News

25.01.2019 // Spielwarenmesse launches its 70th anniversary

With a new hall structure, an extended programme of talks and a big party

• Fit for the future: several product groups restructured
• Talks by experts: knowledge aimed at specific target groups
• First business, then pleasure: ToyFestival on the Thursday evening

Tradition and modernity have a special place at this year’s Spielwarenmesse. From 30 January to 3 February, the world’s leading trade fair for toys celebrates its 70th anniversary, and everyone in the industry is invited. Organiser, Spielwarenmesse eG, is paying tribute to the enduring loyalty of its participants – often spanning several decades – by staging the ToyFestival as a special highlight of the fair. At the same time, it is remaining closely tuned to the future: Buyers and independent retailers will benefit from modified product groups, informative special shows and plenty of expertise to help them in the daily running of their businesses.

The 170,000m² area of the exhibition centre, operated by Nürnberg Messe, will be filled with2,886 exhibitors from 68 countries, with the international share rising once again from 75% last year to 76% in 2019. The trends “Ready, Steady, Play!”, “The WOW Effect” and “Toys 4 Kidults” as well as the nominees and winners of the ToyAwards provide visitors with valuable guidance in their search for innovative products.

Changes to the halls

Perfectly timed to coincide with the anniversary event, the hosts are introducing several changes to the structure of the fair. Ernst Kick, CEO Spielwarenmesse eG, states: “We’re pushing on with our plan to equip the Spielwarenmesse for the future. We’re restructuring some of the product groups to reflect dynamic changes in the marketplace.”

The new product group Electronic Toys is taking root in Hall 4A, featuring robots, RC toys, virtual play and electronic educational toys. The foundation for this new product group was laid in 2017 by the Tech2Play activity area which will continue to attract huge interest at the centre of the hall.

The biggest move is taking place in Hall 7A where the product groups Model Railway and Model Construction are being merged. The international diversity of both industries, which appeal to identical target groups, has now been united under one roof to reflect the full spectrum of products.

The product group Festive Articles, Carnival and Fireworks is likewise benefitting from several new features in Hall 9. Ranking as the most important gathering for well-known suppliers and market leaders from this field, the Spielwarenmesse is responding by expanding this segment into part of Hall 8.

Special areas with added value

 “ShowTime, the new activity area covering more than 200m², offers genuine entertainment value and is the absolute highlight of this product group,” explains Florian Hess, Director Fair Management. The catwalk hosts daily fashion shows featuring the latest fancy-dress costumes and make-up tips. Visitors can also have fun with the magic photo mirror, creating memorable snapshots with decorative accessories supplied by exhibitors.

A different target group altogether is addressed by the special show Toys meet Books, which has been conceived for booksellers looking for interesting additional ranges. The area which was successfully launched in 2018 is located in a highly frequented location close to Entrance Mitte and has been extended to 200m². Toys meet Books not only presents relevant non-book items but also talks, best-practice examples and speed coaching with retail experts in German and English.

Let’s talk licensing

Trade buyers dealing in toys refresh their industry knowledge at the Toy Business Forum in Hall 3A. International experts give presentations on changing topics every day that are highly relevant to the practicalities of business: Trends and innovations, change management and the challenges of digitalisation are among the topics of interest.

The LicenseTalks are a completely new feature of the Toy Business Forum, with expert presentations taking place every morning from Wednesday to Friday. The exhibition centre provides a broad overview of international licensing themes and products, whilst licensors benefit from a wide variety of presentation opportunities.

At the LicensePreview, for example, major studios and agencies such as CPLG, Viacom/Nickelodeon and NBC Universal present their concepts to selected business contacts in an exclusive setting. The importance of licensing is underlined at the Spielwarenmesse by its long-term partnership with the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) and its stand in the foyer of Hall 12.0.

Innovative products and ideas

Trends and innovations are brought together in the TrendGallery in Hall 3A. The eleven-strong international TrendCommittee has identified three significant trends, that are presented here in conjunction with related products: “Ready, Steady, Play!” combines physical activity with heaps of fun, encouraging children to be more active. “The WOW Effect” is all about surprising toys whose true content or capabilities are not revealed until they are unpacked or discovered during play. The products that fall within the “Toys 4 Kidults” trend include collectibles and eye-catching products that also fascinate the adult world.

The TrendGallery likewise features the nominees and winners of the ToyAwards, which are presented in five categories: Baby & Infant (0-3 years), PreSchool (3-6 years), SchoolKids (6-10 years) and Teenagers & Adults (from 10 years). The Start-up Category is being introduced for the first time and is aimed at firms that have been trading for five years or less. This year, 433 companies (2018: 397) entered a total of 838 products (2018: 643). Christian Ulrich, Director Marketing, explains: “The jury judges the products in line with specific criteria such as originality and safety, as well as potential success at retail.” The winners are announced at the official Opening Ceremony on 29 January.

