Welcome to the October edition of Progressive Preschool, which is available to read now.
Also welcome to the all-important golden quarter of the year. It’s also Harrogate International Nursery Fair month, and there is a definite buzz of excitement in the air from the exhibitors, visitors and the show organisers as to what’s to come.
In this edition, we’ve delved into what a number of the companies on the show floor – which includes a healthy number of first timers – will be highlighting, and we couldn’t help but be impressed with the innovation, enthusiasm and endeavour on display.
From newcomers to the Fair such as toy companies Ravensburger, Plus Plus, Plum Play, Little Hoppa, DKB Toys and SQUEEK, through to the likes of Trixie which has been steadily building its presence in the UK over the past 12 months, and established names including Maxi-Cosi, CYBEX and Joie, all of which are bringing new innovation to their rosters, it’s set to be a very busy three days indeed in Harrogate.
Also in this issue, we discover more on RKW’s plans for the popular Chicco brand, as well as celebrating key anniversaries with both Babystyle and Hippychick. Within the apparel category, Blues Group talks us through the launch of its new dress up division, while we shine a spotlight on the year-round sales potential of the games and puzzles and educational toy sectors.
Both of these categories are citing sustainability as one of the growing factors that is influencing parents’ purchasing decisions. If your company is looking to understand more about how you can make changes and the key legislation coming up which will have an impact on the industry, the Products of Change Conference (6 November at the Royal Geographical Society) is well worth a look.
Meanwhile, here at Progressive Preschool, we are putting the building blocks in place for the Progressive Preschool Awards, which are celebrating 12 joyous years in November. The Product and Marketing finalists have been revealed, with the prestigious Retail and Wholesaler/Distributor shortlists following imminently, so stayed tuned to PreschoolNews.net. We can’t wait to celebrate another year of achievements with you on Tuesday 12 November. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Harrogate.
