Bitzee, Character Options and Smyths have triumphed at this year’s Toy Industry Awards winning Toy of the Year, Supplier of the Year and Toy Retailer of the Year, respectively.

At the 59th Toy Industry Awards, a BTHA Special Recognition Award was also presented to department store W J Daniel & Co of Windsor for its outstanding work in the promotion of toys within store, matched with excellent supplier partnership.

The Industry Awards are presented by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and the Toy Retailers Association (TRA) on the first evening of London Toy Fair 2024, which is taking place at Olympia London.

The full line-up of winners follows:

Toy Retailer of the Year Winners:

• Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (single store) – Fagans Toys
• Independent Multi-Store Toy Retailer of the Year (multi store) – Midco Toys
• Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year – Asda
• Omnichannel Toy Retailer of the Year – Smyths Toys
• Online Excellence Award – The Very Group
• Judges’ Special Recognition Award – W J Daniel & Co

Overall Toy Retailer of the Year – Smyths Toys

Toy and Supplier of the Year Awards:

• Plush Toy of the Year – Squishmallows 7.5″, Jazwares
• Action Toy of the Year – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Pizza Fire Van, Character Options
• Vehicle Range of the Year – Hot Wheels, Mattel
• Construction Toy of the Year – Harry Potter Dobby, Lego
• Game of the Year – Twister Air, Hasbro
• Pre-school Toy of the Year – Paw Patrol Movie Vehicles, Spin Master
• Best New Property of The Year – MGA’s Miniverse, MGA Entertainment
• Dolls Toy of the Year – Barbie Dreamhouse, Mattel
• Collectible Toy of the Year – Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer, Asmodee

Toy Supplier of the Year – Character Options                                          

Toy of the Year – Bitzee, Spin Master                   

Simon Pilkington, chairman of the BTHA, commented: “As we begin 2024, it is another great opportunity to be able to recognise the outstanding achievements of our retail partners.  On behalf of the BTHA, I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s Toy Retailer Awards. This year’s winners have shown exceptional creativity in the merchandising of toys, very well executed in-store promotions and collaboration with suppliers. In what have been challenging trading conditions, this year’s winners have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to offering the very best retail experience of toys to their customers. All our judges were impressed with the high standard of entries received and the achievements made in 2023 by all the retailer finalists – who should also be highly commended. Congratulations must also go to our runners-up who, it should be remembered, were the best in their categories, and my sincere thanks goes to everyone for their participation.”

Alan Simpson, chairman of the TRA, added: “Our industry works so hard to bring joy and happiness to children. We tackle many challenges along the way and so it is fantastic to come together to celebrate the best of the best. Congratulations to all our winners for 2023.”