Entered the fierce market for children’s goods with a niche range: so lucky that even competitors copied it | Life

I was impressed by the French delicacy

Offering niche products and hoping for success in the highly competitive children’s market can seem like a crazy idea. However, D. Laurinaitė thought differently. The idea of ​​starting her own business came from the lack of original and exclusive children’s products that she felt as a mother.

“The idea came from a lack. Lack of original, exclusive goods for children. I felt it myself, like a mother. I am raising a 6-year-old girl now, and I have always encountered the fact that, when I want to buy different goods for children, it doesn’t matter if it is high-quality toys, educational games, creativity tools, backpacks or really comfortable thermos bottles for the little ones, there is not a wide selection of them in Lithuania. That’s why I wanted to bring unseen, new, exclusive goods for children to Lithuania”, says D. Laurinaitė.

After coming up with the business idea, she thought about what name would be most suitable for the new brand. “When raising babies, we often use the word ‘Kuku’ while playing. In French, it sounds “CouCou”, so we added the article “Le” and that’s how our name was born”, smiles D. Laurinaitė.

However, France became not only the inspiration for this business, but also the country from which LE KUKU is filled with incoming goods. boutique shelves. When asked why she decided to choose the French assortment, the interviewer says that she is fascinated by the unique culture of this country.

“France has always been known for its extraordinary style. It is also reflected in the products created by the French for children. Whether it’s a toy, a carpet for the children’s room, wall stickers, or tableware – everything is very delicate and finished down to the last detail,” says D. Laurinaitė.

Success began to be copied

Such a niche business model, says the founder of LE KUKU, did not take long to bring success. According to D.Laurinaitė, selected French products for children won the sympathy of both their young consumers and parents. And when you visit this one boutiquebuyers are delighted to purchase original toys that they have not seen anywhere else.

“We always try to bring to Lithuania goods that have not been seen here, that other merchants do not have. We are constantly looking for something new, but at the same time we are very focused on quality. Our goal is that toys, games and all goods travel from generation to generation and not be disposable. Therefore, they are both high-quality and safe for children and nature. When selecting products, we make sure that as little plastic as possible is used in the production of products. And if there is one, we are interested in whether the latter is processed and does not contain harmful substances for the little ones. We even offer decorative cosmetics for children – from organic farms, without any chemicals”, emphasizes the interviewer.

According to her, today, when the market is full of inexpensive alternatives or even harmful children’s products, LE KUKU offers a range that is both safe, stylish and original. However, D.Laurinaitė adds, it didn’t take long for competitors to notice it as well.

“If the success of a business could be measured by plagiarism of the assortment, then we are indeed successful. We are the first to bring French wall-mounted magnetic boards to Lithuania. They became so popular that they began to be copied. We laugh as we observe how now almost every second store offers fake magnetic boards. You don’t even bother to change the magnets, the design of the boards themselves. Everything is copied and sold cheaper. However, before buying these copies, you should check whether the products have been tested for flammability, inhalable chemicals, or have all the certificates proving that they are safe for children. Only original products can boast of that,” she emphasizes.

The circle of friends is constantly growing

Now at LE KUKU, we have presented our friends with new, portable magnetic boards that do not need to be stuck to the walls – they can be taken with you on trips by plane or car. Therefore, D. Laurinaitė and her colleagues are jokingly waiting for the products to be copied again.

“On the other hand, it is sad when there is often no effort to discover innovations and bring them to Lithuania. It is the easiest way, although it could be otherwise. But we don’t promise to stop. We are expanding the assortment, looking for something to surprise the market with. Therefore, French strollers for children are already available at LE KUKU, we have balance bikes-scooters-tricycles in one. We offer playpens for the little ones, reusable coloring tables, and markers that can be easily washed off all surfaces,” D.Laurinaitė presents her range.

Under her leadership in the boutique, which is located in Ogmia, shoppers can find everything from a variety of French design carpets for small rooms to wall stickers. Also cutlery, plates, Moulin Roty projectors, fairy tale movie boxes, even organic nail polish for kids.

“Each LE KUKU item is sourced and selected with love. People who appreciate quality and are looking for different, exclusive products for their little ones discover us. And then – stays together. This is our greatest appreciation,” shares the founder of the brand.