Playtime NYC: Nearly 1820 professional visitors

New York City, the last stop of the winter season for the Playtime trade shows! From February 28 through March 2, 2015, Playtime New York hos - ted the leading professionals from the children’s universe at the Metropolitan West to celebrate its 10th edition.

Nearly 1820 professional visitors came out in New York’s bitter winter weather to attend the event, resulting in a rise of 10% over last season. Unfortunately, the wicked snowstorm of Sunday March 1st negatively impacted the number of visitors to the show that afternoon, hindering the beautiful evolution that was expected (+ 29% preregistration before the show compared to winter 2014).

Taking the pulse of the latest trends in the children’s universe, buyers and media (90% and 10% of visitors, respectively) discovered the ex - hibitors’ newest trends for Fall/Winter 2015/16 in an inspiring and relaxing work environment.

Fashion, decor, design and layette; all the best of the children’s universe was brought together across two levels, for a beautiful selection of nearly 120 collections .

Though certain brands have now become “regulars” at the fair (caramelbaby&child, maá, bobo choses, atsuyo et akiko, herschel supply co,…), 40% were participating in the show for the first time, thereby constituting a complete and dynamic offer.

Composed of a majority of American brands (53%) it was no - netheless clear that the proportion of foreign brands at the fair (coming from Spain, France, Italy, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia…) had risen slightly, reflecting the attractiveness of Playtime New York for those international brands targeting the American market.

Moreover, although the trade show attracted a fair number of foreign buyers (Australia, Europe, Japan, Taiwan…) the visitors were primarily American (89,3%).

The show’s trend spaces, which were organized around the very timely theme of ‘ Parlor Games’, were indeed appreciated by the concept-stores, department stores (ABC Carpet, Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s) and media (Babiekins, Earnshaw’s, Papier Mâché, Babyccino,…) who visited the fair: The ‘ Breaking the rules’ space designed by artist Elodie Blanchard, presented fashion that was rebellious and colorful, while at the ‘ Cultivating a team spirit’ space, designed by Judith Fourny, comfortable and reassuring fashion was organized around the values of sharing and respect for others, was on display.

As usual, Playtime shared some constructive proposi - tions, in this case on Monday, March 2 and in collaboration with its partner Earnshaw’s, during a conference organized around the theme of ‘ The emergence of a new generation of ultra-connected consumers.’ This is a strong trend running through society that can even be seen in the way professionals are adopting new work methods. Obviously, Playologie, the online trade fair created by the organizers of Playtime, was there to present its services and help professionals integrate the sector’s latest changes. www.playologie.com

Next Editions:
Bye bye winter! Playtime will see you again this summer in Paris, New York and Tokyo, where it will present the loveliest children’s and maternity Spring/Summer 2016 collections.