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Warm & Fuzzy

We contacted a selection of plush manufacturers to find out what trends they see emerging in this market. The diverse group we spoke with puts out a wide range of products at varying price points, but despite their great differences, they identified many of the same things with respect to what’s up and coming in the plush marketplace. Read on to learn what they had to say.
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Selling toys is no business for the insecure or wishy-washy. Store owners make hundreds of decisions every day – some big, some small, some barely significant. Their secret is staying focused. They don’t have time each day in the store to get distracted, look back or second-guess themselves.

It’s no different when they’re out of the store on business, especially when that business is Toy Fair in February or ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy in June. Attending these shows is a big investment for small independents, and their bottom line needs to see some payoff over the course of the year. It’s no surprise that many retailers go to trade shows with a clear idea of the things they need to accomplish, if not a specific list of objectives.

We asked a few ASTRA members what they plan to accomplish and how they focus their time at Toy Fair and Marketplace. For most, our informal research found that both shows are seen as essential, and aspects of product sourcing and relationship building with vendors are consistent priorities at both.
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Don’t get lost in the crowd, literally! Instead, refer to edplay’s comprehensive schedule to find out where you should be at any given time, including special events sponsored by three different toy industry associations. We don’t want you to miss a single celebration, presentation, networking
opportunity or shuttle bus. Our guide features dates, times and events, but for details like how to register for programs and a list of shuttle bus routes, visit www.toyfairny.com.

Toy Fair FYI

For the first time ever, the Engage! Expo (formerly “Virtual Worlds Expo”) will collocate with Toy Fair at the Javits Convention Center in New York. Held on February 16th and 17th and overlapping the last two days ofToy Fair, attendees are invited to roam the Engage! exhibit hall at no extra charge, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The two events are expected to draw more than 25,000 attendees and exhibitor personnel to New York City and the Javits Center.

For a complete Engage! Expo schedule including panel discussions, presentations and interviews, visit www.engageexpo.com.

ASTRA’s booth number is 6344 in the Specialty Aisle.

ASTRA’s headquarters hotel is the Park Central, 870 7th Avenue.

ASTRA will host its annual party at a new venue, The Rock Café at Rockefeller Plaza. “ASTRA’s Night in New York,” will highlight the 2009 Best Toys for Kids winners and kick off the 2010 campaign. Visit www.astratoy.org to register.

Private showroom space is located at the Javits Center. Other showroom locations are listed in the Toy Fair Show Directory, available on-site. Buyers should check with specific exhibitors in advance concerning showroom hours and admission policies. Read More

In the last issue, we asked readers if they are familiar with, and compliant with, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) rules. Many respondents reported that though security is important to them, they aren’t as familiar with what they must do to comply with PCI DSS as they would like. It’s no wonder – the standards are very difficult to figure out. For full results, read on.