The British Toy & Hobby Association, organisers of the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards have announced that the 2021 retailer application process is now open.  

Retailers can compete nationally in like-for-like categories and can apply in more than one category, if applicable. Self-nominations are permitted, together with nominations coming from a panel of nationwide industry experts. Retailers should CLICK HERE to take part.

The BTHA will continue this year with the option for independent and smaller multiple retailers being able to include short testimonials from their suppliers. This is intended to strengthen an entry for the benefit of the retailer and the judges when assessing the entry.

The category definitions are as follows:

INDEPENDENT TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR – single store
A category for;
An independent toy retailer with one store

INDEPENDENT TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR – multi store
A category for;
An independent toy retailer with more than one store (with no upper store limit) also to include UK department stores or independent multi store retailers with toy aisles

MULTIPLE TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This category is for multiple toy retailers to include specialist and general multiples

NEW FOR 2021 – OMNICHANNEL TOY RETAILER OF THE YEARThis new category is for toy retailers with both an online and on-shelf offering

ONLINE EXCELLENCECompanies can enter this category if their main business is through online sales OR if there are online toy sales which compliment main store retailing. This category will be judged on the toy offering of the website alone.

BEST OVERALL TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2021 FOR UK AND IRELAND
Will be selected as overall winner from the winners of the other categories

JUDGES’ SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDJudges have the ability to make a Special Recognition Award at their discretion after considering all entries. This is not a category for which retailers can actively submit an entry.

Entry into the Toy Retailer of the Year awards has been designed to be a straight forward online process where retailers have the opportunity to support their applications should be supported with photos. To enter simply CLICK HERE:

With the event enjoying its continuing success on site at Olympia, the event will take place in Olympia’s Pillar Hall.  Details of the event will be released shortly along with ticket details.

The Toy Industry Awards evening provides the perfect opportunity to mix with industry colleagues, partners and employees at a key industry gathering during Toy Fair.

For enquiries about the Toy Industry Awards event or the Retailer of the Year Awards process please contact Matt Jones, Head of Digital & Services at the BTHA by email Matt@btha.co.uk