|
Cocalo, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of crib bedding collections and nursery decorating accessories. Priding itself on creative and fashionable designs, Cocalo has had substantial success in the nursery décor product category with merchandise sold under the Baby Martex, OshKosh B’Gosh, and Kimberly Grant brand names. Beginning in 2005, Cocalo has increasingly introduced new patterns under their own Cocalo brand. Sugar Plum was just released in June of 2006 under the Cocalo brand. Preliminary consumer reaction suggests that Sugar Plum is destined to become one of Cocalo’s most popular collections.
Sugar Plum is generally sold by retailers as a six-piece set, comprised of a comforter, crib bumper, crib skirt, fitted sheet, window valance, and diaper stacker. Cocalo appears to be experimenting with these six-piece sets; previous Cocalo collections generally have been four-piece sets (excluding the diaper stacker and valance). I would have preferred that Cocalo continue with the four-piece set approach. Many consumers do not desire a diaper stacker or a valance (or need more than just one valance), but do not now have the option of a less expensive Sugar Plum bedding set without the unwanted pieces. Furthermore, Cocalo does not offer the major pieces of the collection for separate purchase, as is done by other manufacturers who sell six-piece sets. Even given these limitations, Sugar Plum crib bedding represent an excellent value for a unique look.
The patterned fabrics used in Sugar Plum are of the printed variety, as compared to the higher quality (yet more expensive) woven fabrics. In woven fabrics, differently dyed or colored threads are woven together in a manner to create the desired pattern. Compare this with printed fabrics, where a pattern is imprinted on the surface of a solid colored fabric. Woven fabrics are superior to, but more expensive than, printed fabrics, being more vibrant, durable, and color-fast. Without this compromise it is unlikely that Cocalo could have maintained a retail price of under $200 for the six-piece crib bedding set. Cocalo has done an excellent job of combining these patterned fabrics with textured corduroy and intricate embroidered appliqués using sherpa, felt, organza, and silky ribbon, resulting in a truly beautiful and creative collection for a baby girl. All of the embroidery on the Sugar Plum pieces appears very well done, with smooth stitching and no appliquéd fabric “bleed through."
Cocalo has made available a wider than normal selection of coordinating Sugar Plum nursery decor accessories, including: a musical mobile; a lamp base and shade; pillow-like wall hangings; wall border; hamper; decorative pillows; sherpa blanket; rug; nightlight; and switch plate cover. All of the accessories coordinate perfectly with the Sugar Plum bedding set.
Unfortunately for Canadian customers purchasing from a United States online retailer, Construction Zone crib bedding is manufactured in China. Customers in Canada would be required to pay import duties of as much as 18% of the stated prices.
Robert Meier is President of Baby Supermall, an online retailer of baby crib bedding. Baby Supermall’s crib bedding collections include all those made available by Cocalo, and other major manufacturers. |
tweet this!
