Tuesday, 30 October 2007

Guide to Selling Children's Clothes

Here is my guide to selling children's clothes. I am no expert, purely someone who has set up a business in selling childrens clothes and giving the voice of my limited experience in this area. So, here we go:

Type of Shop
Firstly, decide on what type of shop you want to be i.e. retail front shop or on-line shop. Yes, it does make a difference as to what clothes you sell depending on what short of shop you want to open. The pricing of childrens clothes on the internet can vary greatly to those sold in fronted shops.

Pricing
What sort of shop do you want to be i.e. standard, designer, modern, ex-store etc? What sort of customers live where your shop is? What disposable income do they have? You should consider all of this before you decide what type of childrens clothes you want to sell as it may affect the success of your business.

Brands
When choosing the brands of clothes you are going to sell, you must consider both quality and price. Sometimes offering a range of lower and higher priced clothing can be effective, depending what other shops are offering in your area. For example, my shop is in a town where no other shops offer a full range of childrens clothes, therefore I find offering both ex-store lower priced clothing right up to some (but limited) designer brands is successful. Contact the brands and find out their policies before you order. Some brands insist on a minimum order quantity and this may not be effective if you only have a small shop.

Style of Clothing
Choosing the style of childrens clothes you want to offer is probably the biggest decision of all. Just because you like a certain make or style of childrens clothes may not mean that your customers do. Consider what children of today are wearing i.e. designer, smart or casual clothing. I personally find too many shops offering designer/smarter range of clothing when most children today prefer to wear casual, trendy clothing that is comfortable. This will hopefully mean you turnover a higher amount if you select carefully.

Pricing Your Clothes
Most brands will suggest a RRP that you should price your clothes. I price there or thereabouts on the majority of ranges. The one range I offer slightly less is Golddigga. The theory being that it will save the older girls their trainfare to go up town and will spend in the shop. Price too highly and your customers won't buy. Price too low and you won't make any profit.

I hope these tips help you if you are deciding to set up a childrens clothes shop.




Funky Alarm Clocks

We have been doing really well with the new childrens alarm clock range we now have. Despite initial concerns from my hubby, they are flying out of the shop and I have already had to re-order them.

We are currently stocking 3 designs, the monkey, the frog and the pig but they do have more designs to choose from that I may get once this second batch sell out, although I do think these are the best.

Here is the monkey alarm clock:

Dudeskin

Dudeskin is a totally cool adrenalin sports inspired street brand. Their clothing collections offer the very latest fun & funky designs in a totally cool Dudeskin package. Dudeskin was conceived by a team of designers who seriously believed that the coolest action sports gear should be accessible to all. So far Dudeskin has enjoyed phenomenal success in providing cool clothing for active young people with high standards at great value prices. You can find their range at Dudeskin.

You can also find the range at Streetmonkeez.

Doodle Dee

Doodle Dee is a great collection of baby fashion sets, perfect for toddlers who like to have fun! Easy wear and easy care, this range offers a variety of fun characters and soft fabrics, perfect for everyday wear. Doodle Dee also offers a fantastic selection of soft easy care cotton sleepbags for babies up to 36 months. You can find them at House of Dee.

You can also find Doodle Dee at Streetmonkeez.

Disney Baby

Disney Baby offers beautiful, high quality, trusted products to help parents with every aspect of raising babies from 0-24 months, through day and night.

Your baby is one of a kind and so is Disney Baby. From sleepy cot quilts to bubbly baby baths, cuddle me cuddle robes to musical mobiles.

Disney Baby goes one magical step further - adding the fun that only Disney can bring.

DC Shoes

DC are the pioneers of skate shoes and trainers. We offer both mens DCs and ladies DCs in only the most popular designs. These are the only skate shoes worth buying! You can find them at DC Shoes.

You can also find boys DC shoes at Streetmonkeez.

Chevignon

Chevignon is a designer boys clothing range from France. Their designs and quality of clothing speak for themself and offer a trendy look for boy clothing of today.

You can find Chevignon for boys at Streetmonkeez.

Babyface (BFC)

Babyface from New Zealand offers perfectly co-ordinated baby clothes and toddler clothes collections with a casual and tough look for self-willed toddlers.

You can find them at Babyface

Baby Dee

Dormouse Collection and Baby Dee offer a wide range of baby essentials from New Born to 24 months. Quality of fabric, design and styling are foremost with all products in the range. This established and loved brand includes all the essentials a baby will need, including basic clothing, shawls, bedding, accessories, gifts and christeningwear.

