Stationery sector products are among the key things that increase customer frequency for toy retailers. This is why we would like to present to you the Insights-X cooperation partner Handelsverband Spielwaren (BVS), the German Toy Retailers Association, in an interview with its Managing Director Steffen Kahnt.
The BVS represents the interests of the retail toy trade in all distribution channels and all enterprise size classes in Germany. It is affiliated to the German Retail Association (HDE), whose regional associations may delegate members to attend the BVS General Assembly. The most important buying groups in the industry are associate members. In this interview, Steffen Kahnt reveals the advantages of a membership in the association as well as the importance of attending Insights-X for toy retailers.
![[Translate to English:] Portrait Steffen Kahnt](/fileadmin/user_upload/Bilder/News/2019/20190611_MeetOurPartners_BVS.jpg "[Translate to English:] Steffen Kahnt, Handelsverband Spielwaren (BVS)")
What advantages do retailers have if they are members of the BVS? What's so special about your association?
Steffen Kahnt: The retailer becomes part of a strong community and no longer has to fight all his battles by himself. The BVS represents the entire retail trade of the sector, so our voice has some influence in Berlin and Brussels. Thanks to our networked structures, our strong organisation of retailers, as well as the HDE with all its departments, we can influence legislative processes at an early stage and assist retailers with our expertise and our services. We are virtually the ones in the retail trade that wage war on bureaucracy and costs. Moreover, the BVS's media work ensures that product worlds are even better perceived by the end consumer. For example, our TOP 10 toy campaign helps position the hottest toys of the year as Christmas gifts.
What role do ecology and sustainability play in your association?
S. K.: Ecology and sustainability are socially relevant topics that naturally affect the trade and thus also us as an association. For example, we advise our retailers on topics such as plastic bags, the professional disposal of packaging, the licensing of sales packaging or how to comply properly with environmentally relevant guidelines.
Why do you recommend your members attend Insights-X?
S. K.: The products of the stationery industry are products we use in our everyday lives. This means they are also a key way of increasing frequency for toy retailers. Anyone wanting to attract more customers to their shop should opt for paper, office supplies and stationery. And if you want to find out about new office, school and hobby-related products, you won't find a better place than Insights-X. It offers the perfect platform for a constructive dialogue between the retail trade and the industry and impresses visitors on account of its high-quality portfolio of exhibitors.
Mr Kahnt, thank you for talking to us.
The PartnerLounge is reserved exclusively for members of trade associations and purchasing co-ops which are partners of Insights-X. Take a look at all the cooperation partners at Insights-X 2019.
