Toys n Playthings

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LEADER Mirella Anstey

W

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ell, it’s that time again! We all come together after the madness that is December, flushed with sales success (well, for me it is purchasing success as I bought a vast quantity of excellent toys for my kids) to look out for even more fabulous, quality, innovative excellence - yes, it’s London Toy Fair! Like everyone we talk to in the run Toy Fair 2017 up to and during Toy Fair, Team is coming TnP loves the show, enjoys the cut and thrust of business and which are sponsored by key clients. really revels in the Firstly, the wonderful team at Toy State tell us about networking — we some terrific new ranges and licenses — all of them are love talking to fast, exciting and dynamic — just what every kid (and you all; retailers, grown up) loves! Page 36 is where you will get to grips suppliers, buyers with the quality and dynamic toys from this innovative — every single and imaginative company. one of you! Chicco is another company that are creating some Consumers beautiful quality and very fun toys for kids always look and pre-schoolers. for the new and Turn to page 36 Chicco’s MD, Mitch Levene talks us the different — think We love through some of the company’s highlights Hatchimals — but more for Toy State talking to you and what we can all look forward to seeing than ever they are all; retailers, on their stand (and also there is a heck of a looking at competitive pricing. It is the lot of TV activity for the brand). The team bête noir of suppliers and retailers alike. suppliers, highlights some of the top products and I recall Peter Brown, Chairman of Flair, buyers gives us a little insight as to why they are telling me once that we are the only their favourites. That is on a page 48 so country in the world selling toys for less make sure you don’t miss that! money than we were 15 years ago — Another one to catch before you head to Olympia is scary, eh? our exclusive sponsored feature with BKids - this is the I mean this because in the wake of the Brexit company’s first time exhibiting at the London Toy Fair referendum, companies (retailers and suppliers alike) and as if that was not enough, they are also launching a are talking about possible price increases to cover new sensory range! costs such as currency fluctuations and so. Just last At Toy Fair, we will be filming TnP TV and would month, LEGO announced a five per cent price increase for this very reason. Never one to shy away from topical love for retailers, buyers and suppliers to get involved - so just get in touch with Ryan Horwood on 01442 issues our columnist dear old The Independent gives 289 930 to book your interview time! suppliers a piece of his mind and asks them If that wasn’t enough, we are also producing, on to help support pricing as he feels that behalf of the BTHA the exclusive London Toy Fair traditional toy shops are being squeezed Daily News — again, give Ryan a quick call to discuss out. The Secret Supplier, a wise and opportunities in that. Lastly, I want to urge you all to experienced member of the toy industry, flip our magazine over and have a good old read of suggests retailers take a stronger stance our Nuremberg preview — it’s a great show and our together. They slug it out on page 22 guide is an invaluable friend to have when you make — let me know who you side with and the trip out to Bavaria. And if you are not attending, your views! it is worth a good read to Now, I must bring your attention see what is happening to our superb and comprehensive Find out about globally as some London Toy Fair Preview — it is a the Infantino BKids new range companies are only cracker, I must say. on page 54 exhibiting at the Team TnP has worked tirelessly Spielwarenmesse. (with a fair bit of help from all the Happy New Year and exhibitors and also the BTHA) to happy hunting for those bring you a superb guide to a really terrific show. I must make special perfect toys that will set tills mention of some standout ringing! features in the magazine —

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EW I AIR V E PR DON TOY F

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It’s BTHA and Toy Fair Committee Chairman Jon Diver tells TnP why London Toy Fair is firmly part of the toy calendar and how buyers should make the most of this super show Jon, Toy Fair is upon us. What have the BTHA switched up to make another successful show? The Toy Fair team regularly review the show to ensure they create the best possible platform for both exhibitors and visitors to do business. The show has expanded significantly in recent years to accommodate more companies, which is a positive reflection of the overall success of both the show and our industry generally. New features such as the Greenhouse area, Toy Fair TV and the Demo Zone have all been added over time to help exhibitors and visitors get the most out of the show. Ultimately, the team aim to create a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere for the industry to come together in, and this year we are pleased to be welcoming lots of new companies and faces to help us do that.

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What: Toy Fair 2017 Where: Olympia, Kensington When: 24-26 January 2017 How many different exhibitors can buyers and retailers expect to meet at the fair? Toy Fair is as popular as ever with more than 250 exhibiting companies at the show, covering 22,000sqm of Olympia. The event space sold out in October b and d there is still a growing waiting list of companies the Toy Fair team are trying to accommodate at this late stage. This is a great example of just how important Toy Fair still is in the industry calendar.

