'Tis the season
2002 kicks off with Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Maria Weiskott -- Playthings, 12/1/2001
The 2002 season is set to launch next month at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair amid hopes that traditional New Year 'optimism' might put some muscle back into the global toy market.
Currently the third largest toy show worldwide, the fair has grown to be Asia's number one toy event since its inception in 1975.
The fair has grown as it has "become even more internationalized," says Robin Chiu, director (Americas) for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event's organizer. "Both exhibitors who are present at the show as well as buyers represent an international mix," Chiu tells PLAYTHINGS.
Of the 1,600 companies exhibiting last year, he says, 35 percent were from outside Hong Kong and represented 28 different countries. The 25,000 buyers at the fair, he adds, were internationally diverse as well.
It is also a fair that has, of course, seen other changes in nearly three decades, notably the increase in high-technology toys, a trend Chiu says can be expected to continue, particularly if interactivity is involved.
Another notable change in toys, he adds, has been "a very conspicuous movement to original design manufacturing." Designs are very vivid and much stronger, he adds.
Chiu says he expects to at least hold to 1,600 exhibitors again at the 2002 fair, which will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11. From the standpoint of exhibitors, the show would then be at "full capacity." He also notes that original expectations were for the number of buyers to also match numbers for the 2001 fair as well. But it is an expectation that may change due to "general concerns about traveling." Considering the current world situation, Chiu adds, "maybe we'll be seeing a few less buyers from the U.S."
But while Americans are generally concerned about traveling in the current environment, Chiu points out that Hong Kong is considered the second safest city in Asia, according to a recent survey.
"Hong Kong has always been safe by international standards," he tells PLAYTHINGS. The city, Chiu adds, "is known for its neutral nature. We're known for being most interested in trade and economic development. It's a safe place to do business."
