GreenEdge Kids a Threat to Macy's?

Our first appearance at an event was not exactly what we would have expected.

After substantial planning efforts by Parenting Orange County Magazine, we were placed in a booth just outside of Macy's at the Irvine Spectrum (shopping mall) in Orange County for the magazine's Parenting and Kids Expo. Even though a semi-trailer set up for games blocked visibility and access to the rest of the Parenting and Kids Expo, we didn't care. We had a spot in the shade in August, and we knew at least some people would walk on by on their way to or from Macy's.

The event was quieter than we had expected, but in early afternoon, things started to pick up. Perhaps people were looking for shade, but more were stopping in and checking out the GreenEdge styles in person...and then we got the news.

Macy's did not like that our booth featured quality clothing just outside their doors, so their store management made a complaint to the Irvine Spectrum management, who then told Parenting OC we needed to leave or relocate (though no real spots to relocate to since event was ongoing) immediately. So, we packed up and left, right in the middle of the event. We are still waiting for a full refund of our fee, though we expect to receive it eventually. We were amazed.

What a waste of time for the preparations we made for this event! We were disappointed, but then had to appreciate that clearly our display was impressive, to be worth eviction from a pre-approved and pre-paid location.

GreenEdge Kids is like a Who on a dust-speck compared to Macy's, a giant corporation with retail outlets in practically every shopping mall in the United States. If were to sell a few things, for a few hours, outside of a single store, and none of it is product that Macy's carries, is that ever going to impact Macy's' bottom line?

Well, five people I know just canceled their Macy's cards and pledged never to shop there again.

Spotlight on Lola & James

We know the price is high-end designer, but so is the product...we can't help ourselves from loving Lola & James. Lola & James has already been discovered by celebrities and high-end boutiques, but we covet its style AND its sustainability.

Lola and James is a small company in southern California that specializes in taking vintage clothing and using it to fabricate one-of-a-kind hip childrenswear. Lola and James' truly unique designs for girls and boys are made in the USA of vintage materials also found in the USA.

Interestingly, we have sold some via the internet, but we always sell them when we exhibit. The rock tees are almost always the biggest draw wherever we go, and aunts and uncles are especially smitten.

Incidentally, we can't be bothered to hand wash or dry clean so we put the zippered hoodie (for boys in the washer on the wool setting, and line dry, and comes out great, even after ketchup.