Toymaster Touching Base

New Members

Naresh Basantani - Music Corner, Gibraltar

We are both excited and proud to be part of the Toymaster group. Since joining the group, our store in Gibraltar has benefitted from increased international recognition. Toymaster has helped us gain access to suppliers and distributors with which we had been very eager to work with for many years, and this has really boosted our business. The group has a unique, more centralised procedure for opening trading accounts and sharing our company info with new suppliers, which has made the process much easier and saved us time.

The centralised invoicing system and superb supplier access, plus the amount of information on toy safety and marketing programmes that is shared with members, all adds up to create a smoother, reduced hassle day-to-day business.

Toymaster also helps independent stores secure favourable trading terms and has a very strong and professional back-office team. They are always very helpful and happy to assist with anything you may require.

This year sees our store Music Corner celebrate 25 years of trading in Gibraltar. We would highly recommend that any store not yet part of this group joins the family and reaps the benefits.

Fidelis Rice - Totally Toys, Co. Mayo, Ireland

One of the most surprising benefits of being a member of Toymaster is the convenience and versatility of the TIMS account system. I have found it very useful for handling shortage and damage claims on the system. Chasing up these claims can be very time consuming as a non-member, but the TIMS system handles it all in a very efficient manner.

The single biggest benefit of being in Toymaster is the ease with which we can deal with new suppliers. We no longer have to contend with endless amounts of paperwork in order to open accounts and get new product in store. This aspect, and the extended credit terms we now receive as Toymaster members, is a real advantage.

To any business thinking of joining Toymaster, I would say: don’t delay. There is a cost to being a member but the increased margin you will enjoy will more than compensate for this.

Paul Rothwell - Big Top Toys, Bakewell

There are a couple of aspects of membership I’ve discovered since joining Toymaster that have surprised me. The group’s website includes a long list of items that its members are buying, so it’s easy to see if there is anything I should be buying that I haven’t been. And the marketing packs that can be purchased are very good value; we have been decorating our shops with them, and they look great.

The biggest benefit for me has been the invoicing system. Before I joined, I would be spending at least a couple of days a month uploading receipts and invoices for the accountant. TIMS means it’s now pretty much all in one place. Obviously not all suppliers I deal with are Toymaster suppliers, but most are.

I had assumed I would be able to deal with the larger companies I couldn’t get an account with before I joined. I already had a Lego account so had that covered, but there are a couple of the larger suppliers who are still seemingly reluctant to deal with me. However, they will be getting visits at the Toymaster show in May to ask why this is the case, and with the Toymaster team on hand for support I can hopefully get this resolved.

Dermot Salmon - Salmon's Department Store, Co. Galway, Ireland

Joining the Toymaster buying group, a retailing community with hugely supportive members, has been a new and major asset to our company. Our relative isolation amidst a sea of international competitors, in addition to our rural setting, has been greatly relieved by joining Toymaster. The group’s general manner, particularly its member support and positive attitude, has been very pleasant to experience.

The greatest benefit of group membership has probably been the unbiased, independent and valuable advice we’ve received from fellow members on a range of issues, plus the general expertise and knowledge of the toy marketplace that Toymaster offers any new member. The TIMS back-office management system is also an invaluable asset to any business.

We would have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending membership of Toymaster to any prospective independent retailer.

Donard McGreevy - McGreevy’s Toys Direct, Co. Mayo, Ireland

We’ve experienced many benefits since joining Toymaster. I’ve probably been most pleasantly surprised by the discounts we now get from suppliers. I had dealt with a lot of suppliers before I joined the group but I’m now getting much better value as a Toymaster member. The other members and the Toymaster team in Northampton are also a huge benefit: it’s a friendly and helpful community to be involved in. The amount of behind-the-scenes information Toymaster gives us on products, trends, etc. is very useful.

In my opinion, the single biggest benefit of being a Toymaster member is the instant access you get to all the leading companies and brands. Before we became a member, we’d have to wait for several weeks or more to get approved and open a credit account, but not anymore. Retailers considering membership should talk to existing members and get direct feedback from them. Ask questions and find out the information that’s relevant for you and your business.

