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.

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Established in 1997, Nursery Today is the only UK trade publication published monthly and mailed as a printed magazine together with a digital edition online via the Nursery Today website (www.nurserytoday.co.uk) plus various social media platforms (LinkedIN/Instagram) to professionals working on all sides of the nursery business. With regular news, product features, profiles, retailer profiles, Trade Talk, exclusives and regular columnists, it is an essential read for anyone working within the nursery trade – be they retailer, supplier or anyone in between.

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Established in 1997, Nursery Today is the only UK trade publication published monthly and mailed as a printed magazine together with a digital edition online via the Nursery Today website (www.nurserytoday.co.uk) plus various social media platforms (LinkedIN/Instagram) to professionals working on all sides of the nursery business. With regular news, product features, profiles, retailer profiles, Trade Talk, exclusives and regular columnists, it is an essential read for anyone working within the nursery trade – be they retailer, supplier or anyone in between. Having worked with nursery manufacturers for many years, Nursery Today provides you with all the advice needed to increase sales of any nursery products to the UK market. Whether, you have one product or hundreds of ranges, there’s something to suit all.

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Penny Franks, as Editor, brings a wealth of experience drawn from over 25 years working within trade and consumer press. As a parent herself she understands the necessity for nursery products and naturally their relevant safety standards.
Penny has worked on Nursery Today as Editor for over 15 years and within this time has generated a great understanding and knowledge of the Nursery sector, working closely with both manufacturers, suppliers and nursery retailers. From this association, Penny has a superb understanding of not only what will become the next ‘must have’, consumer trends and current ‘hot sellers’, but also the relationships between nursery manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and the consumer.
Nursery Today

Nursery Today

Penny Franks

www.nurserytoday.co.uk
England

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