During the London Toy Fair at the end of January each year, the toy trade celebrates the previous year’s achievements at a glittering awards ceremony and dinner attended by manufacturers, suppliers and retailers.
The Toy Retailers Association makes a series of category awards to the suppliers for the best performing toys, which culminates in the prestigious Toy of The Year award. The British Toy and Hobby Association which organises the event, returns the compliments by presenting awards to the best toy retailers.
Each shop that enters is anonymously visited during the year, and marked on items such as eye-catching window displays, presentation and tidiness of stock as well as depth of ranges and knowledge of staff. Also important is a child friendly atmosphere, play areas where children can be entertained whilst mum and dad do the shopping, and even on the ability of customers to easily wheel prams and pushchairs around the displays.
Winner of Toy Retailer of The Year, 2009
Stewart Miller from Northern Ireland
Small Independent Toy Retailer
Imagination
Large Independent Toy Retailer
Stewart Miller
National Multiple Toy Retailer
The Disney Store
Toy Retailer (Grocer)
ASDA
Toy Catalogue
Early Learning Centre
Online Toy Retailer
Argos
A family run traditional baby clothing and toy shop.
A massive selection of branded toys, cycles, and games.
A family-run business based in Dorset.