marketplace and academy
Recap! T
he world may seem to still be in a bit of a mysterious place in regards to the pandemic that continues to linger, but with vaccinations in place and things slowly returning to normal, large gatherings are popping up in major cities. It was no different in Minneapolis in early August as ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy got back into full swing. The annual event scheduled for Orlando was canceled last year due to the pandemic, so retailers, vendors and manufacturers seemed to take full advantage at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It was the venue’s first national trade show since COVID’s outbreak in early 2020,
and ASTRA seemed to be the perfect fit to open things back up. “ASTRA really brought pure joy to Minneapolis when we needed it the most,” said Jeff Johnson, the Executive Director of the Minneapolis Convention Center. “That group in particular came with so much positive energy. It was a fun time for everyone, and a fun time for us to serve them. It was really great to have people back in our building and exploring Minneapolis.” Although COVID-19 still isn’t in the rear view mirror and attendees were mandated to wear masks while attending the event, there was clearly energy in
the room. While business was indeed being conducted over the four-day trade show, just the opportunity to interact again with others in the industry seemed to be a fresh take. “It was great to see customers again that I hadn’t seen in a while. It was nice to be in the ASTRA environment,” said Tara Rubino, National Sales Manager for Douglas Cuddle Toys. “It was very, very healthy and very, very positive.” Erin Griffin, sales rep for the Denverbased Erin Griffin Group, said not only was it nice to see people again, it made her job easier when repping games in particular.
Session Snapshot: Hiring and Retaining Store Staff Being able to sell games is obviously much more efficient in person, she said. “When I sell a game to a retailer a owners came together with Nick Tarzia During an Academy session at Marketplace & Academy, managers andasstore rep, I use the knowledge I get from the (Owner of Awesome Toys and Gifts), and Nick Guffey (Manager of The Toy Store) for a conversation surrounding what manufacturer, I get the knowledge when has worked when it comes to hiring, andretailers what has managers andhave owners ask left questions, and we somedesiring more options. Discussions ranged from needing more staff to navigating current employment circumstances game-play,” she said. “You can’t really to do managing safety for both staff and guests. Attendees shared ideas for simple motivators and staff enrichment andthat’s identified strategic long term plans when it that by yourself. We get samples but the same. Wenot didjust tonsthe of zoom came to hiring and retaining staff to buildnot thequite business (and payroll expense!). things, butcan it’s mean just so the much better The big takeaway? Empathy and compassion world towhen your staff – remembering birthdays and you’re all together.” celebrating life events go a long way! Keep your store as a positive and uplifting environment: think snacks, your break Heather Smith, the new president of room, and maintaining a clean and welcoming bathroom. Above all, prioritize The Good Toy Group, said there was somean open line of respectful communication with your staff. concern entering Marketplace & Academy that there wasn’t going to be a lot of By Nick Guffey, The Toy Store
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