chilDrenSwear BUYer ocToBer 2013 iSSUe 84 ÂŁ8.50
The Schoolwear Show: exclusive preview of the event and its offer for Back to School 2014 one name coverS iT all: mark Stevenson, mD of Stevensons, on the company’s latest developments The Tool for Back To School: a new personalised check list to help children organise their school day
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Kissy Kissy Celebrates its Sweet 16th Birthday! www.kissykissyonline.com
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REGULARS 05: Comment 06: News 08: NCWA 10: Open for business Legal and business advice plus industry opinion 12: Retail therapy Store profiles and retail news 14: Brands to watch Editor’s pick of brands 24: Style guide Hoodies 26: Laura loves The coolest products for kids 58: Talking point: Tico Torres
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17: Industry measure Bestselling children’s brands 18: A swaddling success aden + anais co-founder Raegan Moya-Jones on how the brand has evolved to become the global name it is today 20: Foot patrol Key s/s 14 kids’ footwear styles as seen at the August 2013 edition of Moda Footwear 22: The world of Lelli Kelly Lelli Kelly’s latest launches, which include new footwear ranges and a debut clothing collection
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30: News 34: One name covers it all The latest developments from Stevensons, an independent family owned supplier of school uniform and sportswear 38: The tool for Back to School A look at Orkid Ideas’ debut product, the TomTag, a personalised check list for children to plan their school day 41: The Schoolwear Show preview Highlights of what will be on offer at this year’s event 52: Fabric of change Why P&R Fabrics is upping its profile in the schoolwear sector
26 & 27 January 2014 Business Design Centre, London A great mix of children’s products A unique buying experience
Read our blog, follow our twitter and become a fan!
Photography: Sonya Hurtado, sonyahurtado.co.uk
Apply online now, or register for free tickets at bubblelondon.com
October 2013
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Two years on, the hype has died down and the dust has settled, and not too much has changed. Despite shop vacancy rates remaining stable across the UK, the amount of empty units remains “stubbornly high”, according to a report by the Local Data Company (LDC). The number of vacant stores currently stands at 22,339, which has gone down by 0.1 per cent from 14.2 per cent in 2012 to 14.1 per cent in 2013.
But the high street has a new, potential saviour offering an alternative review – Bill Grimsey, former CEO of Iceland, Wickes and Focus DIY. Within his review of 31 recommendations, Grimsey is urging major players to put something back into the high street, namely national retail and leisure chains, investing 0.25 per cent of one year’s UK sales from 2014 into a local economic development to create a fund of around £550m for high-street initiatives. We will be covering Grimsey’s plans and visions for the high street in full next issue, so don’t miss it.
exclusively for Schoolwear Association members and an all-new website to keep you updated in the run-up to the event. As the show’s official media partner, CWB brings you an exclusive preview to the exhibition’s offerings for Back to School 2014, starting on page 41. We also speak to new exhibitors Orkid Ideas on page 38, and P&R Fabrics on page 52, to discover why they have chosen now to place their focus on the schoolwear sector. And we speak to Stevensons’ MD, Mark Stevenson, on page 34, to learn more about the schoolwear and sportswear retailer’s latest investments and plans going forward. For those attending The Schoolwear Show, we will see you there. Until our next issue for November/December, keep updated with all the industry’s latest news at cwb-online.co.uk.
Laura Turner Editor
This issue, however, we are focusing on the schoolwear sector, with the industry's biggest trade event, The Schoolwear Show, fast approaching. This year’s exhibition on 13-15 October is the biggest to date and, in addition to its key returning names, will include 12 new exhibitors offering a host of product, as well as a new coffee lounge
Editor Laura Turner laura@ras-publishing.com Contributors Isabella Griffiths isabella@ras-publishing.com Christina Williams christina@ras-publishing.com Victoria Jackson victoria@ras-publishing.com Sub editor Amanda Batley amanda@ras-publishing.com Designers Michael Podger mick@ras-publishing.com Clive Holloway clive@ras-publishing.com James Lindley james@ras-publishing.com Richard Boyle richard@ras-publishing.com Sales manager Helen Hodson helen@ras-publishing.com Subscriptions Lydia Bennett lydia.bennett@ite-exhibitions.com Head of childrenswear Lindsay Hoyes lindsay@ras-publishing.com Production director Gill Brabham gill@ras-publishing.com Marketing director Stephanie Parker stephanie@moda-uk.co.uk Managing director Colette Tebbutt colette@ras-publishing.com Reprographics/printing Image Data Group Ltd 01482 652323
CWB is published 6 times per year by RAS Publishing Ltd, The Old Town Hall, Lewisham Road, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5AL. Call 01484 846069 Fax 01484 846232 cwb-online.co.uk Copyright© 2013 CWB Magazine Limited. All rights reserved.Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose, other than short extracts for review purposes, is strictly forbidden. Neither RAS Publishing Ltd nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage to transparencies and any other material submitted for publication.
CWB is a joint venture between RAS Publishing and the National Childrenswear Association.
A Buyer Series Fashion Business Publication CWB is a fashion business publication produced by RAS Publishing Ltd. Other titles include WWB and MWB. RAS Publishing is an ITE Group company.
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ď€?ď€•ď€’ď€™ď€™ď€’ď€€ď€‘ď€’ď€€ď€™ď€’ď€œď€›ď€€ď€”ď€œď€’ ď€–ď€›ď€Ąď€œď€€ď€™ď€–ď€žď€˘ď€–ď€‘ď€Žď€Ąď€–ď€œď€› UK childrenswear company Michelle De Leon (MdeL) has been placed in creditor’s voluntary liquidation by MD Adrian Wilkinson. Insolvency practitioner Mazars has been appointed to handle the liquidation.
 ď€?ď€?ď€œď€–ď€›ď€Ą ď€?ď€’ď€œ Denim giant Diesel has appointed Alessandro Bogliolo as its new CEO. Bogliolo’s direct reports will include the company’s key functions, the general managers of all Diesel divisions and business units, and the general managers of all the subsidiaries worldwide.
Registered in August 2012, Michelle de Leon acquired Banner’s fashion labels Little Darlings, Coco Collection and Abella. Plans were to begin producing the Little Darlings christening range in England from April 2013, with sister brands Coco Collection and Abella produced from the company’s group manufacturing facility in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, with the group manufacturing business Roger Silcock & Co intending to increase manufacturing capacity.
Bogliolo brings with him a strong track record in the luxury world, having started his career as a consultant at Bain & Co in Paris and Milan. He spent 16 years at luxury jeweller Bulgari before being appointed North America COO of French cosmetics chain Sephora, based in San Francisco, in 2012. “After the appointment of Nicola Formichetti as artistic director early this year and the launch of the new marketing initiatives, this new arrival is the perfect next complement,� says Renzo Rosso, Diesel founder and president of OTB, the holding company which controls Diesel.
ď€?ď€&#x;ď€?ď€?ď€Śď€€ď€ ď€€ď€? ď€?ď€œď€&#x; Continuing its expansion plan as a global lifestyle brand, Caramel Baby & Child has opened a new store in Singapore, housing its own ready-to-wear and home collections with an edited mix of toys, books and accessories. Situated in Paragon Shopping Centre, the 500 sq ft store joins the brand’s portfolio of international standalone boutiques in London, New York and Japan. Founded in 1999, Caramel Baby & Child has become known for its fresh silhouettes, bold prints, distinctive colourways and blending of classic and contemporary styling.
ď€&#x; ď€&#x;ď€? ď€€ď€“ď€œď€&#x; ď €ď€Šď€Šď€‡ď€šď€€ď€™ď€’ď€Łď€Ś National retail and leisure chains should invest 0.25 per cent of one year’s UK sales from 2014 into a local economic development fund to help sponsor start-ups and new ventures on the high street, claims the Grimsey Review, an alternative report of the high street led by Bill Grimsey, former CEO of Iceland, Wickes and Focus DIY.
ď€?ď€? ď€&#x;   ď€? ď€–ď€œď€› British denim label Pepe Jeans is looking to capitalise on the emerging Asian market by expanding its Asian operation with the proposed opening of 50 stores over the next five years. While Thailand is a priority, the brand is looking to open stores in Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea, taking its store portfolio to 550 worldwide. Pepe recently opened its biggest flagship store in South East Asia at Bangkok’s Central World shopping centre, with a 160 sq m store selling its full wardrobe offer.
In the review, which offers 31 recommendations on how the vanishing high-street problem can be turned around, Grimsey is urging major players to put something back into the high street. He claims the one-off levy would create a “powerful fighting fundâ€? of around ÂŁ550m as opposed to the government’s current spent of ÂŁ20m on high-street initiatives. Research from analyst Company Watch, which uses the financial performance figures of nearly 44,000 retail companies with a total net worth of ÂŁ58bn and has been the basis of the report, warns more than 20,000 shops are in the “warning areaâ€?, representing an alarming 46.6 per cent of all retailers in the study. Other issues he examines include business rates, long-term planning, using technology to create “networked townsâ€?, car parking, access to finance for small business, charity shops and planning regulations.
ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€? ď€?  ď€˜ď€–ď€›ď€?ď€&#x;ď€&#x; Organic, Fairtrade baby and children’s clothing brand Little Green Radicals is expanding its range of organic skincare, following the line’s initial debut in May. Launching this month, the Soil Association certified products include an organic baby massage oil and gentle scalp oil, an all-natural baby shampoo, as well as body wash and baby lotion. Little Green Radicals’ skincare range is produced in collaboration with Natural Skincare Solutions in Dorset, made without synthetic perfumes, parabens or chemicals, and is never tested on animals.
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The British Independent Retail Association (Bira) has launched a cashback reward scheme, which is designed to give members £30 or £60 cashback when they place an order with a new supplier.
LittleCasa.com is a newly launched online baby and childrenswear boutique, which as well as retailing independent labels, designs and creates its own licensed ranges.
Buyers will be required to make an order to the minimum value of £300, with the initiative running through to 31 December this year. All Bira members will be eligible for the cashback reward scheme. Paul Woolley, managing director of Bira Direct, says, “By offering a cash incentive, we hope to reduce the financial burden of trying a new supplier and bring added value to Bira membership.”
Licence holder to a number of popular children’s brands such as Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Batman, Superman and Hello Kitty, Little Casa’s own ranges include T-shirts, pyjamas, bodysuits, sleepsuits, bibs, hat and mitten sets. A nursery range featuring bedding sets and curtains through to Moses baskets and fabric pictures is also available.
Plusher, a new luxury consumer show for families, is making its debut on Saturday 9 November at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. Aimed at forward-thinking and discerning parents, and showcasing innovative and luxurious products catering for the family market, Plusher is the brainchild of events industry expert David Spowart. The ticketed event will include a selection of brands ranging from childrenswear and toys through to interiors and holidays. Visitor highlights include a fashion show featuring Christmas partywear looks for maternity and childrenswear and special appearances by children’s authors and high-profile guests. A number of panel discussions aimed at parents will also run throughout the day, covering the themes of Working Mums, Fitness and Beauty.
Sir Stuart Rose (pictured), Laura Wade-Gery and Ilan Benhaim are set to share their expert views of the retail sector with key industry players at the Internet Retailing Conference (IRC) on 16 October. Now in its eighth year and taking place at the Novotel in London’s Hammersmith, the conference, The New Basics of Retail, is set to attract over 500 delegates and 45 exhibitors. The conference features three themes, with industry experts sharing their knowledge of The Customer, entitled The Business and The Industry, as well as a further eight free workshops. The Customer stream explores what the customer sees and what they expect. The Business stream assesses how retailers are matching and exceeding customers’ expectations while differentiating from competitors, and The Industry stream looks past expected practice to potential “retail basics” of future years.
Little Casa complements its licensed ranges with independent childrenswear labels such as Little Mashers, Beau Loves, Rockabye Baby, Levi’s, Hatley and Lilly + Sid.
Debenhams has joined forces with BBC Children in Need to create an exclusive range of designer childrenswear, with all profits from every item sold donated to the appeal. The retailer challenged celebrities Tess Daly and Jeff Brazier, designers Donna and Markus by Markus Lupfer and Frostfrench by Sadie Frost and Jemima French, its own brand Bluezoo, a fashion editor and a blogger to create a child’s T-shirt or onesie to be sold in its stores and online at Debenhams.com. Launched in 80 stores, the range of eight T-shirts for boys and girls aged 2-10 years and a onesie, all incorporate the signature BBC Children in Need spots design. The BBC Children in Need 2013 appeal show airs on BBC One on Friday 15 November.
Children’s UV swimwear and beachwear brand Sunuva is launching its first cruise collection this October. With increased demand for year-round availability of swimwear and beachwear, the advanced delivery of the label’s cruise range has been embraced by major department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Barneys. Showcasing a new range of prints, the cruise line includes the introduction of baby float suits, girls’ swim shorts and towelling dresses as well as new and improved versions of the nappy pant, and boys’ cap with detachable flap.
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& $& #"$ "& $ & !% &" $ #" % # & !$ $#!& % #" % EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COMMENT: It has been said that coming out of a recession can often be the most difficult period for companies. Having coped with months or years of falling demand, lack of consumer confidence and financial constraints, when it looks as if the end is in sight and things may be turning a corner, the ability to invest and to look for growth, rather than cutbacks, is not there. I wonder whether part of this is in the mindset – always wary of spending too much, always making economies where it is possible. When the time comes to start expanding again, companies are not awake to what they should be doing. Ironically, even those companies that are aware of what they should be doing find that they are too weak, or do not have the necessary structure to move on to the next stage of their life. I have no magic cure for this, beyond encouraging companies to keep looking round that corner, but news that businesses are still closing does not necessarily mean the country is still deep in recession. Let us hope that the UK childrenswear industry is leaner and fitter and ready to grasp the opportunities that will surely be there.
