70th Annual Canadian Toy Fair “Sold-Out” at New Location
Toronto—Close to 90 toy manufacturers, distributors and inventors are showcasing their 2010 toys and games lineup for Canadian retailers at the sold-out 70th annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair, January 31 to February 2 at its new venue, Hall Six at the International Centre. Literally thousands of toys, games and activities for children and families are on display at this trade-only show.
“I think it’s fair to say the Canadian toy industry is looking strong and stable moving into 2010,” stated Canadian Toy Association president Jeff Hurst. “In fact, we’re seeing new vigor with a number of young companies exhibiting this year along with the traditional ‘mainstays’…and a few companies are back in the show after a hiatus.”
Over one-third of this year’s exhibitors are new to Canadian Toy Fair for 2010, bringing with them new products, new people and new enthusiasm.
“Whether it’s a sign of the improving economy or the CTA’s decision to align itself with the always-successful Canadian Gift & Tableware Show (running concurrently in the other Halls at the International Centre) or a combination of factors, we are thrilled to be fully sold-out,” Hurst commented.
“Year after year, the toy industry has come up with new toys that fly, swim, bounce, educate and provide unending entertainment,” Hurst continued. “And because the Canadian Toy Fair precedes New York’s American International Toy Fair by two weeks, buyers at the Toronto show often get their first viewing of new toys, activities and games being launched in North America for 2010.”
The industry is also clearly aware of consumers’ lingering economic concerns. In its showcase of new toys for 2010, more than half of the featured products submitted by Toy Fair exhibitors are priced affordably at under $25 retail.
Exhibitors are featuring a mix of innovative and exciting new products along with traditional favourites.
One theme that is continuing to grow is a trend to ‘eco-friendly’ toys. There’s a model construction kit with vehicles powered by solar energy; an arts and crafts set featuring paper recycling; and a design-your-own canvas tote bag. A number of toys are constructed from environmentally-friendly or recycled materials including cotton fibre dolls, recycled resin bikes, biodegradable corn crafting materials and puzzles made from wood chips and finished with natural oils and waxes.
Role play and the world of make-believe are making a strong comeback with costumes and accessories that transport children into the land of pirates and knights and dragons. Aspiring musicians, chefs, even paleontologists, will get a career kick-start with toys that nurture their imagination.
Other categories showing strong growth include activity toys, construction toys, educational activities, preschool toys, and, as always, board games.
The toy industry in Canada is valued at $1.8 billion in annual retail sales. The Canadian Toy Fair features toys, games and activities for every season and every age, for indoor and outdoor use, as the industry continues to expand beyond the traditional Christmas/holiday gift-giving season.
“Kids need new and different toys as they grow and as the seasons change,” states Jeff Hurst. “Infants and preschoolers develop rapidly in the early years, constantly requiring new challenges. Older boys’ and girls’ imaginations can be stimulated with new toys and games that appeal to their specific interests or can be played with friends. Families can often be drawn together by a new game or activity. That’s why parents, more and more, are realizing toys are a year-round investment for their children.”
Media:
For further details, please contact
McMarketing Inc.
905-875-1795
New Location for Canadian Toy Fair
Toronto--The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) and its board of directors have announced a new location for the annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair trade show. Toy Fair will now run concurrently with the January Canadian Gift and Tableware Association’s Show (CGTA) at the Toronto International Centre near the Toronto Airport.
“After 25 very successful years at the downtown Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it was a difficult decision, but our goal is to maximize our exhibitor’s sales opportunities and we are confident this new location will accomplish that.” commented CTA president Jeff Hurst. “The Canadian Toy Association and the CGTA have been working to enhance their long-term relationship to the benefit of both ‘Toy Fair’ and the ‘Gift Show’, each of which is the biggest of its kind in Canada.
“The two shows have always been scheduled for the same week each year, and research has told us that many of the same retail buyers come to both trade fairs. By putting both great shows under one roof, we all stand to attract more buyers and make the buying experience more cost- and time-efficient. This opportunity will bolster the already-significant economic impact of the shows.”
Beginning in January 2010, the CTA’s Toy Fair and its 100+ exhibiting companies will be housed in Hall 6 at the International Centre, which offers CTA’s thousands of exhibitors and buyers; free parking, free shuttles and a host of hotel accommodation choices near Toronto International Airport.
“Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair was one of the first major trade shows to move to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre after it opened in 1985. Before that, Toy Fair was held for several decades in downtown Montreal,” Hurst explained. Until now, buyers coming to both shows had to shuttle from the International Centre to downtown and back again. We are looking forward to setting up in our new location and to furthering our working relationship with the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association.”
