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An annual by-appointment-only event held at the Dallas Market Centre, Fall Toy Preview provides a unique opportunity for toy manufacturers to gather under one roof to privately show their newest product lines to long-lead buyers on a complementary timetable from 12-15 months in advance of in-store delivery. “Buyers and trade guests from 40 countries are here at the show ready to do business, including 31 of the Top 250 Global Powers of Retailing,” said Joan Wyche, TIA director of buyer relations and attendee services. The top five countries/international cities represented at Fall Toy Preview (based on number of attendees) are Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Mexico and Hong Kong. Among the retail establishments pre-registered for Fall Toy Preview are powerhouses such as Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Sears, Costco and Target. A broad range of market segments are represented by the retailers, including electronics (RadioShack, Game Stop), fashion and apparel (Ross Stores, Hot Topic, Burlington Coat Factory), wholesale clubs (BJ's, Sam’s Club), drug stores (CVS, Walgreens), department stores (JC Penney, Kohl's, Sears), book stores (Barnes & Noble), home stores (Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, Pier 1), military exchanges (AAFES), and more. International retailers such as the Hudson Bay Co. El Puerto de Liverpool S.A.B are also expected. Just over 280 toy companies have exhibit space at the event, including Big Time Toys, Cardinal Industries, Funrise, Leapfrog, Melissa and Doug, Playmobil and Silverlit alongside first-time FTP exhibitors such as Asmodee, Talicor, Thames & Kosmos and Zike. “Based on our pre-show numbers, Fall Toy Preview 2011 is geared up to be a very successful show,” said Marian Bossard, TIA vice president of meetings and events. “We look forward to seeing buyers and sellers doing business, networking, and having plenty of fun throughout this week in Dallas.” In addition to the vendor/retailer appointments, there will be opportunities to mingle with fellow attendees throughout the show, including tonight’s (October 4th) opening night party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with a special performance by the KIDZ BOP Kids sponsored by Imperial Toy. Tickets ($25) may be purchased at the door; proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Toy Industry Foundation. Complimentary shuttle buses between participating hotels and the Dallas Market Centre will be available through Thursday, October 6. Throughout the week, the Toy Industry Foundation will be collecting unused toiletries (such as those attendees may collect from hotels) to benefit foster children served by TIF partner My Stuff Bags Foundation. At the close of the show, many exhibitors will donate product samples to The Toy Bank, the TIF’s signature program. Contributions will be distributed to Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services as well as local organizations. For more information about Fall Toy Preview, visit the Fall Toy Preview website. |