CLASS MASTER

After a triumphant post pandemic return in 2022, the Toymaster May Show is heading back to Harrogate from 16-18 May. With over 100 suppliers exhibiting and the majority of the buying group’s 136 members expected to attend, the event looks set for another stellar outing. PPS catches up with Toymaster’s development manager, Brian McLaughlin, to find out more.

The continued success of the Toymaster May Show – it consistently sells out by January each year – is down to a very simple formula, according to Brian McLaughlin, development manager at the buying group.

“We keep the format simple – a relaxed environment, stands accessible to all visitors and great entertainment in the evenings,” Brian explains to PPS. This year there are over 100 suppliers exhibiting including all of the major brands - some of which were not at London’s Toy Fair in January – along with many other suppliers, catering for a variety of different brands and product categories.

Toymaster has 136 members and 280 stores in total, and the group is expecting most of its members to attend. Brian continues: “The show is also open to any independent bricks and mortar retailer of toyswhether they are a member of Toymaster or not - and it looks like we will have over 100 independent retailers also attending.”

Meanwhile, the entertainment that Brian mentions will come in the form of an Irish-themed night on Tuesday 16 May, followed by the Toymaster Awards on Wednesday 17 May.

“The feedback we had from everyone who attended last year was that it was great to be back and they had all missed the show in the previous two years,” says Brian. “The atmosphere at the Toymaster show is different to other trade shows, and it is one everyone looks forward to each year.”

As well as viewing the latest products, the show also acts as a platform for members to chat, network and share experiences with each other, with the cost-ofliving crisis sure to be a topic of conversation high on the agenda.

“Managing costs is a huge challenge – energy costs have risen, staff costs are rising; these things all affect profit margins on an independent business,” says Brian. “Consumer spending seems to be holding up, despite the many news stories we read, however it all adds to some uncertainty.”

Just as retailers are adapting to the challenges in front of them, Toymaster itself is adapting to meet the changing needs of its membership, as Brian explains. “The key thing we have been doing in recent years is listening more, to understand their priorities and what they want from us. We have changed our member committee who are there to help drive our decisionmaking and ensure members’ viewpoints are involved in all our key decisions that affect them. We also now have a separate member committee for Ireland as we realise that they have a different competitive environment and priorities to mainland UK retailers.”

With the buying group approaching its 35th anniversary, it has certainly bore witness to some big changes during this time. “The make-up of the high street has changed radically; many major retailers have disappeared over the years, however independent stores have remained a constant on the high street and there are a few Toymaster members who have been

“ We keep the format simple – a relaxed environment, stands accessible to all visitors and great entertainment in the evenings. ” Brian

TOYMASTER: NEED TO KNOW

When and where: 16-18 May, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa.

Who: Over 100 suppliers are exhibiting including all of the major brands. When it comes to preschool, names to look out for include Bigjigs, Casdon, Clementoni, Galt, Golden Bear, Halilit, Hippychick, Juratoys, Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug, Playmobil, Rainbow Designs, TOMY and VTech to name just a few.

Website: Independent retailers who wish to attend the show can register at www.toymastermayshow. co.uk, where the full exhibitor list can also be found.

added a new way for consumers to shop, and means they have so much more information available to them before they make their purchases.” there right from the start,” Brian offers. “The biggest change has been the impact of online which has

For Brian and the Toymaster team, there is one key goal for the show. “Whether you are a supplier exhibiting or a retailer visiting, we hope every attendee achieves what they set out for and manages to have fun and catch up with friends, old and new, along the way,” Brian concludes.