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BUBBLE & SQUEAK 30 High Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire Mother and daughter Sarah Walters and Jess Christoudias opened children’s boutique Bubble & Squeak in April 2011. Providing clothing for boys and girls aged newborn to 11 years, the store’s offer spans everydaywear through to nightwear, swimwear and party outfits from brands such as Name It, Kite, Noa Noa, Lily + Sid and Mayoral. A wide range of baby gifts are also available alongside personalised prints from Dotty Apple. The store favours traditional wooden toys over the latest plastic “must haves� and offers a selection of glove puppets and cuddly toys. www.bubbleandsqueakstamford.co.uk
NCWA cannot run other people’s businesses, nor can it tell when is the right time to invest. What we can do is help businesses meet their obligations under British and European Standards to ensure the safety of the childrenswear they make, supply or sell. September’s seminar on the Cords and Drawstrings and Mechanical Safety Standards was sold out. We shall be organising another one, so why not invest in attending it, to make sure that your clothes are safe? Another area where NCWA has been working hard to help members is through discounts on services. When the recession began, many suppliers of services ended the discount arrangements that had existed. I always thought this was short-sighted, so I am doubly pleased that companies are now beginning to offer such arrangements again (pleased for our members and pleased that this may be a sign of those companies seeking to expand and grow). NCWA members can now benefit from discounts on insurance, search engine optimisation, website design and photography and we hope to expand this list. All trade associations need dedicated, knowledgeable individuals to serve on their councils and committees. It can be a thankless task, but it can bring its own rewards, not least that feeling of contributing to, or putting something back into, the industry. I am, therefore, delighted that Rachel Riley, of the eponymous brand, has agreed to join the NCWA council. We look forward to her contribution. If you are not a member of NCWA and would like to benefit from the expert advice we can offer, not least at one of our seminars, or from the discounts available from our affinity deals, or from the free webpage you could enjoy on our website, do contact Michelle Payne at the NCWA office. NCWA is based at 3 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR, tel 020 7843 9488, fax 020 7843 9478, e-mail info@ncwa.co.uk or visit www.ncwa.co.uk.
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BAGAMOO Cara Craddock-Smith is the director and owner of Bagamoo, a buy and sell designer childrenswear website, which launched in August 2012. The site is reaching out to parents to try its clothing recycle programme, which enables customers to “earn instant cashâ€? selling on their outgrown children’s clothing to Bagamoo, and at the same time refreshing their own children’s wardrobe via the store’s wide range of like-new designer clothing. The website offers free delivery on orders over ÂŁ15. www.bagamoo.com
NCWA Council: Chairman SHARON BEARDSWORTH Emile et Rose Manufacturer Vice Chairman DAVID HULL Agent Imm Past Chairman DAVID BURGESS David Luke Ltd Manufacturer Treasurer COLIN WILSON
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Council Members: NUALA MCKENNA Nuala McKenna Agencies Agent. DIANE SHAW Agent. SARAH TAYLOR Agent. RAY WILLIAMS Agent. HANNAH MCHALICK Oh Baby London Manufacturer. MALCOLM TRAVIS Travis Designs Manufacturer. RACHEL RILEY Rachel Riley Manufacturer. JANETTE REED Cotswold Kids Retailer. VIRGINIA ROSS Pollyanna Retailer. President: KEN SCATES Marketing and sourcing consultant Vice Presidents: LESLEY FALLON Retail consultant JACKIE COOK Retail consultant Executive Director: ELIZABETH FOX
• Membership is open to everyone involved in the British childrenswear industry. • Associate membership, open to non-British organisations, is now available. Read our blog and follow us on Twitter
• Membership costs from £85.
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South Yorkshire children’s clothing brand Kozi Kidz has signed an international distribution agreement with children’s footwear brand Splats. The agreement sees the clothing company utilise its rapidly expanding UK and international distribution network to propel the Splats brand.
Infant footwear brand Bobux is launching a new range for babies aged newborn to six months, entitled new-b.
Designed by two UK mothers, Splats was inspired by a lack of suitable footwear to bridge the gap between traditional wellies and heavy duty hiking boots. Since its launch in February 2012, the brand, which was immediately snapped up by John Lewis, has seen rapid growth. However, to secure further expansion, Splats will utilise Kozi Kidz’ infrastructure and expertise to rapidly increase its retail footprint in line with demand, reaching out to international markets and new sectors beyond fashion, including outdoor.
In line with Bobux’s belief in enhancing the natural development and growth of a child’s foot, the 100 per cent leather shoes are ultra-soft, breathable and shaped to cocoon newborn feet. New-b is available in four collections and three sizes – newborn, two to four months and four to six months. “It’s crucial that shoes allow natural motion of a baby or toddler’s foot,” says Chris Bennett, founder and owner of Bobux International. “While the new-b range has been developed with newborn feet in mind, it does so without compromising on style.”
British lifestyle label Joules, which offers the childrenswear line Little Joule, has seen full-year sales improved by nearly a fifth to £79m, while pre-tax profit increased from £1.1m to £3.7m over the past 12 months. “We have always had a unique heritage that has helped us appeal to a loyal, discerning customer who knows what to expect from us; good quality, unique design and excellent value,” says Tom Joule, founder and chief executive of Joules. “It is now more important than ever to listen to your customer to ensure you remain a true lifestyle brand.”
New to the UK market and represented by children’s agency Solobi is Maya Organic, a nostalgic range of all-natural, ethically produced, hand-crafted wooden toys. Aimed at pre-schoolers, the collection includes traditional pull-along train sets, rattles, spinning tops and stacking toys in a colour palette of red, orange, green, yellow and black. The toys are produced from sustainable Hale wood, which is sourced from non-forest or non-agricultural land, and are coated in a non-toxic resin called “lac”. Maya Organic works with the townspeople of Channapatna in India to produce the toys using Indian handicraft techniques, and is fully compliant with international toy safety requirements as well as recognised as Fairtrade.
Planet-friendly childrenswear brand Kite, for newborn to 11 years, has added outerwear for boys and girls to its offer. The brand’s GO Coats – named after the Great Outdoors – are practical and hard-wearing, featuring 100 per cent certified organic cotton outer fabric with water-resistant PU coating and a warm recycled fleece lining. Detailing includes easy access, fleece-lined pockets, fleece turn-down cuffs, and a shaped and elasticated hood. “We’ve designed a garment perfect for active and adventurous boys and girls,” says Kite’s product director, Jo Spragg. “As the weather gets cooler this autumn, children can still enjoy the Great Outdoors while staying warm, dry and comfy.”
Rochy, a Spanish family run business that designs and manufactures clothing for babies and toddlers up to four years of age, is launching to the UK via NCWA agent Rosa Ruiz. Founded in 1954 by Leonardo Rabanal, the third generation of the family business revitalised the Rochy product line three years ago in Spain, harnessing the classic look and quality fabrics synonymous with the brand and combining them with new ideas and a fresh approach to the range. Based mainly on knitted and piqué fabrics, the Rochy collection will be available in UK stockists from a/w 13 onwards. “Rochy enters the English childrenswear industry with a defined sales strategy,” says Ruiz. “It’s a promising and exciting project.”
A jersey lined GO Coat for summer will be available early 2014.
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ASA STOPS ONLINE RETAILER FROM MISLEADING ITS CUSTOMERS How important is it for a consumer to know who their seller is? As a consumer, would you be annoyed if an online seller claimed that it was a UK retailer, when in fact it was based in Hong Kong? Would your view be affected by an additional customs charge on top of the purchase price, which was not mentioned on the website? These questions underlay a recent complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about Urdress.co.uk (Urdress), the trading name of online retailer SeaMaple (HK). The advertisement stated, “Urdress.co.uk is a UK retailer offering beautifully designed, excellent quality fashion‌â€? The website included a number of listings, such as a photograph of a dress as well as a price. The FAQs page of the website stated, â€œâ€ŚThere is no charge for sales tax on all orders‌ The price on our website is just retail price, it does not include the delivery cost. You can view our delivery page to know more information about delivery cost.â€? The complainant challenged whether (i) Urdress was based in the UK, as her dress was shipped from Hong Kong, and (ii) the website was misleading as it did not make clear that consumers would be liable for customs charges for deliveries. Urdress failed to respond to the ASA enquiries. Irrespective of this, the ASA decided that claiming to be a UK retailer indicated that Urdress had a physical presence in the UK – be they retail premises or business offices. The sole address provided on the website was a Hong Kong address, and
the ASA concluded that its UK retailer claim had not been substantiated and was therefore misleading in breach of the Committee of Advertising Practice Code (CAP Code). While the website made clear that a delivery charge of £15 was applied to all orders other than for those in excess of £150, the ASA considered that Urdress should have highlighted that a customs charge might apply, how it would be calculated, and that any such charge was excluded from the purchase price. In the absence of this information and any explanation offered by Urdress, the ASA concluded that the website was misleading and therefore in breach of the CAP Code. Urdress’ lack of response may result in advertisement alerts issued to CAP members, the pre-vetting of marketing material, the withdrawal of trading privileges (for example, a Royal Mail bulk mail discount), or sanctions to its online space. Indeed, it is possible that the final consequence could result in internet search websites removing paid-for search advertisements that link to a page hosting non-compliant marketing communications. And this is before the glare of bad publicity results in a drop-off in sales. Going forward, online retailers who fail to be clear and unequivocal with their claims in advertisements – or fail to provide transparent pricing information – or both, have only themselves to blame.
HOW CAN PR BENEFIT MY BUSINESS? Successful PR engages a brand’s target audience via the most appropriate means available. It works by raising awareness of the brand’s “story� via the correct channels. Editorial is said to be three times more powerful than advertising. This is due to the “experts� telling their readers they should buy a particular item or use a particular service – as opposed to a brand paying to be placed in those pages. You haven’t bought your way in, you’ve been specially invited. It’s all about speaking to your target press, communicating your brand to them and building relationships. The most important element of any PR strategy is working out who your target audience is and how to communicate to them. Then identify realistic PR objectives you can place measurable targets against. You can choose one of two ways to move forward with your PR – take it in-house, or appoint a PR agency. In-house allows more hands-on control, with your press officer often enjoying a close interaction with the various elements of your company. PR agencies can offer you many and various creative minds – with the hard-won contacts that accompany each of them – and is generally more cost-effective. The next step is to ensure you have the right “kit�. Do you have the right images? Have you prepared a concise press release? And what is newsworthy? The easiest way to determine this is to ask yourself, “Is it something new?� Finally, measure how successful your PR campaign has been – what is its ROI (return on investment)? The best way to quantify PR is by evaluating a publication’s reach – how many people read it? Look at web analytics as a reference. You should always notice a spike in visits on the day of your coverage.
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How was s/s for you? — S/s 13 was all about our signature Scandinavian bestsellers such as Mini A Ture, Ej Sikke Lej and Duns, which were popular with both our UK and overseas customers. There was also demand for Dutch brand Imps & Elfs, and we took our first steps towards introducing a toys range with Baghera vintage cars. Are you introducing new brands for a/w? — Absolutely. Building on Little Bou’s reputation as an online boutique for high-quality boyswear, we are delighted to be one of the first in the UK to stock designs from Yporque – a brand known for its imaginative clothing. We are also introducing knitwear from FUB, and hand-knitted Fairtrade clothing from BH Crafts, to name just a few. What do you anticipate as your a/w bestsellers? — The Mini A Ture Wen coats – we haven’t found anything on the market that matches their practicality and style. We’re also excited about the Yporque T-shirts, which play sounds via a detachable sound pouch, and the BH Crafts hand-knitted hoody with ethnic motifs. Are there any new non-clothing brands for a/w? — We are bringing a touch of New York cool across the Atlantic with the Beatrix range of rucksacks, lunch boxes and iPad covers. We have also been selecting the best designs in the world of furniture, with plans to introduce several new lines from different countries, as well as imaginative toys. Will the look of the website be refreshed for the change of season? — Yes, Little Bou will soon be relaunched with a brand new logo, website and packaging. Returning to our roots, we aim to create a whole new world for boys, offering toys, furniture and accessories from brands whose products are eco-friendly and manufactured in line with sustainable environmental practices.
How was s/s for you? — It was a difficult season due to the weather. We had snow in April, which was obviously not encouraging people to buy summer clothes, and we ended up going into sale during the second week in June, which was much earlier than planned but well worth it. Are you introducing any new brands for a/w? — Yes, for clothing I have introduced Catimini, Mim-Pi, Timberland and Gant. They have all had a great reception and are selling well. I have also just started stocking Bejacks shoes and BigJigs wooden toys. Which key pieces do you anticipate will be bestsellers for a/w? — It’s still early days, but so far the Oilily expedition print has been the bestseller for Loo Loo’s. Have you changed the look of the store for the change of season? — Yes, I’ve had new furniture made for the shop as we needed more hanging space, especially with the coats as they take up a lot of room on a rail. Do you have any store events lined up over the coming months? — Friday 6 December is Victorian night in the village, so I will be staying open late and having face-painting and entertainment for the children. Do you have any plans to help encourage Christmas trade? — It will be the second Christmas for Loo Loo’s and, if this year is as good as last, the trade will not need encouragement. The payment plan we offer in-store does encourage a lot of sales in the weeks leading up to Christmas, however, as it gives people the chance to pay weekly for their items.
