8 NEWS Trade gives thumbs up by Samantha Loveday
THE INDUSTRY has given a resounding seal of approval to this year’s Toy Fair, with many praising the positive, upbeat atmosphere, good retail attendance and strong coverage for the business as a whole in the national and broadcast media. The BTHA told ToyNews that increased exhibitor numbers reflected in a busier gallery level and also higher overall visitor figures attending the show over the three days. It already has just under 50 applications for the 2013 event, with Kidkraft being the first exhibitor to re-sign, booking its repeat stand on day one of the show. “There was a great atmosphere in the hall throughout the show,” said Simon Pilling, head of sales and operations for Toy Fair. “The aisles were constantly busy and with increased exhibitor presence on the gallery level this year, the buzz extended throughout the venue. Media coverage included five interviews fed live from Olympia on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, extensive coverage on ITV’s Lorraine, The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Sun, Metro and the FT. “Print coverage had a strong focus on the emergence of technology and, in particular, app toys, as well as the numerous licensed and celebrity endorsed products in the hall. There was also increased radio coverage.” Just some of the highlights included the appearance of football legend John Barnes, who helped Paul Lamond relaunch Subbuteo – securing a multitude of coverage in the wider media – plus Steve Backshall unveiling Character Options’ Deadly 60 line and Lorraine Kelly lending her support to Tomy’s Raa Raa toy line launch. Lego, Hasbro, LeapFrog and Vivid among others also had busy stands throughout, while InspirationWorks received a strong reaction to its new Kurio tablet. Insect Lore and House of Marbles were honoured with awards for the Best Stand Design.
MARCH 2012
TOP ROW: The winners of the Best Stand Design, House of Marbles and Insect Lore, and John Barnes helping to relaunch Subbuteo; BOTTOM ROW: LeapFrog’s Chris Spalding, The Entertainer’s Gary Grant, Val Stedham and the Special Recognition winners at the Awards...
“The economic climate has no doubt had an effect on the industry this past year, yet it was encouraging to see and feel the upbeat mood in the hall,” Pilling continued. LeapFrog was the big winner at the Toy Industry Awards 2011, picking up Toy of the Year and Lifestyle Toy of the Year for LeapPad Explorer. Other winners included: Hasbro (Supplier of the Year and Boys’ Toy for Nerf N-Strike
Maverick); Lego (Construction Range of the Year for Ninjago); Mattel (Girls’ Toy for Fijit and Doll for Disney Tangled Sing & Glow Rapunzel); Vivid (Collectable of the Year for Moshi Moshlings); Mind Candy (Toy Licence of the Year); John Adams (Game of the Year for Doggie Doo); and VTech (Pre-school Toy for Toot Toot Drivers Car and Garage). Special Recognition Awards went to Innovation First, Ty and
Interplay. Meanwhile, The Entertainer scooped three awards in the retailer category – (Multiple, Online and Overall Toy Retailer of the Year). Tesco was Grocer of the Year, WJ Daniel & Co won Independent Toy Retailer, Smyths picked up Toy Catalogue and Bentalls (Kingston) received a Judges’ Special Recognition accolade. Val Stedham was also presented with the TRA Industry Award.
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