“Toy Preview Month” to Take Place this September
Q4 Buying Circuit to Culminate at Fall Toy Preview (Sept. 27-29)

New York, NY | June 16, 2016 – The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has officially dubbed September 2016 “Toy Preview Month” to mark a jam-packed schedule of product preview meetings slated to take place across the nation throughout September, culminating with TIA’s Fall Toy Preview event on September 27-29 in Dallas, TX.

Brand marketers and product development teams at TIA member companies are currently working tirelessly to ensure they are ready to present their very best come September, when they will meet with key customers to present a flood of innovative new products and line extensions for the 2017 holiday season. Global toy buyers eager to view what’s new and cutting edge in the toy business will travel across the nation – from California to Connecticut to Rhode Island, before finally arriving in Dallas – to view potential purchases for their retail channels. 

“With coast-to-coast presentations, September will be a hectic month for toy buyers navigating the calendar and the country,” said Steve Pasierb, TIA president & CEO. “This year, TIA has coordinated its efforts with the broader toy industry to make the most efficient use of everyone’s time by hosting Fall Toy Preview when the bulk of national activity winds down. Our fall marketplace proudly remains an essential show for the toy community – last year in Dallas alone, more than 300 lines were shown.  When all eyes turn to Dallas this September, expect to see an impressive line-up of playthings that will shape the future of play.”

TIA members who hold previews outside of Dallas have indicated their support of the collective needs of the industry, even as they manage their own previews. 

“Many companies followed our lead with an LA area preview cycle but Mattel, as a leader in the industry, recognizes the challenges that multiple regional visits pose for retail partners.  We’re working with customers who traditionally visit both our show and the Dallas Fall Preview, so they can attend both events,” said Geoff Walker, EVP and chief strategic technology officer, Mattel and a TIA board member.

“September is Toy Preview Month and we’re looking forward to sharing our exciting plans for 2017,” said Skip Kodak, senior vice president of LEGO Americas. “Buyers will be busy during the first few weeks of the month with activity at various manufacturer sites – including our Connecticut offices – before they’ll turn their attention to Dallas. At LEGO Systems, we believe a stronger collective industry helps everyone when many players succeed together in bringing quality play and entertainment to children.”

TIA’s Fall Toy Preview brings together decision-makers from mass, long-lead and specialty retailers to preview product for next year's all-important holiday season. Held at the Dallas Market Center, this year’s exhibition will draw worldwide participants to one convenient location to shop the brands that will make for a successful Q4 2017.  

“Each fall, Walmart’s toy buying team dedicates itself to discovering the best of what’s new and exciting for the next year’s holiday season,” said Anne Marie Kehoe, vice president of toys at Walmart. “We truly appreciate the convenience and efficiency of TIA’s Fall Toy Preview in Dallas which brings together hundreds of lines under one roof.”

Added Jay Foreman, president & CEO of The Bridge Direct and chair of TIA’s trade show committee:  “We appreciate the willingness of those doing business outside of Dallas to concentrate preview efforts during the first few weeks of September. This will support our mutual retail customers in their mission to review and select a broad range of products sure to make holiday 2017 a success for all.”

Registration for Fall Toy Preview is now open. Visit www.FallToyPreview.org to learn more.

About the Toy Industry Association     www.toyassociation.org
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. Over the past 100 years, TIA has led the health and growth of the toy industry, and today its 900+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $24 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.