The State of Online Sales

Shop.org reports that despite a slowing economy online retail sales continue to grow. They predict that online retail sales will grow by 6% in 2008.

In 2007 apparel made up 10% of all online, retail sales. In 2008 they predict that figure will be 12%.

I suggest that you check out the research. 2008 SORO Marketing Report

Besides sales predictions for 2008 it describe the marketing methods most used and how they are carried out. We can learn a lot of lessons from large companies that have the ability to research which methods of promotion work the best.

Kohl's Launching New Kids' Line

I think that we can learn a lot about the children's clothing industry by watching what the big companies are doing. Kohl's announced on February 21st that they are coming out with a new line of children's apparel called Jumping Beans.

This line is for boys and girls, newborn to 7 and is a playwear brand.

You can read more about this new line here:
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080221/20080221005153.html?.v=1.

American Eagle Starts a Kids' Line

American Eagle Outfiters is launching a children's line of clothing later this year called 77kids. The focus will be on apparel for 2 to 10 year olds and will launch exclusively online. In 2009 they plan to open their first retail stores.

The 2007 Winners!

Here are the results for the 2007 Best in Children's Fashion Earnie Award winners:


Girls Newborn Infant: Cachcach
Boys Dresswear: Imp Originals
Sleepwear: New ICM
Boys Newborn Infant: Zutano

Hair Jewelry: Wee Ones
Girls 2T to 6X Sportswear: My Vintage Baby
Hosiery: Jefferies/Country Kids
Boys 2T to 7 Sportswear: Hartstrings Boys
Girls 7 to 16 Sportswear: Roxy

Outerwear: Corky & Company
Boys 8 to 20 Sportswear: Quiksilver
Footwear: Pediped
Canadian Brand: Jack and Lily
Jeans Company: Levi’s by Haddad

Swimwear: Kate Mack
European Brand: Beetlejuice
Girl's Dresswear: Biscottii
New Brand: Baby Legs

TOMS Footwear - Now Offers a Kid's Collection

On October 24th ABCNews.com wrote about TOMS footwear and their mission to donate one pair of shoes to a child abroad for every pair that is purchased. You can read the article hear:
Saving the World With Shoes

TOMS has now come out with a line for children called Tiny TOMS and will be available for wholesale purchase at approximately $14 a pair. Visit http://www.tomsshoes.com/ to check it out and you can contact them directly though their website.

The Earnies Will Be Announced Soon

Earnshaw's will be announcing their annual awards for excellence in children's apparel and accessories on October 15th in New York. Here are the nominees in 4 of the 23 catagories:

Girls 2T to 6X Sportswear:
My Vintage Baby
Laura Ashley
Greggy Girl

Boys 2T to 7 Sportswear:
JB Original Vintage
E-land
Hartstrings Boys

Girls 7 to 16 Sportswear:
Roxy
Flowers by ZoeTru Luv

Boys 8 to 20 Sportswear:
Quiksilver
Charlie Rocket
Wes & Willy

This gives you a good indication of the brands that are going places and fashion trends. The results will be out soon!

Baby Couture Inc. Launched

Baby Couture Inc. has recently launched exclusively on the web. the combination of their unique style and the growing number of parents who shop online has spurred their success.

Read the latest news about Baby Couture Inc: http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/8/emw544255.htm

If you are interested carrying their products in your store you can view the requirements on their website: http://www.babycoutureinc.com/wholesale/