Anniversary celebrations

The corks will also be popping during the Spielwarenmesse. Visitors in need of a breather or wanting to take home a memorable snapshot of the 70th anniversary edition can enjoy a break at the selfie station with ball pit and deckchairs in the passageway between Halls 3A/4A. Visitors, exhibitors and media representatives are gathering for the ToyFestival on the evening of Thursday, 31 January 2019. The spectacular Hall 3C is poised to host a relaxed get-together with a live band and a light country spread. An anniversary of such proportion would not be the same without a spell-binding fireworks display on Saturday evening. The best views can be captured from the Exhibition Park.

CEO Ernst Kick is full of anticipation: “Our special events for the 70th Spielwarenmesse are our way of thanking all attendees for their loyalty over the years. At the same time, we’re keeping our eye firmly fixed on the future, ensuring that our quality event continues to reflect an industry with a bright and promising outlook.”

24.01.2019 // Toy Fair 2019's Greenhouse Area 'is selling out quicker than ever before'

Just eight per cent space remains for the zone dedicated to smaller companies and start-ups with still six months until the 2019 show.

Toy Fair has reaffirmed its commitment to emerging talent and innovation in the toy space as its popular Greenhouse Area nears maximum capacity. The start-up and smaller business-focused zone has seen vast up take for the 2019 event, with just eight per cent space now remaining six months out from next year’s show.

Over the years the Greenhouse Area has acted as a Launchpad for numerous toy and game companies and – due to its growing popularity – was extended by 80sqm last year to accommodate demand.

The zone will occupy the same amount of show space this year and according to the BTHA, the show’s organisers, is selling out quicker than ever before.

The Area will welcome back returnees such as Forever Collectibles, Alphabet Pie and Muro, as well as 17 new exhibitors including 3Style Scooters, Piqipi and Albion Hobbies.

Commenting on the company’s first time exhibiting in the Greenhouse at Toy Fair 2018, Nikki Garner from Jumini, said: "The atmosphere was fantastic – the whole place seemed to be buzzing. We had a very successful show and it was the perfect place to celebrate the launch of our Mr Men Little Miss range of wooden toys.

"We are a relatively young brand and our range is expanding all the time, so we need opportunities like these to showcase our toys to buyers who are receptive to something new, who are not afraid to move away from the big players – those are the buyers who make a beeline for the Greenhouse Area."

The Greenhouse Area has been billed by the BTHA as ‘a great stepping stone for those companies making the transition into the industry.’

17.01.2019 // 2019 toy trend: Toys 4 Kidults

Toys are just for children! Adults don’t have time to play! You’re not bringing that into my house! But is this really true? Just sit back and think about it for a moment. Do you perhaps have a stylish model car or plane on your desk? Or what about the slot car racing track you bring down from the attic every Christmas – is it really just for the kids even though they left home years ago? Have you never had a discussion with your partner about a limited-edition teddy and whether it should be given pride of place in your living room?

As you can see, it’s impossible to make sweeping generalisations. And we shouldn’t forget there’s still a child in all of us. No matter how young or old we are. Added to which, you now have the money to afford the things you would never have received from your parents. And the self-confidence to show off a limited-edition collectible on the shelf next to your illustrated books.

The "Toys 4 Kidults" trend targets anyone and everyone who wishes to keep their childhood memories alive, to "play away" the stresses of working life or to collect play-driven, design-led products. Many people will have very personal reasons for having a specific toy in their lives. What is just a toy for some may be a decorative or design feature for others, a collector’s piece or a dream come true.

 A splash of colour to brighten up a grey office and a welcome opportunity to switch off for a minute or two. The Cubicus from Naef Spiele by designer Peer Clahsen can be pieced together in any number of different ways. The various wooden parts precisely slot into and onto each other. Even seemingly weightless, delicate compositions can be created, catching the eye both in the office and in the home.

The Carrera DIGITAL 132 Set "DRM Retro Race" is loved both by men and women and always gets the heart racing. The set is a homage to legendary race cars of motor-sporting history. Three racing Bolides pull up to the start line of the eight-metre track and speed off into the distance.

Everyone should own a Funko POP!, whichever licence rocks their boat. Be it Spiderman, Batgirl, the heroes from Game of Thrones or a retro Mickey Mouse – there’s the right product for every taste, no matter how obscure. And wherever the Funko POPs! stand, they are always a decorative eye-catcher!

