With many of us already ‘out of office’, and the big day fast approaching, PreschoolNews.net would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a wonderful festive break.
We will be taking some time out over the Christmas and New Year period too, returning on Tuesday 3 January 2023 to bring you all the latest news.
We know that there have been many challenges this year for everyone involved in the preschool space – from shipping and container costs at the beginning of the year, through to the current cost of living crisis and the impact it is having on all businesses and consumers.
Despite this, we continue to be constantly impressed with the industry’s determination, tenacity and positivity.
It’s clear there will have been winners and losers this year, and also those who have just been focused on keeping an even keel.
For us at Progressive Preschool, being able to round the year off with the tenth anniversary of the Progressive Preschool Awards was a particular highlight – you can read all about it in our December issue by clicking here.
We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of the nursery and preschool industry, so thank you for your continuous backing throughout the year. The team wishes you the merriest of Christmases, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Here’s a round up of some of the most read stories on PreschoolNews.net over the past 12 months.
February
The Little Loop secures £140,000 in the Dragon’s Den – founder and ceo of the shared children’s wardrobe, Charlotte Morley comes away from the Den with investments from two of the Dragons.
Playmobil outlines ambitious sustainability targets – the theme Discover the Planet, which launched this year with an extensive, newly developed first product range, consists on average of 80% sustainable materials.
March
Hippychick reports back on humanitarian mission for Ukraine – the company took vital aid supplies collected from the nursery and toy industries to help the humanitarian effort for Ukraine.
Harrogate International Nursery Fair makes October move permanent – the fair announced the permanent move to an October show, with dates confirmed until 2024.
Toys R Us and Babies R Us is ‘hitting the ground running’ in the UK – Toys R Us and Babies R Us is ‘hitting the ground running’ in the UK, with Louis Mittoni, ceo and md of Toys R Us Australia, officially introducing and welcoming the team.
April
Golden Bear underlines sustainability commitments – Golden Bear is continuing to build its collection of recycled plush, with the company saying that it is passionate about being part of the change for a more sustainable future.
Next invests in JoJo Maman Bébé – the high street giant – which became the franchise partner for Gap in the UK and Eire in September 2021 – took on 44% of the company’s shares, with the other 56% acquired by investment companies managed or advised by hedge fund, Davidson Kempner.
Toy Fair New York confirmed for September 2023 – Toy Fair New York will be moving to a new autumn timeframe from 2023, The Toy Association has confirmed.
May
Exclusive Lilliputiens pop-up shop opens in Harrods – Juratoys has revealed that toy brand Lilliputiens has opened an exclusive pop-up shop at luxury department store, Harrods.
Bambino Mio celebrates 25th anniversary – to celebrate a quarter of a century in business, the company is donating £65,000 to the Bambino Mio fund, created in partnership with Northamptonshire Community Foundation (NCF).
Baby love: How Online4Baby is flourishing – We caught up with managing director, Christy Foster, to find out how the company has continued its growth throughout the pandemic, making the most of Facebook Live and inspiring the next generation of the nursery industry.
June
High demand means expansion for Harrogate International Nursery Fair 2022 – with all space originally contracted now fully booked – with five months still to go – the organiser of Harrogate International Nursery Fair is planning to open up a fifth hall to cope with demand.
Preschool and kids offer to be focus of Primark’s Click & Collect trial – the trial will run across up to 25 stores in the northwest and will offer a wide choice of products for kids, spanning everything from clothing and accessories, to decorative nursery products and toys.
July
My 1st Years partners with Moonpig – the personalised baby brand has teamed up with online card and gift platform, Moonpig, to offer a range of baby and toddler gifts.
Mamas & Papas and Laura Ashley confirm new partnership – the collection, which is due to launch in spring 2023, Laura Ashley’s 70th anniversary year, will combine the brand’s signature archive prints with Mamas & Papas’ nursery expertise.
First time brands get strong reception at INDX Kidswear – the summer edition of INDX Kidswear took place at Cranmore Park conference and exhibition centre in Solihull – and in direct response to buyer feedback, the two-day show offered a strengthened footwear offer and a specific focus on new and emerging labels.
August
Mamas & Papas to be sold – reports suggest Bluegem Capital is preparing to sell off nursery retailer, Mamas & Papas.
Products of Change partners with Autumn Fair’s Power of One – the global educational hub driving sustainable change across consumer products markets and beyond has forged a strategic partnership with Autumn Fair to deliver and drive sustainability educational sessions and practice guides at the popular Birmingham retail buying show.
Online4Baby’s sales leap following rebrand – the ecommerce retailer has taken another big step forward on its growth journey by rebranding and refreshing its website to emphasise its credentials as a ‘caring yet rebellious disruptor’ fighting on the side of parents.
Tonies launches TV ad campaign – the new advertising showcases the Toniebox and airs on Channel 4, ITV2, Sky and Sky Kids, among others.
September
Snüz reinvents the Moses basket – the SnüzBaskit brings traditional comfort and portability to the modern world, with a product which is bigger, stronger and more breathable than a traditional Moses basket.
BLE confirms change to show hours in light of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
Volvo CE partners with Brio – the new partnership is designed to inspire a new generation of budding engineers, in children aged three and over.
Toy Fair 2023 sells out – all exhibition spaces at London’s Olympia, including the Greenhouse, now have waiting lists.
October
Progressive Preschool Awards: Your 2022 Product finalists
Progressive Preschool Awards: Retail finalists take a bow
Tech will not save us. But parental controls might – Gary Pope, ceo and co-founder of KI, on why supporting preschoolers’ digital literacy right now is probably one of the best things we can do as a society.
Artist Tinie unveils collaboration with Silver Cross – “My partnership with Silver Cross happened very organically following a chance encounter with Nick Paxton, ceo of Silver Cross.”
Harrogate International Nursery Fair exceeds expectations – feedback from exhibitors and visitors shows that the event did not disappoint.
November
Progressive Preschool Awards 2022: The Winners
Mothercare appoints new ceo following half-year results – the nursery brand reported a fall in revenue for the 26 weeks ended 24 September to £38.5 million from £41.7 million a year earlier.
Sales of mid-priced toys costing £10-£49.99 rise +7% – consumers have already started to change their toy buying habits as they react to the cost of living squeeze, according to The NPD Group.
December
BPA issues urgent safety alert for baby self-feeding pillows – the Baby Products Association has been advised by the Office for Product Safety and Standards of an urgent safety alert for baby self-feeding pillows and urges the public to stop using these products immediately and dispose of them safely.
