Food Retailers Scarce at Toy Fair 2011-02-16

CHRISTINA VEIDERS

NEW YORK — Toy Fair here, which completed its 108th run on Feb. 16, drew a handful of supermarkets. The annual event often foreshadows important trends that will propel fourth quarter sales.

The Toy Industry Association reported the following grocery retailers registered for the show: A&P, Aldi, Brookshire Grocery, Casel's Supermarket, H-E-B, Loblaw Cos., Meijer, Price Chopper Supermarkets, Wakefern Food Corp. and Wegmans Food Markets.

Except for one Fred Meyer buyer spotted outside of the exhibit halls, SN did not see any grocery buyers on the show floor during the second day. Aisle traffic was moderate.

Several exhibitors confirmed that participation from grocery companies is scant at the show. David Traub, president of Image Masters, Agoura Hills, Calif., noted there was little, if any, supermarket buyer presence on the floor even though there are many impulse items ideally suited for supermarkets.