Toys n Playthings

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Helping everyone sell more

015 May 2 No.8 4 Vol. 3

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Independently audited Independently audited ABC circulation circulation of ABC of5,130 5,130 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 1 1July 2013 to 30 June 2014

For more details please contact 01235 555545 trade_sales@vtech.com

CONTENTS Regular 5 Leader - with Mirella Anstey 6 News - hot off the press 9 Quick Coffee Break - with Lexibook’s CEO, Aymeric Le Cottier

015 May 2 No.8 4 3 .

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10 People News - checking in on the movers and shakers ers 13 Exhibition News - the latest on global fairs and shows ws 14 Movie News - the latest from the box office 16 Media News – the multimedia rundown

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

17 Media Charts - the latest kids’ TV viewing figures and d toy TV advertising spend 20 What’s New - new products that you need eed to get your hands on

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22 Toy Talk – the retailers have their say 45 Trade Talk – we give suppliers the chance ce talk business

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49 Don’t Miss – unmissable products for all buyers and retailers 50 Licensing News – the hottest news from m the toy licensing industry 53 Step Back In Time – a slice of toy history y from the industry’s longest running magazine

Features 34 Cars, Trucks and Planes – what’s driving g these products to sky-high sales?

P34 Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Special Report 12 TnP TV is here! – the latest from TnP’s boundary pushing new weekly TV show 19 Cover Story – Find out all about the super powerful InnoTab Max, the latest tablet from VTech 26 Retail Interview – TnP spoke to Toy Galaxy Managing Director, Bhav Patel 31 Hole in One - TnP’s Founder Malcolm Naish talks about the 7th TnP Golf Day

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

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1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited

46 AIS Review – TnP reports on the Independent Toy and Gift Show

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Columnists 18 Media Whisperer – Clive Crouch ponders the role of TV in kids’ education 29 Shop Talk – John Ryan explores Hamley’s confident move into Russia 30 High Street Highs – The Entertainer’s Marketing and E-commerce Director Phil Geary talks affordable multichannel 33 Business Driver – Former European head of Hasbro John Harper looks at the importance of shared experiences

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48 TnP Ambassadors – Our ambassadors test the toys you stock on your shelves 52 Licensing Opinion – Kelvyn Gardner looks at licensing in the land of the rising sun

Toymaster Flip Cover Flip this issue over for your guide to this year’s Toymaster May Show

ABC circulation of 5,130 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

LEADER Mirella

W A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,195 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013

e are entering an exciting phase of the year... savvy/uber organised consumers are beginning to consider their big ticket purchases for Christmas, while the rest are buying up bits for the garden to keep the little ones happy (and tired enough to fall into bed early too) during the summer months ahead.

So, how is the year shaping up for everyone and what is getting everyone excited?

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At the heart of retail Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Also published by Lema Publishing

licensing T O D A Y

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TableWare INTERNATIONAL

Well, as I scan the international press, there really is only one story that dominates: Star Wars.

Now, as a child of the Seventies and with two older brothers, Star Wars feels like it is part of my DNA. My husband is a big fan too (memories of queueing up around the block to watch it at the local Coronet In East London are fond) and I know that many parents feel the same. It’s a no-brainer that as a family we will be buying a fair few of the toys available. But there has been speculation, in some quarters of the press, that it will all be too much for the consumer and they will turn away because of the ‘glut’. Well, my crystal ball isn’t working at the moment, but other, arguably more sage areas of the international media, suggest Star Wars will make Christmas, and in doing so bring consumers to other great products and categories - rather like Frozen did last year.

And let’s not forget that just recently

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PICTURE BUSINESS

Featuring FRAMING BUSINESS

Anstey Avengers: Age of Ultron opened to great fanfare and superb box office numbers, Guardians of the Galaxy blew audiences away last year, the leaked Batman v Superman clip sent the internet into a Kardashian-style meltdown and Justice League Part One is tipping fans into a frenzy. And that’s not to mention the on-off (currently firmly off) Sinister Six movie.

What does all this superhero fever really mean for the toy industry? Well, firstly, there truly is an appetite for all things ‘kapow’. Secondly, there is something for the Marvel vs DC fans, making it catch-all. But could there be confusion among consumers and how, as an industry, do we combat this potential befuddlement and make sales? Well, the fact is, once we are all fully armed with the info, we can help the consumer make the right choices and extend and upgrade our sales. After all, Superman certainly needs Lois Lane, Batman needs a Joker to fight against, and the Jedi will always need Han Solo and Chewbacca to swoop in at the last moment with a one-liner to help them combat the Dark Batman V Superman Side, right?

Get in touch with me and let me know your thoughts on the superhero sensation, and in fact where you stand on the Star Wars debate too.

I love to hear your views and I’m keen to know what your customers are telling you too!

Many of us will be seeing one another at the Toymaster Harrogate Show. TnP will be the in full force filming for TnP TV, interviewing suppliers and retailers and chatting to lots of you, so come over and catch up with us too! In fact, if you are heading up don’t miss our fantastic signature flip section at the back of this issue of TnP. It is an invaluable and comprehensive guide to the show, featuring product and company information, great interviews with retailers and a chat with Toymaster’s Ian Edmunds who gives us a snapshot of the independent trade right now and sets the show up for you.

If you want to be part of TnP TV, either at Harrogate or at any other time, call Ryan Horwood on 01442 289 930 or email him at ryan@ lemapublishing.co.uk TnP looks forward to hearing and seeing many of you - have a great May everyone!

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Avengers: Age of Ultron

If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

TV

NEWS New European head at Vivid Vivid recently announced the promotion of Eric Rossi to European Managing Director.

This will see him add the UK/Eire to his current responsibilities of Vivid France/ Belgium and Crayola European distribution.

Eric has been with Vivid since September 2012, having previously held senior European positions in both Hasbro and Tomy. A new General Manager of Vivid France will be appointed in due course.

Paul Weston, Vivid Group CEO said: “Eric has been instrumental in building a successful toy business in France/Belgium, driving growth on Vivid’s major in-house brands, and continued to deliver impressive growth on our Crayola business across EMEA territories.

He brings a wealth of experience to his new role, and will I’m sure play a key part in the further development of our business in the UK and across Europe.”

Eric added: “I am really excited and privileged to have the opportunity to work with the team at Vivid UK. They have proven to be a remarkable company.”

Toy industry gets their bake off on The toy industry gave Mary Berry a run for her money recently when they came together to support the first ever Toy Trust Big Cake Bake.

Fourteen companies took part in the event, which raised more than £1,300. All of the money donated to the Toy Trust will be distributed to charities which help disabled and disadvantaged children.

The companies that took part included The Entertainer, Golden Bear, Spin Master, Vivid, Disney Consumer Products, Mattel, Hasbro, Toymaster, Learning Resources, Bigjigs, Schleich, Evolution PR and the BTHA. After a rigorous and extremely difficult judging

process the following five companies have been crowned the 2015 Toy Trust Cake Bake Champions: Best licence inspired - industry lead licences: Monster High Dolls, Mattel It’s all about the kids - any children’s party would be proud to have them: Rainbow Surprise, Vivid Here comes summer – summer inspired: Ice Cream Cakes, The Entertainer Chocolate heaven – white, dark and milk chocolate creations: Rose Chocolate Cake, Hasbro UK Customer Service Team Best of British – whether flavours or style these represent all that’s great about the British Isles: Breakfast Cake, Golden Bear

TOP TRENDS OF 2015 Kristin Morency Goldman from the US Toy Industry Association looks at the Maker Movement

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Identified by the U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) as one of the top industry trends of the year, Maker Movement toys empower kids to construct and create items that are unique to them, whether they are playing with building toys, programmable and user-generated playthings, food-themed toys, DIY design kits, or other toys and games that let their creative talents shine through. In addition to being fun for kids, Maker Movement toys are enticing to parents because they help their children develop important lifelong skills through play, including: creative thinking; motor, tactile and visual skills; social skills; and logic and problem-solving abilities.

Showcased in February at TIA’s 112th

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Maker Movement toys are enticing to parents because they help their children develop lifelong skills

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North American International Toy Fair, the following toys and games are just a few examples of the many playthings that allow boys and girls of all ages to create one-of-a-kind structures, designs, and concoctions: LEGO Elves (LEGO Systems, Inc.) Elves is a new, girl-oriented LEGO theme for 2015, featuring pixie-like minifigures and a variety of building sets based on the magical world of Elvendale. This line is a natural transition for kids who already know and love the LEGO Castle line, or for those with an interest in fantasy stories and settings.

Better Builders Emotions (Guidecraft USA) Better Builders Emotions feature the magnetic fun of the original ball and rod construction toy – with a twist.

Construction pieces can be built

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Hasbro Q1 results positive

Made for Mattel Mattel has made sure to give its loyal licensees a slap on the back with its sought-after 2014 Pingu Awards.

The winners were announced recently and HTI picked up the Most Innovative Product award for the Barbie Colour Change Glam Bag. Character Options were also applauded and walked away with Range of the Year for its Fireman Sam offering.

Licensee of the Year went to Egmont which will be launching the first Thomas & Friends picture book in honour of his 70th birthday.

Publishing Product of the Year went to Parragon for its innovative and exciting Monster High Make a Skullette Kit, while Newcomer of the Year went to Heaven Made Foods for its reusable charactershaped blue jelly pots for Thomas & Friends.

Other winners included Markwins Role Play Ranges for Hardlines Product and Softlines Product went to M&S for its Fireman Sam Long Sleeved T-shirt.

Hasbro’s first quarter revenue beat expectations, up 5% to $713.5 million despite the negative impact of foreign exchange issues, the toymaker announced recently.

The real drivers of this growth were the Boys and Pre-school categories, up 10% and 22% respectively. Franchise brands Transformers and Nerf gave the Boys category its bump, aided by growth in Marvel products and the initial shipments of Jurassic World product.

Pre-school’s growth was fuelled by good all round performance of Play-doh, Playskool Heroes, Transformers Rescue Bots and, again, initial Jurassic World shipments. Games was also up 7%, with Magic: The Gathering, and Monopoly both selling well.

Strong performances across these three categories helped offset a slight slip in the Girls category, held up by Littlest Pet Shop and Play-doh Dohvinci.

Chatty man Trends have brought a new and very chatty Frozen product to market.

The new Disney Frozen Olaf Chatterbacks toys will be available from July and will be familiar to everyone who has seen the Disney Frozen Fever short animation, which showed in cinemas with the Disney Cinderella feature film.

Taking a prominent role in Disney Frozen Fever, the fun mini Olaf Chatterbacks appear every time Elsa sneezes while preparing for Anna’s birthday party.

The new Olaf Chatterbacks toys

into dramatic play characters that express six distinct emotions: happy, sad, angry, surprised, confused, and scared.

Vex IQ Line (Innovation First) These complex robotic toy kits are versatile, making it easy for kids at any skill level to build and play.

Younger kids can follow the provided instructions to build a functional robot, while more experienced builders can create their own robot – or program it to perform different tasks. Teaches important STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Math) principles and promotes critical thinking, creativity and fine motor skills.

Knits Cool (Spin Master) This easy-to-use kit allows kids to knit without using needles, thanks to the included vertical posts. Little

MAY 2015

have adorable features that kids will recognise from the animation.

Talk to them and they repeat it back to you with attitude, as their heads and bodies bob up and down.

Available in an assortment of three different faces, the Olaf Chatterback characters will be available from July 2015.

Contact salesadmin@trendsuk. co.uk for more information.

knitters can create three designs – a scarf, a smartphone case and a headband.

3 in 1 Astronauts (Toyish) This toy kit includes everything needed to create and customise a spaceship, rocket or moon rover.

Kids can colour and decorate using various accessories to make infinite designs for the included character astronauts!

Girl Scout Deluxe Oven (Wicked Cool Toys) The first-ever Girl Scouts Cookie Oven lets kids bake their favorite Girl Scouts cookies – from Thin Mints to Trefoils – in their own home. A great hands-on toy for aspiring bakers!

The kit includes a spatula, baking pan, measuring tool and Thin Mints mix (additional cookie mixes sold separately).

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Maker Movement toys empower kids to construct and create items that are unique to them

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Do It Myself (Madame Alexander) With Madame Alexander’s Do It Myself elements and sets, girls as young as three can express their personal creativity and engage in imaginative play by colouring their dolls’ dresses using wash-out fabric markers. Additional sets let girls create hair extensions or doll jewellery using fancy beads and satin cords.

Stay tuned for next month’s column, which will delve into the Dawn of the Dinosaurs trend, including product examples. For more information about TIA’s top trends, visit www.

ToyAssociation.org/Trends.

For more information about TIA visit www.

ToyAssociation.org or www.ToyInfo.org. To learn more about the amazing benefits of play, visit www.TheGeniusOfPlay.org.

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NEWS Buyers beware!

Pictured is June Collinson with Toymaster Chairman Ciaran Fitzpatrick

Toymaster marks 20 year milestone The Toymaster group gave a nod to their past in April when they marked the 20th anniversary of the ofďŹ ces being situated at Victoria House, Northampton.

The ofďŹ ces were opened in 1995 by June Collinson, wife of then Chairman Ian Collinson. June returned to Northampton to mark the occasion accompanied by her two sons, Paul and Mark, who both continue to work in the toy trade.

A statement released by the buying group said: “Toymaster would like to thank them for making the trip to Northampton and commemorating the anniversary.�

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FANCY BEING A KICKABOUT KING? The countdown is on for those who want to take part in Hasbro’s seven-a-side football and netball tournaments.

The event, in aid of the Toy Trust, takes place on Friday 3 July at the astroturf facilities at Brunel University.

For the ďŹ rst time, there will also be a concurrent Netball tournament. The tournament consists of group stages and knock-out games between 16-20 teams, with a maximum squad of 10 players. Each team is guaranteed at least ďŹ ve games of 20 minutes.

To conďŹ rm your place in the tournament, email henry. gordon@hasbro.co.uk (020 8744 6314) and send a cheque for ÂŁ200 (payable to Hasbro UK) to Toy Trust Seven-a-Side, c/o Henry Gordon, Hasbro Europe, 4 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, UB11 1ET. Cheques and forms should be received before 19 June.

Places are ďŹ rst-come ďŹ rst served basis.

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Our picture shows Jim Brearley of Asda fame and Dave Cave- global entrepreneur and ex-Makro buyer when Dave managed to meet up with Jim while on a business trip to Spain.

When these two guys were responsible for huge buying budgets, they didn’t mess around. If they thought a product was deserving of support they really supported it completely.

Many readers will remember Jim’s organisation of the toy trade football weekend that he organised with Graeme Cutts on cup ďŹ nal day, and of course, Dave’s many years running the Makro tennis weekend.

An award ďŹ t for Kiddimoto The team at Kiddimoto were celebrating recently when they picked up the Queen’s Award for International Trade.

The award is part of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business awards, recognising the success of UK businesses in the ďŹ elds of Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development.

The awards were given to businesses demonstrating outstanding achievement.

Simon Booth from Kiddimoto said: “We are delighted with this award, which underlines all the hard work we have put into building an international business. “We’re proud to operate in 30 countries and believe we’re a good example of a small company which is growing at a solid rate.�

A mini launch with big impact DKL Marketing recently launched the Play Miniland range - a collection of digital and physical resources which aim to streamline play activities both in school and at home.

DKL is the exclusive UK distributor of the Miniland Educational range and this particular line focuses on a combination of active play and game based learning – a method which uses digital games to support teaching and learning in the classroom.

It’s a Fiesta!

This May sees Fiesta Crafts celebrate their 25th anniversary. In 1990, Andrew Bacon launched the company starting with just a handful of handmade soft toys brought over from his travels in Asia. And, as if the anniversary was not enough, the company is moving its ofďŹ ces, 10 minutes up the road from EnďŹ eld to Waltham Abbey and, for the ďŹ rst time, the warehouse function will be outsourced to a company in Suffolk which already handles logistics for other toy businesses. With these changes the team is looking forward to the next 25 successful years.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

COFFEE BREAK Pie Face goes viral A video of Esdevium’s Pie Face game has gone viral with more than 30 million views. Martin O’Brien and his grandson, Jayden have become internet sensations after a video of them playing Esdevium’s Pie Face received more than 30 million views thanks to its hilarious demonstration of the game.

It has led to unprecedented demand for the game within the UK and further afield with stock selling out and crazy bids on auction sites.

Esdevium’s Ben Hogg said: “It’s incredible! Our stock sold out within minutes and we have had enquiries from all over the world regarding Pie Face. Luckily we have more stock coming in May!” He also paid tribute to the videos stars: “They really convey the raw fun and tension of the game perfectly, the laughing is so infectious!”

Esdevium are taking pre-orders now for Pie Face by phone on 01420 593593 or by email sales@ esdeviumgames.com.

Lexibook’s CEO Aymeric Le Cottier took a moment to chat with TnP over a quick coffee as they prepare to launch their first ever Star Wars electronics range and Minions madness

How are Lexibook finding the UK market?

The UK market is more price competitive than ever, especially on products like kids tablets, a category in which Lexibook is confirmed as a key player. Licensed consumer electronics are also booming and growing fast in the UK for Lexibook, especially thanks to strong licenses like Frozen, Minions, Star Wars, Cinderella and The Descendants promising to be highly successful in 2015.

What are your hero products in the UK at the moment?

We are currently enjoying great success with our Frozen Headphones and Boomboxes, as well as all the Minions line-up.

What are your best-selling ranges across the board?

Licensed consumer electronics and licensed musical items like the real acoustic guitars and keyboards for kids. Our Android gu Tablets, Games Consoles, Bath Toys and Pre-school Learning products are all doing well. prod

Engino head to Harrogate Engino Toy Systems UK has recently been made an approved Toymaster supplier after appointing David Kelly, formerly of Depesche UK (TOP MODEL), to head up the UK & ROI launch of its new educational construction toy range. During the Toymaster show, Engino will be running product demonstrations in the Calderdale suite of the St George Hotel, Harrogate, from 8am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information or to arrange an appointment contact David Kelly via email on david.kelly@ enginotoys.co.uk or call 01270 881160 for more information.

We know you work with some licensors like Hasbro, y Mattel and Disney too, tell us about some of those products?

Disney, Marvel, Universal, Hasbro and Mattel we Across Di have ha full and exclusive ranges of licensed boomboxes, digital lic cameras, portable DVD c players and projection radio pl alarm clocks. Later in the year ala we are expecting big things from our new range of licensed fro Bluetooth Speaker and Karaoke Blue Towers.

Towers Are there any upcoming Lexibook launches that you are particularly excited about?

In September we launch the first ever range of Star Wars consumer electronics! This amazing new range features incredible products such as Bluetooth Sculpted Headphones, Speaker Towers, Bluetooth Speaker, Digital Cameras and Walkie-Talkies. Also in September we launch an exclusive range of consumer electronics and musical items under The Descendants licence.

How do you help retailers sell more?

In store displays and FSDUs, TV advertising, support for strategic catalogues and flyers and targeting price promotions to drive volumes on the right products at the right time.

Dave Kelly, Engino

MAY 2015

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PEOPLE

NEWS

Sarah joins Epoch S EPOCH making toys Limited has welcomed a new member of its EP sale sales division. Sarah Morris began her role on 13 April as Territory Mana Manager for the Eastern Region.

Sarah has over 10 years of experience in increasingly responsible roles th sales and retail sectors of several successful companies within the includin the Enchanted Wood Toy Stores. including Sarah experience is enhanced by a vast knowledge of EPOCH making Sarah’s p toys products, eight years management experience, 14 years’ customer servi services experience and Sarah is also a business graduate who holds a BA in Business Studies.

Nina Leong joins eOne Ni Ente Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) has announced the appointment of Nina Leong as Senior Vice Pr President, Lifestyle. Her appointment is set to st strengthen the growing status of its pop culture brands SO SO Happy and Skelanimals. Nina has served as a consultant for eOne’s Lifestyle division since October 2014 and in her new role as SVP, she will manage the lifestyle team based in eOne’s Calabasas, California, office. Reporting in to Andrew Carley, Head of Global Licensing, Leong is charged with developing US and international brand strategies for its lifestyle properties across m multiple channels to drive worldwide merchandise sales and creating glob retail programmes. Nina replaces Cindy Bailey, founder of Art global Imp Impressions which was acquired by eOne in 2013, who has transitioned out of the business to pursue new projects.

John Crane Ltd teams with sales agency OSS John Crane Ltd has announced a new partnership with sales agency OSS. The arrangement comes into effect from 1 May 2015 and OSS will take over the sales of John Crane brands in the North of England, the South West and Scotland.

OSS already cover these areas within the UK selling Simba Smoby and Schleich so have great experience, knowledge and understanding of this channel of distribution; making the venture a win for independent toy stores, a win for OSS and a win for John Crane Ltd as service levels get even better.

David Larter of OSS said:”This is an excellent opportunity for OSS and obtaining this fantastic brand to sell in our portfolio shows the progress we have made in becoming a major service agency to larger brands within the independent trade”.

Jonathan Thorpe, MD John Crane Ltd, said he is equally as thrilled by the partnership. Jonathan added: “I’m pleased John Crane Ltd can now support and service the independent part of the industry to the aspirational levels they want and should demand, rather than the levels that budgetary restraints can possibly put on call frequencies.We are sure our customers will welcome the new team and support this great relationship.”

New agent for Jumbo Chris Sermanni has been appointed by Jumbo Games as Sales Agent.

Chris, who has an extensive background in toy sales covering Scotland, started his role on 1 April 2015.

Commenting on Chris’ appointment Gray Richmond, Managing Director at Jumbo Games comments: “We are thrilled to announce that Chris will be joining the team from April 2015.

Given his previous experience within the toy industry we have every confidence that he will embark on his new role with the professional and focused manner that Jumbo pride themselves on, using his knowledge and insight to deliver great results.”

Promotion at Kidicraft Kidicraft has promoted Kristina Holden to Operations Director where she will focus on customer service and supply.

Speaking about the promotion Kidicraft’s Director Roy Greenwood says: “Kristina has made a fundamental contribution in the business and this appointment is just one of the steps in our continued growth plans”.

Kristina adds: “With the expansion of the Primo range and with more new products to come, I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead and helping to drive the business forward.”

New direction for Bruno Bruno Schwobthaler, a familiar face to those who deal with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, has left the company.

After 18 years with WBCP, Bruno stepped down from his role as Senior Vice-President Marketing, Sales & Business Development EMEA and will now pursue his own business development projects in licensing and brand management.

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TV

ALL EYES ON TNP TV TnP TV’s unique look at the industry continues to draw in viewers

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ontinuing to bring you the only way to follow the latest products and industry developments in motion, TnP TV is going from strength to strength.

Each week, TnP Editor-inChief, Mirella Anstey, presents the latest products and news from the trade. As well as your monthly dose of news, expert insight and in-depth product guides in TnP magazine, TnP TV gives you an exclusive look at the products in action.

From Schleich’s on-trend dinosaur range, to a TnP exclusive from VTech and an update from the BTHA’s Director General, Roland Earl, the latest episodes of TnP TV have been some of the most action-packed yet.

Mirella says: “We knew TnP TV would be popular, but the support and interest from the industry has been phenomenal. With a handful of fantastic episodes already drawing so many viewers, we’re looking forward to even more exclusive looks at the latest and greatest products and industry news as the show continues.”

TnP TV airs every week and is delivered directly to your inbox as well as being available on www. toysnplaythings.co.uk.

The only way to be part of TnP TV is to get in touch with Ryan Horwood now, on 01442 289930 or at ryan@ lemapublishing.co.uk.

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Episode

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Episode Schleich VTech Amanda Gummer

Laura Bull, Marketing Manager, Schleich UK

Jumbo Games The Puppet Company Amanda Gummer

Dave Wasgij, Jumbo Games

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Play Peter Lockey, Director, The Puppet Company

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Dr Amanda Gummer, Fundamentally Children

Episode Flair Roland Earl, BTHA Schleich

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Dr Amanda Gummer, Fundamentally Children

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Mayur Pattni, Product Manager Boys, Flair

Roland Earl, Director General, BTHA

toysnplaythings.co.uk

EXHIBITION Last year’s winner: RaNT! from Fourth Wall Brands

NEWS

Toy Fair on track for great year

Eyes on the BLE prize Brand Licensing Europe has announced a raft of new prizes, worth over £6,000, for the winner of this year’s License This! Competition, which is now open for entries at www.brandlicensing.eu.

This year’s winner will receive a fully furnished nine sq m stand at BLE 2016 to bring the property to market, along with LIMA membership for one year and one ticket to the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course & Spring Fling Networking Party in May 2016.

Deadline for entries is 4 September 2015. Brand Licensing Europe 2015 takes place from 13-15 October at London’s Olympia.

It’s Christmas (nearly)!

In the toy trade, summer means cranking up for Christmas. miPR will once again be hosting their mi Christmas Open House event, showcasing 2015s hottest and newest products for all members of the family. The event takes place on Thursday 2 July and last year exhibitors including The Entertainer, Carte Blanche, Vivid, Jumbo Games and Clementoni showed off their ranges to more than 50 media outlets.

Exhibitor packages are on sale from £750 and spaces are already being filled on a first come first served basis.

For more information about exhibiting, contact kirsty.barr@ mi-pr.co.uk

Fancy getting rich?

Autumn Fair has once again partnered with Virgin Media Business to give budding entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges, including Richard Branson.

Pitch to Rich will give anyone with a business idea the opportunity to present their idea across three categories - Grow, New Things and Start-Up - and could bag themselves a share of a £1 million prize fund.

The strongest nine ideas and pitches across the categories, plus a People’s Choice winner, will each get their cut.

Winners will also have the opportunity to gain valuable insight and business knowledge with mentoring from Richard and his team.

Find out more details and enter at virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich

MAY 2015

The BTHA are reporting that bookings for Toy Fair 2016 has exceeded expectations. The show has received 160 bookings so far, 15 of which are new exhibitors, which reflects significant progress at this early stage of the process. Companies interested in k exhibiting are being encouraged to book quickly to ensure a presence at the 2016 show.

Majen Immink, Head of Toy Fair Operations and Sales said: “It is fantastic to have had such an amazing response already. The change of dates for 2016 meant that we could not open the booking process until later in the year than normal and we realise that the proximity of the show dates with Nuremberg will cause some disruption, so it really is testament to companies commitment to the London Toy Fair that we have had such great bookings already.”

The reduced rates for 2016, to help overcome the inconvenience, may have encouraged bookings but it seems overall support for the London Toy Fair remains incredibly positive. Of course, as happens every year, we expect that some exhibitors will be unable to return for varying reasons, which of course opens up space to welcome new companies.

Stand allocations have been taking place over the past five weeks and re-bookings are currently being confirmed before new exhibitors can be allocated. To have a greater choice of space, companies that are interested in exhibiting are being encouraged to contact the organisers as soon as possible before space sells out.

If you would like to exhibit at the Toy Fair in 2016, Sunday 24th – Tuesday 26th January 2016, please contact Majen Immink on 020 7701 7271 or email majen@btha.co.uk

Date change for blogger summit New parenting and lifestyle blogger event, FunFest, has moved dates and will now take place on Saturday 12 September. The move has come about due to clashes with other blogger events, and to take advantage of the pre-Christmas selling period.

The FunFest Blogger Summit will be held at Whittlebury Hall & Spa and is a day of conference sessions and masterclasses, networking and brand ambassador opportunities. It’s a brand new event for all bloggers – mums, dads, grandparents, tech, entertainment and lifestyle bloggers – with the focus on growing visitors’ businesses, creating new business contacts, and having fun.

All the FunFest speakers and exhibitors have committed to the new date, with more announcements to come very shortly. Any delegates who bought a ticket and are unable to attend on 12 September will be provided with a full refund. Tickets are priced at just £39, and children can come along for free.

