With many independent childrenswear retailers offering toys and gifts to complement their offers, CWB takes a look at what’s in store for the upcoming INDX Toy & Gift show, which takes place on 14-15 March at Cranmore Park Exhibition and Conference Centre.
INDX Toy & Gift is organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home and leisure. The team responsible for organising the show is looking forward to welcoming retailers from across the UK to Cranmore Park for its upcoming edition on 14-15 March 2023.
As a result of supplier and buyer feedback, this year’s show dates have been brought forward by one month, allowing greater accessibility to a wider audience of retailers. Commenting on the 2023 event is Rosie Marshall, Head of Toys & Children’s Gifts at Playroom, the Toy Division at AIS.
“Bringing the show forward enables toy and gift buyers to source products for their buying calendar. It will feature an array of industry-leading suppliers, exclusive offers, and bespoke retail solutions to drive profit in any children’s gift department.”
Key for 2023
The theme of the upcoming show is licensed toys across all toy and children’s gift categories. Utilising their 45 years of toy and gift industry experience and knowledge, the show organisers will also unveil a further expansion into the children’s gifting sector.
“Our visitor footfall is extremely diverse,” continues Marshall. “From childrenswear boutiques, specialist toy and gift retailers, department stores and garden centres, to farm shops and leisure attractions – and this will be reflected in the choice of product available from exhibitors.”
In addition, the revamped show will be welcoming a host of new suppliers including Hippychick, Abrams and Chronicle, Ziggle, and The Carat Shop. Familiar brands will also be returning including, Bandai, Character Options, Hasbro, Spin Master, Keycraft, Moose, and Ty. To view the show’s full exhibitor list, please click here.
Exclusive show deals
Focusing on value for money, this year’s show also promises a host of exclusive show offers during the two-day event. Over 90% of exhibitors have an exclusive offer available to all UK retailers, as well as AIS Members who attend the show.
Marshall continues: “We are pleased to be able to offer so many exclusive deals, perfectly timed for retailers to secure stock ahead of spring trade and beyond. We encourage all our visitors to take advantage of these while at the show.”
Jonathan Swallow, sales director at Ty UK adds: “Ty UK is proud to be part of the AIS Buying Group, as we’ve built our business within the Independent trade. The INDX Toy & Gift show allows us to reach out and support all AIS Members at the show, and then afterwards at their businesses. The INDX Toy & Gift show allows us to showcase our brand to an array of customers including garden centres, independent gift shops and department stores.”
Admission to the INDX Toy & Gift show is free. Visitors can also take advantage of free onsite parking, plus complimentary barista coffee and refreshments. Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre is home to all INDX shows and is conveniently located in Solihull, West Midlands, close to rail and road links and minutes from J4, M42.
The AIS Membership includes a diverse range of retailers, from independent toy specialists to department stores, garden centres and high street retailers. For new toy or multi-category AIS Membership enquiries, please contact Rosie.Marshall@play-room.uk.com. Exhibitor enquiries should be directed to Faz.Akhtar@play-room.uk.com.
INDX Toy & Gift | 14-15 March 2023
- Free admission
- Free onsite parking
- Complimentary barista coffee and refreshments
- Free breakfast pastries
Opening times
- Tuesday 14 March, 9am – 6pm
- Wednesday 15 March, 9am – 4.30pm
For INDX Toy & Gift visitor registration, please click here. Alternatively, click here for more show information. For all the latest show news and updates, follow @INDXHome.
