Nursery Today November 2023 by Lema Publishing

NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE 2 VOLUME 27

contents Re g ul a r s

News 6 2 Supplier 47, 50, 51, 5 Opinion s New Product 61 ducts The Baby Pro 62 Association

Contributors

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Pramland’s John Barker reflects back on Harrogate and conversations he had with fellow retailers and brands.

the team

Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk

Ad Manager

Show Review

Christine Contreras christine@lemapublishing.co.uk

30 32

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

38 42 43 46 49

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Chairman Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

BabyStyle

All eyes were on BabyStyle at this years’ Nursery Fair, with many retailers from across the UK heading straight to their stand upon arrival. Turn to page 16 to find out more!

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ContentsNov.indd 1

Paul Stride Natural Baby Shower Victoria Houston Prams Babyland Fife Baby Lady

Cover Story

Circulation

www.nurserytoday.co.uk

Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair Stars of the Show

Retailer Opinion

Production

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

Retail Matters Online4baby’s Managing Director, Christy Foster takes a look at retailing through Q4 and reflects back on the Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair.

Editor

Lema Publishing Ltd

Barking Mad

Features 18 24 56

Nursery Furniture/Bedside Cribs Mattresses Wheeled Goods

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09/11/2023 18:21

editor’s letter www.nurserytoday.co.uk | Instagram: nurserytoday | LinkedIn: Nursery Today

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors this year – wow, what a display of fantastic stands this year, the variety of products on display was extensive. For example, CuddleCo took us through a ‘Fairy Tale’, with their furniture which was all about Nursery Furniture Re-imagined. They took inspiration from classic bedtime stories and styled them with a modern, trend-led twist to showcase their latest ranges. Did everyone manage to guess the story? Speaking with both exhibitors and visitors, it most definitely can be stated that Harrogate this year was a resounding success for all. For example, as the Baby Lady’s owner Debbie Check out our Cover Story focussing on BabyStyle over on page 16. Homer-Davis told us during her visit: “Harrogate has given us a great opportunity to view upcoming trends and gain valuable product demonstrations. I honestly don’t know how anyone can keep up with trends without visiting the show, or fully understand a product without a full demonstration. Harrogate is such an important yearly event. I would find it almost impossible to gain a good understanding of how the

elcome to the November issue, where we reflect on the Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair that took place last month. The organisers have stated that this year was a resounding success and saw a 20 percent increase in visitors since pre-covid, which demonstrates the clear need for this yearly nursery trade event. With five halls, brimming to the rim with nursery and infant products, I have to say that I could perhaps have done with a fourth day at this event – apologies to all those who I didn’t get round to seeing!

“Harrogate has given us a great opportunity to view upcoming trends and gain valuable product demonstrations. I honestly don’t know how anyone can keep up with trends without visiting the show, or fully understand a product without a full demonstration.”

industry is moving forward or how a product works just by viewing pictures.” We bring you a review starting over on page 30 and also highlight products that were on display as a ‘refresher’ of what you might have seen during your visit (or of course missed should you not have been able to attend). Remember, the 2024 show dates have also been announced, so pop the 13th-15th October 2024 into your diaries! On a slightly different note, and as a firm supporter of both the Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair and of course the Independents, you will have spotted that BabyStyle is our front cover hero this month. BabyStyle were definitely a star of the show this year, with their monumental stand, impressive new products and of course their wonderful team. Visitors to their stand were also able to enjoy a drink from the infamous BabyStyle Gin Bar! You can read our Cover Story by simply turning to page 16. This issue we also feature Nursery Furniture & Cribs (page 18), Mattresses (page 24) and Wheeled Goods (page 56). On a final note, if you haven’t already, why not sign up for our free online news service. Simply head over to www.nurserytoday.co.uk to subscribe, or why not join us on LinkedIn (Nursery Today) or Instagram (nurserytoday).

Debbie Homer-Davis, Baby Lady 4

nursery today

Editors letter Nov.indd 1

09/11/2023 21:06

VIEWPOINT

news

Sponsored by

OBITUARY: FRANK TODD

Sadly, we have to report the death of Frank Todd on 16th October after a long period of poor health. Frank was a well-known and much-loved member of our industry for many years and he will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends. During his long time in the Nursery Industry he worked for Tri-ang Pedigree after which he became a very successful agent for companies such as Maclaren and Lundby Dolls Houses. In 1981 he started Merrybaby selling products from notable German makers for a number of years. Merrybaby represented companies such as Geuther wooden furniture, Leipold and Teutonia Prams amongst others. In 1992 he joined East Coast Plastics as Sales Director and remained there until his retirement. In retirement he became a consultant to BR Wholesale in Northern Ireland advising on their imports from the Far East. Prior to joining the Nursery trade he served time in the Merchant Navy as an officer and travelled the world for several years before entering Shell University in Southampton and, having graduated worked for Shell on the South Bank of the Thames. He met his future wife Valerie in 1970 and they spent many happy years together until her sad death in 2014. He will be missed by his two sons and two grand-children whom he adored. He lived for his family and friends and loved taking holidays with them, always planning different venues.

Spin Master acquires

Melissa & Doug

Spin Master has boosted its presence in the preschool and early childhood sector at a stroke after announcing it has agreed to acquire Melissa & Doug in a deal worth $950 million. The deal will see what Spin Master called “a well-recognised and trusted brand in early childhood play” come under its wing and will “bolster Spin Master’s position as a leader in the children’s entertainment industry and will bring complementary capabilities in early childhood toys by adding Melissa & Doug’s high-quality offerings of open-ended, creative, and developmental wooden toys”. Spin Master global president and CEO Max Rangel said: “What excites us so much about Melissa & Doug is the power of their brand, their deep knowledge in developmental play and their passion for creativity, imagination and sustainability. As a trusted brand of early childhood toys with an evergreen portfolio, Melissa & Doug will expand Spin Master’s presence in new categories, providing immediate revenue growth, broader reach in all retail channels and market coverage. The addition of Melissa & Doug is highly complementary and connects with our strategic vision to reimagine everyday play, providing a compelling platform for long-term growth through innovation, while also meeting the changing demands of children and parents of the future.” Melissa & Doug President and CEO, Fernando Mercé commented: “Throughout our 35-year history, Melissa & Doug has helped ignite children’s imaginations by fostering open-ended, sustainable play. We are confident that by working together with Spin Master, we will be able to reach more families, inspire more imaginations and unlock greater growth potential.” It also highlighted the financial benefits, notably the “attractive brand portfolio of $489 million in revenue in 2022”. The $950 million deal is made up of $450 million in cash and $500 million in debt financing, with additional earnouts subject to hitting targets in 2024 and 2025. 8

Belfast’s Being Baby

bring home gold!

Belfast company, Being Baby, have won their sixth and seventh prestigious awards for their Luxury Bamboo Hooded Towel Sets. The local company secured a second win at the 2023 Organic Baby Awards, achieving GOLD for Best Bath Towel and GOLD for Best Bath Accessory. This brings the total number of baby industry specific awards to seven, and all three of the company’s hooded towel sets now award-winning. The prestigious Organic Baby Awards are the only initiative of their kind and focus solely on brands within the organic and sustainable sector of the baby industry. Being Baby was launched by a husband and wife team, Mark and Daniella Bannon. As parents to three children, Mark recognised how quickly babies outgrow many of their newborn products. With a passion for useful, sustainable baby items that would last longer than a few months, their first product ‘The Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda Towel and Face-cloth Set’ was launched. Being Baby currently has three exclusive towel ranges – the panda, fox and koala. Being Baby has built a successful international market, selling in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

www.beingbaby.net

Mountain Buggy celebrates 30 years

The iconic New Zealand brand known for its groundbreaking all-terrain buggies, is celebrating 30 years of innovation, adventure, and excellence. Founded in 1992 by Alan Croad, the company has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now recognised as a symbol of New Zealand’s ingenuity and pioneering spirit. For more information about Mountain Buggy and their 30-year journey of innovation and adventure, please visit www.mountainbuggy.com

nursery today

News Nov.indd 2

09/11/2023 18:22

MEET THE

GLOW S LE E P ECO -SYSTEM NEW to the UK

Glow Sleep Easy

Glow Travel Sleep Easy

Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor

The smart device that puts a sleep expert in the palm of your hand.

The perfect travel companion to support your sleep on the go.

Helping you create the perfect sleep conditions every night.

Glow Dreaming was created because a parent had a desperate need to have the support of a device that actually worked when there was none available. Since that moment, Glow Dreaming has continued to learn, grow and develop in the sleep space to always ensure that families get the sleep they need.

glowdreaming.co.uk

Feature GLOW DREAMING

Glow Dreaming Lands in the UK

Having helped more than 200,000 families in Australia and New Zealand. Backed by science, and engineered for sleep - Glow Dreaming finally comes to the UK. Glow Dreaming helps families create the optimum environment to help babies and children nod off and is being hailed a saviour by sleep deprived parents. Nursery Today spoke to their Founder, Aloni Benau to find out more. What is Glow Dreaming? We are an Australian brand with the purpose of solving sleep as a foundation for a better life. We make products but also offer support to make sleep easy for parents of newborn babies, or anyone needing a better sleep!

Aloni, tell us the story of Glow Dreaming? The story of Glow Dreaming is deeply personal. It began with my daughter’s struggle with sleep at the age of eight, following a heartbreaking loss. Her fear of sleep became a nightly challenge, a fear that it might equate to an endless night. Despite our efforts with sleep specialists, psychologists and recommended environmental changes, we couldn’t find a solution. Compelled by a parent’s resolve, I sought out a scientifically- backed, non-pharmacological and holistic solution. Integrating the precision of science with the gentleness of natural care, I discovered a solution in the synergy of advanced sleep technologies. The deep red LED light therapy, acknowledged in scientific circles for its sleep-inducing qualities, was a game-changer. I selected top-tier essential oils for their known calming properties, the humidifier’s cool mist was a very effective addition to complementing the holistic sleep environment. And finally the pink noise feature, developed in collaboration with a renowned sound expert, was not just a background sound but a scientifically crafted tool. These components didn’t work in isolation but in concert, each playing a critical role in not just helping my daughter fall asleep, but also in fostering a more profound, restorative rest. This multifaceted approach brought back my joyful and carefree daughter. Glow Dreaming is my personal crusade turned global mission. Glow Dreaming stands as a global pledge to revolutionise infant sleep, offering parents the assurance they need to make a real impact on both their and their child’s wellbeing. We have a range of products including the Glow Sleep Easy, Glow Travel Sleep Easy for parents on the go and the Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor.

Explain the 5-in-1 aspect of your hero product Glow Sleep Easy? NASA LED Sleep Light - NASA uses this specific red LED light therapy to help its astronauts sleep. Red spectrum light helps stimulate the body’s production of melatonin; the hormone responsible for telling us it’s time for sleep. This function also assists in the development of children’s circadian rhythm (internal sleep body clock), helping them to develop a healthy, non-habit-forming relationship with sleep. 10

Pink Noise - Studies prove that Pink Noise, a combination of sounds naturally found in nature, is the best sound for sleep. We have worked with Dr. Stephane Pigeon, one of the world’s leading sound engineers, to develop the sleep aids pink noise component. The sounds are a combination of frequencies commonly heard in waterfalls, rain and thunder. Pink Noise enhances brain activity associated with the deep phases of sleep, improving memory retention and focus, as well as cognitive functions. The Glow Dreaming has only 3 volume settings, these settings produce sound never exceeding 70 decibels and are all within the range that are safe for developing ears. Aromatherapy - The Glow Dreaming includes organic, medicinal grade essential oil, designed to relax the muscles, and calm the mind ensuring that babies and children fall asleep. Humidifier - Cool mist technology helps ease breathing, prevents snoring, and creates the ideal sleep environment by stopping the spread of airborne viruses and maintaining an even room temperature. Sleep Support - Glow Dreaming transcends the traditional sleep aid—it’s a comprehensive support system providing parental peace of mind. With our customer care team leveraging one of the world’s largest baby sleep databases of over 200,000 sleep data points gathered across six years, we deliver unmatched, personalised guidance. This exclusive, data-rich support system, accessible via the Glow Dreaming App, ensures that parents receive not just a product, but a dedicated team committed to fostering healthy sleep for the whole family.

What support can you give your retail partners? We are newly launching in the UK this month, however as a brand we have been investing in marketing and PR for the past 6 months to raise awareness with UK consumers. Having landed some great reviews in the press as well as via influencers, we have a growing following in the UK. We will continue to invest in brand awareness with PR and influencer campaigns running which can send consumers directly to retailers. We can also provide instore displays and full instore training of the products.

nursery today

GlowDreaming.indd 1

09/11/2023 18:23

Meet the Team Erin Povey UK Sales Director

Stacey Simpson UK Marketing Manager

Erin has joined Glow Dreaming as the UK Sales Director, bringing with her a wealth of retail industry experience having managed independents and national accounts in the Nursery, Fashion and Musical Instruments industries with brands such as Bugaboo, Fender and Pretty Green. This newly created role will allow Glow Dreaming to strengthen its operations and harness the growth in the UK Market.

Tell us about your role? As sales director I will be looking to leverage upon the fantastic work the team in Australia have achieved and launch the brand into the UK Market helping more families get the sleep they deserve.

What makes Glow Dreaming stand out from its competitors? This month we are launching an upgrade to our hero product, The Glow Sleep Easy which is a 5 in 1 sleep aid and integrates AI technology to provide sleep support which can be controlled in the palm of your hands via our Glow Dreaming App.

You are investing a lot in Brand Awareness, how come? Brand awareness is a key priority for us, we know that once parents use our products, they absolutely love them, the reviews speak from themselves and so I am looking forward to getting out into retail and training our retail partners. We have seen the impact in Australia from sales teams who have used and highly recommend the product and what this can do to sales.

Stacey joined the team in September and is responsible for the marketing strategy in the UK. Glow Dreaming has a number of exciting campaigns already underway including a full PR programme, influencer strategy and planned events – getting the product into consumers hands. With over 10 years’ experience within the retail industry spanning visual merchandising, retail marketing, event planning and account handling both client and agency side. Stacey brings her wealth of experience in marketing strategy and brand activation from previous roles at Bugaboo, Pandora & BeSafe.

Tell us about your role? My role at Glow Dreaming is the most exciting yet! With a dotted line into a fantastic team in Australia I am responsible for the marketing operations as we take exciting steps as a business to expand into the UK market.

Can you give us a sneak peak of your plans? It goes without saying that brand awareness is at the top of the list when it comes to what we will tackle first, so we’ve already set the wheels in motion on exciting placements and features to help introduce us to the UK and tell the Glow Dreaming story. Right now, we’re focused on the next 9 months and our strategy reflects not only the launch of the brand but the exciting upgrade to our hero product, the Glow Sleep Easy.

How will you support your retailer partners?

What support will you provide to your retailers? Our strategy doesn’t just end at sleep support we also want to support each retail partner we work with whether this is online or offline. In the short time I have been with the company I have been impressed by the skill set within the business to create fantastic assets as well as ensuring we are able to be reactive to opportunities. Glow Dreaming are committed to help solving sleep problems and we can’t wait to share more exciting innovation next year.

My role will be to support the many retail businesses we hope to partner with across all and every touch point that wins for them - whether that be online or offline. Our strength lies within our ability to act quickly, make decisions at a local level and invest in areas that matter.

Tell us a little more about you? Away from the 9-5, I have a passion for graphic design and all things beautifully typed and printed! At the weekends you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, with either a coffee or a cocktail in hand!

Tell us a little more about yourself? Outside of work I live an active lifestyle and enjoy Bikram Yoga, Pilates, and Ice Skating! I have recently relocated to Manchester and so I am enjoying getting to know my new home and taking the dog for walks in the peak district.

