Event Focus

HEADING TO HARROGATE

Back from an 18-month absence due to the pandemic, the Harrogate International Nursery Fair will open its doors from 17-19 October this year, in a change to its usual March date. Progressive Preschool chats to the show organiser, as well as some exhibitors and buyers to find out about the plans for the much anticipated return.

Inset: International Nursery Fair returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre after an 18-month break due to Covid in October.

Above right: The nursery trade is looking forward to meeting face to face again.

Every year the nursery trade flocks to the Victorian spa town of Harrogate to make the most of the International Nursery Fair. 2020 saw the event cancelled due to Covid, and this year, the show has taken up the later October date, but despite the changes, it’s all systems go.

Taking over five halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre, this year’s fair boasts an impressive exhibitor list with a vast range of suppliers, manufacturers and distributors.

Adrian Sneyd, show organiser, tells PPS: “Having had to re-organise the show several times due to the pandemic, we are very excited to have a firm date in the diary for October. It is apparent that this trade show is very much wanted and needed by the industry and exhibition space has been in big demand; so much so that we have recently announced the opening of an additional hall – hall H.”

While many of the previous exhibitors have rebooked for 2021, there are also over 50 companies which have either booked stands for the first time this

OUT OF THE BOX year, or are returning after a break including Mamas & Papas, iCandy, “We are so excited to show the nursery Anex Baby, Tutti Bambini, Chicco, sector what Tonies has to offer. Over the Cybex, Dorel, Snüz, Hippy Chick last year, we have massively expanded our portfolio within the preschool category offering content suitable for all ages. We are looking forward to showing retailers and buyers what we have to offer including our Sleepy Time Tonies that and more. Adrian tells us the reaction to the show has been positive, despite uncertain times: “The response from exhibitors and visitors has transitions the Toniebox from a storytime been overwhelming. There is companion into the perfect sleep aid. definitely an air of excitement at We will also be launching a very exciting returning to the show and getting collaboration with Steiff.” back to a sense of normality. Pinky Laing, partnerships and PR “It is important for business and manager, Tonies networking – and visitors are very Below: The new collaboration with Steiff will much looking forward to seeing and see Tonies launch 20cm plush Steiff bears that feeling products first-hand for the contain songs and stories. first time in almost two years. The show also offers lots of exclusive show offers, so retailers can really reap the benefit of attending and placing orders at the show.” This feeling is echoed by retail buyers. Rebecca Gilligan, branded buyer, nursery, toy and gift at JoJo Maman Bébé, comments: “The lack of trade shows has really changed the way we work - we are now relying on virtual meetings and using the web to search for new ideas and products. Trade shows are always such a great opportunity to discover new brands and products. It will be so nice to get out to see suppliers and see what new and exciting products they have to offer.”

RECONNECTING

“We are looking forward to launching our evolved brand at the show and the positive impact that will have for trade partners and ultimately the consumer. It is also a great opportunity for us to connect with our peers and trade customers. We shall be launching several new products at Harrogate across furniture and travel, and showcasing our new nursery collections.”

Emma Scorah, marketing director, Ickle Bubba

Below: Ickle Bubba will be exhibiting its new nursery collections at Harrogate.

NEW, NEW, NEW “It’s not the same seeing a product virtually, and some of the new items we’re launching at Harrogate really do have to be seen. There will be more of the team attending this year - it will be Steph and Kelly’s first Harrogate show, so they can’t wait to meet everyone face to face. We have a whole new range launching. New models, new colours, new everything. We’re so excited to be showcasing all the hard work our team has put in over lockdown.”

Molly Francis Coleman, md, Roma Prams

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“Our plan is to take a snap shot of our brands, we plan to display it all in the form of a nursery. We have over 2,000 skus, so it’s hard for us to show everything, we hope to inspire our customers with displays that they can use in their own stores. We are excited to be bringing our new brand ErgoPouch. New for 2021 is Moonie and Doddle & Co, Kabode and Lulujo has a new boho range.”