You can find this collection at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk

Tomy

Babies love to feel secure and close to you, and a baby carrier also means your hands are free so you can get on with things at home or while about.

As the UKs no.1 choice for Baby Carriers, Tomy is known for its experience and product range. You can find them at Tomy

Tiny Love

Tiny Love is the recipient of the most prestigious international toy awards for quality, excellence and innovation. Tiny Love strives to consistently improve its position in the market by being the first developmental toy provider to identify the latest discoveries in child development and translate them into engaging, interactive toys that nurture skills and delight the senses. You can find them at Tiny Love

Babeskin

Babeskin is a totally cool adrenalin sports inspired street brand that was launched in Europe early this millennium. Babeskin was conceived by a team of designers who seriously believed that the coolest action sports gear should be accessible to all. Babeskin is a fashionable and funky range for all those sporty girls out there.

You can get Babeskin at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk

Boxfresh

Boxfresh brand name was created by the early hip-hop terminology for a pair of trainers being "fresh out the box". Boxfresh brands focus on the urban roots for menswear, plus the womenswear has an additional strong 80's nostalgia influence on their fashion. You can find them at Boxfresh

DC Shoes


DC Shoes are without doubt the best casual, skater type shoe on the market for both quality and price.

This latest model is so cool with the latest trends of gold and plaid design. You can get it from DC Shoes and see their full range.

This shoe can also be purchased from Street Monkeez at a price below RRP.

Saturday, 27 October 2007

Halloween Treats


It's that time again - Halloween - when all the the younger kids get dressed up by their parents (some willingly - some not!) as either ghosts, skeletons or the one that looks ridiculous - pumkins!

The older kids (mainly boys) get dressed up as the most horrible ghastly thing they can think of - normally hand made costumes - and go to as many houses as will answer the door to them with the intent of never having to perform a halloween trick but to see who can get the most sweets or money!

However, please spare a thought for the parents of some of these children who react highly to coloured and additive filled sweets that send them loopy and hyper and please choose sensible treats.

I like to get my treats from Marks and Spencers as they are completely free from additives, hydrogenated fats and much of the range is nut free which is really important.

I love this cake from Marks and Spencer - not sure what it tastes like but looks great!

Original Baby Slogans

I get fed up of looking around for original baby slogan t-shirts or playsuits. Occasionally they have a good slogan tee but more often than not they just re-vamp their old one's and add a few new ones but to be honest I don't think they are that original.

This one however, when I saw it in a magazine this week did make me laugh as personally I've not seen it before - what do you think? It is from a company called Oh Baby London who I haven't heard of much yet but I'm sure it's going to be as big as No Added Sugar.

Nursery School

I am having a bit of a nightmare at the minute with getting my 3 year old into the local nursery school. After ringing them they could only give me afternoons 4 days a week and 1 morning on a Friday.

For people who work full time though it is a nightmare as the afternoon sessions start about 1pm - 3.30pm so it makes it impossible for you to go to work. I happen to work in the local town where my nursery is but I can't hold a full time job or get childcare cover around this difficult session timing.

I asked them if I could swap to the mornings but they are full. However, it turns out that the mornings are full from a lot of Mums who don't work and could quite easily change to the afternoons with no disruption to their life but the council nursery won't ask them! I think is so unfair.

For information on childcare go to BBCs parenting site.

Babyface

Forget NEXT, Babyface is the new range that is really getting attention. It is similar in look to NEXT in that the style is casual and trendy but it is different!

Some of their designs are just so fabby for babies. The range of Babyface goes from newborn up to 2 years. All their material is so soft and comfortable for baby, has elasticated adjustable waist but is so trendy as well, without being too old looking.

I am definitely lucky that I dropped on this brand before anyone else in East Lothian as I will be continuing with it.

You can have a look at their collection at Babyface site.

Dudeskin & Babeskin

I simply love it!

If you've never heard of this range then you need to take a look. Dudeskin is a brand that caters for the surfing child, who likes childrens clothes that are trendy, casual and comfortable but not as expensive as Quiksilver and O'Neill.

We have been supplying the range now for over 2 years and we have people coming back to the shop purely for that range. It just washes and washes and wears really well. With hoodies prices to a maximum of £22 and trousers £30 and t-shirts only £10 it is a winner with both Mums and kids alike.

Check it out at Dudeskin or you can take a look at our site.

