2016 North American Toy Fair, New York

Following right on the heels of the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg comes the North American Toy Fair in New York. This fair is not nearly as large and therefore draws a smaller subset of toy manufacturers. But it is still relevant, serves as an important indicator of market health in the US, and is always a good source of business information regarding important trends and toy safety.

The main entrance area for the toy fair at the Javitz Center
The main entrance area for the toy fair at the Javitz Center, warm inside, but -20 degree wind chills outside
Toy Fair attendance is up compared to 2015
Toy Fair attendance is up compared to 2015 and is evident on the show floor and in the common areas

The New York fair is not overflowing with European manufacturers, but they are sprinkled in here and there. Of course the big names like LEGO, Hape, Gund, BRIO, Schleich, Ravensburger, and Bruder are there – and this year joined by Kathe Kruse, Goki and Anker, Eitech, and Plus Plus. There are in addition, several smaller European brands that make their way to the US through state-side distributors.

The show floor on the first level contains small to medium size toy makers
The show floor on the first level contains small to medium size toy makers
New York, now warm and wet
New York, now warm and wet after a frigid start
Inside Dean and DeLuca of Soho
If you know the right places to turn, you can nearly convince yourself you’re in Europe – Dean and DeLuca of Soho