With Child Maternity Boutique: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We are super excited to have interviewed children’s boutique owner, Tarra Brotz, of With Child Maternity in Kohler, Wisconsin this week for our “Premier Store Spotlight”. She gives us her insight into the re-opening of her boutique, Facebook give aways, her upcoming kick off event, and her best parenting advice. Read more to find out about the chicest boutique in Kohler, Wisconsin!

With Child Maternity
and Baby Boutique
795E Woodlake Road
Kohler, WI 53044
920.287.7611
www.withchildmaternity.com

Join them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

1.    What was the inspiration behind the name With Child Maternity?
Tarra: We wanted something elegant, yet descriptive so people would know what to expect when they came through the door.

2.    Describe the neighborhood where your store is located. Tell us about Kohler, Wisconsin.
Tara: Kohler is a small village of 2,000 residents. Some people call it Pleasantville! It’s a wonderful, tight-knit, safe community ~ wonderful for raising children. And, we have a lot of tourism because of our 5-Diamond resort and golf courses!

3.    Winter storms have been hitting the nation – for any new mom – what would be 3 essential wardrobe items and 3 must-haves for a new baby to keep him or her toasty?
Tarra: For mom, a nursing pajama set is essential. It’s cozy, comfy, and looks cute if someone visits without warning! For baby, swaddling blankets are a must! Hats are cute and functional too 🙂

4.    Where are your favorite family hangouts in the local Kohler, WI area?
Tarra: For the kids and I, it’s the many parks in our village. For adults, the Horse & Plow at the American Club is always the meeting point!

5.    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What is something sweet you do for your kids or grandkids to show them you love them.
Tarra: Lots and lots of kisses! And wonderful gifts, of course! We recommend the Twilight Ladybug and Twilight Turtle ~ so cute!

6.    Surviving yet another winter day in the mid-west, what would be your snow day recommended activity – inside or out?
Tarra: Going to the local children’s’ museum is always a fun way to burn off energy! It’s great for moms, too, because we get to chat.

7.    You recently re-opened your store and will be having a big grand opening next month in March. Tell us about any special events that you have planned at your store and fun deals we can expect.
Tarra: The grand re-opening will kick off with a book signing by the “Cooking Mom” by Amy Hanten. We will be giving away lots of our brand new items and encouraging people to “like” us on Facebook for addition giveaways.

Le Top School of Fun romper

8.     Tell us your best parenting tip or mom advice that your mom passed on to you that you would like to share with a new parent.
Tarra: Never wake a sleeping baby!

9. What is the hottest trend for kids clothes and toys right now?Tarra: Bright colors! Lots of funky colors together too! 

10. What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Spring 2011 or Fall collection?
Tarra: We loved the Le Top lime striped School of Fun romper!  So did our customers, because they are gone!!

With Child Maternity and Baby Boutique
795E Woodlake Road
Kohler, WI 53044
920.287.7611
www.withchildmaternity.com

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Jellybeans: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

For this week’s premier “Store Spotlight,” we interview store owner and child guru, Meghan Chambers, and got the scoop on her holiday festivities, traditions, and the best-of-the-best baby and kid gifts from her store, Jellybeans located in Springfield, Missouri. Read more and find out about her super cool tips and favorite festive outfits.

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

1.      What a sweet name, where did the name Jellybeans come from? What was the inspiration behind the name?
Meghan: 
Our name came from a close family member and it really stems from a sweet childhood memory!

2.      Describe the neighborhood where your store is located in Springfield, Missouri. Did you grow up in the local area? Is it the same as it was growing up?
Meghan: The store is located mid-town in a quaint shopping center across from the mall. The center has several unique shops in it, which makes our location a great place for us to be. We actually opened up shop here in The Brentwood Center 16 years ago. Through trials at other locations, we have now gone full circle, and are happy to be back.

3.      What would you suggest as the top 3 essentials a busy, working new mom or dad should buy to make her life easier from your store?
Meghan: That’s easy!

1. The Nap Nanny – This plush sleep lounge was created to help moms, dads, and baby sleep through the night. It is a must have for anybody with a newborn.
2. Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets are absolutely a must. Whether you swaddle or not there are numerous uses for these lightweight blankets. The soft fabrication makes it easy to pack and go and snuggle your baby tight.
3. And last, but not least, Le Top clothing of course! The creative designers produce new and innovative pieces each season that allow us to grow with the brand.

4.      Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Meghan: One thing I swore I would never do when I had kids was “count to three” in public or say “go to TIME-OUT!” There is nothing worse than hearing a parent say “one……two……three……?” and still nothing!

5.      The holidays are around the corner – what are your top 5 items (clothes, toys, giftables, etc.) for any parent shopping for the holidays at your store?
Meghan:

• Greentoys – They are various trucks, boats, tea sets, etc. made from recycled milk jugs. Thinking “green” with play time has never been so easy.
• Books to Bed – With all the rage of Fancy Nancy, you get a book and matching PJ set. A great Christmas Eve gift for the little ones!
• Football and Sports Onesies. Before we know it Superbowl will be here and every member of the family needs to cheer on their team.
• Elf on a shelf – This fun tradition creates a game for the whole family while counting down the days til Christmas!
• Sophie Giraffe – This is the best teether toy out there. The color palette and soft material used in the design make it easy for the baby to grasp and recognize. Once your baby has one, they will not let it go.

