Exhibitors stressing safety standards at Toy Fair

Toy recalls dominated the headlines for much of the summer and fall, with nearly daily reports of toys being pulled off shelves for various reasons, mainly lead paint concerns over toys produced in China. The reports sent shock waves through the industry at a particularly critical time for stores and manufacturers — the holiday shopping season. Customers had plenty of questions for retailers, who in turn had to take a hard look at their own product lineup.

On the eve of this month's Toy Fair, the first since the wave of recalls, buyers and manufacturers have prepared themselves for the new climate.

Phil Wrzesinski, of Jackson, Mich. independent Toy House, carried a Learning Curve Thomas the Tank item that was recalled. He said he had several customers who refused to buy anything made in China, which he considered a bit of an overreaction.

“The main thing is the vast majority of toys were not recalled, and the majority are safe when used properly,” he said. “The overall number of recalls was less than 1%. Lead recalls were less than ¼ of that.”

Wrzesinski said he was confident about the suppliers he has relationships with, noting that most sent him a letter in the fall reassuring him of their testing standards, and he did not drop any vendors.

That said, Wrzesinski, who is attending Toy Fair with two other buyers, said the recalls have made him a little more cautious than in past years. “It will make me leery of small Chinese companies (at the show),” he said. He also plans to seek out more American-made toys.

For their part, manufacturers are taking steps to reassure buyers that their products meet stringent testing standards. Toy giant Mattel, who had about million toys from its Fisher-Price division recalled in August over lead concerns and several play sets recalled for magnet hazards, tightened its manufacturing procedures significantly, said Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands.

Friedman said the company has implemented a three-step check system that mandates using paint from only certified suppliers and having every batch tested, calls for increased testing and unannounced inspections during production, and tests for lead on finished toys before they leave the factory using a set schedule.

Infant developmental toy maker Tiny Love, which also has production facilities in China, said the recalls did not affect the company's planned Toy Fair introductions. Desiree Paquette, vice president of sales and marketing, said the company voluntarily sent their products in for additional inspection and the results confirmed they did not contain lead, soluble elements or migrating elements. Paquette said to help alleviate any concerns, Tiny Love sent a letter to its retailers after the recalls that discussed its quality and safety code, which encompasses a system that includes having a quality control department in both its corporate office and in China as well independent testing and inspections during production runs.

An official with HABA, the Germany-based manufacturer known for its wood toys, said the recalls had a positive effect on the company's sales. “The retailer and the consumers realized that quality does come at a price,” said Lea Culliton, vice president of sales and marketing, HABA USA.

In preparation for Toy Fair, HABA has added a column to its price list that states which country that item was made in. The manufacturer has also opened its doors to retailers who want to tour their facilities.