Record First Day Attendance Reported at Toy Fair 2008

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Opening day attendance at the 105^th Toy Fair Sunday, February 17, was up significantly over 2007, an indication of strong confidence in the toy industry. Buyer registration for day one of Toy Fair was up 30% over 2007 and triple the number of reporters registered on Sunday.

“There’s tremendous excitement on the show floor among both exhibitors and buyers”

“There’s tremendous excitement on the show floor among both exhibitors and buyers,” said TIA president, Carter Keithley. “Exhibitors are enthused about the quality of attendees and there’s a high level of interest in new products.”

In addition to mass market retailers, big names such as QVC, Foot Locker, Hewlett-Packard, Harrods, Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Radio Shack and Spencer Gifts were among the retailers from around the globe present on Sunday. Opening day buyer attendance topped 9,200 this year, compared to 7,100 for the same day last year.

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was buzzing with press activity too, on Sunday, with more than 900 members of the media at day one of Toy Fair 2008, as compared to 300 for opening day 2007.

An estimated total of 35,000 members of the toy industry and media are expected to attend before the show closes Wednesday afternoon.

About the American International Toy Fair®

American International Toy Fair is the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere. More than 1,200 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from over 94 countries showcase their toy and entertainment products. From classic toys to interactive entertainment and everything in between, we have it all! Products include: action figures and dolls, games and puzzles, bicycles, tricycles and ride-ons, radio-controlled vehicles, infant and preschool toys, cars, trucks, and trains, puppets and plush, audio and video cassettes, computer software and video games, playground and sporting equipment, Halloween, Christmas, books, stationery, party supplies, and much more

For free video content of Toy Fair from the Toy Industry Association, please log on to www.thenewsmarket.com/toys to preview and request video. You can receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this site. Registration and video is free to the media.