Usman Ali - Toys4you, Sutton Coldfield

Before joining Toymaster, Toys4you carefully researched the benefits offered by becoming part of the group, but after joining we discovered even more pleasant surprises. From providing guidance and resources on the look and feel of the shop to giving key insights into market trends, Toymaster provides a useful platform for independent toyshops and retailers to excel.

We weren’t aware until after we joined that members are given resources such as window displays, POS solutions and props for special sales periods including Easter and Christmas. These are little things, but they contribute a lot to the overall customer experience and perception of the shop. The media centre within the Toymaster portal gives our online and social media team a head start when creating posts and videos for our social platforms. The ability to keep track of invoices and the option to buy in one place helps reduce the administrative burden on independent retailers already inundated with other business-related activities. Toymaster also empowers its members to negotiate better deals with suppliers and gives access to exclusive products, which is a real plus in this very competitive industry. And if you have a question, you can put it to all the other members in the forum: there is always someone ready to offer expert advice.

The single biggest benefit of becoming a Toymaster member is the access to Toymaster portal, TIMS. Business success relies on the relationships and communication you have with your suppliers and Toymaster makes it easier by giving members access to a central repository containing all supplier details, catalogues and marketing/product assets, invoicing, order forms and industry data.

Any indie retailer that wants to join Toymaster should not have any second thoughts. Being part of the Toymaster family helps move your business to the next level and I believe joining should be a no-brainer. Toymaster isn’t just any old retailer’s association, it’s a family of very friendly people that grants you access to important industry data, suppliers and resources which are almost impossible to get as an indie outside of the group.

Our experience of becoming a Toymaster member was very smooth. All our questions were answered promptly and there is always someone who can help you if you have any issues or queries. Indies who want to join Toymaster should not hesitate and sign up as soon as possible. If you don’t, you are missing out on all the opportunities Toymaster brings to your business. If any indie has any questions they can approach us, or any other Toymaster member, at the show and we will be more than happy to help.

New Exhibitors

Phil Hooper - UK managing director, Plus-Plus UK & Ireland

As a new subsidiary of Plus-Plus, we have recruited (and continue to recruit) agents focused on working collaboratively with indies to build our brand in the UK & Ireland. We are fully committed to working with agents to service the needs of our stockists. Our products are manufactured in Denmark and shipped from the EU, so our supply chain is much shorter and more reactive to demand fluctuations than it would be if shipping from Asia: this helps us ensure that serviceability is a high business priority.

Plus-Plus is a brand with a proven track record of selling successfully from a range of merchandised spinner units, typically shipped with demo stock built in, giving consumers the opportunity to play with the brand in-store and appreciate how fun it is. We’re also looking to support key independents across the county with a range of marketing support including demo days and sampling opportunities.

Plus-Plus already has a solid distribution base but there’s still a big opportunity to work more closely with Toymaster members to expand both our geographical coverage and breath of ranging. Our tube business is where many accounts start, but segments including Learn to Build, Puzzle by Number and Big offer so much more across building, puzzles, open-ended play and activities. We felt that it was essential to become a Toymaster supplier to enable us to work more closely with members to build our business together.

We put a great deal of effort into how we showcased the PlusPlus brand at London Toy Fair and Spring Fair but believe that showing directly to Toymaster members in Harrogate will give us the opportunity to have a more direct and constructive dialogue. We’re as keen to get feedback from members as we are to help them understand more about our brand.

Plus-Plus is manufactured in our own production facilities in Denmark, to a high level of quality and from 100% renewable wind energy. We believe that a brand like ours can offer a level of quality and differentiation that is so often requested from the independent trade.

James Barrett - Sales manager, Peers Hardy UK

We’re passionate about our independent toy retailers and in the past year we’ve seen huge growth in the number of independents we supply. In order to support them we offer discounts on orders, free display and POS as well as gift bags for our Disney jewellery and Wow Generation products. We’re always looking to introduce new licences and products and would actively look to help any customer who was seeking a particular product or licence we don’t currently supply.

We decided to become a Toymaster supplier because of the huge number of retailers the group has in its membership, plus the fact our products are a great fit and offer something new to members that isn’t offered elsewhere. The way Toymaster works makes it easy for both us and its members to work together. We’ve seen our supply to Toymaster members quadruple this year alone, and we hope to deal with more members going forward.

