#USA #New York #Partner Awards #Toy Fair #Entertainment Earth

Partner Excellence Awards 2026: Honoring Retailers in the Toy Industry

As the excitement of Toy Fair 2026 kicks off in New York, Entertainment Earth, a prominent name in the toy and collectibles industry, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special recognition event: the Partner Excellence Awards. These awards aim to honor both independent toy retailers and online platforms that have made significant contributions to the evolving landscape of the toy market.

Importance of the Awards

The Partner Excellence Awards are not just accolades; they signify the profound impact independent retailers have on the toy and collectibles community. As fans of all ages seek to discover and engage with their favorite collectibles, these retailers play an essential role in enhancing the shopping experience through personalized customer service, community events, and passionate engagement with their product offerings.

Michael Nelson, Director of Sales at Entertainment Earth, emphasized, "Independent retailers continue to play a critical role in how fans discover and engage with collectibles, and fandoms. As we mark our 30th year, these awards recognize partners who are adapting, growing, and serving their communities in meaningful ways."

2026 Award Recipients

The winners of the 2026 Partner Excellence Awards, recognized for their outstanding achievements in various categories, include:

• - Best Store in the West: Brad's Toys, Las Vegas, NV
• - Best Store in the Midwest: Summit Comics & Games, Fort Wayne, IN
• - Best Store in the South: The Forgotten Toy Box, Jacksonville, FL
• - Best Store in the Northeast: Comics 2 Games, Florence, KY
• - Best New Store: CDL Video Games, Chillicothe, OH
• - Best Online Store: Frogman Finds, Azusa, CA
• - Best New Online Store: WE-R-Toys, Birmingham, AL
• - Community Impact Award: Montana Murray Kennels, Belgrade, MT

The winners were announced on February 13, 2026, coinciding with the opening of the Toy Fair, as Entertainment Earth marks three decades of serving the toy and collectibles market.

The Future of the Toy Retail Industry

With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing importance of online sales, the awards underscore the necessity for traditional brick-and-mortar stores to innovate and embrace change. The retailers recognized through these awards have not only adapted to the digital age but have also excelled in maintaining a robust community presence.

Engagement through community events, personalized services, and unique offerings ensures these independent retailers remain relevant and successful in a landscape dominated by large retailers and online giants. The Partner Excellence Awards spotlight these achievements and motivate others in the industry to strive for excellence.

Conclusion

As we look forward to the continued evolution of the toy retail industry, the Partner Excellence Awards provide a platform for recognizing inspiring businesses making a difference. For more information on the award recipients and their contributions to the toy community, visit Entertainment Earth's website.

These awards are set to become an annual tradition, celebrating the hard work and dedication of retailers who excel in enhancing consumer experiences and driving the collectibles industry forward.