NEWS

INDX Toy & Gift announces new dates for 2023

Published on: 14th December 2022

In a revision to its previously released dates, INDX Toy & Gift will now be returning to its West Midlands exhibition venue, Cranmore Park, on 14th -15th March 2023.

INDX Toy & Gift In addition to the new dates, the show has also changed its name, from INDX Toys & Nursery Gifts to INDX Toy & Gift, reflecting a more inclusive product offering.

Organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying group for Fashion, Home and Leisure, the show’s new direction is a result of feedback from retailers and suppliers. The group says the new March dates have been chosen to align with the industry’s key order-writing window.

Rosie Marshall, head of Toys & Children’s Gifts at AIS, explains: “By bringing our next show forward to 14th – 15th March, we’ll be offering greater accessibility to a wider audience. We understand that April is a key time for our garden centre and department store retailers, so holding the show in March will enable them to see the latest products and be prepared for the Easter holiday trade.”

In addition to covering licensed products, toys, games and pre-school products, the 2022 show also effectively launched into the ‘nursery gift’ arena. Building on this success, the 2023 show will see further expansion into the gift sector, allowing for a strengthened product showcase to fit a wider variety of retail spaces.

Simon Prest, sales director at Orchard Toys, said: “What a sensible, positive and fantastic move by the AIS/INDX team. The new dates will be welcomed by all previous exhibitors/suppliers and should encourage new ones too. We invest in the show with the hope of seeing the maximum number of AIS members along with other buyers outside of the group. The date change will allow the garden centres to attend, and the name change will bring a new dimension to the show attracting a wider audience, which will lead to a more successful event.”

Nicola Bergot, UK managing director at Magicbox Toys, added: “A new identity as ‘the Toy & Gift Show’ is a good differential which gives AIS the opportunity to embrace and market its unique position. Bringing the timing forward to a new March date nicely spaces out the toy trade show calendar and should mean that as suppliers we can meet AIS Members, plus a broader group of retailers including garden centres, department stores and other buyers from stores across the toy and gift industry.”

​​​​​​Key toy suppliers set to exhibit in 2023 include Character Options, Hasbro, Funko, Moose, Ravensburger, Spin Master and Schleich. They’ll be joined by gift sector suppliers including Tonies, Happy Horse and Bam Bam.

INDX Toy & Gift welcomes all retailers. Admission is free and visitors can take advantage of free onsite parking, plus complimentary barista coffee and refreshments.

Exhibitor enquiries should be directed to Faz.Akhtar@play-room.uk.com.

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