Erin.Povey@glowdreaming.com

Glow Sleep Easy, Glow Perfect Sleep Sensor Glow, Glow Travel Sleep Easy

Stacey.Simpson@glowdreaming.com

For more information visit: www.glowdreaming.co.uk nursery today

GlowDreaming.indd 2

09/11/2023 18:23

Sliding into the future with the new Mica 360 Pro

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qĿČî Ȅȇȁ ¡Ƒū Ŀƙ îǄîĿŕîċŕĚ ĿŠ ƭƥĺĚŠƥĿČ ŕîČŒɈ ƭƥĺĚŠƥĿČ HƑîƎĺĿƥĚɈ ƭƥĺĚŠƥĿČ HƑĚǋɈ ƭƥĺĚŠƥĿČ ŕƭĚ îŠē ƭƥĺĚŠƥĿČ HƑĚĚŠɈ ĲƑūŞ sūǄĚŞċĚƑɍ ¹ū ǶŠē ūƭƥ ŞūƑĚɈ ČūŠƥîČƥ ǋūƭƑ ƙîŕĚƙ ƑĚƎƑĚƙĚŠƥîƥĿǄĚ îƥ ÀeɠƙîŕĚƙʧēūƑĚŕĚƭƑūƎĚɍČūŞ

Interview TOY FAIR 2024

Toys,

toys,

toys! With Toy Fair 2024 readying to open their doors in January next year, we took the opportunity to speak with Majen Immink, Director of Fairs & Special Events at BTHA to find out more about this prestigious UK toy trade exhibition and why nursery retailers should put the date into their diaries. Can you elaborate on what the key reasons are for nursery retailers and buyers attending Toy Fair 2024. What unique opportunities will they find at the event? At Toy Fair 2024, nursery retailers and buyers will have the first opportunity of the year in the UK to get hands-on with thousands of brand-new product launches and ranges. This event is a fantastic chance to meet face to face with suppliers, stay ahead of the latest trends and be inspired by the creativity showcased under one roof. Two big companies with strong nursery and pre-school offerings, TOMY and Spin Master Toys are returning to the show after a period away, as well as many other exhibitors showcasing their nursery ranges including Golden Bear Toys, EDUK8 Worldwide Ltd, Halilit, Melissa & Doug and Just Play, plus many more. Visitors will be privy to a vast array of products at Toy Fair 2024, including many exclusive launches, spanning various categories including arts and crafts, tech toys, plush, STEM toys, and exciting licensed toys. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, it is a must-attend event for nursery retailers and buyers.

Could you share information on the growth of the show compared to previous years? Are there any significant changes or expansions for 2024? Toy Fair 2024 has indeed seen continued growth. The exhibition space has sold out even earlier this year, with returning exhibitors covering more than 90% of the floor, and we have therefore extended the floorplan due to the growing demand for exhibitor space. The expansion means that we can also welcome many new exhibitors across the Grand and National Halls on both levels, but also will be venturing into the Upper West Hall where TOMY and Spin Master Toys can be found. With more exhibitors and more product showcases to uncover, the show aims to be bigger and better than ever before. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the industry, both returning and brand-new exhibitors, and the speed at which the space sold out demonstrates the trust and confidence that companies have in Toy Fair.

Toy Fair 2024 also marks the show’s 70th anniversary. We will be celebrating the anniversary with nostalgic content from the past 70 years in the build-up to, and at the show. It will be interesting to see and hear how much the industry has changed over the years. Toy Fair TV will be back, highlighting the huge array of products through demonstrations on exhibitors’ stands. Attendees can also anticipate the return of ‘Toy Fair’s Hero Toys,’ where we unveil and celebrate some of the best and most innovative toys launching in 2024. Furthermore, the Toy Industry Awards will be presented at a special ceremony on the first evening of the show, honouring retailers and suppliers across various categories. Limited tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once finalists have been invited.

Looking ahead, what is the vision for the future of Toy Fair? Are there any new features, themes, or strategies that, as the show organisers, you are considering that will aim to further enhance the event in the coming years? The vision for the future of Toy Fair is to continuously improve and adapt the show and to do so by listening to our exhibitors’ and visitors’ feedback. We have received really positive feedback on the back of the 2023 event and the continued high returnee rate validates the importance of the event in the buying calendar. For 2024, the show will be trialling a slightly earlier finish time, closing at 4.30pm on day 3, while maintaining a 6pm finish on the first two days. We continue to strive to provide the best experience and platform for the industry and will explore all ideas and opportunities to further enhance the event over the coming years. For more information and to pre-register your attendance visit:

www.toyfair.co.uk

Are there any special events or activities planned during the event that exhibitors and attendees should look forward to, such as product launches, networking opportunities, or specific show sectors or events that will be of interest to nursery retailers and buyers? The focus of the show is always very much on the product, and we look forward to exhibitors unveiling the many exciting new launches and expansions on existing ranges. Visitors will have an unrivaled opportunity to network and meet with new and existing customers across a very busy three days. 14

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news The Spirit of Giving My Babiie Release Two New Highchair Covers in ongoing Collaboration with Save the Children This Festive Season Christmas is a time for giving, and this year, My Babiie are embracing the spirit of the season in a special way. They’re delighted to announce the launch of two new festive highchair covers through their ongoing collaboration with Save the Children. Designed to bring joy to any home and make a meaningful impact on children’s lives globally.

The Collaboration

For each of their Festive Premium Highchair Seat Covers sold, £3 will be directly donated to Save the Children.

Why Save the Children?

Save the Children is more than just a charity; it’s a lifeline for millions of children in need. Operating in over 100 countries, they provide everything from emergency relief to long-term education, ensuring that every child has a chance for a brighter future. This collaboration allows My Babiie to be part of their mission, amplifying their impact through our contributions.

It’s not just about highchair covers.

While these festive highchair covers add a touch of Christmas spirit to mealtimes, their real value lies in the difference they make. Each cover sold not only enhances the festive

experience but also directly contributes to vital projects - be it medical care, nutrition, or education for children who need it the most. My Babiie’s ongoing collaboration with Save the Children isn’t just a seasonal initiative. It’s a long-term commitment to fostering positive change. Each festive highchair cover is more than a product; it’s a promise of hope, support and a brighter future for children in need. So, as you add a touch of festivity to the home, know that you’re also extending a hand of generosity to children around the globe. As we look towards 2024, My Babiie are excited to share that their range is expanding to include a new line of products, each crafted with the care and quality you’ve come to expect from them.

www.mybabiie.com

The Magic of Milestones with VTech Baby A survey of UK parents of children ages four months to four years, commissioned by toy brand VTech Baby, reveals the milestone mindset both before and after having a child. In partnership with ex-England Lioness and new mum, Ellen White, the campaign shows that goals are often re-prioritised during parenthood. VTech Baby encourages celebrating not only milestones, but the little moments of magic that can be found along the way.

Before parenthood

Seventy per cent of those surveyed said that pre-parenthood, they set themselves personal milestones, and 91 per cent said that these motivated them to achieve more in life. When asked what the biggest influence behind these milestones was, 46 per cent said ‘family’, with only 10 per cent stating they were motivated by friends and just seven per cent by experts. Overall, many stated that they set goals for their own personal development and growth, and 69 per cent said these were not set on the expectations of others.

In a new role

Unsurprisingly, a huge 86 per cent of those surveyed said that their idea of milestones changed once they had a baby. When asked in what way, verbatim answers included: “My personal goals became less important.”, “I was more relaxed, realistic and made them more achievable.”, “I measure success differently now.”, “My priorities changed, so my milestones reflected that.” This is a sentiment that ex-England Lioness – and now new mum – Ellen White can relate to. She says: “As a professional footballer, I have always had a mindsetorientated focus which has driven me to achieve things, sometimes against the odds. But there is no doubt that having a baby, whose needs I want to put before my own, not only changes that focus but has given me an incredible sense of perspective and has brought huge joy. It is so wonderful to see Maeve as she grows and develops – such a delight to watch as she achieves, not just the big milestones such as sleeping through the night and sitting up, but also the small moments of magic, like a little smile.”

Supporting next steps

Forty-five per cent of parents said that they transferred their milestone mindset to their baby, with 69 per cent saying they researched the key milestones before their baby was born. Eighty-eight per cent said that they purchased toys to encourage and develop their little ones along the way, and of those, 86 per cent said those toys worked in supporting their little ones to achieve a next step. Rebecca Lazarus, UK Marketing Manager for VTech Baby comments on the campaign; “Whilst it is wonderful to see that 87 per cent of those surveyed said it

was reassuring to buy toys from well-established, trusted brands who research and develop their products specifically for milestones, we totally recognise that it’s not all about the big achievements. Very often it is the complete opposite, with such joy often being found in the little daily moments. All babies are unique, and each and every one of them develops at a different rate. We encourage parents to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying or comparing.” VTech Baby has a range of toys designed specifically to support little ones as they grow and develop. From the first time that their eyes light up in recognition of a loving face or a familiar toy, to the photo-worthy instances of starting to crawl or walk, VTech Baby is on hand to gently support and develop – as well as adding fun and laughter. To view VTech Baby’s range of toys, including more of those designed to encourage the magic of milestones, visit www.vtech.co.uk

Belfast’s Being Baby brings home gold! Belfast company, Being Baby, have won their sixth and seventh prestigious awards for their Luxury Bamboo Hooded Towel Sets. The local company secured a second win at the 2023 Organic Baby Awards, achieving GOLD for Best Bath Towel and GOLD for Best Bath Accessory. This brings the total number of baby industry specific awards to seven, and all three of the company’s hooded towel sets now award-winning. Being Baby has built a successful international market, selling in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda, Fox and Koala Towel Sets are available to purchase on the company’s website www.beingbaby.net and in select retail stores across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. nursery today

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Cover Story

BabyStyle

Harrogate

Hurrah! BabyStyle stole the show yet again at the Harrogate Nursery Fair, with their monumental stand, impressive new products and of course their wonderful team.

ll eyes were on BabyStyle at this years’ Nursery Fair, with many retailers from across the UK heading straight to their stand upon arrival. Visitors to their stand were greeted by the friendly faces of BabyStyle, Husband and Wife Co-Owners Andy and Sam Crane along with their team ready to show their offerings for 2024. Visitors to their stand were also able to enjoy a drink from the infamous BabyStyle Gin Bar! We caught up with Andy towards the end of the show. “We couldn’t be more pleased with how the fair has gone, not only because of the reaction to the products we have worked so hard on but also our customers showed how much they value us. “The Nursery Fair in Harrogate is such an important date in our calendar and a lot of effort goes into creating such an exciting space for our customers to feel at home and be enthused for the future.”

The hard work doesn’t stop here for BabyStyle, with such a fruitful show, their focus now lies with fine-tuning the egg and Oyster ranges, developing marketing strategies, and of course launching the products in 2024. There was however a surprise launch at the show this year, which retailers were thrilled to learn was arriving in under a months’ time -the Oyster3 Stroller in Mink. The egg2 Stroller in Mink has certainly set a new trend in the world of wheels, so it was only right that the Oyster3 joined in. The team at BabyStyle were blown away by the response to the new Oyster3 colourway, with customers itching to share photos across social media and placing their orders. The Oyster3 in Mink will lead the way for their impressive new range of colourways in 2024. Andy said, “In the current cost of living crisis, it is important to offer affordable ranges with a hint of luxury. In the past we

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at the show, but it certainly went down In the current cost of living crisis, it is important customers well with many of our retailers offering their dogs as models!” Other egg accessories planned for next year the much-anticipated carrycot stand, to offer affordable ranges with a hint of luxury. In include handmuffs, stroller snack tray and an overnight bag. Another curveball at the show was the Oyster Joey the past we haven’t shared fabrics across Stroller, a new concept from BabyStyle far different what they are known for. With retailers our ranges, but we understand the importance of from describing it as ‘Marmite’, the Oyster Joey is a no-frills, cabin friendly stroller, designed for older toddlers change and listening to our customers. who mainly walk but may need a little help. Andy

Andy Crane haven’t shared fabrics across our ranges, but we understand the importance of change and listening to our customers. The egg2in Mink is extremely popular but put simply -not everyone can afford it. Using the same fabric on the Oyster3 means consumers don’t have to miss out on the trend.” The team previously trialled this way of thinking when the used the same fabric from the egg2 in Feather on the Champagne Oyster3, which couldn’t have been more successful and made waves through the industry. BabyStyle have always worked hard to ensure they offer price points for every consumer without compromising on safety and style. This goes for retailers too who understand BabyStyle’s commitment to them more than ever. With excellent margins, no price rises on current ranges and no competition from the brand itself online, retailers are paying attention to everything Andy and his team are offering and taking it with open arms. This was evident at the show with retailers following their

lead with new products and enhancements to others. At the show they previewed the Oyster Gravity+, a potential upgrade to the current Oyster Zero Gravity which features a new parent and world facing, lay-flat seat with many making orders immediately. Sticking with wheels, since the launch of the egg Stroller, retailers have high expectations year-on-year for newness and this year certainly did not disappoint. With a raft of new accessories and a first look at the egg3 Stroller, retailers couldn’t get enough and were keen to create as much content as possible ready for launch in the new year. The most innovative egg accessory on display was the egg Pet Basket, which would be used in conjunction with the tandem adaptors so a dog (or shopping) can ride along in style. “We have so many pictures and videos shared with us on social media of small dogs riding along in the basket of the egg Stroller, we thought we’d create a product just for that purpose. It was a bit of a curveball for our

explained that this is what the Nursery Fair is all about, showing innovations to the industry experts to gauge reaction. “I have been excited to share the Oyster Joey with the trade. We know it is a little out of the ordinary but could be a great addition to the Oyster range at £119 for people who travel or use public transport a lot.” We are excited to see whether the Oyster Joey makes it to market or after the team consider the feedback from the show. With so much to come after this years’ show, we are already wondering how BabyStyle can top it at the next Nursery Fair. “2024 is a big year for us, BabyStyle is turning 25! Planning has already begun, it will certainly be a year to remember.”

Tel: 01509 816444 info@babystyle.co.uk

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Feature FURNITURE AND CRIBS

Furnished to

perfection Nursery furniture, cots, cotbeds and bedside cribs are big business. As such, the benefits of stocking these products can be huge for nursery retailers.

he nursery holds a special place in many homes, this is a place where parents lovingly craft an environment that caters to the needs of their little ones. In this process, nursery furniture and bedside cribs play a pivotal role, making them essential products for retailers to stock. The nursery furniture market has been steadily growing due to the increasing demand for versatile and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Parents today are keen to invest in furniture that not only cater to the practical needs of their child but also complements the overall design of the nursery. By offering a range of nursery furniture options, retailers can build customer loyalty. New parents often require guidance on selecting the right pieces for their nursery. Nursery retailers who provide expert advice and a wide product selection can earn the trust of their customers. Bedside cribs, in particular, have gained immense popularity and continue to enjoy a level of growth. By offering a diverse product selection instore or online, this can be a strategic move for retailers, enabling you to tap into a niche market, catering to parents who are looking for quality products for their newborns. Furthermore, nursery furniture and bedside cribs are often accompanied by accessories such as mattresses, bedding, décor items, and safety products, providing a great upselling opportunity.

Recycled fabrics Contemporary Iora Air is an extracomfortable, soothing co-sleeper, designed to keep baby close and deepen that special bond.

A sumptuously thick mattress will provide all the comfort little ones need and for the more challenging nap times, a handy rocking function will help soothe baby back to sleep. Made with super-soft, premium, 100% recycled fabrics, Iora Air features an all-round, breathable mesh fabric to maximise air circulation and a large storage basket underneath ensures all essentials are within reach, for around-the-clock care.

