The March/April issue of Progressive Preschool includes its usual exciting mix of retail interviews, market highlights, industry feedback and sector product features, as well as all the latest news from the nursery, entertainment and toy industries.
As the PPS team went to press on the latest issue, preschool suppliers, retailers and other companies were making their own best attempts at applying the most up-to-date government information as each day brings fresh news of the coronavirus – or COVID-19 – pandemic.
This issue contains a full preview for Harrogate International Nursery Fair as, at the time of press, it was expected to be taking place as planned. Since then, the organisers have made the difficult but sensible decision to postpone the show until Sunday 14 – Tuesday 16 June.
While the show will be taking place a few months later than planned, the preview itself is by no means wasted. Suppliers are still launching new products and retailers are still looking for exciting new lines to attract consumers – who will still need to buy babycare product, whether that is now or in the future.
While it is sensible and prudent to take precautions, the country is not in lockdown and so the show must go on. Our businesses will still be here this time next year and so it’s hugely encouraging to see so many of us willing to face the situation head on. It’s not going to be easy, with supply chains being affected and consumer purse strings being pulled ever-tighter as other industries also muddle their way through the current situation.
To that end, this issue also includes in-depth product features on brand new inventions for this year, the newest slings, preschool publishing, traditional toys which are embracing technology and the latest licensed clothing. We have spoken to the children’s buyer at Blue Diamond Group, the team at Tomy and the organisers of the AIS show to bring you all the latest from the front line of preschool developments.
While we won’t be seeing you all at Harrogate as planned, it’s important to keep in contact with the industry, especialy during what is expected to be a difficult time. Stay safe and stay in touch.