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MOVIE

NEWS Top duo join forces for BFG In an industry first, Walt Disney Studios will co-produce Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the classic children’s novel The BFG. The Roald Dahl-written book has been an all-time favourite for generations and it was recently announced that Disney will co-produce the film which is due for release in July 2016. In a statement, Spielberg said: “In more than 40 years of making movies, I have been on the producing end of a number of films for The Walt Disney Company, but never as a director.”

Play

Disney shares get a boost

The force is with you… everywhere!

There was some exciting news for dedicated Star Wars fans recently. The Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm Ltd., and 20th Century Fox announced the upcoming release of The Star Wars Digital Movie Collection. For the first time ever, all six epic films in the Saga, from The Phantom Menace to Return of the Jedi, will be available on Digital HD globally.

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The Walt Disney Company’s shares got a boost recently as the company prepared for the release of its summer blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron at the start of May. It is believed that the film is expected to earn in the region of $217 million during its opening weekend stateside.

Interestingly, Marvel Studios hold three of the top ten highest grossing opening weekend slots of all time with The Avengers and Iron Man 3 holding the top two places with 2004’s Spider Man 3 coming in at number eight.

Flair brings it Home

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Flair was celebrating along with DreamWorks Animation recently.

With Home, DreamWorks’ animated film topping the UK box office, master toy licensee GP Flair also reported a fantastic start to sales with its Home merchandise flying in the opening week.

“The extensive range of plush toys, colour changing figures and role-play accessories such as Boov Ears and Shusher Wands have become an instant hit,” says Kristen Bassett, Product Manager at GP Flair.

“The Colour Changing Figures in particular have been really popular. The pocket money Mood Bubbles and assorted Plush Toys have also seen a great sell-through, while higher ticket items such as the Animated Dancing Oh and Shusher Wands are also producing good numbers.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Transformers 5 eyes 2017 release During Hasbro’s 2015 Q1 Earnings Call on 20 April, CEO Brian Goldner let loose a few new detail about the Transformers’ cinematic future.

During a Q&A session, he confirmed that the company had been hiring and gearing up to produce the next film in the franchise – a sequel to 2014’s billion-dollar hit, Age of Extinction.

“You may have heard some writers being hired and we have in fact brought in Akiva Goldsman to lead a group of writers to really create a strategic plan around Transformers,” Goldner said. “We think there are any number of stories to be told from the brand that has been around for 30 years with amazing canon and mythology.”

Goldner also gave a rough release window for Transformers 5, saying “we would expect the sequel to the Transformers movie to happen in 2017.” This would fall in line with schedules for Age of Extinction director Michael Bay, currently working on 13 Hours, should he return.

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The LEGO Movie Sequel coming 2018 Warner Bros has titled and dated the sequel to its smash hit The LEGO Movie, as well as its spin-offs. In keeping with The LEGO Movie’s irreverence, the film studio has gone with the obvious The LEGO Movie Sequel for the follow up’s name. It will release in cinema’s 18 May, 2018.

Spin-off The LEGO Batman Movie – not yet officially named – will be the first to open on 10 February 2017.

Following later that year, Ninjago will karate kick its way into theatres on 22 September 2017, a year later than initially planned.

The LEGO Movie was a blockbuster release in 2014, making in excess of $460 million worldwide.

Giant Avenger assembled To celebrate the release of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, LEGO has created a life-size Hulk Buster Smash model. Iron Man’s iconic suit from the film stands over 2.5m high, 2.3m wide, and weighs a ton!

The giant build took six professional builders over 960 hours to build, and is made of more than a million LEGO bricks, the most for any LEGO statue built in the UK yet.

LEGO and Marvel first joined forces in March to announce a line of collectable play-sets featuring the film’s all-star cast. For more information about the sets, visit www.lego.com/marvelsuperheroes

MAY 2015

15

MEDIA

NEWS A razor sharp new app Razor has launched a dedicated Crazy Cart digital game. The game, Razor Crazy Cart: Ultimate Drift is available for iOS and Android and is free to download.

Developed in conjunction with Scarab Entertainment, the game enables players to drift and spin as they collect power-ups and coins while avoiding scattered obstacles.

Katy Fletcher, Brand Manager – Outdoor, at Re:creation said: “We know from the volume of online content generated by Crazy Cart fans that they love spending time in the digital world. This new game gives us a completely new way to connect with fans that is completely inclusive and enables everyone to get involved.

“We’re also linking the game to our social media through a worldwide competition giving players the chance to win Razor prizes through sharing screen grabs on social media.”

Bob heads back to TV for a second series Children’s TV favourite Bob The Builder is coming back for a second series.

HIT Entertainment has greenlit a second season and 60’ special for its all-new CG-animated Bob the Builder series.

The second series will see 52 x 11’ new episodes set for delivery in 2016 and the 60’ special set to follow in 2017.

Bob the Builder is also set to embark on exciting new digital adventures with the launch of 43 x 2’ short-form videos. New Bob the Builder shorts are set to launch on YouTube in August 2015.

The all-new first series will hit screens later this year on Channel’s 5’s Milkshake! (UK), PBS KIDS (US) and from early 2016 on Super RTL (GER) and Televisa (MEX).

Little Ant & Dec take Famosa’s Feber Ferrari for a test drive

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DreamWorks race to Netflix DreamWorks Animation and Netflix have teamed up to bring an all-new original series to the masses.

DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge will premier worldwide on Netflix on 26 June. In this new original series, Hiccup and Toothless lead the Dragon Riders as they soar beyond the borders of Berk and nt discover the mysterious Dragon Eye - an ancient artifact filled with secrets that will lead them to new lands filled with undiscovered dragons. But the heroes find themselves pursued by marauding dragon hunters.

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Glam TV appearance for Feber Ferrari Famosa’s Feber Ferrari got a star turn on one of the most watched programmes on TV recently. Eagle-eyed viewers of Ant and Dec’s Saturday night Takeaway will have spotted the presenters minicounterparts, Little Ant and Dec, film a TV segment in two of Famosa’s red Feber Ferraris.

The duo arrived for an interview with Wayne Rooney in Manchester United in a couple of Feber Ferrari Californias.

The Feber California comes complete with a 12V battery, reverse and forward gears and accelerator and brake pedals.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Top marks for kids TV W

elcome to the Media Report for March 2015.

This report covers the TV viewing levels for Boys and Girls 4-9 years and Housewives with Children.

I am glad to report good news for once; the viewing levels for the Boys 4-9 years are up by 19.2% compared to March 2014. We see that The Cartoon Network is market leader, followed by Pop and Boomerang. Most of the stations are showing increases when compared to March 2014.

Looking at the Girls 4-9 years they are showing an increase of 16%, as the chart shows TinyPop is market leader, although as mentioned in previous reports it is likely it’s the younger end of this market that accounts for the largest share of viewing and it would be the same for Nick Junior.

All the other stations are holding on to their share of viewing. We should mention that both Pop and Tiny Pop are on the FreeView platform and this is another reason why they have increased their share of viewing for this target market.

In Housewives with Children, we see that Nick Junior is market leader followed Tiny Pop. We should make the point that these stations are pre-school stations and a very high percentage of their viewers will be Housewives with Children 4-5 years who will watch TV together. On the other hand, when we look at Good Morning Britain, due to type of programming, I would suspect that the majority of these viewers are working mothers, yes they have children, but their children are probably older.

Total TV Revenue is up by 6.2% which is about right for this time of the year, however the total satellite market is up 13%, my feelings are that satellite will continue to grow at the expense of the other stations.

Looking at the top ten spenders for March 2015, reported expenditure is up by 33.4% - wow, this is a massive increase at this time of the year, it’s interesting to note that there were an additional 59 products in the market for March 2015, compared to March 2014.

The next issue we will continue to look for opportunities outside the traditional Kids Channels. We will report on All Children.

MEDIA

CHARTS

3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

Housewives & Kids TVR’s March 14 vs March 15

Mar-14

Mar-15

Mar 14 Mar-14

Mar 15 Mar-15

7000 6000 5000 0 4000 0 3000 0 2000 0 1000 0 0

Boys 4-9 TVR’s March 14 vs March 15 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Girls 4-9 TVR’s March 14 vs March 15

Mar-14

Mar-15

Feb 2014 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Feb 2015 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Mattel UK Ltd Hasbro (UK) Ltd Character Options Ltd MGA Ent LEGO UK Ltd Flair Leisure Prod Ltd VTech Electronics Ltd Fisher Price Toys Ltd Vivid Imagination Famosa Toys Total

£899,089 £841,249 £445,189 £364,300 £353,145 £283,623 £185,751 £125,534 £110,814 £110,426 £3,719,120

Mattel UK Ltd Hasbro (UK) Ltd LEGO UK Ltd Character Options Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd Flair Leisure Prod Ltd Vivid Imagination Ltd John Adams Leisure Ltd Epoch UK MGA Ent Total

£1,473,874 £1,394,654 £644,372 £559,522 £368,075 £284,009 £266,421 £259,747 £162,772 £162,526 £5,575,972

For more information on viewing levels please contact Mike Penfold. mike@globalmedia.me.uk Tel: 01753 889630.

All graphs and information supplied by Global Media Services

SEPTEMBER SE S EP PT TEMBE EMB EM BE ER 2013 2013 20 13

17

MEDIA

OPINION

Educating the youth What role should television take in educating our children?

Clive Crouch poses the question

C

hildren’s television plays a big role in the early development of youngsters through its story telling and moving pictures.

At the younger end of the pre-school sector, the association begins with nursery rhymes.

Unfortunately many parents today are not familiar with traditional nursery rhymes and classic story telling, leading to some children joining pre-school without those listening and talking skills.

While digital media has created some famous properties such as Club Penguin, Moshi Monsters and Minecraft to name a few, it is still relatively young to compare fairly with the history and foundations of children’s learning through radio and television. Sadly, Public Service Speech Radio for children was closed down by the BBC in February 2011, although a token hour of literature and drama remains on BBC Radio 4 Extra on Sunday afternoons for listeners aged six to 14.

Meanwhile, it is the power of television and its effectiveness in establishing shows like Blue Peter, Magpie and Art Attack that prompts me to ask the question - should children’s TV be producing more education and learning alongside the current schedules of entertainment?

In the month of the UK election, the BBC will inevitably come in for some grief on funding, let us hope that the Corporation can continue to make an appropriate long term commitment to children’s broadcasting.

A recent OnePoll survey questioned 2,000 people on Brilliant Britons who had earned their place in history.

The net result was a forgotten top 10 of famous individuals that have slipped down in the national consciousness and they do not all lend themselves directly to TV. The OnePoll survey revealed that one in four could not say why Sir Isaac Newton (gravity) and Sir Charles Darwin (evolutionary theory) were famous while 44% could not identify Sir Tim BernersLee as the inventor of the

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internet. Others that featured in that top 10 were Michael Faraday, Oliver Cromwell, Marie Stopes and Sir Francis Drake, while only 30% of those surveyed knew that Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

These fallen heroes are fading towards obscurity although television has served Charles Darwin and Oliver Cromwell very well over the past couple of years in drama and documentary.

We have some 32 children’s channels in the UK, with the majority broadcasting for 12 hours a day, producing just shy of 400 hours of output every day. Television consumes product at a huge rate, with unlimited capacity. The majority of those channels are international, as indeed is a majority of the content, even within a domestic quota control.

Blue Peter broadcast its first show on 16 October 1958, from a paddle steamer on the Mersey presented by Judith Chalmers.

The adoption of the maritime signal indicated a vessel was about to leave and, as a kid’s show, Blue Peter was seen to be a voyage of adventure, the ethos of the programme.

Children’s television does have a substantial element of educational content, positioned and targeted to reach its appropriate age and gender.

I do not intend here to compile a list of children’s shows to test the credit of their role and worthiness by means of comparison. Neither should the educational responsibility in children’s shows just rest with the BBC. However, offerings of Newsround (live seven days a week), Horrible Histories, Blast Lab, Deadly 6 and Numberjacks sit alongside Viacom’s Dora the Explorer and Super Why!, together with CITV’s Prove It are always there to lend a helping hand.

Television does make shows and individuals famous, even if not in order of achievement.

Regular readers of this magazine will be familiar with my support for the excellent role undertaken by the Westminster Media Forum (WMF).

The WMF has no policy agenda of its own other than to raise the quality of debate on public policy developments creating informed discussion.

On 21 May, the WMF hosts a conference on The Future of Children’s Content, latest trends, commercial opportunities and safeguards. The event is chaired by Baroness Benjamin. The Director of WMF is Peter Van Gelder, himself a former producer of The Wide Awake Club and Wackaday.

The answer to the question I asked earlier “should children’s television be producing more educational and learning programmes?” will hopefully enter the debate across matters of content, funding, regulatory and other issues that surround this vibrant part of television.

It is the power of television and its effectiveness that prompts me to ask the question - should children’s TV be producing more education and learning conten alongside the current schedules of entertainment?

”

Clive Crouch www.clivecrouch.com, info@clivecrouch.com, mobile: 07831 670 453

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COVER FEATURE

VTECH

Take it to the max VTech launched their latest essential learning accessory est addition to the recently. The InnoTab Max is the newest st what makes this award-winning InnoTab family. But just learning aid so special? TnP finds out more from VTech

V

Tech’s InnoTab Max is the latest addition to the award-winning InnoTab family and since it launched in October 2014, this new addition has seen a great response from consumers.

The InnoTab Max is the first high-tech tablet from VTech to feature an Android operating system and is VTech’s fastest tablet yet. It gives the performance of an adult device but is specifically designed for kids. Featuring a kid-safe web browser complete with parental controls, parents are able to set time limits, approve websites and manage downloads, making it a great way to introduce children to the internet.

Parents can rest easy The built-in VTech Kid Connect software allows parents to communicate with their child via a smart phone by sending and receiving texts, voice messages, photos and drawings, making it a great communicative toy.

The InnoTab Max also features a high resolution, seven-inch multi-touch and responsive screen and a two mp rotating camera, which is great for taking photos and videos.

Education is key The InnoTab Max offers a variety of 200 Android curriculum-supported educational games encouraging learning and reading, maths and logic, science and problem solving, as well as more than 500 downloadable learning apps and cartridges for children to enjoy.

Through the InnoTab Max, children can also access VTech’s Learning Lodge, a

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“

It gives

the performance of an adult device, but is specifically designed for kids

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KEY PO POINTS: OINTS: • Aimed at 3 to 8 ye year olds • RRP £99.99 • First VTech tablet to feature feat ature Android operating system • Designed specifically for kids • Parents can communicate with children via Kid Connect softwear

portal allowing consumers to download a number of different games featuring their favourite licensed characters, music tracks, e-books and age appropriate educational apps, directly to their device, making it a vital learning tool.

able to download an Octonauts game, and joining this in autumn/winter will be another eight new additions, including a Frozen e-book, an Ultimate Spiderman Game and a fun game featuring favourite characters from Paw Patrol.

Fantastic new licensed additions

Added extras

VTech is pleased to announce that this year it will be adding a number of new licensed software for users to download. Launching this spring/ summer, consumers will be

With the performance of an adult tablet, but specifically designed for children, the InnoTab Max features a removable cover, rechargeable battery, dual-core CPU, and Wi-Fi capabilities. It also benefits from 8GB storage, a five-point multi-touch screen and a microphone.

CONTACT: Call VTech on 01235546810 or log onto www.vtech.co.uk to find out more

MAY 2015

WHAT’S Feel the force K’NEX 01189497000 www.knex.co.uk This month sees K’Nex launch into the blaster category with K-Force, the first line of blasters that you build then blast!

The K-Fore Build and Blast line invites kids ages 8+ to construct customised blasters, big or small, single or multi-shot, with endless possibilities because the only limit is their imagination! The introductory line includes eight different kinds of blasters, buildable targets, and foam dart packs. The range offers a wide range of price points with blasters from just £9.99 and accessories from £4.99.

K’Nex K-Force Mega Boom Building Set has more than 300 pieces including rods and connectors galore, two blaster chambers and seven foam darts. Fans can log on to www.knex.co.uk to download instructions for four alternate blaster builds.

As with all K-Force blasters, the Mega Boom is compatible with all other products in the range so kids can build bigger, faster.

Brand spanking new launches from top toy companies to help you sell more!

Let the countdown begin WOW TOYS 020 7471 0980 www.wowtoys.com m

WOW’s new toy-filled d Countdown Calendarss have been exclusively y designed for the underer-er fives and there are four ur themed Countdown Calendars to choose from, each one with a ten-day ten-d ten day day countdown to the arrival of a child’s special day.

Each numbered calendar window contains a surprise toy that can be played with immediately. Over ten days, the child is able to collect a themed play set that can be played with long after their special day has passed. Each calendar also has an in-built slide for the figures to slide down and they all include a themed activity sheet. The calendars can also be personalised with the child’s name and picture.

King of the castle WINNING MOVES 0207 262 9696 www.winningmoves.co.uk Winning Moves is introducing its Game of Thrones Monopoly in partnership with HBO in 2015.

This special collector’s edition of the classic board game will feature the famous locations of King’s Landing, Winterfell and Castle Black. Since its debut in 2011, Game of Thrones has become a worldwide phenomenon with the programme becoming the most popular series in HBO history.

The hugely successful mythical drama, inspired by George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels, has recently launched Season 5 in 170 countries around the globe and now fans of the show can create their own Game of Thrones legends as Winning Moves introduces Game of Thrones Monopoly.

Not for the faint hearted, players must align themselves with the noble families of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros in order to move around the board. Game of Thrones Monopoly will be available to purchase across Europe, the Middle East and Asia from Winning Moves later in the year.

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NEW

Are you ready for action?

HASBRO H 0 02085691234 www.hasbro.co.uk w H Hasbro’s Modulus ECS-10 Blaster features motorised blasting and can be configured m more than 30 ways to make any Nerf mission m or shot possible. A precision scope, stock o with integrated clip storage, dual-rail barrel, w drop-down grip, ten-dart banana clip and six d tactical rails enhance the blaster’s accuracy ta and efficiency. And it includes 10 N- Strike Elite a Darts.

D Kids can also build over 1,000 combinations with the Modulus upgrade kits and more darts w means more action. The Nerf N-Strik Elite m Modulus Flip Clip Upgrade Kit includes a Flip M Clip and 24 N-Strike Elite darts. For secret C missions, the Nerf N-Strike Elite Modulus Stealth m Ops Upgrade Kit will get the job done. The kit O includes a red dot sight, folding drop-grip and in close quarters barrel to keep players undercover. c This and lots more from the Nerf range so contact your local Hasbro rep to learn more. c

See life in 3D

Get crazy making fun

Mookie 01525722722 www.mookie-toys.co.uk

COILEDSPRING GAMES

Mookie is excited to announce the launch of the 3D Ma Magic 3D Maker, which is set to hit the shelves August. The 3D Maker is a revolutionary toy this Au allows children to create 3D masterpieces that al using gel pens and the UV creation from scratch s station. It was first unveiled at New York Toy Fair station where it received a huge amount of exposure and press. The opportunities are endless with the 3D Maker. Each set comes with a selection of moulds to help children create anything from a butterfly to the Eiffel Tower. The Creation Station will be advertised with over 750 TVRs throughout TV adv Autumn/Winter 2015. The TVC will be supported Autum by a full fu PR campaign which will include the use of mummy bloggers and demonstration days in store. mumm to the Creation Station Starter Pack, a In addition add range of expansion accessory packs will also be available, allowing children to extend their range availab further, with packs aimed at both boys and girls. further

MAY 2015

02033011160 www.coiledspring.co.uk

Coiledspring Games will launch the latest in maker toys from ThinkFun, the Maker Studio Construction Sets. Following the surge in toys that support STEM learning and the Maker Movement – a move away from screens, and towards toys that provide children with the opportunity to practice practical skills that will be required of them in later life - ThinkFun has created the range which includes winches, gears and propeller sets. Each kit offers three construction options and a set of ten challenge cards to encourage building solutions through experimentation with friction, torque and propulsion. An added nicety is the encouragement to use items from the recycle bin within projects. Also new for May is Purple Cow’s The Crazy Scientist, an excellent yet mad answer to overdone magic tricks and dull science. The distinctly designed travel-sized tins from renowned artist Inna Semadar each encase 20 different themed experiments that don’t require any specialist equipment.

RETAIL

OPINION

Toy talk Retailers are important to us here at TnP. We love chatting to them each month to get industry insights into what is selling well. This month and we ask some key questions about their summer offering, crazes and more

TnP love to hear your views. Here we chat with retailers around the country to see what is selling well and how they are finding consumers on the ground

CAROL BROWN Roy’s Toys, Barry Island, South Glamorgan What are you adding to your offering for summer?

We’re on Barry Island, so we need to order in plenty of beach toys. Balls, buckets and spades are the types of toys that sell well throughout the summer months, which we get from Williams of Swansea.

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact you sales?

Toys with film licences aren’t a priority for us in the summer, but we do order them in for Christmas time as they’re popular gifts. I haven’t been keeping abreast of the recent releases too carefully, but there has just been the new Frozen short at the cinema and Star Wars is coming out later in the year, which I’m sure will both sell well. Superhero toys are always popular whether it’s a film year or not, particularly Spider-Man and Batman.

2014 had Loom Bands, Frozen and football stickers.

What’s filling that impulse/phenomenon spot this year?

We haven’t seen a huge craze like we had last year.

Yo-yos have made a comeback here though, as well as marbles, so it’s quite traditional really. Again, we get those from Williams of Swansea, which is a big supplier in Wales.

If you had £1,000 to spend on upgrading your shop, how would you spend it?

General decorating I think – just the things that make it feel fresh again like painting the ceiling or maybe put it towards a new hard-wearing carpet.

JANICE PATTISON Ducklings Toy Shop,Marlborough,, Wiltshire Ducklings Toy shop was born when Janice and her family took over the site of Ducks Toy Shop, a local Marlborough institution in 2011.

011.

It’s a real family effort with everyone one pitching in.

Thomas and Friends Mini Figure, Fisher Price

What are you adding to your offering for summer?

We do well with buckets and spades, kites, sand pits and paddling pools all year round, but it really picks up in the summer so we do a little extra of everything.

Schleich’s Justice League Batman

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact you sales?

We’ve just had Paddington, Cinderella and Frozen Fever, so there really are a lot of big films this year. Star Wars is the one to watch for though. We don’t do much character licensed product, but LEGO Star Wars will be a must-stock for us.

2014 had Loom Bands, Frozen and football stickers. What’s filling that impulse/phenomenon spot this year?

A few of the collectables ranges have been doing well. Shopkins is doing well and we’ve just started selling Fisher-Price’s Thomas and Friends Minis collectables, which have proven popular.

If you had £1,000 to spend on upgrading your shop, how would you spend it? Somehow make our shop bigger! We have so many toys in here and use the space outside the shop as well. Would £1,000 get us a Tardis?

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CLAIR LETTON WigWam Toys, Brighton, East Sussex Clair and her partner Jesse took over WigWam two years ago and specialise in quirky toys and children’s gifts. The pair have won several business awards and are currently working on a new website.

What are you adding to your offering for summer?

We live in an area with several large parks really close by and always sell plenty of sand toys. But this year we will be expanding the range of outdoor toys and games we offer to include, among others, items such as croquet, table tennis and boomerangs.

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact your Jesse and Clair, owners of WigWam Toys sales?

We are a small independent shop and don’t stock much licensed product, so big film releases don’t effect us much - we have more traditional stock. We do stock LEGO, and the release of The LEGO Movie saw a sustained increase in LEGO sales last year. We are big Star Wars fans too, and will be looking to find appropriate tie-in products later in the year.

to

If you had £1,000 to spend on upgrading your shop, how would you spend it?

I would use it to pay someone to load all our products on to our website for us! It’s a big job and hard fit in around working in the shop and looking after family.

SUE BURRIDGE Figgures Toys, Lymington, Hampshire

Wicked Vision

Figgures is a traditional toy shop on Lymington High Street. It’s a family-run business that was established in 1904 and caters to all ages, from soft toys for tots to adult construction kits.

What are you adding to your offering for summer?

Lots of stuff for having fun at the beach, primarily for having a dig and being active - crab lines, buckets, spades, armbands and a few other inflatable mainly. We’re quite a small shop, so the larger outdoor toys don’t fit!

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact you sales?

We don’t do huge amounts of licensed toys, but Star Wars and Jurassic Park LEGO is already on order.

2014 had Loom Bands, Frozen and football stickers. What’s filling that impulse/ phenomenon spot this year?

Nothing in particular springs to mind, but everything has been steady so that’s good. We do stock LEGO as I said, and they have lots of items which work well for smaller purchases like that.

FAYE BOBOLLIER Toy Shed, Alton, Hampshire Faye got her start selling dolls’ houses and has since grown the range to cover all kinds of toys while expanding to four locations – Hampshire, Twickenham, Worcester Park and Weybridge. Located close to Peppa Pig World and a steam railway heritage hotspot, Peppa and Thomas licensed product are hot commodities at Toy Shed Hampshire.

LEGO, Star Wars

Mookie’s Swingball

What are you adding to your offering for summer?

We don’t have any beaches near here, but we do have parks and tailor our offering to that. We make sure to have a good selection of scooters from H. Grossman and Mookie’s Swingball is a classic for this time of year.

Cricket sets sell quite well too.

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact you sales?

We‘re definitely going to stock up on Jurassic World LEGO, as well as Minions product from H. Grossman. For TV licences, Thunderbirds should do well for us, and we’ve been increasingly getting requests for Paw Patrol, so we’re hoping to get some more of that in. Cinderella is ticking along and although Frozen has dropped off from its peak, I have every confidence that will do well when the new one releases.

MAY 2015

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DEE MELLOR Salter Street Toys and Models, Stafford, Staffordshire Salter Street Toys and Models’ monochrome façade has earned it the nickname ‘the little black and white toy shop’ and it is part of a Marston’s Beer Company-owned hotel, a Grade II listed building.

What are you adding to your offering for summer?

We’re limited on space, so the big outdoor toys don’t really work for us. We have recently moved more into the preschool market, however, and just received our first delivery from a company called Oops, which we discovered at Spring Fair, who do great traditional wooden and soft toys.

It think that will do great for us this summer.

Lots of big movies are coming out this year, which ones are you backing and how do big releases impact your sales?

We have just been looking at the fantastic looking Jurassic World toys from Hasbro, as we will have to order those in soon. Star Wars is out at the end of the year and we’ve already Woodland Wonder- had Big Hero 6, Home, Shaun the Sheep and Paddington. It really could land, Oops be a year that films make a big difference.

2014 had Looms Bands, Frozen and football stickers.

What’s filling that impulse/phenomenon spot this year?

Wh For Fo us it’s anything LEGO. We don’t really have any competition on that front where we are, and it c represents around 20-25% of our sales almost every week.

If you had £1,000 to spend on upgrading your shop, how ho would you spend it? Our shop front is black and white, I’d love to brighten it up and repaint it though, but wh it’s a Grade II listed building so there isn’t much I can do!

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Dee, Sue and the team at Toy Fair

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It’s here!

TV Helping everyone sell EVEN more!

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RETAIL INTERVIEW TOY GALAXY

A galaxy of toys

The first Toy Galaxy store opened in 2007, Managing Director Bhav Patel now runs four outlets. He talks to TnP about toys, expansion and what makes a good store

Firstly, tell us a little about how Toy Galaxy began?

Toy Galaxy first started in 2007 and it was my first store. But that came off the back of years of experience from the family business which my father had been running for over 20 years, so it’s fair to say that I had a little head start in the toy industry.

And what is your role at the company?

My role varies, I do a bit of everything but my main focus on a daily basis is buying which takes up most of my time. I initially started out doing a bit of everything when I had my first store but, over the years, that has evolved so now I solely concentrate on merchandise.

