message from the editor...
S
o, 2009 was (insert word of your choice The positive end to the year means that we are able
here), wasn’t it. I know it’s a bit clichéd to enter 2010 with a general feeling of optimism for
to write one of those wry pieces where I the year ahead.
look back at the last year and see what’s Unfortunately, not everything has managed to
changed but I think the last 12 months deserve it. make it through the last year unscathed, and the
2009 has been tough for all of us. Yes, even various different plans for a dedicated party trade
us – we might not be on the retail frontline, but it’s show have been changing almost monthly. It was
not all free press lunches here at Party Party HQ you almost inevitable that I would be announcing the
know. (In fact, I can count the number of free press demise of one of the shows, and after much fanfare,
lunches I’ve had this year on one hand. With all my plans for the Incostume Party Show have been
fi ngers removed.) However the year has panned pulled. The show will no longer be going ahead, and
out for you, there can be no denying that the retail in a statement released late last year, Sam Hartup
landscape has undergone some signifi cant changes. commented: “Our job is not to divide but to bring
It started off with the loss of Woolworths – a loss together the industry. If the BCA believe that they
which was much maligned up and down the country, can give the premier event to the industry then we
but actually made very little difference to anyone’s will leave it to them.” This means that the BCA show
shopping habits (pic ‘n’ mix aside, of course). In fact, will be the only dedicated party trade show this year.
independent party retailers were one of the few to Scheduled to take place between March 21st and
benefi t from Woolworth’s sad situation, as people March 23rd, the show is likely to feature a range
sought alternative sources for their balloons, banners of smaller suppliers that cannot afford to exhibit at
and other assorted partyware. Spring Fair, so is a great opportunity to pick up some
However, many other stores, both independent more unusual stock.
and multiple, have also been forced to close their That brings us quite naturally to Spring Fair. As
doors prematurely, and this has resulted in both one of my colleagues beautifully put it: “The annual
the untimely loss of jobs and empty stores sitting retailers’ pilgrimage to Birmingham, where everyone
on our beloved high streets. However, as the year will meet and tell each other how well they are riding
went on, one thing that did become clear is that out the recession, how much their companies have
behind every door – even a really horrible looking one grown and what their monumental plans for the year
One thing that
labelled Worst Recession Ever – lies an opportunity ahead are.” For the full Party Party preview of Britain’s
for someone, somewhere. Slowly but surely, party biggest trade fair – and some very exciting news
did become clear
retailers in particular started to look on the bright about Hall 5 – please turn to page 16.
side a little more. Just as some independents have And what other little treats have we got for you
is that behind
capitalised on Woolworth’s demise, so others have in this issue? Well, now that Christmas is behind us
found that actually the party industry has managed it’s time to start looking forward to the year ahead.
every door – even
to remain relatively unscathed by the fi nancial crisis of Halloween is a long way off, so we’ve looked at some
a really horrible
the last 18 months. spring events to keep you ticking over and have
Halloween didn’t just prove this point, it wrote spoken to your favourite suppliers and wholesalers looking one
it in capitals, coloured it red and underlined it. With to fi nd out what they’ve got in store for the next few
reports of snaking queues, empty shelves and full months. Our next issue will be out in March, and will
labelled Worst
tills dominating the news Halloween 2009 was contain an in-depth Spring Fair review. So, until then,
Recession Ever –
a huge success, with retailers up and down the that’s it from us – have a great Spring Fair, enjoy this
country recording record sales – all despite the major issue and feel free to get in touch!
lies an opportunity
stores selling Halloween costumes, decorations and
make up at next to nothing. Christmas has been
Jacqui
for someone,
equally successful, with the mid-December snow
Editor
not seeming to dampen anyone’s shopping spirits.
somewhere.
Party Party
the preferred magazine:
www.partypartymag.co.uk
Preferred by the suppliers: Party Party carries more paid-for advertising than its closest competitor.
Preferred by the retailers: In a recent survey, many more independent retailers indicated that Party Party was their
preferred magazine for sourcing new products and gathering information on the trade.
Preferred editorial: Party Party receives exclusive news stories from key contacts throughout the Party Industry.
Preferred by the exhibition organisers: Party Party has larger show previews, and distribution at events where other magazines do
not, such as Nuremberg Toy Fair, Spring Fair, London Toy Fair.
Preferred by the associations: Party Party is the preferred magazine of the NABAS balloon association.
Now with a new website and each issue available as a digital version to read on-line, what more do you need?
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60