From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Bonnie Olesh, El Centro, Ca — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:13:20 GMT

I have owned a small bookstore for 11 yrs and recently added teaching supplies and toys. I was planning to attend the Toy Fair but decided I could not at this time afford the expense and addition of new toy lines.
A lot of my customers are in the teaching field so how DC and Sacramento handle the economic crisis will have a definate impact on my business.
I am concerned that they are so busy being politicians they don't know how to be businessminded.

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Simon Mitchell, Warwick, RI — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:57:08 GMT

Check out the story behind Bananagrams (this year's Toy Fair 2009 "Game of the Year". Created by a grandfather of 2, in RI (Cranston); headquartered in Providence and from the launch 2 1/2 years ago, has quadrupled in sales---talk about a small business that hasn't taken a hit from the economy! I'm the sales/marketing director for Bananagrams LLC. We also have a website (see below). Great game for under $15.00 (all ages and can be played in as little as 5 minutes!)

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Bill Morris, Ossining, NY — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:51:32 GMT

I too attended Toy Fair 2009 and discovered an interesting trend. It's one of numerous trade shows we visit as new business development for our video production services and for the chance to offer prospective clients new ways to promote their products in this challenging economy. Consistently, we found business owners and representatives upbeat about prospects for the toy business in 2009. When I asked, "What kind of Toy Fair are you having this year?", the replies - from first-time attendees to veterans - were consistently positive - that Show sales were very good, better than expected, and in numerous instances better than Toy Fair 2008. Owners also reported that buyers had trimmed back the number of representatives sent to the show to cut costs. This helps to the owners because now instead of having to spend time with multiple representatives from a single company, they're meeting the key decision maker immediately.
Based on buying patterns at Toy Fair, it appears consumers are willing to forego vacations and new cars in favor of gifts for their children.

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Bill Morris, Ossining, NY — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:59:14 GMT

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Wayne Keller, The Woodlands, Texas — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:23:46 GMT

I was quite disapointed with the overall turnout of suppliers at the 2009 Toy Fair and can only fault the overall economic conditions as the reason. The primary reason I attended Toy Fair was to visit with existing vendors (none of whom attended) and search for new product for my online retail store.

I believe the current administration has the correct viewpoint on the economy; put people to work and everything will fall in place, however I don't believe they have the ability to accomplish this goal as quickly as their campaign promises led us to believe. It appears they are still on the campaign trail rather than in office.

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

ToyFan — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:13:27 GMT

The gov't won't have near as much impact on my toy buying as greedy toy companies like Hasbro, who havev chosen to raise their prices across the board lately,
leaving many parents getting less toy for more money. Shame on you, Hasbro!

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Christine Hildebrand Davis Calif — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:55:27 GMT

I like those you talked to at Toy Fair own an independent specialty toy store with gross sales near a million dollars per year. I think the most important thing that Washington can do for businesses like mine is to restore people's confidence in the economy by stopping the the ongoing slide. I hope the stimulus dollars will go to stabilizing the housing market, slowing job losses in both the private and public sectors and continuing to dig out the banking mess.If that can be accomplished it will dirrectly impact my business by bringing my customers back in my store and making them more willing to part with their cash.

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Jennifer, Manistee, MI — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:07:05 GMT

I am a Mary Kay Independent Consult who has not, in three years, "made money". But what little sales I did have on a regular basis have dried up. Even though they like the product, they are going were it is cheaper. I get this, because even at a deep discount, I cannot compete with 99 cent eyeliner. I still purchase my own product, but even I do not buy the newest and brightest limited edition items because it is not practical to wear them a few times then let them sit on a shelf waiting for the next best thing to come along. Washington's efforts are not going to impact my business for a very long time as most people prefer eating over eyeliner.

From the floor of the 2009 Toy Fair

Don Bourdeau, Zion, IL — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:09:04 GMT

Being in the hobby business, we sell mainly new die-cast cars, aircraft, buses, etc., along with antiques and older collectibles. Most of our sales are discretionary dollars being spent on something that appeals more to the ego than to actual needs. So, Washington's efforts could have an indirect impact on our business, if they are successful in getting people back to work, so they have a little extra money to enjoy their hobbies again and less concerned about just being able to meet their necessary living expenses.