Page 23 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine May-July 2019

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2019 TOYAWARD WINNERS
After whittling down the entrant pool from 433 exhibitors showcasing 838 innovations, to just 15 finalists, the panel of 16 experts judged the winners of these awards on Originality, Fun Factor, Accessibility of the Product Concept, Sales Potential at Retail, Workmanship, Quality and Safety.
BABY & INFANT (0-3 YEARS)
Magic Touch Piano by Hape International and Kids II
The Magic Touch Piano from Hape International and Kids II is a great way to introduce toddlers to the world of music. Made of high-quality wood, this piano features magic touch technology, meaning that the finger warmth of gentle touch is enough to generate music from the piano.
PRESCHOOL (3-6 YEARS)
bworld theme sets by Bruder Spielwaren
The worlds of the Bworld theme sets
by Bruder Spielwaren invite preschool children to take part in lengthy role-playing games, while at the same time introducing them to various kinds of jobs. Sturdy wall panels and true-to-life details represent, for example, a hospital or car repair shop.
SCHOOL KIDS (6-10 YEARS)
Magical Mermaid World by Playmobil
The Magical Mermaid World from Playmobil opens up a fabulous underwater world.
The enchanting details – such as an electric opening shell, exotic aquatic plants and imaginative carriages for the characters – come in delicate pastel colours.
TEENAGER & ADULTS
(10 YEARS AND OLDER)
kNOW! by Ravensburger Spieleverlag
Ravensburger Spieleverlag's quiz game kNOW! combines a board game with digital innovation. The incorporation of the free Google Assistant ensures that the game always has current questions along with the correct answers.
STARTUPS
Mabot by Shenzhen Bell Creative Science and Education
Simple and available in a handful of colours, the disassembled Mabot parts come neatly arranged in the box. Once assembled, by following or inventing instructions, the robot quickly reveals its limitless play options.
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“good.” According to information provided by Spielwarenmesse, the most important factor for those exhibiting at the show, was the ability to attract new customers and they viewed the show as an important marketing tool. 90 per cent of those exhibiting in 2019 have already signed on to exhibit again in 2020.
Improved hall structures, innovative products on show, informative seminars and a colourful extracurricular programme also helped those involved feel highly satisfied with the fair.
“I visit the Spielwarenmesse to see the top trends and innovations and develop new business ideas,” associate and co-founder of Ricochet Group Canada, Alexander Vincent, says.
“After visiting the Spielwarenmesse, you really know the direction in which to go with your company and range. The Spielwarenmesse is very cool.”
Spielwarenmesse returns in 2020 from 29 January to 02 February. ❉
MAY / JULY 2019 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER 23
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