Kidorable Quality in the News

The "Made in China" label may not conjure up quite the same assurance as, say, Maxwell House Coffee's "Good to the Last Drop," but well-publicized quality and safety concerns in food, toys and pharmaceuticals don't necessarily mean you should give up your search for lower-cost offshore production.

There's no dodging the quality-safety issue, but the approach taken by Jonathan Domsky, president and co-owner of Niles-based Kidorable, is worth noting:
Manufacturing costs in China remain remarkably low. There are overseas alternatives to China, including Eastern Europe; Jordan and other Middle East countries; Vietnam and Indonesia.

Kidorable designs (in Niles), manufactures (in China) and wholesales its kids rainwear product line to traditional and online retailers. Umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots are among the company's items, all produced at seven Chinese factories. "You have to know what's going on" to assure quality, Domsky says. To that end, "Factory owners know our standards. We communicate. We have long-standing relationships (with factory owners) and we talk to them when we go there." It helps significantly that Domsky and his wife Liping -- the two met and married in China -- are regular visitors.

Also helpful: Kidorable directly employs 15 people in China; 10 are in quality control and, in the Chinese process, eat and live in dormitories with factory workers. Kidorable manufactures to European Union standards, which Domsky says are a "little stricter" than U.S. standards. Kidorable also tests, using international laboratories.

Quality concerns aren't new. "There always have been quality issues," says Cassandra Keener, director of the Lisle-located Illinois International Trade Center that is part of the Small Business Development Center at Glen Ellyn's College of DuPage. "What we're seeing on the news is that some larger companies let their guard down. Somebody didn't do the job. There was no quality control."

Frequent on-site visits may help, but they're impractical for many small companies. However Keener, who "actually got on a plane and went to China" when she owned her own company, has a list of "sourcing companies that will act as your eyes and ears for you in China" for a percentage of sales.

There's another approach as well. Donna Zoellick, president of Global Sourcing Specialists Inc., Carpentersville, says one of her clients has added the words "Contains no lead" near the "Made in China" marking. Another Zoellick option: Unannounced drop-in inspections, with a phrase similar to "Inspected at the manufacturer by XYZ Co. to assure the consumer's safety" added on packaging.

If you can manage the quality issues -- talking to the people in this column might be worthwhile because they have experience -- China may remain a viable offshore producer of many types of goods, in part because "China is so much cheaper," says Zoellick. "India's not bad, but hourly wages there are three-to-four times higher than China."

Kidorable products are sold online by Tootsies Children Rainwear, a division of Tootsies Stride Rite, located in Richmond, Va. Tootsies Stride Rite has has been a Stride Rite distributor since 1985.

Kidorable Pirate Rainwear

Kidorable, a leading wholesaler of children’s apparel and accessories, is expanding its offerings in time for spring with the addition of a swashbuckling pirate style sure to capture the imaginations of children across the globe.

From brightly colored umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots, to backpacks and hangers, boys will connect with the design and details of Kidorable’s pirate style, just as girls did with the fairy style introduced last fall. Kidorable’s new pirate style crosses 5 of the company’s 12 product lines, allowing children to enrich their lives at play inside and outside their homes. It will expand into the other lines later this year. “Kidorable is known for high quality, unique collections – from frogs to fairies, dinosaurs to dolphins, and ladybugs to lotus flowers – sold at apparel, shoe and gift retailers across the globe,” said Jonathan Domsky, cofounder and president of Kidorable. “This style represents exactly what our customers have come to expect and love from us.” “Parents and grandparents adore the comfort-conscious designs and quality of all Kidorable product lines,” said Catherine Higgins, buyer for Stone Soup in Bar Harbor, Maine. “Thanks to Kidorable, kids love to put on their rain boots and raincoats before they jump in puddles. This pirate style is just what our customers are looking for. The trick for parents will be trying to get their little ones out of it.”