CANADIAN TOY ASSOCIATION (CTA)
Founded in 1932, CTA is a not-for-profit trade Association whose members are manufacturers, importers and distributors of toys, games, seasonal and hobby products. We are an 1.8 billion dollar industry in Canada. Through the Association, our members work together for the betterment of the industry. CTA provides a strong voice for the toy industry in Canada and internationally.
CTA is led by a Board of Directors who chair 10 active committees, the busiest being Safety, Environment and Public Relations. Of the many projects CTA is involved in, the annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair (Toy Fair) is by far the largest.
As members of the International Council of Toy Industries (www.toy-icti.org) (ICTI), CTA interacts with colleagues from around the world where we share many similar challenges & problems. CTA endorses the ICTI Code of Business Practice which supports good clean working conditions in factories and the abolishment of child labour that requires manufacturers to pay fair wages.
Domestically, the Association provides assistance for inventors and a product resource for retailers. The office is a base for toy companies, media and government departments to obtain information on the industry. The CTA website is an excellent and well-used resource. We provide an excellent public relations program for our members that advises media of industry issues, and promotes the value of play.
Play is children’s work and toys are their tools, therefore it is important that these tools are safe. When it comes to toys or any children’s products the safety of children is paramount and is of the greatest importance to all members of CTA.
CTA MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CANADIAN CHILDREN SAFE TOYS.
For further information, please contact:
Carol McDonald
McMarketing Inc.
905-875-1795
Canadian Toy Industry Moves Forward into 2009
Toronto—More than 90 toy manufacturers, distributors and inventors are showcasing their 2009 toys and games lineup for Canadian retailers at the 69th annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair, January 24-26 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Literally thousands of toys, games and activities for children and families are on display at this trade-only show.
“I think it’s fair to say the Canadian toy industry is moving forward with cautious optimism into 2009,” stated Canadian Toy Association president Jeff Hurst. “Many of us feel we have come through the challenges of the 2008 Christmas retail season and look forward to a positive outcome for 2009.”
The Canadian Toy Fair reflects that mood with the vast majority of exhibitors returning from last year and a number of new exhibitors booking in to show their lineup to Canadian retail toy buyers.
“Compared to a lot of trade shows, we are pleased to be hosting a strong show this year,” Hurst commented. “It shows an eagerness to put 2008 behind us.”
Exhibitors are featuring a mix of innovative and exciting new products along with traditional favourites.
One theme that is coming through strongly is a trend to ‘eco-friendly’ toys. There’s an amphibious vehicle that recycles plastic water bottles as wheels and a line of ‘scavenger’ construction toys that incorporates recyclable components. In the arts and crafts category, one exhibitor is featuring an all-natural modeling clay made from corn and coloured with food colouring. Another company is showcasing toy cars and trucks made from a Canadian invention “Sprigwood”, a bio-composite manufactured from recycled plastic food containers and sawdust. There’s even an ‘eco’ activity book with games, puzzles and quizzes about world ecology.
Electronic toys are back and stronger than ever thanks to continuing advances in technology.
Plush preschool toys respond to touch with lifelike movements and sound effects. Older kids will thrill to a robot that responds to voice commands and interacts with the TV remote control! How about a toy described as part robot; part toothbrush that spins and skitters ‘like a caffeinated cockroach’ on courses you design yourself?
Other categories showing strong growth include activity toys, construction toys, educational games and activities and, as always, preschool toys.
“Year after year, the toy industry has come up with new toys that fly, swim, bounce, educate and provide unending entertainment,” Hurst continued. “And because the Canadian Toy Fair precedes New York’s American International Toy Fair by three weeks, buyers at the Toronto show often get their first viewing of new toys, activities and games being launched in North America for 2009.”
“Toys always have been and always will be an essential tool to promote play, to develop creativity, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, social interaction and so many other skills,” comments Jeff Hurst. “Parents realize that children need toys that appeal to their individual and changing interests. The Canadian toy industry is offering a great selection of toys, games and activities that offer extended play value in a range of prices.”
The toy industry in Canada is valued at $1.8 billion in annual retail sales. The Canadian Toy Fair features toys, games and activities for every season and every age, for indoor and outdoor use, as the industry continues to expand beyond the traditional Christmas/holiday gift-giving season.
“Kids need new and different toys as they grow and as the seasons change,” states Jeff Hurst. “Infants and preschoolers develop rapidly in the early years, constantly requiring new challenges. Older boys’ and girls’ imaginations can be stimulated with new toys and games that appeal to their specific interests or can be played with friends. Families can often be drawn together by a new game or activity. That’s why parents, more and more, are realizing toys are a year-round investment for their children.”
Media:
For further details, please contact
McMarketing Inc.
