With Christmas now just days away and 2021 just around the corner, PreschoolNews.net asked a number of leading nursery names to share their thoughts on the last 12 months and how they are staying positive for the year ahead.
“It’s certainly been a challenging year for everyone, yet despite everything we have introduced some great newness in 2020 with some great products launching in early 2021 too. We wish all our amazing suppliers and retailers a very happy and safe Christmas and a record-breaking 2021.”
Elliot Bishop, owner, bébélephant
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for so many in 2020, but it’s been wonderful to see people working together and our industry moving forwards. At Azaria, we have loved sharing our expertise to support brands big and small, and adapting strategies to help our clients grow despite the climate. 2021 is looking positive for us, and January is shaping up to be a busy one! We are excited to see what the fresh new year brings.”
Amber Steventon, managing director, Azaria
“The past 12 months here at Hippychick have been a whirlwind to say the least. The year kicked off with lots of worry about the unknown, but we’re finishing 2020 feeling incredibly grateful to have such an amazing team and supportive customers! 2021 maybe starting with more of the unknown, but after 2020, we feel ready for anything! Thank you for all of your support in 2020 – here’s to a prosperous and hopefully more ‘normal’ 2021!”
Alex Molyneux, marketing executive, Hippychick
“What a year 2020 has been! Like many brands we have seen our fair share of ups and downs at Rockit mission control. Cancelled orders at the beginning of Covid and then a massive upturn as mums and dads realised they needed their sleep during lockdown. With more retail moving online we have had to up our game and use clever marketing to get noticed above the noise. 2021 will hopefully be a little more straightforward as we look forward to launching a couple of new products… watch this space.”
Matt Dyson, director, Rockit
“We predict ‘New Year New You’ will take on a whole new emphasis as people have taken time to take stock and reassess what is important to them. After almost a year of restrictions, and their freedoms being taken away, people will clamour to take more control of their lives. Brands and businesses that can be a catalyst within that journey, will win.”
Jane Pavia-Davis, managing director, Vista PR
“For us here at MerryGoRoundUK it has been a strange and challenging year. Our sales in 2020 actually increased due to our reusable ranges (cloth nappies and wipes etc) being in demand. We were able to adapt our offices and warehouse to work through the lockdowns safely and more importantly retain all our staff which I am very happy about as I realise it has been very hard for so many businesses. For 2021 I hope we can get back to having some shows to meet up with others in the nursery industry as 2020 has been quite a lonely existence. We are aiming to build on our reusable range with some new product launches happening in Jan/Feb 21 – we did not waste a spare moment in lockdown and worked on new products and designs!
Caroline Taylor, managing director, MerryGoRoundUK
“2020 has been a real challenge for everyone, as we ‘ve been forced to live and do business without being able to plan anything or meet anyone. Nevertheless,we’ve done our best to adapt, to innovate even with the complex situation. We have created new videos to help out our parent community, launched new colours and have extended our brand outside of babycarriers for the first time. To sum up, 2020 was the year of adaptability. Hope 2021 will be just as good…”
Sophie Huard, director, Love Radius
“While 2020 has of course been extremely challenging for each and every one of us, we are trying to remain positive and looking forward to the year ahead. With all the challenges that we’ve all been facing, we’ve also seen some really wonderful pictures and videos of our puppets and soft toys being used all around the world. Knowing that our puppets are being used for online teaching, family Zoom sessions and just sharing some smiles and fun has been hugely important to us. We would like to thank everyone for their support and wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas, here’s to a better new year for everyone.”
Sue Lockey, director, The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys
“The year started fantastically well and everyone was full of enthusiasm, so the lockdown came as a huge shock to us all. The resilience of the industry however has been fantastic – retailers have learned new tricks, upped the service levels and improved online communication and they have reaped the rewards. It looks like it may be same again for a while yet but the lessons learned this year should stand us all in good stead.”
Andrew Molloy, director, Picture Book Fashion
“2020 has been a challenging time for businesses and individuals alike – but no matter what is happening in the world, we will continue to offer support to our consumers and retailers with creative and innovative solutions to keep us connected. Our focus will always be on providing affordable products, without ever compromising on quality or safety.”
Bryony Black, pr manager, Joie
“What a year! I re-launched ABC Design in the UK, then bang, in came Covid. I cannot thank all the independents who have supported and helped me grow the brand over the last 14 months enough. It has been non-stop fun and excitement. If this is what I can achieve with all my lovely stores in 2020, then the sky is the limit in 2021. Next year will see us adding more choice in both products and colours for retailers to give so much more on the shop floor. We also have a lovely celebrity who we will reveal in the New Year, what a way to start 2021. Have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a safe New Year.”
Fiona Suffield, country manager, ABC Design
