Alyss Toys expands portfolio

Alyss Toys has been granted the exclusive distributorship of mic-o-mic, developed and manufactured by German-based Schaefer Toys.Alyssmicomic300

The mic-o-mic concept is not new to the UK market, but the packaging has been entirely redesigned to reflect the premium quality of the brand. Each mic-o-mic model is now encased in a smart black litho-laminated front opening box, displaying graphics and images of the finished models contained within. The top flap can be lifted at the point of sale, enabling consumers to view the component parts which are encased in a tray and covered with a tamper proof protective die-cut plastic cover. The inside box flap is printed with clearly laid out written instructions and diagrams for the model build. The UK mic-o-mic range will launch this month.

The mic-o-mic range will sit alongside brands such as Plastwood Magnetic Construction, Bilibo, Quercetti, Safari, Plasmacar and The Orb Factory Sticky Mosaics. An educational designer toy, targeting the individual abilities and skills of children, each mic-o-mic  kit comprises individual textured parts which are connected by pins and clips to create colourful models including helicopters and sailing ships.

Elizabeth Nield, sales director at Alyss Toys, said: “The new packaging really raises this range’s game. When customers see it, they will instantly recognise the quality of craftsmanship which extends from the product right through to the packaging. Our initial targets are premium independent establishments and we intent to build the brand steadily but surely, learning from the tactics employed by US distributor International Playthings who is enjoying great success with mic-o-mic in the States.”

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Toy Industry Day 2013 details announced

The annual Toy Industry Day will take place again at Great Fosters Hotel, Egham, Surrey on the 26th June 2013.BTHAlogo300

The day will start with the BTHA and TRA Annual General Meetings. BTHA members are welcome to attend the BTHA AGM and members who wish to attend the AGM are asked to indicate this preference on your booking form. Attendance of the AGM only will be free of charge, but please note this is only available to those that do not wish to attend the whole day.

The Industry Day itself will begin at 10am and will feature presentations from;

  • Amy McGee, retail consulting manager at Javelin Group
  • Phil Hesketh, a leading motivational speaker specialising in the psychology of persuasion and influence.
  • Jae Mather, sustainability director at HW Fisher & Co, on sustainability and how it can impact positively on a company’s bottom line

Before lunch, respected safety advisor Keith Lister will be presented with a BTHA Special Recognition Award and the day will conclude with drinks and a chance to network with industry colleagues followed by a two-course lunch in Great Foster’s atmospheric Tithe Barn.

Please ensure you book your ticket by Friday May 24th 2013. Please note that members are initially limited to one ticket each and then, subject to availability, members who wish to bring guests will be contacted with the offer of additional tickets. This will take place from May 28th 2013.

Tickets are priced at £50 + VAT, with subsequent tickets priced at £25 + VAT subject to availability.

To book tickets please visit the Industry Day web page on the BTHA website at http://www.btha.co.uk/events/future-btha-events/agm-industry-day-2013/ to download and complete a booking form. Completed forms should be emailed to Chris@btha.co.uk or for any other event queries contact Matt Jones on 020 7701 7127.

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