How was s/s for you? — We had a challenging start, largely driven by the extremely cold and snowy weather that lasted well into April. The cold spell forced many retailers into early mid-season discounting, which had a knock-on effect on us. That said, our customers enjoyed the long sunny summer holidays and we continued to enjoy strong sales on summer clothing throughout July and August. What’s new in-store for a/w? — We are excited to introduce No Added Sugar and Pepe Jeans for babies, boys and girls; hair accessories by Lili Gaufrette, ilovegorgeous and Scotch R’Belle; and Little Bu water-based nail polish. What are your predicted bestsellers? — The body warmers by Scotch Shrunk and Scotch R’Belle are a great seller and also a good transitional piece that can be worn throughout autumn and into winter. Partywear is always popular during the winter season, and the Party Doll and Moon Festival dresses by ilovegorgeous are sure to be a hit. Do you have ideas in place for your window displays? — A/w gives us so many opportunities to create themed window displays such as Back to School, Halloween, Children in Need and Christmas. Do you have any plans to help encourage trade? — We are proud to be taking the store out and about in support of some large charity fundraising events, which include a fashion show this season. We are also delighted to be hosting our first pop-up shop in November. To attract Christmas trade, we will have shopping events both in-store and online. For more industry opinion visit cwb-online.co.uk
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ROO’S 8 Short Wyre Street, Colchester Husband-and-wife team Donna and Danny Savill opened their Colchester childrenswear shop Roo’s in April 2012. Danny was formerly a mechanic and Donna worked in banking. However, when Donna began producing baby quilts – which soon migrated to children’s clothing – it triggered the idea to make childrenswear a joint business venture. Roo’s has clothing for newborn to eight years as well as a dedicated occasionwear department housed on the shop’s second floor for children up 16 years. The brand mix is wide, with established names including Bonnie Jean, Pretty Originals and French Connection Kids sitting alongside local start-up labels such as Fresh and Canadian Gator. Various incentives are deployed to attract customers, including colourful displays and weekly stock rotations, an out-of-hours shopping service for the occasionwear department, a printing service for T-shirts and babygros, as well as an embroidery and personalisation service for baby blankets. A new e-commerce website will also soon be available. www.roosbabyshop.co.uk
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POPPYDOLL 17 High St, Wall Heath, West Midlands Sarah Lapsley has been trading in childrenswear online since 2006 but, as business and customer demand grew, she took the step in May of last year to open a bricks-and-mortar shop. Based in the West Midlands, girlswear boutique Poppydoll offers clothing for 12 months to 16 years from labels such as Catimini, Monnalisa, Miss Grant, Mim-Pi, Mayoral and Kate Mack. Customer incentives offered at the store include lay by and payment plan schemes and personal shopping appointments on request. www.poppydoll.co.uk
TINKERS AND BELLES 22 Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey Zoe Grant and Janet Bell recently relocated their children’s shop Tinkers and Belles, which has been trading since November 2012 to a busier part of the town. Based in a Grade II listed building on the high street, the new premises gains more footfall and offers more shop space. Tinkers and Belles features childrenswear and footwear for newborn to eight years alongside toys, books and art. Brands include Frugi, Beau Loves, Mini A Ture and Pippo Footwear. www.tinkersandbelles.com
BEENIE BUDS & CO Having worked as a graphic designer in retail for several years, Davina Lewis has used her knowledge of colour and design to bring together a collection of childrenswear and accessories via online store Beenie Buds & Co, which she launched in August 2012. Lewis’ check list in terms of what she looks for in children’s clothing and accessories is affordability, style and durability, with key brands stocked including Indikidual, Ava & Luc, Corby Tindersticks and Beau Loves. www.beeniebudsandco.com
Boxpark Shoreditch, the retail destination in the heart of East London’s fashion and art district, is offering one-week pop-up units for sample sales or short-term retail events. Complete with fixtures, fittings, internet, PDQ and online PR and marketing support, the units are available for £1,000 per week.
Selfridges London has welcomed back ToyShop as a permanent department for the first time in 10 years. Located on the store’s fourth floor, the curated edit of goods includes over 2,500 product styles from over 40 brands, presented in seven “zones” – Plush, Barbie & Friends, The Garage, Wooden & Retro, Create & Play, Tech Toys and Character.
SHOP OPENINGS EXCEED CLOSURES
RETAILERS SEE SALES LEAP
HIGH STREET RETAIL-TO-RESI PLAN
For more retail news visit cwb-online.co.uk
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01: LES ENFANTINES
02: CHILD-ISH
Previously only available in France, childrenswear label Les Enfantines has now made its UK launch, represented by agency Charvin James. Established in 2010, the collections are designed by Laure Gues of the Lanvin family – the designer’s granddaughter – and feature cashmere sweaters and cardigans, shorts, ponchos, skirts, jumpsuits as well as the brand’s signature use of detachable collars. Nightwear, swimwear and accessories are also available. Sizes are three months to eight years. Wholesale prices ¤9-¤63. www.lesenfantines.com
New UK children’s clothing label Child-ish launched last year with a collection focusing on clean-cut shapes and minimalist, age-appropriate designs for two to 12 years of age. Key pieces include drop-hem dresses, elasticated waist trousers, organic sweatshirts, flowing silk shirts, shorts, soft leather tops and A-line skirts. The a/w 14 collection will feature 25 pieces with highlights including knitwear manufactured in the UK. Wholesale prices £7.50-£28. www.child-ish.com
03: KAREN BROST LONDON BABY
04: LITTL BY LILIT
05: LILWEN
Launched last month by womenswear designer Karen Brost is the eponymous collection Karen Brost London Baby. The range, for newborn to 12 months, comprises nine, 100 per cent pure cotton all-in-one babygros with short sleeves and poppers for easy nappy changing. Offering a contemporary, “artisan alternative” to babywear, the debut collection offers fairy-tale illustrations combined with an art-nouveau twist. Available via Breitenstein Agency. Wholesale price £18. www.karenbrost.com
Berlin Fairtrade brand Littl by Lilit has been providing girls’, boys’ and unisex clothing and accessories for children from 6-12 months up to 14-15 years since 2010. For girls, various dress styles are available including tunic, strap, classic and shirt, alongside skirts, quilted jackets and accessories such as belts, jewellery, scarves and a selection of bags. Boys and unisex pieces include jackets, shirts, trousers, bloomers and scarves. Wholesale prices ¤6-¤30. www.littlbylilit.com
Launched this year, UK label Lilwen offers a couture collection of heritage-inspired merino wool jackets and accessories for girls aged two to six years. Fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair, the range of natural, breathable and lightweight garments are designed and made in London. Handcrafted merino wool felt is combined with unique detail and textures created with delicate silk, cotton and authentic antique lace. Wholesale prices £10-£150. www.lilwenclothing.com
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01 Molo Kids 02 Frugi
03 Tutto Piccolo
03 Hatley
01 Lelli Kelly
02 Inch Blue
Bestselling footwear brands
Bestselling boyswear brands
01 Molo Kids 02 Frugi
03 Mini Rodini
Molo Kids
Frugi
Kissy Kissy
Bestselling brands overall
01 Kissy Kissy
02 Bob & Blossom
03 Emile et Rose
Bestselling babywear brands
Bestselling girlswear brands
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LAURA TURNER: The Prince George Effect on aden + anais has been well documented. Do you think the royal birth will put a renewed focus on the baby market? RAEGAN MOYA-JONES: I’m sure the birth of Prince George will have a positive impact on the baby market as a whole, in the same way the Kate Effect results in clothes she is photographed in instantly selling out. The royal family is adored around the world and it’s only natural that there is a great deal of interest in them. With the speed of the Internet, people can instantly find out what their favourite celebrity has been wearing and where they can buy it. LT: How powerful is celebrity endorsement to you and other brands in this market? RMJ: Of course, celebrity endorsement is very powerful, and we can’t deny that it has had a positive impact on our brand. However, what I feel is even more powerful is the knowledge and information shared between mothers. As a mother of four, I know that when another mother recommends a product to me, and she’s someone whose opinion I trust, I’m more likely to try the product out. aden + anais is a
brand that has been developed out of a mother’s necessity, and I am confident that the quality and utility of the products themselves are what encourages parents to buy into the brand. LT: What made you launch the aden + anais brand? RMJ: I moved to New York from my native Australia around 17 years ago and, after giving birth to my first daughter, Anais, I began scouring the market for a product I couldn’t seem to find – muslin swaddling blankets. You do not have a baby in Australia without at least 10 muslins! So I set about looking into launching my own range in 2006. I have a sales background of over 20 years, which has put me in great stead for creating the aden + anais brand. I understand the business model in a way most designers struggle with, and was able to combine my passion for designing beautiful and practical muslin blankets with
sound business experience. When you’ve been in sales for so many years it also enables you to handle rejection. I spent much of my time in the early days taking my muslins into various boutiques. While I got a great reception from some, there were those who didn’t initially see the potential of the muslin market, but it was fine, as I knew that they would be back. I believed so wholeheartedly in my product that rejection was like water off a duck’s back. At the time of starting aden + anais, I was working in sales for The Economist. It was a hard slog, as I was working during the day then rushing home to be with my girls. Once they were tucked up in bed, I would set about building my business. I would often be up until 3am or 4am in the morning, but it was all worth it when I look at where we are today. LT: How has the company evolved? RMJ: It’s been an amazing journey, from my first light-bulb moment of realising the gap in the market, to having become the leader in the muslin market today. The early days were difficult as we didn’t have any working capital; it took a lot of help from friends and family to
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electronic sleep system. It has been so rewarding and also incredibly humbling. I am sent letters and emails from parents who have sick children, who just want to thank me for the comfort our swaddles have brought. It can be so emotional at times, when you realise the effect aden + anais has on the personal lives of our customers. Being a lifestyle brand, aden + anais isn’t just confined to babies. What’s so great about the muslin blankets is that they measure 120cm x 120cm, making them incredibly multi-functional. Even after parents have finished swaddling their babies, the blankets can be used as everything from pram shades to car seat covers and from makeshift blankets to scarves. We are currently developing a range of pyjamas, which will be aimed at the slightly older child, and it’s wonderful for us to see aden + anais babies grow with the brand. Our new range of toys, Musy Mates, which are launching later this year, will also ensure that the brand reaches out to children of all ages. RAEGAN MOYA-JONES WITH HER FOUR CHILDREN
get things off the ground. We were also starting a business in the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression. It is quite amusing looking back, as I actually began selling the muslins out of the back of a taxi. I spent hours going in and out of different boutiques with the products, but it eventually paid off as we managed to establish ourselves firmly as a boutique brand. It really has been the small boutique shops to which I owe our success. In 2008, I was approached by US retailer Target, who wanted to bring the muslin cloths to the mass market. This was a risky move, as I didn’t want to alienate my boutique clientele, but I was also passionate about bringing the benefits of muslin swaddling to mothers with lower budgets. With this in mind, I created a diffusion line, aden by aden + anais. The range is now carried by Target, BuyBuy Baby and Babies R Us. The diffusion line hasn’t affected the original boutique brand, which is so great for me, as I want everyone to reap the benefits of muslin swaddling. I would say another key moment was when our swaddles were spotted on the first celebrity baby. Adam Sandler was spotted on a Miami beach with his wife, and their baby was draped in an aden + anais swaddle. From that moment on, we developed a loyal celebrity following, which has been amazing. In 2009, I wrote a book, Swaddle Love. This again was a great moment for me. Based on research with experts and my own experience as a mother, the book has become a swaddling bible for first-time parents. It fills me with great joy to be able to pass on the age-old technique to new mums. LT: What does the aden + anais offer now comprise? RMJ: Today, the brand has developed and grown to include muslin sleeping bags, bibs, burp cloths, a skincare range and an
LT: How would you describe the look of aden + anais? RMJ: I would say simplistic, but bright and bold would be a good way to describe our brand. I’m not a duck or rabbit kind of girl; I’m passionate about developing unique and instantly recognisable prints. We have recently launched a range of gender-neutral prints for Europe (the Make Believe, Lovely and Night Sky ranges), which has been very well-received, and I’m particularly fond of the new Dino-Mite prints, designed by illustrator Matthew Langille, who also designs prints for brands such as Marc Jacobs. LT: Have you found consumers’ tastes have changed over the years? RMJ: I don’t think the consumer’s taste has necessarily changed, but parents are always on the lookout for something innovative, useful and beautiful for their children. Unisex designs have always been popular, as they are a safe choice for people wanting to buy gifts for friends or family having babies who don’t know the sex. In addition, there is less gender stereotyping these days, and we have found that our recent gender-neutral prints, which were launched exclusively in Europe, have been popular gifts for both boys and girls. This is in addition to Jungle Jam and Twinkle Star, which have always been popular gender-neutral prints. LT: What is the market level of the brand? RMJ: Affordable luxury. aden + anais is a brand that has created a unique space in the market. When we launched, there were no other muslin swaddle brands, and we were fortunate in that we didn’t have any direct competitors as such. LT: Who is the customer profile of aden + anais? RMJ: We are primarily a gift brand, and
aden + anais swaddles make the perfect gift for new parents. The quality and price point make us appeal to a discerning buyer who wants the best for a new baby. LT: What are the wholesale price points? RMJ: From £7.50 for a classic single swaddle muslin to £28 for the Serenity Star, our innovative nursery accessory that is an electronic feeding and sleep system. LT: How many UK accounts do you have? RMJ: aden + anais has 213 accounts in the UK. We don’t have a long-term target in terms of UK accounts; we are committed to working with beautiful boutiques that can become new advocates and ambassadors for the brand. We are less focused on the quantity of accounts than the quality of the accounts and are excited about working with retailers that we can grow with. Overall, aden + anais can be found in 35 countries. LT: Would you ever consider opening standalone stores? RMJ: It’s not part of the brand strategy at the moment. We are very happy to see the brand represented through independents and department stores, and we support retailers with point-of-sale materials to help position the brand and sell the products. Earlier this year we had a pop-up shop in Harrods for a month, which was very successful for us. It was also a great opportunity to have a branded space in a department store and present our products in the way that we would if we did have our own standalone store. LT: What key business lessons have you learnt over the years? RMJ: I have learnt never to compromise on providing a quality product that is useful. As mums, we are looking for products that simplify our hectic lives. I think this factor is the key to our success. Every decision I make when it comes to a new product line stems from being a mum first and a business woman second. LT: In terms of the UK market, what are the short and long-term plans for the brand? RMJ: The UK is a very important market for aden + anais, and we are humbled by the success of the brand in Britain. We constantly listen to feedback from our retailers, and launched the European range of prints directly as a result of input from retailers from the UK and Europe. Our new range of toys and comforters, Musy Mates and Loveys, will be launching in the UK later this year. It’s the first time we’ve moved into the toy market and we are excited to see the response. We are developing a premium merino wool gift set, which will also launch at the end of the year, and aden + anais will move beyond muslin to other high-quality, functional products for the family. The long-term strategy is to continue to launch products that respond to a mother’s need. I envisage aden + anais becoming more of a lifestyle brand, and we are hoping to launch our skincare range in Europe in the next year or so, as it has proven to be a popular brand extension in the US.
