Leader - with Clare Turner

LEADER

At the heart of retail

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Clare Turner

The days are getting longer, and spring is very much in the air, so what better way to welcome in the beats being able to see toys - and people - in the flesh. And for me personally, it was a longawaited chance to put faces to names, having new season than with a visit to the Toy Fair? started my role as editor in Lockdown 2.0.

The UK’s largest dedicated toy, game In terms of business, it seems order forms and hobby trade show, which took place were exchanging hands like it was going out from January 25 to January 27 at Olympia of fashion. As Keel Toys marketing director London, welcomed back exhibitors and Richard Keel commented: “Toy Fair 2022 has visitors from around the world. been even better for business than in January

This was the first Toy Fair since the 2020. We experienced a big increase in orders. Covid-19 pandemic, and the only dedicated It’s great that trade shows are back up and toy fair that has been able to take place running. It was incredible; we were non-stop this year (with special measures in place, writing orders.” of course, to ensure the health and safety of attendees). During the show, 260 exhibiting companies unveiled “ Brainstorm marketing manager Debra Tiffany summed up the view of many when she said: “Like all exhibitors, we of course returned to thousands of new products. Toy Fair with some trepidation. But The event provided the first any fears were allayed as soon as the opportunity in 2022 for them doors opened. It felt like business as to showcase their fresh lines ‘in usual and a real boost to be back at person’ to both new and existing what is, for us, our main trade show customers. And Toy Fair was of the year. Both exhibitors and certainly an event to remember! visitors alike seemed buoyant, and The atmosphere was buzzing we are delighted it went ahead, as it’s with activity and excitement, been great for the industry. Long and there was a real sense of may these face-to-face events optimism for times to come. continue.” Applications for Toy Fair

In the words of Roland Earl, 2023 will be announced at the end of director general of the British March at www.toyfair.com. Toy & Hobby Association Congratulations to all who

(BTHA), which organised the ” triumphed in the Toy Industry Fair: “After a year away, it was Awards, winning the Toy of the a delight to see the industry Year, Supplier of the Year, and Toy come together again to kick-start 2022.” Retailer of the Year accolades. The results were

The feedback from exhibitors and announced during the show, along with the retailers we spoke to at Toy Fair Editors’ Choice Awards and Toy Fair’s Hero was resoundingly positive, as our Toys List. Our review of the show includes comprehensive review of the exhibition comments from exhibitors and interviews with in this issue reveals. We were hugely the retail finalists and winners. impressed by the new ranges that made So how was it for you? I’d love you to get in touch their debut on many of the stands. and share your story. You can connect with me via

The general consensus was, quite simply, LinkedIn or email me at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk. that ‘it was good to be back’. Nothing I look forward to hearing from you!