Canal Toys

Emily Harrison, Sales & Product Executive

Please provide a brief introduction to yourself and the company you work for

It’s been 2 years since I joined Canal Toys and the Toy Industry! The time has flown yet I love the fast, fashion-led pace of working with toys. Starting in Logistics, I have now landed in Sales and Products and am really looking forward to presenting our new product innovations at Toy Fair in 2023! The Canal Toys UK team are like a second family to me and it is so encouraging to see the business continue to grow as we celebrate our 5th birthday in 2023! We are Arts & Crafts focused with developments in Electronics and Girls toys too and boast the original DIY slime recipe that is glue, boron and mess free!

What is your favourite part about working in the toy industry?

I love seeing how toy innovations both follow and create trends across all categories, supporting children’s current interests but also inspiring new forms of play and creativity. This is fascinating to be a part of and it certainly makes the job fun and interesting!

Give us the inside scoop, what products are you launching at Toy Fair 2023?

We have some exciting new tech to unveil under our Studio Creator electronics brand, new characters to introduce in our Airbrush Plush range, fresh factory concepts under our So DIY brands and also new arts & crafts sets to share in the Style 4 Ever range – lot’s to talk about so come and see us on stand F90 for more details!

What trends do you predict for the Toy Fair industry in 2023?

We predict you will see more versatile product innovations that will be popular with ‘kidults’ & teens as well as the younger audience they are designed for. Activity toys/products are also likely to be an increasing trend in the market, focusing on extended and repeat play functions.

How many years have you exhibited at Toy Fair 2023? Any favourite memories?

Personally, last year was my first year at Toy Fair! As a company, we have been attending for 4 years and our MD & GM are seasoned pro’s in the Toy Industry so have lost count of how may Toy Fairs they have exhibited and attended. My favourite memory from last year was taking photos and selfies with our stand visitors using our Instant Camera then having fun decorating and customising the instant prints in a scrapbook that now takes pride of place in our showroom in York. Makes me smile each time I walk past it; fun memories!

What is your favourite toy?

My favourite toy of all time is probably Duplo from Lego. I loved constructing crazy and creative castles and houses for my Duplo characters. Now with a 3 year old nephew, I get to relive those days and build big towers and enjoy all the fun, new sets they have released. I think creativity is such a vital element of play for kids as it allows them to push their imagination and try big, bold ideas in a fun and care-free way.

What top tip would you give to a fellow exhibitor or visitor attending their first Toy Fair?

Wear comfy shoes and no need to wear a tie… also, 10 mins on the balcony to look over all the hustle and bustle of the stands below is an encouraging post-pandemic sight. We are back in (real-life) business!