A successful Spielwarenmesse encourages the toy business

 

There were great expectations for the 2023 edition of the Spielwarenmesse, the largest and most representative toy fair in the world, after a gap of three long years when the event was cancelled due to the pandemic, and they were met, or even exceeded: although 700 exhibitors were missing as compared with the 2019 show – 2,100 companies from 69 countries participated this year – and visitors dropped by 8% to 58,000 from 128 countries, the German toy exhibition, held for the 72nd time in Nuremberg (February 1-6), was considered a real success by anybody concerned. It is obvious that the war in Ukraine and the compulsory visa for Chinese visitors kept both exhibitors and visitors from several territories away. On the other hand, attendance from the US toy market was higher than ever, growing by almost 10%. Since most international toy markets registered turnover decreases in 2022, the positive feeling that was manifest in the Nuremberg fair halls pointed to better results in 2023.

All the leading companies in the international toy business were present. New products and concepts abounded. A significant shift toward sustainability was on the forefront everywhere. The Toys Go Green area enjoyed great acceptance with its presentation of the sustainability theme in four sections. There was strong focus on one of the three trends selected by the Spielwarenmesse together with the international TrendCommittee, namely Meta Toys, which opens new technological horizons for the toy business. The other trends were Discovery and Brands for Fans.

The usual itinerary through the halls underwent some changes as a few major companies were moved to different locations but those exhibitors eventually expressed satisfaction with the new placement. A survey revealed that 95% of exhibitors rated participation in the event as important or very important, and 92% declared themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the way it went. Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG, announced that 83% of the exhibitors were already making plans to take part again.

On January 31st, during the Spielwarenmesse Press Preview, six products received the coveted Toy Award: among them, there were EverEarth 7 in 1 Space Activity Cube by Ever Earth Europe (Baby & Infant Category, 0-3 years) and Yummy Bear Scale by Topbright (Preschool Category, 3-6 years). Paw Patrol AR Tattoo & Stickers by Holo Toyz was awarded a Toy Award for the Startup Category. Among the Soft Toys, Wooden Toys and Educational Toys areas, we met a broad selection of products relating to babies and infants. We noticed Montessori-inspired articles for the children’s room, extended employment of eco-friendly materials, wooden outdoor play equipment. Baby and infant toys were exhibited in several other halls of the Spielwarenmesse.

The next Spielwarenmesse’s dates will be announced within the end of February.

 settings.

Click Here

Hybrid concept for next Kids’ Time

by | Sep 17, 2021 | Articles

The 12th edition of Kids’ Time will take place in Kielce, Poland from 28 to 30 September 2021.

The 12th edition of Kids’ Time will open its doors from 28 to 30 September 2021. “Kids’ Time Digital” complements the physical format.

The trade fair for children’s and nursery products, which is one of the most important events in the industry, will showcase strollers, car seats, toys, clothing, furniture, textiles and accessories for mother and child. Strategic partner of the platform is Poland’s industry market leader Marko.

The last edition of Kids’ Time was attended by 539 exhibitors, including 72 foreign companies from 20 countries. In 2020, around 8,000 trade visitors from 50 countries wended their way to the exhibition halls of trade fair organiser Targi Kielce.

This year, the three-day event will again be accompanied by a supporting programme of seminars, training courses and specialist talks. One of the highlights will be the presentation of the “Kids’ Time Star Award” for the most innovative products. Targi Kielce has a sophisticated hygiene concept and has also installed eight multifunctional booths, which are equipped with their own temperature control system and automatic disinfection.

“Kids’ Time Digital”, the digital presentation and networking platform, is available to exhibitors and visitors from September 13 until the end of October and is designed as a complement to the physical fair.