Never have there been so many pushchairs on the UK market as now, and never has the choice of what to stock been more bewildering. Even a few years ago with the advert of the three-wheeler design, followed by the robust four wheelers, it was hard to second guess public demand. But today, manufacturers and distributers from around the globe have developed designs that really are seriously impressive in the way they look, the way they move, the way they make life that little bit easier for a busy parent.
Style certainly sells and the number of brightly coloured, clean-lined pushchairs was noticeable at Harrogate this year. The earlier success of Bugaboo is reflected in number of chic two-large wheel, two-small wheel designs. Petite Star and Maxi-Cosi are two that come to mind, but now even Swedish firm Brio have entered the UK wheels market with an impressive portfolio of reasonably-priced, fashionable models, including a brand new travel system.
It was great to see Teutonia back at Harrogate. Now owned by Graco's mother company Rubbermaid, the German-designed brand has alway s been associated with durability and quality. What sets them apart is the strength of their part steel chassis, and now they've emerged from the drawing room with an interchangeable combination of lie-back 2-in-1s on a choice of three frames.
Another German engineered new highlight which about to enter the UK in early June, is Concord's astonishing new Neo Carbon Buggy., part of what is probably the most expensive travel system available at an rrp of around £2000. It is supremely well equipped with a seating unit, that can be used both facing either way and an extremely compact fold. Every buggy can be personalised; customers can choose between various designs and styles, for example the merino wool inner linings can be plush black or plush white. The tyres are offered in two versions; air-cushioned tubed tyres or solid foam tyres to optimise weight still further. The proud owners can have their buggy personally laser engraved with a name or perhaps a set of initials.
As always Graco had an impressive display at Harrogate, and it was interesting to see the new Quattro Tour Sport on show without a plastic play tray! Graco has included more traditional padded bar to prevent excited toddlers falling out, and has done the same on the Mosaic One buggy too, giving an improved, attractive overall appearance to both.
So with such an enormous variety of wheels, retailers must be really picky about what they will and won't take on. Go for what the customer wants, style, fresh fabrics but not atthe expensive of good workmanship and a good working relationship with the supplier.
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