6.      What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? Whether it be decorating the Christmas tree to eating peppermint bark to lighting the menorah candles to baking in the kitchen, etc…
Meghan: Every Christmas Eve my parents have family and friends over to their house. It is so low-key, but makes you realize how important family is. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without family, food, and holiday traditions!

Photo By: Nathalie Bearden

7.      You recently had a grand re-opening for your store – tell us what’s on your agenda for the holidays for your store? Any special events or fun holiday traditions that you have planned at your store?
Meghan:  We will be having a trunk show, a few open houses, drawings, and a Moms-Night-Out event the first week of December where the entire Brentwood Center will be involved.  This particular night gives moms a chance to shop “kid free” and allows them to enjoy fun holiday festivities with girlfriends. We have festivities planned for the entire holiday season.

8.      Tell us your best parenting tip you know or would want to give to a new parent.
Meghan: Don’t start the habit of putting your child in bed with you. You think to yourself…”I’ll just let them lay down with me for a minute and then I will put them in their bed” …Next thing you know it’s 7:00 am, the alarms going off and yep, you realize you just created a monster. All it takes is that one time of sleeping with mom and dad and they are hooked!

9.      What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Meghan: We love it all, but if we had to narrow it down, the matching Reindeer Games boy’s coverall and little girl’s dress.  Perfect for Christmas pictures. Simple and sweet!

Jellybeans
2646 South Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65804
http://www.jellybeansinc.com/

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Baby’s Perfect Gift: PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

We are happy to announce the grand opening of “Baby’s Perfect Gift” children’s boutique in Montclair, New Jersey.  Marcia and Ilene, store owners/founders/mommy gurus, give us the scoop on hot local trends, local activities for families and the top essentials for any new mom (that you can find at their new store!). Read more and enjoy!

1.      Where did the name Baby’s Perfect Gift come from? What was the inspiration behind the name?
Marcia & Ilene: The most thoughtful shoppers are always looking for the “perfect gift” for special occasions. To us, a new baby seemed like the ultimate special occasion, thus the name Baby’s Perfect Gift!

2.      How did you pick the location of your new store? Describe the neighborhood where your store is located.
Marcia & Ilene: Montclair is a very diverse town, with three major shopping areas. The uptown area, where our store is located, is predominately young urban families and therefore, seemed like a perfect location for us.

3.      What would you suggest as the top 5 essentials a new mom should by in your store?
Marcia & Ilene:  Every new mom should have a “Miracle Blanket”, a “ lovie,” burp cloths, a practical (but fashionable) diaper bag, and of course, layette essentials from Le Top Baby.

Store owners Ilene (middle left) and Marcia (middle right)

4. What are the best 3 local family activities to do in Montclair, New Jersey?
Marcia & Ilene: There are numerous parks with awesome climbing equipment, kids programs at the Montclair Art Museum, and town sports activities.

5.      Tell us about the school lunches your mom or dad made for you when you were a kid? What would someone find inside your brown paper bag?
Marcia:  My mom hated making school lunches and it showed. I always made it a point to sit next to my friend whose parents owned a deli and always had delicious lunches. When I became “the mom,” I understood why she hated it so much, so I assigned the responsibility to my husband who is never tired of coming up with a variety of healthy and delicious lunches.

6.      What tip would you give to a parent dressing a child for fall and holiday? Any hot trends?
Marcia & Ilene: Always pick outerwear that children will like to wear, and are able to take on and off on their own. A good fit allows a child room to move around, and the ability to layer underneath is also essential. A hot trend for both girls and boys appears to be leg warmers for the legs and arms. Also tutus of every size and color seem to be very much in demand!

7.      Do you plan on doing anything special for Halloween at your store?
Marcia & Ilene: We do have a Halloween display in the store featuring baby’s “first Halloween” costumes bibs, etc., but unfortunately this year, Halloween falls on a day that the store is closed.

8.      What is your favorite memory of a costume you wore as a child?
Marcia: As a child, the memory of the accumulating Halloween treats rivals any memory of actual costumes.

9.      What’s next on your agenda since the store is now open?
Marcia & Ilene: We have a few! First, establishing ourselves as the “go to” store for the “perfect” gift or for all baby needs. Secondly, working to maintain an enticing inventory selection at various affordable price points. Lastly, to remain sensitive to our customers needs and purchase their shopping requests in order to continue to grow into a premier shopping location.

10.      What collection or piece from Le Top or Le Top Baby line or Rabbitmoon do you love from the Fall/Holiday 2010 collection?
Marcia & Ilene: We love the Le Top boys “Take Flight” collection and the girls rabbitmoon “Savanna” collection for fall. 

Featured are rabbitmoon's shirt and pants from the "jet" collection. Le Top's "Take Flight" aviator jacket and cap. As well as a body suit and bib canvas overalls from the Le Top "guitar" collection.

 

 

Baby’s Perfect Gift
195 Bellevue Avenue
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
973.744.6999
www.babysperfectgift.com

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