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Tell us about your expansion - which store came first and what has the My company’s journey been? philosophy The first store was based in Barnet. is that if I That was in 2007 and is where I really grasped the concept of the like it and toy industry first hand. After a there is few years of running that store an demand, we opportunity came up to take over will make Dentons in Witney, which I did in space for it 2009. Thereafter I opened up a within our store closer to home in Harrow and, lastly, Ealing, as well as a inventory central warehouse in London.

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Are there more stores to come?

At the moment there are no immediate plans to open further stores but, if the right opportunity were to arise, it would definitely be something to consider.

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You are a successful independent retailer - how do you set yourself apart from your major competitors?

I don’t think we do much differently to most stores but our ethos is always focused on the experience customers receive.

We focus on range primarily, if the right range is in-store that’s most of the hard work done.

Then we add in professional staff offering good advice and direction and our customers always tend to leave happy.

Our stores tend not to have the greatest space to do the nicest displays on the high street, but offering a fuller range with competitive pricing is a good start.

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Tell us about your customer service - do you train your staff and, if so, how?

Most, if not all, of our staff have a deep background in retail which helps hugely. Understanding the basic needs of the customer experience makes it easier to apply the correct controls. Staff handbooks cover most of the major points but a key part of customer service is to place yourself in the customer’s shoes, the best training for that is real-time learning. If things go wrong, we aim to rectify them straight away and, of course, learn from experiences to ensure overall, the customer experience improves each and every time.

What pillars or values do you consider vital to your business?

The most important pillar is planning. That applied to all aspects of the business from buying to merchandising to events is vital in knowing what you need to

achieve and how to get to the other main pillar, your goal. The pillars keep us upright, the foundation to keep the pillars is place is, of course, the staff. Without their hard work and dedication, nothing else is relevant.

How do you keep your customers coming back? What do you offer them to encourage them to return?

Our constantly-changing range is one thing that keeps customers coming back as well as being a destination store locally for key brands and ranges. This ensures customers have a reason to keep walking through the door. We will shortly be implementing a loyalty card across all the stores which will also help reward our customers for the loyalty.

What about products - given the diversity of locations you operate in, is there a difference in what sells according to areas

We asked: What advice would you give to a novice toy buyer?

I would say to simply follow your gut instinct. If you’re a toy buyer, you need you love what you buy. If you think it will sell, so will a lot if your customers.

Checking online and social media also helps to gauge product interest so that’s always a good starting point and, if you’re really adventurous, check NPD data, that’s gives a good insight into trends and demands for brands and ranges.

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I think the general feeling is fairly upbeat.

There seems to be a lot of confidence on the high street and consumers are spending which always helps

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or is it pretty consistent?

Overall, our core range is available in all stores. Then due to space restrictions, some ranges are slightly cut to specific locations to ensure everything fits on to shelves. There are some ranges that sell particularly well in some locations compared to others, this is where sales data is analysed and buying decisions can be made accordingly. There are also some trends that seem to be in demand in different geographical areas and non-existent in others. Again, based on sales data, we ensure the right products are placed into the correct stores to ensure constant availability against demands.

What trends or products have you noted are going from strength-tostrength recently?

There are quite a few to name which have grown from strengthto-strength but the biggest problem is the longevity of the

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RETAIL INTERVIEW TOY GALAXY

Minecraft, Despicable Me, Paw Patrol and How To Train Your Dragon are really doing well. These have continued to create demand this early in the year which has been really positive. Frozen is also still holding its own but there does seem to be an ample amount of product available currently that is more than meeting demand.

“ product or range in its entirety.

The overall lifespan could be 15 months and some can go five times that amount. More recently I have been particularly impressed with the Pokemon range which, for me, has grown every year. But again, as mentioned above, it is locationdriven and some areas have a much larger customer base than others.

Minecraft is another that has been very impressive in recent times and it shows signs of becoming a big, steady brand.

What about gearing up for Christmas - what lines do you feel will be a goody for you?

This coming Christmas I am particularly looking forward to the ranges being offered around the new Star Wars film. Every year there are always great innovative products within this franchise but, being a movie year, I think this is one to be particularly excited about, especially with the LEGO range. Minions will also be one I am fairly excited about with some great products at different price points proposed to come in for Christmas and, with the DVD being

Best selling licences: Shopkins Minecraft Despicable Me Paw Patrol How To Train Your Dragon

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released back end, it will surely be in great demand. Two other ranges I think will boost trade at Christmas are the new James Bond movie and, of course, the addition to the already very popular category of dinosaurs with the new Pixar movie the Good Dinosaur being released late November. The dinosaur category is far from being extinct!

How many new lines or suppliers do you engage with annually?

At the moment in total we deal with about 270 suppliers, which I believe is a good mix of range and products.

In regards to the lines, that’s always in the tens of thousands but as it changing all the time, I tend not to put a number of the annual number of new lines I’d like to stock. My philosophy is that if I like it and there is demand, we will make space for it within our inventory.

Recently, we worked for a launch with a supplier in which we filled up a window with blind bags, and believe me, there were a lot of bags needed to fill the space, but it did look pretty impressive

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Which suppliers are good for helping you with merchandising and coming up with creative ideas to help you sell more?

Certain suppliers help regularly with constantly changing displays and updated POS. This includes the likes of Playmobil and LEGO, which, on their own, are big footfall generators. We do work well with other suppliers to come up with good means to display ranges and have quirky window display ideas.

Recently, we worked for a launch with a supplier in which we filled up a window with blind bags, and believe me, there were a lot of bags needed to fill the space, but it did look pretty impressive! I think the most important thing to do is to work closely with the suppliers you have tied in with in-store activity and something imaginative will more often than less will crop up.

What do you feel the attitude is like in the toy trade at the moment?

Currently I think the general feeling is fairly upbeat. There seems to be a lot of confidence on the high street and consumers are spending which always helps. When there is a good mix of movies and promising ranges planned for the year, the general feeling is positive which is currently reflected. The easiest way to measure this is when you meet other retailers at trade shows and gauge what their thoughts are on current trade.

Which licenses are going great guns for you at the moment?

Currently I am finding that Shopkins,

toysnplaythings.co.uk

RETAIL

OPINION

To Russia with love H

amleys has opened a big store in Moscow.

Moscow? Yes, Moscow and, at a stroke, the Russian capital has become home to Europe’s biggest toy shop. This is also the largest Hamleys branch there is and is the outcome of a joint venture between a Londonbased retailer and a local Russian partner, all housed in the former Detsky Mir shopping centre.

Enough of the superlatives for the moment however.

Think for a second of the practicalities that underpin this one. This is a massive space, more than 75,000 sq ft, in the middle of a city that is a world away from Hamleys as we know it. Russia is a brave new world for western retailers and as well as the much-publicised dodgy dealings that can bedevil any attempt to get a business off the ground in this location, there is the small matter of the economy.

Would a foreign enterprise be welcomed with open arms at a time when the fiscal and political backdrop is clearly a little problematical? The answer, in fact, is probably yes. A fair profit was never won by a faint heart and at least Hamleys has had the sense to team up with a local outfit to smooth over the potential pitfalls.

Yet providing it has a reasonable offer, this toy shop leviathan stands a good chance despite the obvious headwinds. Shopper funds might not be as limitless as seemed to be the case not so long ago, but an experience, because that is how Hamleys has constructed its store, will still be welcome and shoppers will keep shopping.

Hats off to Hamleys for doing something rather more than having a web offering to its international arm. It’s pretty easy to be a cross-border operator in this day and age thanks to the web. But seriously, unless you have a physical presence does anybody really care?

This perhaps makes you think that the internet may not be quite as powerful as many are still giving it credit for.

Toy retailing at its most elemental is about watching children playing with toys and then decisions being taken about what to buy as a result of their behaviour.

There is a school of thought that crazes in toys are so all pervasive that a child will just want the latest musthave, therefore, whether you buy it in a shop or online will, ultimately, make little difference. Maybe so but, when was the last time that you bought anything without at least

having a look at the thing first? Rarely, or never.

Toy retailers can take heart from the fact that while showrooming may be an increasing trend when it comes to white goods, once you’ve got parents and children across the threshold, providing you have what is wanted, there is a fair chance that a sale may follow.

This is why the Hamleys experience-led Moscow store is important. There used to be a saying among developers of shopping centres that ‘build it and they will come’. The same might more accurately be said about toy shops, but there has to be a reason for making a visit.

Experience is a vastly over-employed word in retail and is used to mean anything from touching a screen, surely the ultimate static experience, to people wandering around dressed as M&M sweets – which can be irritating or engrossing depending on your point of view. In Hamleys in Moscow, shoppers are invited to be part of an experience where racetracks and Star Wars spaceships are on view and can be explored. For children, the end users, this is at the extreme end of things, but even the 90 sqm toy shop is perfectly capable of offering a memorable experience that parents and children can take away when they’ve visited. Practically, this means doing something more than just stacking products on shelves, but it doesn’t mean that full-size replica sci-fi props are required.

For the smartest indie toy shop operators this is almost second nature. They succeed in engaging with customers, adults and non-adults, and the outcome is better sales. A plea therefore for being proactive in a toy shop – sitting there and hoping that things will somehow sell themselves is probably not going to work. As for Hamleys on Regent Street or on Moscow’s Lubyanka Square, experience is how it has always shifted stock. In Disney terms, all of the people working front of shop in these stores are members of a cast and they are as much actors as sales associates.

This should be the aim of any self-respecting toy retailer and, for those who turn their noses up at such fripperies, disappointing turnover is the inevitable consequence.

As Hamleys open a store in Moscow, our columnist John Ryan looks at Hamleys’ Russian experience and what it means for retail

John Ryan is Stores Editor at Retail Week. He has worked for the magazine for more than a decade covering store design, visual merchandising and what makes things sell in-store. In a previous life he was a buyer.

MAY 2015

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HIGH STREET

HIGHS

Getting into the net

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If independents choose the right partners there are lots of ways to offer a competitive multichannel experience without investing huge sums up front

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This month our regular High Street Highs column with The Entertainer has been handed over to Phil Geary, Marketing and E-commerce Director.

Web-based sales are an integral part of the toy industry, so we wanted to know how The Entertainer makes it happen for them…

The Entertainer is a high street leader when it comes to ecommerce. Tell me a little about how that has grown and evolved in the past two years?

Year on year web sales growth was 40% in 2013 and 55% last year. The key to our success has been making the most of our convenient high street shops and offering a 30-minute click and collect service – we’ve tripled click and collect sales over the last two years and it continues to be a focus this year.

We’ve also done a pretty good job of spotting and responding to trends over the last couple of years which has given us an edge over our competitors. For instance, we signed up 70,000 people to our Loom club email list last year which allowed us to communicate with Loom fans on a regular basis and send them details of new arrivals and promotions.

Can an independent offer a truly relevant ecommerce proposition?

If independents choose the right partners there are lots of ways to offer a competitive multichannel experience without investing huge sums up front.

For instance Collect+ allows retailers without a large store network to offer click and collect and returns at thousands of locations across the country. And Amazon checkout gives retailers access to a mobile optimised checkout and means that millions of customers can login quickly with their Amazon details instead of setting up a new account.

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Is it important to offer multichannel propositions for shoppers?

that we will really be getting behind.

Yes, it’s absolutely vital. Customers expect to be able to communicate, shop and receive their order in whichever way is most convenient for them.

Multichannel isn’t optional any more – not offering a mobile site or click and collect is almost becoming equivalent to not accepting credit card payments in a shop. To put it in perspective, the launch of our responsive mobile site in October last year has led to 45% of our web traffic now coming via a smartphone and 40% of online orders are click and collect, so we’d be turning away a huge amount of business if we didn’t offer these services.

And in your view, is this something an independent can also get involved in, although perhaps on a smaller scale?

And in terms of marketing, what sort of marketing activity is The Entertainer engaging in during the summer?

This summer we will be running all sorts of in-store events for children to get involved with, from character costume days, treasure hunts, photo opp standees, competitions and arts and crafts activity days. We will also be running Nerf tournaments around the country. Our TV plans are at an early stage but we expect to see those evolve and we are working on some great promotions with our partners and licensors. There are one or two big entertainment properties being released

Absolutely, it’s all about planning and working with their suppliers. The assets are there to be used. It’s just up to the retailer to optimise it, implement it and communicate it well to the customer and create in-store fun and excitement that will bring consumers into your stores.

The consumer is becoming ever more demanding. They want more payment solutions, they want more delivery options, more pick-up options and they want it cheaper and faster than ever before. So, putting money in the right place to ensure that you continue to give your consumer the best experience you can, whilst ensuring you stay one step ahead of the competition, is going to become an ever increasing challenge.

Here comes the summer!

A big congratulations to Team Entertainer who scooped a very prestigious award recently. They won the best summer inspired cake with their Ice Cream Cakes entry into the Toy Trust Big Cake Bake.

They joined Vivid, Mattel, Hasbro’s UK Customer Service Team and Golden Bear as best bakers.

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FEATURE GOLF

All set to tee off TnP’s MD and founder Malcolm Naish is hosting the 7th Goring & Streatley Golf Day on Tuesday, 23 June. He tells us a little bit more about this great day out

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nP is hosting its 7th Golf Day in the stunning surrounds of Goring & Streatley Golf Club on Tuesday, 23

competition last year and we’re sure she will once again be a force to be reckoned with.

The staff at Goring & Streatley love the June. toy trade, to them it is their best event of For those golfers in the toy trade who have the year, with lavish entertaining by your yet to experience our golf day – shame on host, beginning with Pimms on the patio as you! you all trudge off the 18th It’s a day that is hole and of course, there is a certainly not to be complimentary wine and bar.

N EE B E missed as last year’s Normally finished by V ’ WE H T I event proved. We had 9.30pm, Goring & Streatley is W ED some corking play the perfect venue for a day’s BLESS STIC with Rubie’s Harry Issit FANTA ER FOR THE essential networking plus H pleasurable golf. The event is sweeping the board WEAT UMBER OF N E by winning both the aided and abetted by Keith R T E S PA ND TH O A and Vicki Elmer, and all-in-all individual trophy and the S R T A YE ASON YEAR it is a most welcome E Mike Arnold cup for Best R O IS N HIS Gross. And that tally was oasis in this GEST T Y G U S N tough business just the tip of the iceberg with A E WILL B ENT all of last year’s players putting world we find on a fine show. ourselves in.

DIFFER e who have not The day kicks off at 9am and For those is played off full handicap with a morning yet booked d their place, email nine hole Texas Scramble to ease everyone malcolm@lemapublishng.co.uk emapublishng.co.uk etails. into the golfing mood. Last year’s top Texas for more details.

Scramble prize went to Ross McDonald, Steve Wells, Dave Howard and Steve Wilkes, Rubie’s Harry Issit but who will take the prize this year? swept the board last year winning Following the Texas Scramble we then both the enjoy a ham, egg and chips lunch to be individual trophy and the Mike Arfollowed by the more serious afternoon nold cup for best Stableford, Team Four-Ball, Ladies gross Competition and finally, a Yellow Ball Competition thrown in for good measure.

We’ve been blessed with fantastic weather for the past number of years and there is no reason to suggest this year will be any different.

Modelling my own game on Bubba Watson and playing off 28, I not only have the main Stableford competition, but also a second Stableford competition for the less talented golfers playing off 21 to 28.

We always welcome more ladies to For those who have not yet booked their participate and a handsome trophy will be place, email malcolm@lemapublishng.co.uk presented to the winner by Michele Bates for more details. of Evolution P.R. Michele won the ladies

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Booking information

MAY 2015

Top team prize last year went to Dave Martin, Michele Bates, Brian Triptree and Grant Timms

THE INDEPENDENT

OPINION

Damage control It is not the suppliers on the receiving end of our columnist’s ire this month – step forward freight companies

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here is only one thing on my mind and I’m annoyed about it. And that is carriers or freight companies.

Am I the only retailer in the UK & Ireland who is constantly being bombarded with goods that have been damaged on delivery, or not even receiving the delivery that was booked in the first place?

We have loads of instances throughout the year when we get deliveries in and the odd piece is missing from a carton, even though the carton is perfectly sealed, and we only realise there is an issue when we lift the item and it feels off-balance in our hands.

I had a really heated argument with one of my agents recently when this exact thing occurred in one of my deliveries.

We had received some goods late in the

Best sellers VOLUME: 1) LEGO Minifigures 2) Shopkins 2 Pack 3) Frozen Flash’Ems VALUE: 1) Elsa’s Castle - LEGO 2) Little Live Pets Birdcage 3) Snow Glow Elsa

day and the next day we had more goods delivered, which were then placed on top of the initial delivery.

By the time we processed all the goods, it was more than three days later. Yet, according to their contract they said they didn’t have to do anything about it. We did get it sorted in the end, but it infuriates me when this type of thing happens.

Every retailer knows that time is money, so it is costing me for other people’s mistakes and that simply is not fair.

The amount of issues and situations that arise to irritate me with incoming deliveries is aggravating. We have missed bookings, no paperwork, goods arriving as and when they please, damages, shortages, theft, part-deliveries and a vast array of other things that can only be summed up as a total waste of my time.

I have even heard of ridiculous stories of carriers doing their own thing and goods being sent back to suppliers with various tall tales about what the retailer did or didn’t do.

If this is news to you, Mr Supplier, I do hope you are listening, because issues like this that crop up all the time.

To give some of the suppliers their due, we have - in certain instances complained to the powers that be and they have taken action and stopped using that carrier. But I still feel that if everyone just did what they were supposed to do it

would make life a lot easier.

I recall about three years ago when we had a delivery in from one wellknown company. To make it clear, almost none of the problems this time were their fault, but the list of issues for one delivery was ridiculous. One side of a pallet had been torn as if the carrier had scraped it on the door of the lorry leading to at least 15 damaged items. There was water damage at the top of two pallets. We had a box that was totally empty right in the middle of a pallet and the driver turned up with about five minutes to go until closing time. The only positive in this was that the delivery did have correct paperwork! On this occasion, and for the last time, we actually took in the delivery, the staff went home while I processed and checked it, and my morale went from low to rock bottom in the space of about 30 minutes.

Now, I don’t write that for the sake of it, my point is that this is an example of the hassle we have to go through when a situation arises. I had to make huge notes on the paperwork, take photos, list the damaged items, detail what was wrong and then, when I got the agent in to get it sorted, they actually looked at me as if I was lying - as if there couldn’t possibly be that many damages on a single delivery.

Needless to say I was not, and I suppose am still not, a happy boy.

THE SECRET SUPPLIER

I hear you…

The Secret Supplier lends a sympathetic ear this month

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n the complex relationship between retailers and suppliers there exists a mysterious gap when goods are sandwiched between both parties.

The delivery process is equally frustrating for both retailers and suppliers as neither have control over it.

In theory, the third party should execute the vital process of getting all the cartons to complete the order to the retailer on the right date at the right time. If only!

Bigger retailers exercise more muscle because, if their delivery does not arrive in the correct time slot on the correct pallet size with the right number of cartons, then they cheerfully refuse the delivery and fine the suppliers.

Although more latitude exists when making deliveries to independent retailers, the fact is that every day huge numbers of cartons wing their way to mysteriously named “hubs” where all these cartons are mixed together, then apparently separated into the right order and loaded on to delivery wagons. At least most

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of the cartons, because when the wagon is full, off it goes with only half of The Independent’s order. The order therefore arrives incomplete with the balance hopefully arriving a few days later. This whole process involves frequent phone calls to the suppliers who spend their time trying to locate the missing cartons.

When they all finally arrive, it is The Independent who checks if the contents are as they are supposed to be. The problem is that any shortages could have incurred in the factory, in the supplier’s warehouse or during transit to the retailer. No one knows but inevitably it is the independent retailer who has to affirm that he is not the guilty party! Nevertheless the actual physical process of receiving goods is frustrating unless it is linked to sophisticated booking in software. Therefore, the whole process is one which is understandably frustrating and costly as The Independent highlights. Rest assured Mr Independent, you are in good company when it comes to dealing with delivery problems. It can be a time consuming nightmare for both supplier and retailer.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

BUSINESS

Life is for living

DRIVER

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n the last article we covered the importance of here that while money certainly helps you to afford special your emotional connection with your home in experiences, it is by no means a pre-requisite. Some of our maximising your enjoyment of life. best family experiences have been free or cost very little.

The children’s birthday parties in our garden, for example, This time we are moving onto the importance or walks in the countryside around our house, these also of shared experiences. Individual experiences can hold great memories for us. be fun but shared experiences are much more So then, how do you ensure you maximise your memorable. Taking your children abroad for the enjoyment of life through your shared experiences? From first time is a great example. my perspective there are four areas to focus on. Firstly, The sense of excitement as you leave for the you need to make enough time available for these shared airport, the joy as the plane takes off, the shrieks experiences. Find time in your schedule to take the kids of laughter as they get to the hotel room and to the seaside for the day or go with your friends to the all this is before the holiday really starts! With theatre. Consider retiring early like me so our children we didn’t call them that you can plan more holidays every year holidays, they were adventures and/or commit more time to your favourite because this is what they felt like.

Gill and I hobbies.

While our family holidays, got married Secondly, make sure you treasure those sorry, adventures, are among our nearly 40 years past experiences. Keep these memories best experiences, the very best ago and, while alive by talking about them or re-living them memories for us are our family we have been through photographs and video. Both of weddings. Making such a big commitment to the one you love in known to forget these are excellent memory joggers. I have been taking cine and video film for the last front of family, friends and relatives our anniversary, 30 plus years. I get a lot of enjoyment from is arguably the ultimate shared we remember editing the highlights and then watching experience. the day vividly. the videos with family and friends. Thirdly, Indeed, the challenge of culling Our children’s living in the past is never enough. You need the guest list to meet the budget weddings are to make sure that you are creating new is indicative of how we want to experiences all the time. share this experience with as many even more Planning these experiences brings a people as possible. memorable sense of excitement and anticipation.

Gill and I got married nearly 40 It gives you another adventure to look years ago and, while we have been forward known to forget our anniversary, we remember rd to. Create your bucket list and make it a priority the day vividly. Our children’s weddings are even y to progress through this list every year. Finally, in my experience, spending more memorable. money This is partly because they are more recent and y on shared experiences is more rewarding because we have a video recording of the day ding than buying material possessions. (video was not an option when we got married). ssions.

Shared The location of our children’s marriages have red experiences bring you enjoyment made them even more memorable and enjoyable, ment and lasting memories.

In the next article I will cover the with one being at our house in France and one at importance our home in the UK. Sharing these experiences tance of your family and pursuing in your own home is a “double whammy” of ng your passions in order enjoyment and, while they took a lot of organising, to maximise ximise your enjoyment of life.

I would highly recommend it. It is worth noting

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Life is a treasure trove of memories, says John Harper, make sure yours count

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From his beginnings at Palitoy where he launched their Video Games software business, to MD at Fisher Price in the 90s, starting up Hedstrom in 1998, to more recently, European President of Hasbro and nd now, as a mentor and coach to young entrepreneurs in the industry – there re are few highs or lows that John hasn’t seen and been part of!

MAY 2015

1

FEATURE VECHICLES

Vroom, vroom: sales in the room Cars, trucks and planes play such a memorable part in children’s lives. And its not just the very young who get a kick from them, new innovation from key toy companies is making the category appeal to all ages

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s it that they are accessible? Is it that they are real but aspirational? Whatever it is, the everyday vehicles which get adults from A to B are perfect play fodder for kids.

Cars, trucks and planes are moveable pieces of magic to a young mind and that doesn’t change much once you hit your teens, twenties, thirties.

“A major factor in the appeal for vehicle toys is that they are easy for kids to relate to as they see them each day on the streets and in the air,” agrees President of Toy State, Andy Friess.

“Creating a ‘fantasy’ is a big part of kids’ everyday play patterns, and having aspects of reality injected into this play helps to further the fantasy scenarios kids develop. This is the role that basic vehicles such as cars, trucks and plans fill, and it’s a fundamental and important role that allows this category of basic toys to continue to be part of the foundation of toy aisles worldwide.”

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Cars and vehicles are a big part of most peoples’ daily routine. The toy versions can either be very realistic or something extraordinary and out of this world. Both versions inspire imagination and I think that’s why the category has such an enduring appeal to kids of all ages Lindsay Hardy, Trends UK

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Tapping into this real life versus imagination theory is something which all of our suppliers seem to agree on.

“Children love to play with toys that imitate real life,” points out Trends UK’s Marketing Director Lindsay Hardy. “Cars and vehicles are a big part of most peoples’ daily routine. The toy versions can either be very realistic or something extraordinary and out of this world. Both versions inspire imagination and I think that’s why the category has such an enduring appeal to kids of all ages.”

How is the category performing?

Nobody wants to enter into a category or buy stock for a sector that just isn’t performing, so it is encouraging to see Trends UK jumping into the pool

with their new REV cars from WowWee. Likewise, Character Options are launching their brand new Fireman Sam licensed range of diecast vehicles in July, which they plan to support with a TV and marketing campaign.

Golden Bear’s Commercial Director Barry Hughes also knows a thing or two about the category as the company supply My First JCB, Go MINI and VW ranges to retailers.

“It is a highly competitive area,” says Barry. “However My First JCB – now in its eighth year - is now firmly established as an evergreen brand, while Go MINI is now in year three and with the introduction of the Nighttime Challenge Raceway Track Set, we are expecting big things this year.”

As mentioned, Trends UK are dipping their toes in the vehicles pool this year. In terms of category performance, Lindsay says they don’t have a lot to go on just yet.

Speaking about the app-enabled cars which are built for battle,

Trends

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

Toy State

Lindsay says Trends are looking forward to taking on the market with REV: “We have had a very promising response from the buyers and retailers we have shown REV to, so we are very hopeful they will perform well.”

Someone who does know a thing or two about category performance is Toy State. Andy tells us: “Toy vehicles will continue to perform well, and be a key contributor to the overall toy industry. Toy State has built our business around the vehicle category, through our exciting lines of Nikko, Road Rippers, Caterpillar and Hot Wheels branded toys. We look forward to continuing to bring innovation to this segment and furthering kids’ aspirational play with our toys.”

Tricks of the trade Retailers just want to sell their stock – end of. And whatever tricks of the trade they can use to get product flying off the shelves, they will. But different categories need different levels of attention, so what works well for vehicles? Barry suggests using the “2 for £xx” sugg approach. “That sort of pricing app seems seem to work well in this category as it encourages collectability,” he says. says TV advertising is also music to a T retailer’s ear and Trends UK are reta going down this street with REV – goin are Character Option with as a Fireman Sam. Explaining the Fire thoughts behind Trends campaign, thou Lindsay says: “To support our Lind retailers we are launching REV this reta summer with a heavyweight TV sum campaign aimed at boys 8 to 12 cam years. The campaign is designed to year reveal how the cool tech features reve

MAY 2015 MA

make for exciting gaming and battle play, never seen outside a computer game before.”

From Toy State’s perspective, Andy says they view product innovation as being a key component in supporting retailers.

“At Toy State, innovation and quality are the hallmarks of our business. Our design and marketing teams are incredibly strong, and we are on a continual quest for the next ‘big idea’ to bring to the retail shelf. Innovation is fundamental. Without this key characteristic any product category or business is difficult to sustain. This is even more important in the competitive world of toys. Whether it be ‘Lights & Sound’ or RC vehicles, innovation is what keeps consumers coming back to the shelf.”