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk 18

stunning design Create a truly fine nursery thanks to a collection of stunning furniture from iconic sleep brand Snüz.

Seamlessly combining contemporary accents with stunning design, the SnüzFino collection is perfect for any interior savvy parent. Effortlessly creating a sleek and modern style in the nursery, the range is available in a variety of colours including White Natural and White, Slate and Dove. And, thanks to the unique canopy design (extension kit bought separately), it creates the coolest den for little ones to cosy up in, for a happy night sleep. The new furniture can be purchased as a 3pc Nursery Set consisting of a Cot Bed, Changing Unit and Wardrobe, or if you are limited for space, parents can choose the 2pc set, with just the Cot Bed and Changer.

Tel: 01789 734 022 www.snuz.co.uk trade@greensheepgroup.com

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AIR LITE A little fresh air to the Sleeptime Range.

Offering even more comfort, closeness and reassurance in a new lightweight and compact design with two beautiful colourways to choose from.

Launching early 2024

Contact: uksales@shnuggle.co.uk or visit shnuggle.com for further information.

Feature FURNITURE AND CRIBS

Trending new neutrals from

CuddleCo Cashmere is the latest neutral shade to grace the world of fashion and home décor.

Now making its stylish debut in the realm of nursery interiors, CuddleCo unveils Clara Cashmere, set to bring warmth and luxury to neutral nurseries across the country. Taking a contemporary twist on their best-selling Clara Furniture Range, the chic cashmere colourway quickly became the star of the show for CuddleCo at Harrogate 2023, which is no surprise to us! Both versatile and gender-neutral, Clara Cashmere is a must-have for fashion-forward parents. Clara’s premium look is completed with gold brushed handles, a perfect finishing touch.

sales@cuddleco.co.uk

Drift, Glide and Snooze or Rock to Sleep with Ickle Bubba Affordable and stylish nursery brand, Ickle Bubba, are set to expand on the success of their Bubba&Me bedside crib by introducing two new innovative products to their sleep range.

The Drift Gliding Crib is designed with peaceful sleep in mind. Its gliding rocking function means a restful night for both parents and bubba. With its removable bassinet and handy carry bag, this versatile crib is perfect for travel. The Mini Rocker Crib is so quick and easy to use it can be assembled in just 5 seconds. Making it the perfect compact crib at home or on the go. Not only that, its rocking mode will help your baby drift off to sleep. For sales enquiries, contact Sam Tyack on the below.

sam.tyack@icklebubba.com 20

Cosy quality

At Red Kite Baby they have always listened to their customers. Parents were clearly looking for a crib and a co-sleeper that combined comfort and style. This is why Red Kite Baby launched their The Award Winning Cozysleep Bedside Crib and feedback has been extremely positive. The crib itself is deep and spacious yet has a cosy quality, thanks to the stylish and plush fabrics, while the anti-reflux incline option and opening side panel is easy for even the most bleary-eyed parents to operate. We are proud to have developed a product that has supported parents to enjoy cherished moments with their babies right beside them.

TEL: 01454 336 555

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Feature FURNITURE AND CRIBS

Scandinavian

simplicity Fall in love with Venicci Home Nursery Furniture with the Saluzzo collection, marrying Scandinavian design with modern simplicity.

This furniture set strikes the perfect balance, offering contemporary elegance in three colour variations, Graphite, Warm Grey and Premium White, perfect for both boys and girls. Forenzo line, renowned for its captivating portrayal of wood textures and colours, which brings a sense of tranquility and warmth to any interior. Available in two inviting colour options, Nordic White and Honey Oak. This collection effortlessly enhances any living space with its appealing aesthetics.

www.venicci.co.uk

Compact crib Launching in early 2024, the Shnuggle ‘Air Lite Bedside Crib’ is a whisper quiet compact crib addition to the Air range of sleep-time products designed with comfort and closeness for baby in mind. The Air Lite is similar to the original Shnuggle Air in that it combines all the key features of baby’s first bed to provide a safe and close and sleep space from birth. The Air Lite is more compact in size to ensure it can be placed by a parent bed, no matter what size of room and baby feels cosy and secure inside and is a standalone crib as opposed to the original Air which converts to a full size cot when baby is ready. Designed with breathability at its core, the dual view, mesh sides help to maximise airflow as well as allowing parents to keep a watchful eye on baby. The zip down side is whisper quiet to prevent disturbance and is designed to easily feed or comfort baby during the night. The uniquely designed airflow mattress has a hypo-allergenic fibre core which is 50% more breathable than standard foam mattresses, helping to reduce the risk of baby overheating. The Shnuggle Air Lite also uses baby safe, hypo-allergenic fabrics which can all be completely removed and handwashed. As well as helping to maximise breathability, the Shnuggle Air Lite features a gentle incline option to help ease colic and reflux as well as seven height adjustments to fit most bed heights and attaches securely and easily to most standard bed frames. The added storage hammock underneath provides handy storage space for those night-time feeding and changing essentials. In a choice of two beautifully neutral fabric colours to complement any nursery or master bedroom décor – grey and also taupe, a new shade for Shnuggle sleep-time products. The Shnuggle Air Lite is easy to assemble and can be used as a bedside crib or standalone, providing the perfect solution for parents who want safety, quality and comfort for their baby.

Award winning

by design The Scandi-inspired SBROUT, a masterpiece of nursery design.

The Scandi-inspired SBROUT recently won the Winner in the Furniture Category and Most Commended in the Best New Product at the BANTA awards. Prior to that, they also won multiple awards from the Junior Design Award, Absolutely Mama Awards, and Project Baby Magazine. More than just furniture, SBROUT evolves with your child – beginning as a crib, transforming into a space-saving cot, and later into a toddler table & chair, toy cart, mini shelve and adult chair. Using sustainable eco-wood, SBROUT stands out for its elegant design, durability, and ease of maintenance - a sustainable and ingenious choice for modern nurseries. Discover the delightful SBROUT today!

www.kikisebby.com

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Feature FURNITURE AND CRIBS

Aria Wave

Crib The natural choice for the nursery

At Harrogate, CuddleCo revealed several stunning new additions to their rattan offering, with the Aria Wave Crib quickly becoming a standout product at the show – and for good reason too! With a beautiful, intricate, handwoven design and soft curves, its hard not to fall in love with the Aria Wave Crib. The natural rattan frame is supported by contemporary, sleek black legs and is lightweight enough to be easily transported around the house. Complete with a soft and supportive crib mattress featuring a knitted cover with natural bamboo fibres for a clean sleep environment.

sales@cuddleco.co.uk

Breathable comfort A decade of dreams behind it, an Iconic design and innovative features such as its dual-view mesh windows, and zip-down wall for bedside use, undoubtedly give the much-loved SnüzPod4 its edge.

Praised for its genius ComfortAir system with unique surface-level air-flow vents, an air-permeable mesh liner, and improved base ventilation, the SnüzPod4 is super breathable. Not only fitting more beds than any other bedside crib thanks to its extended height feature, the SnüzPod also boasts many much-loved features, such as the lightweight removable bassinet and reflux incline. It comes in a stunning collection of classic and on trend colours, with wood inspired tones launching across the brand-new contemporary design collection, the Natural Edit this November.

Tel: 01789 734 022 trade@greensheepgroup.com www.snuz.co.uk

Feature Furniture and Cribs.indd 4

Portable

powerhouse

Parents can sleep soundly at night with little one close by, whether at home or on travels, with the new roomie go from Joie.

This easy to fold, bedside sleeper is a portable powerhouse that will let parents and little ones sleep safely, side by side, without sharing a bed. What sets roomie go aside from similar bedside cribs is the quick and easy fold that packs up conveniently into one tiny package. Compact and lightweight, roomie go is your perfect travel partner that is easy to carry and tucks away into small boots and cupboards. Roomie go also comes with a comfortably cushioned, yet firm mattress that is covered in a soft knit mesh so that baby can breathe easily which means a peaceful rest for parents and baby.

uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com nursery today

09/11/2023 18:30

Profile NURSERY CONNECTIONS

New dawn for

Nursery Connections

Meet the brothers in business who have put Nursery Connections’ past to bed and are on a mission to innovate, as the industry’s first-choice cot mattress manufacturer.

ot mattress manufacturer Nursery Connections is enjoying a fresh start with the family behind BBC Dragons’ Den success story Duvalay. Brothers Thomas and William Colleran said they are on a mission to breathe new life into the brand after Duvalay’s parent company, The Raskelf Group, bought Nursery Connections out of administration. Thomas, who recently became a parent for the second time, said the timing felt right for the close-knit Colleran family to bring their sleep industry expertise to the baby sector. “My wife Leah and I have been blessed with two amazing daughters. William is a father-to-be and our younger brother Declan has a three-month-old daughter too. Our parents, Elizabeth and Alan, are very involved as supportive, loving grandparents. We all understand what consumers feel like – wanting to do everything you can to help your baby sleep through! Producing well-crafted, innovative cot mattresses for growing families like ours is an exciting challenge, and one that feels very personal.” Having taken their pioneering Duvalay sleeping bag into Dragons’ Den in 2011, Elizabeth and Alan secured investment from the late Hilary Devey CBE. Duvalay then launched its first mattress collection for the home, named after its ‘Dragon’ investor, in 2015. Just three years later, Duvalay won ‘Bed Manufacturer of the Year’ at the National Bed Federation (NBF) Bed Industry Awards. “As adult bed manufacturers, we have gone from strength to strength – gaining a reputation as disruptors in the sector,” said William, who is Finance Director. “The Raskelf Group is a long-running, stable family business that is in a strong financial position. Added to that, we can source and make components vital to the mattress manufacturing process at our four-acre site in Heckmondwike. With existing distribution channels nationwide, we are a very safe and experienced pair of hands.” Having acquired Nursery Connections’ brand rights and physical assets, such as stock and equipment, Raskelf also safeguarded the jobs of 35 employees who will continue to work on site at the factory in Corby, Northamptonshire as part of the deal. “Giving the workforce some much-needed job security during the current cost of living crisis was our first priority,” explained Thomas, who is Commercial Director. “We have lots of fresh ideas, but we also want to be very respectful of the fact that there is a wealth of expertise amongst the existing employees around safety and compliance which, as NBF members, we take very seriously. Together, we will put the company’s historic challenges to bed, and get Nursery Connections back to doing what it does best: Helping children get the best possible start in life with a good night’s sleep.” Seven months into its ‘bedding in’ period, Raskelf have made significant progress towards streamlining existing processes and integrating systems. Thomas

explained that the Group’s longer-term focus will be on exploring the potential for new products and features. “Ever since my dad first asked himself whether it was possible to integrate a mattress into a sleeping bag, my family have been pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the sleep space,” he explained. “We already make white label products for many of the industry’s biggest names, and we have a full design team that can create bespoke ranges for customers. We are confident that Nursery Connections will remain the first-choice manufacturing partner for brands within this sector.” Nursery Connections have a table at the Mother & Baby Awards, and Thomas said they look forward to attending the event: “We are honoured to be cheering on other companies who are making waves in the baby sector, and excited about meeting our colleagues in this industry.”

Tel: 01536 647764 info@nurseryconnections.co.uk www.nurseryconnections.co.uk

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No.1

manufacturer of baby mattresses in the UK O V E R

20 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E

Get in touch for bespoke orders or white label opportunities

01536 647764 E info@nurseryconnections.co.uk W nurseryconnections.co.uk T

NOW PART OF THE

Feature MATTRESSES

COFFEE BREAK

Nursery Today spoke with Nursery Connections Commercial Director, Thomas Colleran to gain his insight into the nursery mattress sector. Do you feel that cost vs. quality is a consideration? Parents want value for money, but they also want to give their babies the best possible start. A budget mattress that compromises on quality and safety is, for most consumers, a cost saving too far.

Are brand names important in this category and if so, why? Parents actively seek out fashionable brands – especially ones promoted by their favourite reality stars on social media. 61% of consumers trust influencer recommendations (Shopify). Combined with feedback from family and friends, brand recognition helps buyers to invest with confidence.

What about anti-allergy properties within the manufacture process, are consumers now actively seeking this? 40% of children have been diagnosed with an allergy (Allergy UK). Babies with sensitive skin or breathing issues need the healthiest sleep they can get. We actively promote the hypoallergenic properties of our products because the right mattress can have a big impact on a child’s quality of life.

How about sustainability? Are parents looking for mattresses that can be recycled after use rather than end up in landfill? Consumers rely on manufacturers to make recyclable products. Green credentials are a consideration, but quality, safety and price are the deciders.

What type of benefits can retailers expect by stocking mattresses either in-store or online? Better education means consumers are less likely to settle for the standard type of mattress offered with a cot or cot bed. Carrying a range of quality infant mattresses will drive up web traffic and store footfall.

www.nurseryconnections.co.uk

Sleeping

safely

In the world of nursery retail, offering a comprehensive selection of baby products is essential to cater to the diverse needs of parents. Among these products, mattresses for cribs and cots hold a significant place.

tocking mattresses that prioritise breathability and eco-friendly materials can be a game-changer for nursery retailers. Breathable mattresses are designed to allow proper air circulation, reducing the risk of overheating. This is crucial for a baby’s sleep quality and safety, as overheating is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). By offering these mattresses, retailers provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that their babies are sleeping comfortably and safely. Today’s parents are also increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases. Mattresses made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo or natural latex, resonate with eco-conscious consumers. By stocking such mattresses, retailers align themselves with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally responsible products. By prioritising safety, sustainability, and quality, retailers can build a strong, loyal customer base while positively impacting the health and happiness of the families they serve.

Solid sleep support With its SnüzSurface collection, Snüz has delivered enhanced mattress technology to provide tailored support, from birth to 13yrs.

The innovative range of 4 mattresses, which are available in standard sizes to sell across multiple furniture brands, all feature a unique 3D breathable surface, with waterproof membrane and removable cover (washable at 40°c). The SnüzSurface Air crib mattress provides a firm core for the correct support from birth, while the SnüzSurface Duo cot and cot bed mattress provides progressive support, ideal as little one’s transition into toddlerhood. With its clever triple-layered internal structure, the SnüzSurface Pro cot and cot bed mattress will support to little one’s 7th Birthday – one mattress, 3 levels of support that adapt as little one grows. And the SnüzSurface Max junior mattress for 4 to 13 year olds.

Tel: 01789 734 022 trade@greensheepgroup.com www.snuz.co.uk 26

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Feature MATTRESSES

Handmade for quality

Having originally launched 17 years ago with one of the first children’s natural mattress, The Little Green is truly the home of natural, supportive sleep for the family. Beautifully handmade and championing only the highest quality natural materials, the complete collection includes cot mattresses, Moses basket mattresses and crib mattresses (with adult sizes also available for those that want to sleep like a baby too!). It’s multiaward-winning Twist Mattress has been thoughtfully created using just 4 of the highest quality natural materials, including cotton, coconut, wool and latex and free from all toxins. The Dual-Sided Twist Mattress core has been designed to provide little ones with the natural comfort they need for the best night’s sleep. Featuring a firm supportive core as recommended by safe sleep experts for young babies, but as little ones grow, users simply twist the mattress to benefit from a softer medium-level support for extra comfort for toddlerhood and beyond.

