Autumn Fair Preview - an appetiser of the NEC show

Ask the

exhibitors…

With Autumn Fair round the corner, TnP asks toys and games exhibitors for a sneak preview of what’s on offer for show visitors

MARK JONES

Sales director, University Games

Why have you decided to exhibit at Autumn Fair?

Autumn Fair has always been a staple in our exhibition calendar and after nearly 18 months of no events and not being able to showcase our games and puzzles range (on a larger scale) to customers, we can’t wait to be back there, catching up with customers and meeting new retailers! It will also be our fi rst Autumn Fair with The Lagoon Group as part of our portfolio, so we’re looking forward to showcasing all the great games and gifts in the range.

What products will you be promoting?

With both the University Games and Lagoon portfolios combined we have more than 700 games, puzzles, and gifts in our range. However, we are looking forward to launching some great new additions this autumn.

Joining our best-selling Harry Potter 3D Puzzle range will be the magical home of the Weasley family, The Burrow, the transforming Knight Bus, and Hagrid’s Hut: the home of the Hogwarts Keeper of the Keys.

New to the Lagoon range is a great range of Toolbox-styled games with Charades, Tough Trivia and drinking games to choose from, with titles that include Hammered! and Nailed it!, making them great gifts for DIY enthusiasts.

We also have a brilliant range of new Mindfulness puzzles, along with some great additions to our Murder Mystery category including new Murder Mystery Case Files Puzzles such as a large ‘murder board’ puzzle and loads of physical evidence including fi ve smaller evidence puzzles to help you solve the case.

Are you offering any special incentives for orders placed at the show?

We certainly will have a special offer incentive for Autumn Fair, which we will be sending out to our retailers just before the show!

JO DRAGE

Sales director, Thames & Kosmos UK

Why have you decided to exhibit at Autumn Fair?

We have a long-standing history of exhibiting at both Spring and Autumn Fair and we have really missed trade shows, having not exhibited since Spring Fair 2020. We have attended a variety of virtual fairs and managed to stay in contact with our customers via zoom but it’s just not the same. I for one have really missed interacting with our customers and I’m very excited to see as many as possible in a Covid-safe way over a cuppa and chat.

What products will you be promoting?

We have exciting new arrivals for A/W, which we are planning to showcase at Autumn Fair. In our board game range, we will be showing off the hotly-anticipated English language version of our parent company’s best selling EXIT: Advent Calendar, which will incorporate another which will incorporate another dimension to our successful EXIT: The Game range. We will be bringing a selection of our existing bestsellers and new arrivals such as the thrilling Massive Erupting Volcano, which has been making waves since we introduced it to the trade earlier in the year. Another range we will be showcasing is our ever-popular Creatto light-up craft kits which were a sell-out in the run up to Christmas last year and which we anticipate will be a very popular present choice for children big and small this year. Make sure to visit us at our stand to build ºyour own!

Are you offering any special incentives for orders placed at the show?

We will be offering our usual 5% discount on orders over £500 net value and 10% off orders over £1,000 net value for any fi rm orders placed at Autumn Fair.

MARK STANDEN

Sales manager Rainbow Designs, The Home of Classic Characters

Why have you decided to exhibit at Autumn Fair?

Autumn Fair will be our fi rst show in 18 months and the team are really looking forward to the opportunity to spend some quality face-to-face time with our dedicated and loyal retailers and to meet some new customers too! The timing also makes for the perfect opportunity for retailers to top up on Christmas gift ideas ahead of the festive period, and we are looking forward to showing off all our new collections.

What products will you be promoting?

Along with our much-loved and contemporary character collections including Peter Rabbit, Elmer and Miffy, we will be showcasing a number of exciting new lines and collections including Disney’s Classic Pooh Always and Forever range. In a year when Winnie the Pooh celebrates his 95th milestone, this exquisite new Always and Forever collection of infant toys, featuring a bespoke and contemporary print, offers beautiful heirloom gifts for babies that can be treasured for years to come.

There will also be some exciting new lines joining the highly successful Adventures of Paddington toy range. There will be a fun-packed Talking Paddington Soft Toy with fi ve much-loved

Autumn Fair will be our fi rst show in 18 months and the team are really looking forward to the opportunity to spend some

Paddington phrases including ‘Hello, my name is Paddington’, ‘Where’s my marmalade sandwich?’ and ‘I wonder what adventures I shall have today?’. In addition, there will be a Giant 55cm Paddington Soft Toy as well as two new fun-packed playsets, the Rescue Set and a Figure Set, which will join the existing range of the Play Bus Set, collectable fi gures, and Adventures of Paddington Soft Toys. We will also have our new Everybody Loves Snoopy and We’re Going on a Bear collections on show, along with our fun new Unfold and Discover Activity Toys that are available in a number of our bestselling character collections including Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, Paddington and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Are you offering any special incentives for orders placed at the show?

We most certainly are! With Christmas right around the corner, we will have some strong offers to support all our customers, existing fun-packed Talking Paddington Soft Toy with fi ve much-loved and new.

