Just Added at Toy Fair: How New Brands Can Succeed in a Shifting Retail Landscape

January 22, 2019 | Toy Fair New York attendees are in for an engaging and enlightening panel discussion that was recently added to the show’s expanded Creative Factor educational programming. “Retail Redux,” taking place on Sunday, February 17, at 2 p.m., will explore how new brands can succeed in a dramatically changing retail environment.

The session will be moderated by Toy Association president and CEO Steve Pasierb. Panelists include Nick Tarzia, owner of Stamford Toys, a specialty retailer in Stamford, CT; Ben Kaufman, CEO of CAMP, a new family experience store in Manhattan and Chief Commerce Office at BuzzFeed; and Kimberly Mosley, president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), who will share their experiences, wisdom, and strategies for thriving in today’s (and tomorrow’s) retail environment. Topics covered will include how specialty and mass retailers can both be pipelines for trends, the effect the direct-to-consumer movement is having on traditional retail, and how interactive experiences are paramount to retaining and growing your customer fan base.

“Despite recent reports of retail’s demise, these experts are here to tell you that retail is alive and well, and ever-evolving,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “That said, having a great idea for a toy or game is not enough to be successful today – knowing how to connect with your target customer base is crucial. This is a not-to-be-missed session for the inventor and designer community.”

To celebrate the 16^th anniversary of the Creative Factor educational series at Toy Fair and guided by a new Advisory Board, show organizers have enhanced the programming specifically tailored to the toy inventor, designer, and artist community. Toy Fair registrants are invited to participate in a full schedule of free pitch sessions, roundtables, presentations, workshops, and panels focused on helping the creative community succeed. Sessions will be held throughout the four days in the Creative Factor Theater (Hall 1D Lobby). In addition, toy manufacturers are invited to hear product pitches from select inventors and designers during The Toy Association’s inaugural “CF@TF Inventor Day,” taking place on Friday, February 15.

Toy Fair New York will take place February 16 to 19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. All Creative Factor educational programming and special events are included with registration credentials. Visit ToyFairNY.com or download the Toy Fair app to learn more about Creative Factor’s sessions and special events.