905-875-1795
mail@mcmarketing.ca
November 2008
High-Tech Toys Front and Centre in 2008
Toronto-- Today’s children are no different when it comes to their need for toys to help them play and grow. But there is little question that modern children live in a faster paced society, surrounded by sophisticated technologies that quickly become second nature to them. They do grow up faster in many ways.
Today’s toys have responded to those expectations—with a full selection of traditional imagination and role-play toys and games balanced with exciting new electronics-based toys for all ages. More than 120 of this season’s hottest selling toys—from more than 60 Canadian toy distributors and manufacturers—were showcased by the Canadian Toy Association at the 6th Annual Hot Toys for the Holidays news conference, held November 3rd in Toronto.
“Kids…and parents…have come to expect innovation and technological advancements from new toys,” stated CTA president Jeff Hurst. “This year’s lineup of toys will meet and exceed those expectations.”
Tech-savvy children will find a host of toys that challenge their minds and bodies. “Sensory navigation” has been applied to the latest in flying remote control vehicles and to friendly “micro-robotic’ bug-like creatures. Robotic science has even been incorporated in construction toys which kids can build and then make come alive! “Infrared” technology was used to develop kids’ night vision goggles. Digital photography, sound editing, projection systems and more have been adapted to toys that may lead to developing the next Steven Spielberg! Kids can interact in ‘virtual worlds’ with several new hand-held devices that let them play games, communicate, live and learn. Future astronauts will be impressed with the ‘zero gravity’ technology that allows cars to race up walls and across ceilings. Even budding artists will find their creations enhanced by fiber optics and light wands.
“There is also a growing trend to new toys that help develop children’s sense of social conscience and awareness of the world around them,” Hurst explained. “Kids need to recognize their place in the world with respect to the environment, ecology and other children around the world.”
Games can teach about recycling and with DVD interaction, about ‘planet earth’. One new line of action toys, made with the environment top of mind, promises to be battery-free, paint-free and made from a recycled plastic and wood material. Kids power an internal generator by pushing and pumping the vehicles. Another construction-based toy incorporates use of recycled water bottles, popsicle sticks and other household items into its designs. Two new toys this year promise a percentage of each sale being donated to a children’s charity. In one case, the child actually can choose to direct the donation to feed, house or educate a third world child.
While hi-tech play may be the latest, growing trend, imagination play is still a big part of children’s lives—whether it’s the ever-popular ‘horse’ play that appeals to young girls everywhere who dream of riding and owning and exploring on horseback; or the fantasy worlds of historical knights in the days of King Arthur.
For preschoolers, the elements of play are basic. They need toys they can climb on and explore; toys that surprise, snuggle, whir, spin, roll and move with them. Toddlers also experience their first worlds of ‘make believe’ through toys that may be themed so they can ‘play house’, become a farmer, a handyman, an artist, a mommy or daddy. New technologies also allow youngsters to interact with their dolls and toys which can read them a story, tell a joke, ask them questions. Kids learn cause and effect—squeeze a toy’s hand or foot and make something happen, give the doll a hug and something else delightful will occur.
“Toys have always fulfilled a number of roles in a child’s life,” commented Hurst. “Toys fuel their imagination. They help develop social skills. They encourage hand-eye coordination and motor skills. They spur creativity.”
The CTA’s annual showcase of Hot Toys for the Holidays features 120+ toys, games and activities that the industry believes will be the season’s hot-sellers based on retail demand. The toys are posted online at www.cdntoyassn.com; grouped by category as Activity Toys; Construction Toys, Dolls and Plush, Games and Puzzles, Preschool Toys, Arts and Crafts and Electronic Toys. Descriptions include age range, price, weblinks and photos to give kids, parents and other gift shoppers an easy way to search for this year’s hottest toys and prepare their holiday shopping lists.
For further details or to arrange interviews,
please contact:
Carol McDonald
905-875-1795
DECEMBER 17, 2007
STATEMENT REGARDING P.M. HARPER’S ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY
THE CANADIAN TOY ASSOCIATIONS’ FIRST PRIORITY IS TOY SAFETY
AND WE WELCOME P.M. HARPERS ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY AND
SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENTS’ EFFORT’S TO MAKE CANADIANS
SAFER.
HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME WE HAVE ONLY SEEN THE PM’S PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENT, AS YET DO NOT HAVE THE DETAILS OF
THE ACTION PLAN, WHICH WE UNDERSTAND FROM TODAY’S
ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL THE NEW YEAR.
THEREFORE, WE CANNOT COMMENT FURTHER AT THIS TIME.
