NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Toy Industry Association (TIA), the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages, celebrates 100 years of serving the North American toy industry as it looks back on a continuously thriving market. A critical and resilient component to the toy industry’s success, the TIA has worked with American toy companies to leverage emerging platforms and technology to balance the playing field, recognizing the importance of traditional play while embracing how kids play today.
“Over the last century our members have continually touched children's lives, bringing them both happiness and the developmental benefits of play while we at TIA are proud to have supported our members every step of the way,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Industry Association. “Today in America, toy sales are showing robust growth, toy companies are creating innovative products, and a new generation of parents is embracing the essential role of play for their children. What an extraordinary gift it is to work each day in the toy world.”
From the classic Mickey Mouse in the 1920s, the accidental invention of the slinky in the ’40s, the now iconic Barbie of the ’50s, the Star Wars figures that started a massive toy craze in the ’70s and Beanie Babies’ unforgettable domination of the last decade of the century, there have been many influential toys and beloved characters from the past 100 years. TIA has been committed to the prosperity of the industry as it has evolved in changing times, from a surge in technology-focused toys to build STEAM skills or the resurrection of old classics for a new generation to experience. By recognizing and leveraging key platforms, like licensed products, app-based play, and content development, the industry has overcome its predicted decline and has instead thrived. The annual U.S. domestic toy market is currently worth $25 billion, approximately 90% of which TIA’s 987 members currently account for.
TIA kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration on September 17, 2015 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Toy Halls of Fame Exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. To continue the celebration, TIA has taken a look back at its past 100 years, highlighting key toy industry moments from 1916-2016 in a striking timeline that will continue to be displayed during TIA events throughout its anniversary year. In addition, industry expert Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy®, authored a commemorative book, They Came to Play: 100 Years of the Toy Industry, highlighting the association’s milestones and its members’ accomplishments.
Since its founding, TIA has worked closely with government, consumers, and its members to ensure safe and fun play and to raise awareness of the important developmental benefits of toys and play. Part of the continued celebration includes the Genius of Play initiative, a movement to provide families with the information and inspiration they need to make the developmental benefits of playtime an important part of each day, including building confidence, critical thinking, and other valuable skills into children’s lives.
“TIA has had a momentous impact on the industry, providing invaluable leadership, resources and support to toymakers, retailers, distributors, inventors, and other play professionals,” said Neil Friedman, chairman of TIA’s Centenary Committee and president and CEO of Alex Brands. “With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, I have witnessed TIA stand by its members, adapt rapidly to change, educate the public on toy safety and the benefits of play, and steadily advance industry safety standards, innovation and philanthropy.”
To find out more about the Toy Industry Association, visit toyassociation.org. For more information on the Genius of Play, visit thegeniusofplay.org.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. Over the past 100 years, TIA has led the health and growth of the toy industry, and today its 900+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $25 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.
