Baby Gear fashion; why don't you carry this pattern?

We get it all the time, "Why don't you carry this fashion from (insert favorite vendor here)? I saw it at (insert mass merchant here). There are simply specific patterns that we as a specialty store can't get. The reverse of this is true as well. Many of our fashions will not be available at many mass merchants and online only retailers. In case you were wondering, there is some rhyme and reason to this.

Many vendors produce their products in numerous fashions or patterns. Many will be available everywhere but some are specific to a certain type of store. Graco for example offers collections (car seat, stroller, high chair, play yard, etc. in the same pattern) like Platinum or the soon to be released Maddox (at right)Collection that will only be available from specialty stores like Goore's. You won't find these patterns at Babies R Us or Target. On the reverse we can't sell Graco patterns like Deco or Brooke as they are only available at Babies R Us and Target respectively. This difference allows us to choose what we feel our customers may like the most. In many cases the options available from independent specialty stores are also an upgrade - nicer fabrics, additional features, more padding, etc.

Some manufacturers offer completely different items and even limited edition options. Britax offers the Britax Couture collection only through select stores. These are Marathon car seats that have exclusive and limited fabrics that are a big upgrade from the normal Marathon line. Graco also produced a Nautilus 3 in 1 car seat in another specialty store pattern Sachi. These will not be available from mass merchants and online only stores.

There are a handful of patterns you will be able to find everywhere. These are called open line offerings. These tend to be lower price points without many of the "cool" and helpful upgrades. These may be your cheapest option but check the item specs to make sure you are getting everything you want out of that item.

It is always nice to be an educated shopper. The more you know the easier it is to make informed decisions on your purchases. That is what we always strive for here. Happy shopping!

Twitter Tuesday from Goore's

We are excited to announce our new weekly promotion from Goore's - Twitter Tuesday!

Every Tuesday we will have a fantastic special that will only be promoted on Goore's Twitter feed. If you are using Twitter you can simply follow @Goores or go to www.twitter.com/Goores. If you miss it, simply search #Goores on Twitter to see all our latest tweets.

Each Twitter Tuesday tweet (say that 10 times fast) will have a promo code to use on our website. Each special will only be available for 48 hours (Tuesday & Wednesday). After that it will be gone and you will have to wait until next week.

We now offer free shipping on most orders over $89. Check your total order to see if you qualify. You may want to add another item or two to take advantage of that. If you are local, you can simply pick it up at the store. Remember to wait for your email that your order has been processed before pick up at the store.

Start following Goore's on Twitter for our Twitter Tuesday specials and more.

Bugaboo goes (RED)

Bugaboo, the innovators of modern mobility in the US, just announced a new partnership with (RED) who's primary objective is to raise awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.


Beginning October 1, 2009, Bugaboo will contribute 1% of total revenue to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS Awareness programs in Africa with an emphasis on the health of woman and children. Consumers can purchase any existing Bugaboo product or show their support by purchasing one of the (BUGABOO)(RED) Special Collection strollers. This collection includes a Bugaboo Cameleon denim stroller featuring a unique black matte frame, dark denim fabric and a distinctive red brake handle. The (BUGABOO)(RED) Special Collection also includes a white leather (BUGABOO)(RED) Bag. The sleek design and functional interior make this bag a permanent accessory for parents and non-parents alike. All BUGABOO)(RED) items will be available from Goore's shortly.

I am estimating that Bugaboo's yearly contribution to be over $100,000 (possibly as much as $150,000). Kudos to Bugaboo for giving back to such a worthy cause. Look for more information and exciting promotions from both Bugaboo and Goore's coming soon.

Orbit Baby vs. Consumer Reports - who is right?

After reading all the information from both sides of the arguement and discussing it with my NHTSA Certified Car Seat Technicians, we are in agreement with Orbit on this one. We feel that Consumer Reports (CR) did not properly test the Orbit Baby Infant Seat.

It appears that CR did not follow their own advise. They suggest the following on their website, when getting ready to install any car seat, "be sure to carefully read your instruction manual and the car-seat installation section of your vehicle owner's manual." They only followed part of the owners manual instructions. They tightened the base so that there was less than 1" of play when installed. They neglected to use Orbit Baby's StrongArm feature when making the installation. #8 in the Orbit Baby Manual , under Installing the Base with vehicle seat belts, states "Turn the StrongArm Knob at the front of the Base clockwise. (Photo X)." (See right) After that is completed then you should do the 1" movement check and not before.

Orbit Baby, upon hearing about the bad rating, immediately retested the Orbit Baby Infant Seat in the same lab CR used. They have also had NHTSA run another test of the seat. Both these retests found that the seat does not have any issues when installed properly.

I am disappointed in CR in that they did not follow proper installation procedures and then claimed there is an issue with a product. as of the time of this post they are still standing buy their initial claim. I thought they would have learned a lesson after their last car seat ratings issue when they discovered the tests were bogus as a 3rd party lab did not properly test the car seats rated in their review. Maybe they like the feeling of egg on their face and wanted some more.

Again, we stand behind Orbit Baby. They are meticulous designers who appear to examine every detail possible when creating their product. How else can you explain a 2 year wait to launch the line back when they began. We are proud to sell Orbit Baby and will continue to do so in the future.

Get All the Gear for Your Baby Free (shipping, that is)

These challenging economic times are tough for both consumer and retailers. Everyone is looking for the best deal and free shipping is one part of obtaining the best prices for your purchases. Goore's is proud to announce that shipping for orders over $89 will now ship for FREE at http://www.goores.com/ (some exclusions do apply - click here for more info.).



Goore's for Babies to Teens has always offered our customers a huge selection of the most desirable products for their babies, toddlers and kids at great prices. We only look expensive! We even price match - both in our store and online. With the addition of Free Shipping and our top notch customer service there is no need to shop anywhere else.


We hope you enjoy our new offer. Thank you.

Goore's for Babies to Teens