H How iimportant t t iis it t keep introducing to ttoy buyers and rretailers to new suppliers? s Every year the team work E hard to make sure the h upcoming show is meeting up visitors' expectations and vi needs. Part of this is ensuring ne that Toy Fair continues to th attract new toy companies to add to the already unparalleled line-up that the show boasts. This year Toy Fair is pleased to welcome 45 toy companies exhibiting at the show for the very first time.

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Toy Fair brings together buyers from the large multi-store retailers to independent toy shops under one roof Jon Diver, BTHA Chairman

Fact! This year Toy Fair welcomes 45 new companies to the fair

showtime! The BTHA also presents some great new companies in the Greenhouse section — why should buyers head there? Toy Fair is a show for all sizes, ranging from small start-up companies to established global brands, and it's this diversity on the show floor which makes Toy Fair such a fulfilling event for those visiting. Over the years the team have done a great job at supporting and encouraging startups in their pursuit to break into our industry and nowhere is this more evident than in the purpose-built Greenhouse area which pulls all these companies together on the main show floor. This area is a hub of innovation and definitely not to be missed by visitors hoping to find something unique to take to retail.

How do you suggest buyers and retailers make the most of the show? Buyers and retailers should certainly plan ahead of time if they want to get the most out of the show. If possible, my best advice would be to book appointments with your key

JANUARY 2017

suppliers prior to Toy Fair as this will save valuable time on site. That being said, with so many brands and thousands of products launched at the show, it’s equally as important to leave enough time to just wander the show floor.

How critical is London Toy Fair to the success of the UK toy industry?

For suppliers this is the key time to be talking directly to UK buyers

Toy Fair brings together buyers from the large multi-store retailers to independent toy shops under one roof. We know that for many smaller and independent buyers, London Jon Diver, BTHA Toy Fair is the only trade event Chairman in the calendar they are able to attend, highlighting just how key it is to have a presence at the show. For suppliers this is the key time to be talking directly to UK buyers who may be critical in the success of your business in the year ahead.

What do you see as the ‘don’t miss’ opportunities for buyers? With thousands of brand new products being launched at Toy

Fair, there’s undoubtedly a lot for buyers to see and do at the show. I would definitely advise seeing the unveiling of the Best New Toys on the very first morning of the show to get a first glance at a selection of the most exciting crosscategory products being launched over three days. Additionally, the Toy Fair TV channel which airs around Olympia, shows visitors all there is to see around the hall over the three days. This is a great tool for buyers to see lots of different products in action, but more importantly will save them precious time on the show floor.

Jon, what are you looking forward to most this year at London Toy Fair? I always look forward to the Toy of the Year and Retailer of the Year Awards event. It’s a great opportunity to meet people from across the industry.

Jon's top tip... Don't wear new shoes!

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PRPERV LONLD EVIEIEW ON ODNOT NOTY OYFFAAIW IR R


EW I AIR V E PR DON TOY F

LON

It’s Toy Fair Toy Fair 2017 is all but upon us and this year promises to be as inventive, dynamic and exciting as ever. TnP catches up with some key suppliers who plan to bring Olympia to life

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ou won’t find an empty stand at Toy Fair 2017 — that’s because all of the exhibition space sold out months ago. In fact, Toy Fair organisers the BTHA released a statement as early as 6 October to announce the fair was a closed shop — good news indeed! This year Toy Fair returns to its original Tuesday to Thursday format following last year’s minor date change and it will be business as usual with the favoured press day taking place on Tuesday.

Retail focused Toy Fair is a haven for retailers of all

What: Toy F Where: Oly air 2017 When: 24- mpia, Kensington 26 Jan uary 2017

We will be previewing the new Disney Emoji collectable and plush range for the very first time — we are delighted to have signed this exciting license from Disney which will launch October 2017

Mary Wood, Vivid

shapes and sizes and suppliers welcome them with open arms. One company back at Toy Fair after a hiatus last year is Plum Products. “Plum have exhibited for many years at the London Toy Fair until 2016 when the timing clashed with Nuremburg,” says MD Mark Wilson. “We are delighted to be back in 2017, especially as we will be featuring our new scooter ranges from both Globber and Authentic Sports.”

