Page 6 - Toy & Hobby Dec-Jan 2020

EDITORIAL
BY IMOGEN BAILEY
Let’s talk 2019
LET me say that I am in no way an expert when it comes to running a toy business.
Despite my job being to write about your toy businesses, when it comes to the day-to-day operations of your companies I still have much to learn.
So I was absolutely delighted when a reader came to me and flagged that I hadn't written anything about the introduction of Single Touch Payroll and the impacts this was having on the businesses I write about.
This system came into effect for small businesses on 01 July 2019, while larger businesses were already using the system.
Essentially, it's the government's way of "streamlining" the way businesses report payroll information and for some companies, required updates of payroll software.
Now I don't know about you, but software updates of any kind – in my experience – have always been met with hiccups and glitches and more often than not don't go smoothly.
For businesses of any kind this can result in
lost time, resources and money, but the effects are acutely felt by small businesses who are already stretched.
So that's why in this edition of Toy & Hobby Retailer I have brought in four toy business experts to delve into the opportunities, experiences, changes and challenges in their own businesses as well as the wider toy industry.
I've passed the mic to them to discuss the ins and outs of the industry and I hope that this information resonates with you and the experiences you've had in your business.
And just quickly while we're on the topic of it, please do not hesitate to get in touch with story ideas, news, feedback or information. This magazine is for you and I want it to best reflect the experiences you're having out there and I'm keen to learn more from you.
However, I don't expect to receive an influx of information any time soon, considering we are well into preparations for the Christmas trading season.
It feels like this year has flown by quicker than usual and I'm shocked to already be saying that it's Christmas time.
Looking back on the year, it's clear to see it has been yet another one full of interesting developments in the toy industry.
Off the top of my head 2019 has seen: the return of Toys R Us to Australia, the explosion of Bluey, Build-A-Bear go into administration and come out of it, the ATA appoint a new executive manager, Kidstuff and Toymate open a string of new stores, Lego certified stores open here and in NZ and Big W begin to close 30 of their stores.
We've still got Christmas to tackle and then the crazy toy fair period – I look forward to seeing you at one of the many I will be attending – all the while ensuring that we get a little break for ourselves!
To say the least, 2019 has been a cracker and I can't wait to see what's in store for 2020.
Cheers!
Imogen Bailey – Editor
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6 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020