Kathleen McHugh Named "Global Toy News Person of the Year"

Global Toy News Honors ASTRA's President, Citing Significant Contributions to the Toy Industry

PRESS RELEASE

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced today that its president, Kathleen McHugh, has been named the Global Toy News Person of the Year. The honor recognizes McHugh’s role in nearly quadrupling ASTRA’s membership over the past decade and growing consumer-targeted marketing initiatives that support sales at locally-owned, independent toy stores.

“Kathleen McHugh has made significant contributions to the toy industry by keeping a laser focus on the business needs of independent toy retailers, specialty toy manufacturers and sales reps,” noted Richard Gottlieb, CEO of Global Toy Experts and Editor of Global Toy News. “Kathleen’s collaborative style and keen eye for the ultimate goal have provided the toy industry with a vital organization that creates revenue for companies, jobs for employees and unique toys for children of all ages.”

Among the successful initiatives spearheaded by McHugh during her tenure at ASTRA are:

·    Growth of ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy, its annual convention, which has seen attendance increase by 15% to 20% a year over the past five years—even in the midst of an economic recession. Marketplace & Academy is now the largest specialty toy trade show and retail education training event in the industry.

·    Creation of consumer outreach programs that retailers can tailor to their markets, including ASTRA’s annual Best Toys for Kids awards program, its pre-holiday Neighborhood Toy Store Day event, and its ongoing Discover the WooHoo Factor! consumer marketing initiative, which is anchored by ASTRA’s yourneighborhoodtoystore.org website. All of these programs promote the advantages of specialty toys and of shopping locally, and they use both traditional and social media to reach millions of consumers each year.

About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
With more than 1400 members, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children’s products arenas. ASTRA and its member companies promote the growth of the toy industry by delivering products that serve children’s best interests. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.   Because Community Matters, ASTRA members thank you for shopping locally.
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About Global Toy Experts
Global Toy Experts is a world-renowned consultancy and resource for toy industry insight and information led by well-known industry leader, Richard Gottlieb. Experts provide cutting-edge analysis and strategies to domestic toy manufacturers as well as those international providers who are looking to raise their profile in the United States.

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