium, Brazil, […]
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Mar 16 2009
CPSC Granted Additional Funding
On March 11, President Obama signed legislation that will increase funding for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by $25 million over the 2008 allowance. The extra monies will be vital as the CPSC continues to implement the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Of the total $105 million appropriated for the […]
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Mar 16 2009
Barbie Turns 50
Mattel Inc.’s Barbie doll marked her birthday on March 9, 50 years after the character’s debut at the New York Toy Fair. The company marked the milestone by releasing an updated version of the original 1959 doll, which sold for just $3—its original price—during Barbie’s birthday week. Other Barbie dolls have also received a makeover, […]
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Mar 16 2009
Babe Ease Added to Atlanta Showroom
Pelham, N.H.-based Babe Ease LLC has announced its Original Clean Shopper shopping cart covers and other award-winning baby accessories will be represented by Link 2 Sales of Atlanta. A six-year-old manufacturer’s rep group located in the Atlanta Gift Mart Suite 1619, Link 2 Sales specializes in the wholesale trade of gifts, trends and accessories. The […]
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Mar 6 2009
Kidrobot Hires Marketing Exec
New York-based Kidrobot, a creator and retailer of toys, apparel and accessories, has appointed Rob Felton as vice president of marketing. He will develop a unified marketing objective for the brand and its apparel and toy lines as well as found entertainment and multimedia initiatives with W!ldbrain, an entertainment company and Kidrobot’s majority investor. Felton […]