“

Creating a ‘fantasy’ is a big part of kids’ everyday play patterns… This is the role that basic vehicles such as cars, trucks and plans fill Andy Friess, Toy State

”

We asked: TnP asked avid car, truck and plane fans Tadhg and Cian why they love their wheels so much. Their mum Aoife gives us the lowdown “My boys love anything with wheels, anything at all. Their little diecast cars are vital to their everyday life. I notice they take on adult roles and play at being grown-ups, which I think is really healthy for them. But one of their favourite games is for Tadhg to give his younger brother Cian a ride around the garden on his ‘big tractor’. This is them using their initiative and imagination. But it just wouldn’t wash if he was driving a real tractor!”

Keep it fresh Key for retailers is having new product on their shelves that consumers haven’t seen before - something fresh and exciting which captures the imagination.

So how do suppliers keep things fresh?

They all said the same thing – innovation.

Golden Bear

“New product innovation is key in this category – being able to offer something different,” says Golden Bear’s Barry. “In the My First JCB category, where characters are an important aspect of the range, we find that offering a wider character selection is also a great way of keeping the range fresh.”

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FEATURE VECHICLES

Burning rubber in n style t l TOY STATE 020 8440 5060 msangel@toystate.com m When looking for the hottest toy cars and trucks this spring, Toy State has it covered!

For radio-control fans, s, look no further than the Nikko VaporizR 2. This full-function carr runs on land, water or snow. With two motors and 360 degree spin capabilities, bilities, it is a true four wheel drive vehicle for play on any surface. This is RC favorite can hit a max speed of 15 kilometers per hour.

Do you have the need for speed? The Hot Wheels Hyper Racer is the perfect car for engine kick into ‘Hyper children ages three and up. With the push of a button, hear the engin Mode’ and watch as the car body changes to a completely new colour! colou Adding to the will take the fun to a Hyper Racer experience, its cool music and exciting sound effects wi whole new level.

For even more cool tunes and to have wheels, check out some fun on two wh Wheelie Bikes. With the Road Rippers W drive paired motorised forward d sounds and exciting with realistic cycle sou music, this motorcycle not only pops up kickstart the action, on its back wheel to kic light-up rear wheel that but also features a light flares as it ‘burns up’ the road. leader in R/C and Toy State, the global le vehicles, has been ‘Lights & Sound’ veh of Imagination’ in creating the ‘State o children of all ages for more than 30 years.

Keep on trucking BIGJIGS TOYS 01303 250400 www.bigjigstoys.co.uk Bigjigs Toys is the exclusive distributor for Green Toys in the UK and EU and has some fantastic construction trucks making their way to retail.

Chunky, sturdy and durable, new Green Toys Construction Trucks are right at home in the garden or outdoor sand box. Featuring a scooper with a moveable bucket, cement mixer with a revolving drum, and a dump truck with a classic open-box bed, these pint-sized trucks are just right for little hands. Each vehicle comes with its own bulldog construction worker, and the figures are interchangeable among all three.

All new Green Toys products are available to pre-order now in time for the summer.

Green Toys products are the only toys on the market made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, packaged exclusively in 100% recyclable cardboard, with no twist ties or plastics that must be discarded into landfills.

Bu Build a brilliant plane pla HALILIT 01254 872454 www.halilit.co.uk Celebrating 50 years of business in 2015, Halilit were thrilled by the amazing reaction to the Battat range of high quality push-along toys at their Toy Fair launch.

Successful child blogger Beau of ‘Beau’s Toy Farm’ selected the new Battat Take-Apart Plane as his favourite toy out of all the toys at Toy Fair, and the initial stock had sold out by the end of the fair. More orders have since been placed and Halilit now has stock available for order and delivery. For ages three years up, the Take-Apart Plane includes over 20 vehicle parts and a chunky battery powered screwdriver with three different heads making it easy for young children to hold and enjoy making the plane and then taking it apart again. Other fun vehicles in the Take-Apart range include a 4x4, a roadster, and a Crane Truck all in a subtle colour palette.

Car play LE TOY VAN 02089792036 www.letoyvan.com There are 15 different vehicle choices at Le Toy Van – from the individual propulsion Whizzy-PullBack racers in a handy CDU to the top-selling London Car Set with its selection box of seven iconic vehicles in a colourful retail window box. 2015 also sees the arrival of the new look Dino’s Garage.

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

TV & MARKETING SUPPORT

WALLABY W ALL ONE

JJUPITER UPPPITE ITE TER

#2 BOYS PROPERTY

*Source NPD 2014

IN PRE-SCHOOL TOYS

NEPTUNE

VENUS

©2015 Hit Entertainment Limited.

©2015 Prism Art & Design Limited.

FEATURE VECHICLES

Wow Wee – that’s a sweet ride!

TRENDS UK 01702208175 www.trendsuk.co.uk WowWee REV from Trends UK is built for battle and driven to destroy!

REV stands for the new Robotic Enhanced Vehicles that are app-enabled and built for battle. REVs think and fight for themselves and are equipped with BeaconSense technology, a proprietary indoor GPS system that enables them to sense their surroundings and navigate accordingly. REVs are hardwired to outwit, outplay and outlast their human opponents.

Most importantly - REV does not require a special surface or mat to play on, and a limitless number of people can enter the game with further vehicles.

Each REV Starter Kit comes with two speciallyequipped vehicles. Just download the free app onto an iOS or A Android smart device and jump into the driver’s seat, wh whilst setting the second REV to s Autonomous Mode.

Aut REV RE is launching this th summer with a heavyweight TV T campaign.

Toot-Toot, here we come!

VTECH 01235546810 www.vtech.co.uk 2015, VTech will be In 2 expanding its Toot-Toot expandin Drivers rrange with eight new additional vehicles, all of which include SmartPoint technology, which will respond to SmartPoint locations on all Toot-Toot drivers playsets.

This year will see the launch of Toot-Toot Drivers Customisable People Carrier. This cute people carrier vehicle can be customised by its owner through a personalised licence plate, decorative stickers as well as customised recordings of the child’s own phrases.

This year, VTech is also set to launch the Toot-Toot Drivers Fuel Tanker.

This chunky Toot-Toot fuel tanker features a light-up face button for fun responses as well as three sing along songs and six melodies. Little ones can roll the vehicle for fun play and it also interacts with SmartPoint locations on all Toot-Toot playsets.

A further addition to the Toot-Toot Drivers range is the Toot-Toot Drivers Off-Roader and Trailor. This cool, off-roader comes complete with a log play piece and SmartPoint technology. Along with a light-up face button for fun responses, this new addition also includes three sing along songs and six melodies.

This year, VTech will be developing its range of interactive playsets further with an enhanced Toot-Toot Drivers Garage.

The new Toot-Toot Drivers Garage includes an additional level, a total of nine SmartPoint locations and four electronic locations that play songs. It also comes complete with fun sound effects and phrases, providing fun manipulative play with a lift, weight scale and gate locations.

Rollin’ on the road TOBAR 0844 573 4299 www.tobar.co.uk

Go wild SCHLEICH 01279 870000 www.schleich-s.co.uk When it comes to cars and trucks, Schleich’s new boxed set series holds a four-wheeled playset that’s for kids in touch with their wild side – The Safari Animal Rescue Truck.

This ready-to-play set is the top of the range in a series that will hold instant play appeal to kids while creating a gifting and display solution for consumers and retailers. The four-wheeled open-backed Safari Truck is driven by an authentic looking ranger and comes with a ramped back for ease of loading the animals on board. The accompanying transportation crate easily fits on the truck bed and will hold any safari animal in need of rescue. To complete the scene, a chimpanzee, lion and cub are included, although any of Schleich’s wild life animals will easily fill the part.

40

Tobar has a range of classic wooden cars, trucks and planes which are incredible quality and great value ue for money. The wooden toy t collection includes best sellers like the wooden car transporter, bus, fire engine, police car and ambulance.

In addition Tobar has added Schylling’s range to its own brand collection which has a retro feel including; collectibles like the Tin Aeroplane, Racing Car and Tin Cars. The collectible Tin Aeroplane model has printed decals. This highly detailed tin collectible is highly sought after by collectors of tin toys who will be keen to add it to their collection. The Schylling collectible tin car toys come in a variety of bright designs. Push the cars along a surface and they make a whizzing friction sound.

Tobar is also delighted to be a distributor for Bburago, which has secured an exclusive worldwide licence deal with Ferrari for 2015 offering the biggest and broadest range of car lines for customers.

Tobar has over 100 models in stock including Ferrari Signature series, Ferrari Race and Play and Ferrari Racing.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Heroes of the track

Flying high BLADEZ TOYZ

FLAIR

02392 658 259 www.bladeztoyz.co.uk .uk

0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk

Bladez Toyz has been en developing an exciting ing range of Super Micro o RC gadgets, ready for launch in 2015.

The RC ‘Mycropodz’ dz’ Drone and Helicopter er line boasts a unique e handset, that not only charges the gadgets, but also stores them.

The ‘Mycropodz’ family has a super-small RC three-inch helicopter, complete with a full gyroscope for impeccable balance and stability during flight. At only seven cm, this is one of the smallest RC Gyro helicopters and can be helpfully stored and charged within the handset when not in use. Bladez have engineered a super-nano, six-cm Quadcopter complete with four channels, 360° flip capabilities, superbright LED lights and protective safety rotor guards around the blades.

Topping off the collection is the officially licensed Volkswagen RC Micro Bus.

GP Flair has two collections that kids will be sure to want to get hold of. Flair will introduce pre-schoolers to Ferrari Play and Go. This is a range of chunky pre-school vehicles, playsets and RC toys for children aged 10 months+. The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-Machines collection will introduce die-cast vehicles to the franchise.

Available from July these supercharged vehicles feature the four Ninja Brothers, master Splinter, Shredder and more.

NEW FOR

Be on the fast team HTI 01253778888 www.htigroup.co.uk Teamsterz, HTI’s diecast vehicle collectable range, is seeing a turbo charge effect to sales in 2015.

The extensive range of highly detailed die-cast vehicles features a new brand logo and impactful packaging design for 2015, ensuring stand-out and on-shelf appeal.

Combining cars and trucks, the new Car Transporter has space to store up to 40 cars inside. With a cool, sleek cab, the Transporter comes with 12 diecast cars plus road play accessories, and features a handy carry handle for compact store and carry-away play!

Teamsterz track sets cover all key price points and offers turbo charged competitive fun for all ages.

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Ad

2015

1-5

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DESIGN

h Show in the Billiards room VISIT WOW TToyss at the WOW TOYS, Unit 5, Victory Business Centre, Fleming Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6DB Contact: sales@wowtoys.com / + 44 (0) 20 7471 0980

MAY 2015

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FEATURE VECHICLES

Fireman Sam m e to the rescue CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800 www.character-online.com New to Character Options’ Fireman Sam F collection for summer 2015 5 is a range rang ge of diecast vehicles that has everything a young firefighter will need to come to the rescue.

These brand new collectible diecast vehicles are both traditional in their play pattern and up to the minute in their characterisation and design: offering adventurous playtime opportunities for fans of the much loved Pontypandy firefighter. With free-wheeling axles and all the detail that traditional diecast can offer, there are lots of favourites to choose from Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Wallaby One, the mountain rescue helicopter, all of which will stand up to robust play or can be collected as part of a treasured assembly.

To accompany the vehicles the diecast Fire Rescue Centre playset makes the perfect addition to pre-schoolers rescue collection. As the perfect set for rescue adventures, kids can collect the vehicles and combine with the playset to save the day. They will have hours of fun speeding their way around the tracks of the highly detailed Rescue Centre and flying off from the helicopter pad to help save the day and keep the villagers in Pontypandy safe from harm.

There’s also a fine array of vehicles within the Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig F classic collections, whilst c Weebledown Farm has its own W humorous version of fourwheeled fun with the Wobbily Tractor and Farmer.

On the road GREAT GIZMOS

A WOW line-up WOW TOYS

020 7471 0980 www.wowtoys.com WOW Toys is a toy brand synonymous with great toy vehicles for children from one to five years. Their no batteries policy doesn’t mean they skimp on play appeal; in fact it’s just the opposite. Vehicles in their toy range covering popular themes such as adventure, emergency, construction, farm and racing amongst others. There is something for every toddler preference in the range: Dudley Dump Truck leads the way in the construction range. He is a seven-piece Dump truck set and has a switch operated motorised tipping action that keeps children entertained for hours. Fireball Frankie is a classic car, retro-styled with a mechanical motor that has been a firm favourite now for over a decade and Johnny Jungle plane inspires play like no other. His removable safari pilot and tiger passenger take a ride in this friction powered plane with realistic engine sounds, with rotating propellers and wheels that scoot across most surfaces - he also has a click and turn secret cargo hold.

The vehicles come with a removable driver and play figures, all giving a cheery thumbs-up to make them not only extra loveable but also to ensure they can never pose a choking hazard to a young child.

New toys are added to the range every year keeping the WOW range of toys fresh and up-to-date.

01293 543221 www.greatgizmos.co.uk Great Gizmos’ collection has wheeled vehicles from eco-friendly wooden range PlanToys to more robust ride-ons for traditional play.

New for this year is Kid O’s modern Go Car available in blue and red. The Go Cars are also available as smaller Mini Go Cars. You will also be flying ng high with the stylish blue Air Plane that is the perfect balance between n retro and modern style!

PlanToys Railway Set features lots of railway track as well as a three carriage train, signs and signals and the Roadway Set includes traffic lights, miniature houses, a car and truck plus a flyover and real working bridge. The entire 42-piece roadway can be flipped over to reveal a railway track on the underside for unlimited play.

New to Plan Toys are the Racing Cars, with a rabbit or cheetah character and feature wheels that move like a real race car!

Ride-ons and pedal cars make for traditional outdoor play and Great Gizmos’ latest models allow little ones from the age of one to zoom about. The Classic Pedal Cars collection brings a touch of vintage to traditional play with retro designed bodies and authentic detailing such as big spotlights and padded cushioned seats. Already available in red, green and yellow, the range now has a new addition in powder pink while Rideon models such as the Ride On Aeroplane, Moon Rocket and Retro Racers in green and red add to the classic vehicle choice.

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Get connected H. GROSSMAN LTD 01416132525 www.ozbozz.co.uk For those who want to jostle for pole position, Car T Trax h has everything they C hi h need. d This Thi chunky h k flexible track connects and interconnects so that young children can collect the various sets and connect them all together however they like.

Designed in bright colours for children of three and up, each set includes it’s own vehicle. There are many sets to choose from across all budgets – sets include Turnaround Trax with a turntable that allows you to change direction, Cross Trax with a figure of eight, Road Trax with the traditional oval track shape and a smaller Starter Trax to set them on the right track.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

...for LITTLE hands with BIG Imaginations....

Go

NEW

LAYERS 2P

UU

10 R

MINI

O SSW H WITT HII -- LLO U CCH UEE Q Q I I NN

Heavyweight TV advertising campaign - A/W15 Extensive PR and Marketing activity

LIGHT UP CA NG I Z

RS

AM A

A REAL CHALLENGE FOR THE OLDER BOYS! FUN FOR THE YOUNGEST OF DRIVERS!

PLAYTIME JUST GOT TUNED UP. Š The MINI Logo and the MINI wordmark are trademarks of BMW AG and are used under License.

GB Toys is a division of Golden Bear Products Ltd. Email: customerservices@goldenbeartoys.co.uk Tel: 01952 608308 Visit www.goldenbeartoys.com to see the full range.

Downloadable Free App

> 2 vehicles controlled by downloadable free App > Battle vs AI computer or vs a friend > Play against your opponent in 6 different game modes > No track, no mat needed Major TV campaigns

EXPECT SO MUCH MORE!

> MiPosaur has Gesture control + free App > Track Ball with play modes, MiPosaur will chase it

and PR support

To place an order please contact: +44 (0)1295 768078 salesadmin@trendsuk.co.uk For Media/PR enquiries, please contact: Ane Olesen: ane@wirepr.eu

FEATURE VECHICLES

Go turbo for ultimate fun CHICCO 01623750870 www.chicco.co.uk Chicco has introduced the Stop ‘n’ Go Playset to join the Turbo Team family, helping to make playtime with the Turbo Touch Cars even more fun thanks to its changeable race circuit and garage for your little ones to enjoy.

The playset is an amusing mechanical and electrical set, which lights up and plays sounds to help encourage a child’s interaction skills and cognitive development. Exciting activities include a ramp and mechanical levers, a mechanical bridge, a track with a jump, a pit stop and elevator. Two Mini Turbo Touch Cars, that pull back and race, are included in the set, featuring miniature designs of the Turbo range of loveable characters. The set is an actionpacked playtime activity, ideal to keep both toddlers and parents entertained with unforgettable and funny races for all to enjoy.

Need for speed VIVID 01483449944 www. vividtoysandgames. co.uk All new for A/W ‘15 is the Sky Rover Voice Command Missile Launcher from Vivid. This voicecontrolled helicopter uses the latest in voice recognition software allowing users to easily fly and command their helicopter with just their voice. With 12 different commands you can you can perform amazing aerial manoeuvres. For evasive action, you can also fire four missiles upon your command, and is perfect for aerial target practise! The Missile Fire Helicopter is stable and easy to control with its GYRO balanced engine and smart hover technology which prevents the helicopter from hitting the ceiling when flying indoors. Sky Rover will be TV advertised.

Having made a sensational return back to TV last month, Thunderbirds are back to save the world from disaster! The toys will be launching in July and the range will include 9.5cm articulated figures of all the Tracy brothers and the Hood, Thunderbird vehicles with sounds, Vehicle Superset, International Role Play Uniform, Supersize TB2 Playset and the hero product Interactive Tracy Island, which is packed full with features and intelligent story telling. With a unique launching experience, all the vehicles fit inside Tracy Island and boys can replicated the amazing launch sequences from the TV series.

Real FX, the Artificial Intelligence Racing System which provides the most realistic driving experience in RC cars ever created has just got even better; the Sensor-Track has been modified to now enable over 40 different track layouts to be made from the 20 pieces in the set!

44

Free wheeling GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608308 www.goldenbeartoys.com Bash `N’ Spin Radio Controlled Bulldog is a new addition to Golden Bear’s firmly established Go MINI collection. The trigger on the fun controller activates the Radio Controlled Bulldog to drive forwards, then the large “Bash” button on the top of the controller makes the vehicle perform super-cool donut spins.

For added fun the controller has two further buttons which activate cheeky “barking” sounds and real working headlights.

New to the My First JCB collection for 2015 is the “Build & Go Digger”. Designed for children as young as 2 years, use the chunky screw driver to attach the super-sized wheels and front scoop to the cab over and over again! Big Wheeler Freddie will also join the team for 2015 with chunky wheels and a fun plough along with Farm Fun Tractor Tim and RC Doug; use the chunky controller to drive Doug forwards and listen out as his fun phrases play and light flashes.

Based on the iconic VW Campervan and Beetle the V-Dubs range for pre-schoolers includes collectable Stylies, Speeders and Custom Chargers. These fun and wacky vehicles combine laid back motoring charm with excitement, speed and style – perfect for boys and girls. Each vehicle is fully customisable using the themed sticker sheets included. In addition the V-Dubs RC Roll Over Beetle has extreme styling and the WOW factor when it performs a forward roll.

A truck-tastic c time DKL 01604678780 www.dkl.co.uk Miniland Educational and Wonderworld Wooden Toys are two of the high quality brands distributed by DKL Marketing. Both ranges offer retailers a fantastic choice of cars, ars trucks and planes for children aged 18 months and above.

Miniland’s bestselling plastic vehicles are available in four different sizes: Minimobil, Go Jobs, Dumpy, and Giant which measure nine cm, 12cm, 18cm and 45cm.

The Minimobil cars and trucks make ideal pick-up lines for stores and can be purchased individually, in tubs or in a CDU. In Wonderworld Wooden Toys, new for 2015 is the Build-a-Loader, which is made up of five easily assembled parts, and also the Chicky Plane which has a fun, colourful and eye-catching design.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

INDUSTRY

OPINION

Trade talk

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds. We explore this month’s hottest topics

This month we ask key toy industry personnel about the Africa as a retail frontier and find out their views on using technology in stores TOM MULLEN

SALLY PLUMRIDGE

Director, Silverlit

VP International Marketing, LeapFrog Debenhams’ international director Francis McAuley recently said that Africa ‘is the next retail frontier’. Do you agree?

As some parts of Africa reflect a mall-based shopping culture similar to that of the US and Australia, l can understand why Debenhams see next retail frontier. It is certainly a Africa as their ne frontier of great opportunity, however the opportunities are polarised and the mall o current exchange rate also makes curre business tough. LeapFrog has a strong busi existing business in the sub-Sahara, exis where whe we enjoy broad distribution.

We are successfully expanding into new territories like Nigeria, where the ter appetite for our brand is great. app

MITCH LEVENE Managing Director, Chicco Debenhams’ International Director Francis McAuley recently said that Africa ‘is the next retail frontier’. Do you agree?

Chicco were possibly pioneers in Africa!

Large parts of this continent have been selling and marketing the Chicco brand and range of products for well over twenty years.

An example is Angola, where Chicco has a huge brand presence.

Nevertheless, Artsana Group are always looking to further develop the global business and Africa remains a region for further expansion, especially with large birth rates and investment.

Do you think that some retailers’ use of in-store technology can have a negative effect on the consumer?

This is always tricky. The minute you say it is wrong the techno people will call you a dinosaur. There are good and bad views on the tablet kiosk - if you are in a hurry it’s great, you key in what you want and you get an answer instantly. The bad is that it may stop people browsing and looking at different products which is how spontaneous buying happens.

What do you think of Amazon’s drone delivery and will it have an impact on the toy industry?

This is an interesting project and I really believe that it will happen on a small scale. However, there will be too many security issues with drones that will restrict this.

Do you think that some retailers’ use of in-store technology can have a negative effect on the consumer?

Research informs us that the Chicco and Boppy’s target audience have a higher than average propensity to use social and digital media and hence, technological platforms.

To embrace, assist and educate consumers via in-store technology can lead to a positive experience for consumers who are otherwise swamped in a world of communications.

Nevertheless, suppliers and retailers need to be careful of content and over-technical in-store platforms when it comes to toddlers and young children.

Have you got the best partner?

Amethyst is the brand leader in UK Toys and Games Logistics

Our flexible and proactive service optimises costs for our clients and we deliver a pain free peak year after year.

For a stress free, multichannel, logistics solution, please contact: info@amet info@amethystgroup.co.uk 01580 895600 www.amethystgroup.co.uk

MAY 2015

451

REVIEW AIS

Mr Monopoly turned up to AIS to say hello to everyone

Pip Ahoy! made an appearance at AIS

Fair play The Independent Toy and Gift Show has wrapped up after a successful two days where the latest, must-have lines were showcased to key buyers. TnP finds out how the fair went…

T

he Independent Toy and Gift Show has been and gone.

Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre in Shirley, Solihull was transformed into a veritable toy wonderland in mid-April as some of the biggest companies in the industry descended on the midlands.

The sell-out show saw 84 suppliers like Hasbro, LEGO and Mattel exhibit their wears to toy and gift buyers.

Miles Penhallow, Head of Toys & Children’s Gifts at AIS, who organise the show, reported back to TnP on a positive event.

“I think you get a feeling from a show and the comments we had back from our suppliers were really positive, which we are pleased about.”

Speaking about the show, Usborne Publishing’s Northern Territory Manager Boyd Denton said: “This is our fourth AIS show

46

and we were pleased to continue to see the relationships between ourselves and members strengthen further. A good dialogue exists and from this we have taken a number of points to improve our service and offering further. At every show we meet new members many of whom search us out on recommendation.”

A crucial aspect to any show is getting the right buyers through the door, something Miles says AIS is very strict about, and this year visitor numbers and registration to attend was up on last year, which can only be a good thing for those exhibiting.

“I would have to say it was our most successful show to date,” Miles revealed.

Indeed, initial figures coming out of the fair also show a marked increase in the number of new, independent attendees attending.

Miles adds that the type of buyer

“

The show went really well for us, orders increased against previous years and we gained even more business.

Natasha Bradshaw, Green Board Games

”

at the sho show is most crucial.

“Our aim is to “O attract quality att buyers to the bu event and we do eve that. We do a lot of vetting of nonvet members who wish memb attend.” to atte One exhibitor impressed with the impress quality of buyer Interplay’s Key was Inte Accounts Manager, Account Heather Mann who said buyers particularly id she h ffound db willing to place orders on the second day.

“After spending the first day doing reconnaissance, buyers came back steadily on the second day to place some good orders,” she confirms.

Miles stipulates that the fair really is all geared towards giving the buyers and suppliers the best possible experience.

The exhibitors TnP spoke to certainly reported back on a positive, order-taking show.

Green Board Games’ National Account Manager, Natasha Bradshaw told TnP: “The show went really well for us.” And most crucially, she added: “Orders increased against previous years and we gained even more business.”

This year’s fair atmosphere was buoyed, not only by the weather,

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Green Board Games

REVIEW AIS

Interplay

“ e

but by an appearance from Pip Ahoy! and Mr Monopoly.

In a first for the show, Character Options also set-up a demonstration zone where they showcased their Yummy Nummie range to buyers.

“All these little things put people in a good mood,” added Miles. “We had a lot of people discuss next year and we are always looking for ways to improve.”

The fair is famed for taking care of its visitors with free refreshments and lunch each day, visitors were treated to pork and crackling, turkey, chicken and fishcakes.

This is something which goes down a treat with suppliers with Interplay’s Heather telling us: “A friendly atmosphere and great food made for a lovely show.”

Miles says that next year, the show will once again take place at a similar time of year.

“We don’t have definite dates but we hope for mid-April again.”

After spending the first day doing reconnaissance, buyers came back steadily on the second day to place some good orders! Friendly atmosphere and great food made for a lovely show.

Heather Mann, Interplay

”

Miles says…

“The team would like to thank everyone who attended the show, as it is with such a wealth of support from across the industry that the show can grow from strength to strength.”

The Puppet Company’s vibrant display at AIS

Epoch’s Sylvanian Families were pretty as a picture

RETAILER COMMENT “We all found it a great show. As a store we are long-time members of AIS and enjoy the benefits that it brings.”

David Flynn, Toys-UK

MAY 2015

The AIS team, Charlotte Roberts, Miles Penhallow and Kirsty Haines

If you would like to find out more about the Independent Toy & Gift Show please contact the team for more information here: http://www. independenttoyandgift.

47

TNP

AMBASSADORS

Collecting memories This mo month our intrepid TnP Ambassadors have a fantastic time testing toys so you, the retailer, know what the kids think

Shop your-zelf silly

Mix it up

Lucky A Alice Cawdell may be just seven but already has lots lot of toys, so aunty Sonia knows she can be very choos but Flair’s Shopkins So Cool Fridge Playset choosy and Easy Squeezy Fruit and Veg Stand Playset ma the grade. Alice also loves everything pink made an collectable like Character Options’ The Zelfs, and s she played with those for TnP too. Aunty so Sonia tells us how she got on…

At six, Frank Dean was still happy with his Duplo. Here mum Sonia explains how he’s now taken the plunge to LEGO with Mixels Series 4

My niece Alice is lucky enough to be blessed with a number of toys so sets a high bar when it comes to what she does or doesn’t want to play with – Shopkins certainly grabbed her attention and why wouldn’t it?

It caused quite a frenzy and Alice had a battle on her hands against her four-year-old sister and cousin aged six, but there’s such a lot to do that everyone was able to play together really well.

The Easy Squeezy Fruit And Veg Stand playset is just one of the many collectable sets, which are so bright and colourful colourfu and it comes with brilliant little collectable characters that you can pop into flexible shopping bags, weigh on the scales, display on the shelves, whizz down the slide and pop in a cup.

