NEWS
Toys“R’’Us and Babies“R’’Us to return to UK Toys“R’’Us ANZ and WHP Global, the parent company of Toys“R’’Us and Babies R Us, have signed a long-term exclusive licence agreement for Toys“R’’Us ANZ to run digital and physical retail commerce for Toys“R’’Us and Babies“R’’Us in the UK. Yehuda Shmidman, WHP Global and Toys“R’’Us chairman and CEO said: “We selected Toys“R’’Us ANZ as our partner to expand into the UK because of their proven success in launching with us in Australia under the leadership of CEO Dr Louis Mittoni. Toys“R’’Us today is a vibrant business with over 900 stores and ecommerce sites across 25-plus countries generating over US$2 billion a year in sales and growing, especially with the new launches underway for both the US and UK markets.” Dr Louis Mittoni, CEO and managing director of Toys“R’’Us ANZ, added: “Tailoring our successful Australian relaunch plan
to the UK echoes the success of other ecommerce ‘platform play’ businesses that have delivered growth and value due to their ability to quickly and cost effectively expand their software, processes, partner relationships and brands into new countries. “Since Toys“R’’Us returned to Australia in June 2019, we have scaled quickly as customers returned to the much-loved brand and our ecommerce model has proven its success. My team and I are looking forward to developing technical and commercial relationships with UK-based vendors and partners and to engaging with the many loyal Toys“R’’Us former customers and fans in the UK.” Toys“R’’Us ANZ plans to commence online sales to UK shoppers over the next months, initially from existing operations in Australia, while it works to establish local teams, offices, and logistics facilities during 2022 and 2023.
Visitor registration now open for
Toy Fair 2022 Registration has opened for Toy Fair 2022. Following a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic, the 68th edition of Toy Fair will take place from Tuesday 25 January to Thursday 27 January at Olympia, London. The event, which is the largest dedicated toy, game, and hobby trade exhibition in the UK, will occupy a new layout across the Grand and National Halls. Attendees can register for free at www.toyfair.co.uk. To ease the application process, attendees from any of the past three Toy Fairs will receive a Smart Link to their existing profile, so they only need to check, update, and submit their details to receive their 2022 e-badge. All visitors must pre-register before they arrive on-site at the show. Unlike previous years, you will not be able to register for your 6
visitor pass on-site, as part of Covid-19 safety guidelines. Show organiser the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) stated: “Toy Fair will be the first opportunity of the year for retailers, licensors, media, and the wider industry to meet face-toface with more than 250 exhibiting companies and get hands-on with the hottest new toys and trends for 2022. After a year away, there is huge positivity and great excitement from the industry to return to a physical show in January. ‘The event will welcome back a high number of companies as well as many new exhibitors. Visitors will be able to network with exhibitors ranging from renowned brands though to ambitious start-ups.’’
BLE issues alert for international attendees Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has unveiled details of an international traveller testing partnership and health and safety protocol measures - for next month’s event, which will be held from 17 November to 19 November at ExCeL London. BLE has partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. ExpressTest by CignPost is one of the leading UK testing providers, an ABTA partner and a UK government listed COVID-19 screening service, which provides fast, accurate and reliable testing. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit, to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service, with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue. The test booking service will open during the first week of November and information will be communicated via the BLE website, social media and direct communications with event customers. This partnership is one of many measures in place to help the safe return to live events by show organiser Informa Markets. In addition to requiring proof of vaccination, negative test, or natural immunity to enter ExCeL, attendees will also be required wear masks. Medical exemptions will apply, and masks can be removed when eating and drinking.
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