In our first ever retail survey, ToyNews questions 101 UK stores about their top-selling toys, their biggest challenges and how they will fare in 2013
Joining Toymaster 2.15
Toy Fair 2.15
Other 34.41 Opening a store 8.6
WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR? Moshi
Soft toys 2.15
Monster High 2.15
Turtles 2.15
Monsters 5.38
Store events 5.38
New kids tablets 5.38
Nothing stood out 5.38
LEGO 7.53
Skylanders Giants 2.15
Furby 9.68
Strong summer 5.38
Retail opinion was divided over what the most important or stand out moment was for the toy industry last year. Hasbro’s new Furby was named by just under ten per cent of the retailers we questioned, while seven per cent said the year would be remembered for consistent LEGO sales. Almost nine per cent of retailers mentioned a new store opening or expansion to their current shop. Five per cent highlighted the good summer, including the Olympics and the Jubilee, while a third recalled other highlights, including more personal things such as being promoted.
HOW WAS BUSINESS IN 2012? Good 44
Bad 20
Almost half of all toy retailers we spoke to – some 44 per cent – had a prosperous year in 2012. One Toys R Us store manager said: “Trade has been steady – it’s been a challenge but one that we passed in tough conditions.”
Almost 20 per cent claimed they had a bad year in 2012, while 36 per cent said they experienced a similar trading period to 2011.
“There may well be a recession, but if you have the right product, people will spend money.” Another indie commented: “It’s been difficult against all the competition out there – the online trading and aggressive cost cutting by supermarkets.”