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BOYS: 01: O’NEILL £12.50, 020 7089 9465 | 02: EL NATURALISTA £25, 01604 876800 | 03: FLORSHEIM £18, 01953 851190 | 04: PIPPO £19, 0191 2461474 | 05: PEPINO BY RICOSTA £21.35, 0116 2597427 | 06: PRIMIGI FROM £24.20, 07971 190446 | 07: NOKIAN £21.50, 01460 258040 | 08: JOULES £10, 01858 435262 | 09: HENGST £6.10, 01785 662102 | 10: PEDIPED £19, 07703 856072 | 11: PETASIL £24, 01604 876800 | 12: FRODDO £27, 01727 760101
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GIRLS: 01: AGATHA RUIZ DE LA PRADA £18.67, 01953 851190 | 02: ART £21, 01604 876800 | 03: BISGAARD FROM ¤33.50, 01953 851190 | 04: GARVALIN £10.33, 01953 851190 | 05: SUPERFIT FROM £23, 07775 995547 | 06: LEA LELO PRICE ON REQUEST, 0035 316770205 | 07: BO BELL £26, 01604 876800 | 08: SUPERGA PRICE ON REQUEST, 020 7428 9427 | 09: RICHTER £19.12, 07834 862770 | 10: MÉDUSE £4.40, 07747 767992 | 11: LELLI KELLY PRICE ON REQUEST, 0039 5834311 | 12: CHIPMUNKS PRICE ON REQUEST, 01925 710110
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ď€Œď€–ď€œď€œď€šď€€ď€‹ď€–ď€œď€œď€§ď€ ď€€ď€Łď€™ď€–ď€€ď€?ď€¤ď€”ď€™ď€‚ď€œď€&#x;ď€Ľď€–ď€•ď€€ď€˜ď€šď€Ąď€œď€˘ď€¨ď€€ď€—ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€Łď€Śď€–ď€’ď€Ąď€€ď€œď€’ď€“ď€–ď€œď€ ď€€ď€™ď€’ď€˘ď€€ď€”ď€&#x;ď€?ď€&#x;ď€—ď€€ď€’ď€˜ď€–ď€ƒď€€ď€? ď€§ď€–ď€’ď€Ąď€ ď€€ď€Łď€™ď€–ď€€ď€Šď€Łď€’ď€œď€šď€’ď€žď€€ď€—ď€’ď€?ď€šď€œď€§ď€€ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€? ď€’ď€žď€§ď€€ď€šď€˘ď€€ď€”ď€–ď€œď€–ď€“ď€Ąď€’ď€Łď€šď€žď€˜ď€€ď€…ď€„ď€€ď€§ď€–ď€’ď€Ąď€˘ď€€ď€šď€ž ď€“ď€¤ď€˘ď€šď€žď€–ď€˘ď€˘ď€ƒď€€ď€‡ď€‘ď€†ď€€ď€Łď€’ď€›ď€–ď€˘ď€€ď€’ď€€ď€œď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€Ąď€§ď€€ď€’ď€˘ď€€ď€Śď€–ď€œď€œď€€ď€’ď€˘ď€€ď€’ď€Łď€€ ď€šď€Łď€˘ď€€ď€œď€’ď€Łď€–ď€˘ď€Łď€€ď€œď€’ď€¤ď€žď€”ď€™ď€–ď€˘ď€ ď€€ď€šď€žď€”ď€œď€¤ď€•ď€šď€žď€˜ď€€ď€žď€–ď€Śď€€ď€—ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€Łď€Śď€–ď€’ď€Ąď€€ď€Ąď€’ď€žď€˜ď€–ď€˘ď€€ď€’ď€žď€•ď€€ď€’ď€€ď€•ď€–ď€“ď€¤ď€Ł ď€”ď€œď€&#x;ď€Łď€™ď€šď€žď€˜ď€€ď€”ď€&#x;ď€œď€œď€–ď€”ď€Łď€šď€&#x;ď€žď€ƒ
Lelli Kelly has come a long way in 21 years. The enticing sparkle of its trademark canvas-embellished footwear has helped the business develop into a worldwide brand that little girls covet. An Italian, family owned business, Lelli Kelly was launched in 1992 by Attilio Attilieni, whose family’s background is in children’s footwear manufacture. Attilio is responsible for Lelli Kelly’s new concepts and developments, while his wife, Mariella Attilieni, works alongside him, responsible for the development of the collections themselves. The initial concept for Lelli Kelly – and one that still remains – was to create a footwear range exclusively for girls and one which they would want to wear. As well as aesthetically pleasing to the young end consumer, the other main emphasis was on quality, with the combination of the two key to the brand’s success. Durability is a crucial consideration for Lelli Kelly when manufacturing its footwear, with the brand investing a significant amount of resource into ensuring the longevity
of all its designs. The footwear, which retails from ÂŁ29.90 to ÂŁ64.90, is handmade and hand-stitched, with each shoe undergoing stringent quality testing that sees every bead and sequin double-stitched and individually tested using a 3kg weight to ensure it is securely affixed to the shoe. “Many people are not aware of our product testing process, which is perhaps one of the most unique attributes for the brand, apart from our distinctive designs, of course,â€? says founder Attilio Attilieni. Other factors that have led to the popularity of Lelli Kelly shoes include a “health systemâ€?, whereby leather insoles ensure feet can breathe, and the brand’s embellished canvas shoes are as practical as they are pretty, being fully machine-washable. “Canvas has taken the place of other types of materials and shoe types. In the UK, people are selling fewer sandals due to the wetter
summers, and retailers and consumers tend to find that canvas is more versatile,� says Attilieni. “Lelli Kelly was one of the first footwear brands to offer canvas for children, and the shoes have resonated with the UK market as they really can be worn for any occasion – at nursery, to the park and to a party as the perfect princess party shoe.� For spring/summer 2014, Lelli Kelly launched a range of new styles within its California collection including the California Gems line. Featuring brightly coloured gem stones and diamante applications, with some styles also featuring flashing lights, shoes in this range are designed to introduce children to laces, but also feature cleverly disguised elasticated sides so they can be pulled on with ease when in a hurry. California also offers two new sole units: the Skate unit, which is a more traditional style, and the Creeper, which is a grooved platform. Other highlights from the s/s 14 footwear offer include ballerina pumps, party shoes, princess heels, baby and toddler
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shoes and a large collection of sandals with more widely accessible price points. “Customers tend to want to spend less on sandals these days, what with the unpredictable weather, especially if children can only wear them for a couple of weeks,” says Attilieni. “Lelli Kelly has introduced a range of sandals with an affordable entry price point of £29.90 retail, which makes it less of an investment for parents.” Lelli Kelly’s new and extensive school shoe range, exclusive to the UK, is also proving a hit. So much so, in fact, that it is becoming one of the brand’s bestselling collections. The shoes feature a choice of three straps – a Lelli Kelly branded strap for school, a bow strap for parties and a seasonal strap design to keep the shoes looking fresh which, this season, is a crown. The school shoes are also designed with three different options in terms of lasts and width fittings. In terms of the UK market, Lelli Kelly currently has around 500 wholesale accounts and stockists for its footwear, including Step2wo’s concessions in Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and the One Small Step, One Giant Leap concession at Harrods. The label’s wholesale accounts worldwide, meanwhile, run into the thousands, and include countries such as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, the US and Europe. In terms of new territories, the brand is currently looking for partners in India and mainland China. So, while up until now Lelli Kelly has been best known in the UK and Ireland for its canvas footwear, the company is working hard towards achieving the wider brand profile that it enjoys in its native Italy, in the UK and Ireland. It is also ready to be associated with more than just the product of its success – or, as Attilieni puts it, “no longer simply be associated with embellished shoes” – cue the launch of Lelli
Kelly clothing for spring/summer 2014.
focus into autumn/winter 2014, with the aim being to keep the clothing offering small and focused.
“As a brand, Lelli Kelly is so well loved by its fans that retailers have been encouraging us to launch a clothing range, which seemed to be a natural brand extension,” says Attilieni. “The pieces in the collection are all different and this is what makes it so special. A great deal of care and attention has been given to the quality of the garments themselves and the range has been both designed and made in Italy, using Italian materials. The clothing has many of the special qualities of brands such as Monnalisa and Simonetta, but we have worked hard to keep the price points as affordable as possible.”
For Lelli Kelly, the clothing range will remain a niche offering. Distribution will reflect this, focusing on suitability of accounts rather than quantity. Additionally, Lelli Kelly is, and wishes to remain, a shoe-making company. Regardless of any ventures into new product sectors – with impending launches for more fashion product lines in the UK and Ireland – Lelli Kelly’s focus remains on footwear and for the UK market, maintaining and best serving its current UK and Irish stockists and protecting the brand’s identity.
The launch collection, catering for two to nine years and which retails from £29.90 to £67.50, is designed to appeal to retailers who already successfully sell the Lelli Kelly footwear range as well as high-quality childrenswear independents. A capsule collection, the line mainly comprises pretty dresses, with retailers particularly focusing on the “princess dresses” line when buying from the debut collection. Dresses will remain the
“We aren’t necessarily looking to increase our distribution in the UK,” says Attilieni. “We are focused on supporting our existing retailers and ensuring that the brand is only sold through the most suitable retailers to maintain brand integrity. Going forward, we are looking to launch more fashion product lines in the UK to mirror what we are doing in Italy and no longer focus exclusively on the canvas footwear in the UK.”
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MOONKIDS ¤18.80, 0046 15017200 —
IMMINK £15, 01328 853458 —
OLIVE & MOSS £15, 020 8761 3076 —
BOYS & GIRLS £13.50, 07803 725324 —
ZUMA THE DOG £8.25, 0035 1938777006 —
TOFFEE MOON £13.50, 07979 242752 —
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01: SHWINGS
02: NATURE ZOO
03: CHI CHI
Black sparkly moustache shwings for shoe laces £4.16 0113 395 5595
Mr Monkey squeaky toy handmade in bamboo yarn ¤10.80 0045 29720692
Bracelet with snap-on button charms From ¤1.90 0049 61521876250
04: DONKEY PRODUCTS
05: COLOUR ME FUN
My First Laptop – wooden laptop toy with chalk £15.95 0151 336 4126
Star-shape crayons £2.49 for set of eight 01255 860887
06: ACES LACES Collectable, swappable shoelaces in a wide range of designs £23 per box containing 25 laces 07786 518895
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October 2013
Cwb-online.co.uk is the essential free business tool, bringing you industry advice, up-to-the-minute news, insightful features and trend information at the click of a button. From the team behind CWB magazine, the website covers every aspect of the childrenswear and schoolwear industry. Frequently updated news across a broad range of topics will help you keep your finger on the pulse, while a variety of unique content that complements CWB’s comprehensive industry and style reports brings you rounded, in-depth knowledge and information. Brand spotlights, short-order specials and trend overviews are just some of the must-read features, all of which will aid your buying decisions and help enhance your in-store offer.
The Retail section provides further vital inspiration, covering everything from visual merchandising ideas to advice and suggestions from the brains behind some of the UK’s most successful independents.
Gain expert views on current and ongoing issues affecting the industry in the Opinion section, and stay informed on industry trade exhibitions and essential dates for your diary with our Events section of the website.
Completing CWB’s all-encompassing coverage of the children’s clothing sector is a dedicated area of the website offering the latest news, views and product from the schoolwear industry.
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30: News 34: One name covers it all The latest developments from Stevensons, an independent, family owned supplier of school uniform and sportswear 38: The tool for Back to School A look at Orkid Ideas’ debut product, the TomTag, a personalised check list for children to plan their school day 41: The Schoolwear Show preview Highlights of what will be on offer at this year’s event 52: Fabric of change Why P&R Fabrics is upping its profile in the schoolwear sector
CHADWICK TEXTILES
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Ann-Maree Morrison, founder of Scottish company Labels4Kids, has been awarded Nectar Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 by a panel of judges including Karren Brady (pictured right) of BBC1’s The Apprentice.
ď€?ď€?ď€€ď€ˆď€”ď€…ď€”ď€€ď€‚ď€Œď€€ ď€“ď€ƒď€?ď€”ď€ƒď€€ď€’ď€•ď€? The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), the chosen charity of The Schoolwear Show, is hosting a 5K Santa Run to raise funds to provide grants for disadvantaged children whose parents or carers work in the fashion and textile sector.
Morrison won the award for her investment in global expansion, with a new website platform rolling out to eight countries in the near future, selling the company’s personalised labels for use on children’s school uniform, shoes and accessories.
FTCT is seeking runners of all abilities to participate in the fundraising event, which takes place on 8 December in London’s Victoria Park. To secure a place and receive a fundraising pack by post email fundraising@ftct.org.uk.
ď€”ď€‹ď€†ď€˜ď€€ď€‘ď€ƒď€’ď€”ď€?ď€‡ď€’ď€“ď€Šď€‹ď€‘ď€€ď€ˆď€? ď€†ď€ƒď€–ď€‹ď€†ď€€ď€?ď€•ď€Œď€‡ ď€?  The biggest event in the schoolwear industry calendar is soon to take place, with The Schoolwear Show at Cranmore Park, Solihull, running on 13-15 October 2013. Highlights include 12 new exhibitors, a new coffee lounge exclusively for Schoolwear Association members, and a free lunch and free on-site parking for all visitors. Visitors must pre-register for free entry to the show. Tickets are still available to purchase for the annual Schoolwear Association fundraising evening, which takes place during the show on Sunday 13 October at Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwickshire. For SA ticket enquiries visit schoolwearassociation.co.uk, and for further information on the show visit theschoolwearshow.co.uk.
