NEW YORK -- March 15, 2005 -- Increased turnout made the 102nd American International TOY FAIR(R) a huge success, with buyer attendance up from last year by 16% (*see footnote). The global media presence continued to be strong as well, with over 1,000 members of the media reporting from 16 countries worldwide including England, Germany, Italy and Japan. The 2005 show was held February 20th-23rd at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The four-day event is the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere, and is the showcase for the newest toy trends for 2005, specifically the upcoming holiday season, which accounts for 65% of annual toy sales. In addition to the number of exhibitors at the Javits Center, other manufacturers showcased their latest innovations at showrooms at the International Toy Center (ITC) and other locations in the Toy District.
"We've seen an increase in both buyer attendance and trade guests, but also in the range of buyers attending from non-traditional outlets, including Club Med, L'Oreal Kids, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Pottery Barn Kids," said Thomas P. Conley, President, Toy Industry Association, which owns and operates TOY FAIR. "The scope of the industry is changing; however, from the strong numbers of attendees, we see that the show is still relevant in today's business world," Mr. Conley added.
A total of 1,318 exhibiting companies from 33 countries showcased their product at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, using all 333,000 net square feet of space. International pavilions representing countries including China, Hong Kong, Spain and Thailand and special product categories including the brand-new Sweet Spot for novelty and confections and Reading, Writing and Rhythm, a dedicated section for children's publishing and music, including musical instruments, added to the broad scope of the show and helped buyers in meeting their specific needs. In addition, 229 companies displayed their new product lines in showrooms in New York City's Toy District.
Hot Trends: Infant/Preschool and Learning Toys, Products to Keep Kids Active
With childhood obesity in the spotlight, it should come as no surprise that toy manufacturers are launching new products that focus on physical activity. New introductions were designed to keep kids active and entertained, whether they are playing indoors or outdoors.
Infant and Preschool and Learning Toys in general were growth categories in 2004, according to NPDFunworld. These categories are expected to continue their strong appeal in 2005, as leading manufacturers add new elements to existing lines, and new manufacturers enter this expanding field. In addition, licensed products should see a surge in sales, with multiple hot new movies slated for 2005, and a steady stream of entertainment properties suitable for kids.
About the American International TOY FAIR(R)
American International TOY FAIR(R) is the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere. More than 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from over 30 countries showcase their toy and entertainment products, from classic toys to interactive entertainment and everything in between. Products include: action figures and dolls, games and puzzles, bicycles, tricycles and ride-ons, radio-controlled vehicles, infant and preschool toys, cars, trucks and trains, puppets and plush, audio and video cassettes, computer software and video games, playground and sporting equipment, Halloween, Christmas, books, stationery, party supplies, and more.
The 2006 American International TOY FAIR will be held February 12th-15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. More information is available at the TIA website at www.toy-tia.org/AITF. TOY FAIR is open to the trade only. Consumers and those under the age of 18, including infants, are not admitted.
About TIA
TIA is the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for children and families. TIA also owns and operates American International TOY FAIR(R), a trade-only event, held each February at the Javits Convention Center and at showrooms in Manhattan's Toy District.
* -- Numbers reflect attendance at the Javits Center only, due to a change in the registration and security process at the International Toy Center.
