ASTRA January 2012

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E A M E R I C A N S P E C I A LT Y T O Y R E TA I L I N G A S S O C I AT I O N • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

Successes of

NEIGHBORHOOD

TOY STORE

DAY

Storeowner Jeanne McCullough in Boise, Idaho, celebrates the day with Mrs. Fisher Cat.

Get More From Your Store BUILD YOUR BUSINESS AT ASTRA’S MARKETPLACE & ACADEMY

AMERICAN SPECIALTY TOY RETAILING A SSOC ATION

Marketplace & Academy The year’s biggest gathering of the specialty toy industry

EXHIBIT HALL ONLY?

it’s free! www.astramarketplace.org

VISIT ASTRA AT TOY FAIR BOOTH # 6339!

Visit www.astramarketplace.org or call 1-800-591-0490 for more information.

Growing your specialty toy store?

You need new products, hot deals, and surefire business strategies.

Find all the TOYS and TOOLS you need in one place: at ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy.

Message From the Chair

It Wasn’t Easy!

by Michael Ziegenhagen, Playmatters

t the writing of this article, we are in the middle of the holiday 2011 season with all of its excitement, uncertainty and bustle. How the year will finish for each of us is still to be determined. In 2010, we saw mixed results from our membership; some of us had gains, others were flat, and then there were declines. The only thing that is certain about the finish of 2011 is “it wasn’t easy!” We have all had to work harder, longer and smarter this year than ever before. I can personally attest to that.

The likelihood is retailers who adapted to the new business environment will have achieved better results in 2011 than those who made no changes to their game plan. After all, we can’t expect to get different results from doing the same thing we have always done. That’s where the power of information available through ASTRA – in newsletters, on discussion boards, and at Toy Fair and Marketplace – is invaluable to you as an owner, entrepreneur and manager. This constant flow of knowledge and experience helps you to skillfully negotiate the curves in the road of business.

I joined the specialty toy business in 1992 because I was charmed by the promise of selling toys with “integrity” to a community of people I knew and cared about. I wanted a business of my own. Something I could be passionate about. Something I could make a living at.

I know that most of our ASTRA members found their way to where they are today for the same compelling reasons. But our passion and our personal histories are not enough to ensure our future success. We must hone our skills and increase our knowledge if we are to confront tomorrow’s business challenges.

How do you assess yourself in each of these areas of your business?

Your buying? Were you at Toy Fair 2011 to assess the toy industry landscape for 2011?

Did you identify the likely winners for the year early on, and bring them into your inventory as quickly as possible? Did you actively re-order the best sellers?

Did you attend ASTRA Marketplace to finalize your holiday selections, and to take advantage of the incentives offered by vendor to show participants? Did you innovate and take risks?

Did you maintain a rich selection of products for your customers right through the end of the holiday season?

Your pricing? For years we have talked about strategies for gaining more margin through perceived value pricing, but this year may have also been the year of offering the prices that would compete head-on with other retailers (both big and small), and the Internet. Sometimes more than keystone will work, sometimes keystone is adequate, sometimes following the manufacturer’s MAP policy will make your store look very appealing.

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Your communications? Marketing ain’t what it used to be.

An ad in a community newspaper or a snail mail newsletter used to be a sure way of reaching your market; now the options have increased exponentially – and you need to be doing all of them simultaneously to reach today’s 30-something mom. E-mails, Facebook, website, blogging, all need to be orchestrated daily and intertwined with traditional outreaches of printed brochures and catalogs.

Your staffing and staff training? Consumers want to be dazzled in a retail experience. Retailers like Nordstrom and Trader Joe’s know how to thrill a customer. So should we. Our staffs need to be able to deliver a knock-your-socks off experience 365 days of the year.

Are you selective in your recruitment?

Are you focused in your staff training?

Do you set goals?

Do you provide feedback?

Are you building the best possible staff for your store?

We are confronting a changing and very challenging retail landscape. However, as independent toy retailers, we are not alone in this challenge. The daily pages of the Wall Street Journal are filled with the details of how Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond are responding to the growth of online retailing.

The Internet is here to stay. We must learn how to deal with it. Following ASTRA’s 2011 white paper on Internet Toy Retailing, I believe that 2012 will see an increase in the number of manufacturers who come to terms with the need for active management of their products on the Internet through MAP policies, selective selling, and MAP monitoring and enforcement.

Anticipating a stronger strategy in 2012 starts with a presence at Toy Fair, where the topography of the toy market can be assessed in less than three days. Toy Fair is the perfect place to get on track for the new year, identify new products, jump start relationships with vendors and other retailers, and develop new ideas for generating business. A few short months later, the specialty toy market will convene in Baltimore for ASTRA’s Convention & Marketplace.

ASTRA will be conducting a survey to assess the state of our industry and to determine what we as a business association can do to help our members achieve their business goals. On behalf of ASTRA’s Board, I wish to confirm our commitment to you and to your success.

30829 Pinetree Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 216-464-2424 astratoy.org

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January 2012 5

Board of Directors Chair Michael Ziegenhagen Chair-Elect Andy Cannon Past Chair Steven Aarons Treasurer Dana Barnes Secretary Michael Levins Directors Allen Brafman Becky Goblish Carle Wunderlich II John MacDougall Lea Culliton Linda Hays Mary Sisson Mike Klein Ted McGuire

Newsletter Editor Mary Sisson Assistant Editor Sandy Whitten Managing Editor Tina Manzer Graphic Artist Lindsey Williamson

ASTRA Staff President Kathleen McHugh Membership and Program Coordinator Caryn Giznik Membership and Technology Coordinator Daniel Elacqua Meeting and Exhibit Manager Amanda Zawad

ASTRA Newsletter Mission Statement Our mission is to act as a channel of communication for the general membership of ASTRA and to provide information about current happenings and future goals as decided upon by the board of directors, various committees, and ASTRA staff. We strive to provide useful and timely information and support for and about ASTRA members in accordance with the ASTRA mission statement.

We are always looking for good articles and input for the newsletter. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please forward letters, comments, ideas, etc., to the ASTRA office – fax 312-222-0986, e-mail kmchugh@astratoy.org.

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The ASTRA Newsletter is published by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, 432 N Clark St., Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-222-0984, fax 312-222-0986, e-mail info@astratoy.org. Website: www.astratoy.org.

Copyright © 2012 American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. All rights reserved.

Advertisements are accepted. For more information, contact Fahy-Williams Publishing, 800-344-0559; e-mail rkauder@fwpi.com All articles for the ASTRA Newsletter are supplied

by ASTRA and its members, with Fahy-Williams assembling and editing the newsletter, and managing the advertising sales function. ASTRA reserves the right to accept, reject, or alter all editorial and advertising material submitted for publication.

Advertising in ASTRA does not imply endorsement of products and services. Opinions expressed in articles contained herein are those of the authors, not necessarily of ASTRA or its individual members.

The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

President’s Report

Fast Forward to 2012 and ASTRA’s 20th Anniversary

F E A T U R E S

39 Building the Specialty Toy “Brand” Social media and Neighborhood Toy Store Day add up to a strong consumer message 10 12 15 26 27

Four Board Positions Open ASTRA Active at Toy Fair ASTRA Manufacturers’ Toy Fair Specials ASTRA Speaks Up on Tax Fairness ASTRA Welcomes Its Newest Manufacturer Members 33 New Book Promises Help With Toy Store Financials D E P A R T M E N T S 5 7 8

Message From the Chair President’s Report Ready, Set, PLAY … for Children With Disabilities 34 ASTRA News From the Industry • ASTRA Member Sponsors Contest for Great Sensory Toys • The South’s Best Toy Stores 45 New Members

by Kathleen McHugh

hey say you never forget your first time. For me it was in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a lovely little resort off a busy strip of highway under the shadow of a beautiful gold mountain range. It was early May, the weather was warm and comfortable. I was young, a bit shy, and more than a little intimidated. It was ASTRA’s eighth annual convention. I was then its newly named executive director working for a management company hired

by ASTRA to manage its affairs, including the convention.

I was immediately impressed with people I met at this first meeting. They were thoughtful, intelligent, and committed to building something new and exciting in this corner of the toy industry. It was clear they enjoyed being together, but they were also intent on creating a business culture that was in line with their core values of supporting good play for children. It is this culture that resonates in me to this day.

It was at this first meeting that I met many of the people who would become my mentors, supporters and people I am proud to call my friends. Thankfully, many of them are still with us today. For those who moved on to new careers or

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retirement, I wish they could see how far we’ve come together. Since that time, ASTRA has grown in membership, grown in programs, and grown into becoming the voice of the specialty toy industry as imagined by its earliest supporters. It has become a community of like-minded business owners where mutual respect is honored, and where healthy relationships are as important as the bottom line. It’s a place where we still get excited to see each other every year to catch up and renew our friendships, and always take time to meet new friends.

This year marks ASTRA’s 20th anniversary. For over 20 years we have watched our annual meeting blossom to become the gathering place for the industry. It has grown in size and importance to the industry, but it has retained the energy and excitement that has become its hallmark. It’s the place to be this June 10 through 13 in Baltimore, Maryland, to celebrate all that we have achieved together. See you there.

Warmest regards, Kathleen McHugh

2000

How Do You Like Our Look?

2001

2002

The 20th anniversary certainly calls for a makeover, and that’s what we’ve given the ASTRA Newsletter. To better present the great member-focused articles and wonderful ads from ASTRA manufacturers, the newsletter has a new “magazine-like” look.

As you can see, this latest new-and-improved newsletter design is one of several updates made as ASTRA grew and evolved. We know that positive changes will continue.

