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TSurvey Independent


he results of this month’s survey are very much in line with what we expected. Almost half of our listers who responded said that trade shows were very important in helping decide what to stock. The


majority of those who remained were on the fence, and only a very small minority are not at all infl uenced by trade shows. It’s nice to have these predictions verifi ed. Trade shows are important to a lot of retailers, whether it be to open new accounts, or just to meet up with a long-standing supplier and strengthen the bridges. But it’s a show’s impact on stocking decisions that really interests us. Half of our respondents are heavily infl uenced by trade shows. Tracie Peacock- Quinney, of Ella’s Toy Shop in Warwickshire, says: “I like taking my staff to the trade shows so they can also see what is available in the market place.” Retailers also see trade shows as an educational venue to train their staff, as well as source new product. Perhaps the most echoed opinion is summed up by


Rachel Alexander, of Knot Toys in Essex, who said that she fi nds “trade fairs crucial to get a real feel of the style and quality of new products”. Rachel added that she “can’t get that from fl icking through a brochure”. I have to agree with Rachel, where else can you do everything from viewing product to networking with suppliers, if it’s not at a trade show?


Artful Dodgers, Manchester


Susie Busby I’ve found new suppliers at shows. It also gives you a chance to touch and feel products, which makes it easier to assess the quality, and decide on whether it is good value or not.


Childhood’s Dream, Hampshire


Susan Whyman They are about fi nding that special thing that you didn’t even know existed to make your shop stand out from the crowd.


Cot ‘N’ Togs, Leicestershire


Sue Needham I think you also need to listen to your customers, look at spending trends and stick to your core business. For example, we sell ourselves on traditional wooden toys, so there is no point in suddenly getting in a lot of plastic.


Ella’s Toy Shop, Warwickshire


Tracie Peacock-Quinney I like taking my staff to the trade shows so they can also see what is available in the market place. This way they are more informed on our product choices, and why and how we stock what products we do. On a personal note, I like to see the new trends and choices available.


26 Toyworld EcoToyStore, West Yorkshire


Linda Ladley I love to go to the trade shows because it allows me to see the toys for real rather than just an image in a catalogue. You get an opportunity to touch and feel them, and check how robust they are.


Hoomble Toys and Collectables, products and also pick up new suppliers. Just William Toys, London


Vicky Brown They are a great opportunity to see and play with new toys, as reps can only bring a limited amount of samples. There is always something that catches your eye that you would not have noticed fl icking through a catalogue, and it’s more effi cient taking a day out and seeing lots of companies in one go.


Knot Toys, Essex


Rachel Alexander I fi nd the trade fairs crucial to get a real feel of the style and quality of new products. I can’t get that from fl icking through a brochure.


Hampshire Teresa Bramble We always visit Toy Fair in London to look at the new


In association with


This month Toy Shop UK asked its listers: “How important are toy industry trade shows in helping you decide what to stock?”


49% = Very 37% = Average 14% = Not at all


Littlesheep Learning, Warwickshire


Elaine Lamb As a specialist retailer the generic toy industry trade shows are often too broad to be hugely helpful. I also hate pushy sales people who chase me after the event as I’m a small retailer who will get back to them in my own time when I’m ready.


Morris4Minors, Hampshire


Dean Morris My range of stock is very narrow and specifi c, while I believe that toy trade shows are more geared to suppliers of general and more varied toys. Therefore, I am not infl uenced in any way by them.


Activity Chest,


Buckinghamshire Liz Royal On the whole, toy trade shows are pathetic and disappointing. They are aimed at large- scale retailers rather than independents. The so-called ‘show offers’ portray an unprofessional disrespect for the products. Why not just have honest and transparent pricing all year? Toy manufacturers are so disorganised that they do not equip their agents with the necessary products to show on the road, and thus rely on exhibitions. Even then, most agents do not have much of a clue about either products or stock situations. The only positive benefi t is that we may fi nd a new supplier, and that’s becoming rarer.


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