LEADER Clare Turner
O At the heart of retail Also by Lema Publishing
ver the past months, the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) has been continuously monitoring government regulations and industry guidance to best prepare and work towards delivering a safe and successful Toy Fair. At TnP went to press, the BTHA was pleased to confirm that, ‘given the government has not changed the conditions under which the Fair can take place’, it looks forward to delivering a great Toy Fair 2022 and to welcoming the industry back again. This news will be warmly welcomed by readers, who are no doubt counting the days until they can meet up again at the UK’s premier toy industry event, which takes place from January 25 to January 27 at Olympia in London. As the BTHA’s director of fairs and special events Majen Immink says in this issue, it will be the first big opportunity of the year for visitors to get hands-on with the hottest toys and games for 2022 and see all the exciting new trends. And, she adds, if anyone (like me!) has not attended before, Toy Fair provides a real overview and insight into this fun, innovative and exciting industry. It’s also, of course, a great setting to network with peers and make new contacts. Majen notes that this year, more than ever, it’s so important that all exhibitors and visitors have a very successful experience, especially after a tough couple of years during Covid and a year away – when the show was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. There are some elements of Toy Fair that involve crowding and so are unable to take place this time round, such as the Influencer Day, Demo Zone and Toy Fair TV. But Toy Fair’s Hero Toys will be back, and exhibitors will still be allowed to hold events on their stands.
“
TableWare INTERNATIONAL
TableWare INTERNATIONAL
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
J i
This factor is one of several cited by retailers interviewed for this edition as a reason why they are so excited to go to the show again. Nouman Qureshi, the toys & hobbies category manager of eBay, is particularly keen to see the Asmodee stand “because their demonstrations are flawlessly executed and very engaging,” while Julia Wingate, owner of The Trading Post in Kingsbridge, loves playing a quick game with Big Potato Games and seeing the water toys at Tomy. But the first time she sees the life-size LEGO models and meets Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly walking about always brings a smile to her face. As Peter Allinson, director of the four-strong specialist chain Whirligig Toys in Kent and Sussex, points out: “Being trodden on by various furry characters is always fun!” The exhibitors we’ve spoken to are similarly keen to return to the show and share what they’ve been working on. Jack Probyn, UK marketing manager of Winning Moves, sums up the mood of many when he says: “More than anything else, having not seen one another for nearly two years, we’re excited to see our customers again. We can’t wait to hear what’s hot in their worlds, and to be able to show them what’s hot in ours. The connectivity within the show is second to none and we look forward to welcoming customers both old and new onto our stand.” As a first-time visitor, I can’t wait to meet you all. From the feedback I’ve received from regular visitors and exhibitors, I’m sure the atmosphere at the show will be nothing but upbeat and positive, as everyone is so keen to meet up in person and see products ‘in the flesh’ again. Finally, flip this issue over and you will find our preview to the world’s largest toy fair: the Spielwarenmesse, which will be held from February 2 to February 6 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.
Toy Fair will be the first big opportunity of the year for visitors to get hands-on with the hottest toys and games for 2022 and see all the exciting new trends
”
Enjoy the issue, enjoy the shows - and see you there!