We decided to exhibit at the show this year, and hopefully in years to come, as it will enable us to catch up with our current customers and hopefully reach out to some new ones. Those who haven’t seen our new products will get a chance to see lines we’re introducing for the second half of the year as well as our fantastic new brand, Wow Generation - plus there’s the fact we get to spend a few days out of the office (and play some golf).

Lewis Finch - Sales director, Baby Republic

To assist independent retailers in 2023 we’re taking a really proactive approach, recommending our most popular Elf on the Shelf product lines and offering marketing support such as complimentary POS and impactful FSDU materials together with access to our full library of Elf social media imagery. Christmas orders placed at the show do not require an upfront deposit and additionally, we provide a low minimum order value and free carriage, ensuring that our services remain accessible to retailers of all sizes. During the selling season, we maintain regular contact with our retail partners and offer continuous support to help them succeed. We are also able to restock low inventory levels quickly, often with next-day service.We have chosen to exhibit for the first time at the show to reach a wider audience of independent toy retailers and by meeting face-to-face, we hope to better understand their needs so we can work together to build successful partnerships. As a supplier, attending the show also grants us access Toymaster's support services, which will help us gain insight into market trends and adapt our 2024 product offerings accordingly.

Exhibitors

Simon Willott - Senior business development manager, Hornby Hobbies

Hornby Hobbies will be putting a lot of time and focus into the independent sector this year with the aim of building relationships further and expanding on our current customer base.

Our Business Development team will continue to visit our independent customers to showcase our latest and greatest products. Our new ranges will continue to launch throughout the year, with some exciting innovations set to arrive in the market. Many of our new products and ranges are developed for sale through independent retailers so the channel will continue to be a big focus for us.

Our current stockholding remains strong, and we’ll continue to supply the independent channel with high-quality merchandise that offers value for money across all our brands. We’ve also added new systems to give customers more information and visibility on their business with us.

It’s vital that Hornby Hobbies exhibits at the Toymaster show and gets back in front of its customers for what will be the first time since 2019. The opportunity to meet and greet our colleagues and customers once again, be they new, existing or potential Toymaster members, will be crucial to our success this coming year. Our ranges cover both the hobby and toy sectors and Toymaster stores are a very important way to give consumers full access to our toy ranges. We look forward to seeing our customers when they visit our stand at the show.

Sam Bucknall - Head of UK & European Sales, Smiffys

At Smiffys we continue to support independent retailers by introducing new, innovative lines throughout the year. We are continually adding to our extensive licensed portfolio, allowing our customers to access the most sought-after character costumes and partyware. Our dedicated sales team is on hand to support independent customers, listening to their needs and striving to ensure customers have access to high quality, popular products. We also continue to support bricks & mortar retailers with seasonal POS to help drive sales.

Independent retailers continue to be a priority for Smiffys. We recognise the importance of a high street presence for both the retailers and our brand, allowing customers to see Smiffys products for themselves, displayed alongside complementary toy ranges. The May show is a great opportunity for us to strengthen the relationships with our existing retailers and meet new potential buyers.

Carmel Wright - Marketing manager, Pat Avenue

Pat Avenue is really excited to be attending the Toymaster show this year. As we’ve recently been through a rebrand, it’s important for us to be able to engage with members face to face and the Toymaster show gives us that unique opportunity. We have an exciting new chapter ahead of us as we prepare to launch our brandnew in-house range, Battle Heads. We consider independents a key partner in this launch and the opportunity for them to see and play with the product will be invaluable.

We also view independent retailers as a key ingredient to our future success and as such will be investing heavily in marketing activity and retail support. We will have various in-store POS that will be available to our customers as well as sample packs and fun day kits to increase footfall. We will also be running social media campaigns and competitions to increase awareness of our brands.

In addition, we will have several exclusive Toymaster offers available at the show for members to take advantage of.

Robert Snuggs - Managing director, Bounce Sales & Marketing

Bounce has a long history of offering a friendly and efficient service to independent retailers, and we’re dedicated to building strong relationships with independent toy retailers over the coming year. As the leading specialist sales agency for children’s books, we offer a unique and diverse selection of products for Toymaster members including toys, games, puzzles and books, and we’re constantly adding new products to our range. With no minimum order quantities and no carriage charge, we are committed to providing a flexible service so toy retailers can both experiment and easily replenish stock. We are offering an extra 5% discount at the May show for all Toymaster members.