TEL: 01789 734 022 trade@greensheepgroup.com www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Glowing

reviews The only mattress parents need for their baby

With tonnes of glowing reviews and a Gold Mother&Baby Award for Best Sleep Product, it’s no surprise that the CuddleCo Lullaby Hypo-Allergenic Bamboo Foam Cot Bed Mattress is quickly becoming a sleep essential for parent’s all over the UK. This nursery grade foam cot bed mattress has been designed to offer baby a firm and supportive base to sleep on, while promoting airflow. Made with natural bamboo fibre, which has hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial properties, parents can rest easy knowing their baby has a clean and healthy sleep environment. Designed to be the only mattress parents need as their baby grows. The mattress features an easy-clean, waterproof training side.

sales@cuddleco.co.uk

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nursery matters JOHN BARKER

Barking

Mad

Having returned back from Harrogate, Pramland’s John Barker reflects back on the show and on the conversations he had with fellow retailers and brands.

hat a weekend! Harrogate 2023 was fabulous, and I had a splendid time. The show felt a little quieter, but I think that was because the new layout spread everything out a little more than last year. Overall, I saw everyone and everything I wanted to see, and I really hope next year will be just as epic. For me the highlight had to be Oyster 3 Mink, if ever a colour was going to sell like hot cakes it would be this little beauty! I don’t want to dwell too much on what I saw but would rather chat about some of the conversations I had with a few of you fellow retailers and some of the brands. As independents it’s always nice to speak to other retailers and hear how they are doing. Over the weekend I spoke with a good number of you and I was surprised by the difference I heard in relation to the current market and how your stores are performing. Overall, I would say the majority of people I spoke with had a positive outlook on the remainder of the year and for 2024. However, I was surprised by how many of you told me that business had been slow and that footfall was down. I’ve said it time and

time again, the hardest part of our jobs is getting people into your stores. Once they are in your four walls you get one chance to make a difference. I absolutely love selling, always have and always will. I love the thrill of the chase. The excitement of overcoming objections and steering someone away from a product they thought they wanted (and more than likely one you don’t stock) and on to something else is exhilarating. From the chats I had I can say that our industry is divided in to two camps. Order takers and salespeople. Salespeople work hard for each and every order. They engage with people, demonstrate products, sell the benefits of them and as a result they reap the benefits of the sale. Order takers sit there, they expect people to find their stores and they expect people to simply walk in and ask for pram x. If this doesn’t happen then there appears to be no actions taken to correct it – other than taking to social media to moan about how bad things are. Control your own destiny, and become a sales person – you’ll thank me in the long run. The first thing you need to do is get used to selling, you and your team! Your store, your

john@pramland.co.uk As independents it’s alw ays nice to spe ak to oth er reta iler s and hea r how they are doin g. Over the weekend I spoke wit h a good num ber of you and I was surprised by the differen ce I hea rd in rela tion to the cur rent ma rket and how you r stores are per form ing. business it’s THE most important product you have, so treat it like it is. Sing your own praises and project success, customers to be love it. A forward thinking, active business portrays success and people buy in to it. If all your social media centres around the products your selling you’re simply helping people choose what to buy - you need to be getting the “buy this from us” message front and centre. In these days of internet sales customers can buy anything you sell from anywhere at any time of the day. The stores seeing the growth in this industry are those stores that are getting people through their doors. Online sales will always be a part of the industry, but the figures suggest that

instore is still king. And I say long live the king! Just step back from your website and your social media, just for two minutes. Look at the last five or six posts you made on whichever social media network is your poison. Ask yourself one question “What does it say about my business?”. My guess will be that it says very little about your business, instead it says look at this awesome new feature on this product or here are some amazing new strollers, perfect for the winter months. All good marketing but it avoids the need for the person reading the post to visit you. Sell the fact the person reading your post needs to visit you before they do anything else. We

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should be your first port of call because we offer this or that we offer that. I am passionate about ensuring every person that comes in the building gets the best possible experience. They see the widest range of products; they get help and advice second to none and they feel confident on spending their money with us. Got a new review? Get it posted, people love recommendations or the feedback of others. If they are choosing where to buy from, they will always pick the store with the best score, so encourage customers to review you and reap the rewards of them praising you. Just another quick thing on confidence – customers like stability in a business, stability breeds confidence. To reassure potential customers that you are a reliable and well-established business do not underestimate the benefit of having A) a landline telephone number and B) an email address associated with a website you own. Think about it, anyone can get the email address johnsprams@gmail.com but to get info@johnsprams.co.uk looks so much more professional, it says “we are here to stay!”. Potential customers pick up on little things like this and it

can make a big difference especially if you have local competition doing it better than you. The last thing I want to touch on was something a brand mentioned to me. I was blown away when I was told that some stores actually charge for their windows to be used! It sounds very entitled (you’re now shouting – JUST GOOD BUSINESS SENSE ACTUALLY!) Call me naive but why would I ever charge a brand to help me promote their products in my store for me to benefit? Apparently, this is a normal thing and it really surprised me. I must honestly be the softest touch for my brands, I treat my relationship with them as a symbiotic one. We both need to work together in order for us to prosper...it would appear I got this all wrong maybe in the future I’ll start demanding free demo stock and displays. If you’re one of my brands and you’re reading this – don’t worry, I won’t be doing this at all! If I’m doing the business with you and you feel like I have earned a new stand or a special promotion that’s amazing and greatly appreciated but I most certainly will not be pimping my windows out to the highest bidder.

Just step back from your website and your social media, just for two minutes. Look at the last five or six posts you made on whichever social media network is your poison. Ask yourself one question “What does it say about my business?

new neutrals discover our

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Review HARROGATE

Smiles all round

The Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ended on a high note, with visitor attendance being reported as showing an increase of 20 percent since pre-covid.

Sebastien Charles (left), Milena MarieKonrad were happy with response from visitors on the Angelcare stand.

Glasgow Prams hop over to the Cybex stand to wish Luke Burns a happy 50th Birthday! 30

ith over 200 brands, Harrogate this year certainly demonstrated its strength as the only UK nursery trade event, which was reflected by BabyStyle’s Managing Director who told Nursery Today “This years’ show was fantastic, it gets better and better every year.”, with CuddleCo’s Managing Director Marc Kelly also enthusing about the show stating “I genuinely loved it! Great people, great vibe, and my vocal cords really took a beating. I’m not sure where the 3 days disappeared to!” The praise from both exhibitors and visitors continued, with Dorel’s Senior Field Marketeer Nicola Coletti stating “Harrogate Nursery Fair is an excellent platform to meet our key customers and media partners, plus network with new contacts too”, With Jamie Jillard Head of Marketing at Green Sheep adding “It was such a positive experience seeing our brands, new product collections, retailer partnerships and company culture come to life in a physical space was fantastic!” Joie’s Head of Product Management Damon Marriott also felt positive after their time exhibiting at the show this year year telling Nursery Today “Harrogate was very well attended this year and it was great to see the continued attendance of the key retail partners. The timing of the show is perfect for us as it gives us the idea opportunity to showcase our new launches for the year to come and allows us to provide our independent retailers with some fantastic promotions. The success of the show was evident in the figures – it was the best one yet.” There was also much praise from visiting retailers, for example Houston Pram & Nursery’s Director, Mark Houston informed us “I really enjoyed my visit to Harrogate, it’s a great place to network and get to see my retail partners and colleagues.” For anyone not in attendance, this year,

Harrogate boasted five halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre filled with well over 200 brands and participants from more than 15 countries. Over 45 exhibitors were new to the show with a high majority of brands located in the new Hall Q that experienced the highest through flow from its direct entrance that was opened for this edition. One new exhibitor was Toynamics UK & Ireland and Abi Gardner of the company stated: “Overall the show was very positive for us. We built on relationships with current customers and made some great connections with new ones which has opened doors in the nursery industry for us – which a key growth area for the business. The quality of customers we met with, both new and existing, was high which has resulted in some

Annette and James Owles-Bryan from Annettes Prams spotted on the BabyStyle stand.

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Céleste Ellis happily demonstrating products over at Baby Jogger. Gary Watts, from WH Watts Pram Centre spotted on the Maxi-Cosi stand.

Clair de Lune’s Rebecca Carr happy with visitor response to their Moses Basket ranges.

interesting and positive leads for the business in the nursery industry.” The show this year was also definitely the place to be if you Mamas & Papas Salvatore were on the lookout for new products and spotting upcoming Greenwood expressed trends that are emerging. “Our visit provided us with valuable insights into new industry trends. Notably, neutral colours such positivity during the show as beige, cream, and white have gained considerable popularity, as has the incorporation of green tones in product design.” Commented Natural Baby Shower’s Director, Clifton Vaughan. Nursery Today also asked Paul Stride’s owner Kevin Clarkson if he felt the show enabled him to gain valuable industry insights, network and receive one to one product demonstrations? “Most definitely, especially on the larger items where it is always good to actually get your hands on the product. As we all know some items can look the bee’s knees on a photo but in the flesh fold up like a rusty old cart.” Make sure you put the Tatum Palmer from Independent retailer Little 2024 dates into your diary Ergobaby feeling happy Stars Malta’s owner for next year, the event on their stand. Edward Bugeja pops by this year demonstrated the Nursery Today stand that this show is one not Bebecar’s Eric White for a catch up! to be missed!

Diary Dates for 2024

Cozy n Safe’s Harry Jhamat showcasing their latest range.

Kinderkraft’s Marcin Krysieniel welcomes Kiddies Kingdom CEO Mohammed Patel

with the Prestige Sleep team.

Next year’s show will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 13th to 15th October 2024. The Priority Booking period will open in December 2023, where existing exhibitors will be offered the opportunity to either rebook their existing space or request a new position, before stands then go onto general availability late January 2024. More information can be found at www.nurseryfair.com

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Review HARROGATE

Success for

Shnuggle up!

Pippeta

With a completely new stand design instilling a sense of wellbeing, and a trio of awards from Junior Design, Shnuggle returned to Harrogate this year to showcase their growing category additions and colourways.

The renowned event provided the perfect platform for Pippeta to showcase their innovative products and connect with a wide range of potential customers. With their captivating booth design and friendly staff, they managed to attract a significant number of visitors, who were thoroughly impressed by the quality and functionality of their breastfeeding and weaning range. Pippeta’s presence at the fair was undoubtedly a resounding success, solidifying their reputation as a leading player in the nursery industry.

Creating the perfect pairing with both colour and design to evoke feelings of calm, confidence and connection for baby and parent, Shnuggle has embraced wellbeing tones by introducing new neutral, soft pastel colourways that all complement each other and work together cohesively as a product range. With Taupe and Eucalyptus launching earlier in the year across the award-winning bath range and Squishy, the most recent bath colour addition is Blossom Pink with new Pebble Grey bath available before the end of the year, a replacement to the current Slate colourway. To complement the new bath palette, Shnuggle has also launched Washy rinsing jugs in matching colours to complete the range. The wellbeing tones are a nod to the colour trends of creating warm cocooning spaces that feel intimate, inviting and familiar and moves subtly away from cooler greys, creating a timeless, stylish addition to any bath-time. Visitors to the Shnuggle stand who may not have yet received stock of the new colours or had a mix of the previous colours were excited to see the new range all together on the stand for the first time and the overall aesthetic was extremely well received.

www.pippeta.com

www.shnuggle.com

Pippeta had an exceptional time at this year›s Harrogate International Nursery Fair, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and industry professionals alike.

Xciting Elevating newness Urban from Doona Mobility and With 143 reasons to visit them alone, we couldn’t wait to head over to CuddleCo’s stand at Harrogate.

Kept behind lock and key, available to see by appointment only and strictly no photos allowed. The product everyone has been waiting for. Introducing the Doona X Car Seat & Stroller. With a reclining seat, this revolutionary product is 100% Car Seat, 100% Stroller and 100% Travel System! And we can’t forget about Doona i, R129 certified and available to pre-order now, the latest Car Seat & Stroller has several upgraded features and is available in a new on-trend Sahara Sand colour that everyone loved.

sales@cuddleco.co.uk

Italian Elegance

Peg Perego recently unveiled an array of innovative products that redefine convenience and style for parents on the go. Among these exciting releases, the City Loop stands out—a versatile chassis that effortlessly transform the Primo Viaggio Lounge car seat into a safe and practical stroller. Another remarkable addition is the Base Twist, a rotating family base suitable for newborns, simplifying the installation of two car seats: the Primo Viaggio Lounge and the brand-new Viaggio Twist. Enhancing the Peg Perego lineup are the chic Veloce’s fashion collections and the Veloce Town and Country modular system.

www.pegperago.com 32

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The Doona you love, ġÁàä äŪäĢ ÙäőőäŅ R129 Certified The latest safety regulation for child car seats.

Adjustable Headrest To accommodate for your child’s growth.

New Handle Design Longer handle with a faux leather cover.

Velcro Shoulder Pads Shoulder pads connect to the bottom of the headrest, so it’s easier to put baby in.

Integrated 5 Point Harness

Side Impact Protection Add-on

Connects to the adjustable headrest and allows for easy height adjustment without re-threading.

Its magnetic connection to Doona i is simple. Combined with Doona’s double wall structure, it provides enhanced side-impact protection.

Doona i now available to pre-order at sales@cuddleco.co.uk

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Feature CUDDLECO

CuddleCo and Doona steal the show

With 143 reasons to visit them, a secret room and a product that has been years in the making – CuddleCo understood the assignment.

arrogate 2023 was the stage for the majorly anticipated launch of the next generation of Doona, with not one but two new models of the revolutionary Doona Car Seat & Stroller.

The next generation of the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Kept behind lock and key, available to see by appointment only, and strictly no photos allowed was the product everyone’s been waiting for. Introducing the Doona X Car Seat & Stroller. 100% Car Seat, 100% Stroller and 100% Travel System – this product is a complete gamechanger. But that’s no surprise, considering the Doona+ Car Seat was the world’s first complete and fully integrated travel system, allowing parents to move from car seat to stroller in seconds. Doona have certainly lived up to their high expectations. The most exciting feature of the Doona X Car Seat & Stroller has to be its reclining seat (hence the 143 reasons to visit CuddleCo!) Already the talk of the industry, we predict Doona X to be a sellout. While we wait for the arrival of Doona X (expected in early 2024), we can’t not talk about Doona i. Available exclusively from CuddleCo, the latest Car Seat & Stroller from Doona boasts several upgraded features, making it R129 certified and i-Size compliant with the Isofix Base. Doona i offers the same great functionality and convenience the Doona+ Car Seat is known for, along with the highest safety and quality standards. Featuring an integrated 5-point harness which is connected to the adjustable headrest for easy adjustment depending on baby’s height, and the new Doona Side Impact Protection device (SIP), Doona i is ergonomic and baby-safe. Plus, it’s available in a new, on-trend colour, which everyone who visited CuddleCo loved! Say hello to Sahara Sand.

It’s all in the details The new Doona products weren’t the only wheels that made a great first impression. Aylo by Junior Jones was back at Harrogate with a specialedition makeover. Expanding on their core range, CuddleCo unveiled Aylo Crème Caramel, featuring a beautiful taupe fabric, a matte black chassis, and brushed gold accents. The Luxe Black & Gold special-edition also made its debut, a subtle take on the classic combination of black and gold. With several elevated features, these special-edition models have one thing in common. Unparalleled attention to detail. Along with a style update, the strollers have an improved ergonomically shaped head hugger, which offers increased comfort for baby, and an expandable storage basket Plus, the 5-point harness has been given a sporty refresh with extra padded chest pads. 34

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Chic Cashmere Carrying on the neutral trend was Clara Cashmere, which stopped people in their tracks. Cashmere has already taken off in the world of fashion and can be seen everywhere, from home accessories to décor and lighting. It was only a matter of time before it made its way into the nursery, and CuddleCo did just that. The Clara Cashmere set would make a gorgeous addition to any nursery. Its chic colour and premium look is perfectly complimented with gold brushed handles. But it isn’t just style that counts when it comes to nursery furniture. Quality, functionality, and service are just as important for modern parents, and CuddleCo gets that right everytime. With nursery furniture pieces that are flexible to fit your customer’s changing needs and robust enough to stand the test of time (and toddlers).

