U.S. Companies Look to Overseas Markets for Growth

Since the domestic market is flat, American toy companies are increasingly becoming interested in exporting, says Carter Keithley, TIA President, who also informs about the New York Toy Fair, the importance of licensing for the toy business, the trends in the U.S. marketplace, and the Association’s activities.

by Daniele Caroli, editor, Giochi & Giocattoli

In order to be updated on the U.S. toy market and on the Toy Industry Association’s activities and events, I met Carter Keithley, president, at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, just a few days before the opening of the New York American International Toy Fair, which is managed by the TIA. [Read more...]

Fall Toy Preview

Everyone is in Dallas this week, but I’m working from home because I’m due to have a baby any day now! I’m hearing good things about the show though, and hoping it’s been a success for everyone. It does feel a bit odd to be here missing out on all the hubbub. I miss the excitement of getting that first peek at next year’s toys and picking up on the early emerging trends. If you’re at the show, I hope you were able to snag a copy of our September/October issue. Inside, you’ll get a look at a lot of the toys being exhibited this week in Dallas for 2010. In addition, Bruce Lund, inventor of some of the hottest toys the industry has seen, was so kind as to write our cover story for us this month. If you’ve ever wanted an inside look at the life of a toy inventor, be sure to check out his article.

If you were in Dallas this week, let me know how the show was for you!

Jackie