NEWS
Toy industry on the starting blocks for Spielwarenmesse Planning for the 72nd edition of the Spielwarenmesse fair has moved into top gear for the organiser Spielwarenmesse eG. Retailers, buyers and exhibitors are looking forward to meeting again in person at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 2 to 6 February, when the leading international trade show for toys, hobbies and leisure will give them the opportunity to discover innovations and new trends and glean fresh ideas for their businesses. Retailers can expect to encounter 1,700 leading producers and innovative start-ups from 62 countries, including all the market
leaders. Already, total bookings account for about 80% of the floor space occupied at the last fair. As far as retailers are concerned, willingness to make the journey is similarly massive: a representative survey of visitors by Spielwarenmesse eG found a clear vote in favour, with 77% planning to visit. To ensure the Spielwarenmesse runs smoothly, a sound and workable hygiene plan has been developed in consultation with the health authorities and the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. The list of exhibitors is now available online.
Time to apply for 2021 Toy Retailer of the Year Awards The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), organiser of the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards, has announced that the 2021 retailer application process is now open. Retailers can compete nationally in like-for-like categories and can apply in more than one category, if applicable. Self-nominations are permitted, together with nominations from a panel of nationwide industry experts. The BTHA will continue this year with the option for independent and smaller multiple retailers to include short testimonials from their suppliers. Entry has been designed to be a straightforward online process where retailers have the opportunity to support their applications with photos. To enter visit: www.btha.co.uk/awards/toy-industryawards/retailer-awards/ The evening ceremony will take place during London Toy Fair in Olympia’s Pillar Hall. For enquiries about the event or the awards process, email BTHA head of digital & services Matt Jones at Matt@btha.co.uk.
Voting open for TOTY Awards The 114 finalists for the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards have been revealed. Now it’s up to the global play community to help determine who will earn top honours at the February 18 TOTY gala, which serves as a critical fundraiser for The Toy Foundation. Consumers, retailers, media, and U.S. Toy Association members have between now and 4 January to cast their votes across 16 categories of toys, games, and entertainment properties. One product will also take home the ‘People’s Choice’ award (based solely on consumer votes), and one will win the coveted ‘Toy of the Year’ title chosen by a select panel of industry experts. Registration for the 18 February ceremony will open on 6 December at totyawards.org. To view the finalists, cast your vote, and learn more about the TOTY voting and selection process, visit ToyAwards.org.
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Spring Fair: 90% of stands sold out
Following the success of Autumn Fair and the highest ever re-book, Spring Fair has announced that 90% of its stand space has been sold, and organiser Hyve Group is looking to increase the floorplan to accommodate the flurry of new brands keen to join the show. Spring Fair takes place at NEC Birmingham from 6 February to 9 February and comprises four buying destinations: Home, Gift, Fashion and Design & Source. Sustainability continues to be top of the agenda with 82% of visitors stating their interest in sustainable and ethical brands. Existing initiatives such as the Sustainability Trail will continue to highlight and champion sustainable brands and the work they are doing. Further sustainability initiatives, including the reintroduction of the Power of One campaign, will be announced soon. The Kids, Toys & Play sector will feature the latest products from Aurora World, Keel Toys, Ty UK, Noble Collection, The Puppet Company, Orange Tree Toys, House of Marbles, The Playwrite Group, Gibsons, Usborne Publishing, Berg Toys, Bigjigs Toys, and Moulin Roty, among others. For further information, visit www.springfair.com
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