In This Issue

Spring Offers a Fresh Start for Toy Stores

By Julie L. Jones
April 2010

The toy industry may not break any big records for the decade in 2010 (see article), but things are definitely looking up this year, manufacturers and retailers expressed to TDmonthly Magazine. The first day of spring has hit, and with it, scores of new product on retailers’ shelves and hope for the year ahead.

RELOCATION REVIVES TOY & HOBBY SHOW

Though its proximity to Easter and spring break may have kept some shoppers away, the annual WTHRA trade show did impress attendees with a more modern venue this year accessible to good restaurants, hotels and tourist sites. Trading in Pomona for Long Beach, the California expo held March 27-30 saw more than a 20-percent increase in buyer attendance over 2009 for Day 1 of the show, according to Registration, and displayed nearly 500 lines among individual and rep booths. (read more)

More than 150 video demonstrations of toys and games (learn how to play them!) from the Western States Toy & Hobby Show are coming soon.

RETAILERS SHARE MERCHANDISING METHODS

Think you’ve got selling figured out? Thirty-eight specialty retailers across the United States shared their best merchandising advice, including removing best sellers from the spotlight, setting the mood with low lighting, and relegating no-sells to the cash wrap. See Retailing Tips: What Matters in Merchandising for more.

WOODEN WONDERS

Many of this month’s Staff Picks originated in the forest, with highlights including wooden blocks (but not your traditional wooden blocks), wooden people and a wooden baby gym. Take them in below, and see all 20+ of our specialty suggestions here.

Magnetic Wooden Blocks - Starter Set by TEGU INC.

This starter set of 26 Tegu blocks includes cubes, long planks and short planks in a natural finish. The blocks are made of European Beech and contain small, embedded magnets that allow the blocks to stick together and be fashioned in a variety of ways not possible with traditional blocks.
Awards: 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.
— In a February 2015 survey, Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly that puzzles from Melissa & Doug are her store's best-selling wooden toys. 3/12/2010 (MSRP: $50.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Modern Family by brinca dada LLC

This family set is designed for the Emerson House by brinca dada. The Modern Family is sleek, minimalist, and striking; the dolls' beauty is only matched by their equisite functionality. Not only are they posable and fully articulated, the dolls' biceps and calves flex realistically. The Modern Family turns playtime into an art. 3/2/2010 (Age: 3 to 8)