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Last week, Gucci creative director Frida Giannini revealed the brand's plans to enter the children's wear category this summer, according to WWD. On a trip to Singapore, Giannini said the company plans to unveil a kids' collection in June in Italy, which will later be available through approximately 40 stores worldwide. Visit www.gucci.com.

Pacific Entertainment has tapped United Legwear of New York to produce an exclusive line of infant and toddler products under the Baby Genius brand. The initial Fall '10 collection--which will include layette, one-pieces, tanks, leggings, hosiery, slipper socks, booties, blankets and bibs--will retail throughout the United States and Canada. Joester Loria Group brokered the three-year licensing agreement on behalf of Baby Genius. Visit www.unitedlegwear.com.

Despite the reports that consumer spending is on the rise, discount retailers are continuing to promote markdowns in order to attract budget-conscious shoppers, according to a Chicago Tribune story that ran last week. Kmart and Walmart are still reducing prices on staples such as children's T-shirts, although the negative effects of drastic price-slashing has been a retail issue since the recession began. "Promotions and things that drive traffic are still critically important," Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer at Kmart, told the Tribune.

Kids With Character of New York will create a line of children's apparel featuring the Safety 1st brand for Dorel Juvenile Group under a deal brokered by Synergy Licensing. The line--set to hit mass retailers in Spring '11--will offer durable basics, layette, playwear, outerwear, sleepwear and swimwear, all featuring UV protection and sun/temperature indicators.

Quiksilver Inc. is selling its Raisins swim brands, which include Raisins, Raisins Girls, Leilani, Island Soul and Island Escape, to AOM Holdings. Quiksilver has managed the brands since 1994.

Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) is kicking off its 25th anniversary with its fourth annual Women in Industry Luncheon. The charity's event, to be held June 3, honors three women for their support of children in need.

Two Chicago-area businessmen are preparing to unveil a "first of its kind children's retail warehouse" this year with Wonder!, a big-box chain addressing the needs of families and children from infancy to age 7. Bill Colaianni, a former Wal-Mart executive, and Shane Christensen, a venture capitalist, have plans to open their first store later this year in a 135,000-square-foot space in Deerfield, Ill., and promise to set Wonder! apart from the competition via an extensive product assortment and unmatched services.

Kids in Fashion & Style, the new trade show debuting next month in Seoul, Korea, has announced the winners of its Kids Fashion Award“Asia contest. The contest was designed to encourage and reward children's wear and accessories brands for excellent designs and outstanding contributions to the overall improvement and development of the industry. Cashmere Kids was named Best Fashion Brand and Ajo Bebe was named the Best Fashion Accessories Brand. The winners receive complimentary spots at the KIFS brand fashion show, including free travel and hotel to KIFS plus exhibit space.

Dallas Market Center has experienced increases at each of its markets for a full year. "The recent market sealed a complete year of attendance increases for FashionCenterDallas," said Cindy Morris, COO of the Dallas Market Center. "As our momentum continues, Dallas remains the smartest investment--we offer the largest selection of resources in the United States, our region remains economically sound and travel costs are the lowest in six years. Dallas just makes good business sense."

St. Louis, Mo.-based Build-A-Bear Workshop has tapped A Squared Entertainment Group (A2) of Los Angeles to manage its entertainment and external licensing program, aiming to produce apparel, accessories, multimedia entertainment, books and other forms of branded merchandise to sell outside of the retailer's own stores.