Nordstrom has added Mini Boden to 57 more stores!

They know a good thing when they see it! US retailer Nordstrom has added Mini Boden to their infants, toddlers, boys and girls departments in 57 more stores and online. The list of stores is as follows:

AZ

Fashion Square, Scottsdale

CA

Arden Fair, Sacramento

Broadway, Walnut Creek

Fashion Valley, San Diego

Galleria at Roseville

Galleria at South Bay, Redondo Beach

Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos

North County Fair, Escondido

San Francisco Centre

Santa Anita Fashion Park, Arcadia

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa

Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Stoneridge, Pleasanton

Stonestown, San Francisco

Topanga Plaza, Canoga Park

University Towne Centre, San Diego

CO

Park Meadows, Littleton

CT

West Farms, Farmington

FL

Aventura Mall

Boca Raton Towne Center

International Plaza, Tampa

GA

Perimeter Mall, Atlanta

Phipps Plaza, Atlanta

IL

Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Oakbrook

Woodfield, Shaumberg

IN

Fashion Mall at Keystone, Indianapolis

KS

Oak Park Mall, Overland

MA

Natick Mall

South Shore Plaza, Braintree

MI

Somerset Collection, Troy

Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi

MN

Mall of America, Bloomington

MO

West County, St. Louis

NJ

Cherry Hill Mall

Freehold Raceway

Short Hills

NY

Roosevelt Field, Garden City

The Westchester, White Plains

OH

Kenwood Towne Center, Cincinnati

OR

Washington Square, Portland

PA

King of Prussia

TX

Barton Creek Square, Austin

Houston Galleria

North East Mall, Hurst

Shops at LaCantera, San Antonio

Stone Briar Mall, Frisco

UT

Fashion Place, Murray

University Mall, Orem

VA

Annapolis Mall

Dulles Town Center

Montgomery Mall, Bethesda

Pentagon City, Arlington

WA

Alderwood Mall

Bellevue Square

Spokane

Tacoma Mall

Since August of 2009, Mini Boden has also been available in the following locations:

Seattle, WA

San Jose, Ca

Skokie, IL

Paramus, NJ

McLean, VA

Brea, Ca

Dallas, TX

To talk about all things Mini-Boden and Nordstrom, check out our forum (it's free)! And for FMC news straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

Heidi Klum to launch TWO maternity lines!

That's right- TWO! On February 12th, Heidi launches Lavish for A Pea in the Pod and Loved for Motherhood Maternity. Both collections will be available in store and online.

"I chose to call my collection for A Pea in the Pod Lavish because there is no grander name to express everything you want to give yourself and the child growing within you.....For Motherhood Maternity, Love is a celebration of new life and the love around you and your baby" said the Supermodel Mom.

Lavish is said to include 15 pieces. The line focuses on iconic style and detailed construction. Loved is 14 pieces and present comfort, playfulness and supermodel style.

Are you interested to see what Heidi comes up with?

To talk about all things maternity and fashion, join our free forum! And to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team

Maternity Monday brings us back to Polarn O. Pyret!

If you've been paying attention, you'll know that we're in love with Polarn O. Pyret! Their designs are fun and functional and their take one childhood is refreshing! But there's more to love about PO.P than just kids clothes- they have Mommy clothes too!

We love this basic halter maternity dress! It's got a built-in sports bra and the material gathers just above the waist to give some definition and curve to your figure. At only $35.25, it's a bargain!

Our favorite item though, by far, is this adorable peasant style skirt ($28.25). It's 100% cotton, totally comfy-looking and that print is simple, but stylish. And to go with it? We love this funky, maternity cardigan sweater ($52.50).

To sweeten the deal, use the code VIP23 to get 30% off your first order and free shipping over $100!

To talk about Polarn O. Pyret and all things maternity, kids and fashion, join our forum (it's free). And to get FMC news delivered straight to you, join us on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

Our newest obsession: Polarn O. Pyret is in the US!

Okay, so we get excited sometimes about new finds, but this one makes us down-right giddy! Polarn O. Pyret (pronounced “poolarn oh Peeret”) is BIG in Sweden- they've been there more than 30 years. Now that the company has 130 stores in Europe, they've taken aim at the US.

So, why do we like PO.P so much? We love the bold stripes and fun prints- Check out the Wood Block Print Top for baby, the Global Theme Top for big kids, and these Vine Flower Tights for girls that we are completely lusting after!

We also love that they're super Eco-friendly! PO.P has a line that is made entirely of 100% organic cotton and it's certified to be Eco-friendly from plant to production- so it's not just good for you, it's good for the planet (we like that)! We're completely obsessed with this Garden Wrap Bodysuit for baby and the gorgeous black nursing top for mom.

