Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important

November 4, 2008

My last blog was about why I believe Dallas is turning into a major international show. Not everyone understood why I thought that that was a good thing. In fact, I received an email from someone who wrote as follows:

"I’m not sure I understand why you think the U.S. "needs to have a major international show?" What does it matter if Carrefour or Aldi are in Dallas? Outside of it being good for TIA’s bank account, I’m not grasping why that’s good for anyone else here in the USA."

I think thequestion is a good one because it challenges me to think through what is a gut reaction. So, here are my reasons:

Good old American pride
I just think that we are such a big component of the global toy industry in revenue, imports and exports that we just plain should have a prestigious international show.

Ecosystem
Toy nation is like an eco system. It’s more than just buyers and sellers. Its inventors and designers and insurance companies and more. Just like in the ocean, you see the big fish but they are surrounded by a rich environment of plankton, smaller fish, minerals and other stuff. The richer the ecosystem the healthier all of the life is. I think that we are all made richer by having a diverse market place and by coming in contact with people from different countries and cultures.

Nostalgia.
I can remember (15-20 years ago) when the New York Fair was populated with people from all over the word. Saudis, Syrians, Argentines, you name it. I found it exciting to be in such a cosmopolitain environment. I miss those days.

Export.
I think that the US toy industry needs to be an exporting industry and we need to attract foreign buyers to help accomplish that.

Import.
I think the US toy retailers need a richer mix of companies and products from which to and having an opportunity to see those lines helps broaden the selection in the marketplace.

Bottom line, I think that a truly international show will make all of toy nation richer, both in dollars and in life experience.

What do you think?

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on November 4, 2008 | Comments (6)

December 7, 2011

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
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November 27, 2011

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
Alexandra commented:

Was ttolaly stuck until I read this, now back up and running.

November 25, 2011

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
Keyaan commented:

Too many compliments too ltilte space, thanks!

November 6, 2008

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
Andy Myall commented:

Hi there Richard, from a UK perspective the show is getting more international. This year we've noticed a significant increase in those from the UK attending Dallas, not retailers to buy but suppliers looking to create new business relationships and acquire new products. We as a magazine also attended for the first time. While it is a tough time, the more forward looking UK firms are trying to grow internationally, either with their product, or by bringing in new and unique product. I would say the future is looking good for Dallas. Andy Myall, Editor, Toys 'n' Playthings www.toysnplaythings.co.uk

November 5, 2008

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
Jason Goodman commented:

Hey Richard, I've been at the last 2 toy fairs in Dallas, and I would not qualify the event as an international one. That's not to say that there isn't lots of international representatives there, but in order to host a truly global event there has to be a spirit of cooperation, and a celebration of diversity in terms of product concepts &

November 4, 2008

In response to: Reader asks why an international toy fair in the United States is important
Terry Kawaguchi commented:

I totally agree with your opinion. There are many types of International Show. Some are mainly for exporting, such as Hong Kong Toy Fair, and Dallas is mainly for importing. The reason why Dallas is International, because it has a world numer one market behind and every company in the world wants to sell their merchandise there. So it is for domestic market but is International show. American companies don't have the interest in other market in the world, because they have already enough market. I don't know this is good or not?