Kiwi creators to debut new buggy platform in Germany
Kiwi creators behind world’s first inline to debut new buggy platform in Germany
New Zealand juvenile
products company, phil&teds, will launch a new product
platform in Germany today alongside the annual trade show,
Kind + Jugend. The international leading trade fair, for
premium baby and toddler products, opens its doors in
Cologne from 20 - 23 September, where around 1,200
exhibitors from more than 50 countries are set to
exhibit.
phil&teds Chief Executive, Campbell Gower, says the Kind + Jugend environment provides the perfect launching pad for introducing new and innovative products, while also showcasing existing line ups.
“As inventors of the
world’s first inline™ single to double buggy, our
original sport buggy was pioneering. We’ve gone back to
these roots and reinvented the inline space once again -
this time with four buggies. Consumers can expect more modes
than ever needed, more room between seats - folds in a
flash, turns on a penny; the latest in buggy innovation
combined with modern fabrics and all new accessories.
“In New Zealand, we’re a long way away from key
markets. So, we’ve got to stand out; really capture
consumer attention. One way we do this is with relevant
innovation. We find that consumer need - a problem to be
solved - and deliver on it in both an innovative and
aesthetically pleasing way.
“We understand parents need innovative solutions to make their lives easier. All our products are innovative, and adapt in some way to meet a family’s growing needs. In doing so, we create new categories, not just products,” says Gower.
Last year, Kind + Jugend attracted over 25,500 visitors, from 113 countries. For the fifth consecutive year, the company will showcase its products off site, across from the exhibition’s main hall.
“It’s about engaging
with customers, both current and potential. We make the trip
annually from the edge of the world here in NZ to their
world in the market. Our customers like
that.”
phil&teds’ trade visitors will meet within
a parenting day “living room”, where visitors can
experience the brand’s products in a setting just like
they would, with kids, at home.
The company’s
Mountain Buggy brand will again highlight how its creative
direction is led by its very own customers, who feature as
the faces of the brand’s campaigns.
“The way we capture our customers is so unique; not just for us in the nursery industry, but beyond as well,” says Gower.
“Every product is shot by a real Mountain Buggy
parent, really using the product; we don't use professional
photographers. It’s about authenticity - real parents,
doing real things, with our actual product - in different
terrains, seasons and landscapes across the
globe.”
phil&teds and Mountain Buggy products sell in over 40 markets and more than 1,000 stores worldwide.
Last year, the company secured orders in excess of NZD $1 million during the three day event. Gower hopes the trade show will build on that as well as open new doors for the company, in the ever changing retail environment.
“While our focus is on relationship management, we’ll be working hard to get orders on all products. That's our company foundation… have fun & make money!”
Consumers and retailers
around the world aren’t the only ones to appreciate the
company’s designs.
In August, the phil&teds and
Mountain Buggy brands received four accolades in this
year’s UK Junior Design Awards, celebrating children's
products with uncompromising style, design and beauty.
The platinum award for Best Pushchair Design (Compact) went to phil&teds' go™, while phil&teds’ traveller™ bassinet accessory received bronze in the category for Best Travel Product for Parents. Mountain Buggy's nano duo™ was awarded gold for Best Pushchair Design, in addition to the unirider™ receiving bronze for Best Toy Design 3-5 years.
“You do feel a little bit proud. Not only is it certification for our team and their innovative designs and ideas, but also because the judges saw value in the designs we thought would resonate with consumers.”
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