And Plum’s reason for exhibiting at Toy Fair is one that will resonate with all suppliers. “It’s a great opportunity to meet customers old and new and to showcase Plum’s product innovation which, in my opinion, represents our best year yet and which will largely be available for delivery from February.” Vivid’s Marketing Director Mary Wood will be a familiar face to many and she tells us that while Vivid has hosted many clients in its showroom for an early preview, there are plenty of customers who will be seeing Vivid’s new range for the very first time at Toy Fair. “It’s not only an opportunity for us to show products often in a more finished format to buyers but it’s also a time where wider members of our customer teams such as the QA and merchandisers can meet with our team and see new ranges for themselves.” Similar to Vivid, VTech — which

Fact! VTech will launch more than 80 products at Toy Fair

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Best of the bunch BANANAGRAMS 020 7298 9500 www.bananagrams.com

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Bananagrams, the anagram game that drives you bananas, will be showcasing its two newest games at London Toy Fair: Bananagrams Party and My First Bananagrams. The Re-Gifter, The Thief, Switcheroo, Pouch Head... these are just some of the 14 chaos-inducing Party Power tiles in the new Bananagrams Party edition, a sociable spin on the classic anagram game. Each tile gives the receiving player the power to unleash a special action on the opponent of their choice. Whether it’s making them play without using their thumbs, or forcing them to do a lap around the table, each action is sure to cause mayhem while players race to use all their letter tiles and complete their own word grids. My First Bananagrams

A whole Lottie love ARKLU 01 203 773 27 26 www.lottie.com

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Arklu’s Lottie is heading for an exciting 2017, with an international PR and marketing campaign to include TV, viral videos, content marketing, targeted digital media advertising, and international editorial promotion. Two significant partnerships with Penguin and WAGGGS have been inked. Lottie has signed a publishing partnership with Penguin to launch a series of chapter books and activity education sticker and dressup books in May 2017. Characters from the forthcoming publishing series will also join the collection in doll form, Mia and Sammi. A licensing deal was signed between Lottie and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts which will see a three-year deal that initially covers the UK and Ireland. The launch range will be based on a Brownie doll, together with playsets, outfits and buildings based on the Brownie activities and age-group. Lottie Dolls is planning to launch a minimum of five products in collaboration with WAGGGS, which can be previewed at Toy Fair. Continued involvement from Lottie fans all over the world will be key. Six Lottie Dolls to date have been inspired by the designs of real children.

JANUARY 2017

is a brand new game designed to help ripen little learners’ vocabularies. Aimed at ages four-plus, the early learners’ version differs from the original family word game with colourful lower-case letters and unique double-letter tiles, designed to make it easier for mini wordsmiths to race to complete their word grid. My First Bananagrams also breaks away from the bunch with a distinct ripening green banana-shaped pouch. Designed to cater to a wide range of abilities amongst siblings and pals, My First Bananagrams includes a collection of fun games, with 10 curriculum-based mini games that are designed to become more challenging, as confidence and vocabulary grows. My First Bananagrams uniquely includes new double-tiles with vowel-teams, word families and digraphs. This makes it the perfect game for children as they learn to read and spell. Bananagrams has sold more than 7 million copies in 30-plus countries globally since launching in 2006.

Colour me beautiful LITTLE BRIAN 01706 666 620 www.littlebrian.com

Stand : B95

Little Brian is one of the newest brands to enter the toy industry and has burst onto the scene with the launch of its first product, Paint Sticks. Paint Sticks provide a clean and convenient way to paint with no need for water or the mess that comes with it. The solid paint sticks twist up and down, just like a glue stick, and allow vivid colours to be transferred directly onto surfaces like canvas, wood, paper, card and even glass, drying within minutes of use. Paint Sticks are also extremely versatile and offer a range of different techniques, from blending and stamping to the technique of scraperboard art. The brand will be exhibiting for the first time at London Toy Fair and has a bumper three days planned with the launch of new products and fun and games on stand that epitomise the Little Brian brand and allow for visitors to experience the products first-hand. Although Little Brian has only been on the scene for a short time, Paint Sticks has already won not one but three awards! The toy, which is perfect for ages four-plus, came first and was named overall winner in the creative play category of the Practical PreSchool Awards, and was awarded a gold win in the creative play category at the Primary Teacher Update Awards.