A.B.Gee

570 444 | www.abgee.co.uk

A.B.Gee’s expansive range of pre-school toys welcomes new for spring 2023 including activity sets, puzzles, toys and music sets in the Tooky Toy range, which traditional toys with a modern twist - all made sustainable wood. can sow the seeds of learning with the brightly coloured Vegetable Garden in kids can plant the chunky vegetables harvest their own colourful 14-piece set includes five vegetables, caterpillar, two tools, can, two seed packets and labels.

new BBQ Grill will encourage develop their imagination creativity when playing and has opening hood and ‘ingredients’ creating tasty burgers and kebabs, plenty of tools and condiments, a fun and versatile play set children aged three and above. are also three new folding play Farm, Hospital and Fire Station - which all with six chunky standing figures that are perfect for little set their own scenes and tell their own stories. A carry handle means when the figures have been packed away, they can be transported for an on-the-go

Chunky puzzles are a great way to encourage hand eye coordination and A.B. Gee has added even more to The Farm, Pet and Marine scene puzzles are suitable for 12 months and above and each features seven brightly and easy to grasp pieces, which are both durable and visually stimulating.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm has added the new PAW Patrol Head Torch to its range as it continues its partnership with Nickelodeon. The Chase-shaped head torch comes with sound and light and has two angles for outdoor adventures and reading. The PAW Patrol Drawing Projector is pocketsized and easy-to-use with six changeable image caps featuring the PAW Patrol characters. Preschoolers can simply unfold and project images onto paper and create their masterpieces.

Tel: 01200 445113 www.brainstormltd.co.uk

Bigjigs Toys

Bigjigs Toys is a big believer in learning through play, and at this year’s Toymaster Show, the family-run brand will be launching a collection of toys designed to excite and engage little minds. Innovations at its stand will include a bunch of new sustainable wood and silicone toys, from a Rocking Avocado to a Shooting Star Shape Sorter - part of the brand’s award-winning Simply Scandi range. Bigjigs Toys will also be showcasing its new floor and lifecycle puzzles, with themes including recycling, fantasy, nursery rhymes and wildlife.

Tel: 01303 212691 www.bigjigstoys.co.uk

One For Fun

BB Junior has picked up many consumer awards in the last few years. The key lines for this year take this nursery range into the fast lane with the BB Junior first collection of both Bugatti and Lamborghini cars along with the BB Junior Lamborghini My First Carry Along Garage and the BB Junior Push n Glow F1 Car. Other additions include the Splash ‘n’ Play Light Up Sailboat and the Splash ‘n’ Play Music Tugboat. There will be plenty of exclusive deals for Toymaster members to be had and a low carriage paid amount of £250.

Tel: 0141 6132525 www.oneforfun.com

Imc Toys

The Cry Babies Loving Care dolls will be a key highlight on IMC’s stand at the Toymaster show. The range, suitable for children aged 18 months and upwards, transitions the brand from Tiny Cuddles to core Cry Babies dolls, and offers a choice of three characters: Coney, Hannah and Jenna. Each doll includes removeable pyjamas, matching dummy and personalised accessories, and as with all Cry Babies, the Loving Care dolls cry real tears that magically stop once their dummies are placed in their mouths.

Tel: 01904 720908 www.imctoys.com

Smiffys

Smiffys has launched a range of Gigantosaurus costumes available to pre-order now with stock landing later this year, including all the key colourful characters such as Rocky, Tiny and Bill. The range from the hit Netflix series is proving popular already with Dinosaurs remaining a key play category. The deluxe costumes feature plush character hoods and super soft, brightly coloured matching onesies.

Tel: 03303 338005 www.smiffys.com

NEPTUNE MULTI-PLAY

360º

Includes glider fortwochild

Folding frame for easy storage

SEESAW

Rotatable 360º direction Blow moulded seat ensures durability and comfort

Swing into summer at

FOLDING TODDLER SWING

SINGLE SWING

Flair

Big news for 2023 is Flair’s launch of Bildo Play-Doh Blocks. Delivering value for money and play value, PlayDoh Blocks combines the much-loved dough compound with hybrid building blocks, offering a creative, sensory play experience. The range will comprise eight SKUs, spanning entry point starter sets to larger playsets such as the School Play ‘n Learn Blocks Playset. Flair will support this innovative range with an impactful marketing campaign ensuring strong awareness and demand.

