Editor's notes
Lisa Casinger, Editor -- Kids Today, 5/1/2006
Spring is in full swing. It's a time of renewal and change from Mother Nature and the retail sales floor to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and Kids Today. By now, most of you know I've stepped in as editor and wow, what a time to join this industry!
We're coming out of the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, heading to JPMA in Orlando and then we're back in Florida in June for the annual Kids Today Conference. We have lots of market coverage and JPMA previews packed into this issue.
I met a lot of great people in High Point and I'm looking forward to meeting more of you at the upcoming shows and conference. Although I've been in the home furnishings industry for almost 10 years, I can't tell you how excited I am about the juvenile segment.
When I see all the options out there, the creativity, quality and affordability just amaze me. Kids have so many choices today, not only in furniture but in accessories, and the best part is today's generation is more involved than ever with making decisions and voicing opinions.
It happens in my own home. I have a 9-year old daughter and a 6-year old son, both budding consumers. They express interest in everything from the color of the walls and the lighting (she wants a chandelier) to the bedding, furniture and themes (he wants everything action figure).
Having kids and managing their rooms (because it really is about managing all the stuff they accumulate) presents problems for us all. Storage is an ongoing issue because, as much as we might have done it ourselves when we were kids, throwing everything in the closet and wedging the door shut isn't an option, nor is hiding things under the bed.
This month, we have an Up Close on storage, along with a special report on germ warfare and other safety items.
I'm always open to suggestions for upcoming stories and features. Contact me at lcasinger@reedbusiness.com or (336) 605-1111. I look forward to hearing from you.