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January 2012 7

R e a d y, S e t , P L AY. . . f o r C h i l d r e n W i t h D i s a b i l i t i e s

Don’t Forget to Play at Toy Fair … and Keep the Adult Market in Mind

by Ellen Metrick, Manager of Business Development, National Lekotek Center, emetrick@lekotek.org

r. Ken Ginsberg was in town recently giving lectures to families on the importance of play. Dr. Ginsberg became one of play’s strongest advocates when, in 2007, he wrote a clinical report for the American Academy of Pediatrics on the importance of play. He is still one of the most powerful figures in the world of play advocacy and has written several books parents should have on their bookshelves. You might even consider offering them at your store – believe me, they are worth extending your line for!

What Ginsberg continues to hammer home to parents is this: our children are under a lot of stress, and play and exercise are antidotes. Well, I just want to remind you that if kids are under stress, often parents have an even bigger share on their plate, especially when you think about parents of children with disabilities.

What play does for both adults and children alike is provide them with the ability to cope. All the negative things that kids get into, ranging from biting their nails to taking drugs, really comes from their searching for ways to cope, to take the tightness out of the day. Play is a way to get there with only good side effects.

Doesn’t that sound like something an adult might benefit from?

Well, here are a few things that play does for adults and kids alike.

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Makes us laugh Yes, play instantly relaxes, instantly equalizes, instantly relieves stress and eliminates all the bad stuff that comes with it.

With Toy Fair coming up, here are two new thoughts I would suggest you keep in mind when you are running up and down the aisles.

First of all, look for play products or toys that adults can enjoy. You might even want to feature a small adult play section in your store. Think about the multigenerational appeal of Harry Potter and look at the new products through that lens. Secondly, have fun yourself with all those toys at Toy Fair (after all, running a business can trigger a little stress). As toy retailers, you are used to thinking like a child, but keep in mind that it is important to also act like one by having a little fun. After all, that’s probably the reason you got into this field to begin with.

Buy some great toys that adults can benefit from, too. And when stressed-out parents come into your store, especially those who have children with special needs, prescribe a play product for them and recommend they use it often.

Focuses the mind This alone is therapeutic because often we have 800 thoughts hammering our minds. When we play, we focus on the puzzle, the card or the LEGO pieces, and this very act of focusing on one thing relieves us.

Switches to our creative (right side) of the brain Unfortunately, so many people live only in their logical, decision-making, judgmental left brain. But our childlike nature, our imagination and often our ability to creatively problem solve is in the other side and play is a bridge there.

Here are a few of my favorite adult play suggestions.

Relaxes our muscles That’s why I LOVE the Wii. It gets kids and adults alike moving and shaking and letting those tight muscles flex. Then they can relax and breathe a little deeper.

Takes us to a better place I tell you, even if you watch one of my favorite movies, “Shrek,” you will as an adult get something out of it that may not even hit a kid. Then you might do something that research has proven is one of the best things you can do for your body or your mind … think positive thoughts.

• Perplexus (three levels – Rookie, Original and Epic) • Checkers and chess (again that focus thing) • Movies like “Toy Story” and “Shrek” • Puzzles (searching and focusing) • Wii (relaxes the body) • ALL THE NEW ONES YOU DISCOVER AT TOY FAIR • Two Recent Books by Ken Ginsburg: Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings and Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self-Sufficient Teens in the 21st Century.

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Four Board Positions Open for 2012 he Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers for four three-year terms on the board of directors, beginning June 2012.

Three positions are for retailers and one is for a sales representative. Interested members are asked to contact Kathleen McHugh at kmchugh@astratoy.org or call 312-222-0984 for an application. Feel free to contact Kathleen with any questions about what you can expect if you volunteer to serve on the ASTRA Board of Directors.

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Commitment

Expenses

Board members are required to attend all regular meetings of the board.

Meetings take place in February at Toy Fair, in June at ASTRA’s annual meeting, and the first weekend after Labor Day in Chicago. Board members are required to take part in phone calls and e-mail discussions that may come up from time to time.

They are typically assigned the role of board liaison to committees, requiring participation in phone calls of the committee throughout their assignment.

Board members are reimbursed for travel and hotel expenses to the annual fall meeting. In addition, one night’s accommodation is paid for by the association for meetings at Toy Fair and the annual convention.

Qualifications of Director and Officer Candidates Candidates for the Board of Directors must be ASTRA members for a minimum of two years.

Candidates must be fully employed within the toy industry, preferably with a minimum of two years of experience.

It is desirable that candidates have experience as active volunteers in ASTRA or other constituency organizations, or possess similar experience.

ASTRA

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ASTRA Active at Toy Fair February 12-15, Javits Center, New York City ASTRA's 20th Anniversary Kicks Off at Toy Fair For 20 years ASTRA has been connecting the people in the specialty toy industry, and the perfect place to begin the festivities is at Toy Fair. We’ll be starting off the celebratory year this February. Visit us at the ASTRA booth, enjoy food and drink at our Night in New York Party, or kick back and relax in the member lounge. Let the festivities begin! Stop by the ASTRA booth #6339 and receive your passport of Toy Fair specials, along with $20 off your Marketplace & Academy registration in Baltimore, Maryland. Those who register will be entered in a raffle to win an iPad 2!

Visit Us at Booth #6339 Stop by the ASTRA booth to pick up your member ribbon, passport, and member gift. Manufacturers – don’t forget about your member plaque to display in your booth. Retailers can also place an advanced order for ASTRA’s second book, Financials You Can Understand: Building Blocks for Successful Toy Stores.

Register and Win an iPad2!

If you register at Toy Fair for Marketplace & Academy, you’ll not only save $20 on your registration, but you will be entered to win an iPad2!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Stop by the ASTRA booth to give your video testimonial. In celebration of 20 years of ASTRA we want to hear directly from you and how your membership builds your bottom line.

Sunday, February 12 The ASTRA Member Lounge Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Room 1C03 Back by popular demand – the ASTRA Member Lounge! Here

you can kick back, hang up your coat and meet with other ASTRA members. We all know it’s hard to find a place to sit in the Javits Center for lunch so take advantage of this “members only” benefit.

Night in New York 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza 20 W. 50th St. Registration form inside or register online at www.astratoy.org Join us for ASTRA’s signature party, where the specialty toy industry gathers for food, drinks, music, and the opportunity to meet new and old friends. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Monday, February 13 Share the Fair (retailers only) 6 to 7:30 p.m.

ASTRA Member Lounge, 1C03 Gather with your fellow retail members to discuss the hot products you saw in the aisles of Toy Fair. This list will help you sort through the products your peers think are must-haves on your shelves for 2012. Buses will be available to take you to central hotels on the Toy Fair bus route.

Tuesday, February 14 Share the Fair lists will be available at noon. See what made the list of the possible must-have toys for 2012. This retail expertchosen list makes navigating Toy Fair easy. Pick up at the ASTRA booth #6339.

Wednesday, February 15 Member Lounge closes at 4 p.m.

No Lounge Lizards Here f ever there was a reason to be an ASTRA member at Toy Fair, it’s the ASTRA lounge.

Each year TIA sets aside space for ASTRA members to put their feet up, rest in the middle of the day’s search for the best new toys, and leave their coats and boots without the coat check lines.

But that’s not all that happens in the lounge.

“The ASTRA room is my home at Toy Fair,” commented Allen Brafman of Little Things Toys in Brooklyn. “It is an island of peace, where good people gather to reflect and exchange ideas in a spirit of cooperation, friendship and mutual respect.”

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Thea Brown of World of Mirth in Richmond, Virginia, appreciates the space to spread her notes and get organized. “A great place to reach out to other ASTRA members,” she said. “I LOVE the lounge!”

It’s also a place to learn about products. Last year, Phil Wrzesinski of Toy House and Baby Too in Jackson, Michigan, ran into Debbie Scholl, owner of Fundamentally Toys in Houston, Texas.

“We went out to find a toy talked about the night before – the Waboba ball that skips on water. I had missed them when I went down that aisle earlier. I bought the 72-piece display, have re-ordered and

about to order again! If not for the ASTRA lounge, I would not have found this product.”

“My co-worker and I schedule regular meet-ups there during the day and drink water, compare notes, get organized, and complain about our feet,” said Tina Manzer, editor of edplay. “We eat our lunches in the ASTRA lounge and the atmosphere is sort of chaotic then because everyone else eats there, too. That’s not a bad thing. It’s crowded with people talking toys, arriving and leaving, waving to friends. I am very thankful to have that safe haven at Javits.”

ASTRA’s

Night in New York

ASTRA’s BIGGEST social event at Toy Fair is again at one of the most recognized destinations in New York City — Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza.

Join us at ASTRA’s Night in New York Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the famous Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza.

Meet, mingle, and celebrate all in one BIG night of fun and food.

Treat yourself to an elaborate choice of passed hors d’oeuvre, a hosted premium bar (free drinks), a wide selection of buffet options including beef, chicken scallopini, salmon fillets, pasta and vegetarian choices, an array of delicious desserts and coffee service. By any standard this complete evening is the best value for a night in New York City.

Networking and socializing is a big part of ASTRA’s mission so ASTRA members pay only $75. Non-members pay $160.

Tickets are limited and sold out early last year. Sign up early or miss this fabulous evening with your colleagues and friends in the specialty toy industry.

Register today at www.astratoy.org or call 312-222-0984.

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association

Join us at ASTRA’s Night in New York at the Rock.

Register today at www.astratoy.org or call 312-222-0984.