We pride ourselves on providing superb customer service. Bounce offers a knowledgeable and experienced ‘on the road’ sales force backed by an office team that helps our Toymaster trade customers choose the right products for their markets.

The team is looking forward to attending the Toymaster May Show in 2023 for the first time and to sharing plenty of physical samples from our toy and games, book, and puzzle selection. We are excited to connect with as many Toymaster members as possible, so please do visit us in the Upper Marquee. It will be a pleasure to meet and introduce ourselves in-person at such a key event in the independent toy retailer’s calendar.

Simon Prest - Sales director, Orchard Toys

By working with our distribution partners, we’re able to offer our independent customers more flexible terms of business. And as a brand, we’re working collaboratively with independents on promotions that will help drive their business, offering them tailored in-store activities so they’re able to host bespoke activity days that will drive footfall through their stores.

The independent toy trade is vital to our business. Indie retailers’ interactions with their loyal customers serves as our eyes and ears on the high street, and we really value that shopper insight, alongside their custom and support. Attending the Toymaster show gives us another great opportunity to see our valued indie customers, get a feel for current trading and an outlook for Q4 expectations. The show is also another perfect occasion to meet our customers in a more personal and relaxed environment, show them our whole range, share our knowledge around what is performing, and make recommendations for the all-important season ahead.

Neil Montgomery - UK commercial director, Juratoys

As a company we’re always looking at ways in which we can help and support our customers. We understand the challenges retailers face, especially in the uncertain times we have experienced over the past few years. With this in mind, we’re always on hand with consumer promotions and giveaways to help grow social media platforms, as well as useful in-store display units and striking window displays to help drive footfall into stores. Halfway through the year, we run a promotional offer which includes extended credit, free stock and access to new products, ready for the all-important Q4 period. This is a really great tool for our customers to use, and many take advantage of the offer.

We feel that we have a great product offering across our brands and we’re confident that our new Janod Bath, Craft and Lalaboom collections are a great fit for a Toymaster retailer. During the Toymaster show, we’ll present our new collections with display stands and FSDUs along with some not-to-be-missed offers and discounts. The show represents a great opportunity to meet up with our customers to discuss business, but also to catch up in a relaxed social setting.

Philip Kaye - Managing director, Kayes of Cardiff

It’s quite obvious to us this year that retailers are being more cautious with their buying patterns and volumes because of the uncertainty in the market. Little and often is the approach being adopted, which plays directly into the strengths of Kayes of Cardiff.

We offer the pick ‘n’ pack operation across many of the leading brands advertised in this issue of Toy World magazine, helping independent retailers access big names at competitive prices without having to overstock by overbuying. Our special offers are always pitched at small quantities, enabling retailers of all sizes to take advantage of them rather than just the bigger buyers.

Kayes has always found it beneficial to support the platform provided by the Toymaster group and has been growing its business with individual members consistently over the years. The warm and friendly atmosphere at the show allows members and suppliers alike to build long lasting relationships to their mutual advantage, while the timing helps independent retailers plan for the busy Christmas trading period. Suppliers can then ensure the required stock is available at the right time.

David Mordecai - CEO, One For Fun

Every year, we work alongside Toymaster to ensure we provide the best and most useful service to the independent toy retailer. Special business development managers we deploy in each area collaborate with independents to ensure we make the most of display and marketing options.

It’s so important to be at the Toymaster show and to catch up with everyone: we get lots of valuable feedback across the three days and always grow our relationships with this allimportant sector of the retail market.

Our customer service is exceptional and we often have feedback from independents to support that claim. A low minimum order of £250 to receive carriage paid is an incentive to order too. There will also be new promotional offers at the show, including on some of our best-selling items.

Our PR and marketing team liaises closely with Toymaster to sell through to the consumer and to promote the Toymaster brand, while also supporting our own brands and giving them a high profile. This year we will have a renewed social media presence thanks to our dedicated team. Our social media experts will also be on hand to assist retailers as we promote widely to the consumer whilst keeping the trade informed and up to date.

