Featured Retailer: Bambino Merino

June 23, 2009 by Brenda
Filed under Featured Posts, Featured Retailers

Who are you and what is your position?

Rochelle Milligan, founder and director of UK merino babywear company Bambino Merino

The reason for starting the company?

Following the surprise arrival of my son 12 weeks early, I knew instantly that returning to my job as a buyer for a large retailer was not going to happen. Looking after a special care baby meant I wanted to be with him, nurturing him to grow, especially in the early weeks and months when he was so tiny. I’d often thought about starting a business and always knew it would be a business with links to my New Zealand homeland. Then it all became clear when James was given lots of very cute (but very synthetic) clothes which made him all sweaty and hot. What the UK market needed was 100% natural merino babywear and sleepwear. Before I had a baby I knew very little about the baby market but I drew on my marketing, buying and product development background to create our first range.

How long have you been in business?

Two and a half years – gosh is it really only that long? We’ve come a long way!

Tell us about your products?

Our garments are all made from 100% natural, merino wool which is beautifully soft, fine and perfect for wearing next to delicate skin. Unlike synthetics, merino ‘breathes’ and cleverly adapts to help regulate baby’s body temperature. In warm conditions, it gently draws excess heat and moisture away from baby’s body and releases it in to the air. As the temperature drops during the night and in cooler seasons, merino insulates to ensure baby is always at just the right temperature – no danger of overheating.

Our bestselling sleeping bags are great value as they fit from 2-3 months of age right through to 2 years of age and are designed to be worn all year round. No more worrying about which TOG to buy or having to buy six different sizes and weights!

Coming soon are superfine merino swaddling blankets, an expanded range of clothing and sleeping bags for 2-4 year olds (we get asked for these every day!).

What is your favourite green luxury item?

‘Knackered Cow’ Relaxing Bath Gel from Cowshed – helps me unwind and the name makes me chuckle every time.

What is your top green tip?

Save on washing by choosing merino – it doesn’t hold on to odours so doesn’t get stinky and therefore needs less washing.

What do you do to relax?

My current favourite is to pour a glass of something cool and refreshing and watch the newly-planted grasses in our garden sway in the summer breeze – mesmerizing.

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