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FEATURE

CHARACTER LICENSING

Big bucks brands With 2017 set to be yet another bumper year for top quality movie licences and some great evergreen TV licences hitting important anniversary milestones, this year looks set to be dominated by more big name and big money-spinning brands. TnP takes a closer look

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haracter and entertainment licences have, for many years, been a driving force in the toy industry – a quick scoot around the showrooms of most toy companies or their stands at Toy Fairs highlight that. But this year brings a ‘new’ crop of top licences that are sure to make a huge impact on your sales. Children have so many touch points and the impact of characters can be felt almost constantly – from TV and movies, but also increasingly gaming (think smart devices as well as consoles) and special YouTube content – and it is obvious that they are being bombarded from all angles. For Johanne Broadfield, VP, Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA, licensing in the toys category is hugely important and she knows that children will always try to seek a connection with the characters and bring them into their own world. “Kids relate to characters that are aspirational

– those that they can relate to and want to emulate through their skills, powers and qualities. That’s what inspires them” she says. Senior Vice President of Consumer Products EMEA for Warner Bros., Julian Moon believes this aspirational aspect is behind so many successful licensed characters – as well as teaming up with key licensees who love and understand the brand, and give the

consumers what they want at any given moment. “Characters like DC Super Heroes are aspirational and empowering, and WBCP brings fans the world’s most iconic Super Heroes and animated characters within WBCP’s powerhouse portfolio. Such an offering presents rich potential in terms of the right license paired up with our world-class partners, and supported with impactful licensed product programmes. Together with our partners throughout the EMEA region, I also think it’s about sharing the enjoyment with other fans, for the film, TV series or character collectable, that gives people a connection and sense of belonging.” And Katie Ball, Retail Partnership Manager at BBC Worldwide agrees: “The CBeebies channel is at 98 per cent brand awareness, which makes it an incredibly powerful platform for our pre-school content. Shows

Superstar year for Warner Bros CP Senior Vice President of Consumer Products EMEA for Warner Bros., Julian Moon tells us: “It will be a year of Super Heroes, with something for all ages and all demographics. Mattel is our master toy partner and the program also includes LEGO as our exclusive constructions set partner. In EMEA, our partners including Rubies Masquerade, LEGO, Sambro, Random House, Egmont, Aykroyds & Sons, Cooneen, IMC, GB Eye and Pyramid Posters, among many others.”

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NIKKI SAMUELS OF SAMBRO SAYS “PAW Patrol has been absolutely phenomenal in 2016 — we extended our existing collection significantly at the beginning of the year and each category has quite literally flown out. Our bag range, in particular, has been extremely popular and I think that’s because there is such a variety available. I always seem to say this at the start of the year but 2017 will definitely be our biggest yet and we have some amazing new licensed ranges coming up including Despicable Me 3, Cars 3, Hello Kitty, Forever Friends, LEGO Batman and so much more.”

such as Go Jetters and Hey Duggee regularly attract almost half a million fully engaged viewers who relate to the themes in each show – whether that’s learning through play, places they’ve visited or simply the way they view the world. We know that fans of these shows, both parents and children are passionate and care deeply, so we always work with innovative and creative partners that deliver products that extend children’s enjoyment of shows that they love.” Nikki Samuels, the Licensing Director at Sambro International concludes that licensed products allow consumers to trust the brand as they invite it into o their home regularly on TV: “Children’s characters represent things that children can not only relate to but that also often represent many of the core values that adultss want to instil in their

JANUARY 2017

children – kindness, helpfulness etc. Therefore, when an adult purchases a licensed product they can be safe in the knowledge that each licensor has stayed true to the character and its unique traits." And the impact, rather than plateauing or indeed waning, shows only signs of gaining momentum. Vicky Hill, Licensing Manager of Bulldog explains why 2017 (and beyond) is a significant time for the licensing of characters in the toy category: “The movie slate for the next few years is jam-packed with blockbuster releases including established franchises and new brands from the major studios. Combining this with the strength of brands developing in the TV, toy and digital space, I think the next few years will see incredibly strong presence for licensed brands in the market, and their popularity amongst consumers will grow.” That consumer recognition is high already thanks tot the programming, but in order for the licensing to really soar, the partnership between licensor, licensee and retailer has to be strong and consistent messaging - in the shape of marketing and promotional activity - is essential. The BBC’s Katie Ball explains how relatively new BBC property, Go Jetters reached out to consumers via retailers: “We’ve worked on several successful retail initiatives this year that have seen us bring our brands closer to the fans! We implemented a Go

