from the John Baulch
f
irst things fi rst. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who phoned, emailed, tweeted, texted, or otherwise made contact to say how much
they enjoyed the launch edition of Toy World. I can’t deny that we were thrilled – and somewhat relieved - to receive such an encouraging response. Team Toy World spent many an hour researching, planning and compiling the debut issue, hoping all along that the toy industry would appreciate the result. Now I know exactly how toy suppliers feel when they are about to bring a brand new range to market. Thankfully we needn’t have worried; the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it came from all sides of the trade. It was especially gratifying to receive messages from retailers of all shapes and sizes, saying how much they’d enjoyed reading Toy World. One of the fi rst people to make contact was Tesco’s Lucy Williams, who I am delighted to say is the subject of this month’s ‘Face-to-Face’ interview. Tesco has been one of the toy trade’s stellar retail performers of recent years, but no-one will be surprised to hear that the retail giant believes it can still signifi cantly increase its toy presence – both in-store and online. Lucy spoke exclusively to our editor Lewis Eckett about how toy suppliers of all sizes can be part of Tesco’s expansion drive;
you can fi nd the interview on page 34. We also continue to deliver on our promise
to cover all sides of the toy industry by interviewing Cuthbert’s Toys, another of the ‘new generation’ of independent retailers proving that the ‘indie’ domain is by no means the preserve of those on the wrong side of sixty. Toymaster’s recent bullish trading statement was a welcome reminder that the toy independent sector is very much alive and kicking, and I am fi rmly of the opinion that the ‘indies’ are well-positioned to weather the current economic conditions. This month’s features also represent the
diversity of the world of toys. We have an extensive preview of the forthcoming Brand Licensing show, which is an essential destination for suppliers and retailers whose business model incorporates character licensed merchandise in any shape or form. We’ve chosen to highlight a selection of the companies and properties which we feel are worth checking out at the show, so turn to page 50 to fi nd out which characters we’re tipping as ‘ones to watch’ for 2012. There are, however, retailers who tell me
that character licensed product is not an essential part of their product mix (and I’m putting that in the most polite way I can). Those buyers might appreciate our feature on the Wooden Toy market, or even our dip into the world of Radio Control. We’ll do our best to provide something for everyone each month. I’m sure you’ll tell us if we get the balance right (or wrong). I’ve had lots of people tell me how glad
publisher
they are that Ali Mafi has picked up his (metaphorical) pen again and joined Toy World as a contributor. It seems that in his case absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and I’m delighted to see him back to his enthusiastic – and controversial – best. Sometimes we all need a change of scene to refresh us and rekindle our passion for what we do. And when he’s in full fl ow, there are few people as passionate as Ali! I’m delighted to report that Toy Fair has announced that the 2012 event is on the verge of being a sell-out already. Since the move back to what many would regard as its spiritual home of Olympia, the show has been thoroughly reinvigorated. Nearly 200 exhibitors have signed up for next year’s event, which sees a number of key companies – such as Peterkin and the aforementioned Ali Mafi ’s 50 Fifty Gifts – returning to the show, and a host of brand new exhibitors including Posh Paws and, of course, Toy World (we wouldn’t miss it for the world!). Naturally, we’ll also be out and about in Hong Kong, Nuremberg and Spring Fair, spreading the word about the new kid on the block (toy magazine-wise). I’m already looking forward to seeing all the fantastic toys which will be hitting the market in 2012. But for now, with a mere 80 sleeps left until
Christmas, things are about to get interesting in the world of toys. Suppliers and retailers will no doubt experience joy, tears, excitement, trepidation and many other emotions over the next ten or so weeks. Here’s hoping for a positive trading season for one and all.
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