NEWS
Y DA
DAILY
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The Toy Fair’s ONLY official daily paper
Star power!
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
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Celebs come to play Team Bandai are all smiles, Gallery 600
This is the droid you’ve been looking for! Funko’s Charlotte Kinson and Manuel Longo pose with the giant Pop! Vinyl C3PO
Bring it on! Toy industry remains defiant bucking tough trading trend Almost half the toy industry enjoyed stronger trading compared with the previous year and remain optimistic for the year ahead, despite tough trading conditions in 2017. A survey conducted by The Daily News showed that 11.7 per cent of respondents saw far stronger trading in 2017 compared to 2016, while 35.2 per cent said their business was stronger.
The results were split exactly 50-50 on whether companies had experienced sales growth over the past year. In a further display of the industry’s resolve, 58 per cent said coming 12 months looked bright they are optimistic for 2018. A further 29 per cent saying it’s too early to tell, while 41 per cent said they are anticipating growth.
There’s dancing in the aisles as the doors have opened for Toy Fair 2018 – and the big news is that the stars are in the building! Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two star Ian Waite hits John Adams’ stand G100 at 10.30am to launch the first Strictly Come Dancing board game and he’s bringing along the famous Glitter Ball Trophy to show off. Still on the Strictly theme, at noon 2010 winner and actress star Kara Tointon will be demonstrating puzzle game Arokah on the Asmodee UK stand E109. And Mr Men fans should make their way to Jumini on stand GH26 at 1pm where author Adam Hargreaves will be doing live drawings. For the full Toy Fair experience don’t forget the fabulous annual costume character parade at 11.15am.
Character Options Marketing Director Jerry Healey has got it licked with the Soft ‘n Slo Squishies on stand E119