Short takes
Staff -- Playthings, 3/1/2003
Abracadabra at FAO
Magicians-in-the-making will delight in the surprises in store for them at FAO: Magic products supplier Fantasma Toys will provide the specialty venue with items that have never been available at retail until now.
Besides offering products, Fantasma Toys will sponsor daily in-store magic shows, a bi-monthly magic school for kids, guest appearances by well-known magicians and an exhibit of original Harry Houdini props and memorabilia. The in-store event program kicked off last month at FAO Schwarz' flagship store in New York.
ASTRA conference speaks to specialty
ASTRA has revamped the format of its annual Marketplace conference to focus on the needs of specialty retailers. The 2003 event will now include educational sessions—comprised of best business practices and presentations from child-development experts—along with access to the Toy Training Expo, enabling retailers to meet with manufacturers in preparation for fourth-quarter buying.
Early registration for this conference has been reduced to $249, and ASTRA members are advised to redeem their $50 coupon and take advantage of even greater savings. Marketplace 2003 will be held May 15-18 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colo. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org or call (847) 375-4727.
