A matter of choice
We're an industry that needs to get back to business
Maria Weiskott, Editor-in-Chief -- Playthings, 11/1/2001
As we all struggle to deal with the devastating events of these past months, there are several values that we in the toy business share and that unify us. The first, of course, is that we are affirmed, more than ever, about what a vital industry we represent. It is an industry that is essential to the growth and development of generations of children and essential, as well, to their emotional comfort and sense of stability. We know, because we have answered the call of professionals and parents alike—especially strong during this stressful time—for playthings to help quell the fears, soften the loss and help steady the lives of our youngest and most impressionable.
The second value we share is our resolve not to be held hostage by fear; not to permit threats to suck the life out of our plans and traditions or to dampen our enthusiasm for them.
Life, as we know, is a series of choices.
We at PLAYTHINGS choose to move forward, difficult as it may be on some days as we juggle professionalism and sensitivity.
As TIA Vice President of Marketing and Shows Laura Greene so aptly stated, "No industry understands the need to get back to business like we do."
And that moving forward and getting back to business, of course, means planning for Toy Fair.
Like the Toy Industry Association, we expect to do our part to help make the industry's 99th American International Toy Fair the strongest and best ever.
It is with renewed enthusiasm—and in defiance of those who would thwart our values—that we at PLAYTHINGS begin preparing for the best Toy Fair issue in our own history, which also spans 99 years.
We hope that the rest of our industry follows suit: that retailers make their annual buying trips to Manhattan and that manufacturers use the occasion of Toy Fair to show off their newest products.
And speaking of choices…
On a lighter note, we ran a survey on playthings.com as a follow-up to the 'retro' toy feature in October's issue, "Back to the future." Frankly, we were both surprised and happy with the participation! We promised the results in this issue, so here goes.
- Best sellers: Big Wheels, Sno-Man Sno-Cone Machine, Holly Hobbie, Banana seat chopper bikes, Butterfly yo-yo, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic and Pong;
- Personal favorites: Hot Wheels Track, Smash-Up Derby, Big Wheels, Sno-Man Sno-Cone Machine, Holly Hobbie, Banana seat chopper bikes, Butterfly yo-yo, Mystery Date game, Hippity Hop, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic and Pong;
- Also mentioned: Dawn, Chrissy and Johnny Lightning cars.
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