Fridge playset is just something I can’t keep Then the So Cool Frid The my hands ha ands off myself – when the littlies are all in bed I have a little play on you’re making a drink and there’s o it – you can pretend pre ice-maker where you can push a little cup and the an icemaker gizmo wh character charact ter appears. Each of the shelves comes out completely and doors. there are e trays and doors Shopkins attractive range too, with a similar appeal for Shopk kins is a really attr girls stationery and hair accessories. You can see young g irls as colourful st much gone into each piece with their faces and how muc ch thought has g the colourful detail.

I thought the mainly pi pink box would automatically appeal to girls however my six-year-old Frank loved playing with it too as it was so detailed.

I really wouldn’t hesitate hesita in buying Shopkins for any little girl’s birthday or Christmas present. p Next on Alice’s “to review” list was The Zelf’s by Character re Options. When Alice saw The Zelf’s she just adored them, s personally they remind me of the little trolls we had as children which I really loved.

I would say they appeal to a whole range of ages as their soft, ap wild hair is fabulous to t comb, which Alice absolutely loved.

They’re really cute to hold and very collectable with a wide range to choose from too and every one is different – Alice’s came with a little comb and hair accessory.

Very pretty to put on a little girl’s window ledge or shelf and I can certainly see Alice wanting wantin to collect some more.

1 48

Frank has been utterly converted to LEGO with the help of their new Mixels Series 4 collection – we were so impressed with the Mixel characters and all the detail in such a brilliantly-packaged toy.

Frank really wasn’t interested in LEGO before, although we did try, so I was rather taken aback when he enthusiastically assembled each of the Mixels himself saying: “Look Mummy, I’m doing it all by myself, I’m really doing this!”

LEGO have got this so right. The alien-cum-dragon-cum-dino style theme is perfect and right up my son’s street, and there are a number of characters to choose from.

Each kit kept Frank entertained for over 40 minutes and each character has moving parts so there are pieces to wiggle, move about and play with.

Thanks LEGO – brilliant!

toysnplaythings.co.uk

DON’T MISS… In our new feature we bring to the fore a selection of the hottest and newest products that will help you sell more!

Buyers and retailers, get in touch with your sales contacts!

Product: Shuffle Disney Frozen Company: Cartamundi Tel: 01268515522 Web: www.cartamundi.com

Product: Fablab Glitter Tattoos Company: Interplay UK Limited Tel: 01628 488944 Web: www.interplayuk.com

Product: Dinosaur Skeleton Dig Kit Company: Thames & Kosmos Tel: 01580 212000 Email: jo@thamesandkosmos.co.uk

MAY 15

Product: Frozen Colour Match Snowflake Bag Company: HTI Tel: 01253 775544 Email: sales@htigroup.co.uk

Product: BoxKart Company: Kiddimoto Tel: 01749 871 175 Email: info@kiddimoto.co.uk

Product: Kärcher for Kids High Pressure Cleaner Company: Trends UK Tel: 01295 768078 Web: www.trendsuk.co.uk

Product: ZINC Flyte Company: Hy-Pro Tel: 01582 670 100 Web: www.hy-pro.co.uk

Product: Razor Party Pop Scooter Company: Re:creation Ltd Tel: 01189 736 222 Email: sales@recreationltd.co.uk

Product: Diecast Ferrari California T from Bburago Company: Tobar Tel: 0844 573 4299 Email: sales@tobar.co.uk

49

LICENSING

NEWS

Mattel unveils exciting new direction for publishing team Mattel chose the recent Bologna Book Fair to announce new plans for its publishing division.

Mattel plans to develop a new vertical digital publishing team supporting brands ranging from Thomas & Friends to Monster High and Barbie. Alongside plans for global, narrative driven digital product, Mattel also announced its renewed focus on Barbie storytelling.

In 2016 Barbie doll’s stories and brand narratives will be further extended globally through entertainment tie-in programmes, original illustrated storybooks and a new chapter book series Malibu Mysteries.

Also in spring 2016, Barbie will star in a new DVD in another breakthrough role showing girls that you can be strong, smart and skilled. Mattel also has plans for its pre-school brands, including Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

Minions madness for Centum Books UK publisher Centum Books has been awarded the master format licence to produce Minionsthemed products. They were awarded the licence

by Universal Partnerships & Licensing and products hitting shelves will include a Minions junior novel, picture storybook, sticker book, activity book, poster book and annual. The film is due for nationwide release on 12 July 2015 and the deal was brokered between Centum and licensing agent CPLG on behalf of Universal Partnerships & Licensing.

Golden Bear launches My First Forever Friends range Golden Bear is working with parenting author Sarah Ockwell-Smith (pictured) to develop and launch its new My First Forever Friends range. Specialising in the psychology and science of parenting, ‘gentle parenting’ and attachment theory, Sarah brings a wealth of experience to bear on the Forever Friends range.

“Golden Bear’s My First Forever Friends range is incredibly well thought out, with the baby’s development and security in mind” believes Sarah. “I particularly love that there are gender-neutral options in addition to the usual pink and blue choices and that the products all consider the latest research into infant sleep and attachment.”

Barry Hughes, Commercial Director at Golden Bear says: “Sarah’s unique approach to parenting offers us the opportunity to work with mums and bloggers to promote the new line in an immersive and engaging format to build a long term relationship with the brand”.

Casdon launches Annabel Karmel range Top children’s cookery book author Annabel Karmel will be coming to a home near you soon.

Casdon is set to launch its Annabel Karmel range in mid-July – and little ones can really cook with it. “The new Annabel Karmel range will include baking sets with cake moulds, baking accessories, mixing bowls and decoration tools perfectly sized for little children and will make a fine addition to the Little Cooks division within the Casdon catalogue,” said Phil Cassidy, Joint Managing Director of Casdon Toys. “What makes this range so special however, is that it is not make-believe and can actually be used to bake with.”

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

LICENSING

NEWS

LEGO enters toys-to-life with new Dimensions

Disney’s Minnie Mouse gets a model makeover Disney’s beloved children’s character Minnie Mouse got a model makeover recently when Georgia May Jagger was transformed into the character.

The images will form part of a Minnie Style exhibition at London Fashion Week in September that showcases how the famous mouse has been used as style inspiration. Since her first appearance as Mickey Mouse’s sweetheart in 1928, Minnie has been a muse for many exciting style collaborations, as well as being at the heart of many girls’ first experience of fashion.

The Minnie Style exhibition will run from 18 to 22 September 2015 as part of London Fashion Week.

LEGO has entered the toys-to-life category with LEGO Dimensions.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group recently announced LEGO Dimensions, an all-new entertainment experience that merges physical LEGO brick building with interactive console gameplay.

Launching 29 September 2015, the game will fuse many fan-favourite universes together, including DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings, The LEGO Movie, The Wizard of Oz, LEGO Ninjago, Back to the Future, and many more still to be announced.

The game will be available for Xbox One and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation4 and PlayStation3 computer entertainment systems and Nintendo’s Wii U system.

For the first time in any LEGO video game, characters from iconic entertainment franchises join forces and battle in worlds outside of their own.

In addition to the game, the LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack will include the LEGO Toy Pad, which allows players to transport special LEGO minifigures and other LEGO objects into the game, bricks to build the LEGO Gateway, three LEGO Minifigures, including LEGO BatmanTM from DC Comics, LEGO Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and Wyldstyle from The LEGO Movie, plus the LEGO BatmobileTM. LEGO Dimensions will allow gamers to customise their experience with additional expansion packs.

Pretend to Beeeeee on Cloud Nine Global Solutions for Clothing Ltd (GSC) is celebrating after signing a two-year licensing deal with Hoho Entertainment to produce a collection of Cloud Babies costumes under its Pretend to Bee brand.

The deal will see Pretend to Bee create a range of costumes aimed at children aged two to four years old based on the supremely popular CBeebies Cloud Babies programme. The company will create four cute and cuddly plush dress-up costumes: Baba Blue, Baba Pink, Baba Green and Baba Yellow. The costume collection will be accompanied by a selection of cute, plush accessories to complete each outfit. The Pretend to Bee costumes will be the perfect complement to the existing licensing programme.

MAY 2015

51

LICENSING OPINION KELVYN GARDNER

Big in Japan Licensing is huge in Japan, but why do its properties not translate here?

L

ater this month I’ll be making a trip to Japan. Though licensing in general is the focus of my visit, I will be paying particular attention to two areas of the business there, toys and publishing.

Licensing is a huge business in Japan, as it is here. Dominant are native Japanese properties some of which you will be familiar with. Hello Kitty is about as internationally omni-present as any single licensing brand in the world. Then there is Pokémon which has been, in my thirtyplus years in licensing, the single biggest entertainment property phenomenon of them all, eclipsing even those other titans, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Pokémon is enjoying the beginnings of a revival in Europe and USA, while it’s worth reminding ourselves that just ten years ago Hello Kitty was a tiny, niche brand in the UK and it took the appointment of their first UK licensing agent, Fluid World, to match the brand’s success to that which it had already been enjoying in mainland Europe for many years.

Why this is relevant to UK retail is that there are other monster Japanese brands – Doraemon and Dragonball to name

but two – which are huge the ere and which have made substa antial impact in other European countries but which are just like Hello Kitty used to be in the UK: niche brands with retail availability limited to specialist import shops.

Dragonball has enjoyed exposure on the Cartoon Network channels, and has a sizeable following among UK Manga fans.

In countries like Spain, Germany and Italy, however, each has enjoyed periods of being ‘the hot’ licence, with massive toy, gift and apparel sales.

Of course, it helped that

“

Licensed characters can succeed anywhere provided they have the one essential factor necessary for success wherever you go: awareness

”

Dragonball was on terrestrial TV, not just cable and satellite.

For reasons I’ve never quite understood, UK TV channel buyers seem reluctant to acquire Japanese animation.

When they did for once do so in the shape of Pokémon, well, we know what happened – boom!

Doraemon, a sort of robot cat, like Dragonball, began life as a comic

book, manga, as they are known in Japan. Adapted for TV some years after the print debut, Doraemon has been a top licensed character for almost 40 years, putting it firmly into the territory occupied in the UK by characters like Thomas and Friends, or the newly revived Paddington Bear.

Of course, you could ask why British kids would be interested in Japanese licensed characters at all.

But consider, please, that classic British characters I’ve quoted above, like Thomas and Paddington, are huge in Japan.

Thomas has a theme park there, as does the world of Beatrix Potter. Thunderbirds has been a firm favourite in Japan and is a key potential market for the new CG series that debuted in the UK last month. Licensed characters can succeed anywhere provided they have the one essential factor necessary for success wherever you go - awareness.

No matter how cute, scary, funny, exciting or any other adjective you care to mention, without awareness, no character, no brand, can win through. Clearly it’s awareness that is lacking in the UK for most Japanese characters. So, while I’m in Japan, I’ll be looking to see what toys, books and comics are currently dominating the market there.

LIMA the trade association for the licensing business www.licensing.org/uk email rbeaird@licensing.org

toysnplaythings.co.uk

TNP T

LOOKS S BAC BACK

Step back in time TnP MD Malcolm Naish looks back at some of the events and news stories that made the pages back in April 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2010

May 10 Volume 29 Number 8

MAY 2010 • The general consensus is that Easter was poor for a number of reasons, but there is more to worry as the pound is very poor against the dollar in 2010. The retail trade was also awaiting an increase in VAT. • Due to a fire at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate, Toymaster found an alternative venue in the Harrogate Exhibition Centre for their May show. Flair were presented with a ‘Toy Supplier of the Year’ award at the show.

This is rarely awarded (only twice in ten years) so well done Flair.

• Two Scottish agents are awarded Golden Teddies – Bryan Slaven and Graham Thompson.

• Famosa are acquired by US investment company Sun Capital.

• Wendy Munt leaves Argos after more than 20 years service and eventually returns to the toy trade with her own consultancy.

MAY 2005 • The BTHA award David Rurka and Phil Shayer of Toys R Us fame a Lifetime Achievement award each. These two industry stars share a 10-minute video of their life and times ably assisted by Clive Jones, Kevin Jones and Paul Weston.

• Gary Grant of The Entertainer purchases the Gadget Shop brand, hoping to open between five and 10 stores by the end of the year.

• French toy company Smoby announce the acquisition of Berchet, making them second only to LEGO as Europe’s biggest toy group.

• Charity wrist bands are all the rage and, as you would expect in the toy trade, there are a number of dodgy suppliers falsely claiming various charities as the beneficiaries.

• The BTHA’s proposal to move toy fair dates to run from Wednesday to Saturday sees 80% in favour.

• It’s a great year for Star Wars merchandise, so why does one High Street retailer insist on a three for two promotion on their Light Sabres?

MAY 1995 • One of the nicest couples in the toy trade – Gordon and Brenda Dobson – decide to close down their toy shop in Leamington Spa. Greedy landlords, high business rates and constant price-cutting by non-specialists are the main reason for them getting out.

• Dekkertoys is bought by French dress-up company Masport and become part of the company’s plans for building their European business.

• Paul Beverley of PMS International is a very proud man when the Princess Royal visits Basildon to open PMS’s new corporate offices. A mere 354,000sq. ft. in size with a 7,000sq.ft showroom.

• Pic Toys call in therReceivers, I’m gutted for John Saville and Ivan Lester.

MAY 1985 • Toymaster announce that their 1985 Christmas catalogue will only be offering 160 toy products, compared to 400 in past years. The cutback means their offering will be smaller than Argos.

• Gerry Taylor – a founder member of Toymaster with 12 stores decides to leave the buying group.

• The Emmanuels, who designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress, have created a collection especially for ‘Sindy’.

This very English fashion doll now has a wardrobe to counter its West Coast rival Barbie.

• We publish a major article on the best way to measure a toy company’s T.V. advertising spend. Many companies are using BARB (Broadcasters Audience Research Board) or MEAL (Media Expenditure Analysis Ltd.), both of which tend to lead to the inflation of figures. With far more independent ITV regions, some of the spends quoted looked rather like a high Test Match score card. The consensus of opinion even 30 years ago tended to opt for TVRs – which of course is the yardstick today.

• Top selling toys in May 1985 are My Little Pony, Transformers, Rainbow Brite and the Get Along Gang.

MAY 2015

53

create visibility ITMA Presidents: Lena Hedö Lek & Babyrevyn, Sweden e-mail: lena@lekobaby.se Telephone: +46 70 590 77 33 Reyne Rice Toy Trends, USA e-mail: reyne@reynerice.com Telephone: +1 631 335 5917

Belgium: Kids Universe China: Toys & Hobby Finland: Lelukauppias Germany: das spielzeug Japan: Weekly Toy News Netherlands: Speelgoed en Hobby Norway: Baby, Hobby & Leketøy Poland: ĝwiat Zabawek Spain: Juguetes B2B Sweden: Lek & Babyrevyn United Kingdom: Toys ‘n’ Playthings USA: The Toy Book

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CONTENTS TOYMASTER MAY SHOW GUIDE 015 May 2 No.7 4 3 .

Vol

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Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian Mcnamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

5 Leader – with Mirella Anstey 6 Independents Day – Your Toymaster May Show Guide starts here 9 Exhibitor List – Who’s exhibiting and where to find them 10 Toymaster Talk – TnP spoke to members about their time with Toymaster and what’s selling 14 Retail Interview – TnP gets the low down from Alan Dadswell, owner of 2015 Independent Retailer of the Year, Toys n Tuck 12 Toymaster Trade Talk – Suppliers talk about their relationship with the buying group 17 Interview – TnP catches up with Toymaster MD, Ian Edmunds 19 Exhibitor Guide – Find out what the superb lineup of exhibitors are showcasing at this year’s May Show

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F

or so many independent retailers, there can be few trade events more informative, valuable and fun than the Toymaster Harrogate show in May. In truth, for most of us in the industry, the event held at The Majestic is one we all truly look forward to and enjoy - lots of toys, lots of great offers and a great deal of laughs.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lot of work but with no pain!

One sentiment expressed to us all the time when chatting to retailers and suppliers One alike about this show is sentiment that ‘it is a show to do real business at’. expressed to us It does rather seem all the time when ironic but I suppose chatting to so often the fairs are for viewing new retailers and product and finalising suppliers alike selections nowadays. about this show I think that the is that ‘it is a trading vibe is what gives the show a show to do real buzz and an added business at dimension.

Chatting to the retailers while putting this special Toymaster-focused flip cover issue together, it is really evident how valuable the support and advice the group expounds really is.

I also strongly believe that the members’ forum is a crucial tool for any independent retailer, the fact that like-minded people who understand and face the same challenges as you are on hand to

“

”

share and air is really helpful and actually very empowering.

From speaking to you all over the past nearly four years I have been here at TnP, I know that running your own toy store can be a very lonely and tough business - the knowledge and experience imparted by Toymaster and it’s members can be a lifeline.

We are really proud here at TnP of our unique and comprehensive guide to the Toymaster show: our signature flip cover ensures that the show is easy to navigate which leaves you more time to enjoy the product and do deals.

And let’s not forget, if you head up to the show, you can grab your copy of this edition of TnP in your room at The Majestic so you can swot up on who and what to see!

TnP TV will be filming at full throttle at the Toymaster show, so we look forward to catching up with many of you, in person and on camera, while there.

If you want to be part of TnP TV at Toymaster 2015, get in touch with Ryan Horwood on 01442289930 or at ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk Team TnP will be up there in full force, so we all look forward to meeting with you and finding out more about you and your business.

Have a great show!

TV

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Featuring FRAMING BUSINESS

Toymaster’s Chairman Ciaran Fitzpatrick pictured at last year’s event with MD Ian Edmunds

in touch and happy trading!

If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Independents' Day The much-anticipated Toymaster Show is fast approaching and TnP caught up with key suppliers to find out how they view the May Show and what they are most looking forward to

T

he annual Toymaster show is on its way and nowhere do retailers feel more supported than at what is fondly known as “The May Show”.

A total of 114 exhibitors are due to arrive at Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel, which will be transformed into a veritable toy Mecca from Tuesday through to Thursday 12-14 May. The beauty of Toymaster is that it is a no-frills, straighttalking, order-taking show, something which keeps retailers and suppliers happy.

“Yes, it is definitely an ordertaking show for us,” agrees Mattel’s General Sales Manager

“

We value the personalised feedback we receive from independents and try to tailor our service accordingly.

They are our bread and butter - we listen to them!

Liz Ireland, Bigjigs Toys

”

What: Toymaster Show Where: The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate When: Tuesday 12 Thursday 14 May Tel: 01604674477 Web: www.toymaster.co.uk

Paul Dean, but he explains Toymaster serves a dual purpose, “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with members and show them the latest ranges as well as updating them on our marketing plans.

Paul explains that the Toymaster show appeals to Mattel partly because of its atmosphere. “It is always very well attended. It gives us the ideal opportunity to really talk to members about new opportunities and promotional activity."

Spinmaster’s Sales Director Jacqueline Taylor–Foo agrees that Toymaster is an order-taking show and because of the time of year, it gives the company a proper

Nikki Jeffrey, Famosa

“

The Toymaster show is a key period for presenting new products and offers to our independent accounts. Many Toymaster members will wait for the show to make their key buying decisions. To not be involved and visible to such a key buying group would be a huge detriment to our ongoing business.

”

6

Bigjigs

opportunity to sit down face-toface with retailers.

“We can review how the year has started and focus solely on our valuable independent customers.

We also provide important updates on what is still to come and TV plans that may have changed since London Toy Fair.”

All of the suppliers we spoke to

Andrew Smith, Underground Toys

“

I am delighted Underground Toys will be exhibiting for the very first time at the Toymaster Show. Our exciting range of unique and innovative items based on the most popular character licences offers terrific sales potential for all members.

”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

John Adams will have viewed the range at Toy Fair and Spring Fair and also taken the time to work with their agent, rep or account manager.”

Show offers

said the same thing, Toymaster is an order-taking show and one they enjoy attending.

Take Galt’s MD John McDonnell for example, John told TnP: “Without doubt, Toymaster is one of the biggest UK toy shows of We always the year. Orders taken at have a few the show are significant opportunities that from both Toymaster we like to offer at members and nonthe show which are members. It also presents the Galt Toys very much part of sales team with the benefits to important face-to-face Toymaster members time with its customers.” who attend the John adds that one of show the things which makes the Toymaster show Paul Dean, Mattel stand out is that it enables independent retailers to meet with Toymaster decision-makers and other group members.

“You could easily say it is a more focused show with a community feel, both on a business and social level,” says John.

This business aspect of the show is something Bigjigs Toys Director Liz Ireland recognises and appreciates.

She says: “We tend to find that customers come prepared with an order – they are 95% members and all know our range already. Many

“

”

One of the most appealing aspects to any show for retailers is suppliers who up the ante with their show offers, and Toymaster is no different.

Liz agrees that show offers hold a special lure at Toymaster: “There are two questions we are asked above anything else at Toymaster: what are your catalogue lines and what is your show deal? We offer a staggered discount, the more they order, the greater the discount.”

This is something Mattel also take heed of, with Paul explaining: “We always have a few opportunities that we like to offer at the show which are very much part of the benefits to Toymaster members who attend the show.”

But he adds a little caveat: “Members will have to make sure they visit our stand to check out the opportunities!”

Jacqueline says that Spinmaster see show offers as a way of giving some additional margin to support the

Valuing the indie The retail landscape, while challenging, is still present and with Toymaster members reporting a 4% overall increase, according to MD Ian Edmunds, there is life in the old dog yet.

Spinmaster

Phil Cassidy, Casdon

“

As one of our top customers, ers, the Toymaster show is not just valuable its invaluable. As well as the relaxed elaxed friendly atmosphere , where customers t are happy to give genuine feedback, It’s also a place where you actually write orders. The show will always remain an important part of the Casdon calendar!

”

MAY 2015

independent trade so they can stay competitive during peak season.

“Sharing plans to ensure sell through and the right quantities are pre-ordered are equally important though," she says. "Paw Patrol is likely to be on allocation for the rest of 2015, so this will be an important show for getting forward orders placed along with catalogue lines. We plan to have some offers on a while stocks last basis.”

Jonathan Thorpe, John Crane

“

I think the value in attending the Toymaster show is that it is the only other opportunity apart from Toy Fair where we can get the majority of quality independents together in one place to show and discuss our ranges in a semi formal setting.

” 7

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

We asked: Will you be debuting any mid-year launches? What should retailers look out for from you?

“Galt Toys will be debuting Bird and Fish, two classic bath toys from the Ambi range set to launch in July 2015. It’s by popular request that we are bringing back the two bath toys designed

by Patrick Rylands in 1968.

The beautiful and timeless designs are set to delight another generation of children and parents.”

John McDonnell, Galt “Look out for Chubby Puppies, Kinetic Sand, more from Paw Patrol, the Zoomer range, Flutterbye, Dreamworks Dragons, Meccano Knits/Sew Cool!”

Jacqueline Taylor – Foo, Spinmaster “Our new Click Blocks, a colourful construction toy addition to our Bigjigs Baby range, is just about to land - watch this space, it will be huge!”

Liz Ireland, Bigjigs “We have some exciting new brands in our pre-school portfolio with the launch of Bing, the Dora relaunch, as well as sharing our key autumn/winter marketing plans.”

Paul Dean, Mattel

Suppliers place huge value on the independent retailer and Toymaster gives each side an opportunity to come together, as Liz from Bigjigs explains: “The independents are where we place our loyalty in the market place and we’re always looking for new ways to support them, such as our online Support Your Local Toy Shop scheme that has been running for several years now.

"We value the personalised feedback we receive from independents and try to tailor our service accordingly. They are our bread and butter - we listen to them!”

Likewise, Mattel also see the indies as crucial to business.

“We value all our customers and the independents are still are very important part of the toy retail landscape,” says Paul. “They offer a strong distribution network and as toy specialists are a valuable destination for mums and children looking for that expert knowledge and product range.”

Equally, when asked what she values about the independent retailer, Spinmaster’s Jacqueline tells us: “I really value and respect that the independent trade has a passion that comes from managing your own business and spending your own money, combined with the loyalty many give to us year after year.”

Galt’s John McDonnell points out that independent retailers are what make our shopping high streets truly special. “A larger

Beth Jobber, Bladez

“

Toymaster is such a lovely show to attend.

It has a real friendly, informal atmosphere which makes it a great setting to meet new people within the industry, and reconnect with our existing customers.

”

8

retailer has a corporate image that they must maintain, and each store is a carbon copy of the one before. Independent retailers acknowledge this, and as a result are always trying to find ways to reinvigorate their stores. They may not always be able to buy huge quantities, but they can do it fast and more easily, so a supplier can have a product range on their shelves months before the big retailer.”

Galt

Mingling madness!

“

We review how the year has started and focus solely on our valuable independent customers Jacqueline Taylor – Foo, Spinmaster

”

Business by day, pleasure by night – we’re sure that is Toymaster’s mantra! The social aspect of the show is as important as the ordertaking during day. And the suppliers seem to enjoy it as much as the retailers. This year, Tuesday night’s dress-up theme will be Mexican (as chosen by Ian Edmunds!) while Wednesday will see the black-tie event and as always, both events will take place in The Majestic.

We asked our suppliers if they have a favourite Toymaster show memory – and while some refused to divulge with Liz from Bigjigs keeping her counsel, “Ah, that would be telling - what happens at Toymaster stays at Toymaster!”, others were more forthcoming with one supplier even citing a blossoming relationship at Toymaster – we won’t say who though.

The last word goes to Spinmaster’s Jacqueline who sums the May Show up perfectly: “Every year I come away with more great memories of the show, it’s a calendar highlight and a superb chance to show our support for the Independents and thank everyone for their continued support.”

Ross Ainsworth, Interplay UK Limited

“

The Toymaster Show adds value to both our marketing strategy and sales efforts and is therefore an important date in our calendar. The value of orders we take more than covers the expense of exhibiting and it gives us the opportunity to highlight the new season’s launches. The show is well focused and offers a chance for us to see quality customers we may not see at Toy Fair.

