Get your first look at this year’s biggest launches in our January issue – as the run-up to toy fair season begins
Welcome to 2026 – and what a start to the year we have for you in our January issue. There’s an embarrassment of riches throughout our pages this month, including a bumper London Toy Fair preview, giving you an early peek at exhibitors’ latest and greatest toys, and the innovation heading to shelves over the coming 12 months. Majen Immink, Director of Fairs and Events at the BTHA, told us: “The industry can again expect another three packed days dedicated to new ideas, product reveals, trend-spotting and valuable industry networking.” There are more than 250 exhibitors at this year’s show – 40 of which are brand new – and you can find out what they have in store from page 32.
The team at MV Sports gave us a deep dive into their plans for 2026 in our cover story, including the move into a surprising new product category that just makes sense.
We also interviewed a host of toy retailers, from independent specialists entering their next chapter, to Hamleys’ Chief Experience Officer Paul Porter, who oversees all the magic that Hamleys is known for: retail theatre, brand partnerships, and experiences that give shoppers a reason to visit. He tells us about some of his favourite partnerships of 2025 and how to maintain the Hamleys spirit across its growing global footprint of stores.
The US Toy Association gave us an update on New York Toy Fair, and Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board, Spielwarenmesse eG, told us how Nuremberg’s Spielwarenmesse is celebrating its 75th anniversary later this month.
There’s plenty more besides from across the industry, so enjoy and we’ll see you all soon at Olympia!