ASTRA’s

Night in New York Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 6:30-9:30 pm Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Associations's signature event will be held at the famous Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza during Toy Fair 2012. This event is open to anyone who sells or makes toys and play products. The cost to attend is $75.00 for members and $160 for non-members. Treat yourself to an elaborate choice of passed hors d’oeuvre, a hosted premium bar (free drinks), a wide selection of buffet options including beef, chicken scallopini, salmon fillets, pasta and vegetarian choices, an array of delicious desserts and coffee service.

Register today by faxing the completed form to 312-222-0986 or visit www.astratoy.org where you can register online.

REGISTRATION FIRST NAME

TICKET PRICE (circle one)

LAST NAME

MEMBER PRICE

NON-MEMBER PRICE

$75

$160

$75

$160

$75

$160

$75

$160

$75

$160

$75

$160

TOTAL CONTACT INFORMATION COMPANY

ADDRESS

CONTACT

CITY, STATE, ZIP+4

PHONE

FAX

E-MAIL ADDRESS

Please check one: = ASTRA Member

= Non-Member

PAYMENT INFORMATION = Check (made payable to: ASTRA)

= Visa

= MasterCard

= American Express

NAME ON CARD ACCOUNT NUMBER CVV NUMBER

EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE

mm/yyyy

Please make checks payable and return payment and form to:

ASTRA, 432 N Clark St., Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60654 | P: 800-591-0490 | F: 312-222-0986

Membership has its privileges!

ASTRA Manufacturers’

Toy Fair 2012 Specials Only ASTRA members receive these money-saving discounts from vendors at Toy Fair. Be sure to visit these ASTRA manufacturers to learn more about the offers below.

A Wish Come True Booth #5205 Whimsical costume apparel and accessories for kids. Made in the USA. Free shipping for all orders placed at Toy Fair.

ALEX Booth #2121 Over 80 new items including wooden toddler toys, preschool 3-D puzzles, ScaniMagic, Duct Tape Fashion, Juice Tab Bracelets, Mix & MakeUp, Bling Along, Pops Crafts, Tea Sets and Pogo Stick. More with Dylan’s Candy Bar® and Kids Concoctions®. $1000 = 1/2 FFA, $2000 = FFA, $2500 = Net 90, $5000 = June 1 dating. 30-40 new individual items: 3% discount on new products only. 41+ new individual items: 5% discount on new products only.

Shows & Showrooms:

Always Been Creative, Inc. (The blankZ®) Booth #6256 “You fill in the BlankZ”, the most creative and sustainable toys that allow you to color your own look and character. Then, if you want, you can wash/dry and color again! Purchase at show, get 5% discount.

Ann Williams Booth #1874 We’ve moved. Please come see us on Level 3. Loopdedoo, Talkatoo and Talkatales specials: $500 = 5% discount, 3 cases of Loopdedoo = free unit, 3 cases of Talkatales = free unit, 4 cases of Talkatoo = 4 free units & free display. Specials apply only to ASTRA member orders placed at the show.

Push Profits!

New York Int‘l Gift Fair - Baby & Kids #5304 New York Int‘l Toy Fair - Booth 319 Dallas – Eureka 8220 Atrium, 8th Floor Los Angeles – Bozeman Assoc. 355B Seattle – Arlene Oom & Co. Suite 291 Minneapolis Gift Mart – Square 1, Red 233 Atlanta – Toys South, AmericasMart. Bldg 2 West Wing, Suite 772/790

Request your free HABA catalog!

Ph: 1-800-468-6873 www.HABAusa.com

Flapping Frank, one of four new HABA pushing toys!

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The Aquastone Group Booth #6245 We are excited about 2012! Come see all of our new toy and gift products. From preschool to ’tween, stylish and creative to ecoconscious, we have the right fit for you! $350 = N60, $500 = 1/2 FFA, $750 = 1/2 FFA + 3% discount, $1000 = FFA + 5% discount. ASTRA members: Mention WOOKY USA and get 3% off any $500 order.

Bag-O-Loot Booth #6218 $499 = 1 case + video display + shipping + handling + sales guarantee that includes return shipping. Must prepay with credit card. Offer ends 4/30/12. ASTRA members only. Visit booth for details.

Be Amazing! Toys Booth #829 $250 = PD07 – Demo/Playday Kit + DVD of product demonstrations #1001. Each item must be requested on Order Form/P.O., $300 = 1/2 FFA, Net 30; $500 = FFA, Net 30; $1,000 = FFA, Net 30, placed before 3/31/2012; FFA, Net 30 on all subsequent orders of $250 during calendar year. Orders must be in full cases and shipped to one address for freight specials and terms. Customer must be in good credit standing and invoices paid per terms for freight specials and dating.

Bead Bazaar Booth #365 Bead Bazaar invites you to stop by our booth to view our new, exciting and fun products for 2012. You can receive dating and freight terms. We look forward to seeing you!

BSW Toy, Inc. Booth #937 We feature hundreds of items that we make here in the USA! FFA; freight included on ALL orders. 5% discount on ALL orders over $300. Free countertop spin display included with all Shrinky Dinks™ orders of $288 or more. Free Shrinky Dinks™ Play Day kit with order of three (3) dozen or more (and upon request). Credit card payments accepted for all orders. Net 30 terms available with approved credit.

Buffalo Games Booth #217 “Making Life More Fun and Rewarding” $500 = 5% discount, Net 90, $1,000 = FFA or 10% discount (retailers’ choice!), Net 90, $1,500 = FFA and 10% discount, Net 90.

Calliope Games Booth #6078 Calliope Games is supersized family fun! Our awardwinning games typically retail under $30. Please come visit us for ASTRA member show specials: No minimums, mix & match = 1/2 FFA, $160 = FFA, $250 = FFA + 2 Free Games, $500 = FFA + 6 Free Games.

Charisma Brands, LLC Booth #1503 Adora, the premier brand for quality baby dolls, expands offering to more than 150 items! See the world’s best handmade dolls, with truly lifelike features. Order 25 or more Adora branded dolls for FFA on order. Offer applies only to ASTRA members placing orders at the Toy Fair for delivery as available.

Cloud B Blue Box Toys, Inc. Booth #2937 Booth #5537 $750 = FFA. Bkids is an innovative brand for infants and preschoolers that offers quality items. We are committed to producing products that offer true value while meeting relevant safeConstructive Eating Inc. ty standards. 10% discount, FFA with minimum purchase, dating.

Booth #1775 Any order placed during February 2012 is eligible for the show Stop by and see our award-winning Construction Line and specials. Please visit us for more details on conditions.

Garden Fairy Line of utensils and plates. Our products are proudly made in the USA. ASTRA members receive $100 = FFA (for orders placed at Toy Fair).

Blue Orange Games Booth #311 $750 = FFA, Net 30, $1,000 = FFA, Net 60. Visit us Daron Worldwide Trading, Inc. to discover our four truly amazing new versions of Spot It and Booth #5218 five new games!

Minimum opening order $150, Reorders $100, $500 = FFA, Net 30, 5% show discount for orders placed at New York Toy Fair.

Discover with Dr. Cool Booth #6450 $500 = FFA w/ CC.

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DuneCraft Funnybone Toys™ Booth #177 Booth #6458 Come see DuneCraft’s themed terrariums, seeds and plant kits, as Funnybone Toys™ makes games that use good well as new novelty polymer headers and impulse items made in design to stimulate creativity. They give your brain a USA! $350 = FFA, $650 = FFA, 5% discount. Orders must be workout – while you’re having so much fun you don’t even prepaid, written at list wholesale and handed in during the show. notice you’re learning! $90 = minimum order. $270+ = FFA, Net 30 upon approved credit. Special offered through 2012.

Education Outdoors, Inc. Booth #200 Education Outdoors has three new products this year: Fishing Camp, Mysterious Creatures and Hit the Trail. Display for free when you order $500 or more. $500 = 10% FA, Net 30, free display. $1,000 = 15% FA, Net 60, free display. $3,000 = FFA, Net 90, free display. For ASTRA members who place orders at Toy fair or within 30 days either way of Toy Fair.

Gorgeous Products, Inc. Booth #5636 Award-winning Boikido Wooden Toys and Boikido eco-friendly range promote self-driven play through innovative and whimsical designs that educate and stimulate children’s imagination. $500 = 5% discount, additional 1% discount for every 2012 new items ordered.

Edushape Booth #2165 Boutique quality developmental toys for birth to five-year-olds.

Categories include Water Play, Construction, Infant/Toddler, Music, Puzzle/Games. Exciting promotion for Toy Fair attendees.

Griddly Games, Inc. Booth #6063 $500 = FFA, Net 30, 2% discount. Buy 11 and get the 12th free on first order of any title, Specials on orders written at the show to ship by March 15.

Eitech America Booth #1509 Build a foundation for learning that will last a lifetime! Creative Eitech steel construction sets and Teifoc brick and mortar building kits. All designed, engineered, and manufactured in Germany. $1,000 = FFA, Net 60, 10% discount.

GUND, Inc. Booth #2007, 4B2 GUND is happy to offer the following show special to all ASTRA members who place an order at the 2012 Toy Fair.

This is in addition to your normal ASTRA discount. $1000 order receives $85 in GUND bucks, $1500 order receives $125 in GUND bucks, $2000 order receives $200 in GUND bucks.

Endless Games Booth #239 Family games, party games, card games, dice games. Endless Games are endless fun! $500 = 1/2 FFA, Net 30, 5% discount. $1,000 = FFA, Net 60, 5% discount. One case (Zoo Panic game) = free sample.

