ABC Kids Expo Showcases Will Spotlight Juvenile Product Trends
Specialty toy and gift retailers sometimes carry unexpected product lines. Edplay has heard from many who offer items such as arts and crafts supplies, candles, clothing, candy or even pet supplies in their stores. Toy retailers attending the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas from September 7 to 11 will have the opportunity to see an array of juvenile products beyond just toys. The show is featuring two special showcases this year, Naturally Kids and Modern Child. Naturally Kids highlights eco-friendly products, and Modern Child emphasizes design and functionality. These two showcases are indicative of two really hot trends in kids’ products this year: Everyone, it seems, wants to go green and, at the same time, be surrounded by great looking designer stuff.
Retailers looking to diversify their mix of products could consider carrying items such as green clothes, children’s furnishings and baby care products, glass bottles and phthalate-free baby utensils and toys, modular stroller and car seat systems that work together, or even themed, designer product lines for infants. Many of these items aren’t what you might think of when you think “toy store,” but they are hot right now and some of the hottest will be on display at the 2008 ABC Kids Expo showcases.
Naturally Kids is focused on environmentally friendly products that are healthy for both families and young children. To exhibit in this area, companies submit an application to an independent selection committee consisting of three manufacturers, three independent retailers, a member of the ABC Kids Expo staff and a member of the media. Manufacturers and their products are reviewed annually in order to maintain compliance with the selection criteria.
To be featured in the showcase, 90 percent of the company’s product line must be made from sustainable natural and/or organic raw materials and/or compounds. Plastics must be non-leaching and non-toxic “safe plastics.” Participants must also be industry leaders in reducing emissions and supporting environmental concerns worldwide; demonstrate a consistent and continuous flow of new product development and innovation; be a proactive participant in ongoing efforts to improve manufacturing processes to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and encourage waste reduction; demonstrate a commitment to manufacture based on principles of renewable, recyclable, reusable and sustainable materials; and provide copies of their mission statement or statement of purpose as well as documentation or certification from a government agency or similar documentation from an independent third party (e.g. USDA Organic, JAS, Australian Certified Organic, BIO/Germany, Certified Organic, International).
Modern Child is focused on contemporary design and high functionality. This section of the show represents the most innovative designs within numerous product categories. To exhibit in this area, each company must submit an application, along with the required documentation, to be juried by a selection committee consisting of three manufacturers and three independent retailers. To be selected, products must demonstrate original, creative and authentic design; a new and innovative use of materials; a focus on contemporary, modern and fashionable design; and functionality to meet the needs of today’s parent and child. Companies must also show a consistent and continuous flow of new product development and innovation. Again, the manufacturers’ products are reviewed annually in order to maintain compliance with Modern Child’s selection criteria.
If you have plans to attend the ABC Kids Expo this September, you won’t want to miss these showcases where some of the most innovative and green kids’ products will be on display. You may decide to introduce a new product or line to your store. At the very least, you’ll probably find yourself saying, “Now that’s cool!” more than once.
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