Jack Vresics, president and CEO of Step2, a company that focuses on manufacturing plastic toys for toddler and preschool children, briefly chatted about the company's growth, and expansion into new markets, on CNBC's Squawk Box Friday morning.
Step2 now has over 800 employees in the United States between their two manufacturing plants and headquarters in Ohio.
"It's been a great year, growing 10 percent, spring and summer stuff is selling through at retail, and we're gearing up for the fall," said Vresics.
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Vresics said that both parents and children are looking for toys that are very active. He said that the trends in toys lean towards children playing together, testing their limits and engaging in fun that involves movement. He did note that despite their growth, cost is a major factor for the average consumer.
"Parents not only want affordable toys and safe toys, they need a lot of information about the toys," said Vresics.
Step2 is expanding to China and Saudi Arabia. The toys, made in the United States, are one of the few brands to not originate in Asia. Step2 obtained a China Compulsory Certificate rating for their toys to be sold there, one of the first. Vresics said that branding signifying that their toys are made in the U.S. actually helps sales in the Middle East.
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