Retail Only Dedicated monthly retail coverage News • Data • Opinion
Retailers bring out bunting ahead of Diamond Jubilee
Hopes of extra footfall to be generated from the extended Bank Holiday weekend... by Alice Sharman
TOY RETAILERS are preparing to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Stores will be adorned with Union Jacks and bunting, while many outlets are hoping to cash in on the extra Bank Holiday by publicising at local streel parties and festivities. Many stores are stocking Jubilee- related products, including models and souvenirs from Corgi, a Diamond Jubilee train set from Hornby and One’s Favourite Things Top Trumps from Winning Moves. Eric Snook, in Covent Garden, is even stocking a solar-powered waving Queen. There is also a strong focus on the publicity retailers can draw from the celebrations, as many opt to create Jubilee-themed displays.
Lego has installed a brick mosaic window display at Hamley’s, London, showing the Queen against the British flag. Jill Cooper, from Toys ‘n’ Things in
Cardiff, is getting into the spirit: “I’ll do a Union Jack window, just general
Comment Page 40
Counter Insurgent gets hot under the collar about counterfeit toys...
Indie Focus Page 41
Lewis Tyler chats to Bhav Patel of Toy Galaxy...
Page 42 Hero Product
Find out about Jumbo’s new Wasgij Destiny line...
have decided that stocking themed products is too risky. John Tastori from Bambola Toys in Jersey, commented: “You get one shot at it and if you get it wrong it is going to be a long time there reminding you.” Most retailers agree though, that
the extra Bank Holiday is likely to boost footfall this month. In John
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games will
provide a lift for consumers. Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, John Lewis
flags and things like that. And I’ll get bunting and flags for the avid fan.” Lisa Dyson from Present Planners
told ToyNews: “We sell bears so will be setting up a display with them.” Mike Thatcher from Rainbow Plaza in Glamorgan added: “We have our window display already. It’s all set out and we’ve got a tea party theme.” However, there are stores which
Lewis’ annual report, chairman Charlie Mayfield stated: “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide a lift for consumers and I am cautiously optimistic that trading conditions may improve later this year.” It is expected that shops in tourist areas will benefit most. Nikolas
Bairnes from Eric Snook, said: “We are located in Covent Garden so yes, we expect much more footfall.” Tastori agreed: “Being a holiday destination in Jersey will bring in some people doing short trips so that has got to be good.” Thatcher stated: “We’re South
Wales and, with the exception of London, we apparently have more street parties than anywhere else. Hence why the bunting and stuff goes out really well.” However, having been faced with both the hottest March since 1997 and the wettest April on record, retailers can’t be sure how weather will impact sales. Dyson commented: “It is very dependent on the weather, if it’s sunny they are likely to be quiet as people will stay for celebrations and then go home. But if it rains people may go to the shops.” It seems the industry is going Queen crazy as retailers use the four- day holiday to boost sales.
New Products Page 43
This month, there are offerings from John Crane, Scholastic, University Games and Wow Toys...