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Voting Opens for The 2011 Independent Toy Awards
Voting for the 3rd annual Independent Toy Awards has now opened. The awards are hosted by the online toy directory, Toy Shop UK, and are designed to show what the nation’s independent toy retailers think are the best toys of the year. The awards are unique in that there is no submission process, no shortlists and no selection procedure either. Michael Hawkins explains the unusual concept: “We’ve always wanted to create an award process that is totally without influence from suppliers. By asking some 785 independent toy retailers to give us their recommendations for the best toys of the year, we’re able to provide a unique angle on the age-old question of what toys parents should be buying their children for Christmas.” Winners will be announced on 16th September, signalling the start of the 100-day
countdown to Christmas. In a change to previous years, the 2011 awards will feature 15 categories rather than the original 10 - and for the first time, the supplier that attracts the most overall votes will get a special commendation as well as a Toy Shop UK trophy.
The 2011 Independent Toy Award Categories are:
Baby Collectable Creative Construction Dolls Eco Educational Electronic
Games & Puzzles Licensed Outdoor Role Play Soft Vehicles Wooden Independent’s Most Popular Supplier
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Step 2 revamps UK supply structure
US based toy manufacturer, Step2, has moved its logistics operations to a 150,000 sq ft. facility in Dartford and reorganized its UK management structure and staff to coordinate sales activity, financial control, and customer support all under one roof.
The UK sales operation will be led by Brian Tinniswood with Rob Tinniswood coordinating all financial aspects. Step 2 specialises in ride-ons, outdoor toys, toy kitchens, creative play, and furniture and is one of the most popular and well-known brands in the USA. In the UK recent placement in major UK toy retail outlets has created the need for a local office and warehouse. Step2 will also be incorporating the newly purchased baby products brand, Infantino, into its UK operation. Infantino can be found in the US at Target, Babies R Us, and Wal-Mart and Step 2 will now be targeting UK retail shelves in the coming year. “We are very excited by the opportunities for Step2 and Infantino in the UK market,” said Brian McDonald, Step 2’s vice president of international sales. “Our new structure will help us amaze our customers with our service levels while continuing to offer innovative and safe toys that have great value to the consumer. To see the growth, in a difficult economic time, is very encouraging.”
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