Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Guide to Selling Children's Clothes
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 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
You can also find the range at Streetmonkeez.
Doodle Dee
You can also find Doodle Dee at Streetmonkeez.
Disney Baby
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.
Chevignon
You can find Chevignon for boys at Streetmonkeez.
Babyface (BFC)
You can find them at Babyface
Baby Dee
You can find this collection at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk
Tiny Love
Babeskin
You can get Babeskin at www.streetmonkeez.co.uk
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
This boys coat from Marks and Spencer is superb quality and a bargain!
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
It's Cold Up Here - Get the Hats Out!
I've been inundated with people buying baby hats, childrens coats today. I think it must be below zero at least!!!
I'm dreading the full winter setting in here again - we all look huge with all the layers we end up wearing! Anyway, I've ordered my second batch of baby hats, kids hats, beanies and childrens gloves today as we have sold so many.
Hope that doesn't mean we are in for a harsh winter.
Designer Kids Clothing
access to the latest ranges of clothing garments. Nowadays the Designer Kids Clothes can have youngsters of all ages looking hip and trendy as they set about their daily tasks. From the tiniest of babies to the tallest of teens, ranges of Designer Kids Clothes can have youngsters
looking cool. Lads and lassies have never looked this good before due to the wicked way these garments can totally transform an appearance.
For the smallest members of the household there are all sorts of Designer Kids Clothes to choose from. Baby might have just been born but she`ll still want to look her best when she cruises to the park in
her pram. Brands like Babyface bring smiles to everyone`s face when
babies wear their products with pride. This bright and cheery collection of Designer Kids Clothes is sure to be a big hit around the playgroup. As baby grows up she`ll move into larger items of Designer Kids Clothes with brands like Golddigga becoming all the rage. From trendy t-shirts to comfy cargo pants, blossoming young ladies will become
increasingly fashion savvy. Young lads will also benefit from the Designer Kids Clothes with Dudeskin t-shirts matching easily with all
types of Levi jeans. There are fashionable hoody tops and awesome types
of jackets that can have fashion-conscious fellows looking fine. I never had the chance to wear Designer Kids Clothing when I was young but
at least the latest generations can appreciate good quality items of
fashion.
Kids Clothes
Childrens Clothes in the Year 2007
The Childrens Clothes when I was young were drab, dull colours, traditionally styled and covered you from head to toe! A lot of time the material used to make theChildrens Clothes were stiff and rigid or very, very itchy! I still threaten my kids now that if they are naughty they will go to the 'jagged jersey home'! They haven't a clue what I mean by this!
Childrens Clothes nowadays are fantastic! There is such a range of Childrens Clothes to choose from. From cheap Childrens Clothes to designer Childrens Clothes and a whole array of Childrens Clothes inbetween.
My favourite are those Childrens Clothes which are well designed but not designer. By that I mean they are designed to fit the age and typical shape of today's child and they are made out of a suitable quality of material to ensure they last well. I do no!
Take Childrens Clothes designers Dudeskin and Babeskin. Their Childrens Clothes are so reasonably priced and they wash and wash, despite what my son gets up to in them! Their range of Childrens Clothes includes t-shirts, coats, jackets, polo shirts and childrens hoodies.
I for one will not be spending out on ridiculous priced Childrens Clothes in the future. After all, it clothes were good enough when I was a kid, then they will be good enough for my children!
Hoodies for Kids - Childrens Clothes
Personally I don't know what the fuss is about! A yob is a yob no matter what they wear in my book. I believe the media just seem to pick out those attacks or thefts made by children in hoodies so they can make a fuss about it.
I love childrens clothes and in particular hoody tops for kids. They are practical, comfortable, wash well and keep the child warm - what more could you want.
We have a good range of childrens clothes at Street Monkeez and we sell loads and loads of kids hoody tops. The favourite ones are Quiksilver boys, Dudeskin Boys and Babeskin Girls hoodies but even baby tops come with hoods now and they always sell.
So I say to the media, stop reporting only the bad news from kids wearing hoodies.
Award Winning Toys - Wheelybug
For use on all level surfaces. Handmade and beautifully crafted from the highest quality materials, they feature multi-directional castors and unlimited mobility. Wheelybugs are designed to offer hours of robust fun.
Wheelybugs are designed to offer hours of robust fun and help to promote self-confidence, spatial awareness and gross motor skills.
