The 15th edition of Playtime Paris reached a record level with 8164 visitors, an increase of +17% over January 2013. With buyers coming from 69 different countries, Playtime Paris has taken a sharp turn toward the international stage.

Playtime Paris in numbers

Total number of visitors : 8164

From France : 50,36%

International : 49,64%

Of which : Europe (ex-France) : 36,26% Asia: 5,08% The Americas: 2,49% The Middle East: 2,11% Africa: 0,45% Oceania/Pacific: 0,41%

Top 5 Europe: 1. Belgium 2. United Kingdom 3. Italy 4. Spain 5. Switzerland

Top 5 Ex-Europe: 1. Japan 2. USA 3. South Korea 4. Russia 5.Hong Kong

Visitor’s breakdown per day : Saturday (Day 1) : 35,39%,  Sunday (Day 2) : 32,04%,  Monday (Day 3) : 32,57%

International exhibitors

Amongst the 400 collections present, over 2/3 came from abroad.

New visitors

Amongst the 8164 visitors, more than 2000 were walking the alleys of the show for the very first time.

This season Playtime was held simultaneously with two other main Parisian events of international reputation : Who’s Next (fashion) and Maison&Objet (Furniture&decor). This certainly played a role in the strong international presence, as shows the example of Jamie Rosenthal who comes to Paris to buy for her wonderful concept store Lost and Found based in Los Angeles. Jamie said she was happy to be able to visit the three shows in one trip, as she can’t come from so far there different times per season.

It seems to have been positive for exhibitors who sell products that are both clothing and gift oriented, although a be strenuous in terms of organisation. British brand Bob&Blossom was showing not only at Playtime Paris and Maison&Objet, but also at Bubble London. “It was challenging logistically. However we had a great response at all 3 shows – opening new accounts, catching up with existing customers and launching new products” said Kirsten Harris, owner of the brand.

An attractive fair

I don’t want to sound like I have been paid to always say so much good about Playtime, this is pure enthusiastic and honest feedback. The show is well organised, all the best indie brands are showing there, and Paris, although not always the most friendly town to visit (please MR the mayor do something about the taxis and the transport from RCDG airport!), is very easy to reach from all parts of Europe.

Moreover, Playtime always give a little extra through artistic installations and trend spaces and also with PlayWithDesign, an exhibit around design open to both professionals and the public.

“Today, we can confidently say that Playtime Paris benefits from an international drawing power that is unrivaled in the children’s universe, offering professionals from around the globe a rendez-vous that can’t be missed” say the organisers.

Next edition is 5, 6 and 7 July 2014…see you there!

Playtime