It’s that time of year. Autumn beckons, and so do the kids ‘first day back’ pics. It’s a bit like World Book Day. It’s that ‘Kodak’ moment and for the younger ones among us, that won’t mean much but picture perfect is what we want and so is this issue of TnP.
We interview Charlotte Croser of Jollys Toys and find out how this Summer’s trading has fared (and all of staff, stock levels and childcare in the mix to boot). It’s not just that, it’s tough out there and she gives us that viewpoint in fine detail, admitting ‘this has been our toughest yet’. You can really feel the everyday highs and lows of what being bricks and mortar retailer is all about.
On the features front there are some fascinating strategic outlooks and opinions in our Q4 marketing campaigns piece. The TnP Character Licensing feature is bursting with supplier contributions – again varied – although there is a common thread running through some of the toys and franchises being promoted.
There’s also an insightful interview with Rubies’ head of portfolio and marketing, Fran Hales, as part of a company profile. He tells us the Rubies story so far, one that sets out the whys, wherefores and strategy that have brought it to where it is today. Fran talks about the sheer joy of working for a company in the costume and role-play sector. It won’t come as a surprise to know that he and his colleagues love getting dressed up in the office.
Our other profile with Just Play’s UK country manager, Amy Saunders, and marketing manager, Tess Parsons-Broome is where they talk us through their newest launches, and multiple marketing drives backing the releases. The discussion works well as a companion piece to the Q4 campaign strategies feature.
Talking of Just Play, we’ve got a great Ambassadors Special with one of our other editors, Mairead from Tableware International, having a great time with its furReal characters Peanut the Playful Monkey & Daisy the Yoga Goat.
We have to mention the retail interviews because one of them is with the co-owner and CPO (Chief Play Officer) of a shop in Illinois with one of the best names ever – Snickelfritz Toys. Heather Edwards is that CPO and told us that was a name her grandfather gave her with Snickelfritz (had to write that one again) meaning “mischievous child.”
The other retail interview is with Delyth James, owner of Welsh retailer, Albatross Toys & Models in Aberystwyth, who grew up wanting to be a train driver on account of being surrounded by the engines when she was growing up. This also explains why her favourite toys in the shop are the Hornby model trains.
Finally and on the back of last month’s popular Games & Puzzles feature, we’ve got in touch and rolled the dice with Richard Denning, director of UK Games Expo – the UK’s largest hobby games convention. Richard discusses the rise in the sector’s popularity and recent trends.