The natural choice for your nursery Another stand-out product from CuddleCo was the Aria Wave Crib, a new addition to their growing rattan range. This beautiful bedside crib doesn’t require a liner. So, you can fully appreciate its intricate, hand-woven rattan design. The frame features a soft curve and is supported by four contrasting black legs that gives it a contemporary feel. The crib comes complete with a supportive hypo-allergenic

Get in touch now!

mattress with nat healthy s

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about any of CuddleCo’s products, drop them an email at sales@cuddleco.co.uk, and a member of their sales team will be happy to help.

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Review HARROGATE

Unveiling

newness Dreamy new Oyster3 Collection

At the recent Harrogate Nursery Fair, the team at BabyStyle previewed their upcoming Oyster3 range for 2024. With stunning tonal colourways and new fabrics, the next collection is more luxurious than ever. The collection features Dream Blue, with a stunning new twill fabric, which will be hitting shop floors from Spring 2024.

Tel: 01509 816444 info@babystyle.co.uk

Following its showcase at the Nursery Fair, Green Sheep Group is excited to officially unveil newness across both its much-loved family brands.

Snüz unveiled its first instalment in its brand new Snüz Style Edits. Introducing The Natural Edit, a beautiful collection inspired by interior and lifestyle trends that will empower parents to combine their personal style with the practical must haves that a newborn requires. Boasting warm, natural tones, the first trend led design collection is inspired by the wooden elements echoed throughout our homes. Whether consumers want to create a rich, earthy space or a soft, calming aesthetic… this edit of Walnut, Oak, Ebony and Silver Birch, has what they need. For The Little Green Sheep, the brand presented a trio of stunning signature colours Juniper, Terracotta and Truffle, each one inspired by nature! Adding a touch of warmth to any home setting, the comforting shades are available on the Moses Baskets and bedding from this November.

Tel: 01789 734 022 trade@greensheepgroup.com

Fully connected Maxi-Cosi’s See Pro Baby Monitor is part of the Connected Home range of smart sensory nursery products that connect via one app. The See Pro Baby Monitor features advanced CryAssist technology powered by Zoundream. The technology detects baby’s cries, notifies parents, automatically translates the cries, and helps parents understand whether the baby is: Sleepy, Fussy, Hungry, Gassy or Agitated. This technology will also give parents tips on how best to soothe their little one. Connected via the app to their phone in Ultra HD and live streamed on the 5” parent screen, parents can pinch and zoom in to keep an eye on their baby, even in the dark at night.

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk

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Perfection in action.

finiti™ 4in1 pushchair Growth potential meets go potential with this driver of your dreams is perfection in action with tons of ways to use and fun ways to fold. For more information and all sale enquiries, please contact Joie on 01889 808 900 or email: uksales@joiebaby.com

retailer opinion

Striding the show With Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ending on a positive note, we spoke with Paul Stride’s owner Kevin Clarkson to find out his thoughts from the event after his visit this year. How was your visit to Harrogate this year?

Yes Harrogate was good this year and I enjoyed my visit. Strangely Sunday seemed quieter than Monday which was unusual.

Why is the show important for you within your yearly diary?

As the only UK nursery trade show it is important for the trade to support it. But, also since Brexit and Covid the Cologne Show has lost much of its importance for most retailers and Harrogate fills that gap nicely.

Did the event meet your expectations?

Yes, it was nicely laid out and most suppliers had put on a good offering both in quality of stand and also quality of product on show.

What about trends, did you spot any whilst in attendance?

John Barkers shirt was getting louder as the show went on! Seriously in the car seat section, especially on infant carriers, if you don’t have a rotation base option you are not going to sell your car seat in volume. On prams certainly a dominance of Green and Beige was certainly on show and in most cases only the chassis shade showing up any differences. However, what a refreshing change from Black and Grey.

Was this a great exhibition to gain valuable industry insights, network and receive one to one product demonstrations?

Yes most definitely, especially on the larger items where it is always good to actually get your hands on the product. As we all know some items can look the bee’s knees on a photo but in the flesh fold up like a rusty old cart.

Would you say there was ample innovation and new product launches – did anything specific catch your eye?

There was definitely plenty of newness or updates to items launched last year. In several cases some of the items shown last year, showed updated versions but were still not ready for production, this really shows how difficult bringing items to market actually is. Both with testing, compliance and the actual cost involved in the pre-production process, this is something often overlooked by many retailers especially in this fast-evolving retail environment. So, to those suppliers (especially the smaller ones trying to swim uphill) trying to come up with the next best thing, thank you, you are often overlooked but keep up the good work! Several things whetted my appetite. The Maxi Cosi home range continues its growth, the iCandy Peach AT will be a winner for those more rural retailers, the Cybex range continues to be impressive even if its vastness aims to confuse at times. My favourite newness at the show was the new BeSafe Beyond car seat modular system, certainly worth a look.

Left to right – Ellie Gibson (Paul Stride), Kevin Clarkson (Paul Stride), Richard Chen (Babymore) On furniture the influx on nursing chairs was also in existence with several retailers, exhibitors and the odd Nursery journalist seen ‘relaxing’ in models from Babymore and O’Baby. Going back to home certainly I think those stocking the BabyStyle ranges of cribs and chairs might just be onto a winner with on trend products but with BabyStyle prices and more importantly margin for retailers, coupled of course with the important Oyster and Egg ranges.

For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment while visiting the show?

Having an ice cream taste off between BabyStyle and Inglesina. To be fair I don’t think there was an individual moment, more a pleasurable experience attending and meeting friends old and new.

Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Most definitely, hard luck!

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09/11/2023 20:38

Review HARROGATE

Ready any time,

Brand new at

Ride in luxury and install with ease, whether on the go with the built in ISOFIX points, or paired with the i-Base Encore to add a 90o spin - this seat is ready any time anywhere.

Ickle Bubba stopped visitors in their tracks with its stylish array of easy and affordable new products on show at this year’s Harrogate Nursery Fair.

anywhere

Sprint meets the highest ECE R129/03 safety standard with mandatory side impact testing. The Tri-Protect headrest offers security with three layers of protection inside the wings including patented Intelli-Fit memory foam. The three-point harness, with its shoulder and lower buckle covers, easily tightens with one pull motion. *Information and image subject to change – fashions may vary.

uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com

Ickle Bubba

From its latest wheeled goods to a brand new weaning category; the vibrant parenting brand had lots to shout about. Making their debut at the show were the Aries Auto-Fold Stroller, weighing just 6.1kg; the Altima Travel System, which offers the ultimate pushchair experience and a fantastic printed footmuff collection. Their brand new weaning category included two new highchairs, the Switch and the Flip Magic Fold Highchair – a real show-stopper! As for sleep, the Gliding Crib and Mini Rocker Crib have this covered, meaning retailers were spoilt for choice. For sales enquiries, contact Sam Tyack on the below.

sam.tyack@icklebubba.com

Fits any car The Nomad Plus car seat is ultra-compact, lightweight and fits into any car in just 30 seconds, so parents can take safety and peace of mind with them. Suitable from 15 months to 4 years old, Nomad Plus is compliant with R129/03 regulation and has reinforced Side Impact Protection. Its soft fabrics are made using 100% recycled Eco Care materials. Easy to fold and carry with the integrated travel bag, Nomad Plus has been designed for freedom of travel.

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk

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retailer opinion

Out in force With Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ending on a positive note, we spoke with Natural Baby Shower’s Director, Clifton Vaughan to find out his thoughts from the event after his visit this year.

From left: Simon Winksill (Babymoov), Clifton Vaughan (NBS)

How was your visit to Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for you within your yearly diary?

Our visit to Harrogate this year was highly productive. We had a team of ten from Natural Baby Shower in attendance, facilitating interactions with both our established partners and making connections with emerging brands. The Harrogate event is a must-attend event in our annual calendar for multiple reasons. It offers us a unique opportunity to engage with our brand partners on a personal level, enabling face-to-face discussions and early exposure to upcoming products. This firsthand experience is invaluable for strategic planning and optimising our sales approach. From a marketing standpoint, the event becomes a key stage for gathering content, fine-tuning budgets, and crafting strategies to boost our partners’ brands within Natural Baby Shower.

Did the event meet your expectations?

Absolutely! The event exceeded our expectations. The three days at Harrogate were packed with back-to-back meetings, opening doors to fresh opportunities. As a result, we are delighted to announce our partnerships with new brands - stay tuned for this.

What about trends, did you spot any whilst in attendance?

Our visit provided us with valuable insights into new industry trends. Notably, neutral colours such as beige, cream, and white have gained considerable popularity, as has the incorporation of green tones in product design. The emergence of lie-flat car seats as a significant trend demonstrates a focus on enhanced safety and comfort for infants too. In addition to these trends, there’s been a growing preference for Scandi furniture with a contemporary twist. The Obaby Maya Cot Bed is a prime example, and we’re delighted to include it in our product range. Furthermore, we observed a noticeable shift towards lighter products, such as the Avionaut’s latest car seat, which weighs in at just 2.5kg. So yes, we were certainly introduced to a fantastic variety of trendsetting products during the event.

Was this a great exhibition to gain valuable industry insights, network and receive one to one product demonstrations?

Would you say there was ample innovation and new product launches – did anything specific catch your eye?

The event was marked by a wealth of innovation and new product launches. Virtually every brand we visited had something exciting in the pipeline. This exclusivity added an element of anticipation and excitement to our visit. One particularly striking product that captured our attention was a remotecontrol pushchair - a fascinating glimpse into the potential future of the industry. And there was Nuna’s stroller, with wheels that could swivel sideways for complete control – an innovative product that caught our attention.

For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment while visiting the show?

The vibrant atmosphere of the show left a lasting impression. Being immersed in the excitement, positive energy, and the anticipation of what’s to come in the following year made the entire event stand out. It was a clear sign of how dynamic the industry is and the buzz that fills the event.

Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event?

Absolutely, you can count on us being there at the 2024 event. The Harrogate Nursery Fair is a must on our yearly calendar, and we’re excited about all the fantastic opportunities and experiences the next edition is sure to offer.

Absolutely, the exhibition proved to be an excellent platform for gaining essential industry insights, broadening our professional network, and taking part in one-on-one product demonstrations. We had some great conversations with different brands, got a first look at innovative products, and a chance to personally try out these products, which all contributed to keeping us well-informed about the latest industry developments.

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09/11/2023 20:39

Houston calling With Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ending on a positive note, we spoke with Victoria Houston Pram & Nursery’s Director, Mark Houston to find out his thoughts from the event after his visit this year. How was your visit to Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for you within your yearly diary?

directly and eroding margin, which to be honest is not great at best of times

Did the event meet your expectations?

Would you say there was ample innovation and new product launches – did anything specific catch your eye?

I really enjoyed my visit to Harrogate, it’s a great place to network and get to see my retail partners and colleagues.

If I’m honest, I didn’t have expectations as I knew that the event would offer what I was seeking, however I did feel the show was quite quiet footfall wise, but that said all the exhibitors went the extra mile as the show itself was looking the best I had seen it in eight years.

What about trends, did you spot any whilst in attendance?

We are all looking for the next big thing but nothing jumped out at me, however twins side by side with the car seats set at different heights so to keep the width down looked a great idea.

Was this a great exhibition to gain valuable industry insights, network and receive one to one product demonstrations?

In my opinion the exhibitors are salespeople and do not give a true reflection on where the industry is going, and offer little or no support for bricks and mortar stores who have to compete with online retailers and manufacturers selling

There was not a lot there that demonstrated true new innovation - how many times can you reinvent the wheel, but it’s clear that grey is on the way out and more earthy colours are coming in!!

For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment while visiting the show? Talking to Andy Crane at BabyStyle, who is one of the few manufacturers to support the independents.

Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Yes you can!

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09/11/2023 20:39

Review HARROGATE

Venicci show stoppers The Harrogate International Nursery Fair 2023 is now over and the team at Venicci extend their heartfelt thanks to all who visited their stand. Over the incredible three days, their Tinum Edge 3in1 + Base Travel System received the ‘Highly Recommended’ BANTA Award. Venicci would like to say that the amount of positive feedback on their new products has left them feeling very proud. They take immense joy in continually surprising you with newness each year. You can now place orders for the new colour variant of their bestselling range: Upline Moonstone, and the new, elegant Tinum Edge SE Raven. For more information, please reach out to them on the below.

Tel: 01302 953872 info@venicci.co.uk

Award winning

The stand out star of Harrogate 2023 for Red Kite Baby was the new Push Me Latte Range.

Convenience

The collection consists of the Award-Winning Pace Me Pace i Travel System and its associate the Award Winning Push Me Koko in a new recycled plastic fabric, in a luxurious Latte colour. The lightweight anodised champagne chassis sets each model into a class of their own. This collection caught the attention of our customers not only by its attractive design but also by its highly competitive price. Another example how at Red Kite Baby they make style, comfort and practically, affordable.

and quality Packed with Tel: 01454 326 555 sales@redkitebaby.com

Turn2Me i-Size R129 is the latest version of this hugely popular car seat from Graco.

With a 360˚ rotating seat, this Isofix car seat offers the ultimate in convenience and quality at an unbeatable price. With just one-hand, parents can get their child in and out of the car with ease. Offering rearward facing up to four years, this extensively side-impact tested car seat includes Safety Surround Side Impact Protection for enhanced head and body protection and an interchangeable Trueshield Side Impact Protection Pod. Rearward for longer, then forward in comfort, it’s not hard to see the enduring appeal of Graco’s Turn2Me i-Size R129.

uksales@allisonbaby.co.uk www.gracobaby.eu/uk 44

features

Introducing Mica 360 Pro with best-in-class comfort from birth (newborn inlay is included) to 4 years old. SlideTech and 360° one hand FlexiSpin offer unrivalled comfort for parents’ backs, while the 5 recline positions offer superior sleep comfort for children. Additional safety features include AirProtect safety cushions are not only protective, they’re also extremely soft and provide extra cushioning for little ones. ClimaFlow panels and high-performance mesh fabrics maximise air circulation to ensure the child is always at the right temperature. Made using soft, 100% recycled fabrics, the Mica 360 Pro is packed with comfort and safety features ensuring excellent ease of use.

www.maxi-cosi.co.uk

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retailer opinion

Valuable insight

With Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ending on a positive note, we spoke with Babyland Fife’s Managing Director, Yasmin Ali to find out her thoughts from the event after her visit this year.

Left Karl Hughes (mee-go), Right Yasmin Ali (Babyland Fife)

How was your visit to Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for you within your yearly diary?

We had a lovely trip to Harrogate this year, we started off with a bit of tourist action in York (I went to VALHALLA!) on the Saturday, it was nice to mix work with fun, as we all know all work no play makes a very grumpy Yas! The show is very important to us as a business, its vital to be able to get a clearer view of what is happening going into the new year.

Did the event meet your expectations?

Yes, the show met our expectations, and more! With lots of new things coming from our brands current and new, there is a lot of newness incoming onto the BLF shop floor and it’s really exciting. I was happy with plenty of promotions also.

What about trends, did you spot any whilst in attendance?

The Molly Mae effect is in full flow in nursery and the colour palette is reflective. Lots of neutral, earthy tones, beige, beige and more beige. Beige everywhere. It sells, it’s nice! Not to my personal taste, but it sells! Nice one Molly M!

Was this a great exhibition to gain valuable industry insights, network and receive one to one product demonstrations?

All industry events are a great tool to gather information, and gain insights from those in the know. It’s also so important to meet people and I am literally like a sponge just absorbing everything in.

Would you say there was ample innovation and new product launches – did anything specific catch your eye?

