The Las Vegas ABC Kids Expo returned this week after a two-year hiatus and Jonathan Feingold, Inglesina’s UK Director, was there. He sent Nursery Online the following report:

The show’s comeback was well received from vendors, buyers and service providers. The brand-new location of the Paris hotel in Las Vegas made it exciting and easy for brands across America to exhibit at the show.

With Covid 19 restrictions largely lifted in the state of Nevada, people were invigorated to be able to catch up with old friends and make new friends within the expo. The smallest show in size since 1990 but with a higher concentration of higher quality brands and buyers.

Whilst many of the large players did attend the show, there were some noticeable mass volume players that did not, such as Graco , Cybex and Dorel. 

As always, the majority of the exhibitors were from North America but whereas usually there is a fairly sizeable representation from the rest of the world, this was not the case for the 2022 show. This is likely due to heavier protocol on entering the US from outside. That being said, Stokke, BabyZen and Peg Perego exhibited with style and had a steady stream of visitors to their stands. 

And from the UK, we had eco rascals® and Tutti Bambini who both reported that the show attendees were of high quality which made up for the lower volume of visitors they’ve experienced in previous shows. 

The star of the show was Veer. They had the largest stand in the hall which was front and centre of the entrance hall. Showing off the biggest trend in baby for 2022 which is a multi-functional item – the wagon. Veer exhibited their range of lifestyle outdoor products which can transform from wagon to pram to bicycle seat and even a chair booster . Their wagons have revolutionised the concept of a pram and have become the Range Rover of the child transport world. They are truly an out door family brand setting a strong trend and apparently loved by many .

The other company  showing in a similar territory is the Wonder Wagon which has multiple seat options for purchase from one to four children.

Interesting to note is the average size of strollers has increased significantly in the United States which was the opposite trend in Europe and the Rest of the World in 2019. 

Whilst the US leads on product development and design, it’s still very much behind on sustainably sourcing material and packaging. There is some catching up to do on that front but that also means possibility for future eco conscious brands. 

Most brands exhibiting spoke animatedly about their plans to exhibit at Kind und Jugend in Cologne this September and took advantage of the early bird booking rates for the ABC show in 2023. It’s official, trade shows are back in person and off Zoom. There’s nothing like developing friendships and business relationships in person. Long may it continue!

https://theabcshow.com
www.inglesina.uk