14.01.2019 // Kids India 2019 – accessing the Indian toy market

The demand for toys in India is huge and is kindling interest among international companies keen to tap into this market. Kids India, which opens its doors in Mumbai from 26 to 28 September 2019, is an important industry platform that paves the way for new opportunities. Besides many business and networking features, the fair provides several special areas, focusing on industry-specific topics and toy trends. The Creative Arena represents a new addition to the offering. With registration for exhibitors now open, companies from outside India can also choose to appear at the international pavilion.

Targeted trade fair

Kids India is India’s biggest B2B fair for toys, children’s products and sports goods. It is organised by Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary wholly owned by Spielwarenmesse eG. Since 2013, the trade fair has reflected the expansion of the toy sector in India, creating opportunities for both the domestic and international toy industry.

Major factors fuelling growth include the country’s spreading middle class and the greater appreciation of the role toys play in child development. International companies are very much aware of these aspects, as Katharina Janotta, Managing Director of Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd., explains: “The increasing demand for quality products among Indian parents and new government regulations on toy standards are bringing a boost to the quality of Indian manufacturing. The availability of a varied number of options in supply and quantity has made this market attractive worldwide. Kids India 2018 drew exhibitors and visitors from 31 countries. We expect the numbers to only go up for the 7th edition.”

Various ways to exhibit

The organisers of Kids India are constantly enhancing the concept behind the trade fair. From 2019 and as part of Spielwarenmesse eG’s World of Toys Programme, Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd. is offering customised options for foreign companies wanting to exhibit at the fair. The World of Toys Pavilion helps companies break into the Indian toy market.

The various special areas at the fair enable exhibitors to show their products according to their target groups. The established special areas TrendingNow, Back to School and the Sports Arena are being joined this year by the new Creative Arena. This activity area is dedicated to products that are in high demand in India and focus on play-related activities that tap into a child’s creativity and imagination. The TrendingNow Pavilion not only features India’s on-trend products of the year but also the international Spielwarenmesse trends for 2019.

04.01.2019 // Toy manufacturing trends

CHINA STILL REIGNS – BUT THE SITUATION IS CHANGING

China is still the primary source of toy manufacturing globally, and has a vast array of manufacturing capacity, supply chain, experience and knowledge combine with generally reliable delivery to acceptable standards.

Things are changing in terms of toy manufacturing though. China itself (as a state) is less interested in low end manufacturing versus the past, with the future looking more like technology driven manufacturing and easily automated toy production versus the original low labour cost driving toy production.

China has taken huge steps to reduce pollution following dreadful air quality issues in major settlements in China. China as a centrally planned/controlled state can do things other countries can’t. Huge forests have been planted to swallow up fumes and add clean oxygen back into the atmosphere – in fact in 2018 China is set to plant enough new forest area to cover the entire island of Ireland, with 60,000 soldiers assigned to the task. Toy companies sourcing from China have also seen cost increases in cardboard packaging over the past few years as China has cleaned up paper mills and sourcing.

According to the research on the topic of toy manufacturing, it looks like China currently manufactures in the region of $35billion of toys each year. Our estimates are that China will lose around half of that manufacturing over the next 10 years. Which has two clear implications – firstly, China is not disappearing from toy production, they will continue to be a strong element of toy manufacturing for the next decade or two at least. The other clear implication though is that half of current production will need to find another home.

The push towards manufacturing more toys outside of China has accelerated somewhat during 2018 due to ongoing cost inflation pressures, the need to drive cost savings following the implosion of Toys R Us and fears that Donald Trump would apply tariffs to Chinese manufactured toys.

ALTERNATIVE TOY MANUFACTURING HUBS

Among the options outside of China, there are some obvious long-term winners. Over the course of the last 12 months, India’s toy manufacturing has grown further as Hasbro and others have increased their number of vendors in India. Clearly like with any new thing, Indian toy manufacturing is in a learning curve and toy companies need to be able to deal with a different culture and a different style of communication.

Vietnam is another credible and growing toy manufacturing hub. Most capacity in Thailand comes via Thai subsidiaries of Chinese manufacturing groups, and clearly as the pressure grows on the business in China we can expect expansion further into Vietnam. Conversations with people in the know do though suggest that Vietnam will have somewhat limited scope due to infrastructure restrictions and other local issues.

‘Other Asia’ will also be a growing opportunity, with Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines each having some very good factories.

The other major trend is ‘near shoring’. As the cost advantage of China disappears into the past, and as the political climate in major markets such as the USA turns inwards versus outwards, there is a definite trend for near shoring. Manufacturing is brought back to the home market or nearer manufacturing hubs. Eastern Europe is a growing hub for European toy companies. The labour rates are now often significantly below China, while being much closer to home reduces shipping times and demand responsiveness during critical peak periods.

