FEEDBACK THE GREATEST SHOWS But were they? Each year there is plenty of debate about which trade shows retailers should visit – if they plan to visit any at all, that is. Now the dust has settled on both Nuremberg Toy Fair and the NEC’s Spring Fair, here’s the party trade’s verdict on the 2019 shows...
STUART WHEELER, account manager, Delights Direct “It is so important to meet new customers at the shows and after a few years at Nuremberg, you wonder if the opportunity to see new businesses will diminish. I’m delighted to say however, that we made contact with as many first time enquiries as before.” ANDY CRITCHLOW, international sales director, Carnival Toys “We attended both the Nuremberg Toy Fair (as we have done for over 25 years) and enjoyed our second year at Spring Fair. Comparing the two, we would have to say the more successful event for us was Nuremberg, where we saw many of our existing larger German and international customers, as well as some new faces. This was almost certainly helped by our larger stand and better position, which allowed us to preview most of our 400 or so novelties for the forthcoming season. We found attendance and visits to our stand at Spring Fair to be below expectatons, with the first day or so being actually very busy followed by a lull, then a better than expected finish. Most enquiries were from the independent trade. We will definitely return to Nuremberg next year, although we need to think about Spring Fair 2020.” Above: Carnival Toys showcased many of its new lines.
GEORGE MORGAN, design manager, Henbrandt “The shows are still important for us and we will continue to keep exhibiting at both Spring Fair and Nuremberg. They might not be what they used to, in terms of placing orders, but it is always good for us to keep showing our new items, meeting with our customers and to see the direction the market is heading in.”
20 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
20-21_Feedback_New.indd 20
FRAN HALES, marketing manager, Bristol Novelty “This is the Greatest Show – well it felt that way for Bristol Novelty. We had both an enjoyable and busy time at both Spring Fair and Nuremberg, the spotlight was firmly on us as we presented our new look and an abundance of new products. The shows enabled us to introduce the Bristol Novelty brand to new customers and our current customer base who may not have been aware of all we are doing. The two shows
allowed us to physically showcase all the new items we’ve been promoting in catalogues and on the website, from last year. For me personally it was a pleasure to meet industry colleagues and our fantastic customers and of course to enjoy the entertaining performances from the talented dancers who brought our costumes to life on the Party Stage at NEC each day – I was tempted to join them but managed to resist this year!” Above: Incredible life size statues from Star Wars, Marvel and DC were on display at Bristol Novelty’s stand.
NIKKI THOMPSON, sales and marketing manager, CTI Balloons “The show overall was a great success for us. It was very positive and it was definitely a good decision to attend this year. It is great to be able to see customers new and old and to catch up in a relaxed atmosphere. The star of the show for us was our new 31” bunny head balloon, it was so popular. And it is great to see all the amazing designs that people have created, they definitely bring our bunny to life! We will definitely be looking to come back next year as, for us, the Spring Fair is a perfect way to showcase our products. Catalogues will always be an important tool in this industry but there is no doubt that this is the best way to showcase our range and company.” Right: CTI Balloons’ bunny head was the star of the show.
MARCH/APRIL 2019
05/04/2019 10:58