Eni Puzzles Booth #830 The Eni Puzzle is a cylinder shaped empty space puzzle that uses the space to design a variety of color patterns in order to enhance creativity, concentration and fundamental math skills. $300 = FFA.

FoxMind Booth #5922 All orders placed at the booth during the New York Toy Fair: Buy 3 SKUs = 5% off, Buy 5 SKUs = 10% off, Buy 7 SKUs = 15% off.

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Hedstrom Specialty Booth #5145 Bounce, throw, hop, ride, catch, slide ... keeping kids of all ages moving. Our focus is on active play. Hedstrom Specialty offers products for every season. $450 = FFA with credit card purchase. $500 = FFA, net 30. $750 = FFA, net 60. $1000 = FFA, net 60, 5%. Playball program: Purchase of 120 playballs (6 inch, 10 inch or 15 inch) = free rack or inflator.

Terms available through 4/1/2012. Playball programs available through 7/1/2012.

INI, LLC Booth #6133 Dabble has won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal, The Parents’ Choice Gold Award, Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games, Top 10 PAL Award, and Creative Child Magazine Word Game of The Year 2011. $300 = 10% discount and free demo, $500 = 15% discount, Net 60, and free demo. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and AMEX. Offer expires 2/17/2012.

Every child who plays our games may not become a famous scientist, but they will develop spatial perception, logic, memory, and problem solving skills that will always help them. And we do guarantee that kids (and their parents!) will enjoy hours and hours of IQ-building FUN while they play SmartGames!

See us at Toy Fair!

Booth 277

Smart/Tangoes USA 2822 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94109 Phone (800) 542-6375 Fax (415) 931-6375 sales@tangoes.com www.SmartTangoesDealer.com

innovativeKids Booth #337 $500 net = FFA, Net 90, 53% discount.

International Playthings, LLC Booth #405 International Playthings offers a range of brands and award winning products, including games, preschool, educational and activity toys. Come visit us and see all the brands we have to offer, such as Calico Critters, Kidoozie, Quercetti, Whipple, Whirl ‘N Wear, and introducing an exciting line of Hello Kitty! $1,500 = FFA, Net 60.

Just Jump It Toys Booth #6325 Come by and jump with us. Yes, Just Jump It will be bringing their “Double Dutch” skills to Toy Fair 2012. If you don’t want to jump you can always turn the rope. ASTRA members who place orders at the show receive: Orders of 60 items or more = 12 free 8’ jump ropes and Net 60.

Kids Preferred, LLC Booth # 2866 $500 = FFA, Net 90 or $500 = FFA, 3% discount for credit card payment. Order must be placed at Toy Fair.

The Learning Journey International Booth # 473 Program 1: $500-$749 = 5% discount, Net 30, FFA. $750-$999 = 10% discount, Net 60, FFA. $1000+ = 15% discount, Net 60, FFA. Program 2: All Puzzle Doubles on sale for $6.50 each! Offers cannot be combined. Puzzle Double orders will count toward order dollar value of Program 1.

Eligible on immediate ship orders placed February 12 through 27, 2012. FFA is to one U.S. location. Use code ASTRANY2012.

Little Kids, Inc. Booth # 153 Stop by and join us as we celebrate 20 years of no mess, no spill bubble toys with new products, new packaging and our biggest promotional campaign ever!

The Little Yoga Mat Table #5 The Little Yoga Mat is the only eco-friendly toddler size yoga mat printed with five different colors in 2 patterns: Lotus and Sun. Starter Package (12 mats): $150 = FFA, Net 30 + 1 free sample mat. Volume Package (48+ mats): FFA, Net 30, 10% discount. We accept checks, VISA or Mastercard. Orders must be placed by July 1, 2012.

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Leisure Learning / MightyMind Kids (Made in USA) Booth #100-101-102 With any Toy Fair order, ASTRA members can pick up a $120 free MightyMind Continuity Certificate. We’re also repeating 20% 5 SKU special!

Maple Landmark Woodcraft Booth #6407 Buy and try new products for spring. Receive an additional 10% off any new products introduced since September 2011. Minimum quantities apply. For immediate delivery orders only.

Mary Meyer Stuffed Toys Booth #259 $500 = FFA.

Mega Brands Inc. Booth #753 Make an appointment to view Mega Brands’ newest lines of construction sets, games, and puzzles, featuring Moshi Monsters, Hello Kitty, Thomas the Tank Engine, Smurfs, Power Rangers, Halo and (new for fall 2012) World of Warcraft, among others.

Chat with Deena (618-698-1209 or DCates@magebrands.com) or your local MEGA representative to take advantage of Toy Fair specials.

MerryMakers, Inc. Booth #6333 New: Penny Doll, from bestselling author Kevin Henkes; One Love Doll, from the joyful book adapted from Bob Marley’s beloved song. Our bestsellers: Pete the Cat, Llama Llama, Children Make Terrible Pets, How Rocket Learned to Read, Olivia, Ladybug Girl, A Visitor for Bear, Fly Guy, Five Little Monkeys, Scaredy Squirrel Puppet and Bad Kitty. $150 = FFA for Toy Fair orders.

Mindtwister USA Booth #6111 To receive Toy Fair specials, orders must be placed at show and shipped immediately. No other discounts apply. ASTRA member specials: $300 + = flat ship rate of $12.50 per case, Net 30. $500 + = flat ship rate of $12.50 per case, Net 30, 5% discount. $1,000 + = FFA, Net 60.

Monkey Business Sports Booth #1588-1688 $500 = 1/2 FFA, Net 30, 5% discount. $1000 = FFA, Net 30, 5% discount. To qualify for this special submit orders by 3/31/12 and account must be in good standing. Contact us via phone, fax or-email to place your order and reference the 2012 NYTF special.

Morphology Games, LLC Piggy Wiggies/Howly Owlies Booth # 6147 Booth #6335 Check out Junior Morphology (new release)! For kids 8+.

Come visit our booth of adorable plush owl pillows Morphologist Dozen: 12 units for the price of 11. New accounts and keychains and the cute Piggy Wiggies. Each item comes with or first purchase of Morphology J: $500 = FFA. Net 60 for orders a name and story, and are all one big happy family! Free booked at the show.

Shipping and Net 60. Credit cards, checks accepted.

My Pillow Pets Booth #305 Come meet Mickey, Minnie and all of our new licensed Pillow Pets. See what’s new: styles just for specialty, header cards on the blankets for easy display, video games and more. Free 11” Valentine Dog with order (while supplies last).

Neat-Oh!® International, LLC Booth #5827 $350 = 1/2 FFA, Net 30. $500 = FFA, Net 30, 5% discount.

Please note: This promotion is for ASTRA members only on orders placed in the Neat-Oh! booth during Toy Fair only. No exceptions. Manufacturers reps will be credited.

Ohio Art Company Booth #2840 $750 = Net 60, 7% freight discount. Purchase 3 cases of Clics®, including 58702 (175pc bucket), pay for 5, get one free and receive a 42-piece displayer FOC (value $60).

The Orb Factory Booth #5809 The Orb Factory has over 50 new products for 2012.

From Curiosity Kits to Sticky Mosaics, our craft kits let you learn, create and play! $500 = FFA, Net 60.

P’kolino Booth #5467 New must-see products exclusively for specialty retailers.

Wooden toys, art kits, easels, play furnishings and more. Also, Puff the Magic Dragon and pop artist Romero Britto. $500 = Net 30, 3% discount. $1,000 = Net 60, 6% discount, $3,000 = Net 90, 9% discount. Fixed Freight Allowances. Orders must be placed at Toy Fair 2012. Credit subject to approval. Call 888403-8992 or info@pkolino.com for details.

Peaceable Kingdom Booth #6227 Show special: valid Jan. 1-March 31, 2012. $500 = FFA, Net 30. $1,000 = FFA, Net 60. $2,500 = FFA; Net 90.

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PlanToys, Inc. Booth #6205 Place an order with PlanToys at the show and receive: $750 = FFA, $3,000 = Net 180 (subject to credit approval). Stop by our booth for even more specials!

Playroom Entertainment Booth #6127 $500 = FFA, Net 30, $1,000 = FFA, Net 30, 5% discount. Orders must ship by March 31, 2012. Free freight is applicable to orders shipping within the continental U.S. only. Terms are not available for first-time customers.

Prince Lionheart Booth #5536 $500+ = 5% off MAX. $1000+ = 10% off MAX. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer good February 12-19, 2012.

Pumponator, Inc. Booth #1840 Introducing a whole new outdoor/seasonal display. Lots of new products, plus The Original Pumponator has a brand new look and lower price! Come see us. $300 = FFA and 5%, $500 = Free display unit, FFA and 5%.

Reeves International Booth # 2107 Following are Reeves International’s 2012 terms for ASTRA members for our quality, award-winning brands: Breyer Animal Creations®, Tolo®, Geomag® and Enchantmints®: $750 = Net 60 & FFA. $2,000 = Net 90 & FFA. $4,000 = Net 120 & FFA. $6,000 = Net September 15th & FFA. $10,000 = Net December 1st & FFA.

RJB3 Games Booth #107 Free store use demo with each point of sale box ordered at 2012 Toy Fair.

Smart/Tangoes USA Booth #277 6 items = FFA, free demos for first-time order items, 12 items = FFA, Net 90, free demos for first-time order items (all items for new accounts). Introducing New SmartDealer Program: 24+ items = 11/1 dating + FFA on initial order, reorders $250+ = FFA, extra discounts, free listing in monthly ads in your local parenting publication, and much more! Offer good Jan. 1-March 31.

