On the ground at Big City Moms’ Biggest Baby Shower Ever

With a name like the Biggest Baby Shower Ever, you’d expect to see a plethora of products perfect for new moms—and you wouldn’t be disappointed. Hundreds of soon-to-be parents braved fierce April showers in Manhattan Tuesday evening to attend a shower of another kind, hosted by the New York City parenting group Big City Moms, along with Fit Pregnancy. In addition to product demos and giveaways from more than 100 baby gear brands like Beco, Skip Hop and Britax, the event also offered educational seminars aimed at soothing the nerves of new parents, with advice on everything from pediatricians to breast feeding. And one very famous new mom (and mom-to-be!) made an appearance: Nicole Polizzi, perhaps better known as Snooki of Jersey Shore fame.

After the show, we chatted with Leslie Venokur, co-founder of Big City Moms, about what events like the Biggest Baby Shower can offer brands that participate—from the chance to mingle with new moms to the opportunity to tout local retailers.

—Audrey Goodson Kingo

Q: I was happy to see local retailers had booths at the shower. Why do you think events like these are good for retailers to attend?
A: Local retailers love to exhibit at our shower events as it’s a way for them to meet with potential customers in a non-sales setting. There are so many great vendors at the event that are educating the attendees on their products, and most of them like to drive the traffic to the local retailers when it comes time for purchasing the items. Having those local retailers on site makes it so much easier to close the sale. It’s a win-win for all!

 
Q: I also noticed a lot of specialty brands in attendance. What do you think events like these can do for those brands?
A: The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower gives specialty brands a chance to really communicate their messaging in a one-on-one setting.  Moms, and especially new moms, love to be different and have unique items, so it’s the perfect setting for brands to raise awareness.  A lot of the smaller brands are not in the bigger retailers and only sell on their own websites, so it’s important for them to get out and meet their customers and get that instant feedback, as well as be able to sell or give away product to get it out there.

Another benefit for specialty brands is that the retailers are at the event, too, so they can meet with them and show off their assortment to help them open bigger doors.

 
Q: Do you think a lot of Big City Moms in New York City rely on specialty stores for more than just products?
A: I do! As big as New York City is, each neighborhood is a small community within itself, and we know all the shop owners and staff well. We trust their opinions. They know our lifestyles and will tell it as it is. There is something “special” about specialty stores that resonates with parents.  The staff is always very knowledgeable on the products, as they usually have a more curated assortment of items that they really believe in—rather than being overwhelmed by the mass. Another perk of specialty stores: They usually have great gift wrapping and easy return policies—two things that busy parents appreciate!