The American International Toy Fair 2011 will this year welcome international buyer delegations from across the globe. Retailers from Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela will walk the busy aisles of Toy Fair together with the thousands of other visitors who will travel to NYC (13-16 Feb) to preview and order the hot new toy launches for 2011.

“The visitor data looks very positive with over 24,000 visitors pre-registered to attend,” commented Joan Wyche, TIA Director, Buyer Relations & Attendee Services. “22 of the top 25 sellers in the US have registered for Toy Fair, representing $16B of our $21.5B industry, and overall we are looking forward to welcoming representatives from 7,300 retail outlets across 96 countries, 17% of whom will be coming to Toy Fair for the first time.”

A deeper analysis of the visitor data also reveals a significant increase in representatives from the licensing, entertainment and marketing industries attending Toy Fair 2011 - up on average by 30%.

In terms of product popularity and trends, the Teen and Tween category has seen a tremendous surge in interest with registered buyers; leaping from #17 in 2010’s top twenty preferences, to #3 in this year’s top ten, followed by Dolls at the #2 position and Arts & Crafts topping the list in the #1 slot.

The launch pad for iconic toys such as Barbie, Mr Potato Head and Ugly Dolls amongst others, Toy Fair is THE place to see the next toy trends emerge. For well over 100 years, it has been at the epicenter of toy and youth product creativity, originality and excellence in the western hemisphere and is a MUST attend stop on the 1st quarter international toy show circuit.

The 2011 show will feature enhanced facilities for international buyers. The new International Visitors Services section of the TOY FAIR website has been designed to help overseas buyers register and get the most out their visit to the show. International attendees can register online or at the show at the International Registration Areas. Multi-lingual staff will also be on hand to provide help and advice in the Buyers Lounge/International Business Center during the show.

Toy Fair is internationally recognized as the most influential toy and youth product marketplace in North America. The 2011 event will be held February 13-16, 2011 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City; online registration is currently open

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