Between the cancellation of Toy Fair in 2022 and the new September 2023 dates, it has becoming increasingly clear TIA is directing their show toward the mass market and sending a clear message they don't really care about the specialty buyer, making Toy Fair far less special than it was before.

 

 I feel ASTRA took a positive step in reaching out to their members to get an indication of what works best from a cross- section of specialty retailers, independent reps and manufacturers. ASTRA president Sue Warfield took a very savvy approach to this, and appears as though she truly has the best interest of the specialty markets in mind.   

 

Although the world is certainly moving in a remote direction, I feel there is still no replacing the face to face, in-person connections that trade shows provide us. It's unlikely retailers and manufacturers will attend as many shows as in past years, and very likely we will become much more selective in what we do to attend than ever before, Still, It's a shame to see TA making that decision for us by taking steps that from my view, evidently support the mass.

 

To date, 2022 has already been a busy year on the road. From Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York, it appears these smaller regional shows will be becoming increasingly more significant part of our calendar. I'm particularly interested to see what ASTRA has planned, as I think a February replacement to Toy Fair will be paramount. For years many complained about traveling to New York in February. Terrible weather, travel issues and expensive hotels were just a tip of the iceberg (no pun intended) to the potential maladies associated with Toy Fair. I will certainly look on with interest to see what happens with February of 2023. (Possibly a warm weather option?). Regardless of what happens, it is my hope the voice of specialty retailer is considered now more than ever in regard to what works best for them. The real question is: Will anyone listen?

 

Cassidy Smith. President Uniche Collective.