Nicola Barnett, ceo, Kidcentral

Below: Moonie is new for 2021 for Kidcentral and is a sleep aid, night light and comforter in one. “It is always beneficial to be able to showcase the products face to face and engage in those business discussions. As always we want to be able to bring something new to the table, so we are really excited to be able to share our new fashions for 2022, as well as giving a first sneak peek at our new launch lines. We are always looking for new ways to innovate and improve so we will certainly have some new launches to share.”

Damon Marriott, head of product management, Joie

Caroline Pizzey, owner of Little Poppets, agrees: “I am excited to see everyone again. Catching up with fellow retailers that we haven’t managed to see, looking at the new ranges that are due next year. I am hoping this year that we get to see new manufacturers. I’ve heard that the floor plan is bigger than ever this year which is such great news. Maybe this is a start of a bigger and better Harrogate moving forward.”

Sam Dickman, buyer at A3 Baby Barn, enthuses: “I am so looking forward to Harrogate. It will just be so exciting to meet up with the trade again as it feels that we haven’t had that connection with suppliers and fellow retailers for so long.

“Over the past 18 months, we have seen very little new stuff coming through. It will be really nice to see new products with new features and it will be exciting to pass on new stuff to our customers.”

As well as the UK trade, Emma Charlesworth, director of Baby Birds, tells us there’s a strong international interest, too. Baby Birds has a stand with Roma and Emma says: “We’ve had so many positive comments and with Roma, we have had bookings from all over the world as there are so few shows. It’s very exciting.”

While the UK nursery trade is raring to go, the organiser has carefully planned to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Adrian continues: “The Harrogate Convention Centre has solid health and safety procedures in place; we will be working closely with them and following all government guidelines to ensure a smooth running event and protect exhibitors and visitors alike.” In current times there will inevitably be some unable to attend, but there are plans in place for this, too. The organiser has improved the show’s online presence this year and exhibitors can upload press releases, videos and product demonstrations to the website. Adrian explains: “While this isn’t quite the same as seeing products first-hand, it will offer those unable to attend the chance to browse through the exhibitors attending and the product ranges they have on offer. Also, we are hoping to announce an exciting new initiative in the coming weeks which will open the show up to a much wider audience.” Having had such a long break from meeting colleagues and friends in the industry face-to-face, the International Nursery Fair will be a welcome return to normality for the nursery trade, and with so many new exhibitors and product launches, it’s set to be a busy and positive few days for all at Harrogate. UNIQUE FEATURES “Seeing and talking through products in person is so important, especially as so many of our brands have unique and clever features. There is nothing quite like meeting in person, so we certainly cannot wait for Harrogate. We are excited to bring along all of our brands, from the iconic Owlet smart sock monitor to the babywearing hero Izmi. New for this year, we will also be showcasing the innovative Ark pushchair, the cross-terrain travel system with an eco-mindset.”

Leonie Hayward, information systems and marketing manager, Cheeky Rascals

Right: The new Ark pushchair from Cheeky Rascals in teal.

HARROGATE NURSERY FAIR 2021

BABY JOGGER

Baby Jogger is excited to meet with everyone at the Harrogate Nursery Fair and to showcase its new products. It will be showing new fashions with improved fabrics across its City Mini 2 and City Mini GT2 stroller range and its iconic strollers will be refreshed with three fashions: Opulent Black, Stone Grey and Brick Mahogany. The team also has some exciting new products to showcase!

Tel: 0203 2490835 www.babyjogger.co.uk Stand KS12

HIPPYCHICK

A unique toy, suitable from birth onwards, Dena Diversity comprises a set of silicone shapes in various shades that will help children to recognise as well as normalise different skin tones. Not only does Dena have the promotion of diversity at its heart, but it is also a great developmental toy for babies and toddlers, encouraging them to use their imagination to develop all sorts of free-range play activities. Available from Hippychick.

Tel: 01278 434440 www.hippychick.com Stand Q70 JOIE

Joie Signature is a dream team of some of Joie’s most popular products that look smart and work smarter, bringing first class luxury to everyday outings and clever solutions to everyday needs. These staple pieces - including i-Level, i-Quest, i-Spin Grow, i-Traver, finiti, aeria and tourist - are crafted to work long and hard all the way from baby to big kid and look fab all the while.

