Page 15 - Craftcil Aug & Sep 2023

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Enriching sourcing experience

Buyers in good numbers visited the fair and shared their
interest in sourcing made in India toys & games, especially
collecter’s items, sustainable lines and technology backed
products. They expressed their happiness at having a sectoral
show with so much to see, learn, experience and source from.
Robotics, products from new start-ups, heritage toys, younger
group toys and learning & therapy toys attracted many. A
delegation of buyers from Hamleys (buying and sourcing team),
Amazon, Lulu International Mall, Reliance Retail, IKEA, Skechers
and ITC group visited Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair and did
business with the exhibitors. The buying team of these brands
were happy and satisfied with the show and appreciated EPCH’s It was observed that the toy market is seeing a surge in demand
effort for organising this fair at this scale. Buyers have responded for new products just as for classic and heritage toys. There is a
well to educational toys and board games. Outdoor play renewed demand for new kinds of toys & games; exciting,
products have been sought after, especially as a means to interactive or just calming; all those that quell the urge for young
encourage time away from electronic gadgets. At the same time ones to be online - on screen.
we have noted many takers for app. based, robotics and phygital Besides direct buyers and brand representatives, the fair saw
(a combination of physical and digital) products. Right on the toy collectors and enthusiasts visiting the stalls with a lot of
other side of this spectrum, the good old popular Montessori nostalgia and enthusiasm. While heritage dolls and handmade
toys, puppetry and pretend-play lines have gathered their share mechanised toys from yesteryears got their share of attention,
of patronage. Regional toy craft makers have shared their stories miniature toys and collectors models found many takers. Thanks
to a receptive audience, spread awareness about lesser known to technology and design innovation, these segments of toys are
toy making practices and done their share of business with getting their facelifts, while retaining originality - all for image
original as well as modern interpretations of their craft. enhancement and a well-deserved global presence.

A delegation of buyers from Hamleys (buying and sourcing team), Amazon, Lulu International Mall, Reliance Retail, IKEA, Skechers
and ITC group visited Khilona-India Toys & Games Fair and did business with the exhibitors

CRAFTCIL • August-September 2023 15