SPRING FAIR 2020 79
2 – 6 February 2020, Birmingham NEC www.springfair.com
Spring Fair Focus Tell us a little about Spring Fair 2020 and why it will be useful for preschool retailers? “With the new re-edited and revamped Play & Tech sector, Spring Fair 2020 remains the most important marketplace for finding the preschool products and insights that will drive sales and profits throughout 2020 and beyond. Within hall 5, we will have dedicated areas for exhibitors of nursery-age toys and giftable toys where visitors will be able to speak to potential suppliers about the most engaging and exciting toys for the year ahead.” How important is the preschool market to Spring Fair? “We know that there can be a fine balance between toys which will stimulate imaginations and those that are purely educational. For retailers, finding those toys that occupy that sweet spot is crucial. Throughout the Play & Tech sector, visitors will find products that reflect this demand, with exhibitors like Smart Toys and Games, Skiphop, Berg toys and Creativ Company showcasing the newest offerings in this space.”
Are there any new toy or nursery names making an appearance this year? “There are plenty of new names to be excited about! In children’s clothing we have Blade and Rose with a collection that features a selection of truly unique trademarked designs for toddlers. We’ll also be welcoming Jiminy for the first time – started by two mums, the business is now Ireland’s biggest eco-conscious distributor of kids’ crafts. We also have really interesting new products from Innov8 Academy, including the company’s Bye Bye
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Above: New lines in toys, gifts and children’s apparel will be a focus of hall 5. Right: Yvette Marshall, play and tech sector head at Spring and Autumn Fair.
Blankie, which shrinks as its owner grows. There will be more to announce in the coming weeks and months too, so watch this space.”
Are there any big names or key launches that preschool retailers should make sure they have added to their show schedules? “Many of our leading exhibitors will be bringing new ranges to the show. Expect new products from visitor favourites such as TY UK, Hornby and Keel Toys. We’ll even have the latest in educational play from Zhejiang Beima education as it launches its new ‘Thinkertoy’.”
Below: Soft toys are a popular choice as they sit firmly in both the gift and toy categories.
With suppliers and retailers already looking forward to next year’s event, we spoke to Yvette Marshall, play and tech sector head at Spring and Autumn Fair to find out more about what’s in store for visitors to the 2020 show. What else is in store for preschool retailers making the journey to the NEC next year? “The show will continue to help businesses that are keen to drive more sustainable changes. We’re encouraging buyers to think about not only the price and quality of a product but of its environmental impact also. As part of the speaker programme, toy buyers will be treated to insights on the new trends in children’s play with a talk from Consumer Fluent’s global insights director, Ruth Clement, who will help buyers to fully appreciate the importance of licensed products and understand why nostalgia remains an important aspect of consumer purchasing decisions.”
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03/12/2019 18:44