The association designed the FallToy Show to serve the needs of mass merchants who require about a 12-month lead to make buying decisions. That forced toy suppliers last year to have their product for the 2004 holiday season ready for display a full year in advance, which proved difficult for some.
"It was a struggle for some people last year, but it put them in a position they needed to be in," said Bossard. "People are more prepared this year, and that should make things much easier."
For the most part, the show will operate in the same way it did last year, with dozens of showrooms displaying product for the 2005 holiday season in the Toy Buildings at 1107 Broadway and 200 Fifth Avenue. But even though the showrooms will be more crowded this year, there will be fewer companies exhibiting.
"Attendance is skyrocketing, but we'll have only 149 showrooms compared to 176 last year," said Bossard. "That's because we had many companies that showed up last year hoping to get some walk-through business but it didn't turn out that way, since it was primarily an appointment-only show."
Bossard said the TIA expects the Fall Toy Show to remain a permanent fixture since it serves a real need in an industry that's changed over the years. "February just didn't work any more for our mass retailers because they need to do business on a different schedule," said Bossard. "But February works for everyone else, and we think it will still work for mass retailers too by allowing them to come to the show and look for new business opportunities."
The TIA is also moving ahead with its second annual Outdoor Toy Show in May but has a few changes planned. The event will take place May 17 to 18 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix and has been renamed the American International Outdoor Fun Showcase.
"The name Outdoor Fun Showcase more accurately reflects the true nature of this event, which is a preview not only for spring and summer toys but a wide range of outdoor products for the youth market," said Bossard.
The show, which also is designed for the long lead buying cycle of mass retailers, drew more than 70 retailers and 50 exhibitors May 4 to 5 in Phoenix, a turnout that encouraged the TIA to stage a second one next year.
The TIA's marquee event, the American International Toy Fair in February, also will undergo some changes. The 2005 show is scheduled for Feb. 20 to 23 and will feature two new exhibit areas "Reading, Writing & Rhythm" and "Sweet Spot. "The first will showcase books and audio products, and the latter will feature candy-related products.
TIA officials also moved the 2005 Toy Fair from early February to later in the month to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany. |