I’d say that almost all the brands we visited had new product launches, or product updates. We liked (in no particular order, and this list is not exhaustive!): Mamas & Papas Ocarro updates, Roma Prams teddy print (and ears!), gorgeous Bebecar colours and the fabulous Junama range. The new iCandy colours and car seats are great, and a great addition to the range - they have perfected the Peach All Terrain, I’m in love and I can’t wait! We loved everything at MiniUno, great products at fantastic prices. The entire new Mee-Go collection - outstanding, and we can’t wait to get them all on the shop floor! The new Venicci one take fold stroller is really nice (we literally filmed the fold in one take, it’s so easy!), and slots into the range well - as well as the new upline colours. Cybex - we really like the new beige collection, it really works with the range and OMG by far the busiest stand at the show, it was always heaving! The new Ickle Bubba ranges looked nice, and Roxy loved the new Babymore 46

Acrylic cot bed. A special shout out to Rich Gosling, who was at the show with a fab new range of products, suiting all budgets and including Mutsy back in the UK!

For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment while visiting the show?

My Harrogate stand out moment - I don’t have one! It’s a whole experience for us; the travelling, the day in York, seeing our favourite brands, our favourite industry people, meeting new industry people and of course meeting our many industry friends. Coming home with bargains is an added bonus. We’d like to thank everyone who we saw at the show, and apologise to anyone we didn’t get around to, please do email us! A special BLF thank y ou also to Neil Oakley from Dorel. Neil’s role as Brand Coach has meant he has become quite accidentally, a really important member of our team. We absolutely hound him with questions when he comes in for our training sessions, and he is just a fountain of knowledge. He has really helped us improve our knowledge and understanding of so many products, and thus our confidence in selling to the end consumer.

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09/11/2023 20:40

supplier snapshot Nicola Coletti

SENIOR FIELD MARKETEER UKI, DOREL

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? It was another exceptional year for us at Harrogate and the show marks an important time in the diary to network with retailers and marketing contacts, unveil new products and celebrate a successful year. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We had multiple new products to showcase this year including the exciting addition to our revolutionary SlideTech Family, the Mica 360 Pro, newness in our RodiFix range, a stroller sneak peek, two new Connected Home products and the introduction of the new Beyond colours and Eco Care fabrics in our Home Equipment range. Feedback and order levels were fantastic for all products, especially Mica 360 Pro. Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? Harrogate Nursery Fair is an excellent platform to meet our key customers and media partners, plus network with new contacts too. The ability to demonstrate our newest products before they hit the shop floor is equally as important and we gather valuable feedback to aid in our product development and future milestones.

For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? It’s difficult to choose just one moment but we really appreciated all of the positivity and high engagement from our retailers. From a Dorel UK team perspective, seeing our stand for the first time was a defining moment and set the scene for the rest of the weekend. Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Absolutely. We’ll be marking 40 years of Maxi-Cosi next year so it’s the perfect time to celebrate and have an even bigger party!

Cath Needham HEAD OF SALES, ICANDY

How did you find Harrogate this year? This year’s Harrogate was fantastic, and the incredible feedback we received from our network of loyal retailers and distributors was overwhelmingly positive. As a British family business, the Harrogate International Nursery Fair is very important to iCandy and as always, it’s an honour for us to be involved. The event allows us to network amongst a hugely supportive industry and meet with new and existing friends. 2023 also held special significance for us, as it marked iCandy’s 90th birthday. To add an extra layer of celebration, we made sure to commemorate the occasion even more during the Harrogate show. Did the event meet your expectations? The event exceeded our expectations, and we were delighted with the amount of existing and new customers who visited the iCandy stand. The show itself was busier than ever with an exciting and energetic atmosphere, it was a joy to be there! Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? Absolutely! Visitors were eager to learn about the latest innovations in our iCandy product line-up, with a focus on the key features of innovation, style and luxury. We received positive feedback about our latest shade reveals hitting the mark in terms of current trends. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We had an extensive amount of product newness to showcase this year and we were delighted with the response. We were thrilled to reveal the muchanticipated iCandy Orange 4 which took centre stage, alongside the iCandy Peach 7 in its delectable and sophisticated new colourway, Coco. In addition, we showcased further developments to the iCandy Halo, our revolutionary child car seat safety range, the new Peach 7 All-Terrain, and much more!

Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? Harrogate is always a brilliant opportunity to network within the industry and catch up with existing and new customers. We had an impressive display of product newness to showcase this year which we were proud to demonstrate. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? Showcasing the new iCandy Orange 4 was a standout moment for us this year. The beautifully engineered new pushchair was eagerly received by our retailers. Being able to showcase it was truly incredible, and the overwhelming positive feedback we received was immensely gratifying! Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Yes, we are very much looking forward to returning to Harrogate in 2024 and can’t wait to see you all there. nursery today

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09/11/2023 20:41

Review HARROGATE

Highly Commended at the BANTA awards

Jellystone Designs gorgeous Moon Teethers and baby sensory toys proved to be a huge hit at Nursery Fair. With striking black and white packaging and an assortment of muted earth tones, pastels and bright colourways, the range utilises soft, safe and tactile silicone and naturally antibacterial beech wood across a variety of imaginative products. Highlights of the range include the unique, sensory DIY Calm Down Bottle, Rainbow Stacker and Teether, Chew Pendants, stylish Dummy Clips, Triblox and Rainbow Arch stacking toys and comfortable and chic neoprene Changing Mats with shoulder strap and accessory pouch.

TEL: 01254 872454 sales@halilit.co.uk

Go beyond with

BeSafe

BeSafe went Beyond all expectations this year with their latest launch on show at Harrogate, the world’s first rear facing rotation system for newborns to approx. 6 years. BeSafe unveiled Beyond, their newest innovation which has been 4 years in the making. The modular rotation system consists of a light weight isofix base and two seats, Go Beyond (Newborn – 18 months) and Beyond (approx. 6 months – 6 years). Key highlights include the brand new Active Lay Flat feature, which is the first lay flat baby seat with a 5 point harness, as well as an impressive 15 year life span due to materials used which are easy to repair and refurbish. For further information contact the below.

sales@hts.no

Made to care, designed for love Motivated by their commitment to making everyday family life easier for parents and their children, Hauck were pleased to present the newest additions to their nursery and toy collection at this year’s Harrogate Nursery Fair. New educational toys complement their Alpha Family Concept, allowing you to now use the play tray with up to two toys at the same time. As an extension to the successful Runner line, the updated Runner 3 all-terrain pushchair has also seen an incredible response. The lightweight shopper pushchair Shop N Care was also well received. The team at Hauck were also delighted about having had much more visitors than last year and about all the great feedback. They look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

info@hauckuk.com www.hauck.de/en

Award winning ranges

KIKI & SEBBY is delighted to announce their triumph at The Harrogate Nursery Fair! Among their awards from the Junior Design Awards and others, their star product – SBROUT 6-in-1 Crib & Cot shined as the Winner in the Furniture Category and Most Commended in the Best New Product at the BANTA awards. Their plush 2.5 TOG sleeping bag also won the Winner’s title for The Textile and Accessories category! Merging luxury with eco-conscious design, this multi-award-winning brand blend the safety, comfort, and sustainability in all their nursery products. Reach out to discover the difference of their full collection today!

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hello@kikisebby.com www.kikisebby.com

09/11/2023 18:46

We are BORRN

together! The moment a child is born, the parent is also born.

Every birth is a story, a unique, shared, lifelong parent-child story. Borrn is about happy, cherished moments, and growing stories. Parenting is a big but joyful mission and BORRN is devoted to delivering the best support along this journey; they care for both child and parent. BORRN celebrates parenthood and is born to be a part of your family stories. Born with a sharp look and bright colours, BORRN’s soft and squishy silicon bottles are hard to put down.BORRN’s bottles are toxic free because it is 100% sealed with silicone, therefore no milk would make contact with plastic. The ultra-wide neck 2-piece design saves time and effort to clean, easy breezy!

For further information please contact: hello@borrn.com

retailer opinion

Fully focussed With Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair 2023 ending on a positive note, we spoke with Baby Lady’s owner Debbie Homer-Davis to find out her thoughts from the event during her visit. Whilst walking the show halls, have you found a specific product of interest?

We’ve seen quite a few! As an example, I loved some of the furniture on display with CuddleCo, the new ranges from BabyStyle and also iCandy. All of these ranges are all lovely and will make beautiful additions to our shopfloor. That said, I’ve still got lots to see and products to view whilst here!

What about current trends? What have you spotted?

We’ve seen lots of new earthy tones coming through and creams and beiges, which are very on trend at present. We’re also seeing more ‘dusky’ colours, for example browns. These on-trend colourways are not just in pushchairs, but also home ranges and carriers.

How important is this event to your business?

Harrogate has given us a great opportunity to view upcoming trends and gain valuable product demonstrations. I honestly don’t know how anyone can keep up with trends without visiting the show, or fully understand a product without a full demonstration. Harrogate is such an important yearly event. I would find it almost impossible to gain a good understanding of how the industry is moving

Harrogate StarsOfTheShow.indd 8

forward or how a product works just by viewing pictures.

Do you feel that more brands are stepping into the eco-sector, more so when we consider fabrics?

I do feel there is a certain amount who are now more focussed on this, but at present it does appear to be that more are focussing on colourways for fabrics this year to ensure their ranges are on trend.

Can we expect to see you again next year?

Yes, definitely. In fact, I’m heading off now to book my accommodation ready for 2024!

09/11/2023 18:46

supplier snapshot Andy Crane

MANAGING DIRECTOR, BABYSTYLE How did you find Harrogate this year? This years’ show was fantastic, it gets better and better every year. It is so important that we attend as it’s the perfect platform to catch up with our customers on mass and share all our new ideas.

Did the event meet your expectations? Our expectations were exceeded this year. It has been a difficult year for everyone with the cost-of-living crisis, but the retailers that attended showed us so much love and support (as well as plenty of orders). Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? I believe visitors were actively seeking out new products and colourways more so than trendspotting, although we are known to set trends like the egg2 in Feather and Mink so retailers were very interested in which colours we plan to release for 24/25. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? Most products on our stand were new and had a fantastic response, from the egg3 Stroller, to a line of electronic products for the home and a whole new range of colourways for the Oyster3. We also previewed a new concept stroller which is quite different to our normal offerings, the Oyster Joey. It certainly split opinion and we have a lot of feedback to consider. This is one thing that makes the Nursery Show so great, we can show products that are in the very early stages of development to get reaction from the industry which informs our next steps. What about the level of visitors this year –did you gain a good level of footfall onto your stand? Absolutely, our stand had such a buzz across the three days. The BabyStyle team were always busy showing our brilliant retailers our new lines and developments – not to mention our gin bar was very popular. Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? You can’t beat the networking opportunities at the Nursery Fair, for myself it is a great opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues, and for the ladies in the office to meet the people they speak to everyday on the phone. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment of the show? Overall, what stood out most was the reaction to the Oyster3 in Mink, which was unveiled at the show. It was the first time that retailers had seen it in real life and it couldn’t have gone down any better. We best get the next factory order in quick! Can we expect to see BabyStyle again at the 2024 event? Definitely! Next year BabyStyle turns 25, so expect bigger and better things from us as we will be celebrating in style! 50

Marc Kelly

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CUDDLECO

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? I genuinely loved it! Great people, great vibe, and my vocal cords really took a beating. I’m not sure where the 3 days disappeared to! I have to give a big shout out to all my team. I am biased, of course. But I think they did a phenomenal job! I was most definitely a proud man while standing on our stand. Harrogate is the only trade fair we do in the year, hence why we see it as the one opportunity we have to really showcase our ranges to you all, and we love doing that. Plans are afoot for next year, and I’m super-excited at the prospect! Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We certainly did! We launched 2 new Doona products, 4 new furniture sets, a new boucle nursing chair, 2 new Aylo designs, and not forgetting Minimeis, of course. The funky shoulder carrier and K&J Innovation award-winner! We had one or two ‘showstoppers’ that my sales team gave me great feedback on. First would be the obvious, the Doona X. If you were lucky enough to enter the ‘secret room.’ Now I say lucky, as one of my only jobs was to look after the room key, and I wasn’t the best! Once you got in, I am sure everyone will agree with me, it was a little bit special! Following Doona, the reception our new furniture ranges received, notably Clara Cashmere, Nola White, and Aria Wave, were humbling to hear. An affirmation that the hard work and effort was worth it. Thank you for the positive feedback and orders! Then we have Minimeis. I personally love this product. I wish my lads were still young enough to use it. But at 24, 20 and 12, I’m not sure they will fit, nor am I confident I can hoist the big fellas onto my shoulders anymore! Thankfully, the feedback we got from you good people was amazingly positive. The good news is that stock should be landing mid-February, just in time for spring! Lastly, we have the new Junior Jones Stroller in Crème Caramel, which was by far the most striking and popular design we had on display. The feedback we had was fabulous. Again, the stock is on order, so we will keep you updated with its arrival. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? Personally, for me, it has to be the continued support from our customers, both big and small. Their admiration and feedback for our products, design, and service doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re so grateful for your compliments and feedback. Thank you all! Did the event meet your expectations? Definitely! I said it last year, and I’ll say it again – Harrogate is back!

Sam Tyack

HEAD OF SALES, ICKLE BUBBA

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? I really enjoyed the show this year. I managed to maintain vocal competency all the way through so that was a real bonus. It’s always an important few days for business, especially for us this year with so much newness coming in 2024. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? Our whole stand was full of new products except from our Stomp Luxe Travel System. The reception was even better than expected for us, in particular our Flip Highchair and new Altima Travel System performed extremely well. What about the level of visitors this year – did you gain a good level of footfall onto your stand? We can’t complain about the footfall. All our appointments were able to explore our new products, whilst there was a constant flow of traffic to engage with us. Some have even contacted us since the show to say sorry for not entering the stand as we were too busy at every attempt they made. Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? The product demonstration platform was great and everybody has now engaged and bought into our new product launches. The networking is as good as you make it and we certainly did our fair share of that. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? Apart from a certain Mr. Winstanley’s blindfolded beer pong winning throw, I really enjoyed the reaction and occasional jaw drops at our newness. You can’t beat hearing a ‘Wow’ as you demonstrate a product to the nursery experts!

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09/11/2023 20:41

Brett Capon

COUNTRY MANAGER – UK & IRELAND, BIBS

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? For BIBS, as a relatively new brand in the UK, Harrogate is vitally important. It is our opportunity to present our brand and products to a wider audience. Although BIBS operates in over 100 countries and employs many people globally, in the UK we are currently a team of 3, so the benefits of being able to see so many customers from such a wide geographical area over 3 days are immeasurable. Did the event meet your expectations? It exceeded our expectations! We had a full diary prior to the show but did not expect the amount of walk-on footfall to the stand. Across all 3 days, we were continuously busy which was fantastic. Our CEO arrived at the show from Denmark for Monday and Tuesday and has returned with nothing but positive feedback about Harrogate. Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? Baby essentials and accessories are becoming increasingly important to retailers to increase repeat custom for consumers looking to buy everyday essentials and gift items. BIBS is the perfect brand to help them achieve this goal, and we have enjoyed working with our customers to support them in doing so.

What about the level of visitors this year – did you gain a good level of footfall onto your stand? It really felt like the number of visitors was up versus last year and there definitely seemed to be a constant buzz. We were more than satisfied with the footfall, and hope we managed to speak with everyone. Apologies if we missed anyone. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? There are two stand outs, to me, from this year. Firstly, how much enthusiasm there was for our brand and products. We have built an excellent reputation during 2023 with retailers , many of whom are parents using our pacifiers with their own little ones. Secondly, the number of new partners adding our brand in their stores. This year Harrogate has helped take our brand to the next level. Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Absolutely! Expect to see BIBS back in 2024, bigger & bolder!