ď€? ď€?ď€€ď€„ď€’ď€‹ď€‡ď€ˆ
ď€?ď€ƒď€„ď€‡ď€?ď€“ď€ ď€Œď€‹ď€†ď€“ď€™ď€€ď€?ď€ƒď€”ď€‹ď€?ď€?ď€ƒď€? ď€?ď€‡ď€“ď€“ď€€ď€ƒď€—ď€ƒď€’ď€†
David Luke has become an official partner of the charity Keep Britain Tidy’s Eco Schools programme in England. Eco Schools is an international awards programme, to which around 17,500 schools are signed up. In England, the programme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, who guides schools on becoming sustainable. As a partner, David Luke’s involvement will include highlighting the production process of its rapidly expanding Eco Uniform, the fabric of which is made from recycled plastic bottles. “We first developed Eco Blazers and Jackets almost four years ago but, for 2014, we will also have trousers, skirts, sweatshirts and polos,� says David Luke’s MD, David Burgess. “There has to be a realisation that low prices are not going to deliver long-term benefits and that sustainability, and using our resources wisely, will bring far greater rewards.�
ď€?ď€ď€žď€™ď€›ď€Źď€ď€Şď€? ď€?ď€ď€Şď€™ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€ď€Śď€&#x;ď€?ď€?ď€&#x;ď€? ď€?ď€&#x;ď€? ď€˜ď€§ď€ď€Ź ď€ď€Ťď€Źď€ƒď€€ď€? ď€? ď€ď€¨ď€¨ď€¤ď€Ąď€?ď€Şď€€ď€žď€§ď€Şď€€ď€˜ď€§ď€ď€Ź  ď€ď€Ťď€Źď€ ď€&#x; ď€&#x;ď€Ťď€Ąď€œď€? ď€? ď€?ď€ď€Ťď€Ąď€Śď€? ď€ď€Şď€Ťď€€ď€?ď€ď€šď€€ď€Źď€§ď€€ď€?ď€ď€Şď€?  ď€?ď€? ď€&#x; ď€ď€™ď€¤ď€Ąď€Źď€ąď€€ď€”ď€? ď€?ď€™ď€Şď€€ď€™ď€Śď€œď€€ď€Źď€?ď€?ď€™ď€Şď€ƒ
Morrison received ÂŁ2,000 cash and 50,000 Nectar points, as well as business advice directly from Karren Brady at the Nectar Business Round Table event, which formed part of the awards ceremony on 4 September.
ď€“ď€”ď€ƒď€„ď€‹ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€ˆď€ˆď€‡ď€’ď€“ď€€ď€ƒď€€ď€Šď€‡ď€?ď€? ď€Šď€ƒď€?ď€†ď€€ď€ˆď€?ď€? Stationery brand Stabilo has launched the Stabilo Early Writers Programme to help children develop their writing skills. Available at www.stabilo.co.uk/teach as a free download, the pack includes comprehensive guidance notes for teachers and parents, fun nursery rhyme stimulus for children, hands-on activity sheets, and web-based tools to create personalised activity sheets. Retailers can view the latest Stabilo range at this year’s Schoolwear Show.
ď€?ď€™ď€Şď€€ď€šď€Şď€™ď€Śď€œď€€ď€“ď€Ąď€›ď€Łď€?  ď€?ď€?ď€Śď€€ď€œď€§ď€ď€šď€¤ď€?ď€‚ď€œď€Ąď€&#x;ď€&#x; ď€€ď€žď€§ď€Şď€€ď€‡ď€…ď€†ď€ˆď€ ď€Żď€Ąď€Ź  ď€?ď€€ď€šď€Şď€™ď€Śď€œď€´ď€Ťď€€ď€Ľď€™ď€Şď€Łď€? ď€?  ď€? ď€§ď€§ď€¤ď€€ď€šď€Şď€™ď€Śď€œď€?ď€œ ď€?ď€? ď€&#x;ď€? ď€žď€Şď€§ď€Ľď€€ď€Šď€ƒď€‰ď€€ď€¨ď€?ď€? ď€†ď€†ď€ƒď€Œď€€ď€¨ď€?ď€?ď€Śď€Źď€€ď€Ąď€Śď€€ď€‡ď€…ď€†ď€‡ď€ƒ
 ď€?ď€&#x; ď€?ď€?ď€?  ď€? ď€?ď€ď€ąď€€ď€Şď€?ď€?ď€? ď€žď€§ď€Şď€€ď€¤ď€§ď€Ťď€Źď€€ď€§ď€Şď€€ď€œď€™ď€Ľď€™ď€&#x;ď€?ď€œď€€ď€Ťď€› ď€?ď€™ď€Şď€€ď€™ď€Śď€œ ď€?ď€ď€Ąď€¨ď€Ľď€?ď€?ď€? ď€ ď€€ď€›ď€§ď€Ťď€Źď€Ąď€Śď€&#x; ď€?ď€°ď€Źď€Şď€™ď€€ď€˛ď€‡ď€Œď€‹ď€€ď€¨ď€? ď€Ąď€¤ď€œď€€ď€¨ď€?ď€?ď€™ď€Şď€ ď€™ď€›ď€›ď€§ď€Şď€œď€Ąď€Śď€&#x;ď€?ď€? ď€›ď€§ď€Śď€œď€ď€›ď€Źď€?ď€œď€€ď€šď€ąď€€ď€?ď€Žď€™ď€ąď€ƒď€€ď€– ď€?ď€€ď€žď€Ąď€Śď€œď€Ąď€Śď€&#x; ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€œď€€ď€Ź  ď€?ď€€ď€§ď€Şď€œď€? ď€? ď€ď€?ď€œď€€ď€Žď€™ď€›ď€Łď€€ď€Źď€§ď€€ď€•ď€› ď€?ď€Ľď€Ťď€ ď€™ď€›ď€›ď€§ď€Şď€œď€Ąď€Śď€&#x; ď€?ď€Śď€Źď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€™ď€Şď€?  ď€?ď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€˘ď€ď€Ľď€¨ď€?ď€Şď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€Źď€Şď€§ď€ď€Ťď€?ď€Şď€Ťď€„ď€Ťď€Łď€Ąď€Şď€Źď€Ťď€ ď€Ť ď€Ąď€Şď€Źď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€›ď€§ď€™ď€Źď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€Źď€Ąď€?ď€Ťď€ ď€€ď€šď€™ď€›ď€Łď€€ď€¨ď€™ď€›ď€Łď€Ťď€ ď€Ťď€Źď€™ď€Źď€Ąď€§ď€Śď€?ď€Şď€ąď€ ď€€ď€Źď€? ď€&#x;ď€&#x;ď€™ď€œď€&#x;ď€?ď€Źď€Ťď€€ď€™ď€Śď€œ ď€?ď€?ď€€ď€Łď€Ąď€Źď€Ťď€ƒ
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Peré Performance Wear is a new UK children’s specific technical sportswear brand developed for ages five to 12 years. Available wholesale, the collection comprises Running, Triathlon and Cycling ranges, with garments including short and long sleeve tops, running and cycling shorts, rain jackets, winter tights and triathlon suits. Technical fabrics include a superlight breathable shell fabric, which is water-resistant but allows vapour to pass out for active sports. A technical two-layer system for outerwear featuring a thermal fleece back that traps air to provide warmth, which is breathable, windresistant and water-repellent is also available.
A survey of 1,800 teachers and parents commissioned by The Schoolwear Association (SA) has revealed Britain’s naughtiest schoolchild name is Jack, he answers back, refuses to do work and, poignantly, doesn’t wear a school uniform. According to behavioural psychologist and former student teacher Jo Hemmings, a good looking, hard-wearing and well-fitting school uniform can have a significant impact on a child’s happiness and subsequent behaviour. “Wearing a badged uniform gives a child a sense of pride and community, and helps promote positive well-being,” says Hemmings. “A badly fitting or tatty uniform means children stand out from their peer group and can make them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, and a likelier target for teasing and bullying. So it’s important to keep the uniform in good order, and choose uniform that fits a child well, is comfortable to wear and is of good quality.”
Gloucestershire business The Schoolwear Company is launching a new online platform to allow schools and parents to order standard and bespoke branded school uniforms. Designed to free-up both parents’ and schools’ time, theschoolwearcompany.co.uk provides participating schools with their own online school uniform shop, with all orders placed, handled, processed and delivered by The Schoolwear Company. Parents can shop online, anytime, for any size uniform, with additional services such as free iron-in name tags and a professional alteration and repair service also provided.
The National Weaving Company has made a number of investments into its name tape business as a pledge of commitment to its customers. Established in 1987, the second generation family business has extensively refurbished its manufacturing premises in Wales to accommodate a range of new looms, which has subsequently prompted a rebranding of the entire company to reinforce its status as a UK manufacturer. A new website planned for 2014 will incorporate the new branding, together with a “trade-only” area for retailers to place orders online.
A new Trutex school uniform shop has opened in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Using the Trutex brand under licence for the store name Trutex Schoolwear and More, the shop is owned by local businessman Paul Quick, who has a number of other schoolwear shops in North and West Yorkshire, including Skipton and Brighouse. “We service 14 schools from Brighouse, but we are looking to expand, which is why we moved into Ilkley,” says Quick. “I had originally thought about expanding into Leeds, but when a shop in Ilkley came up, it was too good a chance to miss. We currently supply 34 schools from Ilkley and Skipton and wanted to build on this.”
Department store John Lewis has launched a new practical skills programme for primary school children called Bringing Skills to Life. The programme follows a survey of 1,045 parents of children aged 16 or younger carried out by YouGov on behalf of the retailer, which revealed the majority of parents feel it is important for children to learn creative and practical skills. John Lewis aims to work with more than 1,000 primary schools in its first year via its curriculum-aligned programme. Written by educational experts, it includes lesson plans for teachers, and workshop and activity cards that can also be used by parents and volunteers. A dedicated website, www.johnlewis.com/skillsforlife, supports the scheme.
New for 2014 – available from stock NOW. Come and see our extensive range of school bags at the Schoolwear Show.
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Jacquie Sandison jacquie@brandagility.co.uk Brand Agility Ltd, 35 West Bowling Green St, Edinburgh EH6 5NX Tel: 0131 554 5555 Fax: 0131 555 2426
Call Gary Dyett on 01202 477111 Email: Info@EskimoEPOS.com www.EskimoEPOS.com @EskimoEPOS
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ď€&#x;ď€˜ď€€  ď€œď€›  
Smiths was family run but had suffered with lack of investment, and the latest generation of the family were not keen to carry the business forward. In 2009, we purchased our first warehouse with offices circa 6,000 sq ft but, by 2011, we had outgrown it. In late 2011, we found our next warehouse located nearby in St Albans, which we purchased freehold, offering warehouse storage of 11,000 sq ft, office space of 5,000 sq ft and the added advantage of an adjacent unit that could provide another 8,000 sq ft if required. In late 2012, we completed on the purchase of three other schoolwear businesses – Schoolwear Oxford, Barretts of Bournemouth and Rickards in Bournemouth. The Rickards business was small and, as planned, we closed the store and transferred the trade into the Barretts store. Currently, we are fitting out a new shop that we are opening in Reading, where we will be taking over supply of the schools presently supplied by independent retailerJacksons of Reading, which is closing at the end of the year. LT: How many stores does the business currently have?
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MS: Five, including the Reading store, which opens in November 2013. However, we are currently talking to a number of companies who are looking at their exit strategies, so we do plan to acquire more shops soon. LT: What do the stores offer in terms of product scope? MS: Where we have space, we try to offer the complete one-stop-shop to kit out a child ready for school, incorporating stationery, bags, shoes, sports equipment, scouts and guides and, in some of our on-campus shops, we even offer ice creams! LT: You are a multichannel retailer – what routes do you sell through and how do sales compare between those channels? MS: The retail shops account for 52 per cent of sales, and on-campus shops 15 per cent. The transactional website – which launched in spring 2010 – accounts for 17 per cent; pop-up shops 10 per cent, wholesale three per cent; and three per cent via our order hotline service. LT: Are pop-up shops an important part of the business? MS: Pop-up shops – or school selling events – are a big part of the business and something we do on a large scale with a dedicated team and manager overseeing it. We go to some schools we work with up and down the country, anything from one to five times in a year, and set up a shop there. A school selling event can last anywhere from two to eight hours depending on demand, and we probably carry out around 250 of these events
a year – utilising around 30 members of staff on the busiest days. During peak times, we can do up to five events in one day. LT: As well as retailing, Stevensons also wholesales – how integral is this to the overall business? MS: We don’t encourage or seek wholesale business, as schools are often disorganised and slow to place orders. Schools have a job to educate and shouldn’t be encoraged to become retailers. We do support schools we stock retail with sports tour kits, leavers’ hoodies and so on, but it is the pure wholesale business we are not keen to pursue. We deal with around 140 suppliers and supply uniform to 300 schools. These are where we are doing the full uniform and/or PE kit; schools where we just do an odd item for we do not count. LT: How will Stevensons’ new warehouse and head office will help the business going forward? MS: We believe there is no other schoolwear retailer in the trade that has a distribution centre and head office like ours. We plan to centralise all calls into the business through our customer service department next year so no calls will go direct to store. This, we believe, will mean we can monitor the service and waiting time people experience to make sure we are offering the best service we can. LT: What size workforce does Stevensons have behind it? MS: Currently, we employ around 110 people: 65 in retail; 10 in warehouse and logistics; five in accounts; seven buyers; 10 customer services staff; five in IT and marketing; and eight in sales and head office management. LT: Have you found any recent changes to customer buying habits? MS: Not really, apart from via online, which we anticipate will eventually flatline at around 20 per cent of our business. You must bear in mind we cater for schools all over the country, and they obviously have a much higher percentage of sales through the website. Where we cater for schools within a five-mile
radius of a retail shop, and where we have on-campus school shops, the percentage of sales done online is less than five per cent. LT: How do you view the current state of the schoolwear sector? MS: I am very concerned about the fragility of our supply chain and the longevity of some of our suppliers. This coupled with the large number of retailers who are just not investing in their business does seem to indicate that the strong will get stronger and the weak will disappear. However, with our expansion plans and that of other well-financed companies, it does mean that the overall school uniform experience for schools and parents will continue to improve. LT: What are the long-term plans for Stevensons? MS: We will continue to expand, concentrating on the south of the country, with 12 stores and revenues of £20m projected by 2020. At the end of this year, we will also be rebranding all of our shops to trade under the Stevensons banner. When we acquired Len Smiths in 2008, for instance, we kept its trading under Len Smiths. This causes confusion for schools and customers at times and rebranding everything to Stevensons will clarify things. Also, when you first take on a business, sometimes repair work is required in terms of relationships with schools. Rebranding allows us a clean slate and a fresh start trading under the Stevensons name.
