Page 26 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine May-July 2019

2019 TOY TRENDS REVEALED
At the 116th North American International Toy Fair, The Toy Association revealed the top six trends that are set to influence the toy aisle in 2019.
Executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association, Ken Seiter, said that the industry is bringing creative new products to the market, but also placing innovative twists on old classics.
“Parents and kids today are looking for toys and games that are fun, engaging, and keep them coming back for more, but that also enrich the play value to help build lifelong skills.
“The toy industry is doing an amazing job of providing innovation along with classic toys and games to deliver cutting-edge playthings to the toy aisle.
“The top trends...reflect a continued demand for toys that include a surprise element, toys that tap into nostalgia, playthings that encourage kids to try out different activities and explore new
worlds, and unique licensed-based toys that enhance developmental skills through play,” he said.
UNBOXING 2.0
In 2019, unboxing will be taken to a
new level, with added play patterns and surprise elements added to the unboxing experience. The unboxing simply isn’t just getting a toy out of its packaging; it now can involve compounds such as slime or putty which conceal the toy, added steps to get to the toy or unique packaging that becomes storage once the toy is unboxed.
COMPOUND CRAZY: DOUGH,
SLIME, SAND AND MORE
Compound Crazy recognises the popularity of sensory products such as slime, kinetic sand, dough and putty. Activities that include compounds help kids to tap into their creative side and allows them to familiarise themselves with different textures, while also helping them to practice thinking outside of
the box.
INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIRS
NEW YORK TOY FAIR 2019
to market expansion, attendees were able to broaden their understanding of the toy industry and gain insight into new ways of doing business in the global toy ecosystem.
“More than ever, Toy Fair New York
is a must-stop destination for global play professionals who consider it the place to find the most cutting-edge toys, games and youth entertainment products coming to market,” executive vice president of global market events at the Toy Association, Marian Bossard says.
“We are extremely proud of the platform we have built for buyers, sellers and in fact, the entire toy industry ecosystem, to come together, forge new connections, and learn actionable insights on how they can grow their businesses, both here in the US and across the world,” Bossard says.
“The toy industry is alive and well. We are excited to bring in the latest trends to inspire kids to learn and create. There was definitely excitement in the building,” merchandising manager from Joann Stores, Josh Belt, said.
The North American International Toy Fair will return in 2020, from 22 February to 25 February. ❉
26 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER MAY / JULY 2019