astratoy.org • February2023

February 2023 • astratoy.org

features

6 ASTRA announces a new staff member

8 Look for these toy trends in 2023 10 New manufacturing program for women and BIPOC businesses introduced 12 B.I.G.G. Time in 2023

16 50 questions to answer when bringing a new toy to market 18 Don’t stop on the highway! 22 ‘All Aboard’ - Why I’m excited about the ASTRA Toy Boat! 24 Using reps to stay focused and fresh 26 Grand Prix International named to Inc.’s 2022 Best in Business list

26 POP and ASTRA team up for Young Inventor’s Challenge workshops 28 Marketplace & Academy 2023

departments

4 President’s Report 6 Message from the Chair 30 Index of Advertisers

Toy Times Magazine MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to act as a channel of communication for the general membership of ASTRA and to provide information about current happenings and future goals as decided upon by the board of directors, various committees, and ASTRA Staff. We strive to provide useful and timely information and support for and about ASTRA members in accordance with the ASTRA mission statement. We are always looking for good articles and input for the magazine. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please forward letters, comments, ideas, etc., to the ASTRA office at info@astratoy.org chair TJ Simmons past chair Jeanie Crone treasurer Theresa Duncan secretary Tom Rushton directors Ron Solomon, Sari Wiaz, Gene Murtha,

Azhelle Wade, Brice Elvington, Patrick Holland,

Cassidy Smith, Darby Zahradnik, Maryam Al-Hammami,

Sandra Malott, Rachel Jones

Magazine

editor Tom Savage assistant editor Briana White graphic artist Maia VanOrman

Editorial Advisory Committee

chair Tom Savage Amanda Gummer, Genius Expert Theresa Duncan, Villa Villekulla Toy Store Tami Murphy, Grand Prix International Lisa Orman, KidStuff PR Kemi Tignor, Little Likes Kids LLC Allison White, Sugar B Sales Phil Wrzesinski, Ravensburger North America

ASTRA Staff

president Sue Warfield

Direct Line: 312-283-9393 Email: swarfield@astratoy.org director of operations Kathy Balogh

Direct Line: 773-261-8707 Email: kbalogh@astratoy.org special projects and events manager Michael Foldeak

Direct Line: 312-283-4255 Email: mfoldeak@astratoy.org membership & programs specialist Jenna Stirling

Direct Line: 312-283-7144 Email: jstirling@astratoy.org communications and marketing coordinator Briana White

Direct Line: 312-238-9845 Email: bwhite@astratoy.org administrative and membership support Ashlee Cammack

Direct Line: 312-238-9887 Email: acammack@astratoy.org education coordinator Katie Cooley

Direct Line: 312-414-1546 Email: kcooley@astratoy.org programs, events & membership sales Dan Guzman

Direct Line: 773-536-9927 Email: dguzman@astratoy.org Toy Times Magazine is published by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, 312-222-0984, info@astratoy.org, www.astratoy.org. Copyright © 2023 American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. All rights reserved.

Advertisements are accepted. For more information, contact Rick Kauder, Fahy-Williams Publishing, rkauder@fwpi.com, 315-789-0458. All articles for Toy Times are supplied by ASTRA and its members, with Fahy-Williams assembling the magazine, and managing the advertising sales function.

ASTRA reserves the right to accept, reject, or alter all editorial and advertising material submitted for publication. Advertising in ASTRA does not imply endorsement of products and services. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are those of the authors, not necessarily of ASTRA or its individual members. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.