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Munchkin (company)

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Munchkin, Inc.
Company typePrivate company
IndustryFeeding, Bath, Travel, Safety, Gates, Nursery Essentials, Diapering, Toys, mbaby Apparel
Founded1991
HeadquartersVan Nuys, California
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Steven B. Dunn
(Head of Munchkin) Andy Keimach
(President)
Petty Rader
(Legal)
ProductsInfant and Toddler Products
Revenue2013: $226.6 million
Number of employees
Over 250
Websitehttps://www.munchkin.com

Munchkin, Inc. is a privately held, global infant and toddler company headquartered in Van Nuys, California. It was founded in 1991 by Steven B. Dunn and is known for designing, developing, manufacturing, and distributing infant and toddler products.[1] Munchkin has been granted over 100 patents domestically and internationally and has won more than 40 industry awards including, multiple wins of the Target Corporation Partner Award of Excellence, the ASDA Stores Partnership Award, and the Toys “R” Us Vendor of the Year Award.[2] Munchkin products are sold at mass retail stores internationally.[3]

Company history

The inspiration to develop innovative infant and toddler baby products began after the birth of Steven B. Dunn’s daughter, Beau in 1987. In 1991, the venture capitalist was surprised at the lack of creative design in the infant and toddler category and raised $2.25 million of startup equity (including a $500,000 contribution from his father, venture capitalist and investment banker David Dunn) and founded Munchkin, Inc.[4][5][6]

Growth

Lindam distribution centre on the Thorp Arch Trading Estate in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

In 2010, Munchkin, Inc. expanded to Europe through the acquisition of Lindam Limited, a safety brand for babies in the U.K. First, the transaction provided a substantial footprint in Europe growing international distribution of its existing portfolio. Second, it allowed Munchkin to quickly enter the large U.S. infant safety gate category with an award-winning European line.[7][8]

In January 2014, Munchkin acquired BRICA, Inc., a travel accessories brand for babies and toddlers.[9] This acquisition added BRICA’s travel products, including car sunshades and mirrors. Munchkin and BRICA share the same vision, as both companies are passionate about creating unique baby products.[10][11]

Products

LATCH Bottles

In March 2014, Munchkin released the LATCH(TM) bottle which is specifically designed to mimic breastfeeding.[12] The LATCH bottle’s accordion-style nipple stretches, moves and pumps like the breast. The selection of LATCH nipples supports a range of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding needs.[13]

mbaby Apparel

In January 2014, Munchkin unveiled the mbaby(TM) apparel collection which launched exclusively on Munchkin.com. With this collection, Munchkin’s goal was to revolutionize infant basics by adding a double layer front to baby apparel in order to help regulate a baby’s temperature, keeping them comfortable both day and night. The double layer technology is part of three product lines; OnesterTM, SleepsterTM and Playwear.[14]

Gates

In January 2013, Munchkin released the Safe Step(TM) Gate with TripGuard technology. The Safe Step Gate enhanced safety and minimized the threshold’s trip hazard by including a floor bar, which was designed to walk on instead of over with a unique handle, making the gate easy for an adult to use yet difficult for a child.[15]

Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin

In 2009, Munchkin partnered with Church and Dwight, the maker of Arm and Hammer baking soda to introduce a line of diapering products that work with pure, natural baking soda. The Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin is a patented system helping with odor control and uses Arm and Hammer baking soda combined with a self-sealing lid to lock in odors. In 2011, The Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail won the "American Baby Bests Award".[16]

Click Lock Cups

These cups feature a patented click-and-lock lid to securely close for leak proofing. The Click Lock(TM) Cups allow parents to see, hear and feel the cup lock, creating assurance against dripping.[17]

White Hot

White Hot(TM) Technology alerts parents if the bath water, the car interior, or baby food is too hot. White Hot Technology Products include: White Hot Safety Spoons, White Hot Safety Duck Tub, White Hot Safety Bath Ducky, White Hot Safety Sunblock Shade, and White Hot Cling Shades.[18]

References

  1. ^ Never Grow Old: Munchkin Relies on Innovation to Expand Line of Baby Products, LA Times, March 1995, Retrieved October 2014
  2. ^ Munchkin, Inc. Named Vendor of The Year By Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us, WN.com, Retrieved October 2014
  3. ^ Munchkin Promo, BabyTV.com, 2012, Retrieved October 2014
  4. ^ Never Grow Old: Munchkin Relies on Innovation to Expand Line of Baby Products, LA Times, March 1995, Retrieved October 2014
  5. ^ Family Affair, Forbes, Nov. 2002, Retrieved October 2014
  6. ^ Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=69073&privcapId=21037&previousCapId=21037&previousTitle=Idanta%20Partners,%20Ltd. Retrieved 16 June 2017. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ^ Munchkin Expands In Europe With Acquisition of UK's No. 1 Safety Brand, thefreelibrary.com, Jan. 2010, Retrieved October 2014
  8. ^ Safety Gates Buying Guide, ConsumerReports.org, November 2012, retrieved October 2014
  9. ^ Charlotte child-products company BRICA acquired, Business Journal, January 2014, Retrieved October 2014
  10. ^ Munchkin, Inc., Announces acquisition of BRICA, Inc., KidsTodayOnline.com, Jan. 2104, Retrieved April 2014
  11. ^ US: Munchkin expands with BRICA acquisition, Toy News, January 2014, Retrieved October 2014
  12. ^ Munchkin Reveals New LATCH Bottles, babycenter.com, June 2014, Retrieved October 2014
  13. ^ Munchkin Reveals New LATCH Bottles, BabyCenter.com, January 2014, Retrieved October 2014
  14. ^ Munchkin's New Layette Line Has a Very Smart Little Secret, PopSugar.com, January 2014, Retrieved October 2014
  15. ^ Munchkin Inc. Reveals 2013 Product Innovations, ToyBook.com, Oct. 2012, Retrieved October 2014
  16. ^ Munchkin Partners with Arm & Hammer For Enhanced Diapering Freshness, People.com, Feb. 2009, Retrieved October 2014
  17. ^ Munchkin 9oz Click Lock Cup, AskBaby.com, Retrieved October 2014
  18. ^ Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Safety Duck, Boots.com, Retrieved October 2014
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