From the publisher

Easter is one of the more unpredictable annual holidays. It moves around the calendar, to the extent that no-one is ever really sure when it falls from one year to the next. This year’s Easter was an early one, which is not generally the preferred option for many toy retailers. While Easter is traditionally seen as a good opportunity for suppliers to launch new ranges and for retailers to boost sales, that arguably tends to work better when it falls later in April, by which time the weather may be markedly different. An early Easter also plays havoc with like-for-like sales comparisons over March and April. Nevertheless, right now, anything that can help to provide some impetus and stimulate retail sales is most welcome – and thankfully I gather that the Easter break did just that for many toy retailers.

It was widely reported that High Street footfall was significantly up over the Easter weekend. Of course, it was also payday for most people just before Easter, which undoubtedly helped; I think we may see that ‘payday bounce’ - and perhaps a subsequent tailing off as the month progresses - become a more regular trading pattern this year. Financial pressures are arguably easing (albeit slowly and slightly), but I suspect the average family still has to juggle expenditure from one payday to the next.

However, Easter undoubtedly showed that if you have the right proposition – a good mix of product, reasonably priced, supported by targeted marketing activity and in-store support - there is business there to be done. And with 2024 now very much up and running, attention will very soon be turning to the pivotal autumn winter period. While the majors have made their initial Q4 selections, this month it’s the turn of the specialist independent channel to focus on its orders for the back end – and the Toymaster May Show provides the perfect opportunity for retailers and suppliers to get together to deliberate and discuss those crucial decisions.

This year, we decided to mix it up and do something a little different –hence alongside the main May issue you hold in your hand, you’ll also find a separate standalone supplement, previewing the Toymaster May Show. This dedicated publication has allowed us to really focus on the event – we’ve pulled together a wealth of information about the key new launches that exhibitors will be showcasing in Harrogate, plus comments from suppliers about what the show means to them and how they are looking to support the indies this year, along with valuable insight from the Toymaster central office team and some of its leading members.

The passion and enthusiasm that the indies have for selling toys is undeniable, as is the depth of knowledge they can offer consumers. It is also great to see an increasing number of toy suppliers recognising the valuable role the indies can play in launching brand new concepts and giving them the support they need to continue to thrive in this highly competitive retail environment. So, once you have waded through all the great content in this edition, the Toymaster supplement will give you all the information you need to help prepare for your visit to Harrogate. And if you need a refresher at the show, we’ll have additional copies of the Toymaster Supplement for you to pick up at the Majestic Hotel.

Before you turn your attention to the Toymaster supplement, there is the small matter of the main issue, in which there is plenty to keep you occupied. There’s an interview with Morrisons senior toy buyer David Catton, as the grocer shakes up its toy aisles and looks set to establish itself as a strong contender in the toy arena. In addition, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the BTHA, as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. In the first part of this twopart special (part two comes next month), current BTHA representatives discuss their roles and what it’s like to work for such a beloved organisation. There’s also an exclusive article in partnership with one of India’s leading law firms, ELP, which takes a look at the opportunities provided by the Indian market – in terms of both retail sales in the region, and also its potential as a manufacturing hub for companies looking to de-risk their supply chains, especially those companies which have hitherto put all their eggs in the basket marked ‘China’.

And if that wasn’t enough, if you flip this issue over, you will find our latest comprehensive Licensing World section, featuring an in-depth preview of this month’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, a round-up of some of the key licensed properties of interest to suppliers and retailers in the kids’ and family space, and an exhaustive trawl through some of the latest licensed ranges that will be hitting shelves in the coming months. All lovingly curated to give you the key information you need about what’s happening in the licensing world, without having to wade through a lot of content that isn’t relevant to your business.

Because – and I can’t stress this enough – you can never have too much great content. More is more (and less is less). That’s why more people read Toy World. Enjoy the issue and the Toymaster supplement, and the Toy World team looks forward to seeing you in Harrogate, Las Vegas or London (for Distoy) over the next few weeks.