Interview of a retailer : Kidding / Beirut, Lebanon

Name of the store : KIDDING

Name of the owners : Katia Rabbath Chanet & Joanne Karkour

Date of opening : May 21, 2010

Size : 40 sqm

Brands : Caramel Baby & Child, Finger in the Nose, Soeur, Antik Batik, Mini Rodini, Little Marcel, Dandy Star, Maloup, Meresine, Ten, Wild, Munster, Anne Charlotte Goutal, etc. We also promote selective local designers.

Philosophy : Providing a refreshing shopping alternative catering for both mischievous yet hip kids from 2 to 16 years and their fashionistas’ mothers

Any famous clients that you can mention? All our clients are famous to us

 

 

Joanne

When did you open your store and how did you get the idea? The idea was hiding somewhere in our minds but was not very serious; one day I unexpectedly quitted a GM position and had no idea what to do; I called Katia and told her it was time to launch our business. Exactly, two months later we were open. You can imagine the two crazy months I had in between. Weirdly, am not a mom although I opened a store for kids; I love Kids with their lovely smiles and innocent jargon. I actually love what I am currently doing.

How is Kidding performing at the moment? Very well; the concept of the store is very new to Lebanon; you can find it all. People love it

 

What children’s trade shows do you visit? Playtime, Maison et Objet and soon Kleine Fabriek

 

What would you say about the general economical climate in your country? The overall political situation is bubbling; retail and various other sectors are suffering. Not the right moment for the country nor for the area. But despite all turbulences, KIDDING is paving its way to success.

 

Have you seen interesting children’s stores that you liked recently in your travels or online? I like the Bonton store in Paris; online there are various interesting sites and blogs beside Pirouette: Smallable, LFG, Design Mom

 

What are the magazine related to children that you like and read ? Principally Milk magazine

 

Your favorite children’s brands for this spring/summer 2011? Caramel Baby&Child, Meresine, Wild

 

What inspires you at the moment? Anything colorful, sincere or joyful; A heart, a situation, a nature, a place, a book, a website or a friend…..

 

Your favourite spots in Beirut ? Casablanca Restaurant, Albergo Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Art & Art Galleries, Music Festivals in Byblos, Beiteddine or Baalbek, Hiking in the mountains…

 

Anything else you’d like to share with us? To heal the world; Making it a peaceful and loving environment to all Kids