Special features:
Bodies have a padded layer of sponge covered with tough polyurethane
Easily wiped clean
For use on all level surfaces
Handmade and beautifully crafted from the highest quality materials
Multi-directional castors
Unlimited mobility
The Wheelybug is a safe, fun and unusual toy.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Kiddimoto - Childrens Bike
They are a fun and effective balance development aid for children. Entirely self-propelled by the rider, the only moving parts are the wheels and the steering. An ideal way to start riding a bicycle!
Kiddimoto helps children to learn balance, leading to cycling skills, helps them to be more aware of their actions and consequences of those actions. It will also give them confidence in their abilities which will develop in other areas of their lives. Children that develop balance at an early age also develop confidence.
Raincoats - Childrens Clothes
Designed for maximum comfort and with a choice of styles and colours in Togz there is something for everyone to cheer up those grey, rainy days! Children can stay dry and warm when it is cold and wet.
The Togz range of highest quality, totally waterproof fitted wet weather wear has every feature possible for outdoor protection for toddlers and children. Designed for maximum comfort and with a choice of styles and colours there is something for everyone to cheer up those grey, rainy days!
Made from durable Teflon coated and breathable nylon fabric, Togz are cut full, to accommodate bulky layers and to provide freedom of movement. Taped seams and velcro arm and leg fastenings. Machine washable.
Surf Brand Clothing for Kids
Surf kids clothing has been around for many years but has mainly been stocked in little coastal towns around the UK and especially in Cornwall and has been seen as something as a treat for a kid to have a t-shirt from these brands.
The best know kids clothes surf brand is without doubt Quiksilver. They have been the leader in surf clothes for many years, producing both the Quiksilver and Roxy range of clothes.
Boys are now searching out Quiksilver kids suppliers to wear the latest design in boys surf clothing and accessories. Even some of the most well know High Street shops have now started stocking Quiksilver kids clothes along with their own brand name. This goes to show just how popular Quiksilver boys clothes are nowadays.
To find a good supplier of Quiksilver boys clothes on the internet however is not so easy. After searching around I found it quite hard to find a shop that had a good range and not just a few items of Quiksilver clothing.
One I came across called Streetmonkeez have a fantastic range of kids clothes for all ages. They offered some of the following for kids surf clothes:
- Quiksilver boys board shorts
- Quiksilver boys caps
- Quiksilver boys beanies
- Quiksilver boys belts
- Quiksilver boys hoodies
- Quiksilver boys pants
They also had great range of Roxy girls clothes so definitely worth a look!
Fun in the Bath!
Streetmonkeez has a great range of baby bath toys and childrens bath toys including bath squirters, pirates of the tub and dirty pigs which are brilliant!
Bath time for kids should be fun and enjoyable but it isn't always easy to find good bath toys, especially for the older child. The Stickers for the Tub from Alex Toys sold at Streetmonkeez are great and come in lots of themes, such as pirate, pals and fashion.
Children love to make a mess so the fizzy tubs bath toys are a great idea. They turn the water a different colour, depending on which fizzy tub you choose and are completely safe for you baby or childs skin.
Give you child any one of these bath toys and it'll be "splish, splash, I can't wait for a bath!"
What to Buy Your Children for Xmas
Firstly, should you buy a toy for Christmas or not? Children expect to receive toys for their presents but xmas toys should be kept to a sensible amount. There is nothing worse than a toddler being bemused by all the presents he gets, only to end up playing with the wrappers they came in! When buying toys for xmas, try to vary the type of toys you buy. How about buying one type of toy from the following ranges:- This will ensure your child doesn't end up with too many of the same type of toy and get bored on Xmas day.
Children - Read With Me Week
Read with me week is in the first week of November where all organisations such as nurseries, schools, groups etc will enjoy and celebrate book reading with plent of activites for children.
Go onto www.readwithme.co.uk for details of free registration.
Children Choose their Own Clothes
When I was younger the childrens clothes we were given were the childrens clothes we had to wear - like it or lump it! I remember being about 13 before I was allowed to choose my own clothes. How have we created this culture in childrens clothes choosing?
Perhaps as Mums and Dads we subconsciouly instill this into our kids by looking at clothes and saying "thats cheap", "thats not trendy" or "its not designer". Whatever we are doing it is creating the desire for our children to only wear what they think is acceptable.
Perhaps we should stop asking them and just tell them it's that or nothing?

