|
|
October 2009 Children's Club: Established Exhibitors - Part III
TIC TAC TOE Extensive line of socks, hosiery, and leggings for infants to tweens Wholesale: $1.50 - $9 Ages: Infant - Pre teen Standouts: The fashion socks for infant boys, decorated with trucks, baby dinos, airplanes, stripes; the little boys' fashion socks decorated with trains, dinosaurs, planets, race cars, 'camouflage'; the fashion socks for little girls emblazoned with dots, new graphics, cupcakes, butterflies, and puppies; the lace trimmed Capri leggings; the brand new gift packs with 4 socks in a gift box (Princess for girls, Dinosaur for boys).
FYI: Tic Tac Toe is a division of Cricket Hosiery. The tagline of this division is "The socks kids ask for by name". They will be celebrating their 25th 'birthday' in February. Tel: 203 336 4901 E-mail: customerservice@tictactoe.net
Trendsrus Trend driven accessories Designer: Lisa Zampolin Ages: 2 - adult Wholesale: $1 - $20 Standouts: The fun, colorful, and oversized 'statement' watches; the large 'status' watches; the large beaded peace sign charms; the printed fringed large scarves; the braided leather wrap necklace/bracelet which is available in a number of color combinations.
FYI: Ms. Zampolin told me that she has been doing especially well with "anything that wraps"…and so that means any of her patterned scarves (the peacock printed one is a best seller), or her braided leather necklace/bracelet adorned with charms, that can wrap around your wrist 5 times. On her website's homepage, she proudly announces that Trendsrus is "The Trendiest Place on Earth". Tel: 516 797 9665 E-mail: orders@trendsrus.com
Mullins Square Well designed, quality crafted and innovative products for infants and children Designer: Bob Mullins Wholesale: $4.75 - $19.50 Sizes: Baby - Size 7 Standouts: The cotton velour 'tubbies' and 'costume ponchos' (hooded towels) appliquéd with animals and sea creatures including a lion, a duck, a puppy dog, a frog, a lobster, or brightly colored flowers; the appliquéd bibs, robes, and blankets.
FYI: It is a family owned and run company: founded in 1977 by Bob Mullins, they became known for their quality appliquéd products; his son Patrick came aboard in 2004. Tel: 212 967 6457 512-837-7062 E-mail: retail@mullinssquare.com
Trimfoot The babies', children's, and dance footwear specialist Wholesale: $6.50 - $24 Sizes: Infant, layette, preemie, toddler Standouts: The Ralph Lauren patent leather thong with flowers, canvas slip ons with the embroidered polo pony, the plaid and striped rope soled espadrilles, and dip dyed high tops; the Baby Deer patent thongs with zebra printed innersole, leather and patent double Velcro strap sandal, satin or leather shoes for monogramming for both boys and girls
FYI: The company, which is based in Farmington, Missouri, is over 100 years old; Baby Deer is their house label but they also have the licenses for Ralph Lauren and Guess Tel: 573 756 6616 E-mail: cathyjarvis@trimfoot.com
Sozo for Life Fun and whimsical products for babies Designer: Sean Gildea Wholesale: $5 - $17.50 Sizes: Infant, layette, toddler Standouts: The new apparel line for boys and girls; the bunting and cap sets in 6 different styles which are new; the expanded line of velour knapsacks which are wearable blankets; Swaddle & Cap Sets
FYI: Sozo is a Japanese word meaning 'creation and imagination'. Their first product was the 'weeblock' and they continue to add different designs to this popular staple. Their tagline is, "For babies with style". Tel: 203 266 0701 E-mail: sgildea@sozousa.com
Empress Arts High-quality, beautiful products with an international, artistic flavor Designer: Sharon Kuo Wholesale: $8 - $200 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Girls 4 - 6X, Infant, Layette, Toddler Standouts: The reversible machine washable quilted down vests; the felt appliquéd crayon holders; the fuzzy white puppy slippers; the cotton/poly cow printed one-piece footsie with a baby in its pocket; the sweater knit stuffed animals; the teething rings on knitted strings with animals
FYI: The company is three generations old. Ms. Kuo is the daughter of internationally acclaimed artist, Ming-Chaio Kuo, whose work has been displayed within such iconic institutions as the Smithsonian and the Vatican, and who is also widely recognized as having revived the age old art of cloisonné. Daughter Kathy, who has a degree in interior design from Woodbury University, has become very involved in all aspects of the company. Tel: 323 780 8183 E-mail: sales@empressarts.com
Spare Change Cool jewelry for hip girls Designer: Peggy Bobrow Wholesale: $8 - $12 Ages: 8 and up Standouts: The new 'Shades of Green' collection of carded jewelry on Irish linen cords, packaged on recycled paper which comes with a pack of wildflower seeds. (What is the meaning of the seeds? They serve as a "gentle reminder for us all: change occurs little by little; by sowing these wild flower seeds we're taking a small step in making our earth a prettier, healthier home for the butterflies, humming birds, and honeybees).
FYI: The company is called Spare Change because Ms. Bobrow's first products were the coins from all over the world which were affixed to stretch bands. Her favorite from the new collection is the elephant, which come with the famous Gandhi proverb: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Tel: 847 835 4311 E-mail: peggisu@sparechangejewelry.com
Trimfit Legwear for newborns and adults Retail: $3 - $9 Sizes: Boys 4 - 7, Boys 8 - 20, Girls 4 - 6X, Girls 7 - 14; Layette, Infant, Toddler Standouts: The heavyweight cotton ribbed tights; the ankle socks with seamless comfort toe: the 'Calypso' group for girls (tie dyes, argyles, hearts, stripes, ballerinas, flowers); 'In Bloom' for toddlers; and the 'Americana' group for boys (airplanes, dinosaurs, stripes, soccer balls); the newborn booties and the gift packaged baby socks, which come in sheer mesh bags.
FYI: The Bristol, Pennsylvania-based company has been in business for about 80 years but they love to point out, they are "still young at heart". Known for their tights, the Parochial School Program is a large part of their business Tel: 212 244 7784 E-mail: mail@trimfit.com
Originally published November 7, 2009
|
|