Tel: 01889 808900 www.uk.joiebaby.com Stand KS1 ICKLE BUBBA

Ickle Bubba’s much-loved Stomp V3 is back with a bold new look. The new designs include a navy hood and fabric and a stand-out champagne coloured chassis. Parents can combine them for a pushchair with distinction or mix and match with the standard black chassis or existing fabric colours, to find a look that suits their style. Available in different combinations: the 3-in-1 (all-in-one) travel system featuring the carrycot, pushchair and car seat, or simply the 2-in-1 carrycot and pushchair bundle.

Tel: 01554 707022 www.icklebubba.com Stand Q90

ROMA PRAMS

New for Christmas 2021, the best-selling Roma Polly collection has expanded to four new products - a dolls buggy, bedside crib, highchair and car seat. All in the stunning sequin design with luxury quilted fabrics and high polished chrome finish, the Polly collection really does stand out from the crowd.

Tel: 01305 853080 www.romaprams.co.uk Stand D10

HARROGATE NURSERY FAIR 2021

THE DREAMY ELEPHANT COMPANY

The Dreamy Elephant Company is proud to introduce Jaspar The Dreamy Elephant, the UK’s first baby bonding companion and sleep aid at the Harrogate Nursery Fair this year. Jaspar is the company’s very first product which helps parents of newborns, toddlers and older children to develop a stronger loving bond and help ease separation anxiety.

Tel: 07863 630816 www.thedreamyelephantcompany.com Stand Q85

CYBEX

The new CYBEX Sirona S2 i-Size delivers easy and comfortable boarding thanks to the innovative one-hand 360-degree rotation mechanism. This clever feature also makes it easy to switch between rear and forward-facing travel. Suitable from three months up to four years, or from birth with the newborn inlay, this rear-facing car seat improves the child’s safety in the event of a head-on crash.

Tel: 07471 035850 www.cybex-online.com Stand Q41

DIDOFY

Didofy combines clever design and technology, to produce innovative stylish pushchairs and travel systems which easily fold with the touch of a button or one hand. After the successful launch of the ultracompact, award-winning Aster, Didofy will be showcasing its new Aster 2, with new features, design enhancements and new colourways.

Tel: 07793 712652 www.didofy.com Stand KS11 RENOLUX

Renolux has used its expertise to provide comfort, well-being and safety for more than 40 years. It has recently designed and developed Softness technology which it is now applying to its car seats. The new technology offers a combination of high-strength steel frame, with high density polyurethane foam to absorb energy and cushion shocks in the event of an accident. The new Softness range is available in the UK from the Autumn.

Tel: 00 33 (4) 72469740 www.renolux.fr Stand G9

COZY N SAFE

Cozy N Safe has launched its brand new i-Size range, with not one, not two but three brand new models - the Morgan, the Lancelot and the Tristan. These seats are packed full of features, such as seamless recline, 360° spin, extra deep padding and more.

Tel: 01902 494905 www.cozynsafe.com Stand D8

HARROGATE NURSERY FAIR 2021

INGLESINA

Inglesina, the famous Italian manufactured brand, offers the highest quality, stylish, and expertly designed complete travel solutions focused on the comfort and wellness of babies and parents. At Harrogate Nursery Fair, Inglesina will be announcing the global launch of an exciting new full-size travel system with unique features, which is lightweight, compact, and easy to fold without compromising on comfort.

Tel: 01268 267056 www.inglesina.com Stand Q2

THE BRAND SNUG

The Brand Snug is a new concept stand which brings together brands working with nursery marketing company, The Media Snug. The stand promises to bring some exciting products and launches from new and established brands including Vital Baby, Bibetta and Eco Rascals, as well as many others.

Tel: 01462 530333 www.mediasnug.com Stand Q122

MOONIE

Moonie, the humming friend is a professional baby sleep aid that helps babies easily fall asleep. The sounds of the Moonie humming bear are real recordings of natural pink noise from a mummy’s tummy. It allows children to calm down and fall asleep faster. It’s simple and elegant and beautifully packaged. Available from Kidcentral.