JACK PROBYN

UK retail manager Winning Moves

Why have you decided to exhibit at Autumn Fair?

Because it’s been a long time since we last saw everyone and had a chance to showcase our products. We’ve missed the social interaction that comes from attending these events, and we’ve also missed speaking with buyers in an intimate, face-toface environment. With the country looking like it’s getting back to normal again, we’re excited to see customers both existing and new, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got.

What products will you be promoting?

Since we last saw everyone, our puzzle range has quadrupled from 10 lines to more than 40, and counting. We’ve got a variety of licences, from one end of the spectrum to the other. Latest and greatest, we’ve got Nostalgia puzzles from the eighties, all available in either 500-piece or 1,000-piece. In addition, our Top Trumps Match has had an overhaul. We’re launching several exciting lines such as Elf, Batman, Marvel, Animal Crossing and Minions 2. The product we’re most excited about, however, is our new Elf Monopoly, based on the classic and much-loved seasonal hit, Elf. Players can join Buddy the Elf as they traverse round the board, buying their favourite locations from the movie.

Are you offering any special incentives for orders placed at the show?

We will be offering our standard trade show deal of 5% off £500 order, and 10% off £1,000 order. Delivery by the end of October, and other terms and conditions apply.

KERRIE CORRIGAN

General manager Coiledspring Games

Why have you decided to exhibit at Autumn Fair?

Autumn Fair provides a stage for us to showcase new releases that are perfect gifts, as we prepare to launch our Autumn Supplement catalogue. We have a great lineup of new releases from top suppliers such as MindWare, Gamewright and Schmidt, and we look forward to sharing these.

We also aim to touch base with any existing retailer partners and welcome the fantastic opportunity to connect with new retailers that are interested in working with us.

What products will you be promoting?

Prepare to experience The Mind from NSV, a card game like no other! Along with a creative CDU, this game is sure to stand out on shelves, as the ‘must have’ game of the year. Sushi Go! by Gamewright and Helvetiq’s Bandida are also brilliant fan favourites. 3D puzzle master Wrebbit 3D serves up some ’90s nostalgia with the iconic Central Perk Café from the hit TV show Friends. And the magic of Harry Potter continues with the addition of The Clock Tower to the Hogwarts collection. Combined, the three puzzles create a 2,145-piece challenge! The Coiledspring Heroes range will be front and centre at Autumn Fair. These heroes feature bestselling titles including the likes of Anomia and Kingdomino and they represent a wonderful crosssection of our range.

Are you offering any special incentives for orders placed at the show?

We will be making the most of Autumn Fair with some fantastic, limited time show offers!

Exciting newcomers

THAMES & KOSMOS UK

01580 713000 | www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

Thames and Kosmos says it cannot wait to attend the Autumn Fair and fi nally be able to engage with its customers in person again! The company will be featuring products of proven popularity alongside some exciting newcomers. On display will be the range of Creatto light-up craft kits, which enable children aged eight-plus to practise building and artistry through play. Beautiful in their simplicity, these kits are ideal for gifting. Board games featured will include the hotly-anticipated English-language EXIT: Advent Calendar, which promises weeks of cryptic fun for players or teams aged 10-plus, as they solve all 24 riddles. Also on show will be the aesthetic The Lost Spells card game. Based on the books by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, this poetic game provides a bewitching evening for all players aged seven-plus.

Countdown to Christmas

CRAFT BUDDY

0203 417 6565 www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk

Building on the successful launch of Craft Buddy’s Disney licensed Crystal Art Craft Buddy’s Disney licensed Crystal Art range, the company will be showcasing a range, the company will be showcasing a new Disney Christmas-themed Crystal Art new Disney Christmas-themed Crystal Art Collection. This is the fi rst time Craft Buddy Collection. This is the fi rst time Craft Buddy has produced a Disney Christmas - Crystal Art has produced a Disney Christmas - Crystal Art range and it has developed a collection that will appeal to Disney fans of all ages, featuring iconic characters delicately recreated in sparkling crystal across a variety of different products.

Disney Christmas Crystal Art Cards offer a seasonal twist on classic movie favourites with designs including Festive Bambi, Festive Minnie, Festive The Lion King, Winter Winnie The Pooh, and Winter Olaf. The Disney Christmas range also extends to Disney Princess and Bambi Christmas Wreaths.

From classics to crazes

H. GROSSMAN

01603 397105 | www.tobar.co.uk

From the classics to current crazes is the theme of this year’s show for H. Grossman - along with a few new surprises to be revealed on the stand!

Keeping it simple is the classic wooden collection from Tobar. These exclusively designed toys include the award-winning Learning Clock, interlocking building blocks, Stack and Play Safari Animals and a collection of three Sound and Play vehicles: a fi re engine, ambulance and police car. There are lots of wooden characters too. Of course this year has been all about Pushpoppers for HGL and this multi-million selling line continues to grow with a 24-piece Fidget Box packed with fi nger-fi ddling goodies.

Fun-packed play with Paddington

RAINBOW DESIGNS

01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Celebrating its 50th birthday at Autumn Fair, Rainbow Designs will be presenting its collections of much-loved classic brands including the Adventures of Paddington range and the new Always and Forever Winnie the Pooh collection.

