Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

Katie and Linda return from summer chaos (read: kids finally back at school) and dive into the world of kidswear trade shows. Linda reports from Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), where the new uniform stand design had brands split between “clean Scandi chic” and “where’s my giant poster?” vibes. Katie shares her adventures at Playtime New York, which ranged from dodging influencer meet-and-greets with her daughters to sweating through the hottest NYC summer.

They cover how trade shows are shifting more toward showroom-style setups, the pressure on brands to hustle buyers into appointments, and the challenges of a tough global market for independents. Sprinkled throughout are side stories about influencers, denim obsessions, matcha lattes, and Katie’s questionable street cred in front of TikTok-famous strangers.

Despite the serious note about store closures and financial pressures, the tone stays upbeat: there’s still opportunity for creativity, new markets, and a fef laughs along the way.

CIFF’s new format: Sleek, uniform stands lowered costs but limited brand personality.

Changing trade show dynamics: Less foot traffic means brands must secure appointments and treat fairs like showrooms.

Playtime New York comeback: Big European brands returned, proving the U.S. market remains key despite tariff and cost challenges.

Market pressures: Independent boutiques continue to close, pushing brands to adapt collections, strategy, and positioning.

Bright spots: Innovative newcomers and bold collections show there’s still energy and opportunity in kidswear.

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production.

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