Model DL54006 from Qingdao Fuyuan is a bedding set that includes a quilt, bumper, fitted sheet and skirt.

Nearby supply clusters and a solid infrastructure enable makers in this hub to offer competitively priced, high-value designs.

Qingdao’s baby bedding and crib industries continue to flourish despite the various challenges besetting suppliers. Through escalating raw materials and labor costs, the yuan’s continued appreciation and the reduction of the tax rebate, exports from this city in Shandong province have remained on the upswing. Overseas shipments account for about 30 percent of the national aggregate.

A large part of the hub’s success is attributed to the logistical efficiency that it gains from being near strong support industries, which include providers of materials and services. Within Qingdao alone are clusters of wood and fabric suppliers, which were attracted by the city’s strategic location on the coast. The advanced transportation network provides convenient access to even more suppliers, including those located outside Shandong and overseas.

Among the infrastructure is a natural deepwater port that remains free of silt and ice all year round. Capable of handling general and bulk cargo, and project equipment, it is one of China’s major seaports, connected to more than 450 harbors around the world.

In 2007, the port’s container throughput exceeded 9 million TEUs, 14 percent higher compared with 2006. Some of the major cargos were coal, crude oil, lumber, cotton fiber and wool pulp.

The city also boasts its own airfield. The Qingdao Liuting International Airport is licensed for domestic and international flights, including those for cargo.

An extensive road network, about 500 kilometers of which are expressways, connect Qingdao to several industrial clusters in Shandong, among these Changyi, Jimo and Wendeng. Changyi has a strong dyeing and printing sector, while Jimo and Wendeng have vibrant knitting and embroidery industries, respectively.

Qingdao’s rail system links baby bedding and crib makers to major cities in east, south, north, northwest and northeast China. Passenger and freight trains run daily.

With their convenient access to China’s fabric and textile clusters, and to those located abroad, Qingdao’s suppliers are able to keep operating costs down, particularly in terms of procurement and inventory. This advantage facilitates the production and delivery of goods as well, resulting in shorter lead times and greater efficiency. Cost savings are passed onto buyers through competitive prices.

Another key benefit of the hub’s proximity to strong support industries is the variety of midrange and high-end designs that makers can offer. Moreover, most products comply with international standards, particularly those of Europe and North America.

At baby bedding companies, the selection typically includes comforters, quilts, crib bumpers, fitted sheets, diaper stackers, pillowcases, valences and curtains. Sold individually or in sets, these come in different materials, including organic cotton and other natural fiber. In fact, the number of models in plant-based fabric is increasing, as this is considered safer and more environment-friendly.

Nicertex Enterprise Ltd offers baby sleeping bags, nap mats and bumpers. The products are manufactured in organic cotton, hemp or a blend of the two.

The front cover of the company’s model P1010058 bumper, for example, uses fabric that is 55 percent hemp and 45 percent organic cotton. The back is 100 percent organic cotton.

Qingdao Fuyuan Arts & Crafts Co. Ltd Dali Home Textiles produces blankets, bumpers, quilts and other types of crib bedding. Designs are typically in cotton or T/C.

One of the company’s latest releases is model DL54006, a set that consists of a quilt, bumper, valance, skirt and pillowcase. The printed parts are in 100 percent cotton, while the rest are made of 55 percent cotton and 45 percent polyester gingham seersucker.

At Shandong Artex Corp. Ltd, the bedding sets come in cotton. Padding for the quilt, however, is in polyester.

In the crib sector, makers offer models in poplar, pine and other kinds of wood. Several also produce matching dressers, cabinets and other furniture.

Qingdao Hong Yang Wood Industry Co. Ltd offers the model 01T007005 crib in pine. A matching cabinet is optional.

To increase their competitiveness, suppliers in Qingdao are tightening their control over cost drivers and improving QC by investing in automated equipment and testing instruments. Several are upgrading their management systems as well.

Branding is also a popular strategy. Although OEM and ODM orders still account for the majority of output and exports, many companies are boosting market recognition of in-house brands through print and other media.

A selection of baby bedding and cribs from Qingdao, China

Nicertex Enterprise Ltd

Model: P1010058
Minimum order: 1,000 pieces
Delivery time: 30 days
Description: Bumper; 55% hemp, 45% organic cotton front; 100% organic cotton back; 100% polyester padding

Model: P1010067
Minimum order: 1,000 pieces
Delivery time: 30 days
Description: Mat; 55% hemp, 45% cotton nonwoven fabric

Model: P1010083
Minimum order: 1,000 pieces
Delivery time: 30 days
Description: Sleeping bag; 55% hemp, 45% organic cotton shell; 100% organic cotton lining; EN 71-certified snaps

Model: DL54004
Minimum order: 200 sets
Delivery time: 45 days
Description: 11-piece bedding set, includes quilt, bumper, fitted sheet, skirt, pillowcase, flannel blanket, toy bag, diaper stacker, valance and curtains; with embroidery

Model: DL54006
Minimum order: 200 sets
Delivery time: 45 days
Description: Bedding set, includes quilt, bumper, fitted sheet, skirt, pillowcase and valance; with embroidery

Model: 01T007005
Minimum order: 425 pieces
Delivery time: 45 days
Description: Pine; 1,250x655x1,000mm; EN 71; matching cabinet optional