Finally, we really love PO.P for their fresh outlook on clothes. They believe that kids need to be kids- so their clothes are easy for kids to get on and off. And they're comfy and durable enough for playing in! And they bring a fresh perspective about rainy days: in Sweden, the kids don't stay inside in rainy weather- they get out and play! PO.P outerwear is designed with that in mind- check out the cozy Stretch Jacket or the Wear Everywhere Winter Jacket.

Right now, Polarn O. Pyret is only available in the US through polarnopyretusa.com, but the company plans to open their first US store on the East Coast shortly. Though they are new to the US, they have definitely landed a spot on our watch list and we expect to see more from PO.P in the future.

Need more reason to try Polarn O. Pyret? FMC readers save 30% off their first order and get free shipping over $100 with the code VIP23! We love it!

To discuss all things Polarn O. Pyret, check out our forum (it's free) and to get FMC news delivered straight to you, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

A Correction to an earlier story on Pumpkin Patch closures...

The current known list of Pumpkin Patch stores closing is as follows:

Arizona:
Arrowhead Towne Center
Chandler
Paradise Valley
SanTan Village

California:
Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton

Colorado:
Cherry Creek
Flat Iron Crossing

Maryland:
Annapolis
Columbia

Texas:
Willow Bend in Plano
Dallas Galleria
Houston Galleria
Northstar in San Antonio
Willowbrook Mall

Virginia:
Tyson's Corners

Washington:
Tacoma

The original press release announced that there would be approximately 20 closures. FMC has only been able to confirm 14 closures to date.

Thanks to all those who helped contribute to this story and extra special thanks to alert reader Rebekah for alerting us to the inaccuracies of the previous list.

Happy Shopping
-The FMC Team

It's that time of year again...

The dog days of Summer are waning, making way for....BACK TO SCHOOL! But just because they're going back to school doesn't mean they're headed back to monotony! Give them something to look forward to (and show off) with these bags by Sammo @ etsy.com

We espeically like the creepy MMMM BRAINS bags

The inspring JAZZ HANDS

The ever-popular CAUTION LUNCH

And of course, President Obama


Sammo also does custom work, so be sure to check him out!

Happy Shopping!
-The FMC Team

The Shops at Grand River sign Gymboree, Gap

Though it's not opening for another year, there's an excited buzz around Birmingham while the entire area anticipates The Shops at Grand River- a $127 million dollar outlet mall, rivaling the ones seen at popular tourist destinations. The 6,500 acre development is planned to start with 330,000 square feet of retail and dining space in the fall of 2010 and expand shortly thereafter to 500,000 square feet.

The property announced an impressive line up this week, including Gymboree, Gap, Carters, Osh Kosh, Brooks Brothers, Jones New York, Banana Republic and Tommy Hilfiger. It is rumored that 27 others have signed on and 30 other retailers are in negotiations.

This mall is definitely one to watch! Happy shopping to all our friends in B-ham!

Talk about this on our board or Facebook!

-The FMC Team

More details on Tide and Gymboree partnership

As FMC first reported in May, Tide and Gymboree have partnered up to promote Tide's newest product line, "Tide Stain Release". Tide coupons have been popping up alongside Gymbo coupons in recent weeks. Matter of fact, those Tide coupons are popping up everywhere the last few weeks.

We are now receiving new details of the partnership. A recent press release from Proctor & Gamble (parent company of Tide) details:

The holisitc, multi-touchpoint partnership between Gymboree and Tide Stain Release includes shared national print advertising, web site integration, co-branded interactive components, and a robust in-store marketing program within over 600 Gymboree stores across the country.

So what does all this mean? We've seen the print adverts and online integration- but that leaves the mystery of what is meant by "co-branded interactive components" and robust in-store marketing.

What are you hoping to see?

Happy Shopping!

-The FMC Team

Pumpkin Patch Closes 19 stores in the US

As FMC first reported in April, Pumpkin Patch has in fact, decided to close many of their US stores. The company had only recently opened their 35 US locations, but now has decided to close 19 of them in hopes of cutting their once-projected 13-million-dollar loss.

Stores on the chopping block are currently in liquidation sales and include:

Galleria at Tyler- Riverside, Ca.

Main Place- Santa Ana, Ca.

Plaza Bonita- National City, Ca.

Westfield North County- Escondido, Ca.

Valley Fair- Santa Clara, Ca.

Westfield Galleria- Roseville, Ca.

Annapolis Mall- Annapolis, Md.

Dulles Town Center- Sterling, Va.

