The hugely popular Toymaster May Show returns to the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate from Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th May.
The largest trade show in the UK & Ireland dedicated to independent toy, gift and model/hobby retailers, the three-day trade event is beloved for its laid-back atmosphere and easy access to top toy suppliers and leading indies alike. Toy World takes a deep dive into what there is to look forward to at the Toymaster May Show this year.
The show is arguably one of the most looked-forward-to trade events of the toy industry calendar. Open to all independent bricks & mortar toy, gift and model/hobby retailers in the UK and Ireland, whether they are a member of Toymaster or not, the show offers three unique days of relaxed networking in comfortable surroundings – and the weather is usually pretty good too.
Over 100 leading toy suppliers will be gathering at the hotel (and in the split-level outdoor marquee), including the likes of Bandai, Character Options, Golden Bear, Hasbro, Jazwares, Lego, Magicbox, MGA Entertainment, Mattel, Ravensburger, Spin Master, Tomy, Vivid Goliath and VTech (a number of which didn’t show in London in July). Smaller companies are also well-represented, such as Mood Bears – which recently found fame on BBC’s Dragon’s Den – and Slime Party UK, while first time exhibitors include the likes of Peers Hardy, Reydon Sports and Plus-Plus UK & Ireland.
All the stands at the show are open and all product is readily available to view. Nothing is squirrelled away in secret rooms and there won’t be any NDAs to sign. With stands naturally being smaller than they are at Toy Fair or Spielwarenmesse, exhibiting companies tend to focus on lines they know appeal to indies, including indie exclusives that help drive footfall into stores.
Visitors are free to arrange and attend meetings with suppliers, network with their peers and catch up with the Toymaster head office team, and at this show there is such a thing as a free lunch, served each day in the spacious dining hall.
On the evening of Tuesday 16th May, guests are invited to grab their shamrocks and raise a pint of Guinness to Irish Night, while Wednesday night is awards night.
To find out more about the Toymaster May Show, discover more on becoming a Toymaster member and hear the latest from the head office team, read the full article, which appeared in the May edition of Toy World, here.
The Toy World team will also be at the event, and we’re looking forward to catching up with fantastic indie retailers and top suppliers alike. See you there.
