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elcome to Progressive Preschool’s Ultimate Guide to Pushchairs & Car Seats Retailing 2023

The launch of the Guide last year was a huge success, with suppliers and retailers offering positive feedback on how much it was needed and that it offered a different perspective on this ever-growing sector of the nursery industry.

So, when work began on this year’s edition we wanted to ensure it offered even more to our readers. So much can happen in the space of 12 months and the innovation that takes place in this sector in particular is nothing short of extraordinary. With more brands looking at the different ways they can offer sustainable products and the emphasis on making parents’ lives that little bit easier, and of course safer for their little ones, it is something which seems to have no boundaries.

We will once again be looking at these product sectors from a retailer, supplier and consumer perspective, as well as speaking to the BPA regarding the latest regulations that everyone in the industry needs to know about.

Again there has been a flurry of new products hitting the UK market over the past 12 months with each supplier offering its own contribution to the sector, whether this be updated colourways, new innovation or adding new products to their ranges offering better value and choice for consumers.

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting all households and retail stores alike, it has been another challenging year for the industry, which is why the consumer research we have undertaken again this year is more key than ever. Knowing what consumers are looking for when buying pushchairs and car seats offers a valuable insight into how retailers can make the most of customers when they are in-store and also how brands can help to support retailers.

Retailers within the nursery industry have once again shown resilience and determination to overcome the challenges faced in recent times. From rising energy costs, to shipping delays, it really has been a rollercoaster ride for many, but with hard work and the support from suppliers it is great to see so many stores thriving on the high street.

We would like to offer huge thanks to the suppliers, retailers and to the BPA who supported this guide and contributed to its content, as we really could not do this without you.

We look forward to seeing what the next 12 months brings.

Jo Pilcher, Katie Roberts-Mason, Samantha Loveday, Rob Willis.

This supplement was bought to you by Progressive Preschool magazine. To discuss the content or be included in the next edition, please contact Jo Pilcher on jop@max-publishing.co.uk

08 TICKET TO RIDE

The latest trends from the pushchair sector.

10 SAFE JOURNEY

The latest trends from the car seat sector.

13 CELEB CONNECTIONS

The rise of celebrity and influencer collaborations.

14 THE SHOP FLOOR

Retailers feedback on the car seat and pushchair product sectors.

16 PARENT OPINION

What consumers look for in their in-store shopping experience.

18 THE LATEST IN CHILD SAFETY

The Baby Product Association highlights the key updates in child safety regulations.

20

Pushchairs and travel systems are such a key part of children’s early lives, that they really need to work well, be comfortable for babies, while also fitting into the lifestyles of parents and the rest of the family. There are so many factors to consider when making the purchase decision, so PPS picked out the key trends in the market at the moment.

Easy fold: Still the gold standard in new product development, a simple folding mechanism which makes it easy for parents to fold and unfold a pushchair, while also dealing with their baby or preschooler, is key. Many new lines now offer a one-handed fold, or even an automatic fold.

Compact and lightweight: As well as being easy to fold, increasing numbers of products are being designed to be lighter in weight, as well as folding up small. This enables them to fit into a range of car boots and take up little room in the home, while some are even small enough for the overhead locker in an aircraft, making travel simpler.

Kim van Zonneveld, global marketing manager at Leclerc Baby, explains:

“Lightweight strollers are becoming more popular as parents look for those that are easy to transport and manoeuvre.

“This trend for lightweight strollers is driven by their compactness and portability without compromise on safety or comfort for the child. This makes them ideal for parents who are always on the go and need a stroller that is easy to use every day as well as for family outings and holidays.

“Overall, the trend towards lightweight strollers is likely to continue to grow as more parents prioritise convenience and versatility.”

Improved suspension: A pushchair that manages different terrains easily and maintains a smooth ride for the passenger, is important for many families who want to embrace country walks as well as city living and everything in between.

Paul Walker, head of product and design at iCandy, says: “The trend towards improved pushchair suspension is constantly evolving; it's a necessity for the comfort and wellbeing of both parent and baby. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative suspension concepts, designed to provide ultimate comfort and safety for families on the go.

“At iCandy, we are constantly innovating our range of suspension systems to meet the requirements of all different terrains and lifestyles.”

Design-led colourways: The look of a pushchair is also important. Helen Smith, fabric design manager at Silver Cross, comments: “Innovating for future generations is at the forefront of our design ethos. Creating emotional connections with families through crafted, iconic products with timeless appeal, we find inspiration in the world around us, and the challenges we face as we move into a more sustainable future.

“In trend forecasting, colours and materials are defined at every stage of our development process.”

Recycled fabrics: Recycled post-consumer waste is one of the key materials coming out in new pushchairs, improving the sustainability of the sector. Damon Marriott, head of product management at Joie, which recently launched its recycled Cycle collection, comments: “We have been rigorous in our research, and we know that 83% of consumers consider environmentally friendly design to be ‘extremely important’. When we were designing our Cycle Collection, it was vital to us that we could fulfil this desire without compromising on the safety and quality our consumers deserve and expect from our brand. “

Kerry Anderson, regional marketing manager, Joolz, adds: “We are mindful to incorporate sustainability and thoughtful decisions at every stage in our design and manufacture process, from the use of fabric made from recycled PET bottles, and recyclable and reusable packaging, to our unique 10-year transferable warranty. We also promise to plant a tree for every pushchair sold to continue our commitment to protect planet earth.”

Sports pushchairs: Enabling parents to continue to participate in a healthy lifestyle with a baby in tow, many pushchairs are now designed to be the ideal running partner.

Ieuan Rowell, Ickle Bubba’s md, outlines: “We know our consumers place value on being able to live active lifestyles. It’s already the feedback we receive on the Stomp as a versatile pushchair. The Venus Jogger takes this a step further, with air filled tyres, a three-wheel design and great outdoor safety features such as reflective trim on the hood. We’ve already received really positive feedback from retailers, who say that the design, functionality and price is going down very well with consumers.”