Earnshaw's

Zinkia Entertainment joined forces with the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) for an educational "Ready to Learn" partnership, which will bring Zinkia's global preschool character Pocoyo to a series of tablet, smartphone and cloud-based programs to help preschools develop English literary skills.

National Geographic has paired up with performance textile and apparel company Trailtex - along with its subsidiary, Earthtec - to introduce a branded line of apparel for men's, women's and childrens apparel and outerwear. The collection, which will be available to retail stores across America, will debut this fall.

Disney Consumer Products has partnered with Ivivva Athletica - Lululemon Athletica's girls' dance apparel brand - to produce a line of dancewear inspired by Disney Channel series "Shake It Up." The line, with collections set to roll out each season this year, will include leg warmers, shorts, jackets and headbands. 

Shares of children's clothing company Carter's climbed as much as 10 percent on Wednesday after its quarterly results and full-year outlook beat Wall Street expectations. Earnings per share rose 5 percent to 63 cents, trouncing views of 44 cents a share, while strong sales of its namesake Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh brands resulted in a 22 percent surge in revenue to $606.6 million. Analysts had expected $572.8 million.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a voluntary recall of Papa Bear children's pajamas on Tuesday because they failed to meet federal flammability standards. More than 10,000 pairs of cotton pajamas sets, pants and nightgowns sold in boys' and girls' sizes 0 to 14 were imported by the Los Angeles, CA-based company. While no injuries have been reported, the CPSC says there is a risk that children could be burned if the pajamas catch fire and advises customers to return the product to retailers for a refund, exchange or store credit.

Collective Brands Inc. is expanding the reach of its line of licensed Airwalk apparel and footwear with a multiyear deal with Wiesner Worldwide Kreations. The deal will bring the children's Airwalk line to more than 35 stores in India. Collective Brand's collaboration with Wiesner Worldwide supports the brand's efforts to bump its global presence. 

According to Retail Metrics, retailers like Target Corp. and Macy's Inc. experienced a surprising uptick in sales in February. Among the 18 retailers to report results, all but Kohl's Corp. saw sales increase by 6.5 percent - 3 percent more than expected. The National Retail Federation points out that Valentine's Day sales boosted the results, as well as warmer weather that tempted consumers to pay full price for spring items.

On Saturday, March 10 from 5:30-7:30, Earnshaw's magazine will host a cocktail party at children's apparel trade show Playtime New York. Buyers, please take a moment and toast with us to the beautiful children's wares displayed at the show from all over the world. Playtime New York is located on 82 Mercer Street in Soho between Spring and Broome and takes place from March 10-12, 2012. Open to the trade only; Invitation required.

From March 10-12, UBIFrance invites buyers attending children's trade show Playtime New York to play their Twitter scavenger hunt for the chance to win $150 in gift certificates, donated by Earnshaw's magazine.  UBIFrance introduces seven new French designers at the show and has crafted a social media get-to-know-you game to celebrate. Follow UBIFrance on Twitter (@ubifashion) during the show and follow their leads - you have to play to win!

NYIGF reports that as a result of a recent exhibitor survey regarding the length of the show, the show will be reduced by a day beginning in August. The Summer 2012 NYIGF will run Saturday, August 18 through Wednesday August 22. A staggered opening and closing will remain in effect, and from August 18-21 the following sections will be open: At Home, Pier 94; New York's Newest, Pier 92; and Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Baby & Child, Accent on Design, At Home Textiles, EXTRACTS General Gift,