The event, organised by the Associated Independent Stores buying group, attracted over 80 exhibitors from across the toy and nursery sectors.
An upbeat crowd of members of the AIS buying group and other specialist toy retailers headed to Solihull’s Cranmore Park exhibition centre for the recent rebranded INDX Toys & Nursery show.
Cancelled in 2020, the Independent Toy & Gift Show was staged in September 2021 instead of its usual April date, but this year it returned to its traditional April slot with a new name. The reason behind the rebrand was to bring the show inline with all of Associated Independent Stores’ 26 other trade shows which span the categories of fashion, homewares and sports & leisure and come under the INDX (Independent Exhibitions) brand.
The show, on 6th and 7th April, was hosted by AIS toy division Playroom and visiting buyers were presented with the latest ranges and exclusive trade deals from over 80 exhibitors.
“It was fantastic to see everyone at Cranmore Park and we had a very enjoyable two days hosting the show,” said Rosie Marshall, head of Toys & Children’s Gifts, AIS. “Industry and community collaboration is invaluable to the show’s continued success, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our suppliers and visitors for their support.”
Rose Thorley, from The Eleventh Hour Gift Shop, commented that “it was a great show with lovely suppliers”, while Alison Brookes, group buyer, Elphicks Department Store said: “I never miss an INDX toy show. It has all the top toy suppliers under one roof and gives me the opportunity to buy into show deals, see exciting new products and enables me to plan and book my orders in a friendly and professional environment.”
Exhibitors also praised the show with Linda Gill from Finest for Baby remarking that “the whole INDX team were professional, friendly and helpful”.
Winner of Best Stand was Keycraft Global who brought some theatre, and Perry the Polar Bear, to the show.
INDX Toys & Nursery Gifts will return to Cranmore Park on 18th and 19th April 2023 with visitor registration opening in November 2022.
For more information about INDX shows visit www.indxshows.co.uk