My Sales Team really look forward to exhibiting at this show and catching up with customers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Supplier Name

Location

247 TOYS Marquee Marquee JOHN ADAMS ALPHA TOYS LTD Marquee AMSCAN INTERNATIONAL LTD Carriage Suite ARTSTRAWS LTD Carriage Suite AURORA WORLD UK LTD Marquee BANDAI UK LTD Marquee BELLCO SPORTS LTD Marquee BIGJIGS TOYS LTD Marquee BKIDS North Lounge BLADEZ TOYZ LTD Marquee BRAINSTORM South Lounge BROOKITE Marquee CASDON PLC Marquee CHARACTER GROUP LTD Drawing Room CHEATWELL GAMES LTD Marquee CLEMENTONI Marquee CLICK DISTRIBUTION UK LTD Marquee CLOUD B Marquee COILEDSPRING GAMES LTD Marquee JOHN CRANE LTD Marquee CREATIVE MODELS LTD T/A PUZZLES AND PLAY Marquee CREATIVE TOYS COMPANY Carriage Suite DEPESCHE UK LTD Marquee DKL MARKETING LTD Marquee EPOCH MAKING TOYS LTD Marquee ESDEVIUM GAMES LTD Marquee FAIRYGLASS LTD Marquee FAMOSA TOYS LTD Marquee FIRST CELTIC TOYS AND LEARNING LTD Marquee FLAIR LEISURE PRODUCTS PLC South Lounge FLYING GADGETS LTD Marquee WOOKY Marquee JAMES GALT & CO LTD Marquee GAMES WORKSHOP LIMITED Marquee GB EYE LTD Marquee A B GEE OF RIPLEY LTD Marquee H P GIBSON & SON LTD Marquee GOLDEN BEAR PRODUCTS LTD Marquee GREAT GIZMOS LIMITED Marquee GREEN BOARD GAME CO.LTD Marquee H GROSSMAN LTD Reception Room HALILIT Marquee HASBRO Ballroom HOBBY COMPANY Marquee HORNBY HOBBIES LTD Carriage Suite HTI TOYS UK LTD Marquee I READ Marquee IMC Marquee INTERPLAY UK LTD Marquee JAKKS PACIFIC UK LTD Marquee JAZWARES Marquee JOMOVAL LTD Marquee JUMBO GAMES LTD Marquee KAYES (WHOLESALE) LTD Marquee KEEL TOYS LTD Marquee KIDICRAFT LTD Ballroom KIDS @ PLAY LTD Ballroom

MAY 2015

Supplier Name

Location

KNEX Ballroom PAUL LAMOND GAMES Ballroom LANKA KADE (UK) LTD Ballroom LE TOY VAN LTD Ballroom LEAPFROG UK LTD Ballroom LEARNING RESOURCES Ballroom LEGO (UK) LTD Billiard Room LITTLE HELPER LTD (OOPS) Ballroom MARBEL LTD Ballroom MARVINS MAGIC LTD Ballroom MATTEL UK LTD French Restaurant MELISSA & DOUG North Lounge MGAE North Lounge MOOKIE TOYS Ballroom MV SPORTS & LEISURE LTD Billiard Room NELOSTUOTE OY T/A TACTIC GAMES Carriage Suite ORCHARD TOYS LTD Ballroom OXFORD DIECAST LTD Ballroom PAPO UK LTD Ballroom PETERKIN UK LTD Billiard Room PLAYMOBIL (UK) LTD Ballroom PLAYWRITE Drawing Room POSH PAWS Drawing Room PUPPET COMPANY LTD Drawing Room RAINBOW DESIGNS Drawing Room RAVENSBURGER Drawing Room RECREATION LTD Drawing Room REVELL GMBH Carriage Suite RMS INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD Drawing Room ROYAL & LANGNICKEL BRUSH MANUFACTURING (UK) LTD Carriage Suite SALES PARTNERSHIP DISTRIBUTORS LTD Carriage Suite SCHLEICH UK LTD Carriage Suite SIMBA SMOBY TOYS UK LTD Carriage Suite SPINMASTER Carriage Suite STEPPING STONES Carriage Suite T.A.R.E.M.A. LTD Carriage Suite TATE BUSINESS GROUP LTD Carriage Suite THAMES AND KOSMOS UK LTD Carriage Suite TOBAR GROUP TRADING LTD Carriage Suite TOMY EUROPE Billiard Room TRENDS UK LTD Carriage Suite TY UK LTD Carriage Suite UNDERGROUND TOYS Carriage Suite UNIVERSITY GAMES UK LTD Carriage Suite USBORNE PUBLISHING Carriage Suite VIVID IMAGINATIONS Carriage Suite VTECH ELECTRONICS LTD Drawing Room WEST DESIGN Carriage Suite WILD CARD GAMES LTD Carriage Suite WILTON BRADLEY Carriage Suite WIND DESIGNS LTD Carriage Suite WINNING MOVES UK LTD Carriage Suite WIZARD Carriage Suite WORLDS APART LTD Carriage Suite WOW TOYS Billiard Room ZAPF CREATION AG North Lounge

9

Toy talk TnP caught up with a number of Toymaster retailers ahead of the May Show to find out what makes their membership so valuable to them and what their hot sellers have been so far in 2015

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds when it comes to all things Toymaster!

RICHARD WHITE Fords of Oakham, Oakham, Leicestershire Richard, has been working at Fords of Oakham since he was a schoolboy. Established in 1877, Fords has been a cabinet makers, funeral directors and now independent department store with toys at the core of its offering.

How long have you been a Toymaster member and why did join?

I don’t actually know when we signed up as it was my father that organised it and he has now retired. It’s been a long time though.

What are the key benefits of being a member?

The terms you get through Toymaster are an obvious advantage. The May Show is very good too, as is the FOB programme available to members. A big plus point for me is the catalogues, which I always find very helpful and a good source of buying inspiration.

Do Toymaster help with visual merchandising and if so how?

There is an option for them to help with window displays, but as a department store we tend to do our own. It is a great programme though, and I know lots of other members take advantage of it. They’re usually geared towards the current trends and hot properties.

What are your top three best selling toys/ranges currently?

A mix of LEGO and Minecraft products easily take our top three slots. All things Minecraft are selling well, from the foam Pick Axes to the little figures from Character Options, and LEGO has been a massive seller over the past 18 months. Stock some Minecraft LEGO sets and you’re ticking two boxes in one!

CHRIS GOULDING Langley’s, Norwich, Norfolk Chris has worked at Langley’s for the past 35 years - it has been his one and only job.

How long have you been a Toymaster member?

We joined coming on 26 years ago, and received an award for 25 years’ membership last year.

What are the key benefits of being a member?

The central invoicing is a very big plus for us, as are the terms and deals that Toymaster arranges with various suppliers. There’s a member’s forum online as well, which is fantastic and makes it very easy to share information with other members.

Do Toymaster help with visual merchandising and if so how?

We get all our window displays from Toymaster. But it’s the simple Toymaster branding which helps a great deal. We still feel individual, but a part of a bigger and more significant fish, so to speak.

What are your top three best selling toys/ranges currently?

Sylvanian Families have been selling extremely well, and Shopkins when we can keep stock in the shop!

There seems to be resurgence in TY products as well, with lots of interest in Beanie Babies.

Minecraft continues to do well, as it has done for a while now.

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LINDA ROBINSON Grovers Toymaster, Northallerton, North Yorkshire Linda is a retail veteran having spent more than a decade at both Safeway and Boots, before running her own newsagents for six years. She joined Grovers seven years ago and has been busy preparing for the May Show.

How long have you been a Toymaster member?

We’ve been with Toymaster for around 25 years, almost since the day it started.

What are the key benefits of being a member?

The May Show is a fantastic place for us to meet up with a lot of our suppliers, find new ones and take advantage of show deals.

We’re also kept abreast of new products and deals by email from Toymaster throughout the year. I always read through the member’s forum as well; it’s a great place to stay in the loop.

Do Toymaster help with visual merchandising and if so how?

We have the Toymaster branding inside and outside the shop, which certainly helps. We’ve also rented the Toby Toymaster costume to have him wandering around the store, which was great, and Toby is on all of our category signage.

COLIN MORRIS G W Hurley, Burnham-on-Sea Colin is the definition of an industry veteran, with 48 years under his belt. “You’ll probably find me laughing and telling jokes at the May Show later in the year,” he said.

How long have you been a Toymaster member?

We joined Toymaster 15 years ago now, and it’s a fantastic group to be a part of.

What are the key benefits of being a member?

You get extended credit and good deals, and as a group they’re just overall very helpful. There’s lots of communication between the Toymaster team and us. They come down to the shop to see us, and they really know the trade and aren’t afraid to get involved or go the extra mile.

Do Toymaster help with visual merchandising and if so how?

Yes, they do frequent window displays which is brilliant. They incorporate all the latest products and developments and they really are very nice displays.

JAMES COLCLOUGH EMTC, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire James and his current business partner Dave Westerman have had a great run of new store openings since getting started in 2009.

How long have you been a Toymaster member?

We joined Toymaster when we first opened as Melton Toys back in November 2009. Since then we’ve opened three more stores in the surrounding areas and trade as EMTC – East Midlands Toy Company.

What are the key benefits of being a member?

The invoicing and accounting side of things is hugely beneficial, especially for a retailer with multiple locations like us.

What are your top three best selling toys/ranges currently?

Spin Master’s Paw Patrol is incredibly popular at the minute.

The Top Model craft ranges from Depesche are also going great as are Sylvanian Families. Sylvanian was part of the Easter window display and that had a very positive impact.

MAY 2015

11

Trade talk

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers about everything Toymaster related!

See ee you at the show!

We asked some well-known industry faces s ant why working with Toymaster is so important rd to them and what they are looking forward to at the show DAVID ALLAN Sales and Marketing Director, DKL Marketing

JOSHUA H FARLEIGH Managing Director, ctor, Flying Gadgets

What’s the appeal in attending Toymaster 2015?

The Toymaster Show always has a good attendance of members and it is a great opportunity to meet the members face-to-face. It is also a very good order-taking show and a guide for the second half of the year.

Do you enjoy being given the opportunity to mingle with retailers on a social level?

The social events are always key to the Toymaster show, as it allows members and suppliers to mix in a relaxed environment whilst having fun.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

All our brands have great new products which should not be missed. However, key launches include the new Hama Disney Princess licensed range and Scentco Scented Stationery including Smencils.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

It features our products, supports the stores, as well as going direct to consumers. It is a great marketing tool.

Roughly speaking, what percentage of your annual orders are written at Toymaster? Toymaster show is always a very good order-taking show, and helps us to plan ahead for new launches.

What’s the appeal peal in attending Toymaster 2015?

Toymaster not only lets us demonstrate our range to a large number of companies all in one place, but it’s also a great mid-year showcase. It’s sociable, great for networking and meeting new smaller retailers who’d like to sell our products, plus it’s the perfect opportunity to offer excellent deals to new customers.

Do you enjoy being given the opportunity to mingle with retailers on a social level?

Yes, very much so. It means relationships can evolve and we can further understand where retailers are coming from, what makes them tick and what issues they might be facing. These closer relationships mean we can adapt our offering or processes to suit the individual and ultimately offer even better customer service.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

We’re expanding our range of drones and making them more affordable than ever, meaning retailers can stock a more diverse range and sell to new customers.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

It keeps us front of mind with retailers of all sizes.

Roughly speaking, what percentage of your annual orders are written at Toymaster?

Nearly 80% with members at the show with the remainder being spread over the year.

MARTIN GROSSMAN MD, H. Grossman Ltd What’s the appeal in attending Toymaster 2015?

Toymaster is an amazing show and not just for the business. It gives you time to catch up with friends and meet customers in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

The next big thing actually is the now big thing. Minions, Minions and more Minions. Last year it was Looms and this year our superb Minion range will knock that for six.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

Toymaster represents a lot of great independent retails and it is great group to support.

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ROSS AINSWORTH Managing Director, Interplay UK Limited What’s the appeal in attending Toymaster 2015?

For Interplay, the Toymaster Show is a key part of our annual sales and marketing activity. It is always very well attended giving us the opportunity to catch up with both loyal customers and new prospects in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We think it is good that the show is open to non Toymaster members and we can also catch up with those customers we didn’t see at Toy Fair.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

This year we are showcasing loads of exciting new products and ranges.

However, the new range I most excited about is FabLab, a set of fabulous experimental activity kits for kids aged 8+.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

It gives our products good exposure, but the main advantage is to get greater distribution of our kits as some Toymaster members will only stock our lines that feature in the catalogue.

Roughly speaking, what percentage of your annual orders are written at Toymaster?

We write about 40% of our annual Toymaster orders at the show

RAY HUGHES UK Sales Manager, Mookie Toys What’s the appeal in attending Toymaster 2015?

Toymaster is great opportunity to meet with all of the Toymaster members, who are so important to the success of our business. As well as a chance to showcase all of our exciting new lines and offer some fantastic deals.

Do you enjoy being given the opportunity to mingle with retailers on a social level?

It’s a great chance to see some familiar faces, catch up on how the toy industry is performing and what is new and exciting for Xmas.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

The Toymaster members have to visit our stand to see the 3D Maker. It’s a revolutionary product which allows children to design and create 3D masterpieces from scratch. In four simple steps using our special gel pens and UV Creation Station children can create anything from a unicorn to a tank. It’s a great craft item which is truly unique to anything else out there.

Also we will be showcasing Toys Alive - our great new connected toys range - and new plush Fluffimals which we are adding to expand our established plush business of Pillow Pets, Dreamlites and Glow Pets

STUART CRAWFORD Sales Controller, MV Sports & Leisure Ltd What’s the appeal in attending Toymaster 2015?

The Toymaster show offers the opportunity to socialise with a mix of contacts from our national retail base at a time of year when views on brands, licenses and marketing plans have had a chance to impact the market. This data and the views of retailers is paramount in directing our continued plans and development through the year.

Do you enjoy being given the opportunity to mingle with retailers on a social level?

It’s a great opportunity to socialise and gain views on product and brands as well as catch up and network with existing and new contacts.

What is the next big thing Toymaster members should look out for from you?

MV have secured a wide range of current, topical leading licenses such as Star Wars, Avengers and Disney Princess amongst others. Our own brand ranges continue to explore innovative and relevant development.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

Being included in the Toymaster catalogue is essential to keeping our products and brands at the forefront of Toymaster members focus with the vast array of suppliers that they work with. It also opens discussion for additional product discussions.

Roughly speaking, what percentage of your annual orders are written at Toymaster?

Approximately 15-20% of all total annual turnover.

Why is it so important to feature in the Toymaster catalogue?

The Toymaster catalogue allows us to reach consumers throughout the UK, with retailers that have a passion for toys. With several of our most successful items set to appear in the catalogue this spring/summer it is an important driver for our summer items.

MAY 2015

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RETAIL INTERVIEW TOYS N TUCK

Tucking into toys The 2015 Independent Retailer of the Year award winner Toys N Tuck is a loyal Toymaster member. Ahead of the May show, owner Alan Dadswell chats to TnP about what it means to him to be a member and of course, he gives us an insight into trading at the moment

Alan, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Tell us about Toys N Tuck and its history?

We started trading in 1993 in South Woodham Ferrers in a shop positioned right outside of a large comprehensive school, hence the tuck part of the business. When we opened the business, the town had a population of 15,000 and just over 3,000 were attending primary school but there was no toy shop. The business grew steadily over the years to have five shops and employing 45 people but a combination of the internet, recession and everincreasing local competition made trading from small market towns uneconomic. As leases expired we closed all but one of our stores, the current one in Southend. It would be fair to say that the road to where we are today has been a difficult one which we could not have travelled without the support, encouragement and expertise from Toymaster.

You’re a family-run business – tell us who is involved and what part they play in the everyday running of the store?

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“

It would be fair to say that the road to where we are today has been a difficult one, which we could not have travelled without support from Toymaster

”

Toys N Tuck’s Alan Dadswell

We really are a family-run business, with Jan my wife looking after the accounts and supervising the internet picking and packing. My daughter Emma looks after internet product, development, social media, all promotions and competitions as well as supervising in the store and doing some of the buying.

I poke my nose into everything but am mainly buyer and warehouse man.

Finally, we have one other ‘family’ member, Amy Heathcote, who started with us as a Saturday assistant while at school and has been full-time with us for as long as we care to remember and she looks after the day-to-day running of the store and helps with social media.

We must ask, has your win as Independent Retailer of the Year sunk it yet?

To be honest, it is nice to get recognition for the work we have done in the business but we really do not have time for reflection. One thing the difficult times have taught me is that you need to keep looking ahead for new opportunities.

Toys N Tuck Best Sellers

By Volume: 1. LEGO Minifigures 2. Children’s £1 Sweet Bag 3. Shopkins 2 pack

By Profit: 1. LEGO Minifigures 2. Shopkins 2 pack 3. Shopkins 5 pack

How long have you been a Toymaster member?

Ever since the demise of Youngsters.

Do you look forward to the Toymaster show each year?

Yes, it is the most important trade show of the year for us.

It is a buying show because of the timing and the fact that we know what lines are going to be included in the Christmas catalogue.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

What are the benefits to being a member?

The biggest benefit of being a member is without doubt the trading terms agreed with suppliers, followed closely by the marketing support such as catalogues and point of sale material and promotional activity with suppliers such as the LEGO Minifigure loyalty scheme.

Do you place a lot of your orders at Toymaster and for what period of the buying year?

Most of our buying at the Toymaster show is geared towards Christmas, we place lots of forward orders.

Do you take advantage of the show offers and how do they compare to offers at other fairs?

Yes we do take advantage of the offers which are available here and are generally not available at other shows. The suppliers wish to get orders on their systems to give them a real feel for what products are going to be well supported and they generally offer incentives.

Tell us about the range you are stocking this year, what has sold well so far?

LEGO is very important and as strong as ever but the stand out ranges this year have been

We asked…

What would your top tip be to an independent shop who was considering joining Toymaster but hasn’t yet made the move?

Do it, you will not regret it. Toymaster do not dictate so you still have your own identity and you decide how much you wish to participate.

But you will have the benefit of better terms, less time spent on administration and great support.

“

Shopkins and Paw Patrol.

One thing the difficult times have taught me is that you need to keep looking ahead for new opportunities

”

How has trading been so far for you, compared to 2014?

It has been very robust with sales well above last year for the first quarter.

Are parents and kids asking for anything surprising this year?

Not really, mainly Shopkins and Paw Patrol, another licence that could do well looking ahead is Twirleywoos which got a very good reaction on our Facebook page when we asked for comments about some new pre-school product we were considering buying.

Which collectable items are selling well?

Shopkins are outstanding and Mixels are doing really well as are Hot Wheels cars, but we are also doing good business on Zomlings

MAY 2015

15

RETAIL INTERVIEW TOYS N TUCK

Toymaster supply the cards and promotional material for.

Toymaster promote best practice from other members and encourage people to adapt to their own advantage. Toymaster keep in touch with suppliers and trends in a way that we just do not have the time to do. They open the doors and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities.

“ Top three licences 1. Thomas & Friends 2. Marvel 3. Disney (Princess & Frozen)

and Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon are both well up on last year.

Frozen and Loom Bands were the real juggernauts last year, is there still pick-up on those items? If not, what has taken their place or what looks like it might?

Frozen is still selling well, Loom Bands have stopped dead, Shopkins will continue to drive business and several of this year’s films will take up the slack, with Avengers: Age of Ultron and Despicable Me leading the way while Jurassic Park will drive dinosaur sales and then we have the little matter of Star Wars for the back end along with Fantastic Four and James Bond!

We have to ask you about the Tuck part of Toys n Tuck – you sell sweets too? Children must adore coming into the shop!

We have looked for ways to develop this side of the business with a point of difference and came up with the idea of making up our own sweet cones, which we sell for £1 and do in various colours with sweets and cones matching. We sell a lot of these for party favours as we can personalise the labels

16

with names or themes, and sold a lot of blue ones last year for Frozen parties.

Was stocking sweets a conscious decision to give yourself a point of difference from other toy shops?

It came about because of the location of our first shop, which was right outside a school.

We must ask what sweeties do the children love tucking in to?!

We try to be inventive. Last year Emma put together a 50p bag of sweets that made a snowman and labelled them ‘Do you Wanna Make a Snowman?’. She put them on the counter and we sold over 1,300 in eight weeks, although it did become a bigger job than we ever expected just keeping up with demand.

We have a very popular savings club (over 200 savers last year)

”

Is in-store theatre and merchandising something you invest in and what advice do you get from Toymaster?

We do try to use equipment supplied by manufacturers where it complements a range. We also run regular competitions and demonstration days as well as swap events.

Talk to us about online, is Click & Collect something you offer and is there take-up on it?

Online is our project area for this year and part of that project will be to offer a Click & Collect service.

What about online sales, are they a big part of your business?

Online accounts for about 20% of our sales, mostly on third party sites.

Do you notice any difference between what is popular online and in store?

On our own site, the answer is no.

But on third party sites it really is dependent upon stock availability, we sell it when others are sold out.

How else do you differentiate yourself? And how does Toymaster help you out there?

We offer an instore gift wrapping service, and will wrap anything including items purchased at other stores, which has been popular with male consumers in particular. We have a very popular savings club (over 200 savers last year) which

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Talking toys The retail scene Ian gave us an insight into how things are looking for Toymaster members…

With the 2015 Toymaster Showon the horizon, TnP caught up with MD Ian Edmunds to find out how things are in the Toymaster camp

How has the past year been for your members?

It has been good. The average Toymaster shop is up 4% in the UK. There is good product out there at good price points, particularly products under £3 like Shopkins which are driving footfall.

What is the attitude of your members at the moment?

We’ve got 160 members in total and the attitude is quite positive, even the Irish stores are up, which is a good sign. In percentage terms, everyone is up across the board.

Give us a snapshot of how Toymaster supports its members on a day-to-day basis?

We really do everything and anything for our members.

Obviously, we organise the May Show and, on top of that, we are involved in marketing, invoicing and giving them a forum to talk to each other.

What your most utilised facility?

It would have to be the central invoicing service – it takes the hassle out of things for members. They just pay one bill to Toymaster rather than 70 or 100 different suppliers.

What challenges are facing retailers currently?

I would have to say one of the main challenges is having another craze like Loom Bands last year. That is what we need and if it happens, great but, if not, we move on.

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Ian Edmunds, Toymaster

Ian, tell us about this year’s show – what can retailers and suppliers expect?

The show takes place from Tuesday to Thursday 12- 14 May in The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, and we sold out in early January.

We’ve got 114 exhibitors and as many Toymaster members attending as 2014, but indicators so far are that an increasing number of nonmembers will be attending. A lot of those come to talk to us at the show, they see Toymaster is a model that works.

We know you design the show to work for retailers and suppliers, how do you do that?

We just really try to make sure that every area of the show works for everyone. Because the show is split into different rooms, we have an anchor in each area which draws retailers in there. So we will always have LEGO in one area, Hasbro in another, Mattel in another and so on.

We also move most suppliers around each year so it doesn’t get stale.

Can we expect anything new this year?

People do tend to ask me that and I always say that it is the suppliers who bring the new, not Toymaster.

They keep it new and fresh, Toymaster are just the facilitators.

“

We’ve got 160 members in total and the attitude is quite positive, even the Irish stores are up, which is a good sign

”

We know that your members enjoy the social aspect of the May Show, what can they look forward to this year?

We’ve got a Mexican theme this year on the Tuesday night, which is always a dress-up night.

And will you give away any hints on how you will keep the masses entertained?

I won’t say too much other than Doritos and a mariachi band! And on Wednesday we have our black-tie dinner. They will both be taking place in the Majestic, as always.

There may be some retailers as of yet undecided as to whether they should attend or not, what would you say to them?

As long as you are an indie, you are welcome to attend the show. And if you are not sure, just talk to other indies who have been there and they will tell you it is worth going to.

What is your personal favourite aspect to the Toymaster Show?

Having a beer and curry on the Thursday night when it is all over!

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Drawing kids in MOOKIE 01525 722722 www.mookie-toys.co.uk Mookie will be showcasing its exciting new lines as well as some great offers on its already successful existing lines at the Toymaster Show.

Mookie has officially just announced the launch of the 3D Magic Creation Station, which is set to hit shelves this August.

The new 3D craft kit allows children to design, create and construct 3D masterpieces from scratch using revolutionary ink pens that set by using the UV creation station. Children’s creative opportunities are endless as they are able to create anything from a butterfly to the Eiffel Tower, so head over to Mookie's stand to get a first preview of this exciting new craft toy. The range will consist of a Creation Station starter pack as well as additional expansion packs targeted at both boys and girls. Mookie will also be showcasing its other new launches for autumn/winter 2015. Pebli Town, the multi-sensory connected pre-school learning toy, where physical characters have fun in a virtual world. Story Stars, the connected night light plush storyteller which allows children and parents to upload stories, melodies and personalised messages to the cuddly plush. And FluffiMals, the creative craft plush that lets children design and create their own teddy with its own personality and sparkling heart using the FluffiMals Fluff Factory. Mookie Toys will also be offering some great deals on all of its new and existing line, including Pillow Pets. The plush brand has been a massive success since its launch in 2012 and continues to be hugely popular with consumers.

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Wood you like to play Marque e with me?

JOHN CRANE LTD 01604 774949 www.john-crane.co.uk John Crane Ltd has been selecting, promoting and creating the very best wooden toys for three decades. Operating from its head office in Northampton, the company uses its pool of toy industry talent to design and distribute its own collection, Tidlo, and to represent great brands such as B, Bristle Blocks, Our Generation, Play Circle, Pintoy, GoGo Toys, Sevi and Trudi.

Tidlo was first introduced in 2010 and the growing portfolio of vintage designs with a modern twist now includes themed ranges.

B has more new items in 2015 and this range is picking up plenty of awards. First there was Symphony in B, which won US Toy of the Year in 2013 and the last two years have seen great success at Toy Fair firstly with the Woofer, and then the Baa-Baa-Barn, which won best toy in the speciality category.

Bristle Blocks are fun, easy to join and the different sizes and special pieces stimulate creativity. A great, long-lasting toy with an infinite amount of possibilities, this colourful construction toy is limited only by imagination.

Our Generation isn’t just about a doll, book or fantastic miniature tea set – it’s about girls growing up together. With 99 new products, take a peek into the past with the retro dolls or enjoy in the present with fashion forward friends. There really is something for everyone.

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Brand new brands TOBAR 0844 573 4299 www.tobar.co.uk

Here’s to 20 years!

LE TOY VAN 020 8979 2036

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www.letoyvan.com

Celebrating 20 years in business, Le Toy Van is delighted to be exhibiting at the Toymaster Show.

2015 sees the expansion of the PeLMeL pocket money range bringing it up to a choice of 18 different PeLMeL assortments in stylish CDUs. New PeLMel lines include Space Rockets, a great CDU packed with nine chunky painted wooden toy rockets.

Tractor Tails are a selection of mini tractors with mini trailers that come in three colourways.

Carriag e Suit

Tobar will once again be exhibiting at the Toymaster Show with some incredible new lines that are bound to be great for sales.

Tobar has managed to secure some exciting new distribution partnerships in addition to its existing lines, which include USA brand Schylling, stationery brand Scentos, and exciting outdoor brand Turbospoke. In addition, Zuru and Bburago will be unveiling some exciting new lines to tempt customers in 2015.

Make sure to pop by their stand to find out more.

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Our games are out of this world Take-off in

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Cutting-edge tech BLADEZ TOYZ

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02392 658 259 www.bladeztoyz.co.uk Creators of Jumbo Radio Control Inflatable toys, Bladez Toyz has brought some of the world's most iconic characters to life.

Famous faces from favourites such as Star Wars, Despicable Me and Big Hero 6 have been transformed into Jumbo Inflatable RC toys, and they haven’t failed to impress.

They each have their own impactactivated sound effects specific to their character, as well as 2.4GHZ controls to encourage multi-purchases, and a ‘try me’ feature on the retail packaging, which will enable consumers to hear the sound effect in store to drive sales.

For this years Toymaster Show, Bladez Toyz has some seriously special offers, and will be giving

The next chapter USBORNE PUBLISHING 020 7430 2800 www.usborne.co.uk

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This year Usborne is looking forward to presenting its key series across all ranges.

That’s not my . . . is a multiaward-winning series of brightly illustrated board books with simple, repetitive storylines. The best-selling series has been revitalised in recent years with the addition of new titles including, That’s not my Duck, Owl, Fox, Meerkat and Lamb. The big success series of last year was Peep Inside, a colourful and charmingly illustrated nonfiction series for very small children, with lots of flaps to lift, holes to peep through with things to find. The series now contains five titles with many more planned.

Award winning sticker books cover all bases from dressing Victorians to futuristic robots. They cover all ages and include best-selling products such as Sticker Dolly Dressing: Princesses and Big dinosaur sticker book.

Unique titles such as Write your own Storybook and Write and Draw your Own Comics will also be showcased.

These are fantastic write-in books that help children write their own stories and comics.

They include many different writing activities such as a fictional school journal and comic strip. Usborne continues to supply point of sale solutions, adding a waterfall unit capable of showcasing the sticker books.

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away free units while stocks last, so be sure you don’t miss out!

Also available this year is the new Mycropodz range, featuring a Super-nano, 6cm Quadcopter, complete with fourcontrol channels and 360° flip capabilities.

The officially licensed Volkswagen RC Micro Bus is also in the collection.

This 1:64 scale camper sits neatly inside it’s handset, which is based on the front of a VW Bus. Drive forward and back by pushing the buttons built into headlamp on the left, and drive left and right by pushing those on the right headlamp. Modelled on the classic 1962 split screen camper, and available in a variety of colours, the micro bus is set to be at the top of every VW enthusiast’s wish list.

