Yesterday, the news hit that Toy Fair 2022 has been cancelled. The event was scheduled for February 19-22, 2022 at the Javits Center in New York City. The Toy Association sent out a press release announcing the cancellation. After a report from the New York Post that Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Jazwares, Walmart, Target, and Amazon would be skipping the event, and that other retailers were looking to back out, it was announced the show would still go on.
However, it seems that too many manufacturers began to back out due to health concerns. The Toy Association mentions that more companies were on the fence, and the decision was made to pull the plug. Here’s the key quote from the press release:
“Key to our efforts these past two weeks has been the balance of some 700 remaining committed toy manufacturers saying they need and want Toy Fair 2022 to build their businesses, weighing that against those departing and seriously on the fence, and needing to provide a sufficient quantity and quality across the retail buying community necessary to deliver a positive experience,” said Steve Pasierb, President & CEO of The Toy Association. “As that balance has shifted, we are obligated to make the best decision in everyone’s interest no matter how heartbreaking for so many and potentially damaging some business’ future prospects. The wide range of other events that occur across New York City during Toy Fair week are now also impacted.”
Chances are, many of the larger companies that were prepping for reveals and announcements will now shift their focus to online events. We await announcements on any plans for virtual panels, booth tours, and conferences. We’ll update if and when those announcements are sent out. For now, check out the full press release Here.