Schoenhut® Booth #623 Schoenhut® Piano Company, the oldest and most recognized manufacturer of its kind, has been producing toy pianos and other musical instruments since 1872. Orders placed at Toy Fair: 10% discount.

Skullduggery, Inc. Booth #5333 Come see our new “Made in the USA” products: Aero Flix and Marble Copters. $250 = 1/2 FFA; Net 30, $500 = FFA; Net 60, $1,000 = FFA; Net 90.

Smart Play, LLC Booth #5858 $500 = FFA, Net 30. 3% discount, $1,000 = FFA; Net 60, 5% discount.

Spooner Boards Booth #5071 Come join the Spooner Party! New products, new tricks, and of course Spooner Dude! See you there! $450 = FFA, CC. $600 = FFA, Net 30. $1000 = FFA, Net 30, 5% discount. New account = 2 free demo boards, banner, DVD. Terms subject to approval.

Offer valid till Feb. 28.

Teach My Infant/Preschool Booth #5542 The first order placed during New York Toy Fair 2012 = free shipping.

Toy Collection Catalog Booth #789 Receive FREE Digital Flip Catalog ($50 value) or Digital Flip Spring Flyer ($35 value) with each print promotion ordered through Feb. 29. Early Buy discounted pricing also in effect.

Toymarketing International, Inc. Booth #141 & 144 $200 – $849 Net 30. $850 – $999 Net 30, FFA. $1,000 – $1,499 Net 60, FFA. $1,500 – $ 1,999 Net 90, FFA. $2,000 – up September 1, 2012, FFA.

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Wiggles 3D Games Booth #6220 Wiggles 3D Games is pleased to offer our New York Toy Fair Special to ASTRA members only. Order any 4 titles from the Wiggles 3D award winning lineup = receive free shipping. Order any 4 titles = FFA.

William Mark Corporation Booth #5902 Come see our top-secret new toy for 2012 officially launching at Toy Fair.

Also see our other full product lines including new Air Swimmers characters, Flitter Fairies, My Mystery UFO, Air Burst Rockets, X-launchers and X-zylos. $250 = 5% off and a free demonstration DVD to play in your store.

Woodstock Music Collection® Booth #6427 Woodstock Music Collection “What Fun Sounds Like™”! $350 = Net 60, 5% discount, $700 = Net 90, 7.5% discount. $1000 = FFA, Net 90. Valid once per customer 2/12-15/12. Subject to credit approval. FFA to continental U.S., ship by 3/14/12. WPI offers/discounts cannot be combined.

YOTTOY Productions, Inc. Booth #5633 YOTTOY brings story time to life with toys children cherish forever! Visit us at booth #5633 on the lower level to see our new classics and contemporaries. $500 = Net 30, 3% discount, 1 free case pack of a Little Biddle. $1000 = Net 60, 5% discount, 2 free case packs of a Little Biddle. Must be paid within terms. Not valid on credit card orders. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer ends February 24, 2012.

The Young Scientists Club Booth # 2514 The popular Magic School Bus has expanded with a Slime and Polymer Lab Bus, Growing Amazing Polymers group kit, and Attracted to Magnificent Magnets kit. Come check out Ms. Frizzle and participate in our drawing for a free Magic School Bus group pack. $300 = 1/2 FFA; $600 = FFA; $1,000 = FFA, Net 60.

ZAZOO KIDS, LLC Booth # 3112 This multimedia ZAZOO Photo Clock visually shows children when to stay in bed and when to get up. Choose from daytime and nighttime images, or personalize with your own photos. Big kid features, too! One case pack (6 units) = FFA, Mixed case-pack allowed (2 styles), free demo with CC payment. Two case pack (12 units) = FFA, Net 45, free demo with CC payment. Offer valid during the month of February 2012 for ASTRA members only.

Zoobies Booth # 5567 5 or more case packs = free freight.

ASTRA

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MOVE IT Moo Moo! Giddy-up Trotter!

Visit us at Toy Fair – Booth 2921

Toy Fair Promo – Buy 12 get 1 FREE!

/LG<I "LIEJ r • Easy to inflate /F=K FLE:< • Indoor or outdoor play • Furniture and floor friendly '@; ,FN<I<; • Easy to clean E> FLE:< (F

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• Made of durable material for years of play • Cushioned and comfortable to sit on

FS-USA • 800.846.4228 • Email: custserv@fs-usa.com • www.fs-usa.com

ASTRA Speaks Up on Tax Fairness of aMuse Toys in Baltimore visited lawmakASTRA’s voice was heard in Washington, ers to give the toy retailers’ point of view.

D.C., in early November when the association Jeff Dronzek hosted a press conferjoined forces with members of the American ence on Novemer 14 at his store, Learn All Booksellers Association and other retail trade About It Toys in Warwick, Rhode Island. associations to rally support for a level playing Present were Senators Reed and Whitehouse, field between online and brick-and-mortar two of the 10 senators (five Republicans and retailers with a tax fairness act. five Democrats) who co-sponsored the bill.

By November 10, the Marketplace After sending letters to the senators in Fairness Act was introduced by Senators Dick September, his store was selected to host the Durbin (D-Illinois), Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), event. It was also attended by Warwick’s and Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) to allow Liz Tromba and Steven Aarons of mayor and director of economic developstates to tax Internet and out-of-state sales. The Barstons Child's Play in ment, and covered by the major local netact would exempt small sellers with less than Washington, D.C., and Claudia works. $500,000 in gross annual remote sales from Towles of aMust Toys in Baltimore “Rhode Island is tiny and we lost $70 collection requirements. presented the case for tax fairness million annually,” Dronzek said.

As things stand now, under the U.S. to members of Congress.

He noted that efforts by ASTRA in Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling in Quill v. North Washington are working to get the word out about the tax disparDakota, online retailers not based in a state do not collect and ity between Internet sellers and brick-and-mortar. The senators remit the state’s sales tax. expressed confidence in the legislation passing, but were equally ASTRA President Kathleen McHugh, Steven Aarons of hesitant about the misperception that this is a new tax.

Barstons Child’s Play in Washington, D.C., and Claudia Towles ASTRA

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ASTRA Welcomes Its Newest Manufacturer Members ADORA Charisma Brands Laguna Hills, California www.charismabrands.com Adora Dolls are handmade with love.

We have been passionately making dolls for children to love for over 20 years. Our dolls are a work of heart with their adorable faces … squeezable, loveable, cuddly, cute … simply irresistible!

We are proud to introduce to ASTRA members our award-winning Adora dolls, designed and manufactured specifically for the specialty toy channel. With over 160 items available in the 2012 collection, there is more fun for everyone from 12plus months and up. From our Playtime™, Giggle Time™ Nursery Time™ and 4-Ever Friends™ collections we have set new standards for design, quality, detail and value.

• Amazing life-like features carefully sculpted into our “cuddly” gentle touch™ vinyl.

• Bean bag weighted bodies create a realistic feel and allow real baby postures.

• Silky smooth baby powder-scented bodies for a tactile touch and real baby smell.

All Playtime and Giggle Time dolls are machine washable! Nursery Time babies include a birth announcement, blankie and unique baby carrier.

Delightful handmade fashions, shoes and accessories also available. Mommy tested and child approved!

Come by and see the world’s best handmade baby dolls at the TIA Toy Fair Booth #1503 and ask about our show specials, or call us at 1-800-779-5335.

All The King’s Games Marietta, Georgia www.allthekingsgames.com Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve been inventing games. I used to cut out sections from poster board, draw up my own game boards and game cards, and then play my creations with my family and friends. I love making games and always thought it would be cool if someday I had my own game company.

So with the encouragement of my wife, in June of 2010, All The King’s Games was born. We launched the company last year with Word Golf. It combines the challenges and fun of a word game with the excitement of a round of golf! It’s also a great way to expand vocabulary and spelling skills, and you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the game. Plus, Word Golf comes in a miniature golf bag, which

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makes the game a great gift item during the holidays.

Our company is preparing to put out two new games in 2012, as well as a new kind of brainteaser puzzle that is sure to keep pulling players back in for more of its challenges. We plan on introducing these new products, along with Word Golf, at the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace and Academy in Baltimore. Some people have asked me, “Who is ‘The King’ in All The King’s Games?” The answer ... He is Jesus Christ, who is called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is also my Lord and Savior, without whom I couldn’t invent the games that I do.

Bereb Enterprises Inc. Toronto, Ontario, Canada www.campantics.com CampAntics™ is the children’s board game of summer camp adventures. Each trip around the board is one very realistic day at camp, where players participate in their daily activities (swimming, horseback riding, baseball, etc.), get into lots of mischief, eat, and follow the camp director’s announcements. Primarily for 5to 11-year-olds, the theme is also very attractive to older siblings, parents and grandparents. In addition to being loads of fun, the emphasis on social interaction keeps players interested and involved, even when it’s not their turn. Comic book instructions make it very easy to learn the basic rules.

As in real summer camps, players progress – after playing a few times by the Rules for New Campers (comic book), they add the Rules for Returning Campers; and once those have been learned, they add the Rules for Senior Campers. Day cards give players control over how long to play, including extending or shortening a game in progress. Other special features include two major selling seasons (spring/summer as well as Christmas), excellent art, rules for playing alone, educational aspects, four jackpots rather than one, and a glossary of camp words (e.g. tripper, CIT, tuck, and s’mores).

Carma Games – Tenzi Westport, Connecticut TENZI is a brand new dice game from Carma Games. Moms love TENZI because it is super simple to learn and play. Kids love 28 January 2012

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TENZI because it’s a blast. Retailers love TENZI because it flies out of their stores!