THE CANADIAN TOY ASSOCIATION WOULD BE HAPPY TO SPEAK WITH
THE MEDIA REGARDING THE ACTION PLAN ONCE ALL THE DETAILS
ARE KNOWN AND HAVE BEEN FULLY UNDERSTOOD.
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
MEDIA CONTACT :
CAROL MCDONALD
MCMARKETING INC.
905-875-1795
November 13, 2007
Toy Safety Statement
Product safety is priority Number One for the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) and its member companies.
CTA member companies have consistently demonstrated their clear commitment to meeting or exceeding Canadian product safety standards. CTA members have demonstrated through their actions that they will act quickly whenever safety standards may have been compromised.
The recent voluntary recalls of toy products in Canada demonstrate this commitment. In light of information they received, companies immediately contacted Canadian retailers to have the product removed from store shelves pending product testing.
The CTA recently met with Health Canada officials to discuss current toy safety challenges and measures that can be taken to improve the safety of toys available on the Canadian market.
To ensure the highest levels of product safety and consumer confidence, the CTA is working with the industry to create:
- Standardized testing procedures for all toy products retailed in Canada;
- Standardized criteria to certify testing laboratories;
- Mandatory testing for products destined for the Canadian marketplace; and
- Supply chain management protocols.
In each of these initiatives, the CTA is supportive of the Canadian retailers who have demanded safety assurances in the form of approved test results from toy manufacturers and distributors, and have refused to accept holiday season shipments without this product verification.
The CTA also supports strong measures to improve manufacturing quality and product safety at toy manufacturing facilities, including those in the Peoples Republic of China. We are encouraged by strong actions taken by the Chinese government to suspend the export licenses of 764 toy manufacturing facilities and require facility upgrades and improved quality controls at 690 others. We also support the Chinese government’s commitment to tougher inspections and other measures to ensure its products meet North American standards for health and safety.
CTA member companies will continue to demand the highest quality health and safety standards from all of its manufacturers, particularly those in China. Product safety is indeed Priority One for Canada’s toy industry.
The “Magic of Play” Comes Alive at 2007 Canadian Toy Fair
Toronto—For children of all ages, play is what helps develop imagination, creativity, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, social interaction and so many other skills. Toys are often the essential tools that promote play. At the 67th annual Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair, held in Toronto January 27-29, literally thousands of toys and games are being showcased by more than 125 exhibitors as Canada’s retail buyers try to forecast what will be the ‘hot toys’ for 2007.
The Canadian Toy Fair, which is a trade-only show, precedes New York’s American International Toy Fair by three weeks. It often gives retailers their first viewing of toys, games and hobby crafts being introduced for the first time in North America.
“The Magic of Play is the theme for this year’s show,” comments Harold Chizick, spokesperson for the Canadian Toy Association, “and we are seeing a really exciting array of new toys and games that will appeal to a child’s imagination. From an early age, kids love to pretend they are explorers, pirates, scientists, chefs, pilots, artists, engineers, farmers, teachers…there is no limit. The innovative new toys being launched at this year’s show demonstrate that both high tech and traditional toys are virtually limitless in their play value. Whether it’s preschool, construction, arts and crafts, dolls and plush, educational, action toys, games or puzzles, there is something new and exciting being featured at Canadian Toy Fair.”
This year’s toys fly in the air, roll on land and immerse in water. They are alternately intelligent, thrilling, cuddly, colourful, musical, challenging and funny. They can teach a child about colours, crafts, math, geography, science, art, language, strategy while providing hours of entertainment for children, their friends and their families. While many new toys incorporate the latest in technology and electronics, others offer new twists on basic play that is an essential element of childhood development. Preschoolers in particular need the challenges of sand and water play, building blocks and toys for role-playing and their imaginary worlds. The toy industry demonstrates at this year’s Canadian Toy Fair that there are always new ways to promote ‘the magic of play”.
The toy industry in Canada is valued at $1.5 billion in annual retail sales. The Canadian Toy Fair features toys, games and activities for every season and every age, for indoor and outdoor use, as the industry continues its growth beyond the traditional Christmas/holiday gift-giving season.
“Kids need new and different toys as they grow and as the seasons change,” states Harold Chizick. “Infants and preschoolers develop rapidly in the early years, constantly requiring new challenges. Older boys’ and girls’ imaginations can be stimulated with new toys and games that appeal to their specific interests or can be played with friends. Families can often be drawn together by a new game or activity. That’s why parents need to think of toys as a year-round investment.”
The Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair is closed to the public. Retailers, industry representatives and media can register to attend Saturday through Monday, January 27 to 29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto.
For further details, please contact McMarketing Inc.,
905-875-1795
mail@mcmarketing.ca
|
|
