As our 10^th anniversary celebration officially winds down, we look back over the years with a sense of satisfaction in the hard work that’s been done and an enduring resolve to keep it up, make it better and stay strong. Since March, we’ve been sharing monthly news about the services ToyDirectory provides and the ways in which it has affected the industry.

ToyDirectory’s membership and visitor base is steady … and growing.

ToyDirectory has 1,400 manufacturer clients and more than 26,500 registered retailer readers, with an additional 3,000 signing on each year. In addition, the Web site sees in excess of 205,000 visitors every month. For three years in a row, Google has rated us as the No. 1 wholesale trade directory.

ToyDirectory’s online exclusivity allows it to reach an unlimited number of readers, maintain a searchable and growing database of more than 9,000 products as well as more than 4,000 pages of articles in TDmonthly back-issues, and provide interactive, up-to-date services that can’t be found in print.

Forums facilitate communication between retailers and manufacturers, and almost 700 video demonstrations allow products to be “seen” before they’re stocked or purchased. ToyShow Previews, Inquiry Baskets, Holiday Gift Guides, Retailing Tips, Top-10 Lists and more give industry leaders promotion opportunity and the information they need — all in one place.

Manufacturers and retailers have great things to say.

Professionals on both sides of the industry have discovered that ToyDirectory provides a much-needed platform for them to connect.

Retailers have come across toys they wouldn’t have heard about otherwise. They appreciate toy ratings and roundtable explanations, look up vendors and conduct research for their stores, and can apply business experiences and tips to their own operations.

Manufacturer testimonials reveal that they appreciate getting business and seeing results, developing efficient marketing strategies, and advertising their company on ToyShow Preview and other special pages.

It’s all about strengthening the toy industry.

“ToyDirectory’s goal is to stimulate growth in the toy industry by creating a comprehensive online community — a cultural and trade metropolis, if you will — where anyone who loves toys can come to be astonished and inspired, and make wiser business decisions,” Bob Naimi, founder of ToyDirectory and publisher of TDmonthly Magazine, explained.

ToyDirectory and TDmonthly will continue to labor to provide retailers, manufacturers and consumers with the information that counts. We welcome suggestions and look forward to expanding and improving the myriad services that have already formed such a strong online presence.

And don’t worry; we’ll be sure to report back after the next 10 years …

Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author