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Editor's Letter
Relationships Matter
If there is one theme that carries over into each article of this issue, it's relationships. Our relationship with the reader begins here, in this column, and continues throughout the magazine as we work our hardest to select the best products. Likewise, others in the industry continuously build and strengthen relationships.
The creative retailers at Dragonfly DuLou (profiled on page 6) made it their mission from the start to build a relationship with the community and connect to their customers' lives. The store has become a hub of activity where parents, children and friends can gather, play, dance and laugh. The store's owners knew they wanted to be an integral part of the neighborhood, and they've done that rather successfully in my opinion.
The relationship that can mean most for a manufacturer is often established at a trade show. Turn to page 8 to find a preview of products found at trade events this August in New York City. Editorial coordinator Barbara Wujcik covers one of the most rewarding relationships possible in her article starting on page 12. Barb explored the products and designers who help moms manage their ever-changing roles and bond with their little bundles of joy.
One of the relationships I'm most proud of is my friendship with our East Coast sales rep Karen Wolfskehl. With this magazine since the very beginning, Karen is retiring this summer and will hand her accounts over to another delightful colleague, Joanne Fallon. Karen's pure enthusiasm and creative problem solving has made her a joy to work with. Karen, thank you for your dedication to this magazine and the potential you see in every product and every idea.
Mary Gerlach
Associate Editor