(Our very first retailer sold over 300 games his first year, and with a $7.50 margin, that’s a whole lot of cha-ching!)

If you want to see what a TENZI frenzy is all about, go to www.ilovetenzi.com.

Look for us at Toy Fair in New York City (Booth # 6079). To order your TENZI Starter Kit, contact: kevin@ilovetenzi.com.

TENZI, the world’s fastest game!

Casdon plc Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom www.casdon.com Casdon has been renowned for toy innovation for over 60 years, and has an unrivalled reputation as a developer of toy replicas, with some of the most prestigious domestic appliance products on the market. Our Dyson Vacuum replicas are the most notable. A browse through our website will give you an understanding as to why Casdon’s products are in worldwide demand. At Casdon, we’re looking forward to 2012 being a momentous year. Not only are we celebrating 66 years as one of the best loved toy makers, but we are also proud to present several new products, all presented in dynamic new packaging.

Please take a look through our website, which is divided into great “Little” categories. You’ll find our brilliant replica toys that are synonymous with Casdon, as well as so many other fantastic roleplay toys that always have, and always will, be enjoyed by generations of children. I hope you will be impressed and want to talk to us, because we believe the Casdon range has tons of appeal for children, parents – and your business. We look forward to hearing from you.

Doodleart World Marketing and Sales Vancouver, BC, Canada www.doodleart.ca DoodleArt was established in Vancouver, BC, Canada in 1972. Over the next seven years it sold over 8 million posters in 16 different countries and generated over $50 million in sales.

The very detailed colouring posters come with 12 nontoxic dual-tipped markers, and are packaged in their own white tube. Each poster has its own unique theme and takes up to 70 hours to colour.

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The new owners, Michael McLennan and Andrew Perkins, have re-established a national presence in Canada with distribution through Indigo-Chapters who have purchased over 25,000 posters since the summer.

Dowling Magnets Sonoma, California www.dowlingmagnets.com Dowling Magnets, leaders in the magnetic field since 1949, produce a wide array of magnet toys, games and education products. From foam letters to magnetic sentence strips, and white board tools and game sets, we are the answer to your magnetic needs.

Fundanoodle™ Charlotte, NC www.fundanoodle.com Fundanoodle™ is a new education readiness brand from Carolina Pad™ that puts the FUN back in learning! Join characters Max & Alphie on an amazing exploration of numbers and the alphabet.

Colorful writing tablets and multi-activity kits take children on a fun-filled journey as they master essential skills like memory and concentration, fine and gross motor skills, eye-hand-coordination and manual dexterity.

Fundanoodle launched in 2011 with a complete handwriting development program that guides children through the beginning stages of one of life’s great adventures – learning to write! Developed by pediatric occupational therapists, this program uses exciting and engaging skillbuilding activities to help children ages 3 to 6 develop and improve the foundational skills they need for writing and everyday tasks.

In 2012, Fundanoodle will introduce the “I Can Do Math!” book series developed by education professionals to adhere to the Common Core State Standards.

Funnybone Toys LLC Denver, Colorado funnybonetoys.com FUNNYBONE TOYS™ makes games that use good design to stimulate creativity – and give your brain a workout – while having fun! In 2012 we are proud to introduce our “Color Series” games, including Spectrix™: A Classic Card Game Designed for Color Lovers of

All Ages; Array™: Splice, Slice, Splatter & SLAM Your Opponents Right Out of the Game; and CUBU™: Where Visual Illusion Leads to Confusion. The games and packaging in this series were designed by a renowned TED speaker and expert on the way type and design is interspersed into our daily lives. We look forward to connecting with you at Toy Fair in New York City in February (booth #6458) and at the ASTRA show in Baltimore in June (booth #1617).

INI, LLC Gaithersburg, Maryland www.inillc.com In 2003, Jay Vohra formed INI (Ideas Never Implemented) because he didn’t want his idea to become another “could’ve, should’ve.” Even though he knew very little about the board game industry, he decided to leave the corporate world and follow his heart to invest in his idea and dream. Today, INI manages and produces the award-winning line of “I’ve Never” games and Dabble, The Fast Thinking Word Game.

If you like word games, then you will love playing Dabble. Dabble is a challenging, new word game that provides hours of fun for all ages. Not only does it provide a challenge for the savvy speller, but it’s also the ultimate way to make learning fun for younger children. The Dabble game will also help children develop many useful skills like vocabulary, spelling and quick thinking. Dabble has received numerous industry awards including Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games 2011, Oppenheim Toy Platinum Seal Award 2011, Game of the Year Award by Creative Child magazine, and the 2011 PAL Award. For Ages 10-plus, 2-4 players or team play (8 players). MSRP $24.95.

“I’ve Never” The Outrageous Game of Truth is an award-winning game that promises laughter, surprises, truth and discovery. Family friendly and the perfect icebreaker game for 2 to 8 players. As you move around the board, you will have to answer funny “I’ve Never” questions and perform silly activities. I’ve Never has received numerous industry awards including the National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval 2010, The Tillywig Laugh Out Loud Award 2010, Creative Child magazine 2010 Party Game of The Year. For Ages 8-plus, 2-8 Players, MSRP $19.95.

IPG Chicago, Illinois www.ipgbook.com With thousands of titles in countless categories, IPG has a wide selection of children’s books for every specialty and need for children of all ages.

From popular characters to concept board books and from illustrated classics to dynamic pop-up books, IPG brings the best books from independent publishers from around the world to the toy and specialty markets. In addition to our colorful catalog, all books may be searched for online at www.ipgbook.com and we are happy to create custom lists and make recommendations based on your needs.

Mad Cave Bird Games, LLC Grand Rapids, Michigan www.colorku.com Mad Cave Bird Games is a family company that creates and sells highquality wood board games that emphasize wood, color, family fun and learning.

ColorKu is like Sudoku, in color! It has a wood playing board, 81 wood marbles in 9 great colors, and 104 puzzle cards are included. Great for developing logic and deductive reasoning skills.

Tic Tac Ku is a MENSA Award winner, based on Tic Tac Toe but with great new twists; you play in 9 playing zones at the same time, and each player controls where and how their opponent can and must play. Also a high quality wood board using wood marbles. Great for developing strategic planning skills.

22 Ku-du! is a math crossword game consisting of 109 wood tiles. Players work simultaneously on their own crossword, trying to make as many 22s as possible, quickly, using one or all of the four math functions. Easily adaptable to all math skill levels. MindsEye, a new luck, skill and memory game, is coming soon. Visit us at colorku.com!

Metre Ideas and Design, LLC Brooklyn, New York www.toobalink.com Toobalink is the only construction toy specifically designed to work with paper towel tubes and toilet tissue tubes. Kids love it because collecting tubes to build bigger and better structures is part of the fun, and parents love it because the extra

building materials are free!

With Toobalink you can build anything you want, and the set comes with all the pieces necessary to build an endless variety of creations. The set even includes some tubes so that you can build right out of the box! After that, it’s up to you to collect more and more tubes.

Collect them from home! Ask the neighbors! Ask your friends! Save the tubes! www.toobalink.com Available spring 2012.

Intex, Mookie, Stanley, Hasbro, and Paricon. Our lines and inventory are changing each year in order to provide our customers with more options at better prices.

All of our products ship from Twin Falls, Idaho, and we have great rates with UPS, FedEx, and several other freight carriers. At NBT Wholesale, the customer is our biggest priority and we look forward to assisting you with your next inventory purchase.

Namaste Kid Golden Valley, Minnesota www.namastekid.com Namaste Kid products engage children in active play while they exercise their bodies and expand their imaginations. Product designs are clean and modern, appealing to kids and their parents.

The Yoga Motion DVD simply features an instructor and her mat. It’s like having a personal yoga instructor in your living room. Our innovative menu system allows children to enjoy a quick workout or a full 35-minute yoga routine.

The Yoga Motion Bundle makes a wonderful gift for kids! We’ve bundled our Yoga Motion DVD, Apple Green Yoga Mat and Shining Star water bottle into a shelf-friendly, easy-to-wrap-and-ship package. From business policies to product lines, Namaste Kid strives to follow eco-friendly practices. Retail orders of any size receive 50 percent off MSRP.

Nova Nature Distributing Blaine, Washington www.novanatureworld.com Nova Nature is a company specializing in high-quality natural toys and gifts. As a company, we are growing out of the desire to provide toys that are safe, natural, Eco-friendly, and sustainable.

Nova Nature currently distributes 2 lines: natural rubber bath toys, and baby teethers made by Lanco Toys. Lanco toys are handmade from natural rubber and hand-painted with nontoxic paints. These toys are water resistant and are completely PVC, BPA and Phthalate free. Babies can chew and mouth them with total safety.

Lanco toys are constructed from the sap or milk of the common rubber tree known as Hevea brasiliensis. Natural rubber can be harvested sustainably without the use of herbicides and is readily biodegradable. The other line is BioDours, 100-percent organic and 100percent hypoallergenic teddy bear. It is GOTS certified, the international standard that defines the criteria for making organic textile products and guarantees: ecology: Fibers – plush and stuffing – come from organic farming; quality checked: traceability guaranteed at every step of the manufacturing process; and fair trade: workers’ conditions are protected.

NBT Wholesale Twin Falls, Idaho NBT Wholesale was created with the small and independent retailer in mind. In this day and age, it is becoming increasingly hard for small and independent retailers to compete with big-box stores and online sales. That’s why we have the following rules for all accounts – we break all case pack quantities, there are no minimum orders, and no account is ever too small.