Tel: 0208 643 0320 www.flairgp.co.uk

Jazwares

Jazwares will showcase product launches from CoComelon and Spidey and his Amazing Friends. CoComelon joins the Squishmallows Squad, with CoComelon HugMees plush. My Friend Cody Doll, Peek a Boo JJ Doll and Dancing JJ Doll with light, sounds and three dance modes will also add to the fun. Further highlights to the range include new style figures, vehicles, playsets and bath toys.

Tel: 0203 5980270 www.jazwares.uk

Smart

New from SmartMax for 2023, comes two My First sets. The simple, yet effective design of the My First sets enable children of all ages to engage with the product and allows them to build their own unique constructions in a multitude of ways. With My First Pirates, littles ones can batten down the hatches for a pirate party, wobble on the deck of the pirate ship, or go on a treasure hunt on the desert island. The metal playbox doubles as a play area and can be used to store everything – so this playset is a handy travel case allowing little ones to enjoy magnetic play on the go.

Tel: 01903 885669 www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk

Geomag

Magicube Shape Blocks & Cards are made from 100% recycled plastic. The set includes ten magnetic blocks that connect on all sides without polarity, and six, double-sided, fun, activities cards for little learners to match the colours and shapes to the designs. Youngsters can really let imaginations run wild during freeform play. This is the ultimate educational building set and introduction to STEAM skills for toddlers.

Tel: 07577 371545 www.geomagworld.com

Halilit

Introducing Taf Toys’ Bunny School Match & Count, the perfect early learning toy for toddlers. This educational toy comes with 15 easy grip bunny pegs and a beautifully illustrated box, designed to help children develop fine motor skills, colour recognition and counting abilities as they practice attaching and sorting the bunny pegs by colour, number, and quantity. Suitable from 18 months this offers developmental opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers alike.

Tel: 01254 872454 www.halilit.co.uk

Mv Sports

MV Sports is a pioneer in wheeled and outdoor toys with a reputation for superior quality and design. The well-recognised Hedstrom range of swings, slides, wooden and multi-plays is continually innovated to ensure all gardens and families are catered for, with shelf friendly, modular colour box packaging for retail outlets. MV is proud to stock a large number of lines in its UK warehouse for direct distribution, including the versatile Neptune and Saturn combo sets, Wavy Slide, Single Swing, Folding Toddler Swing, and the new Triton (swing, goal and basketball combo) to name but a few.

Tel: 0121 7488000 www.mvsports.com

Epoch Making Toys

Sylvanian Families’ focus for 2023 is the extension to the already successful Amusement Park theme, which is very much focused on its extensive range of Babies, Twins and Triplets collectible figures taking ‘days out’ to the park and enjoying the rides. Many of its new and updated ‘out of box’ play patterns include the Babies characters to add more relevancy for children at the lower end of its key age range and allowing them to be more involved with the brand.

Tel: 0843 5574062 www.epochtoys.com

Casdon Toys

The Toymaster Show will provide an opportunity for independent retailers to view Casdon’s new role-play products for 2023. The main highlights for this year’s stand will be the brand-new child-sized versions of much-loved household products, including the De’Longhi Barista Coffee Machine, two new Joseph Joseph toys and the Casdon Ultimate Styling Case which is compatible with the bestselling Dyson Hair Styling Tools.

Tel: 01253 766411 www.casdon.com

Rainbow Designs

Many childhood favourites can be found on the Rainbow Designs stand at Toymaster this year. From Peter Rabbit, Paddington Bear, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, to Elmer, Spot and The Very Hungry Caterpillar; as well as the exciting new Animal Adventure range of Animal Soft Toys for babies and kids of all ages. Rainbow’s extensive range ensures there is a cuddly character, educational wooden toy, or funpacked playset for every child.

Tel: 01329 223700 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Kaloo

Kaloo’s ever-popular Tendresse Doll collection has expanded once more as Naomie is joining the playroom. Full of sunshine and ready for adventures, the stunning doll features in a blooming lovely yellow look, with delicate daisy embroidery. Ideal from birth and made from the softest materials, Naomie will be a familiar comfort to little ones as they grow, soon becoming the star of any imaginative play, whilst also looking right at home in a nursery from day one.

Tel: 0208 8782133 www.kaloo.com