$8.9 billion in retail sales for 2006

[Mommy.TV]

MT. LAUREL, NJ December 17, 2007 - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is pleased to report the US market for juvenile products was approximately $8.9 billion in retail sales for 2006. The juvenile products market is defined as everything for baby from pre- natal to pre-school excluding food and apparel. This figure represents total sales through all of the major distribution channels including mass merchandisers, discounters and specialists, independent juvenile, department stores, drug and grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and e-tailers. In 2006, there were approximately 4.2 million births in the United States. This increase, as well as the following factors, contributed to the growth of the juvenile products industry: " Potential growth in the number of older and more affluent parents. " Younger families may represent greater buying power through their relationships with their wealthier baby boomer parents. " Large and growing number of retirees and grandparents with significant disposable incomes. " Growth in the number of stay-at-home moms who are starting home-based businesses. " Some consumers spending more on premium products. Consumers are buying and shopping for juvenile products differently than they have in the past. More consumers are relying on the Internet for product and pricing research, resulting in better informed decision making. In addition, young parents entering the market are already accustomed to having a wide-selection of (non-juvenile) products, colors, styles, and patterns to choose from and are translating those expectations to the juvenile market. As with other markets, the "green" trend is very prevalent within the juvenile products market. 2006 showed a growing focus on environmental issues and resultant demand for eco-friendly products as well as manufacturing processes. More consumers are interested in purchasing natural or organic products and there is a growing interest in products manufactured by "traditional" methods such as handmade goods. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization of more than 300 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items. For more information about JPMA contact: 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail [e-mail] or visit the Web site at www.jpma.org . # # # INDUSTRY RETAIL SALES AS REPORTED BY JPMA Year Retail Sales 1995 $4 Billion 2000 $6 Billion 2005 $7.3 Billion FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Amy Chezem Communications Director 856-638-0420 ext 4480 [e-mail]