TOY FAIR VERDICT Strong feedback for ‘lively’ Toy Fair
Visitor numbers up, says organiser Expanded show floor praised New look awards applauded by Samantha Loveday
THE TRADE has given a rousing thumbs up to this year’s Toy Fair, with exhibitors and visitors praising the larger show floor, use of space and optimistic atmosphere. The BTHA told ToyNews that it was very pleased with how the event went and thanked the exhibitors for their efforts in creating such a ‘visually fantastic and lively’ show.
was broadcast on 23 screens around the show, including café areas, and was also streamed live through the Toy Fair website.” At time of writing, Pilling said that there had been about 18 per cent uptake on re-signings, which was higher than at the same point last year. However, he expected this to increase as the re- booking deadline of March 31st approaches. While the majority of
feedback ToyNewsreceived A particular highlight was Toy Fair TV,
which we expanded for the first time to cover all three days. Simon Pilling, Toy Fair
“Other than the success of the newly expanded Upper West Hall and the positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors, a particular highlight was Toy Fair TV which we expanded for the first time to cover the full three days, giving all exhibitors the opportunity to broadcast live from their own stand and also to showcase their products through the popular Demo Zone,” Simon Pilling, head of Toy Fair operations and sales, told ToyNews. “This offered extra exposure as the footage
on the show was positive, a few exhibitors did raise concerns about it feeling quieter than in previous years. However, Pilling confirmed that visitor numbers were actually slightly higher than in 2013. “The increased footprint
likely accounted for the reason some people may have felt the fair was slightly quieter. However, we have received a significant amount of feedback about the quality of visitors present this year which is always a priority for Toy Fair.”
Pilling went on to say that while there were no immediate plans for major expansion, the team would continue to discuss all options and for 2015 will be making use of some existing storage areas to create extra stand space. There was praise, too, for
the revamped Toy Industry Awards, which were held at the Science Museum. “The Museum is a great
venue and will be hard to beat next year,” said Drumond Park co-founder
Claire McCool, and Orchard Toys’ sales director Simon Prest concurred. Prest said: “The awards
night was a significant improvement on the previous year. The venue was stunning and gave a good opportunity to catch up with colleagues in the industry. Many people stayed on after the awards, which meant some valuable networking took place. However, I believe the awards ceremony itself could benefit from an injection of fun and theatre.”
TOY INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS 2013
Independent Toy Retailer of the Year: Ramsdens Superstore Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (up to 5 stores): Cuthberts Toys Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (up to 30 stores): SMF Toytown Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (over 30 stores): Smyths Toys General Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year: Bentalls (Part of Fenwick Group) Online Toy Retailer of the Year: Shop Direct Judges’ Special Recognition Award: Argos Overall Toy Retailer of the Year: Bentalls (Part of Fenwick Group) Collectable: Robofish by Zuru, Geemac Action: Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, Hasbro Construction: Friends Dolphin Cruiser, LEGO Pre-School: Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station, Vtech Pre-School Licence: Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag Set, Flair Action Game: Gooey Louie, John Adams Board Game: Monopoly Empire, Hasbro Innovative Toy of the Year: Furby Boom! Hasbro Outdoor: Smart Trike, Mookie Fashion Doll: Monster High 13 Wishes Dolls, Mattel Lifestyle: ChillFactor Squeeze Cup Slushy Maker, Character Options Supplier of the Year: John Adams Leisure Toy of the Year: Teksta Robotic Puppy, Character Options
10 March
www.toynews-online.biz
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