ToyFair2013
“Other than the expansion already mentioned, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will be evident throughout the decor of the show. The entrance foyer will showcase posters from the past 60 years of Toy Fair, and we will have a celebrity to open the show on the first morning. A brand new Demo Zone will be hosted by Daybreak’s Anna Williamson which will be broadcast live throughout the show, as well as the many press events through ‘Toy Fair TV’. This should be a great addition to the show and will mean that exhibitors have further opportunity to showcase their products to the whole fair. The annual Industry Awards has also moved venue and in 2013 will be located in a bespoke event space in the Upper West Hall next to the fair. This will allow for easy transition for visitors from the show floor which means the celebrations can get underway earlier than usual.”
Visitor advice
The big question that must get asked at almost every stage of putting together is “how are the visitors going to get the most out of their attendance?” As a member of the press I get treated extremely well with a press office, a place to go to write up my findings, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, etc. But what about the retailers and buyers who will be coming in their thousands? Simon said that the key for a visitor is “to prepare and plan for the show in advance as much as possible, including booking meetings because the show gets extremely busy over the three days.” It’s exactly what us press members do too. Simon added: “Use the Toy Fair website to view the updated floor plan and exhibitor list which is listed by company name and also by category. The Toy Fair APP is also a valuable tool; the link will be available on the website in January.” So there you have it; the show is but a couple of
weeks away now. The Toy World team will be there in force, and we have a stand in the Greenhouse: GH61. Come on over if you’d like to meet the team, or simply to have a chat. Over the following very large amount of pages
you can see a preview of the products that will be on display at Toy Fair 2013. Enjoy the preview, and I’ll see you at the show.
Fairanalysis:
Another Diamond Jubilee Gibsons Games are celebrating 60 years of exhibiting at the BTHA Toy Fair. Toy World caught up with Nick Wright, managing director of Gibsons Games, to fi nd out what it means to the company.
How does it feel to have Gibsons at Toy Fair for the 60th year? Gibsons’ long and proud history goes right back to 1919, when founded by Harry Percy Gibson, grandfather of the current Chairman, Michael. We have always been great advocates of the Toy Fair and in 2003 we were presented with an award in recognition of 50 years support and participation at the Toy Fair. In fact, we had been the only company to exhibit every year since the Toy Fair began in 1954, following the Fair from Brighton to Olympia, and back to Brighton. Into our fourth generation of this family run business, it is with great pride that we will be exhibiting a range of exciting new products at the 2013 Toy Fair.
Show facts:
BTHA Toy Fair 2013 Website:
www.btha.co.uk/toy-fair
The facts of the Fair: • The BTHA Toy Fair is 60 years old in 2013 • The Greenhouse Area is 10 years old in 2013
• Over 230 companies are exhibiting • 53 of them are fi rst-time exhibitors • 21 are returning companies that have taken bigger stands
• 41 companies are exhibiting in the Greenhouse
116 Toyworld
How has Toy Fair evolved over the years Gibsons has been exhibiting? Historically, the Toy Fair was a big order-taking show for Gibsons. However, in 2007 we decided to leave the Toy Fair, after it moved to ExCel. We felt that the environment at ExCel was not so conducive or attractive to our broad customer base. For us it became purely a meet and greet and not an order-taking show, and so we decided to concentrate our efforts at Spring Fair. With the show moving back to Olympia and growing in popularity, we returned last year and we had some great meetings with both domestic and international buyers and we look forward to returning in January.
How is business going for Gibsons? We have enjoyed a year of growth despite the challenging economic climate and levels of caution from retailers. We are fortunate to be selling jigsaw puzzles which are at generally affordable price points and are also a hobby; people resist letting go of something they get great enjoyment from. We have established a strong brand, and we benefi t from exceptional consumer loyalty, which brings its rewards even during diffi cult times. Puzzles are an inexpensive form of entertainment when budgets are tight. This year the Downton Abbey puzzle licence has been a tremendous success for us as has the Diamond Jubilee jigsaw which won the Game & Puzzle category’s Toy of the Year at last year’s Toy Fair. Our festive Pass the Pud game completely sold out in the run up to Christmas, with unprecedented demand, so all of the signs are looking good for a strong start to 2013.
How important are trade shows to the business? We believe it is important for Britain’s leading adult puzzle company to be seen at the shows, and it is a great opportunity for us to meet with new and existing customers, and to showcase our new products.
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