Toy association moves fall show to Dallas
Staff -- Kids Today, 4/1/2007
The 2007 Fall Toy Show is moving to the Dallas Market Center, the Toy Industry Association and the Dallas Market Center have announced. The next show is scheduled for Oct. 9–12.
The show, which has previously been held in New York City, is an appointment-only preview for manufacturers who sell to mass merchants such as Target and Walmart and other long-lead retailers such The Children's Place and FAO Schwarz.
The agreement does not affect Toy Fair, which is held each February and is under contract with New York's Javits Convention Center through 2010.
"The TIA has been working on making this important show more efficient and convenient for all participants," said Daniel Grossman, TIA chairman. "We have listened to buyers and exhibitors alike and agreed that we can maximize the impact of this show by moving it to Dallas. We intend to bring the most vendors under one roof in an appealing environment at a favorable cost."
"This is an important move the toy industry and a big win for Dallas Market Center," said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of the center. "The fall show is where the majority of toy business is done each year, and we are thrilled to host this important event in Dallas."
In additional Dallas Market Center news, the company recently announced the launch of Kidsworld, a 200,000-square-foot area that will open on the eighth floor of the World Trade Center in January. The toy, apparel and accessories showrooms already housed on the floor will be joined by additional furniture, gift and home-décor manufacturers in a mix of permanent showrooms, temporary booths and shared spaces, the DMC said.
"Our goal is to continue to take the lead in the development of an unparalleled children's products marketplace in the U.S.," said Cindy Morris, chief operating officer of the DMC. "Dallas has made a firm commitment to this important category."