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$ "%% %! # "%& %% ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€? ď€?ď€?   ď    ď€?ď€?ď  ď€?ď€?ď€ď€°ď€ľď€Ťď€€ď€śď€ťď€şď€€ď€´ď€śď€¸ď€Źď€†ď€€
It’s a universal truth that many children struggle with the everyday task of packing their own bags for school and remembering all the different things they need. And it’s because of this that Clare Cusack and Deborah Watson launched Orkid Ideas and invented the TomTag, a personalised check list to allow a child to independently organise their school day, helping build self-confidence and organisational skills. The colourful and fun visual check list works by showing a child all the things they need for school, organised by the day of the week. Equally, as the list is attached to the child’s school bag, they can also check they have everything they need when packing their school bag to return home. So how does it work? The TomTag pack contains over 160, water-resistant stickers, with 45 different pictures that look like the things children most commonly need to remember for school, as well as blank stickers for a child to make their own if needed. Once the stickers have been selected for each day, they are applied to the blank buttons – of which there are 45 per pack – and each button is then pushed into an empty space on the tag for the day of the week the item is needed. Although the buttons hold securely in place when clicked in, a firm push through the hole in the back of the tag will release the button if it needs to be changed when timetables alter or new needs are required. There are six tags in a pack and an extra “daily� tag to show all the things a child needs with them every day. An attachment loop connects all the tags together, and the TomTag is then ready to be added to a child’s school bag. As children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or ADHD often experience greater difficulties with planning and organisation, TomTag’s visual approach makes it accessible to children of all abilities – making it a truly inclusive product. It was Cusack’s son Tomas’ diagnosis with autism at the age of four, and the realisation he may never talk or go to mainstream school, that triggered the idea for TomTag in the first place.
DEBORAH WATSON AND CLARE CUSACK
the possibility of trying to turn the bag tag idea into a commercially viable product to be called TomTag, named after Tomas. Cusack and Watson had grown up within a few miles of each other, either side of the Lancashire/Yorkshire border on the Pennine hills, but actually only met when living in Switzerland, having followed their husbands’ jobs there around the time they each had their first child. Both had spent the spent last 10-12 years raising their families; prior to that Cusack had been a solicitor while Watson worked in financial services. “Neither of us had any experience of running a business or designing and manufacturing products, so we took on as much free advice as possible, taking advantage of local Business Link courses and the wealth of free information on the internet as well as discussing the idea with family and friends,â€? says Watson. “A friend recommended a product design company who helped us to design and manufacture the product – it has been a huge learning curve in all respects.â€? In terms of stockists, Orkid Ideas is targeting independent schoolwear retailers, department stores, online retailers and schools with TomTag, which wholesales for around ÂŁ5.50. The company has secured accounts with online retailers of children’s product in the UK and Europe, as well as to a range of parent support groups in the special needs market. It is also stocked on the British Dyslexia Association web shop. “We believe TomTag would sit well in the accessory ranges offered by independent schoolwear retailers, so we are keen to build up our relationships with these stockists,â€? says Watson. “We have stockists in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Ireland. While these have come about somewhat organically, it is a good indicator that there is a market for TomTag worldwide. We have had interest from retailers and individuals in Australia, Greece, Gibraltar, Abu Dhabi, the US and Canada. If possible, long-term, we would hope to take advantage of all these opportunities.â€?
“Determined that Tomas would reach his full potential, whatever that was to be, I began making resources, flashcards and games to support his therapy programmes,� says Cusack. “I also took a distance learning course with Dyslexia Action in order to help him. During the course, I had to design an aid to help students with poor organisational skills. My solution drew on experiences with Tomas and took the form of a simple bag tag, and soon other parents at school were asking me to make one for their kids, as well.�
While still a new company – Orkid Ideas was registered in 2010 and began trading in June 2012 – there are already product developments in the pipeline, including new sticker ranges that will be sold as add-on packs to the basic TomTag product. The idea being that TomTag can be used as a scheduling tool for a wider range of activities, such as personal care and school timetables, in addition to its current function as a school-bag organiser. There are also plans to develop a product more suited to older children, to help them with the transition to Year 7, and the additional organisational demands faced.
Together with her friend Deborah Watson, Cusack began considering
TomTag is available at The Schoolwear Show in October.
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Showing its most comprehensive range of schoolwear to date, 1880 Club will present high-performance school blazers, including the Visimax high-visibility style, together with trousers, knitwear, skirts, shirts, blouses, ties, scarves and a range of Definition Heritage 100 per cent acrylic knitwear. 1880 Club also offers a made-to-order service with special fabrication and colours, as well as embroidered crests, special trims and braids, all with a fast stock service on core lines. —
Trutex’s sportswear brand Akoa offers an extensive stock range including polo shirts, hoodies, skorts, reversible rugby tops, fleeces and trainingwear as well as a made-to-order line to create unique, personalised sports kits. For 2014, both stock and made-to-order lines have been extended to provide more choice. A base-layer short and tights will be added to stock in black and navy, along with a football kit, which will be available for immediate despatch in five different colourways. Following on from last year, two new colourways have been added to the sector range for the reversible top and girls’ and boys’ polo shirt, providing a selection of 12 stock colours. Akoa’s made-to-order line has been extended with a new kit design, which can be previewed for the first time at the show, while the option of dye sublimation printing has also been added, making design possibilities limitless. — >>>
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Apparel sizing and fit expert Alvanon is set to preview AlvaKids at the show, which is the UK’s first dedicated garment sizing mobile phone and online application for school uniforms. AlvaKids is designed to help consumers buy the right size school clothing for their children both in-store or online from the UK’s most popular uniform brands. Schoolwear retailers, meanwhile, will benefit from fewer returns due to ill-fitting garments. AlvaKids uses a child’s birthday, height, weight and body shape to recommend the “right size” garment to buy, and will be launched to schoolwear retailers and consumers as a free download app from the Apple Store and as an online widget to major schoolwear suppliers later in the year. The Alvanon team will be running live demonstrations of AlvaKids throughout the show. —
Stocking school knitwear in a wide range of yarns, Balmoral Knitwear makes-to-order in small or large quantities in bespoke styles. It manufactures in its own factory in Scotland and also has ethically sound offshore partners in Eastern Europe. It makes in both standard weight fabric and heavyweight seven gauge, including cricket sweaters in bespoke colours, and embroiders in-house, either on its knitwear or stock polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces and tracksuits. At the show, a fully fashioned 50 per cent cotton 50 per cent acrylic school knitwear range will be launched. Made in a fine 12 gauge single-bed fabric with raglan sleeves for a comfortable fit when worn with or without a blazer, the first stock styles are V-neck pullovers in black, mariner blue and mid grey. —
BTC Activewear carries large schoolwear stocks ranging from polos and sweatshirts through to blazers, jackets and bags. The multibrand clothing distributor offers over 40 labels, including Jerzees Schoolgear, Fruit of the Loom, Gidan, Regatta, Result and the SG range, which is exclusive to BTC Activewear, comprising core styles across T-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweats and fleece in a choice of colours. The company will also be presenting many of the products from its recently launched Autumn Additions range at the show. —
Epos Now joins the show with its cloud-based point-of-sale solutions for schoolwear retailers. Highlights of the company’s Epos system include full fashion matrix and fashion-specific reporting; supplier invoicing, full stock management and low stock email warnings; full management reporting; e-commerce store integration; access from any location; back-up online; customer module for loyalty; and marketing. —
Blazers are key for Blue Max Banner, with two new additions for 2014 complementing the wide variety available under the Beau Brummel brand. The new E-Warrior is an eco-friendly blazer, with each constructed from up to 35 non-biodegradable plastic bottles, where the bottles have been broken down through a process of de-polymerisation and made into an Octalobal yarn used to make the material. In terms of design, the E-Warrior is a multi-functional, two-button blazer with a back vent and a matt finish available in a format for boys and girls. Initially launched in a choice of navy or black, and in sizes ranging from chest size 28in to 52in, the blazer will be ready to order from stock from December 2013. The new Viscount Elite premium blazer, available from spring 2014, features a contemporary design to appeal to teenagers with a striped sleeve lining, purple inner lining, jetted pockets, an internal mobile phone pocket and available in a choice of black and grey with versions for boys and girls. —
New exhibitor Chadwick Textiles joins the show with a fully co-ordinated, unbranded range of teamwear and trainingwear, with all products stock supported from the company’s Manchester warehouse. For the schoolwear sector, it will be showcasing its full range of multi-sport, unisex performance jackets, tracksuits, training tops and pants, base layers, pro hoodies, quick-dry T-shirts and polo shirts, and rugby and training shorts. New products for 2014 include an all-purpose team kit bag and a new mix-and-match training set. —
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For 2014, Falcon Sportswear is launching a new R400 short-sleeved jersey, stocked and available in six colourways. Manufactured in an innovative bonded material, it creates a fully reversible garment with the look and feel of a single jersey layer. Also new for 2014 is a panelled quarter-zip top and weatherproof jacket, with each item designed and stocked to complement Falcon’s existing range, as well as the addition of the new colourway – black/purple/white – joining the comprehensive range of stock colours for Falcon’s co-ordinated range. —
Charles Kirk will provide a more eco-friendly offer for 2014, sourcing sweatshirts with between 30 and 50 per cent recycled fibre. With a palette of 15 colours, the sweatshirts can be sourced from Charles Kirk’s factory in Worthing or overseas. A full range of knitwear, including Coolflow, Heritage Definition and Woolmark garments, will also be on offer. In terms of sweatshirts, as well as the new eco-friendly garments, Charles Kirk will present styles from the Russell Europe Jerzees and Spalding ranges. —
Footwear brand Crocs’ range of accessories, including brightly coloured pencil cases and back packs, will be available to view at the show on the Sunproof stand. —
The long-awaited evolution of David Luke’s Eco Uniform range will be unveiled at this year’s show, with products offering the same quality and durability associated with David Luke but with the added advantage of an environmental benefit in the production process. New items David Luke will be stocking in 2014 include Eco Sweatshirts, with all of the 35 per cent polyester content in the sweatshirt range now coming from recycled plastic bottles. The garment is made up of 45 per cent acrylic, 35 per cent polyester and 20 per cent cotton. The acrylic face of the fabric ensures no colour fading, strong twin-needled seams on the collars and cuffs adding strength and smartness, and there is a choice of round-necks, V-necks and cardigans in a wide range of sizes available. The Eco Trousers, meanwhile, feature fusibles and internal straighteners for durability, strategic bar tacks for added strength, a finer yarn, which makes for a stronger fabric, with 30 per cent of the polyester used now coming from recycled plastic bottles. Further enhancing its girls’ range as well as the Eco range, David Luke has two new senior girls’ skirts made with Eco fabric available in grey, black and navy. It continues to offer the Eco Blazers and Eco Jackets, which have the outer fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, together with striped sleeve lining, inner labelling and contrast linings. The fabric used in the Eco Blazers and Jackets has been awarded the Green Leaf mark from Intertek, confirming the plastic bottles used are post-consumer waste. David Luke is working on achieving the equivalent for all of its Eco products that use fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Also new for 2014 to complement David Luke’s DL900 undergarment is the DL915 sports legging made in the company’s dry stretch fabric. — >>>
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The Eskimo Epos Retail System from Nebula has been used by schoolwear retailers across the UK for the last 10 years. Nebula Systems’ products and services consist of the Eskimo Epos Software Suit; Hardware, such as touch screen tills, receipt printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, customer display units, PCs and servers; and Services, including till installation, bespoke database manipulation and programming, Eskimo remote support and training and general IT remote support. —
Gymphlex’s high-performance GForce brand, which offers the option to create a professional, bespoke sports team kit, remains key for 2014, with all garments within the range available to view at the show. The complementary GForce Plus label – a stock range or trainingwear available in popular colourways and manufactured in high-performance fabrics – will also be available. Other highlights include Gymphlex’s Sportswear for Schools collection, an evolution of the original GForce brand, offering an affordable range encompassing styles suitable for multiple sports and one that can be personalised in an extensive choice of colour combinations. —
Established in 1919, Halbro is a leading supplier in producing high-performance bespoke sports clothing for teams and schools. Offering an innovative approach towards garment design and technical fabrics together with short lead times, highlights from its wide range of sports clothing for 2014 will be available to view at the show, providing a one-stop solution for all sportswear requirements. —
New from Kwik Tapes is a combination 300 dpi name tape printer which, among other labels, can produce name tapes, ribbons, trophy labels and Kwik Tapes’ new shoe labels. Also new are school leavers’ memento statues, comprising a girl or boy in school uniform complete with the school name; a child’s name and their classmates’ names. There is also a new iron-on name label – the mini – which, at 25mm x 15 mm, is designed to go onto the existing sewn-on neck label of garments; and Label Direct Professional, software which, as well as producing labels supplied by Kwik Tapes, can create completely new label designs, styles and layouts. —
While 2014 will be Marathon School Supplies’ 25th year supplying quality school bags and sports bags, this year marks its first time exhibiting at The Schoolwear Show. Product highlights include the Performance range of schoolbags, which all offer a one or three year warranty and comply with European Reach standards on chemicals and their safe use. The @ttitude line of schoolbags, meanwhile, is made-up of some of the supplier’s more popular, price-conscious lines complete with a one-year warranty. Other highlights are the Junior range of accessory bags and the company’s endorsed ChiroPak and PhysioPak backpacks. Large quantities of stock are held at Marathon School Supplies’ base in Weybridge and can be despatched nationwide within 24 hours for unprinted orders and within five to 10 working days for printed or transferred orders. —
