This month, buyers on our site searched strikingly often for kids, children, baby and child. That matches what your customers ask for in store or online: bedding that children love, that works for parents, and that still looks good after a few washes. In this article, we outline the three key themes and show you how to turn them into a clear, well-organised kids' corner.
Licences and themes: what kids ask for
With children's bedding, the child often makes the choice and the parent makes the final purchase. Licensed characters and popular themes such as animals, space, dinosaurs or princesses therefore attract attention. They also have a drawback: a theme can quickly fall out of favour.
A sensible approach is to combine both. A limited number of eye-catching themed designs generates interest and brings shoppers to the shelf. Around them, calmer basic designs and plain colours last longer and are easy to combine with pillowcases and fitted sheets.
- Choose themes that work for both boys and girls, so you don't have to manage two separate ranges.
- Let one theme per shelf take the lead and keep the rest understated.
- Keep licensed items separate from your own core range, so you can easily phase them out later.
- Always ask about the terms for sales and presentation when buying licensed items.
- Request the certificate for every item, for example for harmful substances, and keep it on file in your product dossier.
- Display pillowcases, fitted sheets and duvet covers together. This increases the average basket value.
Glow-in-the-dark: a fun effect, presented honestly
For many children, glow-in-the-dark is a reason to choose a design. The effect comes from a print that absorbs light and then gives off a soft afterglow. It works best in a dark room, after the bedding has been exposed to daylight or room light for a while.
As a seller, be clear about what parents can expect. The afterglow is soft and fades over time. Washing can also affect the result. Display the washing instructions prominently with the item to avoid disappointment later. Show the effect on the shop floor or in product photos with a dark swatch image, so children can see it straight away.
Washable: what parents really care about
With kids and babies, washing is a matter of routine. Accidents in bed, spilt drinks and frequent changes are all part of it. Parents therefore look for bedding that can be washed often, keeps its colour and is no trouble to dry. For childcare centres, guest rooms and hotels with family rooms, too, washability is a purchasing criterion.
When buying, pay attention to the choice of fabric, the finish of the seams and the quality of the print. Check that the washing instructions are realistic for a family. The same applies to duvets and pillows for the child's bed. Our range includes washable duvets for kids, which suit the demand for easy care.
Separate sleep guidelines apply to babies. Advise customers to follow the current guidelines, and don't let your staff improvise on this. For this target group, also choose bedding without loose parts such as buttons, ribbons or cords.
How to set up a kids' corner
A good kids' corner is clear and easy to recognise. Organise it by age group: baby, toddler and school-age child. This helps parents quickly find what suits the bed size and the child's age. Hang the themed designs at the child's eye level, and place practical items such as mattress protectors, fitted sheets and extra pillowcases at the parent's eye level.
The same applies to webshops. Offer filters for age, theme and size, and clearly show the washing instructions, material composition and certificate for each item. Presenting this clearly means fewer questions and fewer returns.
Frequently asked questions
Which children's designs sell best?
That varies by shop and season. A mix of a few eye-catching themes and calm basic designs is the safest option. Test new designs on a small scale first before buying in larger volumes.
How should I communicate about glow-in-the-dark?
Be honest about the effect: it gives a soft afterglow that fades. Include the washing instructions with the item and show the effect in the images.
What should I ask about quality marks for children's bedding?
Ask for a certificate for each item. A general reference to a quality mark is not enough. Keep the documents on file so you can inform customers.
Would you like to add children's bedding to your range or refresh your kids' corner? Apply for an account with MPS Textiles as a retailer, webshop or hotel. We will then work out together which combination of themes, basic items and washable qualities suits your customers.
