Toy Fair 2004 Day 2: Enthusiasm Reigns

The best news so far this week from Toy Fair is that everyone is so upbeat! Last year, people were really down--orders were down, manufacturers were complaining, doll and toy buyers were bored. Maybe it was the blizzard, maybe it was the economy, but the mood was definitely downbeat.

What a difference a year makes! At Toy Fair 2004, companies are reporting that orders are up. Reps are smiling. Buyers are enthusiastic about product--I've even seen a few ordering frenzies! And this in the face of all the doll and toy business closures in the last year. It looks like the worst is over, the economy is improving, and everyone is ready to play!