Unique Toys

I've just started selling a few toys in the shop. I don't have a lot of room for toys but the odd few I think compliments my clothing range.

I've gone with a company called Cuckoo Limited who sell a few ranges - Mary Meyer who sell a great range of soft toys. They aren't just normal soft toys, there's a whole range of stuff including the fabby pink monkeys! Mary Meyer also sell the Taggies Toys which are for babies and have little tags in different colours and textures on their toys to stimulate baby development.

I also buy some of their range from Alex Toys who have an amazingly large range of toys such as, bath toys, art toys, creative toys and larger furniture toys. Their bath toys are particular good as they cater for kids over 3 years, which if you have ever looked around for bath toys for this ages it is practical impossible.

Childrens Clothes

I've found a great site for supplying me with the odd bits of wholesale childrens clothes for when I've got a gap for something.

It's called Famous Makes Direct and they seem to be able to pick up really good quality end of line ranges from NEXT, Marks and Spencer and British Home Stores.

I've picked up some great winter boys coats from them that were from Marks and Spencer at a fraction of the price and are just brilliant.

The only problem is that they don't have a full range of items so you have to get what you can when they have it, rather than relying on them to provide a full range.

But I would definitely recommend them.

Golddigga

What do people think of the brand Golddigga?

I have the brand in my shop and have for 2 years but it seem to be really slow in selling. I know I am primarily a childrens clothes shop but it has always done well for me either with older teenage girls or adults

I've checked the prices that Golddigga themselves sell their range at and it is a lot higher than I do so I don't understand why it's not selling.

Any ideas?

Quiksilver at Next

I cannot believe that NEXT are now selling the Brand Quiksilver!

Are they not satisfied with their own brand that they now have to start selling others? I am so angry at this as those smaller retailers who have historically sold Quiksilver particularly in coastal surf locations are now having to compete with a High Street Store whose brand it isn't!

I hope that NEXT seriously reconsider their impact on the smaller retailer - but somehow I doubt that very much!

Ex-Store Childrens Clothes

We have today added some childrens clothes that I have managed to get from ex well known stores such as Marks and Spencer and BHS.

This boys coat from Marks and Spencer is superb quality and a bargain!

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All the ex-store childrens clothes are NOT seconds. They are simply overruns by the stores or last years stock. They all have tags attached, are brand new and in perfect condition. As and when I find good quality ex-store stock I will now be adding it to our range.

Trendy Baby Girls Clothes

When you go to buy childrens clothes, the choice is so much that it can be confusing. So it is important to strike a balance between fashion and comfort. It is also important not to act impulsively, as they can be very expensive. It is also difficult to choose baby clothes for the reason that babies grow so quickly. Make sure you buy clothes that are a little loose, as they will have to continue to fit for the next few months if possible. Even for children like all of us there are three different kinds of clothes and they are, daytime clothes, night wear, and clothes for going out. Daytime clothing should most importantly be very comfortable, easy to access for changing nappies. They should also be in such a manner that the baby is able to move freely as usually during the day as babies tend to play. Also make sure these clothes are not too delicate a material as during this time the clothes also get soiled. Because of this, you may not want to dress your baby in the best outfits. The best clothes to wear during the day is simple body suits. The same terms apply for baby clothes for sleeping. At least in terms of comfort and accessibility for changing. If you live in a warm climate, then you can use similar clothes during the night and day. In case you live in a colder region then warm clothes are needed during the day. And during the night heavier knit pyjamas have to be used. Dressing up for going out in this kind of clothing there is scope for experimentation. Children can be dressed up to look smart and nice. This clothing generally come with a lot of straps snaps and bows. You can, dress the baby child well because they tend to have prettier clothes than boys.

Our favourite baby girls clothes are trendy, pretty, cute but functional. We find that one of the best quality baby clothes brands is Zip Zap. Their baby clothes are always superb quality, very soft and have the poppers and buttons in the right places to make it easy for changing baby. This very soft dress with leggings is a great example.


Our trendy baby girls clothes for babies aged 6 month plus come from Babyface (BFC). They seem to have a real knack for producing very trendy baby clothes and this year the sweater dress with stripe leggings is a definite winner.

Roxy Girls Clothes

Roxy is just about the coolest label for girls clothing right now in 2007. Roxy girls clothes are trendy, functional and of superb quality.

We're liking the Roxy girls coat sooo much - what do you think?

