The recent trade fair at Cranmore Park was held as an in-person event, and next year will return as the INDX Toys & Nursery show.

Exhibitors have spoken of their delight at being back live at The Independent Toy & Gift Show. The two-day event, which took place last month at Cranmore Park in Solihull, was attended by over 50 leading suppliers and next year will get a rebrand when it returns under the INDX Home Banner as the INDX Toys & Nursery show.

Organisers of the show worked hard to ensure the well-being of all its visitors and exhibitors and despite the challenges of holding a live event whilst maintaining Covid-19 safety, it was well attended by retailers from across the UK.

Nick Saunders from Brainstorm heralded the success of this year’s event, saying: “We had a great show. It was a fantastic tonic to be at the coal face again and actually talking to customers face-to-face.”

Buyers too were glad to be back out seeing what was on offer at a physical tradeshow.

“As the buyer for Wicked Uncle, I attend a lot of shows. From toy to gift, stationery, nursery, beauty, book fairs and more – in 2019 I visited a record 27 shows. Without doubt, The Indie Toy & Gift Show is my favourite by far,” said Liam O’Shea, of Wicked Uncle. “Smoothly run, with easy access, comfortable and welcoming, this is the show of the year for me. It is so good to chat to suppliers in such a relaxed setting and we do some great business there, regularly place large orders.”

Su Gill, of  Morley Stores, added: “A huge thank you for organising a terrific show. It was so wonderful to be able to see suppliers and products, many of them for the first time this year. There was a real buzz in the showroom.”

The INDX Toys & Nursery show returns to Cranmore Park on 6th and 7th April 2022. The addition of Toys & Nursery will expand and strengthen the existing INDX Home portfolio which already includes Furniture, Housewares, Linens, Beds & Bedroom and Gift Food, and is curated by buying group AIS (Associated Independent Stores).

“The Independent Toy & Gift ethos has a lot of similarities with the key values that the INDX brand stands for, such as providing a business and buyer focused approach to shows and a commitment to meeting the diverse requirements of today’s retailers. We are delighted to be joining the INDX family and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the launch show in April 2022,” said Rosie Marshall, head of toys & children’s gifts, AIS.

All INDX trade shows offer free admission and free on-site parking and are located at Cranmore Park in Solihull, close to the M42. For more information on the show click here.

Buyer registration for INDX Toys & Nursery is now open and can be accessed by clicking here.