Fall Toy Preview 2018 Promises to be a Game Changer
Retail Company Registration Up 23 Percent Over 2017
New York, NY | July 24, 2018 – In just the first month since attendee registration opened for Fall Toy Preview 2018, the industry’s premier fall marketplace for mass, long-lead, and specialty buyers has seen a 23 percent surge in registered retailers compared to the same period last year. Show organizers are optimistic that registration numbers will continue to rise as the October 2 to 4 show in Dallas, TX draws near.
“We are expecting Fall Toy Preview 2018 to be the most dynamic and energetic show in recent history, with a diverse array of large and small retailers looking to grab market share of toy sales lost by the closure of traditional toy outlets,” said Tim Knock, director of audience relations at The Toy Association, the organization that produces the show. “Retailers are seizing the opportunity to secure their piece of the toy business in their cities and communities. At Fall Toy Preview they will find the most comprehensive gathering of brands with ready-to-preview 2019 lines.”
Notably, 42 percent of this year’s registered retailers did not attend the 2017 event, and companies are sending more individual buyers to Dallas, with the number of retail representatives tracking 63 percent higher than this time last year.
Event organizers estimate that approximately 300 retail outlets will attend the show, an increase of 65 percent over last year. Organizers estimate more than 300 companies will exhibit at the show.
Amazon, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Barnes & Noble, BJ’s Wholesale, Burlington Stores, Canadian Tire, Cinemark, Family Dollar, GameStop, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, Hot Topic, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Michaels Stores, Office Depot, Party City, Ross Stores, Spencer’s, Staples, Target, TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods, Tuesday Morning, and Walmart are among the retailers that are sending buyers to Fall Toy Preview.
“The impressive list of major retailers who recognize the value of Fall Toy Preview and are committed to making it a part of their buying calendar validates that the deal-making done at the show is crucial for their business,” Knock said.
Fall Toy Preview will take place October 2 to 4 at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX.
To view the full list of participating buyers, and for information on registration, hotel reservations, and more, visit FallToyPreview.org.
ABOUT THE TOY ASSOCIATION www.ToyAssociation.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association, Inc. is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $107.5 billion, and its 950+ members drive the annual $27 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago; produces the world-renowned North American International Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview; and advocates on behalf of members around the world.