INDX Kids presents thriving winter edition

INDX Kids returned to its West Midlands event venue, Cranmore Park, at the end of January 2024, and the 2-day show presented a stellar product selection from over 150 international brands across childrenswear, occasionwear, footwear, and accessories.

Attracting over 500 (pre-vetted) buyers across the two days, there was a positive and upbeat buzz around the exhibition spaces and attendees representing department stores, garden centres, boutiques, kidswear indies, and category specilaists included Childrensalon, Fenwick and Ulster Stores.

James Crabtree, Head of Fashion at AIS:

“This season’s show surpassed our expectations. We understand and appreciate that it’s a challenging time for retailers and suppliers, so to see the show alive with so much positivity and order writing was amazing. Our new brands generated a lot of good energy, and our returning exhibitors were kept very busy for the two days, too. There was a real buzz around the showrooms and we’re already receiving stand bookings for the next show in June. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the show and contributed to such an upbeat event.”

INDX Kids has a proud legacy of supporting new and emerging brands, and one such debut exhibitor this season was sustainable babywear label Soxsies. Founder, Natasha Hansford reflects on their first time at INDX: 

“The show was such a positive experience for us. Attending as a newcomer to wholesale and also to INDX Kids, I had massive impostor syndrome - standing alongside the more established brands, but I needn’t have. Everyone was so friendly and supportive, and it was great to be surrounded by like-minded people at a show with such a great vibe. We gained so much experience and knowledge and met some lovely new stockists that we hope we’ll be able to work with for a long time to come.”

Back for their second INDX Kids show were footwear brands Lelli Kelly and Bull Boys, represented by Justine Biggs:

“This was only the second time we exhibited at INDX Kids, and both shows have been great. The size of the venue is perfect for the footfall and resulted in a buzzing, positive atmosphere. The boutique business is important to Lelli Kelly as a brand, and it was a great opportunity to take on new stockists. I think the event has the potential to grow its footwear offering, as there were a number of independent children’s shoe shops in attendance.”

Delighted to be making a welcome return after a two-year break were organic childrenswear brand Toby Tiger, and designer Zoe Mellor had this to say:

“It was wonderful catching up with new and established stockists and seeing buyers face-to-face again. The show was very busy, and we didn’t stop writing orders. It also seems colour is back, and it’s great to see so many retailers buying organic, sustainable and colourful kidswear. We look forward to the summer show.”

Exhibitor 'Stand-Out' awards

The January show also saw the return of the exhibitor Stand-Out awards - in recognition of stand design, display, and presentation and judged by James Crabtree (AIS) and Laura Turner (CWB) on overall concept, creative use of space, and innovative visual merchandising.

Congratulations to this season's worthy winners, (L-R) Toby Tiger (Best Childrenswear Brand), Goodwear Shoes (Best Footwear Brand), and The Little Sock Company (Best Accessories Brand).

Save the date: INDX Kids returns 30 June - 1 July 2024

Organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home, and leisure, INDX Kids is curated by a team of buying and retail experts whose knowledge and experience combine to ensure visitors enjoy a commercial, trend-driven product presentation and the show will return from Sunday 30 June - Monday 1 July 2024.

REGISTER FOR SHOW

With a business-driven focus, INDX Kids offers retailers a friendly, informal, and professional buying environment and unique to the market, the show remains the must-visit calendar event for all pre-school and childrenswear stockists.

INDX Kids is free to attend and open to all retailers. Onsite parking is free, and visitors also enjoy complimentary barista coffee and refreshments, plus free breakfast pastries.

The event’s West Midlands venue, Cranmore Park conference and exhibition centre is conveniently located in Solihull, West Midlands, close to rail and road links and just minutes from J4, M42.

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