The new Kidorable pirate rainwear is now available at Tootsies Stride Rite and Tootsies online at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/

Kidorable Butterfly Rainwear

The perfect item for rainy days, this fun hooded childrens raincoat with butterfly and floral motif looks great together with the butterfly umbrella, boots and backpack. Our butterfly raincoats are made from PVC with a comfortable polyester lining, there are bright colored snaps down the front. They make great gifts for kids, and are sure to add color to any gray day!

Fun, bright pink butterfly rain boots any child will love for playing and singing in the rain. Match them up with the coordinating butterfly coat, umbrella and backpack for a complete look, or wear them on their own! These kid rain boots are made from natural rubber, they are guaranteed to be the cutest boots in your neighborhood, and they make great gifts for kids!

This adorable Kidorable butterfly umbrella is a great accessory all on its own, or pair it up with the matching butterfly coat, boots and backpack. These children umbrellas are made from 100% nylon, these umbrellas are child-sized for little hands. For the rain, for the sun or just for fun-these make great gifts for kids!

Rain or shine your little one will love our butterfly backpack. Whether your toddler is carrying trinkets in the car or toys to the beach, these toddler backpacks are perfect for any child-sizes outing.

Children Rain Boots

Kids rain boots get cuter every year, and kids just love them. They are adorable, functional and tons of fun, making them a wet weather must have. One of the top manufacturer of children rain boots is the Kidorable Company located in Chicago, Illinois. Kidorable kids rain boots are perfect for puddling jumping and keep kids' feet dry in style. This year, Kidorable kids rain boots are more popular than ever and come in an array of fun colors, character styles and designs that kids and parents adore. So go ahead, tuck their jeans into their Kidorable rain boots and let them puddle-jump all the way to school. Kidorable rain boots are available at Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear, at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/ Check us out online or call us at 1-866-235-0626

Kids Raincoats

Children Raincoats get cuter every year, and kids just love them. They are adorable, functional and tons of fun, making them a wet weather must have. One of the top manufacturer of kids raincoats is the Kidorable Company located in Chicago, Illinois. Kidorable kids raincoats are perfect for running and playing in the rain and will keep kids' dry in style. This year, Kidorable children's raincoats are more popular than ever and come in an array of fun colors, character styles and designs that kids and parents adore. So go ahead, get your kids ready for the cool, wet winter weather with kids raincoats by Kidorable, and let them have fun all the way to school. Kidorable children raincoats are available at Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear, at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/ Check us out online or call us at 1-866-235-0626

Polka Dot Rainwear available at Tootsies Children Rainwear

Kidorable, a leading manufacturer of children's rainwear presents The English Roses™ Polka Dot rainwear line by Madonna. This children's book is a heart-warming story about a young girl learning how to fit in and make new friends.

The English Rose polka dot raincoat features a multi-colored Polka Dot pattern on a white background with pink argyle and roses trimming. Double breasted style snaps down the front, and has a belt complete with buckle for a form fit, and detachable hood. The polka dot raincoat is constructed from waterproof PVC with a comfortable polyester lining. This raincoat is available is available in size 2T to child 10/12. The English Rose polka dot rain boots are made of Natural Rubber, which make them fun and practical! We recommend buying them to the next whole size above your child’s current shoe size. These rain boots are available in size children's 6 though adult 6. The English Rose polka dot umbrella is designed to match the colors and style of the raincoat and umbrella. It is made of nylon, making it both stylish and practical.

