Toy World caught up with indies ahead of the Toymaster show to discuss what makes it an unmissable event and how it can help with challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
With the Toymaster May show around the corner, Toy World has taken the opportunity to ask retailers what they’re most looking forward to when attending this event and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for them this year.
Alan Marquis of Wharf Post Office & Gift Store in Cornwall explained that there are many perks to attending the show, and he’s looking forward to new product launches, getting purchase data analysis, speaking to other members and sharing stories and successes. Alan said: “This is the perfect time to stock up on some amazing new products as we enter our busiest time of the year. July and August are our Christmas down here in Cornwall, and Toymaster gives us the perfect window of opportunity to get things right at the time that is best for us.”
Andrew Olley of City Cycle Centre in Ely, Cambridgeshire told Toy World that he enjoys both the venue in Harrogate and the show’s friendly atmosphere. But above everything else, he enjoys the fact that Toymaster is a proper Buying Show, and finds it an ideal time to set in place the ordering for the rest of the year. Andrew added: “The May Show is unmissable because, often, the year hinges on these few days.”
Carol Glennon of Fagan Toymaster in Mullingar, Co Westmeath shared that The May Show is crucial for meeting reps face to face and view what the different suppliers think are going to be the best toys to stock up for autumn/winter. Carol added that the show is also a great opportunity to meet companies that are new to dealing with Toymaster and see if they have anything that her store may have a gap for.
To read more about what these retailers had to say ahead of the Toymaster May show, click here for the full feature, which appeared in the May issue of Toy World.
You can also find our bumper Toymaster supplement here, to aid your preparations for the upcoming May Show in Harrogate.