Jamie Jillard

Damon Marriott

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? It was such a positive experience- seeing our brands, new product collections, retailer partnerships and company culture come to life in a physical space was fantastic!

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? Harrogate was very well attended this year and it was great to see the continued attendance of the key retail partners. The timing of the show is perfect for us as it gives us the idea opportunity to showcase our new launches for the year to come and allows us to provide our independent retailers with some fantastic promotions. The success of the show was evident in the figures – it was the best one yet.

HEAD OF MARKETING, GREEN SHEEP

From left to right (back): Mitch Levene, Scott Blease, Bethany Morgan and Jamie Jillard – with Olivia Hughes (front left) and Cary Devine (front right)

Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? As our brand is still quite new to many UK retailers, we have focused on presenting our core range. However, our NPD did include new AW23 seasonal colours, accessories and additions such as gift sets of our BIBSxLiberty collaboration collection which were well received by our customers.

Did the event meet your expectations? Harrogate is always a key date in our calendar but this was my first event and I can definitely say it exceeded all expectation. With the launch of our Retailer Partnership Programme earlier this year, you could feel the positivity and excitement within all conversations on the stand. The hustle & bustle – with often not a free seat on the stand – kept the energy up all weekend long! Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? Buyers are very tuned in with consumer trends and they are always so receptive to brands catering to those desires, that being said retailers aren’t looking for fads or fast-fashion trends, they want products that appeal but also stand the test of time. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? Yes, we unveiled two new collections at this years show, The Natural Edit – our debut collection under Snüz Style Edits, and our new colour collection for our Little Green Sheep Moses Basket range. The collections were catching the attention of passers by and we had such fantastic feedback – we’re excited to see how parents-to-be react when they launch mid-November! What about the level of visitors this year – did you gain a good level of footfall onto your stand? Aware of the demand for our two new collections and the excitement building for future NPD, our fabulous sales team worked hard to see as many of their customers as possible by ensuring they had pre-booked appointments. On top of the buzz from our existing partners, we also had lots of conversations with potential new partners – it’s always a great way to start a relationship, meeting in person. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? It’s hard to pick just one but I would say every ‘first look’ of our new collections, seeing first hand reactions F2F after months of development and planning behind the scenes was very memorable! Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Yes, absolutely!

HEAD OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, JOIE

Did the event meet your expectations? It certainly did - it was very well attended so we had a good amount of footfall onto the stand. We were also really pleased with the layout and positioning of our stand, which meant we always had a good flow of traffic throughout the 3 days of the show. Our retail partners were very enthusiastic and snapped up the offers we had available, so the show really did exceed our expectations. Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? – As is always the case with Trade fairs, I’m sure many were on the lookout for new products or suppliers. As a manufacturer it was good to see that the fashion trends we showcased were mirrored across the industry. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We had several new products to show to visitors this year – in particular the sprint, our innovative baseless ISOFIX infant carrier, was very well received. We have also expanded our range of R129 belted products and are launching new I-Size ISOFIX combination seats so these saw a lot of interest throughout the show. Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? The team were busy throughout the show demonstrating the new launch items – for a lot of our retailers this was a first look at some of our most important launches of 2024. These shows always provide the perfect networking opportunity to talk to our retail partners as well as our friends and colleagues within the industry, so it is invaluable. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? This year has seen the launch of some key car seats into the market, expanding our portfolio of R129 belt installed products and our range of I-Size seats. Seeing the growth in these sectors, alongside the R44 predecessors, really stands out for me. We have wanted to make the transition to R129 as painless as possible for our retailers, and subsequently for our consumers especially during these challenging economic times. nursery today

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supplier snapshot Left Nick Tucker, Right Debra Tucker

Debra Tucker

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, RED KITE BABY

How did you find Harrogate this year? Harrogate has always been hugely important to us and 2023 was no different. Historically the days have been divided by attendees. Traditionally Sundays were visited by our independent customers, however this year seemed to roll on to Monday and even Tuesday. This was a great opportunity for us. We were able to spend quality time with our customers and also meet potentially new accounts over the 3 days. Harrogate for us acts as a platform to showcase new, up and coming lines. We can gauge customer reactions and listen to their feedback; this makes the show hugely important to us. Did the event meet your expectations? We always hope for a busy, thriving show. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes and it’s great when we are finally all set up and ready to go. The event is such a crucial place to network with customers, speak to people in the community and get a feel for industry trends. Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? For sure. What better place to look for new designs, on trend products and see what the future market will look like. It is even more exciting when customers visit our stand and notice a product that is unique to Red Kite Baby and hasn’t been seen elsewhere. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We were excited to launch many new lines this year. The star of the show for us was our Push Me Latte range. Situated on its own platform at the front of the stand, showcasing its luxurious quality. It grabbed people’s attention. By using recycled fabrics we are supporting eco values and innovation. This is a new avenue for us and is proving very popular. What about the level of visitors this year – did you gain a good level of footfall onto your stand? Yes we were busy throughout the entire show which is a great sign for us and the industry. Our price point has always set us above the rest, as a company who aim to balance style, function, and affordability. This brings customers to our stand and keeps us busy. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? Receiving such positive feedback from our customers about existing, favourite lines is always a memorable moment. However, the reaction to our Push Me Latte range is a great indication of how we listen to customers needs while keeping an eye on industry trends. 52

Luisa Rollins-Svensson

CONSUMER AND TRADE MARKETING MANAGER, GRACO UK

How did you find Harrogate this year? Why is the show important for your business? Graco had a fantastic experience in Harrogate this year. Everything came together just as we had planned in terms of our stand design and, more importantly, we had some incredibly valuable face-to-face conversations with customers, potential customers, and media. The show is an important one to us due to the audience. Across the three days we were able to meet with many people and get them up close to our key products. Nothing beats being able to demonstrate your top products in person to really show their quality, design features and ease of use. Do you feel that visitors this year were trend spotting and actively seeking out new products? Yes, visitors to the show are always trend spotting and seeking out the very best new products. More so than ever we are seeing a demand for products that meet consumers’ needs for quality, convenience, and value for money, as budgets for many families continue to be squeezed. From the feedback we got from visitors, this is one of the reasons why the Graco stand was so busy this year. Our range delivers quality, coupled with on trend design features that make family life easier – and all at fantastic price points. Did you launch new products at the show and if so how were these received by visitors? We previewed a few new products that we will be officially launching next year. We can’t say too much at this stage but there’s an exciting addition to our car seat range on the horizon, which marks an exciting first for Graco, and news on the travel system front. The feedback was fantastic and we’re really looking forward to launching these next year. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? Seeing the Graco stand come together after months of planning and then being full of visitors! We were bolder this year in terms of graphics, and I think it really paid off. I was incredibly proud of how the stand looked and the interest it attracted. Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? I hope so, watch this space!

Jonathan Feingold

Left Eraldo Munari, Right Jonathan Feingold

MANAGING DIRECTOR, INGLESINA UK

How did you find Harrogate this year? I can say, considering the economic reality, the turnout was strong with all clients reporting our products, especially Aptica & Aptica XT, are selling regularly in their stores. Why is the show important for your business? We need a place to show UK retailers our beautiful class leading products, as since the epidemic, shows have become very regionalised, and the exhibitions locally across Europe including the UK have become more important to domestic customers with less retailers visiting the likes of Cologne K&J. Did the event meet your expectations? Yes it did meet my expectations with more and more retailers realising the value to their businesses of our products and generous margins. Did you launch new products at the show and if so, how were these received by visitors? We launched a 2024 upgraded Aptica XT Travel system with new features and on-trend new colourway, but our star, which received amazing feedback, was our NEW Welcome Pod, with functionality extending its lifespan to 8 months. It integrates the patented unique wellness sleep posture feature from our carrycots to the sleep nest. We have high hopes for this product as all our customers ordered it with only one exception! Was the event a good networking and product demonstration platform for you? We use all shows to demonstrate our products as we say “there is a story inside“. No one buys our products for just looks; they buy it because it’s the best for baby and parent. For you, what was your most stand out and memorable moment this year? We had many but I suppose it was when a very large retailer took a close look at the products and said “why are these selling so well for us?” They were astounded as to how good they actually were when they took a closer look! Usually, I have demonstrated the travel systems and sit clients in the strollers to demonstrate the comfort and strength but seeing the realisation on one of the UK’s leading retailer’s faces as to just how good the products are made the show for me! Can we expect to see you again at the 2024 event? Certainly. We currently have Harrogate pencilled into our show calendar.

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09/11/2023 20:42

RETAIL MATTERS

Retail

matters This month, Online4baby’s Managing Director, Christy Foster takes a look at retailing through Q4 and reflects back on the Harrogate Int. Nursery Fair.

Christy Foster, Managing Director

s November approaches and the final quarter of the year unfolds, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of Q4 for retailers and express my wishes for everyone in the baby nursery retailing community. During this period came an uplifting piece of news - that Online4baby was shortlisted in the Family Business category of the Northwest Business of the Year Awards. This nomination is doubly important to us, firstly as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole Online4baby family who help drive our business and service our customers. But more, it’s a reminder of the journey our family business has been on, from the early days of the business where it was just Cheryl and I on the market stalls around Manchester, to a thriving online pure player. As this journey continues, I’m also pleased to announce the arrival of Colin Smith, who has joined Online4baby as Chief Operating Officer. Colin says, “I’m incredibly excited about the unique opportunity we have at Online4baby by putting technology at the centre of our customer journey”. Colin will help bring together different teams in our business, including leveraging more than 20 years of sourcing experience, to combine our tech investment with great product that

delivers outstanding product safety and customer experience. Colin will also play a key part in our journey to improved sustainability, a project I’m especially excited about. Back to business, myself and the buying team recently attended the Harrogate Baby Show. This is always a great event to reconnect with partners, make plans for the next year, and even enjoy a nice meal or two together. Meeting with our suppliers and brand partners face-to-face after such a tumultuous period was refreshing. Each interaction was not just a business conversation, but a reaffirmation of how vibrant and exciting this industry continues to be. As we continue to drive growth across our business, the insights and products showcased at Harrogate have us eagerly anticipating and planning for 2024. The current trading environment, however, presents its own set of challenges. Many families are treading cautiously amidst rising living costs and uncertainties in the job market. At Online4baby, we’re acutely aware of these pressures and are committed to supporting our customers by doubling down on our excellent value proposition. Yet, with big-box retailers intensifying

Each interaction was not just a business conversation, but a reaffirmation of how vibrant and exciting this industry continues to be. As we continue to drive growth across our business, the insights and products showcased at Harrogate have us eagerly anticipating and planning for 2024. their pricing strategies, the marketplace is becoming increasingly competitive. We see this as an opportunity to recalibrate, innovate, and find new ways to provide unmatched value to our customers. I’m particularly excited to see our Customer Experience team continue to grow, with six new joiners over the past

month alone. With such a considered purchase journey, offering more opportunities to speak to real people is just one way we can stand out in the market. This further investment in our customer experience will support our ambition to be number one for service in our industry.

Online4baby are delighted to be a Which? Recommended Provider for Baby & Child Retailers 2021.

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09/11/2023 20:43

Feature GREEN SHEEP GROUP

Green Sheep Group, is the true Home of Sleep At the Green Sheep Group a wonderful world of Slumber awaits, where excellence, innovation, safety and style are seamlessly entwined to create unrivalled products to support families to get the very best sleep possible.

ith both its much-loved family brands, Snüz and The Little Green Sheep delivering functional, yet beautiful sleep solutions, Green Sheep Group have not only been dominating the category but experiencing phenomenal growth year on year. Never resting on its laurels, Mitch Levene COO at Green Sheep Group shares some insights into the brands forward thinking approach: “As we embark upon our 18th year, following six months of consecutive growth, we are excited to unveil updates to our best-selling collections and building anticipation for our biggest innovation arriving early next year! Investing in the brand and in our retail partners to better communicate and connect with parents is also a key strategy for us next year to ensure we are consistently delivering on our purpose to support parents on their parenting journey.”

Time to Snüz… Pioneering the sleep category, Snüz has been delivering sweet dreams in style since 2013. Creating sleep-centred solutions with safety and quality at their heart, has earned the brand a position of trust when it comes to all things Snüz-ing! The brands innovative range is there for families as they journey to the land of nod… right from pregnancy thanks to the revolutionary, pregnancy pillow, SnüzCurve, uniquely designed by medical professionals, and beyond with their range of nursery furniture & accessories.

Design Led Edits: Following its showcase at the Harrogate Nursery Fair this October, Snüz is excited to officially unveil a brand-new concept. Introducing Snüz Style Edits – beautiful collections inspired by interior fashion trends that will empower parents to combine their personal style with the practical must haves that a newborn requires. Boasting warm, natural tones that connect modern style with timeless influences, the first trend led design collection, THE NATURAL EDIT, is inspired by the wooden elements echoed throughout our homes. Encapsulating modern day, contemporary interiors, whether consumers want to create a rich, earthy space or a soft, calming aesthetic… this edit of Walnut, Oak, Ebony and Silver Birch, has what they need. DESIGN VISION: Speaking about the launch, Head of Design Chloe Scott said, “With this new vision, we wanted to create nursery furniture that was first and foremost thoughtfully designed with flawless function and safety, but that would also effortlessly become part of a stylish home interior.” 54

The very first Style Edit will launch across the brands flagship SnüzPod4 bedside crib, as well as the iconic Scandi inspired SnüzKot cot bed. Even after ten years the SnüzPod remains the best-selling bedside crib, and for good reason! The epitome of style and function, it promises the very highest standards in terms of safety and boasts many clever sleep-inducing features. The unique ComfortAirTM system, with surface-level air-flow vents, an airpermeable mesh liner, and improved base ventilation, creates a breathable haven and helps to regulate little one’s temperature, while the convenient tilt recline is another game-changing feature, helping to alleviate discomfort of acid reflux. SnüzPod4 also boasts a 3D breathable mattress for all-round better support. Ensuring parents can achieve seamless style as little ones grow, the Natural Edit is also offered across the SnüzKot Cot Bed. Loved for its dynamic, adaptable design and Scandinavian accents the SnüzKot truly stands the test of time. Starting from a cot with 3 mattress heights, it converts into a toddler bed and a junior bed to Snüz in until 10 years of age (with extension kit sold separately). For those wanting to kit out the whole nursery, a two-piece furniture set (including a SnüzKot and Changing Unit) and a three-piece furniture set (including a SnüzKot, Changing Unit and Wardrobe) will be available in The Natural Edit. Other product highlights from the brand include SnüzBaskit the contemporary twist on a Moses basket, the stunning SnüzFino cot-bed, and the genius SnüzPouch sleeping bag, as well as the brands advanced mattress collection SnüzSurface.

STARS SPOTTED WITH SNÜZPOD IN 2023! • Joel Dommett • Ollie Locke • Molly Mae

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Inspired by

Nature

Putting a beautifully natural touch on any nursery The Little Green Sheep brand prides itself on nurturing family life naturally and providing babies with a sleeping environment that is free from toxins and harmful chemicals, while not comprising on quality or style. Originally entering the market with one of the first 100% natural cot mattresses, now 17 years on they offer an extensive range of sizes from birth to adulthood and have expanded the entire sleep range to include Moses baskets, bedding and more.

