Report on the first edition of Playtime New York

Buyers, Exhibitors, Press Express Delight with Selection, Turnout, Venue

The first edition of Playtime New York, the international trade show dedicated to the universes of children and maternity, was a huge hit among buyers and exhibitors alike. Held July 31 to August 2 at 82 Mercer in Soho, the event spotlighted 63 American and international designers collections which included clothing, accessories, childcare, design and more.

Maternity also played a key role at Playtime New York. Six fashion-oriented collections were spotlighted and a special trend space was devoted to the category. Its an area organizers plan on expanding at future editions, as was done at Playtime Paris, which quickly became the largest show in Europe for maternity.

”The energy at the show was very upbeat and the response from both exhibitors and buyers was very positive,” said Sebastien de Hutten, Director, Playtime. “In addition to the wide variety of brands exhibiting at the show, everyone seemed to appreciate the beautiful, easy-to-access venue and enjoyed being in a hip downtown neighborhood. We feel Playtime New York arrived at a time when the industry was ready to embrace a fresh concept and has tremendous potential to stimulate retailers by offering a show where business meets with pleasure.”

Visitors from 18 countries attended the show. Among them leading retailers represented at Playtime New York included American Eagle Outtters, Anthropologie, Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Chasing Fireies, Crembebe, Estella, Future Perfect (South Korea), Isetan, The Land of Nod, Macy’s, The Museum of Modern Art, Neiman Marcus, Nonchalantmom, Nordstrom, Pomme, Scoop, Sweet William, TJ Maxx, Uncommon Goods, Yoyamart and many more.

For more information please visit www.playtimenewyork.com
February/March 2011 market, to be announced.