Our goal is to make the ordering and fulfillment of goods as seamless as possible, while providing you with quality product. When customers are your most important asset, why stress over inventory? Currently NBT Wholesale carries products from the following manufacturers: Funrise, Can You Imagine,

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Friendly Loom Products

New Book Promises Help With Toy Store Financials

pegLoom

= ant to learn more about your Gross Margin Return on Inventory?

How about a book with easy-toimplement tools that can increase your store’s bottom line?

ASTRA’s second book, Financials You Can Understand: Building Blocks for Successful Toy Stores, will explore each number, how it is calculated and why it varies from store to store. As a complement to ASTRA’s Profit Survey, this book will show you how to evaluate your store’s numbers compared to the averages. It is part of ASTRA’s ongoing effort to strengthen its members’ retail businesses.

Phil Wrzesinski, owner of Toy House and Baby Too in Jackson, Michigan, will be writing the piece, along with giving a spring 2012 webinar on how to use benchmarks to increase your store’s profits. The book will be available for advance orders at the ASTRA booth #6339 during Toy Fair.

The rest of the package of profitability tools includes ASTRA’s spring 2012 financial survey of toy store owners, adding to a rich base of financial data now spanning six years, and presentations by Al Bates at the June 2012 Marketplace & Academy in Baltimore, which will provide insightful analysis of the financial survey.

W

1

Potholder Loom & Loops

Easy Weaver

Harrisville Designs, Inc. O harrisville.com

PO Box 806, Harrisville, New Hampshire 03450 1-800-338-9415

Fax: 603-827-3335

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+ 4 5

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ASTRA News From the Industry

ASTRA Member Sponsors Contest for Great Sensory Toys magine the life of a child for whom average sounds are painful to hear, or flashing lights are immobilizing. Then imagine that you can create a toy that will help kids with a sensory processing disorder learn to play and to productively use the skills learned in play as they grow.

ASTRA member Tim Holliday of Children’s World in Sarasota, Florida, imagined that he could support such an effort. He signed on as sponsor of

I

DesignSense, an international design competition for children with sensory disorders spearheaded by Easter Seals Southwest Florida.

Quality toys with high play value are what ASTRA’s independent toy stores strive to provide for their customers. Where do these great products come from?

They all start with a great idea. That’s what this competition aims to spark, offering $1,000 for the winning design and

entrance to the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy.

Even within the specialty toy world, those with special needs, such as sensory issues, don’t get as much selection as others. That’s one reason Holliday is sponsoring the competition.

Entry is free. For details, check www.designsensechallenge.com.

Submissions are due January 27, 2012.

The South’s Best Toy Stores s it any surprise that of the 10 toy stores Southern Living magazine named the best in the South, nine are ASTRA members?

“Crowded superstores can suck the holiday spirit right out of you,” writer Stephanie Granada said in the magazine, “but these charming, family-owned spots make even grown-ups feel like kids again.”

Which ASTRA stores received this recognition?

I

O.P. Taylor’s, Brevard, North Carolina John Taylor opened the 6,000-square-foot shop as a general store with a kids’ play area, and turned it into a toy store a few years later. He has locations in Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, too.

Wonder Works, Charleston, South Carolina Granada calls this “a big store with an even bigger heart.”

Owned by Christine Osborne, it has a “Lowcountry” section with artwork and toys made by local children, craftspeople and adults with special needs.

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World of Mirth, Carytown, Virginia The article calls World of Mirth “a glittery store with red vinyl quilted counters and no straight lines (even the shelves are curved).” Owner Thea Brown’s mix is eclectic, from plush baby toys to vintage robots. (See photo below.)

Bean Head Toys, Sandy Springs, Georgia An indoor tree house rises from the center of this store that owner Chris Lowe describes as a “visual smorgasbord.” It’s a neighborhood gathering spot, and Lowe offers water and granola bars on Black Friday.

Magic Box Toys, New Orleans You won’t find “Do not touch” signs in this 3,000-squarefoot store, where customers are encouraged to test the toys.

Owner Betsy Ordemann offers curbside delivery service, knowing that parking on Magazine Street can be tough.

The Green Alligator, Jacksonville, Florida The Lee Middleton Nursery, where adopted dolls get weighed and measured and little mommies learn how to hold

J. Christopher Toys & Gifts is known for its polka dots outside and service inside. World of Mirth, below right, entices with an eclectic product mix.

their new babies, earned special mention in this store.

Owner Sandi White, a former teacher, opened it in 2008.

The Owl’s Nest Toy Shop, Southlake, Texas This quaint shop about 25 miles north of Fort Worth almost fell victim to the economic downturn two years ago, but its neighbors fought to save it. Owner Sandy Challinor gives $2 tokens for good report cards.

J. Christopher Toys & Gifts, Jonesboro, Arkansas At this polka-dotted shop, employees keep track of what kids want through a wish list registry. They also serve customers who call with a toy need, and owner Mary Horne’s staff has it wrapped and ready.

Miner’s Doll and Toy Store, Ocean Springs, Mississippi “Bubs” and John Miner opened this store in 1986, and the mix includes many of the same types of toys as it did then, including 200 styles of Madame Alexander dolls. It’s known for carrying classic toys.

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Building the Specialty Toy Industry “Brand” SOCIAL MEDIA + NEIGHBORHOOD TOY STORE D A Y Add Up to a Strong Consumer Message

By Kathleen McHugh, President

Bloggers make the specialty toy store case on Neighborhood Toy Store Day “Many stores are having special discounts, entertainment and crafts for the kids, and many will even gift-wrap your items before you leave, bless their hearts. Chances are you’ll leave with a few great toys. Chances are also strong that you will not get rammed by a metal shopping cart while you’re there.”

That’s the word from Christina, a mommy blogger writing about ASTRA’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day on Cool Mom Picks, which Parents magazine calls “the online arbiter of cool for the swing set crowd.” Christina’s audience is 99 percent moms, 82 percent ages 18 to 39, and nearly 60 percent with household income above $75,000 – the specialty toy sweet spot. The blog gets 350,000 page views per month.

Christina’s message gets to the heart of the specialty toy difference. She is writing about an event (Neighborhood Toy Store Day), but she brings to life why her readers should check out a specialty toy store: great toys, great service, better shopping experience. She captures the essence of the specialty toy “brand” in three short, trustworthy, real-world sentences.

Building the specialty toy industry “brand” When it comes to consumers, we can be considered the manager of the specialty toy industry brand. Our objective? It’s all about building the recognition among toy buyers that specialty toys are different than mass market products (higher quality, more play value, less techno-gizmo razzmatazz) and specialty toy retailers offer an entirely different shopping experience than big-box stores (more knowledgeable staff, highly attentive customer service, less stress). Our challenge? Our budget for getting the message out is modest. We need to be smart, be highly strategic, and make every penny count.

ASTRA’s use of social media In this effort, social media is our friend. According to a study titled The Social Media Behavior of Young Moms (November 2010), 90 percent of mothers of young children are active in social media and 60 percent have used information they got from a social networking site like Facebook or a blog to make a purchase. A study commissioned by Child’s Play Communications found that moms

Neighborhood Toy Store Day gets notice in Times Square, above right.

Joe Mitchell challenges young patrons to a game of Fastrack at YoYo Joe’s in Wilmington, Delaware, while former zookeeper Jungle John brings his collection of reptiles to the store. astratoy.org

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January 2012 39

AMERICAN MADE MEANS • Safety. An established supplier system means greater assurances against hazardous chemicals.

• A shorter supply chain. Dramatically less transportation pollution and a quicker response time.

• Local and sustainable lumber that is used in its pure form, no chemical treatments needed.

• No compromise on high quality. Chasing the lowest price leads to cutting quality.

• Local labor. Keeping Americans working and money staying closer to home.

MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT 1297 Exchange Street, Middlebury, Vermont 05753 • 800-421-4223

www.maplelandmark.com

New York Toy Fair Booth 6407

At Chicago’s Building Blocks Toys, celebrities include local author Sherri Duskey Rinker, promoting her book, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, and Sesame Street's Grover.

who buy based on recommendations they get from social media do so, on average, five times per year.

ASTRA created Neighborhood Toy Store Day, celebrated each year on the second Saturday of November, as a platform for our message during the biggest sales season of the year for independent toy retailers. The strategy for reaching targeted consumers is two-pronged: local retailers reach out to their community’s media through press releases and step-by-step guidelines ASTRA provides for them, and ASTRA provides support through national media. Most of our national effort is focused on bloggers and social networks because it is affordable, targeted, connected to the way moms make decisions in real life, and highly viral – which helps ASTRA leverage the small amount we have to invest and helps position specialty toys as a mom-trusted “brand.”

Results from Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2011 How does it work? In our second year of promoting the specialty toy industry through Neighborhood Toy Store Day, here is a sample of the results: • Significant placements in what is becoming “traditional” media like Huffington Post (30 million unique visitors), many placements on patch.com (8 million unique visitors).

• 250,000 Twitter impressions on the day of the event.

• 12 million impressions through blogger outreach.

We are a manufacturer not a jobber!

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January 2012 41

Kids work on their royal images with Orb Factory crowns at Becky & Me Toys in Glenview, Illinois. Young Becky & Me patrons hear stories direct from local author Carolyn Crimi at the Evanston location.

• One million impressions through Facebook advertising.

• Coverage in Daily Candy and top mommy blogs like babble.com.

• 64,000 Google hits for “Neighborhood Toy Store Day” and 23,000 hits for “Neighbourhood Toy Store Day” reflecting participation by our Canadian friends this year.