Kids relate to characters that are aspirational… That’s what inspires them

Johanne Broadfield, Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA

Jetters Retail Character costume tour to support the toy launch which reached 10 different retail outlets, as well as stand out experiential activity at the Hamley’s Christmas Toy Parade which reached more 750k people in a crucial Christmas sales period. Our ambition for 2017 is being bigger, better and bolder.” For Katie Rollings, Head of UK Licensing at Entertainment One, strong partnerships with retailers are key - and a win-win proposition for all involved. “We ran a fantastic retail initiative with Asda in 2016, which saw Peppa Pig become the face of its Baby and Toddler event,” she says. “The promotion gave us highly coveted aisle space and enhanced visibility for the Peppa range in one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains. As a result, Asda became the top-selling retailer for the brand in 2016.” But do the licensing experts believe that it is all doom and gloom for the

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FEATURE

CHARACTER LICENSING

“ industry without the power of a top So, what should retailers look out licence? Vicky at Bulldog believes for in 2017? Naturally, Disney and it’s all about balance. “I think there is their raft of instantly recognisable room for both generic and licensed and huge popular, and actually product in the toy market – when you one should say, cultural icons, will look at the top toy lists for Christmas no doubt boost many sales and each year there is usually a good revenues sheets globally. Vicky mix. But as brands become more agrees, but adds a few more prolific, working with licensors gives names in the mix: “You cannot companies a great way to differentiate deny the strength of Disney, and offer Universal something and they know Nickelodeon will be in as they Turner’s Ben 10 Hero demand ramp Experience in Manchester’s with up activity retailers Trafford Centre, made a huge moving in to and 2017, but for impact at retail! consumers girls Shopkins alike.” is set for The recognition a top license brings another incredible year, with more can also make any toy stand out on innovative toy and entertainment the shelf, and eOne’s Katie says the releases from Moose, new product “emotional connection” kids already from our licensees and new fashion have with their favourite characters can instantly heighten a product’s desirability. “Licenses also have the added marketing exposure that repeatedly watching a TV show or movie reinforces, so their connection to that character is constantly being strengthened,” she adds.

Did you know…

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We’re putting a real focus on new and innovative product, extending retail partnerships and delivering programmes around our pre-school favourites

Katie Ball, BBC Worldwide

collaborations, we see Shopkins as an important piece at 2017 toy and licensing growth. Grossery Gang will also go from strength to strength for boys as the growth of brands originating in the collectable arena is proven and the initial feedback is extremely positive.” But it’s not all about Disney’s greatness or the power of Shopkins this year — the UK’s own homegrown talent is broadening and growing too. Warner Bros SVP, Julian Moon says we can expect a lot of big things from them in 2017: “There is the release of the Wonder Woman film in June, during her 75th anniversary year. As the most iconic female super hero, it strengthens our offering to girls wanting more Super Heroes for them. The Wonder Woman film will create a whole new platform for her and for WBCP to offer multiple licensing opportunities." So, the DC Universe will be a major focus for us throughout the EMEA region this year. Kate from the BBC tells us there is a lot more to come from Aunty too: “We’re putting a real focus on new and innovative product, extending retail partnerships and delivering programmes around our pre-school favourites Hey Duggee and Sarah & Duck and Go Jetters. We’re also looking to roll out a new creative strategy for our evergreen Doctor Who Universe is a celebration of its 50 plus years of heritage which will allow retail to take a new approach to the brand. The launch I’m really looking forward to is the brand mash up between Doctor Who and Sanrio’s Mr Men Little Miss, seeing the 12 doctors reimagined in the style of Roger Hargreaves. We’re also really excited about the recent clothing lines from Hey Duggee - the first few selections to launch into grocery sold out in a matter of days, so lots more to come for the brand”. And what of Turner? Ben 10 was a global superstar and very much looks set for a big comeback - Johanne Broadfield details what retailers have in store for them from her stable: “In no particular order, you can expect… innovative things from our marketing and digital teams across all of our brands, more big reveals for Adventure Time, new IPs and our multi-platform approach to launching them, great things for boys with Ben 10 and lots of Powerpuff Girls on retail shelves”!

