GRAND RAPIDS — Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, has announced the launch of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest that will give two small U.S. toymakers the chance for their toy to receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.
The contest, the first of its kind hosted by Meijer, is open to small toy companies and entrepreneurs in the United States with 50 employees or less. Eligible toys must fit in one of two age categories: 1-3 or 4-8 years of age. To enter, toymakers will send one sample toy along with a contest entry form to Meijer. Entries will be judged on uniqueness, educational relevance, creativity, and quality.
“Meijer strives to provide our customers the best selection of toys in-store and online during the holiday season,” said Liwanag Ojala, vice president of e-commerce for Meijer. “This contest allows us to offer something exclusive to Meijer.com shoppers while supporting small businesses here in the U.S., something we know is important to our customers.”
Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 13 and received by Aug. 17 to be eligible.
The Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest winners will be chosen by a panel of Meijer judges including representatives from e-commerce, toy purchasing and quality assurance. Meijer Facebook fans can also weigh in, voting for their favorite toy on the Meijer Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meijer) Aug. 29 – Sept. 4.
“Meijer.com is the go-to destination for holiday toy shopping and we’re excited to add these new toys to our huge online selection of nearly 8,000 toys,” said Ojala. “With free shipping to local Meijer stores, Meijer.com makes it simple to experience the joy of giving this holiday season.”
Two winners (one from each age group) will be announced on Sept. 7 and available for purchase at Meijer.com for at least six months, beginning Nov. 21.
For more information and official rules for the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest, visit www.meijer.com/toycontest.
