Presenting the latest in children’s apparel, footwear and accessories, INDX Kids returned for its winter edition on 28-29 January 2024, attracting over 500 visitors including Childrensalon, Fenwick and Ulster Stores. Cementing its title as the UK’s national childrenswear trade show, the two-day event played host to both UK and international brands, offering a mix of established labels, emerging talent, key returns and show debuts.
Reflecting on the January event is 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.”
Natasha Hansford, founder of sustainable babywear brand Soxsies and one of INDX Kids’ new exhibitors, was impressed by the welcoming, friendly environment.
“The show was such a positive experience for us,” she says. “Attending as a newcomer to wholesale and also 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.”
As well as its new a/w 24 collection, Pastels & Co chose INDX Kids to debut Pretty by Pastels & Co, a more embellished and designed line for girls aged 2-8 years. “We were delighted by the response to our new Pretty by Pastels & Co collection,” says brand representative Sharon Beardsworth. “Priced to be accessible to all, the outfits are special enough for any event and will be loved by girls who are old enough to have an input in what they wear, as well as their parents.”
After a two-year break from trade shows, organic childrenswear brand Toby Tiger felt INDX Kids reaffirmed the many benefits of in-person events.
“It was wonderful catching up with new and established stockists and seeing buyers face-to-face again,” says brand founder and designer Zoe Mellor. “INDX Kids 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.”
The event also provided a platform for the successful UK launch of Netherlands-born brand Noppies. “We picked up some new customers for our new brand Noppies and it created a lot of interest,” confirms Natalie Woodhouse of TCG Kids Childrenswear Agency.
Many exhibitors reported a busy two days of order writing.
“I received lots of orders from both existing and new stockists, which I am so excited about,” says Katie Heptonstall, director of children’s country clothing and accessories brand Eleanor Charles. “I also had conversations about lots of interesting business development ideas for Eleanor Charles and it was great to catch up and network with so many lovely people in the industry. INDX Kids is one of my favourite shows to do, and this January’s show did not disappoint. Friendly, positive and successful.”
INDX Kids regular Kite Clothing had a similarly positive experience, describing the event as going from strength to strength. “We were very busy, and it’s obviously a thriving show,” states Kite Clothing’s Ally Taylor. “A solid two days of writing orders and meeting new people – thank you, INDX Kids.”
“We opened a number of new accounts as well as seeing lots of our existing customers,” adds Emily Sykes of Finest For Baby Agencies, which represents the brands Kissy Kissy, BamBam, Happy Horse and Fable and Bear. “INDX Kids January 2024 was a fantastic show, and it was exciting to see lots of new brands exhibiting. We’re now looking forward to the June 2024 show.”
Footwear remains a strong sector for INDX Kids.
Justine Biggs, who represents children’s footwear brands Lelly Kelly and Bull Boys, was pleased to return to INDX Kids and experience another productive edition. “This was only the second time we exhibited at INDX Kids, and both shows have been great,” she says. “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.”
“It is always a joy to be part of the INDX Kids shows,” adds Emily Beardsworth of Early Days and Baypods baby and toddler shoes. “Every season it gets better and better, and this January was no exception. With a positive atmosphere over both days, it was wonderful seeing so many of our existing customers and meeting a lot of new retailers, which we very much look forward to working with. We would like to thank Varsha and the INDX team for once again putting together a great show. We look forward to seeing everyone again this summer.”
Stand Out Competition
This season also saw the return of the show’s Stand Out Competition, awarding exhibitors for their stand design across categories including overall concept, creative use of space, and innovative visual merchandising and display ideas. Winners at the January 2024 show were (L-R) Toby Tiger (Best Childrenswear Brand), Goodwear Shoes (Best Footwear Brand), and The Little Sock Company (Best Accessories Brand).
The INDX Kids summer show
INDX Kids will return to Cranmore Park on 30 June and 1 July 2024. Visitor registration will be opening soon via the show’s website. You can also sign up here to receive on-demand content from INDX Kids, including exhibitor signings, brand news, trend insight and industry comment.
