Wow! Stuff, Smyths and Spin Master Toys triumphed at the 60th Toy Industry Awards
Tuesday 21 January 2025: Wow! Stuff, Smyths and Spin Master Toys triumphed at this year’s Toy Industry Awards winning Toy of the Year, Toy Retailer of the Year and Supplier of the Year, respectively.
In addition, the two trade associations that presented the awards, each gave special awards on the night. The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) presented a Judges’ Special Recognition Award to The Entertainer for their successful toy aisle franchise with TESCO in 2024 and Moons Toymaster for outstanding work in the promotion of independent toy retail, matched with excellent supplier partnership. The BTHA also proudly announced that Derek Scott has been awarded the Golden Teddy Award, recognising his exceptional contribution to the toy industry.
The Toy Retailers Association (TRA) presented its Outstanding Contribution to Toy Retail Award to Alan Simpson to honour his dedication, commitment and excellent contribution to toy retailing. Simpson has made outstanding contributions through the leadership of his toy retail business, SMF Toytown, and through many years of leadership of the industry’s retail association. He started his retail business in 1979 with one store turning over £32,000 and has built it up over the intervening years to more than 30 stores, turning over £23 million. He took on the leadership of the Toy Retailers Association for 20 years, first joining the board in May 2004 and then in his role as Chairman from 2011 to 2024, leading the industry through changing, and sometimes challenging, times for toy retailing. He received the award for the positive contribution he has made to the toy retailing community over many years.
Toy and Supplier of the year Awards
“2024 was a difficult year for many in the toy business, so the awards night was a welcome interval to pause and reflect on the successes of the past year and exalt the excellence that our industry can deliver, even in tough times. The nominees and winners were the very best toys and suppliers across the year. The winning toys displayed the best innovation, license collaborations and customer engagement – from our youngest fans in the preschool range to our oldest enthusiasts in the kidult category. Congratulations went to all our winning toys and suppliers and to the people who stand behind them with their passion, talent, support of the retail community and commitment to our wonderful industry.”
Geoff Sheffield, Chairman of the TRA
Toy Retailer Of The Year Winners
“In 2025, it was a privilege to honour the incredible achievements of our retail partners over the past year. On behalf of the BTHA, congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Toy Retailer Awards. Each winner has displayed exceptional creativity, and innovation in delivering an outstanding retail experience to their customers while fostering strong collaboration with suppliers. In what continues to be a challenging retail landscape, these winners have gone above and beyond, setting a high standard for the industry through their dedication and hard work. The judges were deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of entries received, reflecting the talent and commitment of all the finalists, who deserve commendation for their achievements. I would also like to recognise our runners-up, who demonstrated excellence within their categories. Thank you to everyone who participated, making this year’s awards a true celebration of the best our industry has to offer.”
Simon Pilkington, Chairman of the BTHA