As one of the most colourful and creative product sectors in the preschool industry, Apparel is always an interesting and varied category within the Progressive Preschool Awards. PreschoolNews.net speaks to some of the finalists in this year’s Best Preschool Apparel Range shortlist to find out what the awards mean to them and what their plans are for the big night.
“We’re super excited the Amscan Group has been nominated for an award, for our Very Hungry Caterpillar tabard set. It’s great recognition for our amazing product development team and means even more than usual, in what has been a challenging year for everyone involved in the dress-up and party industry.
We’d like to congratulate all of the nominees for their inclusion in the shortlist, we’re up against some fabulous collections this year. Personally, I’m a big fan of ‘That’s not My…’ having spent hours reading the books to my now 16 year-old! We just hope Very Hungry Caterpillar pips them all to the post when it’s time to take home the trophy.
The Amscan Group, which includes Christy’s by Design, will be watching the awards together (albeit virtually) from our own homes this year, and we’ll be sure to have ‘bubbles’ in the fridge, just in case!”
Mel Beer, licensing director, EMEA
“All of us at Smiffys are very excited to be shortlisted at this year’s Progressive Preschool Awards; it’s a credit to all the hard work the team put in to designing, manufacturing, selling and marketing the designs we produce. The Spot range has been a huge success with its adorable appeal and plush fabrics; bringing the fun of Spot to life for babies and toddlers.
This year’s category finalists for best preschool apparel range are tough competition; there are some great designs such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar tabards from Amscan and the Snoopy AW19 Collection from Wildbrain. Good luck to all finalists as we approach the awards, we can’t wait to see who is named as category winner!
The Smiffys team is poised and ready for the 6.15pm kick off on 12 November, we can’t wait to celebrate with all category finalists for this acclaimed event. This is the first year Smiffys have entered product into the preschool awards; there is much commotion within the office and all fingers are firmly crossed!”
Dominique Peckett, director, Smiffys
“We are thrilled to be a finalist in the Progressive Preschool Awards 2020. Blade & Rose is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, so winning a Progressive Preschool Award would be the icing on the cake for us.
We’re so proud to be part of such an amazing industry and to be represented alongside so many other awesome brands. We have won several awards over the years and have celebrated each and every one of them; it is so rewarding and it would be fantastic to add another to our trophy cabinet!”
Amanda Peffer, owner, Blade & Rose
This year’s event is completely free to attend and will be taking place as a virtual ceremony on Thursday 12 November, from 6:15pm. It is already shaping up to be the most fun you’ve had from the comfort of your own home this year.
The full list of finalists for Best Preschool Apparel Range is:
AW20 Collection from Blade & Rose
Julia Donaldson Range from Sainsbury’s
Snail and The Whale Collection from Fat Face
Snoopy AW19 Collection from Wildbrain
Spot the Dog Play Range from RH Smith & Sons
Tatty Teddy for Nutmeg Range from Dennicci
That’s Not My Range from Dennicci for Matalan
Very Hungry Caterpillar Tabard Set from Amscan
Sponsors of the PPS Awards 2020 include: Amscan, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Studios, British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), CentumBooks, Fundamentally Children and The Good Toy Guide, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, LicensingSource.net, Misirli, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, ViacomCBS, Vista PR, Walker Books.
For sponsorship or any other general enquiries regarding the PPS Awards, please contact Jo Pilcher or Rob Willis at Max Publishing.
Please note: The PPS Awards will be hosted on digital platform Hopin. Attendees will need to register in advance and we will be publishing these simple instructions in the coming weeks.