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Launched in January 2013 and making its show debut this year is Little Grippers, a new brand of school socks featuring 100 per cent natural and hypoallergenic “stay on technology” that helps the sock stay in place. In addition to the school sock range for boys and girls, which includes short, knee-high and over-the-knee lengths, Little Grippers will be showcasing its new school sports socks featuring the same “stay on technology” and available in a number of different colours and sizes. —
Helix, a brand name synonymous with mathematical equipment and stationery, is making its debut at this year’s show. While the company is still producing age-old favourites such as the Oxford Maths Set, it has also moved forward with the times and is now firmly linked with Maped, the continental stationery manufacturer, and has developed a wide product range that covers smaller children through to the university student and beyond. —
Established for 115 years, this Finnish footwear brand is now available in the UK for the first time distributed by Sunproof. The range, which is available from stock, comprises 100 per cent natural, waterproof boots designed for harsh, Nordic winters. —
New to the show this year is P&R Fabrics, which has been supplying quality fabrics to the public and commercial sectors since 1964. With the acquisition of Wittrex International, a specialist in development and manufacture of schoolwear fabrics, it has become a key UK stockist for the sector. —
Pod footwear will be showcasing new designs to its Terrain, Stag and Country ranges at the show. Created with Permair leather, which makes the shoes scuff-resistant, water-resistant, easy to clean and breathable, the Terrain collection features both slip-on and lace-up styles available in sizes EU 36-50. Also created in the Permair leather are updated designs within the Stag collection, which features Velcro, slip-on and lace-up styles in EU sizes 36-46. For a smarter option, the Country range offers elegant designs and comfortable microfibre linings in sizes EU 32 to 52. Pod’s latest girls’ styles from its Skip and Zena collections will also be available. —
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Distributed by Sunproof, Premier Nametapes offers modern, iron-on woven name tapes designed to take the hassle out of application. A fundraising initiative is available with this product, with all admin handled by Sunproof. —
New to The Schoolwear Show is Orkid Ideas, launching its debut product, the TomTag, a customisable visual check-list system that attaches to a school bag for children to independently organise their day-to-day school life. Each pack contains six brightly coloured button holders – one for each day of the school week plus an extra tag to list the items a child needs to take to school every day. A generous supply of blank buttons is included along with a full set of stickers showing images of a wide range of school items and activities including sports activities, musical instruments and school essentials. —
Available from stock via Sunproof is Finnish brand Rukka Rainwear, which offers a classic rainwear range comprising dungarees, anoraks, over-trousers and sou’wester hats. —
Last autumn, Rowlinson carried out the biggest exercise on customer feedback in its history and, among its findings, identified minimum quantities topped the “wish list” by some majority, with Rowlinson customers wanting the option to order smaller quantities of specially manufactured striped knitwear. In light of this, and the inconvenience caused to customers in ordering larger quantities of stock out of season, all Rowlinson knitwear production lines will now offer minimums of only 12 garments per style (three per size) for a small supplement – a significant reduction on its previous requirement for 36 pieces. The company also introduced its Fastrack service in 2013 for specially manufactured knitwear, and will be following this with improved standard deliveries of specially manufactured knitwear from January 2014 on both its Performa cotton and P50 (50 per cent cotton/50 per cent acrylic) products. A speedy embroidery service on plain stock garments is also available. —
Stabilo is showing a range of products specifically aimed at the needs of school children, including its unique Easy range of handwriting products that help to improve children’s handwriting whether they are left or right handed. The Stabilo Point 88 range, as advertised on television this year, is available in 30 colours. A brand new line of tube-shaped highlighters called Neon will also feature alongside a range of Boss Mini highlighters with a superhero character print that glows in the dark. New additions to the Easy range include an updated version of the Easy Ergo 1.4 in new and vibrant colours and a limited-edition range of the Easy Original in a new neon and metallic design. —
Top to Toe’s stock management and Epos system provides instant stock, sales and order information, full web integration, tills and a host of powerful matrix/grid analysis and automated features. Easy size/colour stock management and automated web links are integral to Top to Toe’s offer, providing a stock management system specifically designed to meet the needs of independent retailers. Other highlights include the ability to break sales and orders down by supplier, product type or selling location, with Top to Toe able to track and report on sales from a retailer's shops and websites. The company’s newly released and fully automated web links to eBay and Amazon will also be demonstrated at the show. —
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New to this year’s show is Surridge Sport. The brand’s new UK dye sublimation production allows it full control over the whole manufacturing process, which in turn enables it to offer delivery times of three to four weeks. A full line of dye sublimation products will be presented along with a wide range of stocked training and leisurewear items. —
Using the latest technology and equipment, The Magic Touch has been developing the image transfer process since 1989, advancing new products and applications for companies involved in the garment and promotional decoration business. The latest innovation features the new “white toner” Oki printer and WoW 7.7 transfer paper, the combination of which allows the full colour printing of almost any garment regardless of colour or composition and reduces labour and production costs by removing the need for “cutting or weeding” complex designs or images. The “white toner” technology also enables the decorations of many dark colour, non-textile products such as mugs, folders, metal, wood and plastics. —
Trutex supplies the entire school uniform range consisting of blazers, sweatshirts, polo shirts, skirts, trousers, shirts and blouses, all from stock or through a bespoke design service. The recent acquisition of John Hall will enable Trutex to extend its bespoke choices and provide lower minimums utilising the new UK manufacturing facility. New for 2014 are elasticated cuffs and collars on junior shirts and blouses, as well as a new hoody and extended colour options in the sweatshirt range. The company is also launching a new girls’ trouser, which will be available in both junior and senior sizes. —
Manufactured in South Africa since 1954 and new to this year’s show is leather school shoe brand Toughees. Introduced to the UK market four years ago and distributed by New Brands, the high-quality, mid-priced leather school shoes are available throughout the year from a UK warehouse, with pre-orders required for Back to School. Design highlights include a coating on the shoes for extra protection and shine, with the non-polish leather only requiring a damp cloth to be cleaned. Toughees also offers a sports shoe line and a new range of wellingtons. — >>>
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EXHIBITOR LIST
William Turner and Son’s successful introduction of water bottles to its stock this year has provided an ideal accessory to be sold alongside its Unicol infant and junior backpacks, which have been enhanced with the addition of a mesh water bottle pocket. The bottles, which are made in the UK in accordance with BSEN71 (Safety of Toys) and 90/128/EEC (materials in contact with foodstuffs), can be over-printed with a school logo. Also available at this year’s show will be new additions to the range of Unicol schoolwear accessories. —
29: 30: 31: 32: 33: 34: 35: 36: 37:
CYBERTILL THE MAGIC TOUCH SPALL KT LABELS RHINO LOLLIPOP LITTLE GRIPPERS P&R FABRICS GRAHAM WINTERBOTTOM 38: TRUTEX 39: MARATHON 40: EUROPA 41: SDL GROUP 43: EPOS NOW 44: DENBY DALE 45: PREMIER NAME TAPES 46: OPRO 46A: AVALON UK LTD 47: SCHOOLWEAR ASSOCIATION 48: CHADWICK TEXTILES 49: NEBULA SYSTEMS 50: ORKID IDEAS 51: CWB 52: FASHION TEXTILES TRUST
1: GYMPHLEX 2: WILLIAM TURNER 3: MAGICFIT 4: CARTA SPORTS 5: HELIX 5A: POD SHOES 6: TARGET DRY 7: REYDON 8: DAVID LUKE 8A: STABILO 8B: WILLIAM LAMB 9: NEW BRANDS 10: ORION 11: BLUE MAX BANNER 12: BRAND AGILITY 13: CHANTRY 1880 14: BTC ACTIVEWEAR 15: HALBRO 16: BLUE MAX BANNER 17: NATIONAL WEAVING 18: BALMORAL 19: TOP TO TOE 20: ZECO 21: MARTON MILLS 20A: RAM PROMOTIONS 22: ROWLINSON 23: PEX 24: WREN SCHOOLWEAR 25: CHARLES KIRK 26: RUSSELL EUROPE 27: GARDINAR BROS 28: FALCON
Flexibility is key to Winterbottom’s service, whether ordering from its stock range or design team to create a bespoke uniform. With a wide selection of fabrics and styles available, the company is able to support a full line of uniform and sportswear for junior and senior boys and girls.New for 2014 are two ranges of British-made garments, together with new products within Winterbottom’s cultural uniform range. —
FLOOR PLAN
EUROPA
41
SDL GROUP
40
MARATHON 39
TRUTEX
GRAHAM WINTERBOTTOM
38
37 43
36
35
32
RHINO
27
24
31
KT LABELS
GARDINAR BROS
28
49
33
LOLLIPOP
FALCON
CHADWICK TEXTILES
23
PEX
SPALL
EPOS NOW
29
THE MAGIC TOUCH
RUSSELL EUROPE
CYBERTILL
44
DENBY DALE
CHARLES KIRK
26
45
25
22
WREN SCHOOLWEAR
30
21
ROWLINSON
20A
20
19
RAM PROMOTIONS
MARTON MILLS
ZECO
TOP TO TOE
46
50 NATIONAL WEAVING
BALMORAL 51
18
17
BLUE MAX BANNER
HALBRO
16
15
11
10
OPRO
NEBULA SYSTEMS ORKID IDEAS CWB FASHION
CARTA TEXTILES SPORTS TRUST
LITTLE GRIPPERS
P&R FABRICS
48
34
PREMIER NAME TAPES
EXIT TO LADIES’ TOILET AND MOTHER & BABY REST ROOM
BTC ACTIVEWEAR 14
52 13
12 BRAND AGILITY
CHANTRY 1880
5A
5
6
ORION
REYDON 7
NEW BRANDS
8A
DAVID LUKE
STABILO
8B
RECEPTION 47
3
2
AVALON UK LTD
WILLIAM LAMB
8
CARTA SPORTS
4
TARGET DRY
HELIX
POD SHOES
EXIT
BLUE MAX BANNER
46A
LOUNGE AREA
9
HALL ENTRANCE
SCHOOLWEAR ASSN.
1
CLOAKROOM LADIES’ TOILET MEN’S TOILET EXIT
MAGICFIT 3
WILLIAM TURNER 2
GYMPHLEX 1
ENTRANCE
sales@sunproof.co.uk
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Manchester company P&R Fabrics started out in 1964 when it was founded by Terry Purcell, the father of the current managing director, Simon Purcell. The company was set up as a merchant converting operation, which soon became very successful, merging with one of the largest textile groups The Wrengate Group during the 70s, before falling back into family hands in 2005. Over the years, P&R Fabrics has quietly expanded its expertise in supplying for general workwear to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers, serving a wide range of clients including branded high-street chains and several areas in the public procurement sector. The company’s resources have also been enhanced by the integration of Northenden Textiles, a workwear supplier of branded fabrics and, in 2000, via the acquisition of Wittrex International, a specialist in the development and manufacture of schoolwear fabrics. These developments have broadened the business’ capabilities to supply into workwear, schoolwear and sportswear, as well as corporate, promotional and outdoor clothing, with further investment resulting in providing options of garment-making with in-house garment technologists and Q.C at source of making. In 2000, Malcolm MacLeod, previously the technical director of Wittrex International, joined P&R Fabrics. His expertise in the schoolwear sector greatly increased the company’s capability in that area, from the development of new fabrics through to expanding the customer base. “We are able to offer our customers an expansive range of services dependant on what their given requirements are,” says MacLeod, P&R Fabrics’ chief executive and operations manager. “This includes direct delivery to overseas factories to stock-supported operations from the UK. Whether the customer is a major supermarket chain or a small manufacturing unit, we have the ability and experience developed over the years to be competitive and satisfy their needs.” So what brings P+R Fabrics to exhibit at The Schoolwear Show? Having been involved in schoolwear for over 40 years, P&R Fabrics
has played a key part in technical innovation, design and development. So as well as promoting its offer, the company is keen to make customers aware of the wealth of knowledge it has in schoolwear, along with the technical expertise it can bring to help customers to develop their businesses. “This year we are making our debut at The Schoolwear Show in order to expand our profile in the market,” says MacLeod. “Although we have been established in the schoolwear fabrics business for many years, we have not been overly active in self-promotion and, as such, we need to make more people aware of the wide range of school fabrics we have on offer, most of which are stock supported here in the UK.” In the schoolwear sector, P&R Fabrics has a broad selection of different fabrics available, some of which are new, and some of which have been established over the years as proven schoolwear cloths. In specific types of fabric, it has polyesters for the economy ranges and polyester/viscose plains for mainstream trousers, skirts and pinafores, which are specific Wittrex fabrics originally designed and developed in the UK especially for schoolwear clothing. P&R Fabrics also offers dress ginghams, cottons and poly/cotton for sportswear and shirting, and polyester/wool for higher-end clothing ranges. This is complemented by a bespoke design service for colour woven fabrics to accommodate schools that have their own unique uniform identity. “The future of schoolwear for a producer and stockist of fabrics is changing,” says MacLeod. “There is still dominance in the market place by the retail mainstream supplying core product, and we can and still service this sector. However, we are also seeing a growth in schools in the UK and abroad who are requiring their own uniform identity. This calls for smaller quantities of fabric, different colour options and styles and so on, which P&R Fabrics is in a good position to support from ready-made fabric for immediate delivery to bespoke design.” In response to industrial changes, and in order to remain competitive in the market, P&R Fabrics has had to commercially evolve its production capabilities from originally
100 per cent UK manufacture to developing new overseas facilities for yarn and fabric capable of meeting the high-performance standards required in such a demanding area. Resourcing has been mastered over the years, and only mills that meet the strict criteria are used by the company. Committed to maintaining only the highest standards, P&R Fabrics was one of the first companies to achieve BS EN ISO 9001:2000 status in 1992 for high product quality and service. Other accreditations held by the business include Oeko-Tex, which tests fabrics to ensure they comply with the current legislation on approved chemicals and that they are environmental and skin friendly. “We have a responsibility as a fabric supplier,” says company managing director Simon Purcell. “Particularly in any fabric going into children’s clothing – a duty of care, if you like. It’s what you would expect from a family business, which is very much what P+R Fabrics is about.” Current managing director Purcell has an adaptable and proactive approach to business, bending to the changing needs of the industry and seeking out new opportunities. However, one constant he is adamant remains is the business’ ethos and protecting the same level of customer relationship that P&R Fabrics has built its success on. “We knew we had to respond to the way the industry has changed,” says Purcell. “We needed to ensure we were providing the exact service that our customers demanded. Being a fabric stockist in the UK is only part of our service. Other areas we offer have come through working closely with customers to offer a more complete package of service tailored to their own requirements. They may want special shades or designs or direct deliveries globally, or help in production through our partnership network. We can offer complete uniform clothing solutions.” P&R Fabrics’ ability to evolve and adapt to the wider changes that have taken place in the market has been positive. As more sourcing goes offshore away from fabric suppliers, P+R Fabrics seeks to offer a global delivery service reinforced by its UK stocking operation and a commitment to remain an integral part of the industry.
