As ebebek UK continues to strengthen its presence in the nursery market, Kind + Jugend remains a key event in its buying calendar. We caught up with Faruk Giray, UK Country Director, to find out why the show is such an important destination for discovering new products, strengthening supplier relationships and staying ahead of the latest retail trends.

Kind + Jugend attracts brands and buyers from around the world. As a retailer, what makes the event such an important fixture in ebebek’s buying calendar each year?

Kind + Jugend is one of those events we simply don’t want to miss. Bringing together a wide range of brands under one roof, it gives us a valuable opportunity to meet in person, exchange ideas and keep up with the latest products, innovations and market trends.

For ebebek UK, it’s an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day business and look at the bigger picture. We leave with fresh inspiration, stronger partnerships and a clearer view of where the market is heading.

With so many brands exhibiting under one roof, how do you approach planning your visit?

Preparation makes all the difference. We go with a clear plan, scheduling meetings with our existing partners while leaving time to discover something unexpected.

“Our priority is always to find products that genuinely make parents’ lives easier. Whether it’s a new travel solution, feeding innovation or nursery essential, we’re focused on building a strong good, better, best product range, offering families quality options across different price points“

Our priority is always to find products that genuinely make parents’ lives easier. Whether it’s a new travel solution, feeding innovation or nursery essential, we’re focused on building a strong good, better, best product range, offering families quality options across different price points. Meeting suppliers face to face and experiencing products first hand helps us make informed, strategic buying decisions and select the right products for our customers.

How valuable is Kind + Jugend when it comes to discovering new brands and suppliers?

It’s incredibly valuable because nothing compares to seeing a product in person.

We’ve discovered several brands through the exhibition over the years, and some have gone on to become successful additions to our range. Being able to experience the product, understand the story behind the brand and speak directly with the people who developed it gives us much greater confidence when making buying decisions.

Meeting suppliers face to face remains one of the biggest advantages of trade shows. How important are those conversations?

Relationships are still at the heart of retail.

Video calls have their place, but sitting down together allows for far more meaningful conversations. It’s often during those discussions that new ideas emerge, whether that’s an exclusive product, a marketing collaboration or simply a better way of working together.

Trade shows help strengthen existing partnerships while opening the door to new ones.

Which trends will your buying team be paying the closest attention to this year?

Parents continue to look for products that make everyday life simpler, so that’s always our starting point.

We’ll be paying close attention to innovations across travel systems, feeding, nursery furniture, baby technology and toys. More importantly, we’re looking for products that strengthen our good, better, best product range, ensuring we offer the right mix of premium and more affordable options. Our aim is to build a balanced assortment that gives families greater choice while maintaining the quality and value they expect from ebebek UK.

What characteristics are most likely to capture ebebek’s attention?

Safety always comes first.

Beyond that, we’re looking for products with thoughtful design, genuine functionality and long-term value. Innovation only matters if it solves a real problem for parents.

We also pay close attention to build quality and reliability because these are products families use every day.

How does attending Kind + Jugend help ebebek stay ahead of changing consumer expectations?

The nursery market moves quickly, and parents’ expectations continue to evolve.

Kind + Jugend gives us early visibility of what’s coming next, allowing us to adapt before those trends become mainstream. It helps ensure our range continues to reflect what today’s parents are really looking for, rather than simply reacting to the market later.

How important is the wider industry networking?

It’s one of the biggest benefits of attending.

Some of the most valuable conversations don’t happen in formal meetings. They happen while walking the halls, sharing experiences with suppliers or speaking to other retailers from different markets.

Those conversations give us fresh perspectives and often spark ideas that influence our long-term plans.

What makes you return home feeling the visit has been a success?

Success isn’t measured by how many stands we’ve visited.

It’s about returning with new ideas, stronger relationships and confidence in the decisions we’re making for the year ahead. If we’ve identified products that can genuinely improve our range and created opportunities that benefit parents, then we’ve had a successful exhibition.

What would you say to retailers considering their first visit to Kind + Jugend?

I’d say go with an open mind.

Of course, you’ll discover great products, but the real value comes from the conversations, the relationships and the insights you gain along the way.

The nursery industry is constantly evolving, and Kind + Jugend remains one of the few places where the entire industry comes together. Whether you’re an established retailer or just entering the market, it’s an investment that’s well worth making.