Dress your Kids with the Best Range of Childrens Clothes for Winter

The rationale behind investing in high quality kids winter clothing is to ensure your kids will stay warm and dry in for hours. Kids love to play in the cold, as we all know, but there is nothing more disappointing than prematurely stopping the fun when your kids are cold. Streetmonkeez.co.uk offers top quality kids winter jackets and kids coats and childrens hats to make sure your kids will stay warm and stay playing in the cold.

The kids winter hats available at Streetmonkeez.co.uk are warm but also trendy from brands such as Quiksilver, , Dudeskin and Babeskin.

Here are a few of the styles in for childrens clothes winter 2007:



These kids surf clothes brands are without doubt the trendiest on the market right now and really understand both summer and winter clothes for children.

Unusual Toys

When you are looking for childrens toys, what do you look for? New Toys, Safe Toys, Educational Toys? There are so many childrens toys on the market nowadays, it's difficult to know where to start.A lot of stores will just stock every toy going. Our approach to building up our range of kids toys is different!We have searched around the various brands of toys to try and find unusual toys that you do not see everywhere. We will build up this range over a period of time but only as and when we find childrens toys that are different and unusual.These are some of the toys we have decided to stock and I'm sure you will agree they are fabby and unusual and will keep your kids amused for hours.

The first one is one of our most popular toys, the Wheelybug. With great designs such as the Wheelybug Ladybird or the Wheelybug Bee, these are fun toys that are strong made, superb quality and the kids love!

One of the best kids toys we have found on the market that actually has a developmental purpose as well is the Kiddimoto kids bike. It is a bicycle with no pedals that aids the child in learning how to ride a proper bicycle by teaching him/her how to balance first. The bikes come in different designs and colours so there's one to suit all.



This bike really is a must have for any child wanting to learn to ride by themselves.

Funky Kids Clothes


If you are looking for funky kids clothes with an edgy look, then try our range of Stardust Kids childrens clothes and baby clothes!

Stardust Kids produce a range of punk baby and kids clothes and gifts. Their designs are influenced by punk, rock and urban culture. For rock baby clothing and rock kids t-shirts check out our their rockin' range.

The garments are suitable for infants, toddlers and children so I hope you will find the perfect gift for your little rocker!

Baby Toys - Role in Child Development

Children love to play with toys, irrespective of their age and sex. As they grow older, the choice of toys changes. Usually baby girls love to play with baby dolls whereas baby boys love some adventurous toys like toy car, toy motorcycle, toy train, etc, etc...

Baby boys over 5 years of age like puzzles, board games and books. The choice of toys may vary from child to child as well, especially when they belong to different cultures and regions.

Parents cannot afford every toy for their children due to some financial restrictions. In that case a child suffers and tries to be contented with some ordinary toys.

Children of the modern era also like to play with electronic toys, like battery operated aeroplanes, which can be remotely controlled, computer games, video games, etc, etc...

Baby toys are not only good for entertainment but they are also helpful in learning and education. These toys help in mental growth of the kids. We can also check kid's natural aptitude towards any profession from the selection of toys by the kid. It also clearly shows how creative, constructive and genius a child is.

Educational games are also available in the market like educational block games, educational board games and puzzles. Baby toys help mothers, especially when their children are crying and they have to do some kitchen work. They can keep their children busy with the toys of their choice.

Golddigga - Standing the Test of Time



I have tried other brands of clothing in my shop however none of them seem to sell as well as Golddigga. Their range of urban clothing and accessories, Golddigga always has a fresh attitude to their new ranges.

Golddigga specialise in comfortable but funky clothes with attitude. This Golddigga hoody from Golddigga's winter 08 range is unbelievably soft! Streetmonkeez always pick the best selection from the Golddigga range on offer and bring to you at below Golddigga recommended retail prices.

Paul Frank - Small Paul for Kids



We just love Small Paul or Paul Frank as most people know the brand.

Although it can be quite expensive, the designs and originality are superb and each season come up with new and fresh ideal for their Small Paul range. Paul Frank produce 2 ranges that we offer: Julius and Friends which is for adults, although saying that we stock sizes XS and Small as they fit girls from aged 11 upwards. The other range is their Small Paul collection which is for children aged 2 - 7 years. Not many shops seem to stock Small Paul and I have no idea why not as it is a winner.

For all your Paul Frank and Small Paul purchases check out www.streetmonkeez.co.uk.

Designer Baby Clothes


We are not entirely sure what the word 'designer' means when relating to designer baby clothes and designer kids clothes.