Dino deals

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BANDAI 01489 790944 www.bandai.co.uk

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There will be a dinosaur theme to the Bandai stand this year as attention turns to the summer launch of Power Rangers Dino Charge. In honour of the eagerly anticipated live-action TV series, Bandai will be unveiling a striking FSDU and offering an introductory deal on the range.

Also within the world of dinosaurs, the new Dino Eggs from the Hatch N Heroes collection will be on offer and will sit alongside the popular Disney characters from Frozen, Big Hero 6, Toy Story, Cars and Finding Nemo.

These will be an ideal pocket money line so don’t miss the special price-save promotion on orders placed at the show.

Heroes of the small screen

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KD UK 01727 827194 www.kdplanet.com/uk KD UK’s licensed range includes fun and educational products from the ever-popular Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, Disney Princess and In The Night Garden. en.

Autumn/winter will see the introduction on of the impressive Thomas & Friends and Paw Patrol toys, which includes My Push & Learn Thomas, a two wo in one train that teaches pre-schoolers about colours, numbers and more more.

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Infant and Toddler

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Mini motors FLYING GADGETS 0844 209 2626 www.flyinggadgets.com

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orary Flying Gadgets boasts an array of the most innovative and contemporary RC toy helicopters, boats, ride-ons and quadcopters in the sector.

Shaking up the quadcopter market in 2015, the Flying Gadgets X-Vision Vision is a brand new entry-level six-axis gyro quad machine offering all the flying abilities of larger models in a compact unit while maintaining high spec tech credentials. edentials. In addition to flip and roll flight abilities, this searchlight-equipped machine has s FPV (first person view) on-board so users can beam back live HD footage to their Apple ple device attached to the remote control unit. Users can actually control the X-vision through ugh the app as well as the 2.4ghz controller supplied with the product. This is where the quadcopter be ffought the Fl Flying t wars are sett tto b ht iin 2015 and d th i Gadgets X-Vision, with its superior build and features, is set to be a soar-away success.

Leading the way in drone technology is the Flying Gadgets X-Voice. The only drone of its kind in the dro world, the X-Voice uses use cutting-edge voice control technology and is pre-programmed with 16 different languages. languages It’s able to understand accents and dialects, and is virtually indestructible thanks to the flexible caging surrounding each of the four propellers. Users can fine-tune flight using tthe 2.4ghz controller for added precision while speaking commands such as ‘take off’, ‘land’ ‘land’, ‘dancing’ and ‘flip right/left/back/forward’ into the supplied microphone headset. It is also very attractively priced. Flying Gadgets is also expanding its extensive fleet of RC ride-on cars for children. These realistic scale replicas of cars, including the Beetle and Mercedes G55, are perfect for both boys and girls aged 3+. They each feature a 6V or 12V battery, seat belt and a parental remote control for safety. They also authentic ignition and engine sounds, steering wheel sounds on turns, a horn and boast a working lights so children get a realistic driving experience every time.

Toys with character CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800 www.character-online.co.uk

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With award winning brands like Little Live Pets, Minecraft and Peppa Pig among its impressive Toymaster line up, and major new launches including Ugglys Pet Shop, The Clangers and Yummy Nummies, Toy Supplier of the Year, Character Options’ stand is a must-visit at this year’s show.

The new Yummy Nummies brand is a sweet (and savoury!) treat not to be missed.

Launching in May, The Ugglys Pet Shop will introduce a whole new species to the world of mini collectable characters, and promises to deliver the most socially challenged pets ever to grace the toy shelf. Presented in two-figure pet food cans and eight-pet blister packs, the heart of the collection will be 101 gross and downright disgusting pet characters.

With a pre-school portfolio to be envied, Peppa Pig, Weebles, Fireman Sam, Ben & Holly and now the Clangers will all be present in Harrogate. July 2015 will see the eagerly awaited introduction of the Clangers toy collection which will sit alongside the brand new TV Series produced in the same stop-frame animation as the original of the 1970s. Demand for the Clangers is set to be high with scaled playsets that will echo scenes and features from the show such as Small and her Soup Trolley, Major Clanger, Small and the Musical Boat and a spectacular Home Planet Playset. There is also a collection of super soft six-inch plush figures. Also new to the show will be Cra-Z-Sand, the amazing modelling compound that ‘comes to life’ in kid’s hands. This amazing indoor play sand is super easy to mould, sculpt and create with.

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Play time DKL MARKETING 01604 678780 www.dkl.co.uk

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Toymaster visitors will be delighted to see DKL Marketing’s incredible portfolio of ranges at this year’s show. Hama Beads, Breyer Model Horses, Scentco Scented Stationery, Wonderworld Wooden Toys, Miniland Educational, Corolle Dolls and Munchkin Toys will all be on display with a selection of exclusive show deals and offers across all ranges.

The main attractions will undoubtedly include key lines from the 2015 Toymaster catalogue: the Scentco Graphite Smencils Cylinder, Hama 10,000 Beads & Pegboards in Tub, Hama Funny Face Set, and the Hama Space Set. Further highlights will include the new Scentco range of scented stationery featuring the brand new Disney Frozen lines.

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Contact details: famosauk@famosa.es 01623 237 433

www.nenucofamosa.com

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A golden selection

Award-winning design Ma GALT TOYS 0161 428 9111 www.galttoys.com

GOLDEN BEAR

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Galt Toys will be presenting Bird and Fish, two classic bath toys from the Ambi range, at this year’s Toymaster show.

Designed by world-renowned British toy designer Patrick Rylands, the beautiful and timeless toys won the Duke of Edinburgh’s Prize for Elegant Design, now known as the Prince Philip Designers Prize, in 1968. Making a comeback by popular request, the Bird and Fish are now set to delight another generation of children and parents when they are re-launched in July 2015.

The Bird and Fish have simple smooth shapes with an iconic design, attractive to both adults and children. The toys contain internal ballasts that keep them perfectly upright in the water and a comforting tactile quality to amuse children.

Based on Eskimo bone carvings in the British Museum, the timeless plastic toys are now icons in British design history with original versions now permanently on display at the V&A Museum of Childhood in London. Thanks to Galt Toys, the Bird and Fish will now be available to buy once again, and visitors to the Toymaster Show will be some of the first to see the modern versions of the much-loved designs.

Six new toys, all based on the original designs of Patrick Rylands, also join Galt’s Ambi Toys range for 2015. Retailers looking for welldesigned and reliable toys are in for a treat.

01952 608308 www.goldenbeartoys.co.uk

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Golden Bear will be showcasing a cross section of products from its toy ranges at this year’s Toymaster Show. Twirlywoos is a new children’s series, which launched on CBeebies, and focuses on laugh-out-loud humour and learning to engage young children. As master toy licensee, Golden Bear’s Twirlywoos range showcases the characters Chickedy, Chick, Toodloo, GreatBigHoo and PeekaBoo. The range will include fun, talking soft toys and the pull-along Big Red Boat, which mimicks learning patterns from the show.

Also airing on CBeebies is the new animated pre-school series Hey Duggee. Golden Bear’s plush offering will include collectable characters and talking Squirrel Soft Toys, which each come with their own feature badge, as well as the Woof Woof Duggee Soft Toy. Building on the runaway 2014 success of the In the Night Garden Ninky Nonk Musical Activity Train, the range has been extended for 2015 to include the new battery powered Ninky Nonk Track and Train Set. The adorable Peek-a-boo Igglepiggle covers his eyes and plays signature phrases when his tummy is pressed, and new Explore and Learn Activity Table features key ITNG characters plus interactive features.

The Something Special brand will be TV advertised for the first time in 2015 and has been extended to include the Roll and Play Soft Cube, Mr Tumble Stick on Felts, chunky Mr Tumble and Friends Wooden Puzzle and Wooden Dress Up Mr Tumble. Larger-sized Talking Mr Tumble Soft Plush and Textured Mr Tumble with Fun Sounds are new additions, alongside the Something Special Sensory Playtime Activity Centre.

Time to get Carriag messy! e ARTSTRAWS LTD 07971 600985 www.artstraws.com

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Artstraws will be showing 10 new products in its Creation Station spinner display stand. Foam Dinosaurs, Junior Art Brushes and a Messy Play Smock are added to its Painting & Colouring range, and sets of six individual stencils of Dinosaurs, osaurs, Wild Animals, mals, Creepy Crawlies wlies and Farm m Animals will also be launched ched at the he show. w.

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Goal getters CREATIVE TOYS COMPANY www.creativetoyscompany.co.uk Creative Toys Company will be at this year’s Toymaster and visitors will be able le to see all the exciting g developments of the SoccerStarz official al mini football figure re range. With the latest top players to emerge and new signings from the Premier League, European n clubs and International tional sides, there are hundreds to collect. ct.

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Look who’s joined the Casdon family!

My Perfect Pastry Set

Cake Stand

FOR

2015!

Just like the real thing!

Microwave, Kettle & Toaster Set

Inventors of Fun & Play!

Casdon plc. Cornford Road, Blackpool, Lancs FY4 4QW Tel: +44 (0)1253 766411 Fax: +44 (0)1253 691486 Email: roger@casdon.co.uk www.casdon.com

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Easy rider H. GROSSMAN LTD 0141 613 2525 www.ozbozz.co.uk

Recepti o Room n

From Minions to Megasaurs, HGL has everything the best-stocked toy shop could need for Christmas 2015 and beyond.

First up is the Speedy Scooter. The aluminium deck and steel T-bar steering provide great stability. In a variety of colourways the stand out feature is the easy to read speedometer.

For kids that would rather sit back and be carried in style, check out the fabulous e-star electric scooter. This zippy, battery-powered beauty is suitable for anyone under 70kg, takes between 6-8 hours to charge up and will run for 8-10 km on a full charge, depending on the terrain and rider’s weight. Glitzies Retro Glitter Quad Boot, is sparkly footwear that adds real panache, with a glittery boot, pink laces and pink and black wheels. The craft sensation of 2014 was looming, now bands turn to strings as HGL reintroduce the sensational Skoobies.

In anticipation of the new film - releasing 26 June 2015 in the UK - the Minions are also starring in the HGL outdoor range, which includes scooters, bikes, skateboards, trikes, inline skates, pogo sticks, and even a balance bike. There are even helmets featuring Minions with one eye and Minions with two eyes. A whole host of Minions pocket money items include yo-yos, bubble wands, keyrings, balls, wobblers and fingerboards.

The award winning Megasaurs range is complemented this year by a range of lifelike dinosaurs in a variety of sizes. For those who like to keep things closer to home, there is an accompanying range of authentic lifelike farm and domestic animals.

Car Trax has everything very young children want in a track set.

This chunky flexible track connects and interconnects so that young children can collect the various brighltly-coloured sets and connect them all together if they like.

There will be deals across many lines for Toymaster members including best selling character merchandise.

Mum’s the word FAMOSA UK 01623 237433 www.Famosa.es

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Visitors to the Famosa stand at the Toymaster May Show will be able to see key TV lines for 2015 with impressive TVRs – guaranteed to give a good return for the A/W season.

Nenuco, the innovative doll and playset brand from Famosa, sees further line introductions for 2015 following a successful 2014, which saw the brand in high demand across the Christmas period. Already hugely successful internationally, the products come packed with unique accessories that enable young girls to have the closest experience to playing a ‘real mum’.

There’s a broad variety of price points and play patterns within the collection enabling little girls to nurture, care for and have hours of fun.

Key lines for 2015 will include Nenuco Bathtime, a 42cm soft-body doll that can be immersed in water and it does not soak in. It has its own dolphin float and when kids squeeze water over her head she blows bubbles below the water. Nenuco Hugging is a 42cm soft-bodied, cuddly doll that moves her arms, swings her head and hugs her pillow to sleep with kids. Give her a hug and she will hug back.

Both will be supported by a strong TV campaign for spring across terrestrial and satellite channels.

House of dolls MGA ENTERTAIMENT AND ZAPF CREATION

North Lounge

0845 0533 333 www.mgae.com/www.zapf-creation.co.uk MGA Entertainment and Zapf Creation are set to unveil additions to existing lines, along with new and exciting children’s products at this year’s Toymaster Show.

Launches across the board will be showcased, from the popular Lalaloopsy collection to the latest additions to the Baby Annabell, BABY born and mini CHOU CHOU ranges.

New products in the Lalaloopsy

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range include Lalaloopsy Tinies. The world of Zapf Creation continues to expand with new accessories such as the Baby Annabell 2in1 Unit Wardrobe/ Changing Table, Baby Annabell Sheep Bed and Walking Lamb to name a few.

Following suit, BABY born welcomes Train Andy and the latest BABY born theme of a magical Wonderland, while mini CHOU CHOU sees the range expand with new animal themes.

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Leader in Europe in the scientific games*

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A REAL MABLE M A R G PRO ROBOT

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Top dogs SPIN MASTER 01628 535000 www.spinmastertoys.co.uk

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After a fantastic 2014 across all brands, Spin Master is delighted that 2015 has started with Paw Patrol really on a roll. The hit pre-school CG animated show is gaining great ratings on Nick Jr. and C5 Milkshake and the adorable pups are being snatched up by fans as fast as product hits the shelves. Spin Master’s toy range features Action Pack Pups with transforming backpacks, transforming vehicles, plush and more. A plethora of new products will be available later in the year including the action packed Rescue Training Centre playset.

Another brand off to a strong start is Kinetic Sand which never dries out so it can be used over and over again and is wheat, gluten and casein free. The range contains bright neon coloured sands and exciting new gem and metallic tones, alongside natural sand. The Sandbox Playset comes with a plastic tray for contained play and underwater themed moulds for creating sandcastles and accessories. TV advertising is running in spring and through the rest of 2015.

Meccano Meccanoid G15 and G15KS took the world by storm when they were showcased during the Toy Fair Season in the UK and worldwide. The four-foot and two-foot tall personal Meccano robots are fun and easy to build using the latest Meccano parts. The advanced yet easy to use open source Robotic Building platform makes them accessible to a broad range of ages and skill sets. Meccanoid uses its on board ‘Mecca Brain’ and voice recognition to say thousands of phrases, tell jokes, offer fun facts, play games, initiate conversations and even give you a high-five.

The entire Meccano range will have a new look from autumn including new pieces with metallic treatment, new ergonomically designed tools and new packaging. Spin Master will be offering

Let battle commence!

GP FLAIR 0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk

South Lounge

There’s no finer place than Harrogate in late Spring, where GP Flair’s latest toy collections can be seen in their entirety at the Toymaster May Show.

The eagerly awaited World of Warriors is a major priority for Flair and will be the desire of every gamer in the new Mind Candy World of Warriors digital community. The collection boasts mini figure packs in, twos, fours and eights with over 120 figures to collect in Series 1 alone. The Battle Fortress Playset will be where fans can emulate the game play, while Deluxe Action Figures with special move features will represent lead hero characters. Other brands from Flair include Shopkins, Pet Parade, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Doc McStuffin.

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Toymaster members a specially negotiated Meccano offer for spring at the show.

Chubby Puppies is a new Spin Master girls collectable range launching in autumn 2015. These cute and hilarious puppies come in a variety of breeds with different funny walks. Girls can collect and adopt the entire assortment of tumbling, bumbling and stumbling puppies that waddle everywhere they go. There are 12 different breeds of Chubby Puppies to adopt, along with Mini Playsets and the Ultimate Dog Park.

Revolutionary threadless sewing machine Sew Cool Sewing Studio was a hit when launched last year as it made it easy for first time sewers. Now Spin Master is making knitting easy with the Knits Cool Knitting Studio. The Post Knitting system lets kids create trendy knitted creations without the use of traditional knitting needles which beginners often find hard to handle.

Ballooning sales

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AMSCAN 01908 288500 www.amscan.co.uk Amscan International will have a variety of licensed foil balloons on display at this year’s Toymaster show – look out for hot properties including Minions, Frozen and Paw Patrol. Whether it’s to give as a gift or to create a theme at a children’s party, the e balloons make a great addition n forr any retailer.

Amscan’s collection covers options for all tastes and budgets, gets, from the hand held Inflate-A-Fun Fun balloons right up to the impressive ssive e AirWalkers, which magically appear to float on air. Amscan also o supplies co-ordinating party ranges and costumes to provide de a ‘One Stop Party Shop’ solution!

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Set sail for Toymaster JOHN ADAMS 01480 414361 www.johnadams.co.uk

Riddle me this CLEMENTONI 020 3206 1397 www.clementoni.com Clementoni will display a selection from its line of educational games; highlights include The Interactive Globe and the Young Learners range. The new talking globe comes with an optical reader pen that allows children to learn about the continents and countries of the world. Clementoni will also introduce its new Young Learners range, which features games designed to develop early literacy and mathematical skills. The company will launch a new Tea Time collection for the UK market in its adult puzzles category. The range features heritage artwork of English scenes including country houses, London tourist attractions and Christmas highlights. The collection consists of 1,000-piece panoramic and standard 500, 1,000, 1,500-piece jigsaws. Also on show will be a selection from Clementoni’s baby range of toys and interactive products. In addition to Disney and own-branded products, the Baby Clementoni line includes Baby Clemmy and Clemmy Plus with Clementoni’s patented soft block design. Clementoni’s line of science games, Science & Play, will also be a focus.

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John Adams Leisure Ltd will be showcasing a variety of its key ow. products at the Toymaster Show.

Having been signed as the master toy licensee for Milkshake’s Pip Ahoy! the company will be showcasing the he full Pip Ahoy! range, including Toymaster catalogue line Mr Morris’ Bubble Train Playset.

Leading the introductions to the creative play portfolio is the Bangle Blitz Festival Girl Set. The set includes enough content to make 20 bangles and will be TV advertised.

The hugely successful Disney Frozen licence joins the company’s creative collection this year including the enchanting Disney Frozen Snow Glowbz Light & Sparkle Palace Studio. Following on from the successful Jelly Fun Jelly Slush Maker, the latest food craft sets joining the company’s growing food craft category are the Mini-Make Cupcake set and the MixUbbles Drinks Maker. The ever-popular Tiny Tears brand will be at the show celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited edition Tiny Tears Golden Princess Anniversary Doll on display.

See the light RE:CREATION 01189 736222 www.recreationltd.co.uk

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This year Re:creation’s portfolio rtfolio is stronger than ever. Visit the he stand to meet the team and discover er special show offers. Now grouped d under the company’s Snuggabless umbrella brand, Stretchkins ns and Bright Light Pillows plush lines will be joined by two further plush h brands: Zigamazoos and the practical, tical, lovable Necknapperz range of huggable ggable friends. Also new for the second econd half of 2015 is the newly relaunched ed Magic Choc Make-a-Bar Chocolate te Factory range of creative kits, which ch enable kids to unleash their artistic side and make their own delicious chocolate bars ars in minutes.

Complementing the refreshed shed Ninjago o TV series on screens this summer, Re:creation introduces reation intro ntroduces the Ninjago keylight range e of six ix collectable character key rings ings each h with cool, light-up feet. The force is also set to be with ever-popular ver-popular Lego Star Wars key light collection.

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A role for all

Jump in

CASDON

LEAPFROG

01253 766411 www.casdon.com

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Casdon’s fine range of branded and generic role-play toys, such as washing machines, cookers and vacuum cleaners, are the focus of many games of ‘let’s play house’. They are the choice of parents wanting their little ones’ play experiences periences to be as close to the real thing as possible. e.

This year will see more to choose from under the Little Cook sub-brand, including an expansion of the successful Morphy Richards ards toys with a replica microwave, completing g a fine kitchen trio with the make believe Morphy y Richards Toaster and Morphy Richards Kettle. ettle.

New to the Casdon kitchen for 2015 is the e superb Annabel Karmel Cookery collection. on.

These real baking kits are just the thing for or a bake off and have all the attention to detail ail expected of the Annabel Karmel brand. The My Perfect Pastry Set has everything needed d for a young baker with mixing bowl, cutters, measuring spoons and three separate tins. s.

Casdon’s Little Helper collection has just ust the thing to encourage children to clean up after themselves. Here you’ll find top quality, evergreen role-play toys, including replica a Henry vacuums that continue to go from strength th to strength, and the famous Dyson Ball with h its pivot action and internal beads to replicate ate the suction power.

Other collections include the Little Shopper opper range with its tills, trolleys, baskets and the he Post Office Set with its weigh scales, post box, x, pretend cash and stampers, plus magazine ne and card racks for the perfect post office shopping pping experience.

2015 is also a year where Casdon will not only expand its collection, but will expand its marketing support for retailers too. With so many satisfied parents already on side, this will include a strategic year-round online campaign and social media schedule to further the awareness of all the firm’s much loved toys.

01895 202840 www.leapfrog.com

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LeapFrog, the multiaward winning educational onal toy brand, is returning to the Toymaster Show for 2015. Visitors to the stand will get to experience some som of LeapFrog’s gr groundndbreaking products, including LeapTV, LeapBand and pro LeapPad3, and get a first look at its exciting new Leap 2015 line up.

The brand’s core learning toy range will also be T on display, including the Musical Rainbow Tea Party d and Read With Me Scout, one of LeapFrog’s most successful learning toy launches to date. Brand new suc learning toys which will be added to the range this learn year will also be on show and will benefit from extensive a marketing support in 2015, including a tactical PR programme programm and ATL campaign.

“2015 marks LeapFrog’s 20th anniversary and the m Toymaster Toymaste Show is a great platform for us to catch up with all the independent retailers and share our exciting marketing plans with them,” said Sally Plumridge, VP of International Internation Marketing at LeapFrog. “It also helps us ensure we are a offering them continuous support and inspiration. A As well as our established range, our new learning toys for 2015 offer a wealth of retail opportunity and really celebrate our ‘pure learning fun’ ethos with our ce now signature mix of education and entertainment.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve continued to push innovation b boundaries and reinvent the ways children can learn. We look forward to celebrating our past and present lo at Toymaste Toymaster and are incredibly excited to see what the next 20 years hold.”

Extended family EPOCH MAKING TOYS

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0843 557 4062 www.Epochmakingtoys.com Epoch making toys will be showcasing its new Sylvanian Families Seaside range which launched earlier this year. The Adventure Treasure Ship is one of the standout items in this range with over 20 pieces. This is complemented by the Seaside Cruiser Houseboat, which has over 55 pieces including a waterslide, mini boat, small island and Freya figure in a sailor outfit. The three-tiered Field View Mill, due out in the autumn, will also be on display, boasting over 40 accessories.

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Life’s a game Marquee ESDEVIUM 01420 593593 www.esdeviumgames.com

Sweet treat for bath time

Billiard Room

TOMY 020 8722 7300 ww.tomy.com Tomy will be showcasing its full range of toy products including Lamaze, Britains Farm, John Deere Pre School, Aquadoodle, Pokémon and the much loved range of Tomy Infant and Toddler Toys which includes both well-known classics and new, innovative toys for inspiring playtime.

The company will be running an added-value special offer across all the ranges at the show.

The Toymaster Show is a great opportunity for Tomy to not only meet with all its customers but also a place to showcase great new products and personally demonstrate key features and attributes. The show provides a great platform for customer interaction and it is a key event on the sales calendar each year.

Tots of all ages will have endless role-play fun with the Foam Cone Factory, a delightful, innovative bath toy that let’s children play at making ice-cream cones, set for release in autumn 2015. Attach the Cone Factory to the bath or wall and pull down the handle to fill up each cone. It comes with three cones which bring the fun of the ice cream parlour to life in the bath for kids aged 18 months plus.

The new John Deere First Farming Fun collection has everything you could possibly need for an afternoon of farm play, including soft touch figures, farm vehicles and farm accessories. There are even chunky farm animals including a cow, a horse, a goat, a sheep dog, a cat and a farmyard staple, a cockerel. Each different farm vehicle and attachment features easy roll-along wheels and little details that make all the difference when it comes to fun farm play. Items include: John Deere First Farming Fun Tractor Fun Playset, John Deere First Farming Fun Load Up Playset, John Deere First Farming Fun Harvest Time Playset, John Deere First Farming Fun – Farm Playset Friends.

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Esdevium Games will once again showcase its wide range of games and collectibles at this year’s Toymaster Show. Top of the bill this year is Esdevium’s wide range of Disney licensed games, which includes the brilliant picture-trivia family game, Pictopia. In Pictopia, players must assess a group of pictures from a range of Disney properties and correctly answer the corresponding questions. Playing in teams, this is the cue for animated family discussion and a real test of each player’s Disney knowledge. Players are also given the opportunity to guess their opponents’ answers, adding a fun twist.

After a fantastic year of growth for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in 2014, Esdevium will be offering a special 10% off trade deal for orders on the latest expansion, Pokemon TCG: XY – Roaring Skies! The new set is sure to sweep fans off their feet with the debut of Mega Rayquaza-EX in addition to a host of high-flying superstars!

Blast off!

GREAT GIZMOS 01293 543221 www.greatgizmos.co.uk

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Great Gizmos will unveil new collections at the Toymaster Show this year.

For sky high fun, Geospace is a range of soft foam rockets that can be launched indoors or out. The Jump Rocket Triple Shotz has three adjustable launch tubes that will blast off into different directions as kids jump on the launch pad.

For toys perfect for pre-school, PlanToys have much to offer.

The range includes items for pushing and pulling, stacking and sorting and many more. The brand new Pull Along Duck will delight children with its flapping wings as it’s pulled along and is a great toy to encourage walking and play. For super fast racing, the Racing Cars include a rabbit or a cheetah character and feature turning wheels that move like a real race car. With its eco-friendly credentials, PlanToys makes the perfect choice. The 4M science kits keep retailers and consumers coming back for more. The Tornado Maker allows kids to create their own battery-operated tornado inside a recycled bottle.

Conduct chemical experiments and create their own set of aquamarine crystal clusters with the new KidzLabs Crystal Science kit. Quicksand and Volcano kit allows kids to build a brilliant quicksand pool and experiment with an erupting volcano and dinosaur figurines. From 4M craft comes three styles of Stitch a Doll, a fun and easy sewing kit to make your own dolly companion.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

www.interplayuk.com

TV

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At the Toymaster Show The Majestic Hotel Harrogate - May 12th -14th

tel: 01628 488944 email: sales@interplayuk.com

...toys & gifts designed to inspire

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Tooled up FIRST CELTIC TOYS (FCTL)

Marque

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01978 280070 www.tololearning.com FCTL will be exhibiting the multi award winning baby and pre-school branded Tolo Toys at the Toymaster Show.

The Tolo Classic product line, perfect kids up to 12 months, has received new boxing which makes for a much improved impact on the shelf.

Be sure to stop by the stand and see for yourself. New for 2015 will be the First Tools range of gardening tools which were recently adopted as part of the Tesco vouchers for schools program. Two exciting new brands from the US will also be unveiled for the first time at the Toymaster show.

All orders placed at the show will receive a 5% discount.

Tell tales COILEDSPRING GAMES 020 3301 1160 www.coiledspring.co.uk

Marquee

Coiledspring Games will be introducing exciting new products to its best selling ranges at the Toymaster show.

Continuing to encourage creativity and storytelling across generations, keep your eyes peeled for the latest in the Rory’s Story Cubes Mix sets: Medic, Score and Intergalactic – pocket money additions that add specific themes to the storytelling and fit in a striking new CDU. In a move that’s sure to appeal to the mass market, the highly anticipated licensed Batman Cubes will also be available for a sneak preview, prior to their 17 September release date. With a dedicated consumer PR campaign surrounding the release, Rory’s Story Cubes Batman will inspire three generations of storytellers who recognise this iconic super hero.

