Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

The 66 th annual Toy Fair opened its doors on January 22 nd , with more than 250 exhibiting companies out on the show floor. Thousands of new products were launched, with inflatables, a dancing llama and tea sets grabbing headlines. Thousands of journalists and industry visitors were in attendance, gaining the opportunity to see the latest product launches and network with the wider industry. The show launched a Content Creation Zone for vloggers and video teams this year, which was booked almost solidly during the show’s media day, with exhibitors and press reviewing toys and recording interviews. Toy Fair’s TV crew also toured the show, creating content for the show’s dedicated broadcast, displayed on the website and on screens throughout the Olympia to keep visitors up to date with the most exciting goings on. This year also saw the return of Toy Fair’s Hero Toys, awarded to the most innovative and creative toys launched at the show. Judged by the BTHA and a panel of independent retailers, the top 25 toys represented the best of the best from the show floor. Toys from LEGO and Hasbro were among the winners. An Editor’s Choice award was also voted on by journalists at the show, with first place going to Hornby’s Hogwarts Express Train Set, second place to the Peppa Pig Deluxe Wooden Playhouse from Character Options and third place awarded to Artie 3000™ from Learning Resources. “Congratulations to the entire industry for another successful Toy Fair,” said Majen Immink, director of fairs and special events at the BTHA. “I was incredibly impressed with the launches we’ve had at this year’s show and the sheer creativity and passion our industry had on display. Many thanks to everyone, our exhibitors and visitors, for making the show such a success. We look forward to seeing you at Toy Fair 2020!” Exhibitors had this to say: “Our first day at Toy Fair was madness – there were so many appointments booked in, and we were delighted with the response to our new products, particularly EUGY and the new Brainstorm Toys addition, See the World Through Others’ Eyes. All in all, another great show for us at Olympia, and we look forward to coming back in 2020.” – Debra Tiffany, Brainstorm Limited. “2019 marks Gibsons’ 100 th anniversary of trading as a British, family business. Toy Fair was the first opportunity for us to celebrate with our colleagues, customers and friends. We want to thank everyone who came by, especially those who wished us a Happy Birthday! It was a truly fantastic show and will be remembered for many years to come.” – Kate Gibson, Gibsons Games. “It’s been another great and entertaining show for us! We’ve seen everyone we wanted to and gained a lot of new contacts! We also have some great plans to work on for retail, product development and driving a successful 2019 – which is what the show is all about!” – Steven Russell, Jumbo. Toy Fair is organised by the British Toy & Hobby Association, established in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise the standards of practice in the industry. Today, it has around 150 members, ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses. Playtime Toy Fair was as much fun as ever, with products from startups to big names out to play The next edition has been announced for the 21 st -23 rd January, 2020, with applications open now at toyfair.co.uk NEXT TIME Show Toy Fair Venue Olympia, London Dates 21 st - 23 rd January, 2020 Website toyfair.co.uk 62 giftfocus