News

Winter 2016 Windy City Gift Show brings new product resources, expanded fair trade, handcrafted offerings to Midwest marketplace

Reinforcing its position as the premier product resource for the Midwest market, the January 30-February 2, 2016 Windy City Gift Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, attracted buyers from every state in the region, including increasing... more »

NRF forecasts retail sales to grow 3.1 percent in 2016

The National Retail Federation released its 2016 economic forecast, projecting retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) will grow 3.1 percent*, higher than the 10-year average of 2.7 percent. NRF also announced... more »

SmartLab Toys debuts four new games with a purpose

SmartLab Toys will branch out in 2016 to offer four exciting learning games — MISSION CRITICAL: MARS Cooperative Space Adventure Game, SNIFFER ACADEMY: Dog Detective Game, SPLICE: Strategic Sequencing Game, and BING BANG BOUNCE Action-Reaction... more »

New toy survey shows vast majority of parents think hands-on play is important

With more toys available than ever, parents face a challenge to make the right choices for their children. However, despite the many options, parents have a clear understanding of how they want their children to... more »

Aurora World announces 2016 introductions at Toy Fair

Aurora World is nosing ahead (with Gnomlins), making a splash (with Sea Sparkles and YooHoo sea life) and succeeding with flying colors (thanks to Candy Confettis and more) at the 2016 Toy Fair, taking place... more »

Toy Industry Foundation sets high goals for winter

The Toy Industry Foundation’s (TIF) Toy Bank will once again distribute to 35 military bases in the U.S. over the course of 2016. Its first stop, in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America... more »

SJT introduces new primitive wood fridge magnets

SJT Enterprises, a consumer products company that has been around for over 30 years, has come out with a new series of wood fridge magnets with the primitive look to them.Details:Wood magnets measure 2.5 by 3.5... more »

Aurora World launches new website

Aurora World, a global leader in plush toys and high-quality gift products, has relaunched its website. The long-established company’s objective is to enhance the quality of the online experience of its ever-evolving brand.More attractive and... more »

NY NOW and Apartment Therapy announce Best in Market Award winner

NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, in conjunction with Apartment Therapy — a digital resource that provides daily inspiration for decorating, DIY projects, renovating, de-cluttering and massaging interior spaces — announced the... more »

ASTRA announces keynote speakers for 2016 Marketplace & Academy

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced that stress management guru Colette Carlson and Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor will headline ASTRA’s 2016 Marketplace & Academy. This year’s event, the biggest annual gathering of... more »