London’s Toy Fair takes place from 23-25 January and Rebecca Deeming from the British Toy & Hobby Association reveals exclusively to Nursery Online why the event is so important to industry professionals and which toy brands you can expect to see at the trade show.

What’s the importance of a trade event like Toy Fair for retailers?

“The fact that Toy Fair is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year is testament to the importance of this type of event for retailers. Toy Fair has become an essential tool in connecting industry professionals, fostering growth in the toy industry, and generating excitement around the innovations shaping the industry’s future. Toy Fair has seen many brands begin their journey and has helped introduce growing companies to the UK’s leading retailers. 

Over the course of three days Toy Fair brings together industry professionals from the toy, games, and hobby landscape, providing a platform for discovery, connection, and collaboration. With the participation of more than 260 exhibiting companies, including esteemed industry giants such as Spin Master Toys, TOMY, The LEGO Group, Character Options, Golden Bear Toys, Jazwares, Orchard Toys plus many more, retailers can discover thousands of brand new toys ranging from plush, board games, puzzles and construction toys, to tech toys, arts and crafts and outdoors toys.

It’s a convenient way for retailers to get hands on with the latest innovations, trends and emerging brands.” 

What can this year’s attendees expect?

“Toy Fair 2024 is shaping up to be another great event as we celebrate our 70th anniversary. There will be nostalgic moments woven throughout the show to pay tribute to 70 fantastic years. Lots of exhibiting companies have an array of exciting activities planned across the three days of the show, so visitors can expect a jam packed timetable of stand activations, celebrity appearances and more. 

Following feedback from exhibitors and visitors the Toy Fair team have made a small tweak to the show schedule. While Tuesday and Wednesday will continue with the usual timings and closing at 18:00, the show is set to trial an earlier close to the final day of the show on Thursday at 16:30. 

We are thrilled to have had such a high returnee rate of exhibitors with the space selling out even earlier this year. Returning exhibitors cover more than 90% of the floor space, and as a result we’ve extended the floorplan. The expansion means that we can also welcome many new exhibitors across the Grand and National Halls on both levels, but will also be venturing into the Upper West Hall where TOMY, The LEGO Group and Spin Master Toys can be found. With more exhibitors and more product showcases to uncover, the show has plenty for visitors to explore.”

https://www.toyfair.co.uk/