Inside Out

While anxiously awaiting the TIA's announcement—supposedly taking place during this year's event—as to the future location of the American International Toy Fair, the industry seems to be getting antsy. Toy Fair's arrival has given spark to concerns about sale of the International Toy Center and the future locations of Toy Fairs, both fall and winter, causing unsolicited telephone calls daily on the matter (While we love to chase down stories, we also love those that are brought to us.). Parties posed questions about the future and concerns about the current atmosphere...“You know there is chaos in the Toy Building right now,” one caller tells Playthings. “All of us are trying to figure out what do we do. Do we move somewhere as a goup? Do we go out and find space on our own … it's just real screwed up right now,” one lessor tells us. It seems that the Toy Industry Association's statement (see playthings.com, Jan, 7, 2005) that it is committed to a Toy Fair 2006 in the Apple, is being taken somewhat skeptically. Many industry folks are taking an “I'll believe it when I see it” stance., at least that was the “buzz,” we're told at the Hong Kong Toy Fair last month...Other topics reaching the ears of Playthings editors of late concern lease agreements and the incubator program. On the leases topic, it appears companies that have long-term leases are going to be looking for some heavy compensation regarding those leases...Back in action...Joe Whitaker of the late DSI, along with alums Bob Erickson and Bill Kerner. The latter two have formed Matrix Global Consulting, which is representing a Hong Kong-based toymaker, GStorm. The company will be debuting its line in the Incubator at American InternationalToy Fair this month...Musical chairs... Jerry R. Welch, who oversaw the reformulating of FAO Schwarz, is resigning as CEO. No successor has been named. Brad Globe is the new executive vice president and general manager at Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, responsible for oversight of the day-to-day operations of global business. He will succeed Dan Romanelli, founder and president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, effective July 2006.