A large group of retailers were urged Monday afternoon to get more hands-on toys and games to capitalize on a trend and boost sales for their children's department.

"Play is coming back for a number of reasons," said children's market consultant and author Mary Manz Simon, who again hosted the popular Children's Product Trends event. "Michelle Obama has made physical activity a centerpiece in her ‘Let's Move' campaign against childhood obesity. Even the White House has a swing set.

"Children live in a test culture," she added. "Childhood stress is on the increase. Parent encouragement of play might be considered part of the backlash against the accountability era in schools."

Simon then conducted a question-and-answer session with representatives of 19 suppliers, who donated products to be given away to the retailers in attendance and offered examples of play in the Christian retail channel. The new toys and games showcased included Snap Caps and Find It! as well as Lego and Playskool brands from New Day Christian Distributors; Righteous Racers collectible cars from Kerusso; blocks and playthings sets from Kregel Publications; Printoons from Tommy Nelson; a whole line of products in the Really Woolly Kids brand from DaySpring; and various card games from Alphabet Alley.

Lisa Farrar, manager of The Crossing bookstore in Chesterfield, Mo., said the play trend was "an eye opener." "We haven't really carried any (toys and games)," she said. "We've stocked books and videos for children, but we'll definitely start carrying play products."

Besides hands-on play, Simon also discussed other societal trends, including coping with the economy. "Families, still financially stretched, are tired of pinching pennies. ‘Frugality fatigue' means parents want to get out of town and enjoy life, but are very budget conscious," she said. "They are looking for mobility in play things and books that are easy to pack, good quality-not consumable, so they'll last-and will keep kids happy during travel."

Anita Weekley-manager of Bible Book Store at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn.-said the children's workshop, which has been presented by Simon for the last 16 years, is "one of the highlights of ICRS."

"I have grandchildren, and the products that are here are the products I want my grandchildren to have," Weekley said. "I want them to have a good foundation. We'll be ordering the products that are here. She (Simon) provides a wealth of information."

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