Toy industry veterans John Baulch, Chris Byrne, and James Zahn have reunited for their annual year-end edition of The Playground Podcast, reflecting on the trends and highlights that shaped the toy business in 2024. The trio, known for their expertise and insights, tackled topics ranging from holiday sales performance to emerging innovations and challenges facing the industry.

Host Chris Byrne, widely recognized as “The Toy Guy,” was joined by Zahn, Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, and Baulch, publisher of Toy World UK, to analyze market shifts and consumer behavior. They also spotlighted top toy releases and discussed what lies ahead for 2025.

Will TikTok be sold or shut down? Will Donald Trump’s tariff plans disrupt the toy industry? Will retail excitement return? Listen now and discover the predictions.

The podcast, available for streaming on major platforms, offers listeners an in-depth look at the evolving world of toys.

About the author

Toy Book Newsroom

Toy Book Newsroom

Staff contributors provide breaking news and daily updates from The Toy Book Newsroom. The Toy Book has been on the #pulseofplay serving the North American toy industry since 1984.

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