With the 2021 running of Toy Fair New York canned due to the COVID pandemic, hopes were high for the return of the show in 2022 but escalating concerns regarding the Omicron variant have led to the 2022 event at Javits Center, due to run from 19th to the 22nd February, also being cancelled.
“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. 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. The wide range of other events that occur across New York City during Toy Fair week are now also impacted.”
“Certainly, there are legitimate concerns around the pandemic that has guided thinking. Many are saying they are very comfortable with being in New York City, at the Javits Center, and at the show given strict health and safety protocols in place, while travel concerns and for some, staff absences due to illness at home, rightfully weigh on their minds.”
“Delivering a best-in-class next Toy Fair for all the varied audiences it serves so well is now our focus. 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.”
The worlds leading toy event since 1903, Fantha Tracks were planning to attend the event but instead will bring any Star Wars relevant news here on the site remotely.
We reflected on the move of June’s E3 from an in-person to an online event in Episode 122 of Making Tracks, which you can listen to below as we discussed the possibility of May’s Star Wars Celebration being postponed once again (fingers crossed it doesn’t).
