Playtime Details Plans for New York Show

International trade show Playtime will hold its first New York event July 31-Aug. 2 at Soho’s 82 Mercer, according to event director Sebastien de Hutten. The U.S. version follows Playtime Paris, which launched in 2006, and Playtime Tokyo, which bowed last year.

“Expanding to the New York market is a natural for our brand,” de Hutten stated. “Our goal is to bring the best product mix and the best buyers together and maintain the whimsical, innovative, energetic yet professional ambiance for which we are known. By creating a unique fair that includes all of the essential elements they are looking for, Playtime provokes and responds to the demands of the buyers, which ultimately benefits the exhibitors.”

The show will include infant and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, baby gear, toys, decor, childcare and maternity. The 25,000-square-foot space features a loft design, brick walls, hardwood flooring, cast-iron columns and arched passageways. The show will provide an easy-to-navigate layout and an open booth design.

A new website (www.playtimenewyork.com) is being developed in the same format as the Playtime Paris site. It will serve as a working tool for the buyers, who will be able to search the exhibitor list alphabetically or by universe and view up to four photos of each collection. Contact Playtime New York at (212) 925-6349.