A record breaker
Toy World caught up with Toymaster’s operations director Ian Edmunds to fi nd out how preparations for the May show are going, and what exhibitors, members and retailers alike can expect to see. Tom Roberts reports.
special deals a lot of the suppliers offer at the show.” (To fi nd out more, turn to this month’s Touching Base feature on page 76 which looks at the Toymaster show and some of the deals suppliers will be offering). The deals are a major draw for members and independents alike, as Alan Caswell of Arcade Toy Shop said: “I’ll be at Toymaster, looking for new Christmas products and the deals that are there to be had.” Aside from the opportunity to cement Christmas plans and develop relations with suppliers, show attendees also have two evening events to look forward to at the hotel. The fi rst is dinner on the Tuesday night celebrating the Toymaster show’s 21st appearance at the Majestic Hotel; Ian informed me that it would be a true 21st Birthday party (if it’s anything like I remember 21st birthday
parties...then it’s bound to be a stormer); the Wednesday night will play host to the more formal annual dinner, affectionately known in Toymaster circles as ‘posh night’. The Toy World team will be at the show in force, with
O
n the 18th January this year, Toy World reported that all exhibitor space at the 2013 Toymaster show in Harrogate had been sold in just two weeks; according to Ian Edmunds, Toymaster’s operations manager, this
was the fastest the show had ever sold out. He said: “We sold out in 12 days, which is a record for us, and that really demonstrates a positive message about the show, and why it’s such a key event for our members and the trade. Typically we send out an invitation to suppliers to come back at the beginning of January and we ask for them to commit then and there. It’s a bit of a leap of faith for them but the show is now such an essential part of the toy trade that it’s not a big issue.” It’s not too far away now with the show taking place
across the 14th to the 16th May at the Barceló Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. As ever, the show will provide an excellent opportunity for suppliers to meet buyers, and for independent retailers to meet with Toymaster
decision-makers, and other group members. The show is also open to members and non-members. Every year the show proves what an important event it is in our industry’s calendar, and acts as an excellent post-Q1 catch up for the independent retailers after the crazy days at Toy Fair and the Easter trading period. By all accounts, the independent retail sector seems buoyant, and I asked Ian what he thought of the situation. He said: “There’s two main threats out there at the moment: lack of new product from suppliers, and the footfall on the high street. But at the end of the day, it could always be worse, and our members are well equipped to tackle anything thrown at them.” From my experience of the show, it’s an order- taking, product-launching and networking show. As Ian said: “Everyone likes the opportunity for a bit of networking, and it’s nice to be able to provide a forum for that.” He added: “This is the most important show for our members before Christmas. It’s their chance to place some orders, which is always helped a lot by the
John Baulch, Mark Austin and myself in attendance. We’ll see you during the day, and we’ll be on hand for a drink (or several) in the evenings.
The evening events at the May Toymaster shows have become things of legend. As a survivor of the great Nerf dart gun battle of 2012, I am full of anticipation for the 2013 events. As ever, Toymaster is tightlipped about the entertainment, but below are the details and dress codes for both evening events:
Tuesday 14 May - The Party Night - 7.30pm for 8pm Toymaster will be celebrating its 21st May Show at the Majestic Hotel. Dress code: As you were attired either 21 years ago, or on your own 21st birthday or smart/casual.
Wednesday 15 May - The Posh Night - 7:30pm for 8pm Dress code: Black tie or anything ‘black and white’.
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