As it stands right now, 2021 is already shaping up to be a direct sequel to 2020. With uncertainty looming regarding the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its global economic impact, members of the toy industry are evolving their businesses to operate in a world without the traditional trade show season.
Indiana-based GreenLight Collectibles issued a statement this week outlining plans for how it will handle new product debuts across its popular die-cast brands for the year ahead.
GreenLight President Russell Hughes says the company is “reluctantly withdrawing” from exhibiting at the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair slated for January, Spielwarenmesse (postponed until summer), and Toy Fair New York (postponed in favor of a “spring offering”).
“This comes with a heavy heart, as we enjoy interacting with each and every one of you at these events, brainstorming new ideas, discussing new offerings, and chit-chatting about the overall market; but sadly, 2021 will not afford us this opportunity,” Hughes says. “Instead, GreenLight will be announcing a series of 2021 new product offering videos that will span the week of January 11-15 in which we will announce all of our new items, castings, and exciting new licenses. In addition, we will still produce a 2021 GreenLight Catalog which will be mailed out in January.”
New interest in collectibles has been sparked as families have spent more time at home this year. According to Hughes, GreenLight’s business “has remained consistent and progressive with year-over-year growth.”
The company expects to reveal new license agreements in the fourth quarter and beyond, including new TV, film, and automotive properties.
