U.K. TOY FAIR: AR, Licensed Toys Steal the Show

Augmented reality and licensed toys were in the spotlight at the U.K. Toy Fair in London Jan. 20-22.

From Flair’s Cupets and Animin to Vivid Toy Group’s My Friend Cayla, which answers questions by linking to a smartphone, the broad use of augmented reality technology in new offerings on the show floor highlighted the level of innovation within the industry.

Licensed toys also made a strong showing. Among the notable debuts were Character Option’s Minecraft range, a Dennis the Menace farting football from Golden Bear and Union J dolls from Vivid Toy Group.

“There were thousands of exciting and innovative products launched at Toy Fair this year and it kick started what we all hope to be a successful year for the toy industry,” says Simon Pilling, head of operations and sales, U.K. Toy Fair.