Comfort them with Colour This Season sees the arrival of a brand-new collection of Moses baskets and bedding – inspired by nature. A trio of stunning signature colours Juniper, Terracotta and Truffle, will join the already bestselling range this Autumn, adding a touch of warmth to any home setting. Trend driven, whilst drawing on earthy timeless tones, the comforting shades are both calming and rich in colour, a natural palette perfectly fit for the brand’s naturally stylish Moses basket and more. Beautifully crafted with natural materials, the stunning Moses basket provides a super snug environment for babies to snooze in from day dot, up to six months. Lovingly woven from natural palm leaf, the baskets are strong, durable, and breathable for precious new arrivals, yet super lightweight so they can be easily moved around the house to keep baby close by. Complete with the brand’s signature chemical-free mattress to create the purest environment for sleep, it offers firm support, as recommended by safe sleep experts. It is also Naturally Hypoallergenic and boats an anti-dust mite barrier. Available in a classic knit or more contemporary quilted design the 100% organic liners, which are also available to purchase separately, are super soft to be kind on baby’s skin and machine washable. Completing the look, all 3 colours are available across the bedding range including organic bed sheets in the much-loved delicate rice print, as well as in the cosiest organic cellular blanket. Many a celebrity family has picked a Little Green Sheep Moses basket and it even has the royal seal of approval with Princess Eugene recently spotted using it. Sold separately or with a stand – rocking option available – there is an option for every setting.

To bring these beautiful new collections into your store contact

trade@greensheepgroup.co.uk www.snuz.co.uk www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk nursery today

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Spotlight WHEELED GOODS Being a staple for many nursery retailers, this month we shine the light on the wheeled goods category with products that are available to order now.

Meet the MB160

Pushchair from My Babiie Introducing My Babiie’s MB160 Pushchair, the updated version of their walking pushchair.

Available in six stylish fashions this pushchair can carry toddlers up to 22 kg. It has a huge seat - fully adjustable and with a reclined backrest, it’s perfect for little ones to take a nap. Plus, the footrest is adjustable too, for ultimate comfort. The MB160 pushchair also has an extendable, multifunction canopy for extra protection from sun, wind, and rain. The rear section even has a mosquito net layer for better air circulation in hot weather. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the MB160 also comes with a footmuff, raincover and cupholder.

www.mybabiie.com

Three range eggs Stockists of the luxury egg Stroller were thrilled to get hands on with the new egg3 for the first time at this years’ Nursery Fair.

Responds to light Introducing Moonstone by Venicci, the latest addition to the Upline family.

Moonstone’s fabric responds to changing light, creating a captivating effect. It offers high-quality light fabrics for an elegant feel, with a pearly frame adding sophistication and enhanced by stylish silver details. The sleek black handle combines both aesthetics and functionality. Within the Venicci Upline collection, Moonstone effortlessly combines style and versatility, establishing itself as a standout option for expecting parents.

www.venicci.co.uk

Since the new model was teased in last month’s Nursery Today, fans of egg were most delighted to learn the egg3 will come with an XL extending canopy on both the carrycot and the stroller seat, something consumers have been keen to see in the next model. With several additional new features including a one-pull harness and rocking rails for the carrycot, the egg3 will be available in half a dozen new colours including Houndstooth Almond - joining Feather, Hunter Green and this years’ trendsetting Mink.

www.babystyle.co.uk 56

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The New Neutral

Introducing Wow 2 Whisper design. Same exquisite everything, new minimalist colourway.

Contact Rebecca Carson on rebecca.carson@cosatto.com

Spotlight WHEELED GOODS

Environmentally

friendly Help save the environment on the go all while keeping your little one safe with this multi-mode pram trio.

Talking point with

Push Me Astro

Harrogate has always been the perfect place to showcase new and up and coming lines. At Red Kite Baby they often use this platform to gauge feedback from our independent customers and this year was no different. Their Push Me Astro was a big talking point on their stand and was extremely successful, leading to many presales. We think this is due to its super auto fold function, well-proportioned seat for older children and on trend colour which sets it above the rest. The team at Red Kite Baby are excited to watch the Astro fly off the shelves.

Tel: 01454 326 555 sales@redkitebaby.com

With 153 recycled bottles combined in the fabrics of the carry cot, infant carrier and pushchair seat, you can make journeys eco-friendly. No need to double over as you fold up, thanks to a handy quick release on the back of the seat, and whether the seat is fastened forward or rearward, the versatrax closed and stands ready to store one quick tug.

tucks with

uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com

Standout special edition strollers from Junior Jones Following the successful launch of the Aylo Stroller by Junior Jones at Harrogate 2022, CuddleCo returned to Harrogate International Nursery Fair with two new special-edition strollers.

Expanding on their core range, CuddleCo unveiled Crème Caramel and Luxe Black & Gold. With several elevated features, these special-edition models have one thing in common, unparalleled attention to detail. Along with subtle updates to the chassis, including contrasting stitching on the stroller handle, it also has a new and improved ergonomically shaped head hugger, which offers increased comfort for baby. Plus, the 5-point harness has been given a sporty refresh with extra padded chest pads.

sales@cuddleco.co.uk

Game changer

Graco’s Myavo is a game-changing stroller which offers the aesthetic of premium brands but at a high street RRP of £130. At just 5.8kg, Myavo is one of the lightest compact strollers on the market. And its one-hand, one-second fold, is Graco’s first automatic, stand-alone fold, making it perfect for modern families on the go. Myavo is available in five on-trend colours, all with a knitted canopy and quilted seat fabric for a luxurious look and feel.

uksales@allisonbaby.co.uk www.gracobaby.eu/uk 58

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Spotlight WHEELED GOODS

Newness from Cosatto Cosatto continue to inspire with two new product launches

Cosatto Welcomes

a Fresh New Vibe Fall in love with new Whisper… Minimalist. Classic. Seasonal.

Introducing Whisper, Cosatto’s new soft minimalist design offering a light, airy response to Silhouette’s depths. An answer to the latest neutral fashion trends, the brand embraces a more humble, earthy, pebble palette as friendly forest creatures meet amid positive affirmations for the planet. Moving into a zen zone with gentle, sandstone tonality, cream and beige bring a ying to dark Silhouette’s yang. A far cry from the usual vibrant colours and energetic fabrics, Cosatto enters autumn with the calming new hues of Whisper. Whisper will be available across a range of bestselling travel systems, strollers and car seats. From the top-end award-winning luxury Wow2 family to the essential travel system bundle and bestselling All in All Rotate i-Size car seat - it’s for those seeking Cosatto’s distinctive style but in a seasonal shade. The Whisper design is a timely response to that growing love of minimal living.

Get Lost in

Rhapsody

The new collection from COSATTO X Paloma Faith. New for 2023, COSATTO continue their artistic collaboration with Paloma Faith, introducing the sixth collection: Rhapsody. The iconic tiger is back, gazing out unflinchingly amid blooms and enchanting creatures. Outrageously opulent, Rhapsody is inspired by eastern decoration techniques with a dark gothic symphony of lush florals, ornamental birds and bees bursting bright from a black backdrop. This is maximalist melodrama and full-on Paloma. Artist, style icon, actress, activist, mother - this inspirational Brit-awardwinning artist with three double platinum selling albums and a career spanning over a decade has over a million followers on social and is a force for empowerment of young women. However, Paloma offers a vulnerability that is relatable to new parents – particularly those who have felt adrift in a world of prams that did not suit their personality. Paloma Faith and Cosatto. Shake up the rules. Wake up the world.

To find out more, simply visit: www.cosatto.com

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Spotlight WHEELED GOODS

Introducing

the new Flowy from Bébécar

The Flowy travel system is available in two combinations. The Duo includes a chassis, large carrycot with hood, reversible pushchair seat with hood, and raincover. For a complete travel system, the Trio includes an additional car seat. At only 54cm wide, the Flowy is easy to manoeuvre and provides a smooth ride. The chassis can be folded with the pushchair seat still attached and is free standing when folded. The Flowy is available in a wide choice of fabrics from the Specials collection. Made in high- quality leatherette for a touch of luxury every day, you’re sure to find your perfect pram. Bébécar UK is part of the East Coast Group.

TEL: 0)1692 408801 sales@bebecar.co.uk www.bebecar.co.uk

Recreate a pavement sensation anywhere! Start-Up company Sleepybump has created an innovative new product which provides assistance to rock babies to sleep with natural bumpy feeling, giving parents full control and in record time: Sleepybump.

Newly launched, visitors to Kind + Jugend this year were invited to the Sleepybump stand to see the new and innovative Sleepybump Surface. With the Sleepybump Surface new parents can now rock their baby to sleep without having to take a drive, go on long walks or hold and rock the baby endlessly to a point of physical exhaustion every single nap time. A unique and innovative new product, the Sleepybump is a silicone surface that has been created to simulate the rocking motions infants adore. Consisting of uneven bumps that were carefully engineered to rock a baby safely and smoothly to sleep this distinctive product helps mums and dads to get their baby to fall asleep quickly in their strollers without having to take them outside. The product is incredibly simple to use and requires no batteries! Simply lay the Sleepybump Surface on a flat, even surface and start moving the stroller right on top of it. The bumpy material mimics the feel of a regular pavement outside, thus providing babies with the familiar rocking feeling they need to fall asleep. In addition, Sleepybump is durable over time, folds and cleans easily and is suitable for all types of strollers. Apart from making nap time a lot more manageable, parents can now have complete control and flexibility: they can rock the baby with this light, mobile product while working or spending time with family and friends.

Distributed in the UK by bébélephant. info@bebelephant.com www.sleepybump.com www.bebelephant.com 60

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new!

Sponsored by The brand that parents trust www.clippasafe.co.uk

Introducing

Childhome’s Evosit & Evolu 2 Highchairs These super chic Childhome highchairs are suitable for use from 6-months.

The Evosit is an evolutive highchair, which can be easily adjusted to the right height throughout the different stages of childhood, thanks to its adaptable seat and footrest, plus it can even be used by adults! It comes with a harness, bumper and tray, so there’s no need to buy added extras. RRP £180.00* seat cushions sold separately. The Evolu 2 is a stylish 2-in-1 highchair that’s adjustable to two table heights: a standard dining table and a children’s table. It features a 5-point safety harness and a detachable safety bumper. Parents can also add a newborn seat unit, extra-long legs to suit a kitchen island and seat cushions. RRP £147.00* accessories sold separately. For trade enquiries contact Natalie Jackson on the below. natalie.jackson@beaba.com

Roll, fold, scrunch!

Scrunch is designed specifically to make travelling and storage easy. Adding to the sun, sea, sand and snow range, they are launching these fabulous pocket pourers designed for water play anywhere. Roll them, fold them, scrunch them. Their award-winning Scrunchbucket is the original recyclable, reusable, bucket for life. Made from silicone, derived from sand, they are environmentally friendly, recyclable and reusable. Squash them in your pocket, squish them into the corner

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of a suitcase and contribute more to the environment too. In addition to this, another member of the Scrunch bunch will be arriving to add to Croc and Scoop. www.scrunchkids.com nursery today

09/11/2023 20:49

BPA notice board Networking and awards As well as meeting with members and potential new members, Harrogate International Nursery Fair once again provided the platform for the Baby Products Association’s industry awards. The team was delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Baby and Nursery Trade Awards (BANTAs) and Concept & Innovation Awards at the show.

Potentially life-changing pushchair design

Robert Anslow M anaging Director

If you r company is a me mb er of the Bab y Pro duc ts Ass ocia tion and you are not cur rently receivin g me mb ers ’ e-bulletins wit h industry upd ates , but would like to, ple ase em ail juli e@ b-p -a. org wh o will add you to the databa se.

Three finalists of the Concept & Innovation Awards had been invited to present their product ideas at the show and after much deliberation by the judges, the winner was announced as Designability with an accessible pushchair suitable for manual wheelchair users, developed with mass manufacture in mind. The Award was presented to Dario Canini of Designability by Marc Hardenberg, chair of the Baby Products Association. The company also received a certificate and prize of £1000 free legal advice from the Awards sponsor Sarah Ludlam of legal company Brabners. Julie Milne of the Association commented: “Every year, the judges are impressed with the creativity of the entries received and it’s always difficult deciding which stands out more than the others, as all products submitted will make a difference in the nursery industry. However, it was felt that Designability’s entry could be life-changing for parents who are wheelchair users as it is the first product of its kind that will allow them to use a regular pushchair just like any other parent.” The two other finalists were Cozy N Safe with its Excalibur i-Size car seat which is unusually lightweight and has a unique extended harness system to 125cm; plus five position reclines approved for all stages: and Cheeky Rascals with the Brezza Bottle Washer Pro which automatically washes, sterilizes and dries bottles and pump parts killing 99.9% of germs.

Best of the bunch The winners of the 2023 Baby and Nursery Trade Awards (BANTAs) were announced on the first day of Harrogate International Nursery Fair. These industry awards, sponsored by Nursery Today, are open to exhibitors at Harrogate International Nursery Fair and aim to point retailers and buyers in the direction of products, which in the judges’ opinions, are best in the show in terms of quality, value and style. It appears that this year more than previous years, consumers are seeking affordable, eco-friendly and multi-functional products and the judges have considered this when choosing the winners, which are as follows:

FURNITURE WINNER: KIKI & SEBBY - SBROUT HIGHLY COMMENDED: Green Sheep Group – SnüzPod – The Natural Edit

TRAVEL WINNER:

Cozy N Safe - Comet i-Size 360° Rotation Car Seat HIGHLY COMMENDED: Venicci Tinum Edge 3 in 1 + Base Travel System

TECH

www.b-p-a.org

WINNER: Cheeky Rascals - Owlet Monitor Duo HIGHLY COMMENDED: Murrays Health & Beauty – Leapfrog LF2936HD 5.5” Full HD Colour Touch Screen Smart Baby Monitor

TEXTILES & SOFT ACCESSORIES WINNER: KIKI & SEBBY - Kiki & Sebby’s Sleeping Bags HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ubere Mama – Francesca Peter Rabbit Hoody 62

nursery today

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IN THE NURSERY WINNER:

Rainbow Designs - Bedtime Cuddles with Peter Rabbit HIGHLY COMMENDED: ergoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine

BABY ESSENTIALS WINNER:

Bloomsbury Mill - Jungle Cubs Muslin Squares HIGHLY COMMENDED: Halilit – Jellystone Moon Teether

TOYS & EDUCATIONAL WINNER: BTL Diffusion UK Ltd - Cloud Box HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dingle Dangle Baby - Dingle Dangle Gift Set

BEST NEW PRODUCT WINNER: BTL Diffusion UK Ltd - Cloud Box HIGHLY COMMENDED: KIKI & SEBBY – SBROUT

Welcome to our newest member The Baby Products Association is delighted to welcome the following new member this month: ebebek UK Retail Services Ltd ebebek aims to meet all needs of mother and baby from the prenatal period up to the age of four, with high quality products, friendly staff, high quality service standards, affordable prices, expert knowledge and post-shopping support The company cares about providing fast and high quality services and value team spirit as key. It has created procedures for all of its important business processes and apply them accordingly. www.ebebek.co.uk

09/11/2023 20:50

Buyersdirectory Coordinated Bedding

Textiles

Nappies Bedding Blankets Shawls Hodded Robes Towels Changing Bags Booties Bibs Body Suits Hats Mittens....

$/$0, ,17(51$7,21$/ /7' %ULGJHILHOGV :HOZ\Q *DUGHQ &LW\ $/ 5; 7 ( VDOHV#DODPL FR XN ZZZ DODPL FR XN

Outdoor Toys

Ambassador Textiles are a major supplier to the nursery manufacturing industry, stocking an extensive range of top-quality baby care fabrics in popular pastel colours:• • • • •

Soft & Cuddly Velboa and Dimple Cotton Waffle & Cotton Interlock Moisture Absorbing Bamboo Towelling and Woven Towelling Lightweight Polycotton Walm & Versatile Anti-Pil Fleece

Our Anti-Pil Fleece range boasts over 50 colourways in pastels and brights. We can manufacture to order Fleece Blankets in cot, pram & picnic basket sizes

www.ambassador-textiles.co.uk View the full range or contact a member of our sales team +44 (0)161 624 4167

info@ambassador-textiles.co.uk

Wholesale

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