Are designer baby clothes only from a brand name that you have heard of? Are designer kids clothes only classed as such if they cost a lot? To be honest, I think the word designer is so over used in the fashion industry.

To me, the phrase designer baby clothes or designer kids clothes simply means clothes that have been carefully designed, taking time to come up with a strong image with quality fabrics. Designer Clothes to me, do not mean just expensive!

We chose a great designer baby clothes range that we feel offers superb quality but is definitely affordable. Babyface or BFC is a designer clothes range so simple but very modern, funky and trendy.

The key words describing the new BFC winter collection are modern, precocious and self- willed. The collection is composed of three delivery units, each with its own up-to-date colour design, comfortable materials and surprising elements. Let the winter begin.

For all your Babyface (BFC) go to www.streetmonkeez.co.uk.

Kids have more Fun wearing TOGZ

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Breathable Waterproof RainwearThe essential outer outer layer for Outdoor Fun. Fresh air and exercise are an important part of a healthy day. TOGZ are more than just childrens waterproof clothing, they are part of an active happy lifestyle allowing children the freedom to play outdoors whatever the conditions and stay DRY, CLEAN & COMFORTABLE underneath.TOGZ are a UK Designer brand offering several styles of children's" waterproof clothing.

Kids Need Togz

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Sport-School-Play - Mud, Wind & Waterproof
Togz Dungaree Overtrousers, Salopettes and All-in-One Suits, Jackets & Waist Overtrousers slip on easily and are COMFORTABLE TO WEAR AND BREATHABLE. Togz childrens rainwear and childrens outdoor clothing is designed to take lots of Rough & Tumble. Hardwearing. Machine Washable. Waterproof and Breathable to 5000mm: 5 times the UK standard so that Togz childrens waterproof rainwear STAYS waterproof. You have our guarantee.




TOGZ - the leading designer brand in the UK for childrens waterproof clothing. RAINWEAR that you can rely on.

Togz

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The following articles relating to


Togz have been taken directly from the Togz website. However I have written a few words from myself about Togz.

We have been supplying Togz Waterproofs now for sometime and without doubt, Togz are the best quality children's rainwear on the market, in my opinion.

We live in a coastal resort in the wet, windy and cold county of East Lothian in Scotland and have 3 children. Our youngest child who is now 3 simply lives in his Togz fleece lined suit all year round. He has so much fun at the woods or at the beach in winter, wrapped up cosy and warm in his Togz but still having room to move about freely in his breathable all-in-one.

Togz are so much better than a thick padded jacket where your child is restricted in his movement and also gets sweaty. With the Togz All in One fleece lined suit, they need to only wear their normal clothes underneath and are therefore free to run and play.

You can get all your Togz at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk.

Cool Boys Clothes

How difficult is it these days to find boys clothes that are cool, trendy and modern and most important - that your son wants to wear!
However, things are definitely changing and I am finding it a real please to buy my range of clothes for boys as the brand designers are listening to what boys clothes need to look like and feel like.
The surfer boys clothes are always casual but trendy and easy to wear. Boys clothes brands like Quiksilver
have captured the market the coolest boys clothes are surf inspired and very casual. From boys hoodies to boys jeans to boys board shorts they offer a full range of clothing for boys from toddler to teenager clothes.
Get all your boys clothes from www.streetmonkeez.co.uk

Supermakret Childrens Clothes

Do cheap and good quality children's clothes really exist?

I have to buy childrens clothes for my 3 children aged 3, 14 and 16 and get the usual demands from them i.e. they must be trendy, fashionable, comfortable and cool! So buying childrens clothes from a supermarket doesn't really help me out.

Sure the youngest child doesn't really have a clue yet when it comes to childrens clothes and what is and is not trendy but even so, I really begrudge paying for clothes, no matter what the cost if they do not withstand the day to day wear and tear from a child. The childrens clothes that I last purchased from a supermarket looked fine when I bought them but after only a couple of washes the clothes either shrank, stretched, went out of shape or lost their colour.

I for one will not be buying my childrens clothes from their again, it just isn't worth the money as I simply ended up replacing them after a couple of wears.

One of the best quality brands I have come across for childrens clothes that are reasonably priced and of good quality that wash and wash again is Dudeskin and Babeskin. Really! If you haven't tried this brand of childrens clothes yet then you should!

My customer in the shop swear by it and it just flies off the shelves every season. Take a look here at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk.