NEWS Indies flock to Toymaster Show 2013
Over 100 non-members expected to attend sell-out Harrogate event for independent retailers this month By Rob Hutchins
“The Toymaster show is a
MORE NON-MEMBER retailers will be attending the Toymaster show 2013 than previous years. With over 100 non- members expected and the 165 hotel rooms available for Tuesday night already sold out, Toymaster’s operations director, Ian Edmunds discussed the buzz around the show. “We have more non- members pre-registered than we had last year with more independents,” Edmunds told ToyNews. “We are looking forward to another good year for the show.” The three-day event held
in Yorkshire is one of the most popular in the UK among indie retailers, highlighting key lines.
very important buying event in the calendar,” said Bhav Patel, managing director of Toy Galaxy. “It lets us see what’s being promoted in the media and which lines are being put in to the
Stephen Hartfield, store manager of Kid’s Stuff, Uckfield. “There are always good deals, so we take advantage of those, and they allow us to increase our margins.” But for most, the show’s
This is where we do 80 to 90 per cent of our buying for Christmas. There are always good deals. Stephen Hartfield, Kid’s Stuff
Toymaster catalogue, one of the most important marketing initiatives we independents rely on.” It’s also the place for
many to find bargains. “This is where we do 80 to 90 per cent of our buying for Christmas,” said
appeal seems to be its relaxed atmosphere. “It’s a really good opportunity to speak to suppliers when the independent retailers are their core focus,” said Helen Gourley, store manager of Toy Hub, Dunblane.
“You’re able to take time to ask questions and have concentrated time with suppliers, as well as chatting to other indies about trends they’re finding.” Lorraine Chapman, store
director of Kidzone Toys, agreed: “It’s a chance to meet others and discuss how they’re doing and what the best things to get are.”
‘Suppliers can be involved with 3D printing’
A NEW DIY 3D printer company says toy suppliers AND retailers can get involved with the technology. RPTech Works, which was set up in 2011 and won the University of Warwick’s Big Idea competition this year, is launching its £1,500 Robuster model on Amazon. The company says its printers aren’t just for consumers who want to design and make their own toys. Retailers can sell the devices in-store and suppliers can use them to make their own prototype toys. “We’re currently talking to some specialist retailers
few hours is obvious. We currently only have limited resource for what we do, therefore machine sales and service are our main stream of business, but with this new industry expanding, I can’t see why we could not make a 3D printing service [for toy suppliers] in the future.” Yang Yang added he
believes 3D printing will affect the toy industry more in the future. “If digital has changed
who have similar products already, they’re happy to have our product sold in their store,” RPTech Works director Yang Yang told ToyNewsat The Gadget Show Live.
“The margin would be a
realistic figure of 20 to 30 per cent. The toy industry certainly could benefit from the boom of 3D printing. The advantage of having a customised toy printed in a
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the toy industry – like 3D imaging, 3D animation and software modelling – we’re pretty sure 3D printing will change it, again,” he added. RPTech Works: 0121 285 8999
Edmunds continued: “Being in Toymaster is more about being in a big family of people. We’re going to have a band on and there’s always dancing. This is definitely an event where you can learn more in the bar than you do in the day sometimes.” Go to page 65 to read our Toymaster preview.
Butterfly unfolds its wings
A NEW marketing comms agency has opened its doors, headed by former Radica exec, Kelly Jones. The Butterfly Consultancy is offering advertising, PR, social media and digital services, while it can also help with strategic range planning and event management. Email Kelly@ thebutterflyconsultancy.
co.uk or call 07717 214 040 for a consultation.
www.toynews-online.biz
May 09
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