In summary – the long-established status quo in toy manufacturing is changing rapidly. China remains the primary source of toy manufacturing, but that is ebbing away to alternative hubs to some degree. The ‘easy’ option remains China, but manufacturing and shipping cost savings combined with quicker re-supply times are rapidly changing things.

28.12.2018 // Happy New Year 2019!!!

21.12.2018 // Invitation to Spielwarenmesse 2019

Сompany "Ranok-Creative" is announcing that upcoming Spielwarenmesse 2019 will take place in Nurnberg from January, 30 till February, 3.

We are pleased to inform you that we are among the exhibitors and would like to invite you to visit our stand E-24 in Hall 10.0.

14.12.2018 // UK: Consumers rallying behind small businesses for final stretch before Christmas

Over half of shoppers will support SMEs as festive period approaches

 Figures released show over half of consumers are planning to support small businesses in the final run up to Christmas. The study from Paymentsense shows that more than 28% plan to shop in small businesses regardless of location, and over 23% will do so locally.

Over a third (35%) of consumers said they are supporting local retailers, coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses over the Christmas period because they’re concerned about the decline of the high street – showing that national and regional campaigns promoting local businesses are starting to have an influence.

Others believe that small businesses are an important part of the community (31%), while over a quarter said they support their local businesses all year round – not just at Christmas. Nearly a fifth of respondents said they knew many of their local business owners and wanted to support them during important trading times.

From a regional perspective, 58% of those in Bristol and 56% of Londoners indicated they will supporting small businesses over Christmas, locally or otherwise. Almost half (49%) of respondents from Manchester fell into this category, while slightly fewer people from Birmingham said they would shop at SMEs over the festive period (31%).

The research also found that those with higher incomes are more likely to support small businesses in the run up to Christmas. Over seven in 10 respondents earning over £75K annually said they would, compared with 5 in 10 for those earning £35-49K, and four in 10 for those with incomes of under £15K.

Consumers are less concerned by slower service or higher prices when they shop locally. The study found that one in four (38%) overlook these issues if the business is near their home.

10.12.2018 // Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2018 finalists revealed

The winners of the Toy Retailer Awards will be announced at the annual Toy Industry Awards held at Olympia, London on Tuesday, January 22nd 2019. 

The British Toy and Hobby Association has revealed the finalists for the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2018.

The list of finalists was decided upon by a panel of judges from across the industry at a roundtable session held at the BTHA offices this week.

Nominations were invited from BTHA members’ sales directors, toy agents and national account directors as well as toy retailers. Shortlisting was conducted by a panel of 15 people from across the industry, members of the BTHA Council, toy agents, sales and national account directors from around the UK and representatives from the toy trade magazines.

The winners of the Toy Retailer Awards will be announced at the annual Toy Industry Awards held at Olympia, London on Tuesday, January 22nd 2019. The gala event is organised by the BTHA with the Toy Retailers Association who will also present the Toy and Supplier Awards 2018 on the same evening.

06.12.2018 // Saint Nicholas Day

Before there was Santa Claus, there was Saint Nicholas, known traditionally as the "bearer of gifts". On December 6th many Europeans still celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, and many Christmas traditions were originally a part of this holiday. To find out more about Saint Nicholas Day, read on!

Who is Saint Nicholas?

We may think of Saint Nick, Father Christmas or Santa Claus as being a mythical person, but Saint Nicholas was a real 4th Century Greek Saint who was admired for being kind and helping those in need. He was renowned for secretly giving gifts and placing coins in the shoes of the needy. In one story Saint Nicholas helped a man who had three daughters who couldn’t marry by throwing bags of money in their house when they came of age, but being very modest he did it in the night so the man would thank God instead. He is the patron saint of children, unmarried girls, and sailors.

Where in the World?

The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day is still observed all across Europe, from France to Bulgaria. Each country has its own legends of the saint, and some have different ways of celebrating. Europeans aren’t the only ones who get to have a big feast for the "bearer of gifts"; even in North America cities that have large populations of German descent celebrate the day.

Traditions

Many traditions from Saint Nicholas Day may seem familiar to Christmas celebrations. Here are a few!

- Children receive gifts in their shoes, like coins and apples (this is where the Christmas stocking comes from!)

- There is a large meal with family and friends to celebrate

- In some families dad will dress up as Saint Nick on the eve before the special day (in the folklore Saint Nicholas would arrive with his companion Black Peter, who dealt with bad children while St. Nick rewarded the good!)