LOOK BACK 2017 WITH MALCOLM NAISH
That was the ye a a look back at 2 0 TnP’s Founder Malcolm Naish takes a look at some of the events that caught his eye during what was a tough year for the UK toy industry
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Sylvanian Families celebrates its 30th year and Toy Fair is the place to celebrate. Constantly a top brand with several Toy of the Year trophies under their belt during this period. Can you believe that Martin Grossman’s favourite toy as a kid was a Dekkertoy Dalek outfit? This undoubtedly proves the longevity of Dr. Who and, of course, Martin – both outstanding survivors of our wonderful industry. Another anniversary was John Adam’s 50th year. Many great brands such as Rubik, Ideal, Rummikub and much more. Toy of the Year went to Spin Master’s Hatchimals with Smyths Toys voted overall Toy Retailer of the Year. Despite being held over a Pizza Express, Toy of the Year remains the only worthwhile toy award to win. We were all gutted to record the passing of a lovely toyman – Jim Brearley. His passing came far too soon for all those who knew him. We all had some great memories of Jim’s involvement in so many toy trade events including the North vs South annual football match always held at top professional grounds and raising thousands for various toy trade charities. Tesco announce that they have finalised the purchase of wholesale giant Booker. A mere £3.7bn secures the deal subject to approval from the UK’s Competition Regulator.
Flair is enjoying big sales of its PJ Masks with deliveries selling out as soon as they appear on retailers’ shelves. One of their biggest fans, our Group Editor Mirella, has her three young boys committed to the cause! The impact of Holly Willoughby’s millions of Instagram followers from her This Morning show gives Spinmaster’s Paw Patrol a big fillip when she shares a video of her two-year-old son excitedly naming his favourite characters. Character Group’s Kevin Belcher celebrates his 60th birthday in great style at Nuremberg Toy Fair. Toy boy and ace football referee, Kevin will be officiating at the forthcoming 2018 match in Hong Kong this January. LEGO top the TV spend charts for January with a £1,093,992 spend at rate card. Flair is second with a spend of £909,790 at rate card.
MARCH We interview Miles Penhallow of AIS as a precursor to its April show. Its play-room toy division is gaining members at an encouraging rate with Miles’s 30 years’ toy experience a major contributor. (Miles, pictured above). Vivid is bought by London-based private equity investor Privet Capital with big plans to accelerate Vivid’s growth path. The plan includes expansion overseas. At the same time Vivid’s ex-MD Neil Bandtock announces that he will be joining Epoch as its MD to guide its Sylvanian Families and other brands. Hypro must be the first toy company to advertise its products at Premier League football clubs. It finalises a four-match advertising campaign that kicks-off in May. Spinmaster announces global turnover for 2016 at $1.155 billion. A fantastic growth from 20 years earlier
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