As Astra’s future soars

Sue Warfield Chairman of the American Professional Toy Retail Association (ASTRA)

Winter Toy Fair – Back! While March is not exactly the same as February, it is over. At Astra, we are excited to be exhibited at the Toy Fair when it is more synced with our professional store schedule.

You can find me and Michael Foldeak, Special Projects and Events Manager Stall No. 5937. During the show, we will meet with our members and let them know about our new membership benefits, find new companies to increase our membership, and be aware of the latest products and trends for 2025.

Astra members can look forward to sharing our initiatives this year when we meet with everyone at Toy Fair. Last year, we commissioned a consumer survey that included getting advice from professional shoppers about why they were shopping. We are using results to inform our efforts and focus on what is important to professional shoppers.

Here are just a few things you’ll expect from Astra this year:

• Expand our Certified Expert Program to get more certifications for professional retail store personnel;
• Build our online education products and expand our products beyond members;
• Help our retail members establish presentations and categories that appeal to a wider audience;
• Set sail on the toy boat on March 17;
• Launch regional groups for members to meet and share ideas;
• Continue to zoom parties covering a wide range of topics;
• A “post-exhibition” party is set up throughout the year in gift performances;
• Learn the Astra they want with our membership;
• Build our online communication system to be more friendly;
• Together to combat any government issues that may affect our growth and success.

Toy Fair has been a tradition for many of us over the years and we hope that with the New York Winter Show returning to winter shows, the energy will be what we remember before the 19th pandemic.

With Toy Fair in February 2026 and February 2027, Astra hopes to add other events and expand its reach in these shows. So far, we are considering hosting a web dinner, a cocktail hour and bringing back a “Share Expo” breakfast. Next year, we will look at new opportunities to work with professional communities gathered in New York.

As online sales continue to grow, we are also seeing more people shopping in person to connect. We can’t forget that consumers actually want to shop in person, and we will continue to work with our members to make “shopping locally, small shopping” almost as easy as shopping with a big box.

Let’s go, in 2025, we are ready to soar!