Popular with smaller puzzlers, there are two new additions to the John Deere jigsaw range for 2015. Stunning photographic images of the instantly recognisable and ever-popular tractor offer a challenging yet satisfying puzzling experience. The John Deere range has been Coiledspring’s top selling children’s puzzles since launch and show no signs of slowing down.

Following the recent TV campaign, the success of the Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters continues to build. Schmidt has introduced junior versions of Wo characters Betty, Bill and best seller Flint, so there’s a favourite character Sorgenfresser range is supported by a strong for everyone. The entire Sorge consumerr PR cam campaign and ongoing advertising.

Retailers who place e an order ord at the show will exclusive be entitled to an exclusi sive offer on the three Sorgenfresser, best selling classic So orgenfresser, Saggo, Polli and Flint. Buy 48 of two characters and get 12 of the third free.

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Pick up the pieces GIBSONS 020 8661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Marquee

Gibsons will be showcasing its new spring releases at the Toymaster Show this year, including the seven new jigsaw puzzles and a new set of playing cards released in April. To celebrate the new royal arrival, Gibsons introduces its Royal Babies 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, featuring one of the first images of the new baby surrounded by images of royal babies past. This puzzle is accompanied by a new deck of playing cards of the same name, with 52 unique images of royal little ones throughout history.

Also on show will be the new 1,000-piece London Landmarks puzzle, a beautifully illustrated and busy map of the capital city, created by new Gibsons artist Maria Rabinky. With all the top spots in London, from Camden Market to The Shard, this puzzle has something for everyone.

Making their debut LANKA KADE 01858 463850 www.lankakade.co.uk

Ballroom

The Toymaster Show will see Lanka Kade exhibit for the first time, having become an approved supplier in 2014.

The UK based fair trade company has begun 2015 in spectacular fashion following a complete rebrand, which has seen newly presented products drive sales growth among independent retailers.

Lanka Kade will be showcasing its best selling lines, Lank which include award-winning building blocks, chunky educational jigsaws, Noah’s arks and a collection of educa animal characters. anima

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Pre-school fun sorted BIGJIGS TOYS 01303 250400 www.bigjigstoys.com

Marquee

Bigjigs Toys will showcase a new selection of colourful wooden shape sorters, perfect for introducing pre-schoolers to colour recognition and basic problem solving, at this year’s Toymaster Show. New Safari Sorting Lorry and Shape Sorting Lorry are also joined by new mobility-improving push along Car Transporter and pull along Holiday Bus. The latter is supplied with figurines for added play value and a sliding ng roof on the bus to allow easy access for loading up the luggage.

New Cheeky Monkey and Snazzy collection of soft toys join the e Bigjigs plush range, with bright colours, tactile textures, and exciting sounds to help the youngest est of youngsters discover the world around them. em. Teethers can be found on the Spiral Cott Rattle, Comforter and a number of the activity ctivity plush items, while texture-rich ch pulls and twisters adorn the he Activity Ball and Activity Cube. be. Both gender-neutral ranges are suitable from birth rth upwards.

Three adorable le new Bigjigs Trikes es will also be on show how at this year’s Toymaster.

Available in blue, e, red and pink, they ey provide the perfect fect ride on vehicle for mini movers to explore their surroundings.

With an easy to steer design and sturdy construction, they’re sure to become any toddler’s favourite new ride.

Retailers can also take advantage of some special show offers*: 5% off orders over £500, 7.5% over £1000, and 10% over £1500. * Offer to members only for immediate delivery.

Flying high at 50 HALILIT

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01254 872454 www.halilit.co.uk Celebrating 50 years in business, Halilit will be showcasing its newest range of pre-school, role-play, transport and bath toys from Battat with some amazing launch offers.

The Battat range is classic and great value, and includes the Take-Apart Airplane, voted the best toy at Toy Fair by master child-blogger, Beau of Beau’s Toy Farm.

The latest baby toys from Taf Toys, musical toys from Halilit, sensory, water and bath time toys from Edushape and construction toys by Interstar will also be on show. The team looks forward to welcoming everyone to the stand where celebratory champagne will be flowing!

Go big with Jumbo JUMBO GAMES 01707 289289 www.jumbo.eu

Marque

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This year Jumbo Games will again be exhibiting at the Toymaster show and can be found in the marquee.

Jumbo will be showcasing a range of products and licenses, which are predicated to be big in 2015.

Jumbo Games has brought Disney’s Frozen to life in an enchanting board game with the Disney Frozen Magical Ice Palace Board Game. Help Anna save Arendelle from an eternal winter and Elsa’s icy powers by moving around the board collecting cards and trying to melt the ice by pressing on Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thunderbirds, Jumbo Games has created a special edition triple box set of puzzles for fans to piece together. With montages of

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the unique characters, vehicles and famous scenes from the TV series, the Thunderbirds Collector’s Box Set Vol.1 is a must for fans of the show. The collector’s edition contains 3 x 500-piece puzzles, each in their own presentation box.

The Portapuzzle Standard is a specially designed jigsaw puzzle accessory that’s perfect for building, sorting, storing and transporting unfinished puzzles to avoid disrupting the works of art. The Portapuzzle Standard, with non-slip lining, can store jigsaw puzzles up to 1,000 pieces (standard size 68 x 49cm) securely and safely and is the perfect size for you to relax and puzzle wherever you are.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Go green GREEN BOARD GAMES

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01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com Green Board Games (GBG) will proudly be presenting this year‘s offering of new and exciting product in the Marquee at the Toymaster Show.

As part of its ramped-up 2015 marketing initiative, GBG is delighted to announce its partnership with Jo Frost’s widely acclaimed Parenting Magazine, which supports a plan incorporating ing editorial content, advertising, newsletters, social media platforms and TV. GBG was chosen as the game company that most demonstrated the shared ethos and like-minded approach of Parenting Magazine, who love the GBG philosophy of “Play together, Learn together”.

Easter also saw BrainBox back on TV screens with a Toymaster mention in the end frame. A host of new titles in the best selling BrainBox range will be at the show, including Cities, Space, Mr Men & Little Miss and On the Farm, along with some exciting new BrainBox ranges for pre-school and travel.

GBG will be continuing with its show bundle offers exclusive to those Toymaster members placing orders at the show – so visit the stand or call for further details – you won’t want to miss out.

Big brand play

Sky’s the limit mit

MATTEL

01837 53315 www.brookite.com

01628 500000 www.mattel.com

French Restaurant

Mattel will unveil new and exciting launches, marketing communication plans and retailer opportunities at the Toymaster Show.

2015 is set to be a super year for Barbie. A full year’s activity will encourage girls to demonstrate their Super Style with creative hair-play and fashion products including the Barbie Rainbow Hair Doll. Its full steam ahead for Thomas & Friends in his 70th anniversary year with highly anticipated product launches including ‘rollers’ with the new My First Rail Rollers Spiral Station, while Remote Control Thomas remains popular in My First collection.

This autumn Fisher-Price launches its highly anticipated new Bing Bunny toy range bringing to life the lovable characters including interactive My Friend Bing.

BROOKITE

Brookite will be showcasing its extensive Marque range of e kites, from a small Zipaway to a large and powerful Cirrus us Kite.

The kite range has been enhanced with two Giant Kites - Sunbeam nbeam and Skyburst. Also new for 2015 15 is the exciting Parashoot, featuring ing a clever, new release mechanism. The pack contains a traditional kite and flying line plus a parachuter and release ease mechanism.

Masters of their craft KIDICRAFT

01282 500 899 www.kidicraft.com Now part of the Mattel family and endorsed by Fisher-Price, MEGA Brands offers a strong pre-school line now endorsed by Fisher-Price.

Firm favourites including the Big Building Bag and Build ’n Learn Table are complimented by the new Push ‘n Pull Block Picker.

Plus the new Thomas & Friends collection will introduce the Zooming Along at Brendam Docks playset featuring a buildable and motorized Thomas engine.

New additions to the Mega Brands range includes launches from SpongeBob, Minions and Terminator Genisys.

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This year has seen the launch of exciting ranges and many new products for Kidicraft. The Primo brand of Italian arts and crafts has been extremely well received by both retailers and consumers. The Fantasia set has been flagged as one of the company’s hero products as it opens up hours of creativity for any budding artist.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Games galore WINNING MOVES 0207 262 9696 www.winningmoves.co.uk

Carriag e Suite

Winning Moves will be showcasing a broad spectrum of products at the Toymaster Show this year. Leading the way for the Top Trumps portfolio is Minions Top Trumps. Featuring everyone’s favourite little yellow creatures, the pack focuses around the 30 best moments of the movie where players must compare Craziness, Bravery, Adventure and lots more. There will also be a Top Trumps Minions Movie Collector Tin later in the year, featuring a 30-card deck, all of which are stored in an instantly recognisable Minions themed tin design.

For those who love shopping, Top Trumps Shopkins are the hottest new super cute characters for kids to collect, inspired by items from aisles in the grocery store. Top Trumps Shopkins feature characters from all over Shopville and sees each one scored on Fun Factor, Cuteness, Shopularity, Hobby Factor and Top Trumps Rating.

The Bananagrams collection will also be represented with the new Bananagrams WildTiles.

The game includes six unique monkey WildTiles, putting an all-new spin on the original anagram game that drives players bananas! With Bananagrams WildTiles, players can pick up a WildTile and play it as any letter, as they race to complete their grids.

For pre-schoolers, Peppa Pig Guess Who will be showcased, proving that this popular license continues to do well for the company. Peppa Pig will also be launching the new Top Trumps Activity Tin, featuring five different games and eight double-sided picture card. The game format can help build children’s logic and observational skills.

A kid’s edition of the classic game, Dinosaurs Trivial Pursuit challenges children to answer a variety of multiple-choice questions around the topic of dinosaurs. Categories include habits, traits, discoveries and friends or foes.

The Waddingtons 3 in 1 Backgammon, Chess and Draughts set will be representing the more traditional side of the company’s board game collection. This premium bundle includes three classics: hand crafted wooden Chess, Draughts and Backgammon, made with the finest materials available.

Chess & Draughts can be played on the top of the open game board and Backgammon on the bottom for added play value. The bottom of the game board also acts as a storage compartment for all the solid wood playing pieces.

Individual Chess and Draughts sets are also available.

Last but not least, classic family game Dominoes and Solitaire are perfect choices for rainy day offerings, as well as being great games for families to take on holiday. Both games feature solid wood boards, with Solitaire also boasting 32 glass playing pieces.

The K’Nex big thing K’NEX 01189 497000 www.knex.co.uk At this year’s Toymaster Show, K’Nex will showcase K-Force, a range of buildable, customisable blasters. Brand new range K’Nex Beasts Alive is perfectly placed to tap into a huge consumer trend this year, incorporating dinosaur and dragon themed builds with motorised walking and wing movements. Coaster themed construction range, K’Nex Thrill Rides, gives builders the chance to recreate the fun of an amusement park at home.

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Show business HTI 01253 778888 www.htigroup.co.uk HTI will once again have a big presence at this year’s Toymaster show, with an excellent offer comprising a selection of toys across HTI’s licensed and inhouse developed brands as well as branded ranges available from HTI’s Global Partners distribution division including LEGO Storage, Fantasma Magic, Fashion Angels, Playskool stationery, Playdoh ‘Create n Store’ and Banbao construction range.

The firm will be showcasing three exciting lines that will be TV advertised for 2015. HTI’s Disney Frozen Colour Match Snowflake Bag is a pretty snowflake shaped bag can magically change colour to perfectly match over 100 different colours! The My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Style n Groom will also be making a colourful appearance. The full body, 3D sculpt of the popular character has a beautiful long mane of multi-coloured hair and comes with lots of styling and glam up accessories for the pony and girls themselves.

Also new is M&P Armadillo dolls pushchair for role-play fun pretending to be just like mummy. The distinctive design dolls pram is inspired by the real life nursery replica with a beautifully bold and striking Lemon Drop yellow colourway and matching shoulder bag.

There will also be a representation of the firm’s top selling toys across popular brands including Silver Cross and Mamas & Papas dolls prams and pushchairs, Peppa Pig role-play toys and dolls prams, Minions role-play character cases, Frozen wheeled, My Little Pony role-play toys, Hello Kitty glam-up, JCB vehicles and more.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

ne u J 23rd 15 20

GOLF £95 FOR THE DAY

CLASSIC 2008 - 2015

£95

A E R Y S 7 Goring & Streatley THE PACKAGE INCLUDES • Coffee and bacon rolls on arrival • 9 hole morning Texas Scramble from 9.30 • Lunch (ham, egg and chips) • 18 hole individual Stableford and team four ball, longest drive and nearest the pin • 3 Course Presentation Dinner Email: malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

FOR THE DAY

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

North Lounge

Little explorers LITTLE TIKES 0845 0533 333 www.littletikes.co.uk

Little Tikes will showcase a whole host of new launches for 2015 at the Toymaster Show. This autumn will see the launch of Lil’ Ocean Explorers from Little Tikes, a range of toys that encourage and celebrate active play, a new bath range called Sparkle Bay will launch, as will Tumble Train which will guarantee non-stop laughter, the Cook n’ Store Kitchen is also due to hit retail.

Pop by the stand to find out more.

Kitted out for fun Marq INTERPLAY

01628 488944 www.interplayuk.com

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FabLab, Interplay’s new range of activity kits, sets the benchmark for quality and play value. Check out FabLab Glitter Tattoos and Nail Art kits, both of which will feature in the Toymaster catalogue and be supported with summer and autumn TV advertising campaigns. Also featuring in the Toymaster catalogue is Fairy Garden, the hero line in Interplay’s Craft Box range. This kit is a firm favourite with customers thanks to spectacular sales and wonderful reviews. New to the Craft Box range this year is Fairy Charm Jewellery and Snowflake Jewellery, both of which offer great play value at appealing prices. Interplay’s evergreen brand, My Living World, has been strengthened with a unique offering, Instant Flower Press.

This kit allows flowers to be pressed, dried and ready to use in seconds. One of the highlights of Interplay’s portfolio is the award-winning myStyle Jewellery Brand.

New kits include the bang-on-trend Steampunk, Shamballa Rainbow and Surf Style Jewellery. Backed with comprehensive TV campaigns, this popular brand is set to have another successful year in 2015.

Coiledspring Games @coiledspring @coiledspringgames

New additions to bestselling ranges

Rory’s Story Cubes: New Mix Sets

Rory’s Story Cubes: New Batman cubes

New Sorgenfresser Juniors: Betti, Bill & Flint

New John Deere Puzzles

www.coiledspring.co.uk Call 020 3301 1160 for more information

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

All dolled up

Billiar Roomd

PETERKIN UK LTD 0116 254 3645 www.peterkin.co.uk Peterkin will be focusing on some of its key brands at Toymaster.

New dollsworld lines include Talking Tilly, an 18”, soft-bodied, talking doll. Another great new doll is Dolly Doctor. Peterkin will be launching a new range from Neat-Oh! at the show. The range includes licensed Star Wars, Hot Wheels and Barbie zip-up toy boxes, backpacks and playmates, as well as some eye-catching dinosaur lines and generic playmats. King Puzzles will feature on the stand, with a great range of adult and children’s Disney licensed and generic puzzles. There will also be some great new Liontouch and Motorzone products, plus Sea Monkeys.

New Products & Fantastic Show Deals!

Pulling the strings Drawi ng PUPPET COMPANY

01462 446040 www.thepuppetcompany.com

Room

At this year’s Toymaster Show The Puppet Company will be showcasing several completely new ranges. A new collection of large dog puppets has been designed with moving mouths. The company will also be showing the latest addition to its Large Birds and Sockette collections, which continue to sell strongly year on year. Following from the success of Wilberry Bunnies comes Wilberry Woodland Animals and Wilberry Wild Animals. Wilberry is The Puppet Company’s brand name for anything non-puppet, so these are beautiful soft toys in a display box of eight assorted.

New Hideaways and Puppet Dinosaurs collection are at an advanced stage of development.

The team has been working on both of these collections for the past six months and hopes to have final samples to show visitors at the show.

trade.bigjigstoys.co.uk bigjigstoysltd

MAY 2015

@bigjigstoys

bigjigstoys

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PREVIEW W

Figure it out SCHLEICH

As if by magic

01279 870000 www.schleich-s.co.uk

Carriag e Suite

Schleich provides the perfect portfolio of quality children’s figurines and will showcase the new autumn/winter catalogue lines together with retailer display options for its impressive licensed DC Comics figures and the everpopular Dinosaur collection.

For many, Harrogate in May is the first time to see the autumn additions to the different Schleich imaginative play worlds. Call by the stand in the Carriage Suite to see the range.

Licensed for fun

MARVIN’S MAGIC 01582 849 000 www.marvinsmagic.com Marvin’s Magic, the brand leader for magic worldwide, is sure to impress at the Toymaster Show with its new Marvin’s iMagic – interactive magic sets that combine traditional magic with digital fun.

Using augmented reality technology, video magic effects and classic interactive props, the next generation of illusionists will be wowing family and friends with a whole new world of magic tricks this Christmas.

Due for international launch in autumn 2015, Marvin’s iMagic products will appear to include magic X-ray machines that reveal hidden items, apps on a digital screen that once shaken, will physically appear in the magician’s hand and unbelievable card effects that will certainly bring classic magic into a new era.

All tricks are supported by simple, visual step-by-step instructions and include the all-important hidden secrets.

Be amazed; visit Marvin’s Magic at the Toymaster Show.

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UNDERGROUND TOYS 01708 372727 www.underground-toys.com

Underground Toys holds the rights to an impressive portfolio of brands including Star Wars, Doctor Who, Marvel, Sherlock, Ted2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, WWE, Peppa Pig, Ghostbusters, The Big Bang Theory and more. The firm will be exhibiting some classic and new products from existing ranges, as well as showcasing some brand new items for 2015.

New ranges will include Star Wars Talking Plush including fresh Roar & Rage Chewbacca and Lightsaber Battle Yoda feature plush with lights, sound and movement. The firm will be revealing Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron Talking Plush in a variety of character and sizes, while Sherlock gifting will include stickers, bottle openers, keychains and iPhone cases.

A vast array of product from the firm’s tie up with Funko will also be on show. The two firms partner development and distribution. on licensing, developme Properties of the hugely popular POP! Vinyl stylised collectable figures range from Adventure Time to Game of Thrones to Frozen, G Doctor Who to Marvel, WWE, D My Little Littl Pony to Star Wars.

Underground Toys Unde originally became wellorigin known for its talking know keychain products – keyc including the retro range inclu In Your Yo Pocket and preschool range of Pocket scho Pals. The firm has successfully expanded into succes Talking Plush arena and the Tal manufactures plush for Star manufa Doctor Who, Marvel, Wars, D Teenage Mutant Ninja Teenag Turtles and Ghostbusters Turtle markets across the for m world. wo

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World of discovery

Carriag e Suite

TRENDS UK 01295 768078 www.trendsuk.co.uk

e Marque

Peppa leads the way!

SIMBA SMOBY 01274 765030 www.simbasmoby.com/en Simba Smoby will be showing a wide selection of new ranges for the autumn at the Toymaster show this year, led by the stunning new Peppa Pig construction range. Well-priced and manufactured in the EU to the highest quality standards, Simba’s Peppa Pig building block sets feature iconic buildings and scenes from the world of Peppa Pig. With both the Peppa Pig licence and the construction category performing so well, this is a must have range for 2015.

Also brand new for Simba this year and on display at the Toymaster show will be Chocolate Picture Maker, Slime Baff and Gelli Baff. Simba’s SpongeBob and Steffi Love lines are also ones to watch.

Trends UK is delighted to Carriag e support the Suite Toymaster Show and will be showcasing feature plush from Disney Sheriff Callie’s Wild West and Just Play’s Puppy Surprise as well as cool science kits (pictured) from Discovery Channel and Trends UK Science Mad and other highlights from its 2015 ranges.

Trends UK is distributing a new toy range based on the Disney Junior hit TV show Sheriff Callie’s Wild West, in the UK & Ireland.

The new Disney Sheriff Callie’s Wild West toy range includes collectable soft plush toys and figure playsets, plus a dress-up outfit.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

www.westdesignproducts.com

b in wooden toys Possibly the best ((and an plasƟc)!

FoR CREATIVE MINDS We’re attending the Toymaster Show at The Ma jestic Hotel in Harrogate from 12th - 14th May. Come and say hello!

Come and see us at the Toymaster Show ϱ ŐƌĞĂƚ ĚĞĂůƐ ŽŶ ŽīĞƌ͊

sales@westdesignproducts.co.uk tel: 01303 297888

01604 774949 sales@john-crane.co.uk www.john-crane.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Carriage Suit

Think geek THAMES AND KOSMOS 01580 212000 www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

Licensed lovelies are go Billiard s MV SPORTS

01217488000 www.mvsports.co.uk

Room

Following a successful 2014, MV Sports continues to lead the market in licensed and own brand wheeled toys. This year MV’s portfolio of sector leading licenses is strengthened with the addition of several highly anticipated new properties. Disney Princess has continued to demonstrate itself as a staple license in the girls’ pre-school market. Growth continued last year proving that this range is still a firm favorite. The new range combines magical accessories and features with new regal colourways and graphics.

Dominant as ever are Peppa Pig and Thomas, leading the way in the pre-school market. Both continue to grow and this year had their ranges boosted with innovative products as well as tried and tested favourites.

For older boys, Batman and Star Wars are firm favorites. The Star Wars launch of Stormtrooper-inspired designs, including 16” bike and scooter, have received a strong response. With Episode VII being release at the end of the year, MV expect this licence to o continue to grow. Avengers: Age of Ultron is set to be the movie hit of the year and orders for the brand new striking triking range of helmets, skateboards, scooters and d bikes have been phenomenal.

The re-launch of another classic sic is Thunderbirds Are Go. Already a hit, much-loved character and vehicles have been introduced to a new generation.

MV is currently working king on a range of products including cluding a light up scooter! MV’s own ‘Grow & Go’ range is focused on a parent friendly combination nation of convertibility and re-configuration which allows each product to adapt to the child’ss needs as they grow in confidence. For older children, the Stunted range of extreme stunt scooters has been further enhanced with the XTS and XTC top spec pec scooters.

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Thames and Kosmos’ ever-expanding range now includes board games and pocket money kits, with additions to the already popular construction series and Geek range.

The pocket money kits consist of the Spark kits, which are one-time experiment kits that make great gifts and birthday presents. Topics covered in this series range from botany and geology to forensics.

The company’s ever-popular construction series has been bolstered with Remote Control Animals, Jumperbot and an updated Wind Power kit, while an entire new Nature Discovery range has been formed, consisting of Triops, a Stereo Microscope and a handheld telescope.

The biggest addition to the Thames and Kosmos range is the TK1 Telescope and Astronomy kit.

This freestanding telescope comes with a comprehensive astronomy book with tips on how to use the telescope.

Other new kits include additions to the Geek and Co range with Trick Stick and Geeker Speaker Lab, and the Little Lab series with Pirate Ship – Science on the High Seas!

Cuddle up

Drawing Room

POSH PAWS 01268 567317 www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk Posh Paws will showcase its newest plush lush brands at the Toymaster Show, with the latest stand tand out movie product, including Frozen Fever, Inside de Out, Star Wars, Cinderella and Marvel Avengers. s. Plus, the company will present brand n new product for licensed existing best selling licen nsed brands Doc n McStuffins, Palace Pets, Pets s, My Little Pooh, Pony, Winnie the Poo oh h, Mickey Paws and Minnie. Posh Paw ws also w has a new DreamWorks DreamWorks which plush collection, whi ic ch includes the most po popular p opular characters from tthe studio’s most successful blockbuster including movies inclu ding d Shrek, Madagascarr and Kung Fu Panda.

Pan nda. n And some off tthe beautiful company’s bea utiful u nursery ranges sw will show. also be on sho ow w.

There will also als so o be special discounts discou unts and show offer offfe er bundles available. avaiilable.

ttoysnplaythings.co.uk to oysnplayth hings.co.uk

1360mm

1740mm

Special Show deals on Usborne Children’s Books and Display Units Extra 5% discount on all orders placed at the Toymaster Show Full range of bestselling children’s books for all ages All stock available on sale-or-return

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5m

Visit the Usborne stand at the Toymaster Show on 12-14th May and talk to sales manager Boyd Denton

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www.usborne.com/uksales

mm

595

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0m

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m 0m 39

Luxury wooden ‘waterfall’ FSDU. Holds approximately 220 books.

Luxury, spinning wooden display unit.

Holds approximately 130 books.

Free with a minimum stock order of £1000 RRP

Free with a minimum stock order of £800 RRP

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Keep it creative WEST DESIGN 01303 297888 www.westdesignproducts.co.uk

Carriag

A toyrific range

Carriage Suite

WILTON BRADLEY 01803 835400 www.wiltonbradley.com

Toyrific, the toy and games brand brought to you by Wilton Bradley, is looking forward to showcasing a whole host of exciting new products at Toymaster 2015. For 2015, Toyrific will be showcasing the new autumn/winter range of toys. This new collection is brimming with exciting, new products with eye-catching designs and strong packaging, as well as plenty of proven evergreen lines. The company is particularly proud to introduce two new product ranges: JSF Drones & Xootz.

The JSF Drones range satisfies the fast growing market demand for affordable flying drones with a comprehensive offering that includes lines both with and without cameras and flashing lights. The new Xootz wheeled toy range includes kid’s scooters, skates, folding balance bikes and a substantial Go-Kart. Toyrific will also be pushing its core lines including Osprey skates, scooters and skateboards, as well as showcasing its new range of pool tables and ride-ons.

To book an appointment for Toymaster, contact the Wilton Bradley sales office, email sales@ wiltonbradley.co.uk

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West Design is a family-owned manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of art and craft, toys, education and stationery products throughout the UK and worldwide, and is bringing the best of its toy range to Toymaster.

West Design is the sole UK distributor for Faber-Castell Creativity For Kids (CFK) kits; Lego Stationery, including the new USB stick; Marabu Creative Colours, including Fashion Spray and Do-It-Spray; Fun Activity, a new range of craft products and furniture; and Glue Dots Adhesives.

New launches within the existing range of FaberCastell CFK kits will be showcased, including great value mini kits such as Sweet Fairies, Pirate Ship or Feather Trinket Box. Other brands include Micheal O’Mara Colouring Books and Duck Tape and West’s own-brand products for creative little fingers, such as Kids Craft Activity Kits, Westcraft Ready-Mixed Paint, Westfolio plastic folders and portfolios, and Stephens school supplies.

The countdown is on!

WOW TOYS 020 7471 0980 www.wowtoys.com

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Billiard s Room

This year at the Toymaster Show, WOW Toys will be in the Billiards Room and will be showcasing the brand new Countdown Calendars and Advent Calendars category. Also being showcased are the first ever toy filled WOW Reward Charts that have been exclusively designed for toddlers aged 1 to 5 years. Along with all the exciting newness, WOW also has some fantastic promotions for Toymaster members on its bestselling core lines.

WOW Countdown Calendars follow the same format as advents, but fit scenarios that are relevant in young children’s lives such as counting down to birthdays, starting pre-school, going on holiday or counting down to any special day. The Special Day Countdown Calendar is associated with any Special Day of the consumer’s choosing and can be marketed in-store accordingly. Countdown Calendars come with 10 high quality toys that make up a themed playset and are packaged in colourful and clearly explained sturdy box packaging of a size similar to a cereal packet.

WOW’s new toy filled Reward Charts are unique and have been receiving a lot of interest and attention from buyers around the world. The Reward Charts range consists of three themes; Racers, Fairies and Dinos and each set includes a beautifully illustrated magnetic chart, a magnetic tracker star and three themed reward toys.

The Reward Charts have been designed to encourage positive behaviour and are a perfect solution to help young children achieve their goals.

toysnplaythings.co.uk