The Toy Association’s Fall Toy Preview has seen a 23 percent surge in registered retailers compared to the same period last year.
The show organizers are now optimistic that registration numbers will continue to rise as the Oct. 2-4 show in Dallas draws closer.
Forty-two percent of those now registered did not attend the 2017 event while numbers of individual buyers and retail reps is tracking 63 percent up on last year.
The Toy Association has labeled the 2018 event a “game changer,” while Tim Knock, director of audience relations at the organization, predicted “it will be the most dynamic and energetic show in recent history.”
He has championed the efforts of an “array of large and small retailers looking to grab market share of toy sales lost by the closure of traditional toy outlets.”
“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.”
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Event organizers estimate that approximately 300 retail outlets will attend the show, an increase of 65 percent over last year.
Among those already registered include Amazon, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Barnes & Noble, BJ’s Wholesale, Walmart, Target and GameStop.
“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,” said Knock.