Chris Beardmore - UK sales manager, Learning Resources

After the buzz of the toy trade shows at the start of the year, the Toymaster Show offers the opportunity to meet with its members in a more relaxed one-on-one setting. It’s the perfect environment to showcase a targeted selection of toys suitable for their stores, and to get to know our independent trade customers better. This means we can offer them customised product mixes that suit their customer bases.

It’s the perfect environment to showcase a targeted selection of toys suitable for their stores, and to get to know our independent trade customers better. This means we can offer them customised product mixes that suit their customer bases.

All our customers have access to our marketing resource centre online portal. Here they can download marketing assets including a comprehensive library of high-quality product and lifestyle images, as well as video content to use in their physical and online stores.

We also provide regular marketing campaign updates and best practice guides to support Toymaster members in creating appealing merchandising displays, experiential events and more in their physical and online stores. Finally, Learning Resources has a comprehensive library of free downloadable activity sheets which members can access on our website. Members will find colouring sheets, seasonal activities, Numberblocks printables and more to use in their shops. Visit www.learningresources.co.uk to find out more.

Chris Lohmeyer - Managing director, DKB Toys & Distribution

DKB continues to thrive in the independent space. With a key focus on margin and the right product in the right space, we continue to deliver. A new focus for us in 2023 is our distribution agreement with Creative Kids, which adds further depth to our ranges. As well as this, we continue to deliver high margin on lines such as Crazy Aaron’s, a well-loved product in the independent sector.

Having been in the toy industry for more than a decade, you see a lot of change and a lot of things that come and go. One thing that is consistent, however, and that continues to thrive - whether it be through pandemics, the cost of living crisis and more - is the independent trade. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we are here to support the trade and the Toymaster show. The business we get from independents is very important to us, as it is for us to be able to support them with excellent product and service.

Andrew Reynolds - National accounts controller, Marvin’s Magic

We’ve worked hard to extend our network of sales agents in the UK with the appointment of CK Agencies in the UK and WLS Wholesale as our distributor in Ireland. We’re already reaping the rewards from these new partnerships, meaning we have more boots on the ground, can offer further support to stores, and increase our reach and presence across the UK & Ireland. On top of this, we will be showcasing Marvin’s Creative Art at the Toymaster show, with our brand-new artXtra range set to wow customers both old and new. Plus, we’ll have exclusive show offers designed specifically for the independent sector and not offered elsewhere.

We consider the Toymaster show at Harrogate to be a UK toy industry institution. It’s a warm, friendly show and a great business environment which gets the balance just right. Being a Toymaster supplier gives us the ultimate insight into what works and what doesn’t almost immediately: the group’s members are at the coal face day after day, talking with and getting feedback from the people that really matter to us all - consumers.

Karen Clarke - Brand director, Smart Toys & Games

Many of our lovely independent retail customers have been with us since we opened our UK office some nine years ago. We’ve always supported our retail customers with an offering of complimentary demo samples and in-store marketing materials and this year we’re extending our support with in-store demonstration days as well as customised TV screens which showcase our eye-catching how-to-play videos. If any of our retail customers require additional product training, then we would be more than happy to arrange this virtually from our dedicated Toymaster is not only a members buying group association: it is a community of like-minded professional people with a passion for good quality toys and games. As a Toymaster supplier, the annual show is a staple event in our calendar every year as it provides us with the opportunity to meet with both existing and new Toymaster customers, all under one roof. Being able to showcase our best-sellers and new products for the year in such a relaxed environment makes it a very enjoyable and productive show for all. There is a real family feel about the Toymaster group. This becomes particularly apparent when we meet with new Toymaster customers who have been encouraged to drop onto our stand by fellow members. We look forward to seeing everyone at the show.

Kate Gibson - Managing director, Gibsons Games

As well as our much-loved loyalty scheme, when customers buy six puzzles and get a seventh puzzle free (fulfilled by us), we have introduced ‘Retailer of the month’, an opportunity to recognise the loyalty and support of our fantastic network of independent retailers across our marketing channels. We will be creating special offers for the indies available at the Toymaster show and we’re also relaunching our online ordering portal to ensure we offer a seamless and easy ordering experience whenever members need it.

As a family business, indies are our lifeblood. We are proud of being a longstanding Toymaster supplier, helping us to keep a fair and consistent offering for the group’s members. Exhibiting at the show provides an opportunity to connect with members and other independent businesses, ensuring we build those relationships and find new opportunities together.