This autumn there are several additions joining the tremendously successful Adventures of Paddington toy range for preschoolers. New lines include a fun-packed Talking Paddington Soft Toy with five phrases including ‘Hello, my name is Paddington’, ‘Where’s my marmalade sandwich?’ and ‘I wonder what adventures I shall have today?’.

There are plenty of fun, games, and cuddles with the new Giant Paddington from The Adventures of Paddington TV series. This super-sized and super soft 55cm tall soft toy of everyone’s favourite bear wears his famous blue duffl e coat and red hat. Plus, two new playsets - the Rescue Set and Figure Set - join the existing range of the Play Bus Set, collectable fi gures and the Adventures of Paddington soft toys.

In Rainbow’s golden anniversary year, The Home of Classic Characters is excited to introduce a new Disney Classic Pooh Always and Forever Collection. In a year when Winnie the Pooh also celebrates a big anniversary - his 95th - this range of heirloom baby toys features special soft toys, a comfort blanket and a ring rattle. Created from high-quality fabrics and featuring a bespoke and contemporary print, the collection makes beautiful gifts that are steeped in heritage and values to be treasured for years to come.

Rainbow Designs’ Autumn Fair stand wouldn’t be complete without the ever-popular Peter Rabbit Once Upon a Time range, and the new Peter Rabbit Signature collection which features a range of ‘Forever’ heirloom toys, created to be shared across generations. These two adorable collections, which feature two of the most traditional and much-loved children’s book characters - Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny - evoke nostalgia in parents and gift buyers to share happy memories and the traditional values of their own childhoods.

Game on!

UNIVERSITY GAMES

020 7254 0100 www.university-games.co.uk

It will be games and puzzles galore from University Games and The Lagoon Group at Autumn Fair. The games, puzzles and gift specialist will be adding some new lines to its 700-strong range that will keep the whole family entertained, from preschoolers through to adults.

Launching at the show and joining the bestselling Harry Potter Wizarding World 3D Puzzle series will be four new 3D Puzzle Models. The magical home of the Weasley Family, the Burrow and the enchanted Great Hall 3D Puzzles will be joined by the transforming Knight Bus and the home of Hogwarts’ Keeper of the Keys, Hagrid’s Hut. These detailed puzzles can be assembled with no need for tools or scissors and make a brilliant gift for any Harry Potter fan.

A new licence joining the Lagoon Group this autumn is the beverage brand Guinness. A new licence joining the Lagoon Group this autumn is the beverage brand Guinness. With the addition of four pub-focused games, this new range includes a Guinness styled With the addition of four pub-focused games, this new range includes a Guinness styled version of the classic Shut-the-Box game. Players must spell out GUINNESS and the Harp version of the classic Shut-the-Box game. Players must spell out GUINNESS and the Harp to Shut-the-Box! Along with a traditional Guinness Pub Quiz there are also Guinness Coaster Games and Guinness World’s Best Dice Games available.

Arriving this autumn are additions to University Games’ children’s and family portfolios Arriving this autumn are additions to University Games’ children’s and family portfolios including Quicksand, Anti-Monopoly, Auto Correct and 5 Star Review. Joining its evergrowing murder mystery range are two new Crime Case Files to be solved. These will keep growing murder mystery range are two new Crime Case Files to be solved. These will keep individuals occupied or can be completed as a group, reviewing all the evidence as they individuals occupied or can be completed as a group, reviewing all the evidence as they attempt to identify the assailant and solve the crime.

The new series of Toolbox Games - You Know the Drill, Nailed it! and Hammered! - make The new series of Toolbox Games - You Know the Drill, Nailed it! and Hammered! - make perfect gifts for any DIY fan. With Charades, Tough Trivia and Drinking Games to choose perfect gifts for any DIY fan. With Charades, Tough Trivia and Drinking Games to choose from, these pick up and play games are a great way to liven up a party in the man cave. WINNING MOVES

020 3920 8151 | www.winningmoves.co.uk

Winning Moves will be promoting recently-released products and revealing a new launch at the show. Experience one of the best-loved family Christmas movies in a different format this year with Elf Monopoly. Out in September, players can choose a festive token and tour classic Elf moments as they join Buddy the Elf on his journey through New York. This fastdealing property trading game is fun for the whole family.

And it’s time for players to don the mask of a hero and match fi ve identical cubes in a row in a new edition of Top Trumps Match: Batman! Join Batman, Robin, Catwoman, Riddler, Poison Ivy and the Joker in this twist on the crazy cube game, which features villains like the Penguin, Mr. Freeze and Batgirl, and heroes like Commissioner Gordon.

Plus, relive 007’s illustrious career with the James Bond 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, which features 25 classic James Bond movie posters - one for every appearance of the timeless British spy. Perfect for veteran puzzlers and Bond fans alike, this jigsaw would make a great gift or family activity and would be ideal for framing afterwards. and would be ideal for framing afterwards.

See us at Autumn Fair Hall 20, Stand A40 – B41

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