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0: 1880 Club 02893 327777 www.1880club.com A: Aces Laces 07786 518895 www.aces-laces.com : aden + anais 020 7801 6279 www.adenandanais.co.uk : Agatha Ruiz de la Prada 01953 851190 www.compassfootwear.com : Alvanon 020 7792 5977 www.alvanon.com : Angulus 07855 509069 www.angulus.dk : Art 01604 876800 www.the-art-company.com B: Balmoral Knitwear 01900 829229 www.balmoralknitwear.biz : Bisgaard 01953 851190 www.florsheim.com : Blue Max Banner 0845 230 0888 www.bluemaxbanner.co.uk : Bob & Blossom 01273 679497 www.bobandblossom.com : Bo Bell 01604 876800 : BTC Activewear www.btcactivewear.co.uk C: Chadwick Textiles 0161 927 2565 www.chadwicktextiles.co.uk : Charles Kirk 01903 244863 www.charleskirk.co.uk : Chi Chi 0049 61521876250 www.chi-chi.de : Child-ish 020 8692 1516 www.child-ish.com : Chipmunks 01925 212212 www.chipmunksfootwear.co.uk : Colour Me Fun 01255 860887 www.colourmefun.co.uk : Cybertill 0800 030 4432 www.cybertill.co.uk D: David Luke 0161 272 7474 www.davidluke.com : Donkey Products 0151 336 4126 www.donkey-products.com E: El Naturalista 01604 876800 www.elnaturalista.com : Emile et Rose 01509 881300 www.emile-et-rose.co.uk : Epos Now 0800 033 7336 www.eposnow.com : Eskimo Epos 01202 477111 www.eskimoepos.com F: Falcon 01274 306440 www.falconsports.co.uk : Fashion Textile Children’s Trust 020 7170 4117 www.ftct.org.uk : Florsheim 01953 851190 www.treadwellagencies.com : Froddo 01727 760101 www.kidsnewshoes.com : Frugi 01326 572828 www.welovefrugi.com G: Garvalin 01953 851190 www.garvalin.com : Gymphlex 01507 523243 www.gymphlex.co.uk H: Halbro 01204 696476 www.halbro.com : Hatley 020 7544 4833 www.hatleystore.com : Helix 01384 286860 www.helix.co.uk : Hengst 01785 662102 www.hengstfootwear.com : Inch Blue 01495 311123 www.inch-blue.com K: Karen Brost London Baby 020 8987 8313 www.karenbrost.com : Kissy Kissy 01442 248099 www.finestforbaby.co.uk : Kite 01202 733222 www.kitekids.co.uk : Kwik Tapes Labels 0121 689 2211 www.kwiktapeslabels.com L: Lea Lelo 0035 316770205 : Lelli Kelly 0039 05834311 www.lellikelly.it : Les Enfantines 07909 900700 www.lesenfantines.com : Lilly + Sid 07985 162337 www.lillyandsid.com : Lilwen 07738 833681 www.lilwenclothing.com : Littl by Lilit 0049 1634552955 www.littlbylilit.com : Little Grippers 0115 937 4303 www.littlegrippers.co.uk : Little Joule 01858 435261 www.joules.com M: Marathon School Supplies 01932 359188 www.marathonss.com : Mayoral 01277 227427 www.mayoral.com : MÊduse 07747 767992 www.sunjellies.com : Merry Berries 01494 447000 www.primrosemktg.co.uk : Molo Kids 07718 987756 www.molo-kids.com : Mini Rodini 0046 739837270 www.minirodini.com N: National Weaving Company 01834 861446 www.nationalweaving.co.uk : Nature Zoo 0045 29720692 www.naturezoo.dk : Nokian Footwear 01460 258040 O: O’Neill 01273 687788 www.soulsports.co.uk : Orkid Ideas 01904 213123 www.orkidideas.com P: Pediped 07703 856072 www.pediped.com : Pepino by Ricosta 0116 259 7427 www.ricosta.com : Petasil 01604 876800 www.petasil.com : Pippo 0191 2461474 www.pippofootwear.com : Pod Footwear 01234 240440 www.pod-footwear.com : P&R Fabrics 0161 727 4470 www.pandrfabrics.co.uk : Premier Nametapes 01460 258040 www.nametapes.co.uk : Price and Buckland 0115 964 0827 www.price-buckland.co.uk : Primigi 0039 0755028239 www.primigi.com R: Richter 07834 862770 www.wingategb.co.uk : Ricosta 0116 259 7427 www.ricosta.co.uk : Rowlinson 0161 477 7791 www.rowlinson-knitwear.com S: Shwings 01133 955595 www.boxergifts.com : Stabilo 01753 605656 www.stabilo.co.uk : Sunuva 020 7286 3939 www.sunuva.com : Superfit 07775 995547 www.superfit.at : Superga 020 7428 9427 www.superga.co.uk T: The Magic Touch 01582 671444 www.themagictouch.co.uk : Top to Toe 0845 130 3535 www.toptotoe.com : Toughees 01202 707461 www.newbrandslimited.co.uk : Trutex 01200 421205 www.trutex.com : Tutto Piccolo 0034 965546899 www.tuttopiccolo.com W: William Turner & Son/Unicol 0161 480 8582 www.unicol-schoolwear.co.uk : Winterbottom Schoolwear 01254 390700 www.graham-winterbottom.co.uk
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October 2013
ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIES
MANNEQUINS
SCHOOLWEAR
SCHOOLWEAR
SCHOOL TIES
BABY & KIDS SHOES
WILLIAM TURNER & SON
School Scho Sc hoo ho o l Ties Tie ies s & Accessories A ccessorie ies s
Schoolwear Scho Sc hoo ho o lwear wear Accessories Acc A cce esso ssorie sso rie ies s
www.unicol-schoolwear.co.uk www.unicol-schoolwear ear.co .co.uk Tel: Tel: 0161 480 8582 sales@william-turner william-turner.co.uk william-turner.co .co.uk
Soft leather shoes designed to give total comfort for little growing feet +44 (0)1495 311123 www.inch-blue.com
TIE & SCARF COMPANY SCHOOL TIES
• Soft Leather Shoes • Handmade in England • No Minimum Order
Tel: 01509 817600 www.starchildshoes.co.uk
â– â—?â–˛
October 2013
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ď€?ď€?ď€„ď€’ď€ƒď€‘ď€€ď€—
SOUTH EAST
NORTH EAST
ď€ ď€?ď€Žď€…ď€ƒď€‘ď€€ď€ƒď€?
ď€?ď€‰ď€•ď€Šď€ˆď€Œď€…ď€€ď€ ď€†ď€…ď€Œď€ƒď€ˆď€…ď€?
Showrooms will be held in Leeds, Manchester and London for further info contact Bib Sohel Tel 07850 754 853 email bib.sohel@sky.com DESIGUAL, FORE!! AXEL AND HUDSON, LEMMI, BEBE BY MINIHAHA, DARCY BROWN, SUGARLOAF KIDS, MINI VANILLA, MINI ZZZ A diverse selection of highly desirable brands for UK independents and stores from baby to 16yrs. European distributor for Fore!! Axel and Hudson.
Bizspace Business Centre, Unit 203, 4-6 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middlesex UB6 7JJ Tel: 020 8567 2384 Mobile: 07971 190446 Fax: 0800 007 3359 Email: skylineagencies@gmail.com PRIMIGI SHOES, FALKE & BURLINGTON SOCKS AND TIGHTS, GIESSWEIN HOME SHOES Covering the whole of the UK with London based showroom and offices.
NORTH WEST
ď€?ď€Œď€€ď€ ď€†ď€…ď€Œď€ƒď€ˆď€…ď€? Weldon Agencies, Carr House Business Centre, Carr House Lane, Bretherton, Lancashire, PR26 9AR Tel: 01772 603912 Email: barrieweldon@btconnect.com www.weldonagencies.co.uk NO NO, S & D LE CHIC, DEUX PAR DEUX, ABSORBA / CONFETTI, BOBOLI, POM POM, FUN + FUN, FOQUE Established for over 25 years, two generations, covering all areas of the UK. Representing leading brands from Europe and Canada, catering for boys and girls 0 to 16 years. Styling from contemporary to traditional.
SOUTH WEST
ď€“ď€ ď€Œď€‡ď€’ď€ˆď€–ď€…ď€Œ The Old Barn, Shurnhold Farm Business Park, Bath Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8DF Tel: 01225 700699 Mobile: 07785 290154 Email: Monique@vanhuizen.co.uk Web: www.vanhuizen.co.uk www.oililybag.co.uk MIM-PI, PAGLIE
MIDLANDS
ď€“ď€ ď€Œď€‡ď€’ď€ˆď€–ď€…ď€Œď€€ď€ ď€†ď€…ď€Œď€ƒď€ˆď€…ď€? Unit 1, First Floor, Paragon Works, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 3JW. Tel: 07967 560633 Email: franck@vanhuizenagencies.co.uk Web: www.vanhuizenagencies.co.uk OILILY CHILDRENSWEAR, ROOM SEVEN CHILDRENSWEAR, PERSNICKETY CHILDRENSWEAR ROOM SEVEN KIDS INTERIORS, BEDDINGHOUSE KIDS BEDDING
Van Huizen Agencies is a young, fresh and vibrant agency, for the more discerning retailer requiring beautiful and unique collections.
ď€Œď€ˆď€†ď€…ď€Šď€€ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€€ď€ ď€†ď€…ď€Œď€ƒď€ˆď€…ď€? 5 Evelyn Grove, Ealing, London, W5 3QG Tel: 0208 992 0552 Mobile: 07860 230918 Fax: 020 8993 6568 Email: Nigel.Ross@btinternet.com Web: www.minizzz.com CATYA (IT), MINIZZZ Manufacturers’ and Distributors’ Agent - Northern and Southern Home Counties, including London Postal districts. NCWA and APSA member.
ď€?ď€?ď€?ď€‚ď€ˆ Unit H7 & H7a, Capital House, 2 Michael Road, London SW6 2AD Tel: 0207 348 7316 Email: info@solobi.co.uk Web: www.solobi.co.uk MINI A TURE, TOFFEE MOON, LILLE BARN, AYA NAYA SoLoBi represents modern high quality children’s brands with a playful attitude and sharp attention to detail. Offers very good and transparent service.
ď€?ď€…ď€ˆď€‘ď€…ď€Œď€?ď€‘ď€…ď€ˆď€Œď€€ď€ ď€†ď€…ď€Œď€ƒď€ˆď€…ď€? 19 Addison Grove, Chiswick, W4 1 EP Tel: 078 5550 9069 Fax: 02081816458 Email: shoes@breitensteins.com clothes@breitensteins.com ANGULUS AND BOBUX SHOES, CLOTHES FROM CHRISTINA ROHDE, MILIBE, VER DE TERRE, FUB CHILDREN’S WEAR An agency representing classic, stylish and contemporary Danish children’s clothing and shoe brands. Plus the best baby shoes from New Zealand.
IRELAND
ď€Œď€’ď€ ď€Šď€ ď€€ď€‹ď€ƒď€‰ď€…ď€Œď€Œď€ 40 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FF Tel: 0044 28 90236330 Fax: 0044 28 90236330 Email: nuala@mckenna.orangehome.co.uk EMILE-ET-ROSE, KANZ, LILLY & SID, HATLEY, LOFFF, STEIFF, STARDUST FIRST COMMUNION DRESSES, FIRST OCCASION CHRISTENING WEAR, TORRES DRESSES High quality children’s fashions for babies, boys and girls up to 14 years - specialising in occasionwear. Showrooms in Belfast, Dublin, Cork & Limerick.
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LAURA TURNER: What inspired you to launch Rock Star Baby? TICO TORRES: In my profession, you get to travel the world a few times over, but everybody seems to want the same thing – something different. In the earlier years, as members of the band started having kids, I’d look for a cool gift or some clothing but couldn’t find what I wanted. So I thought, “there is a gap here.” I loved the idea of putting together a collection that was edgy and unexpected. That’s what it’s all about. Interest has been phenomenal, which has enabled us to do all sorts of crazy things. For example, we had a bespoke Rock Star Baby car made for our launch, which is on display in the toy department of Selfridges, London. Of course, it doesn’t suit everybody’s pocket, but it was a good, fun project to be involved in. LT: What does the Rock Star Baby range comprise? TT: It’s varied, from a baby bottle and pacifier gift set to a Birkenstock shoe. There is nursery furniture, too, in a classic style with a rock ’n’ roll twist. We’re signing with an incredible partner for clothing, so we are going back to the drawing board for the new collection, which is exciting. We will be launching the new line for spring 2014 and it will be in stores for autumn 2014. LT: What is the brand’s design philosophy? TT: We started off focusing on grey, black and white – colours synonymous with rock ’n’ roll. Every cool photo you ever saw tended to be shot in black and white, and I liked that feel. We don’t do the typical “babyfied” graphics on T-shirt’s – Suck/Milk is one of my favourites, which says it all. On the whole, we’ve been able to pull it off well, but colour creeps in now and again and that’s ok. It must be affordable and that’s been the one thing we’ve been working on. We are working with many different licence partners that support the brand and are ready to stretch the limits and try new ideas. Looking forward and moving with the times is important, but also staying true to your brand makes you credible. LT: Has your musical background inspired the collection? TT: Definitely – you can see it in the graphics. Rock & Crawl is a great one for the nursery. We’ve used the rock ’n’ roll influence strongly by highlighting instruments such as drums or guitars. They are all elements that parents can get a little smile out of, especially dads, and kids just think it’s great to rock out. LT: Do your own children provide inspiration for the brand? TT: I bounce around ideas with my son, Hector. Kids are brutally honest; you will get the best critique from them. So if he thinks it’s cool, we go for it. Otherwise, let’s say it’s quickly adapted, changed or just plain forgotten. LT: What is your favourite item from the collection so far? TT: I love our new animal-print pacifiers and bottles soon to be available at Selfridges. They have a translucent black cap that looks like a smoky quartz – great combination. LT: What are the plans for Rock Star Baby? TT: To keep our eyes open for new and great partners and products – partners who are willing to experiment, try new ideas and have fun with it.
Emily West 07917 062262 emily@treadwellagencies.com