Roger Martin - Hobby & Independent channel director, Asmodee

From Asmodee’s perspective, independent retailers are the bedrock upon which our business was founded. Supporting hobby and independent retail is not only part of our DNA, it’s a priority. Because of this, we offer ongoing support to our independent retailers and this year again we will continue to provide them with regular offers, exclusive products, POS, FSDUs and events.

Being part of the Toymaster group means we benefit from a good, strong, central team at Toymaster which knows and believes in our products and shares the same values as us when it comes to independent retail. Plus, it gives us the ability to share knowledge and best practices across different types of members and different types of activity. This means that if we find that something is working well with one group of Toymaster members, we can suggest other products that might also work well for them.

Phil Cassidy - Managing director, Casdon

As a third-generation family business, independent retailers have been a huge support to us over the 77 years since my grandfather launched the business. We wouldn’t be here without them and their loyalty to us as a British toy brand, and they are still such a vital part of our business. Attending the show gives us an opportunity for the whole team to meet with our customers in one place. These retailers provide us with insight into any issues they are facing as well as their outlook on the high street for the year ahead.

There will be exclusive discounts available to retailers at the Toymaster show, which can be discussed with the Casdon team, plus plenty of marketing support available across digital to in-store. Do come down and speak to the Sales and Marketing team at the show to find out more.

Katy Fletcher - Head of Marketing and Product Development, Ravensburger

This year we continue to support independents as we’ve always done; our numerous partnerships are long-standing, and the field sales team develops relationships through regular visits and communication. We’ve always invested in in-store displays and POS materials, giving independents visual assets that ensure consumers recognise the trusted blue triangle brand we’re renowned for. Tactical support is provided year-round in the form of promotions, launch events and brand activations, as well as social media assets and digital campaigns.

During 2023 we have a ‘touch points’ for which supporting independents is key. The muchanticipated launch of the Disney Lorcana trading card game in August, for example, will commence with specialist game retailers and independents. There’s also the 65th anniversary of the much-loved wooden railway brand Brio, which remains a family favourite. Both touch points give us an opportunity to further support our many independent UK-wide retail partners.

Toymaster members have always been important to the success of our business, providing us with retail space that put our brands at the heart of high street communities across the UK. They are champions in showcasing our brands and new product lines. Indie stores are pivotal in bringing our brands to life with events and consumer activations, particularly through Brio play events and CreArt creative days.

Toymaster’s head office team supports us year-round with marketing opportunities and trade show participation that lets us showcase new launches and contribute to their catalogue. The group also offers insight into trading conditions and advice on how to support its members in ever-changing retail environments.

Lewi Hillier - UK Sales & Operations director, Click Distribution

We’re very proud to be working with so many fantastic independent retailers across the UK and ROI. We offer a huge selection of the hottest and best-selling toys and collectibles licences in the World, all with a very small MOQ - just £250 carriage paid. Each of our retail partners has its very own dedicated account manager to discuss the next ‘big thing’, as well as access to our website, where customers can place orders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to our fantastic customer service and great range of exclusive products, we love to support all independent retailers with window displays, catalogue listings, TV/social media tags, free stock to giveaway to consumers, and, of course, events in stores. Come and say hello at the show for more information.

Being a Toymaster supplier and exhibiting at the show is of huge importance to our business. To have the opportunity to be able to meet so many members and independent retailers in person, and share our plans for the year, makes this show is a must-visit event in our calendar.

Joe Rushworth - Field sales manager, Cheatwell Games

In order to better support independent retailers, we’ve strengthened our field sales team by bringing in the very experienced duo of Karen Tank (covering the South-West) and Jill MacNeill (managing the island of Ireland). We’ve lowered our carriage paid order value during these quieter months, and are able to break up master cartons so that retailers can trial smaller volumes of every item. There are also deals available across all ranges.

Let’s be frank, if you’re not at the Toymaster May Show then you have no passion for the independent trade. We will be presenting our vast range of quality games, toys and puzzles, which retail below £10 and offer retailers sensible margins. Given that such a large percentage of toy sales are currently at pocket money prices, it’s a good time to come and see what we have to offer.