Following another record travel retail year in 2019, leading plush supplier Aurora World has added to its management team with the appointment of Lynn Ringer as Travel Retail Account Manager.
Reporting to Travel Retail Manager Garry Stoner, Lynn is no stranger to the travel retail sector having worked in management roles for both LMS (the distribution arm of Stena Ferries ) and plush specialist Russ Berrie. Her experience has also included an overseas Travel Retail posting in the USA.
Lynn has been part of the Aurora management team for five years, the move to the Travel Retail Division will support Aurora’s ongoing growth in the nautical and inflight channels.
Comments Garry Stoner: “2019 was another phenomenal year for Aurora World as more and more retailers realise the potential of offering plush toys and gifts to consumers. The nautical and inflight sectors were particularly strong with a number of airlines listing Aurora for the first time including TUI UK.
“In order to ensure these businesses are well supported, and to continue the growth curve, we needed to expand the team. Lynn is the perfect choice, bringing huge experience to the table, both in terms of travel retail and plush. We’ve worked together before and so I know that she’ll be an indispensable member of the team and help to further grow Aurora World in global travel retail.”
Adds Ringer: “I’m really delighted to be back in the world of travel retail, working with Garry. I attended TFWA World Exhibition last year and the industry is every bit as exciting, dynamic and innovative as ever. What was really good to see was the interest in plush from new retailers and concessionaire groups. This year we’ve got some great new lines coming onboard, both for existing brands and new licenses – so it’s going to be a really busy year!”
The Aurora World range includes globally loved brands YooHoo, Sparkle Tales, Fancy Pals as well as a number of licensed characters such as BT21, The Gruffalo and Shaun The Sheep.
Globally in GTR, 2019 saw business increase by 35% over 2018 with the number of doors increasing from 1022 to 1139.
