Page 19 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine May-July 2019

In regards to the continuing trade war between the US and China, Gottlieb doesn't predict that finished toys will incur a tariff as this would be too devastating to the industry, as 86 per cent of the world's toys are made in China.
In order to maintain a stable and harmonious toy ecosystem, Gottlieb boiled it down to four factors.
First, Law: there must be protections in place for property, both physical and intellectual.
Next, Free Trade: there must be zero tariffs on toys, global safety protocols and access to all markets.
Portable Mini Studio, caught my eye. The mini-studio provides retailers and suppliers who have limited resources, the opportunity to take high-quality professional product shots to use
in catalogues and on websites. The photos come out crystal clear with no shadows. The photo booth can also be upgraded with a turntable, which allows the photographer to take a 360 degree product picture easily.
Meanwhile, the WeDraw STEAM device helps kids to learn English, Mathematics and Arts through drawing. Kids wave a card in front of the Minion-looking device to activate the arm. The
“The toy ecosystem depends on stability – consumers and the industry – don’t like confusion.”
arm then draws what is on the card and kids play games like guessing the name of the animal, counting how many ice-cream scoops there are and answering mathematics equations correctly.
Third, Stable Economies: low interest rates, steady stock markets and low inflation all contribute to a healthy toy industry.
Finally, Peace: In both the economy and military.
Rounding out his speech, Gottlieb suggested that we, as participants in the well-being of the toy industry, need to think globally, get educated, talk to one another, communicate with consumers and government, take unified positions on free trade and safety and push for a global conference on toys. Some food for thought.
Back in the halls, the DigPro iPhotoBox
Through the halls, its clear to see that musical instruments – especially pianos and piano mats
– have made their way back into the focus of suppliers, with many iterations of children's pianos cropping up throughout the fair. Food play is back on the menu, with kitchens, appliances and mini food items, abundant throughout the stands.
In terms of animal motifs, exotic birds, dinosaurs and out-of-the-box sea creatures seem to be what's coming in 2019.
The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 06 to 09 January 2020. ❉
Treated to a magic show in the Kidult World hall by magician, Ray Joël.
MAY / JULY 2019 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER 19