Together with manufacturers, sales reps, and member retailers, ASTRA is taking the message directly to moms. When metroparent.com (1,635 distribution outlets in southeast Michigan) tells parents to “round up the kids” to go to a store (!) and queenbeecoupons.com (47,265 unique visitors, Tacoma region) says, “I know I post a lot of deals for big box, national chain toy stores – but you can find some really great deals right in your neighborhood toy stores and I really believe that we should support local business!” we’re on to something important for the specialty toy industry.

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New Members RETAILERS Brilliant Sky Toys & Books Gabriela Stear 6879 S. Vine St Ste 712 Centennial, CO 80122 (720) 583-0081 gstear@brilliantskytoys.com www.brilliantskytoys.com Curio Tiffany Hernandez 2 Battery Park Ave Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 545-7938 union.nc@gmail.com Distinctive Toys Margaret Spicer 595 River Rd Fair Haven, NJ 07704 (732) 747-8080 Fax: (732) 747-7554 Distinctoys@aol.com Education PlayStation, Inc. Megan Mingone 127 Summer St Adairsville, GA 30103 (770) 877-9105 Fax: (770) 877-9106 meganmingone @educationplaystation.com www.epstoys.com Gracie & Gruff fine toys Duane Schreiner 9309 Macleod Trail SW Calgary, AB T2J0P6 Canada (403) 692-6607 Fax: (403) 692-6605 Duane.Schreiner @Gracie-and-gruff.com www.gracie-and-gruff.com The Hobby Shop Marvin Schutzer 1077C Rte 34 Aberdeen, NJ 07747 (732) 583-0505 Fax: (732) 583-2509 marvin@hobbyshopnj.com www.hobbyshopnj.com

Kettlemucks Toy Shoppe David Stefaniak 10895 S. Eastern Ave Ste 120 Henderson, NV 89052 (702) 776-8349 kettlemucks@cox.net www.kettlemuckstoyshoppe.com Kids Rule Rashid Rashid 1534 N. Milwaukee Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 837-0290 rrashid82@gmail.com Kites Tails and Toys, Inc Ksenia Litvinova 9 Mason Dr Selbyville, DE 19975 (302) 436-7060 Fax: (801) 751-5143 info@kitestailstoys.com Lots & Lots of Toys Gary Poserina 451 Rte 25A Miller Place, NY 11764 (631) 786-7043 gposerina@optonline.net Planet Mind Learning Store Joel Fenske 108 N Main St Kokomo, IN 46902 (765) 452-2341 info@planetmindlearningstore.com www.planetmindlearningstore.com Three Wishes Toys N More Pam Berg 1515 Sheridan Rd Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 251-8622 Fax: (847) 251-8620 fun@threewishestoys.com www.threewishestoys.com Tidepool Toys and Games Sandy Smyth 98 Garfield Pkwy #104 Bethany Beach, DE 19930 (302) 537-1206 ssmyth@tidepooltoys.com www.tidepooltoys.com

If any of the information below is incorrect, ASTRA truly apologizes.

Please contact us immediately at info@astratoy.org.

The Toy Box Nancy Roe 97 Main St Machias, ME 04654 (207) 255-6116 Fax: (207) 255-6116 Toy Tree Amanda Johnson 1500 Fisher St North Bay, ON P1B2H3 Canada (705) 478-5691 Toy.Tree@ymail.com www.facebook.com/ toy.tree.north.bay Toyville Diane Maumann 679 High St. Ste A Worthington, OH 43085 (614) 824-8187 toysahoyvi@gmail.com www.shopstoyville.com TravelKiddy Jennifer Untermeyer 2600 Cherryridge Rd Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 (303) 513-8504 jennifer@travelkiddy.com www.travelkiddy.com Verde Kids Jessica Kester 27 South Old Orchard Ave Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314) 962-5437 info@verdestl.com www.verdestl.com Zike, LLC Michelle Averel 902 N. Pleasantburg Dr Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 918-1400 Fax: (864) 240-9100 michelle@zike.net www.zike.net

MANUFACTURERS ADORA - Charisma Brands Tracy Stobaugh 23482 Peralta Dr. Ste A Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (949) 587-9400 Fax: (949) 587-9300 tstobaugh@charismabrands.com www.charismabrands.com All The King’s Games Kevin Greenberg 3562 Dexter Way Marietta, GA 30062 (404) 917-7467 kevgdesign@yahoo.com www.allthekingsgames.com Bereb Enterprises Inc. Barry Berenstein 2 Forest Laneway Ste 2203 Toronto, ON M2N 5X7 Canada (416) 223-3394 barryberenstein@hotmail.com www.campantics.com

Dowling Magnets Alice Martin PO Box 1829 445 2nd St. W. Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 935-0352 Fax: (707) 935-1231 kwalters@dowlingmagnets.com www.dowlingmagnets.com Fun and Function LLC Haskel Weiss PO Box 11 Mecion Station, PA 19066 (800) 231-6329 Fax: (610) 664-2040 haskel@funandfunction.com www.wholesale. funandfunction.com Funnybone Toys LLC Julien Sharp 2990 E. 17th Ave #2403 Denver, CO 80206 (303) 322-4046 julien@funnybonetoys.com www.funnybonetoys.com

Carma Games Kevin Carroll 2 Broad St Westport, CT 06880 (203) 226-6493 kevin@ilovetenzi.com

INI, LLC Jay Vohra 7112 Cypress Hill Dr. Gaithersburg, MD 20879 (301) 442-7880 Fax: (301) 990-7640 jvohra@inillc.com www.inillc.com

Casdon plc Phil Cassidy Cornford Rd Blackpool, Lancashire FY44QW United Kingdom +44 1253766411 Fax: +44 1253691486 phil@casdon.com www.casdon.com

IPG Michael Riley 814 N. Franklin St. Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 337-0747 Fax: (312) 337-1807 mriley@ipgbook.com www.ipgbook.com

DoodleArt World Marketing & Sales Inc. Andrew Perkins 1553 West 75th Ave Vancouver, BC V6P 6Z7 Canada (778) 863-5202 andrew@doodleartworld.com www.doodleartworld.com

Kavik Publishing Ashley Goldman 5667 Cumming Hwy Canton, GA 30115 (678) 232-9236 Fax: (404) 357-0726 sales@kavikpublishing.com www.reindeermagic.com

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Brought to you by edplay magazine Mad Cave Bird Games, LLC Mark Asperheim 922 Bradford Greens Ct NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 452-6861 Fax: (866) 916-1386 colorku@aol.com www.colorku.com

ShopToysandGifts.com Helping retailers find products and suppliers in the toy industry

This interactive directory is a terrific resource for retailers looking for

• New Products • Contact Information • Supplier Discounts

Bookmark ShopToysandGifts.com

Metre Ideas and Design, LLC William Sakran 189 Schermerhorn St Ste 18E Brooklyn, NY 11201 (917) 573-0304 will@metreideasanddesign.com www.toobalink.com Namaste Kid Amira Gaynor 8014 Olson Memorial Hwy #177 Golden Valley, MN 55427 (763) 443-0333 Fax: (763) 210-5278 amira@namastekid.com www.namastekid.com NBT Wholesale Scott Thompson 150 Madrona St. Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 421-1624 scott@nbtwholesale.com

Purearth International Limited Eddie Chou Si Hou Superluck Industrial Center Phase 2 30-38 Tai Chung Rd, Unit A-B Tsuen Wan, NY 852 Hong Kong (85224920660) Fax: (58229440193) info@purearth.biz www.purearth.biz Round World Products Inc. Chris Knoebel 921 E. 86th St. Ste 107 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 257-7352 Fax: (317) 257-5362 cknoebel @roundworldproducts.com www.roundworldproducts.com Wee Believers Steve Abdalla 11650 Latern Road Ste 208 Fishers, IN 46038 (317) 576-8444 steve@weebelievers.com www.weebelievers.com

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MANUFACTURER SALES REPRESENTATIVES Neil Birk CCSI Candy 250 Fulton Ave New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 629-4940 Fax: (516) 629-4981 neil.birk@ccsicandy.com www.ccsicandy.com Roland Gauthier The French Stationery Co. 1 Central Ave # 110 Tarrytown, NY 10591 (914) 366-6636 Fax: (914) 366-6810 roland@aladine.com colbertent@yahoo.com

AFFILIATES

Nova Nature Distributing Olek Zlylin 816 Peace Portal Dr #104 Blaine, WA 98230 (888) 887-8228 Fax: (888) 887-8228 admin@novanature.ca www.novanatureworld.com

Parents’ Choice Foundation Claire Green 201 West Padonia Rd Ste 303 Timonium, MD 21093 (410) 308-3858 Fax: (410) 308-3877 claire@parents-choice.org www.parents-choice.org

Panache Place Roger Richards 2921 Dartmouth Ln Coto de caza, CA 92679 (949) 858-8409 Fax: (949) 858-5802 rrichards@panacheplace.com www.panacheplace.com

Fundanoodle April Whitlock 9144 Arrowpoint Blvd Ste 200 Charlotte, NC 28273 (704) 602-2487 awhitlock@carolinapad.com www.fundanoodle.com Wowopolis LLC Ari Weinstock 1766 East 28th St Brooklyn, NY 11229 (718) 724-3152 aweinstock@wowopolis.com www.wowopolis.com

46 January 2012

UL - STR Donald Nicholson 10 Water St Enfield, CT 06082 (860) 308-5930 Fax: (860) 749-8234 donald.nicholson@strquality.com www.strquality.com

ASTRA

Visit us at Toy Fair Booth #5624

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