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NiBPA Review
BPA Baby & Child a ‘one stop
shop’ for all the latest products
Sponsors of the Launchpad, Nursery Industry talked at length
with exhibitors to find out whether their position at the show
had worked and the overwhelming response was that it had.
Some of the bigger names meanwhile, were also keen to tell
us why BPA Baby & Child remains a vital show for them too
Lorna Smith, creator of Baby Aid, a great new take-anywhere first aid kit for
babies and children was very pleased with what the show had to offer. Her
product Highly Commended at the Baby & Child Recognition Awards, she said:
“I have met buyers and taken some very good orders”. A major department
store and Independent retailer were at the show and snapped up Lorna’s
product – another example of what the Launchpad can do for start-up
businesses.
Over at Natural Baby, Claire Bowen said that Sunday had been a good day
year. CEO Patrick J Fischer was in good spirits: “I had no expectations really –
with lots of potential leads, while Alison Withell of Dribblebuster dropped by
this is my first trade show. Eventually I want my product sold in every shop and
the Nursery Industry stand to say ‘hello’, before taking me off to view her
major department store in the UK, alongside other bedding ranges.”
range of neckerchief dribble bibs. Talking of the show she said: “I’m glad I’ve
Over at Baby Tourist, Leigh Cromwell said of his Holidoze travel cot and
done it. I have had a lot of interest and taken two really good orders. My
play area, Slumber Bumper bed guard and Cosy-Crib travel moses basket: “We
pastel coloured sleeping bags seem to be doing well – they are a unique selling
have had people coming to the stand and spoken with a couple of large
point as the traditional colours seem to be more popular at the moment. That
suppliers. People are very positive about the products, they tend to say: ‘Wow,
said the Liberty Print in the neckerchiefs has done really well here too.”
what a great idea,’ when they see them.” Shortlisted for a BACRA, the BPA
At Schnuggle, Director Adam Murphy said: “Sunday was great, but
seemed to agree!
Monday was an even bigger success - I made some good contacts and have
Monique Nanson, of Toys4Life, a range of beautiful wooden, transformable
lots to follow up on. Keira O’Mara of Mamascarf, which enables mums to
toys that grow up with your child explained: “This is my first show; I did it as a
breastfeed discreetly in style added: “I have really enjoyed being part of the
taster to see if it would work. It has been really good – I have had some very
Launchpad…we have all been sharing customers and information…there’s a
positive responses, which will hopefully result in orders. The toys encourage
strong sense of community. I have had lots of orders and potential orders, and
sustainability and because they are so beautifully made, can become part of
linked up with an international distributor. This is the best place for a small
your everyday furniture.”
stand….I have had lots of passing trade.”
Alistair Antoine, Managing Director of Stellina Baby was also keen to talk:
Monette D.Stransom, Owner of Eleanor’s Closet, a distributor of
“The show is going really well, it’s busier than I expected. Sunday was
personalised books and puzzles which are perfect as gift purchases, said: “I
particularly good - I had a lot of interest from buyers.” Ian Elliot, inventor of
have had some good conversations with independent retailers and been
the tap strap - designed to childproof taps - added: “On Sunday I met a lot of
exposed to new people and ideas. Sharing her stand, Barbara Hobart,
good independent retailers, while Monday brought some of the bigger
President of Homeplates, a manufacturer of decorative light switch covers
companies. We have been very well received here.”
said: “I don’t think I will really know until after the show whether or not it’s
Natasha Poffley, Director of Piccolo Lusso, the UK's distributor for Chic ‘o’
been worthwhile. I have had a lot of interest though, especially from the small
Bello baby changing bags said: “I have had a really successful few days, with
independent buyers.”
lots of orders and interest to follow up on when I get back. The Launchpad
Having just won its third award, the absorbent, washable, re-usable bed pad
seems to have come together really well from a brand awareness point of view
Aquasolari has become very popular with retailers since launching earlier this
– it has really gelled.” Sahil Jain Director of babiesblankets.co.uk agreed, he
said: “It’s been busy, I have taken a lot of orders and would definitely come
again.” Sarah Tague of Indicare added: “The show has gone really well for us,
there has been a real buzz in the air and people have been nothing but
positive about us.”
Ginny Jogee of 1 two kids, winner of the play time award for the ‘Vegging
Out’ range, made on a fair-trade project in Egypt and designed to encourage
positive food associations, was over the moon at the response: “It’s been a
great show. We came to find independent retailers and exceeded our
expectations massively. Sunday and Tuesday were the best days for business. I
also want to promote Sophie, made of 100% natural rubber it is the perfect
gift purchase and I want it to become the UK’s number 1 selling toy.”
Over at SnoozeShade, the blackout blind for babies on the move, Cara
Sayer was certain she made the right choice to exhibit: “It was either do
Dragon’s Den or the BPA Show. I chose the BPA Show. It seemed sensible to try
and work out if there was a market for the product first and it seems fairly
obvious that there is.” Over at Pourty, John Rathbone had similar questions:
“We wanted to work out whether it was worth spending the money on
tooling - there has been lots of interest here, so now we definitely know it is.”
6
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NURSERY INDUSTRY
•
NOVEMBER 2009
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www.nursery-industry.co.uk
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