staff at Cooper's and various contractors.

The "Kids on 4'' concept was raised by General Merchandise Manager Ms Inara Kalnins, who joined the company three years ago with an impressive list of credentials.

She had worked at several US clothing stores in merchandising, holding the position of vice-president.

Ms Kalnins' wealth of experience in the field proved invaluable to the Cooper team during their planning of the new department.

Another major contribution came from display director Mr. Richard Fell. He brought his expertise into play in the design of the new floor.

A winner of numerous local and international design awards, Mr. Fell has been in Bermuda since 1975 but only started working at Cooper's two years ago.

Also a talented actor and director, he was responsible for directing and producing the "Kids on 4'' television commercial.

The carpet on the new floor has been custom made to be purposely neither male nor female in feeling -- hence a fun confetti print of pink on turquoise, the colours used in the logo which was designed by advertising manager Mrs.

Judithanne Astwood Outerbridge.

"Colour is an important merchandising tool,'' said Mr. Somers Cooper, who dreamt up the name "Kids on 4''.

"Through our Private Label programme, the children's division picks a colour palette for each season. The colours are uniform throughout the size ranges making a greater visual impact and making it easy to mix and match.'' The "Kids on 4'' committee met weekly for several months to plan and co-ordinate the smooth opening of the new department.

Members of the committee included Mr. Peter Cooper, Ms Inara Kalnins, Mr.

Richard Fell, Mr. Somers Cooper, Mrs. Judithanne Astwood Outerbridge, Mrs.

Barbara Cooper and Mrs. Kathy Rowntree.

Staff worked overtime to meet the deadline under the guidance of supervisor Mrs. Sandrean Wolfe. Security officers worked many hours as construction teams came and went and warehouse and maintenance staff also put in long hours.

Describing the department's evolution, children's wear buyer Mr. Somers Cooper said: "Due to the demand for more space for our new Fuller Figure department and expanded `Dresses', we had taken a long look at other areas of our building that were under utilised.

"We figured that our merchandising office could be accommodated by reorganising the fifth floor which already housed our office staff. We better utilised other stock space in the building and at our warehouse.'' "These other areas now have improved efficiency.'' TWO OF A KIND -- Key figures in the planning of the new "Kids on 4'' department were children's wear buyer Mr. Somers Cooper and general merchandising manager Ms Inara Kalnins.

ALL SMILES -- Staff at A.S. Cooper's, (from left), supervisor Mrs. Sandrean Wolfe, Miss Bronwean Fleming and Miss Alisha Roberts at the opening of "Kids on 4''.