NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The annual Toy Fair New York scheduled for next month was canceled Tuesday amid growing concerns over a surge in COVID-19 cases, The Toy Association announced.
The event, which is marketed as the largest toy, play and youth entertainment marketplace in the Western Hemisphere, was set to take place Feb. 19-22 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.
However, as some big toy brands announced they would be pulling out of the show amid rising COVID-19 numbers in New York, event organizers made the decision to cancel the fair altogether.
In a release, the group blamed “constant, unfounded rumors” on social media for defying the group’s “best efforts to sustain the show amid global uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.”
“Key to our efforts these past two weeks has been the balance of some 700 remaining committed toy manufacturers saying they need and want Toy Fair 2022 to build their businesses, weighing that against those departing and seriously on the fence, and needing to provide a sufficient quantity and quality across the retail buying community necessary to deliver a positive experience,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Toy Association.
“As that balance has shifted, we are obligated to make the best decision in everyone’s interest no matter how heartbreaking for so many and potentially damaging some business’ future prospects,” he continued.
The decision marks the second year in a row that the event has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
The trade show typically attracts upwards of 1,000 vendors from around the world.
Pasierb had noted that hundreds of toy manufacturers were committed to exhibiting at the Toy Fair this year, but many others were concerned about travel restrictions, staff absences due to illness and health and safety protocols.
The group now plans to work on addressing all existing concerns as it prepares for next year’s event.
“Delivering a best-in-class next Toy Fair for all the varied audiences it serves so well is now our focus,” said Pasierb. “We will be working with all exhibitors on next steps to unwind February 2022 and build a solid base for visitors from across the world to again experience Toy Fair.”
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