Over 90% of exhibitors are running exclusive show-only deals to all visitors, and there are lot of new brands on the exhibitor list including Hippychick and Orange Tree Toys.

Though there has been a change in date – this year’s show will be held slightly earlier, from March 14th-15th, rather than its usual April slot – Rosie Marshall, head of Children’s Toy and Gift at Playroom, organiser AIS’s toy buying team, says it will be business as usual for INDX Toy & Gift Show with strong support from AIS (Associated Independent Stores) suppliers and exhibitors, many of whom booked their stands immediately after last year’s event.

The one-week countdown is on, and this year’s show promises an enviable list of show offers during the two-day event. Over 90% of exhibitors have an exclusive offer available to all UK retailers, as well as AIS Members who attend the show. In addition, the revamped show will be welcoming a host of new suppliers.

Rosie commented: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the show and are pleased to be able to offer so many exclusive deals, perfectly timed for retailers to secure stock ahead of spring trade and beyond.”

Jonathan Swallow, Sales director, Ty UK, added: “Ty UK is proud to be part of the AIS Buying Group, as we’ve built our business within the Independent trade. The INDX (Toy & Gift) show allows us to showcase our brand to an array of customers including garden centres, independent gift shops and department stores.”

Ahead of the show, Toy World caught up with Rosie Marshall and team, to discover what visitors can expect from this year’s event.

Taking place at Cranmore Park in the West Midlands, this year’s theme will be Licensed Toys, reflecting the huge increase in licensed toy sales post pandemic and the raft of new movies due for release this summer. “Many consumers are returning to tried and trusted brands and emerging licences are also performing very well in shops,” Rosie comments.

Big names who will be exhibiting at this year’s show include Bandai, Funko, Hasbro, Moose, Mattel and Ty and, this year, Rosie tells us, there will be a re-introduction of a social evening where exhibitors and visitors can network while taking part in a pub quiz accompanied by a hot buffet.

There will also be a greater focus on gifting with new exhibitors including Hippychick, Orange Tree Toys, The Carat Shop and Abrams and Chronicle. “Many toy suppliers have a crossover between toy and gift products to provide gifting offerings for toddlers, tweens and kidults,” explains Rosie. “The kidult market is a good proportion of toy sales now and that area is not to be ignored.”

There’s still time to register for the INDX Toy & Gift show, simply visit the dedicated event page.

Retailers interested in becoming an AIS Member should drop-by the AIS stand to find-out more, or there are details on becoming an AIS member or supplier here.

To find out more about what this year’s show has in store, read the full, exclusive interview with Rosie in the March issue of Toy World here.