INDX Kids returned to its West Midlands event venue, Cranmore Park, for its summer 2023 edition at the beginning of July, with the two-day show presenting a stellar product selection from over 150 brands.

Considered the UK childrenswear industry’s national trade show, INDX Kids covers apparel, footwear and accessories. The exhibitor selection at the recent show also included an extensive representation of European labels from countries including Turkey, Poland, Spain and Portugal.

 

 

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 July edition did not disappoint.

Alongside a strong core of must-have returning exhibitors, visitors were also excited to discover ranges from over 20 debut brands.

New exhibitors included Pip & Henry – responsibly produced children’s shoes; Fable & Bear – environmentally conscious, organic cotton babywear; ALIAP – a Polish label covering knitted baby/toddler hats and blankets; Ativo – a Portuguese 0-16 range specialising in fashion-led, colourful and practical designs; Lelli Kelly – showcasing its latest footwear; and ROCKIT Kids, whose signature style is ‘A slice of Brighton with a sprinkle of Stockholm,’ including playful prints, Scandi styles and rainbow shades together with a focus on quality, sustainability and affordability.

 

 

Also making their show debuts were GWD – a new brand of quality clothing for adventurous kids who demand style with embellishment, fun prints and colour; Harris Kids – a luxury children’s loungewear collection; Shoesme – a collection of baby shoes and children’s footwear; and Erve, which holds the official licensees for a portfolio of brands including PAW Patrol, Pokémon, My Little Pony, Disney Frozen and Star Wars.

Commenting on INDX Kids’ summer show is James Crabtree, Head of Fashion at AIS.

“The kidswear community is a very friendly bunch of people, and over the years we’ve amassed a loyal visitor footfall. It’s always great to catch up with so many familiar faces. What’s also been nice to see this year is the number of retailers attending the show for the first time; retail is tough, but it’s encouraging for the industry to witness an increase in the number of new kidswear shops opening.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the suppliers and retailers who continue to support the INDX Kids show. Planning is already in place for our next dates, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in January 2024.”

 

 

Stand Out Competition

Other highlights included the show’s Stand Out Competition, whereby exhibitors were awarded for their stand design across various categories including overall concept, creative use of space, and innovative visual merchandising and display ideas. Winners at the July 2023 show were Fable & Bear (Best Accessories Brand); Pigeon Organics (Best Childrenswear Brand), and Sapatos by Stuart (Best Footwear Brand).

 

 

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

Free to attend and open to all retailers, the event provides free onsite parking 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 close to rail and road links and just minutes from J4, M42.

INDX Kids will return on 28-29 January 2024. Visitor registration is now open and available here. You can also sign-up here to receive on-demand content from INDX Kids, including exhibitor signings, brand news, trend insight and industry comment.