The Kidorable polka dot rainwear collection is available online at Tootsies Children Rainwear. To go to our site simple click on our store name: Tootsies Children Rainwear

Ladybug Rainwear Available at Tootsies Children Rainwear

While kids can sometimes be reluctant to go out in the rain, it won’t take much persuasion with the Ladybug rainwear line from Kidorable. This product line consists of matching toddler raincoats, kid rain boots and child umbrellas, plus a cute pvc toddler backpack.
Our ladybug raincoat will not only protect your little one from the weather, but is also sure to get them plenty of attention! The coat, bright red with a cute-as-can-be ladybug theme, is made from high-quality PVC with a polyester liner on the inside. The ladybug raincoat is available in toddler sizes to child 6X, and is designed with ample space to wear a sweater under the raincoat during the cooler months.Our ladybug rain boots always make quite a splash. Not only are they cute, but very practical. Our kid rainboots are made of 100 percent natural rubber and are available in sizes toddler 5 to older child 2, and are designed to match up perfectly with our adorable ladybug raincoat. Our Kidorable ladybug umbrellas are constructed of 100 percent nylon over an aluminum frame. The ladybug umbrella definitely will have your child singing and splashing in the rain. Finally, our adorable ladybug backpack is perfect for any child size outing. The ladybug backpack is 100 percent pvc with nylon lining, with several compartments to hide their little trinkets.For more information on the Kidorable ladybug line, please visit our web site at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/

Kidorable Pirate Rainwear available at Tootsies

Kidorable, a leading wholesaler of children’s apparel and accessories, is expanding its offerings in time for spring with the addition of a swashbuckling pirate style sure to capture the imaginations of children across the globe. From brightly colored umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots, to backpacks and hangers, boys will connect with the design and details of Kidorable’s pirate style, just as girls did with the fairy style introduced last fall. Kidorable’s new pirate style crosses 5 of the company’s 12 product lines, allowing children to enrich their lives at play inside and outside their homes. It will expand into the other lines later this year. “Kidorable is known for high quality, unique collections – from frogs to fairies, dinosaurs to dolphins, and ladybugs to lotus flowers – sold at apparel, shoe and gift retailers across the globe,” said Jonathan Domsky, cofounder and president of Kidorable. “This style represents exactly what our customers have come to expect and love from us.” “Parents and grandparents adore the comfort-conscious designs and quality of all Kidorable product lines,” said Catherine Higgins, buyer for Stone Soup in Bar Harbor, Maine. “Thanks to Kidorable, kids love to put on their rain boots and raincoats before they jump in puddles. This pirate style is just what our customers are looking for. The trick for parents will be trying to get their little ones out of it.” The new Kidorable pirate collection is now available at Tootsies Stride Rite and Tootsies online at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com/

Kidorable Rainwear

Kidorable, a leading designer and wholesaler of children's products, transforms everyday, functional kids' apparel and accessories into objects that excite children's imaginations and enrich their lives at play. Kidorable is distinguished by their high quality, unique collections - from frogs to fairies, dinosaurs to dolphins, and ladybugs to lotus flowers - sold at apparel, shoe and gift retailers across the globe.With 300 million Americans who have small children, know small children, act like small children, or are themselves small children, Kidorable's fun, practical and colorful product lines are highly sought after, increasing consumer traffic and sales for retailers. Kidorable product lines include umbrellas, raincoats, rain boots, knitwear, embroidered shirts, purses, towels, sun hats, backpacks, hangers and bookends.The Kidorable product line is available at Toosies Stride Rite in Richmond, Va., and also at Tootsies online store, Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear at http://www.tootsiesrainwear.com

Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear

Rainy days no longer have to mean keeping your youngster indoors, thanks to Kidorable rain coats from ZM International, Inc., Chicago, Ill and available online at Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear. These delightful garments are both amusing and practical, made of rugged waterproof vinyl with snap closings and an elasticized hood to fit snugly around the head and prevent water from running down the child's neck. Colorfully designed in green frog, pink cat, purple butterfly, red ladybug, and yellow bee patterns, they are guaranteed to appeal to the fashionable younger set. The coats retail for $36.00 at clothing, museum, and toy stores, and can be accessorized with matching umbrellas ($15.00) and boots ($29.00). Or if you prefer the convenience of online shopping, these adorable children raincoats are available at Tootsies Kidorable Rainwear