Chris Blay and Ann Whalen Blay in the JuJuBe booth at a trade show

Juvenile brands, represented by people who know the aisle.

MJ Whalen Associates is an independent sales agency for juvenile products. Since 1973, our family has represented baby and kids brands to retail buyers across the US, and followed every order through to the shelf.

Two sides of the same order

Brands hire us to get their products placed and sold. Buyers count on us to make that easy. We work for both, every day.

For brands

  • Buyer relationships and line reviews with specialty and national retailers
  • Sell-in for launches and new items
  • Order follow-up from purchase order to shelf
  • Store visits, floor sets and staff training
  • Honest product feedback from the field

For retail buyers

  • Assortment and new-item recommendations
  • One contact for several trusted brands
  • Order, shipment and replenishment follow-up
  • Merchandising and display support
  • Quick answers from a real person
Ann and Chris at the ABC Kids Expo
ABC Kids Expo
Chris working in the JuJuBe booth
In the JuJuBe booth
Chris and Ann at CES in Las Vegas
CES, Las Vegas

A family business since 1973

MJ Whalen Associates was founded in 1973 by Matthew J. Whalen, who saw a need for better consumer education and client representation in the juvenile products industry. What started as a small California operation has since grown into a trusted national leader for juvenile products, working with top industry brands and standing as a strong advocate for specialty retail stores.

Today we provide concentrated sales and full-service representation for selected manufacturers of juvenile products throughout the US market, backed by more than 45 years of combined experience.

Chris Blay

Chris Blay

Chris Blay has been around MJ Whalen Associates since diapers. He brings an attention to detail that helps manufacturers execute 360-degree strategies and gives retailers best-in-class product representation.

Chris believes the key to a successful strategy is listening, and being eager and willing to learn. It's with that mindset that he approaches each opportunity to grow and build on the last.

Ann Whalen Blay

Ann Whalen Blay

Ann Whalen Blay has over 30 years of experience in the juvenile industry. She brings expertise that spans multiple categories and can be leveraged by manufacturers and retailers alike.

Ann has a keen eye for products that will succeed in brick-and-mortar stores, along with unique insights on improving product development. She focuses her efforts on spending time with retailers in the field and consulting with manufacturers on strategy implementation.

The brands we carry

We keep a focused roster, so every brand gets real attention.

Looking for representation? Tell us about your brand.
  • JolleinNursery textiles and baby essentials from the Netherlands
  • JuJuBeDiaper bags and accessoriesVisit site
  • Little SeedsNursery and kids' furniture
  • Loulou LollipopFeeding, teething and baby essentialsVisit site
  • Maxi-CosiCar seats, strollers and travel systemsVisit site
  • Motorola NurseryBaby monitors, connected and notVisit site
  • Safety 1stCar seats, baby gear and home safetyVisit site
  • Tiny LoveDevelopmental toys and playVisit site
  • Tutti BambiniNursery furniture from the UKVisit site

Let's talk

Whether you're a brand looking for representation or a buyer with a question about one of our lines, send us a note. We read every message and reply personally.