Tel: 01530 569470 www.kidcentral.co.uk Stand Q56 ANEX

Anex is preparing for the world launch of its new innovative pushchair and refreshed collections of iconic designs. Don’t miss the showcase of the Anex m/type PRO, with improved EPP material. Its 2021 Red Dot-winning pushchair is ready to amaze!

Tel: 00 48 222116708 www.anexbaby.co.uk Stand H5

KABODE

Believing in a better tomorrow Kabode believes that even a small shift can help influence a big change in the world. It uses organic cotton across its bedding products, certified by GOTS, the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. Available from Kidcentral.

Tel: 01530 569470 www.kidcentral.co.uk Stand Q56

Launching a new brand with new ideas and products! Kids Happy House was created from our own happy house – we bring you innovative products for teething and baby healthcare.

See us at Harrogate Nursery Fair Stand Q82 T: 07966 394099 E: mark@natmark.co.uk www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk

Without Compromise...

Travel In Luxury

Cozy N Safe has launched its brand new Signature i-Size collection with not one, not two but three brand new i-Size models! Say hello to the Lancelot, Morgan and Tristan. The Lancelot and Tristan are forward facing seats suitable for children 76-150cm and the Morgan is one of only a few seats that is suitable from 40-125cm.

The range features everything you have come to expect from Cozy N Safe such as its signature extra deep padding and soft touch, high quality materials. All seats come complete with five point harnesses, removable cushions, selfadjusting headrests, multiple recline positions plus more.

The Morgan is filled with even more features such as a 360° rotation function, pop out side impact protection, and a seamless 50° recline feature. No more set positions, this seat gives you full control over the recline position providing even more comfort.

This comes as the R44.04 sales will be coming to an end in two years’ time. Cozy N Safe have invested heavily in their R’n’D of i-Size seats and have many more to come including a 100-150cm seat early next year.… Watch this space!

To find out more, contact Cozy N Safe on Sales@cozynsafe.com or call on 01902 49 49 05 www.cozynsafe.com

HARROGATE NURSERY FAIR 2021

TONIES

September is an exciting month for tonies, with the launch of four brand new Tonies that will give parents alternative ways to entertain and inspire their children: Paw Patrol’s Marshall and Skye launch on the 16th September, and Mr Bean and Masha and the Bear are available to purchase on the 8th September.

Tel: 0203 1921492 www.tonies.com Stand Q125

WOGEY WAND

The Wogey Wand is unique and launching at the show – the first magical wand for wax and bogeys. No more clunky, noisy and hard to clean aspirators and attempting to stick a cotton bud in little one’s ear. This wand has one loop end for sticky mucus and a scoop end on the other side. It’s uniquely designed with a little baby’s face at the tip making sure it cannot be inserted too deep.

Email: info@kidshappyhouse.co.uk www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk Stand Q82

TIE TEETHER

The Tie Teether is launching at the show and is the first of its kind - a non-droppable teething solution that looks incredibly stylish on any outfit. A baby safe clip-on makes it easy to use and stay on and the crinkle noise effect is stimulating and fun to play with. The BPA free food grade silicone teething end is the perfect chew easily found by the baby at any time.

Email: info@kidshappyhouse.co.uk www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk Stand Q82 LE-GLUE

Le-Glue is temporary glue for brick toys including Lego, Mega Blocks and Nano Blocks. Made in the USA it is non-toxic, is made of natural ingredients, with a bitter aftertaste for childrens’ safety. It holds bricks in place ten times stronger than without it, but it easily dissolves in warm water, leaving no residue. Distributed in the UK by Kids Happy house.

Email: info@kidshappyhouse.co.uk www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk Stand Q82

WIPEBOX

The Wipebox is a handy everyday essential which will be launching at the show. To save money, wet wipes are usually bought in huge packs which no one wants to carry around and the sticker design to close the packs is totally useless! The Wipebox solves this issue - parents can just take a bundle out of the pack and safely keep them clean and always wet in the Wipebox.

Email: info@kidshappyhouse.co.uk www.kidshappyhouse.co.uk Stand Q82