Topanga Plaza- Canoga Park, Ca.

Southcenter- Tukwila, Wa.

Glendale Galleria- Glendale, Ca.

Los Cerritos- Cerritos, Ca.

Westfield Santa Anita- Arcadia, Ca.

Westfield Sherman Oaks- Sherman Oaks, Ca.

Alderwood- Lynwood, Wa.

Westfield Valencia- Valencia, Ca.

South Bay Galleria- Redondo Beach, Ca.

Clackamas- Portland, Or.

Stonestown Galleria- San Francisco, Ca.

The fate of the remaining 16 stores is still unknown. The company has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the US and is reportedly in talks to liquidate all US and UK stores in the near future. No word yet on how that decision could affect http:www.pumpkinpatchusa.com web sales.

Pumpkin Patch is on FMC's watch list and we'll bring you and developments with this company.

Happy Shopping,

The FMC Team

Marc Jacobs to do Children's Swimwear line

The ever-growing, one man empire that is Marc Jacobs just got a little bigger. The world renowned designer has just announced that he'll be designing swimsuits and cover ups (a total of 50 pieces) which will debut in the Spring of 2010. The suits are said to be reasonably priced, starting at roughly $25

Rosemarie DiLorenzo, the owner of Swimwear Anywhere (the Licensee of the swimwear) has said "People are always looking for mommy-and-me-type things. ...Honestly, the cuter, the better"

The announcement comes just 4 years after the launch of Little Marc- the Marc Jacobs children's line. Jacobs is a favorite of celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Uma Thurman and the Olsen twins.

For this and all other news, follow fashionmomcafe on our message board at fashionmomcafe.net or via facebook or twitter!

Happy Shopping!

The FMC Team

BREAKING NEWS: Stella McCarney joins with Gap for exclusive children's line

FMC has learned that Stella McCarney, daughter of famed Beatle Paul McCartney and world famous fashion designer has officially teamed up with Gap to create a line of childrens clothing later this year. The collection will be avaliable online and in only select BabyGap and GapKids stores worldwide.

McCartney has said that she has long wanted to create a line for children. She went on to say "I believe that kid's clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment, given the current climate".

To see some of McCartney's work in women's fashion (and to pick up a few pieces) you can view her site: http://www.stellamccartney.com/

Pumpkin Patch Set to Loose Millions in US Market

First NZ Capital has announced they believe NZ brand Pumpkin Patch will under perform in US Markets this year. Pumpkin Patch has been aggressive in their attempt to become a power in the US retail market- opening 35 stores in the states. While the brand is still performing strongly in NZ with profits this year of about $62 Million, the US expansion is expected to loose $14 Million. 

Sarndra Urlich, and analyst with NZ Capital believes that one-third of the US stores will never see a profit. She has gone on the record to say that if Pumpkin Patch were to close just these stores, their losses could be cut by more than $10 Million. Her main concern cited was the timing of the expansion- one which coincided with recession in the US, and what Urlich referred to as the "depressed retail landscape in the US".

This all comes about the day after the New York Division of Budget has released a report that lays out their belief that the economy could be stable and recovering between July and September of this year. If this report holds water, then we must believe that the projected losses could be mitigated by a rebound in the market.

Still, Pumpkin Patch has some tough hurdles in the US market. It cannot be denied that Pumpkin Patch has not made a dent to their competition here in the states. Their marketing seems to be non-existent, their website is difficult to navigate, and their markdowns are...well, not that good. On rack of last season's clothes, you can often find marked down prices on par with what the other mall retailers are charging for new styles (full price). Undoubtedly, Pumpkin Patch has some cute styles and nice quality, but the prices make it impossible to compete.

Fashionmomcafe.com has researched the issue and found that New Zealand (the home of Pumpkin Patch) does not currently have a free trade agreement with the United States. Talks have gone on for months now with New Zealand seeking an agreement similar to that between the United States and Australia, but as of this writing, none has been signed. Opening up free trade between the countries could potentially poise Pumpkin Patch to become a major player here in the states. Why? Because  New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, which the US does not. That means that Pumpkin Patch can buy fabric from China MUCH cheaper than US companies can. In the US, textiles from China are heavily taxed and triffid. If New Zealand gets free trade with the US, it is possible that Pumpkin Patch can buy their textiles at less cost and then import products here at less cost, resulting in lower overhead and the ability to give the US market the markdowns that make their competitors such strong performers. 

Given all the factors, we are definitely putting Pumpkin Patch on our list of companies to watch. This is really a make or break time for them in the US and we hope they can pull it off!

Happy shopping!

-The FMC Team