Summer 2014

A Toy Story By Haley Shapley

Toy Fair

The must-attend event on the annual toy-buying circuit, the American International Toy Fair is the largest toy and youth product marketplace in the Western Hemisphere, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibiting manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sales agents from around the globe to showcase their toy and entertainment products over four days.

“Walking the show floor feels a lot like Christmas morning,” says Marian Bossard, Toy Industry Association vice president of meetings and events. “Aisle after aisle is filled with eye-catching products. Whatever you’re looking for — whether it’s classic toys and games, construction toys, licensed merchandise, app-cessories, arts and crafts, hobby products, dolls and plush, even candy, stationery, and party items­­—can be found at Toy Fair.”
2014 was the first year for a free e-commerce tool called ShopToyFair365, which allows registered buyers to connect and conduct business online year-round with hundreds of Toy Fair exhibitors.

Toy Fair 2015 will take place February 14–17, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. More than 1,000 exhibitors are expected to attend, with about 250 exhibiting for the first time.

Haley Shapley

Haley Shapley is a Seattle-based freelance writer who 
specializes in retail, travel and health topics. Learn more at www.haleyshapley.com.