The latest issue also comes with our dedicated 40-page guide to travel systems and car seats retailing.
You may not think it by the recent weather, but we are now officially into spring and the first three months of the year are already behind us.
And what a three months they’ve been – a stellar sell out Toy Fair in London and a triumphant return for Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg; new product unveilings in the nursery space; team expansions and high profile appointments; 10th anniversary celebrations for Ickle Bubba and Cheeky Chompers; acquisitions; and further developments in the sustainability arena to name a few.
Continuing to focus on the positives, the Toymaster May Show (16-18 May) sold out in January, with over 100 suppliers set to exhibit their ranges at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa. Staying in the North Yorkshire town, Harrogate International Nursery Fair (15-17 October) is continuing to take shape, with four halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre already almost full with returning exhibitors and the organiser opening it up for all new exhibitor bookings and stand allocation.
Speaking to a range of executives for this issue, it seems they are approaching the remainder of the year with cautious optimism. It is often said that both the nursery and toy industries are recession proof – babies will continue to be born and parents/care givers will always buy their children toys – and, to a large degree, this is correct. However, consumers are certainly becoming savvier with their approach and, while they aren’t eliminating gifts completely, they are being more considered when making purchase decisions.
And, while the executives we spoke to believe there is always room in the market for new product, extended play value and innovation are more important than ever. Described as the “lifeblood” of the industry by one of our contributors, it’s vital to keep pushing new properties and new IP, but as the same exec pointed out, for them to break through it needs to follow a tried and tested play pattern and be something that is recognisable to both the retailer and the consumer but with a completely new twist/innovation.
Without being under any illusions on the fact that 2023 will be a challenging year for a number of reasons, it is also nice to hear some positivity and to focus on all the good that is out there, and the hard work that is being put in, as we head into the second quarter of the year.
Now we just need the sun to shine.
You can check out the full issue of Progressive Preschool March/April by clicking here.
In addition, after a successful debut last year, our Ultimate Guide to Travel Systems and Car Seat Retailing returns, with the product sectors looked at from a retailer, supplier and consumer perspective. We also speak to the BPA about the latest regulations that everyone in the industry needs to know about.