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© 2017 Viacom. Shimmer and Shine, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Wissper, Digby. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES © 2017 Viacom Overseas Holdings C.V. All Rights Reserved. PAW PATROL © 2017 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. Lily’s Driftwood Bay™ © Copyright Sixteen South Limited 2017.













Toys at Spring Fair

2017


PREVIEW

Spring Fair has sprung The beauty of toys is that it touches so many different industries, from licensing to gifting. Suppliers and retailers are not pigeonholed into one particular selling category and that’s why Spring Fair is a must-attend. TnP finds out more about this great show...

Spring Fair 2016 What: Spring Fair 2017 When: 5-9 February 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham

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t’s the major event around a key buying season – that’s why thousands of exhibitors, retailers, buyers and manufacturers head to the NEC for the annual Spring Fair. Opening on 5 February and running until the ninth, Spring Fair is a key trade show for gift, home and toys, welcoming more than 60,000 visitors through the doors of Birmingham NEC over the course of five days. Connecting people and products for 40 years, Spring Fair attracts a purchase power of £2.4 billion, making it a must-do for over to another successful Spring Fair 2,500 exhibitors with must-have items and show, catching up with existing a must-see for buyers across independents, customers and forging new multiples, e-Commerce and more. business relationships. The Officially opened by the Queen at the breadth of range for NEC in 1976, Spring 2017, with some of the Fair has a history of The visitors to hottest brand licenses high standards and and key toy lines Spring Fair are it is the destination covering gift and home serious buyers all major wholesale trade with a good price points event, with exhibitors knowledge of will ensure HTI is showcasing cutting the stand to visit at their company edge trends, infinite Spring Fair 2017.” choice and fresh requirements It is the same for brands. Anna May, The Sarah Dayus, Brand Across 15 halls of Carat Shop Manager at Great Gizmos, the NEC, Spring Fair who tells us: “Spring brings exhibitors Fair has always been and visitors together a really exciting show for through 14 carefully curated show sectors, us, particularly because it providing the ideal opportunity to make a brings a lot of new buyers connection. The destination for forwardalong. We always meet thinking exhibitors and buyers with an eye buyers in sectors we don’t for something special, Spring Fair puts the traditionally sell to.” newest and most exciting products within It is an important show reach. for Pretend to Bee too as Sales and Marketing A must-attend show Director Harrison Palmer We spoke to a number of exhibitors to find tells us: “Spring Fair is out what they appreciate about Spring Fair always a must-attend and why they choose to exhibit. HTI UK’s for us. The venue is Divisional Director, Michael Butterworth, a perfect location told us: “The HTI team is looking forward

which makes it ideal for not only welcoming new customers but also meeting existing customers.” And it is a similar story for Lauren Shipman, Group Brand Manager at Posh Paws: “Spring Fair offers us the opportunity to meet with a whole host of independent toy and gift retailers and showcase to them our very latest licensed plush and backpacks ranges."

An engaging audience So who goes to Spring Fair? Is the audience different from, say, London Toy Fair or Nuremberg? Great Gizmos’ Sarah thinks so: “We definitely see a wider range of buyers from all different retail avenues, rather than just the toy sector.” Agreeing, Gibsons’ Sales and Marketing Executive Samantha Goodburn points out: “Definitely. We always make sure we are placed in an attractive location and as our stand is

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Helping everyone sell more

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,125

1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

7 ry 201 Janua No. 4 6 Vol. 3

© 2017 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

INSPIRING THE WONDER OF CHILDHOOD


CONTENTS PG 8

17 ry 20 Janua No.4 6 Vol. 3

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager

We talk to Mattel on page 6 about 2017 and more

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Leader with Mirella Anstey

6

Cover Story – Mattel is all about its brands. From Barbie to Thomas, the company creates, crafts and curates brand stories to make the consumer sit up and take notice. But how has the past year fared for them, and what path will 2017 lead them down? TnP sat down with Mattel’s Wendy Hill to find out more

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Nuremberg Toy Fair 2017– It’s here! The world’s biggest toy fair is just around the corner and anyone who is anyone in the toy industry makes it their business to be there. We know how important this annual trip to Nuremberg is and so TnP has gathered information from key suppliers to give you a comprehensive show guide. Now you can do your planning well in advance!

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Bruder (above) Worlds Apart and Hauck (right) are just some of the companies exhibiting at Nuremberg

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,123 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

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