RETAIL SURVEY WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE?
Driving footfall 21.51
The
economy 12.9
Obtaining stock 9.68
Almost one third of toy stores claimed that competing with other retailers was the toughest challenge in 2012.
Rent costs 2.15
Limited space 2.15
Other 11.83
Growing the business 9.68
Competing with other retailers 30.11
27 per cent said online retailers, supermarkets and multiple toy retailers that held special toy promotions and ‘three for two’ offers gave them the most headaches, while 20 per cent mentioned getting customers into stores was a real test. 12 per cent thought dealing with the economic climate was the toughest challenge. Meanwhile, nine per cent had difficulty expanding their business and obtaining enough stock. Toyology told ToyNews: “There are a number of challenges. Apart from the obvious rents and rates, there is of course the economic climate that hangs like a black cloud over the retail sector. I think one of the largest challenges will be how we cope with that in 2013.” Hoombletoys and Collectables added: “Dealing with competitors’ promotions like those stupid ‘three for two’ deals is a major problem.”
WHAT NEW TOY OR PRODUCT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2013? More Skylanders 2.3
The Hobbit toys 2.3
New LEGO Friends 4.6
Our own products 2.3
New
educational toys 2.3
More Bin Weevils 2.3
Anything that draws customers 2.3
New tech toys 3.45
Can’t decide until Toy Fair 27.59
LEGO’s new IP, Legends of Chima, looks to be the toy product which most retailers are looking forward to in 2013. Some toy shops enjoyed success with
the new line of Turtles action figures late in 2012, and were consequently looking forward to further lines in the range. With the bulk of the toys still to be
revealed at toy fairs, most retailers – 27.59 per cent – said they couldn’t yet decide what would work best for them this year. Other answers ranged from new bikes, to R/C copters, Monsters University toys and many more.
Other 20.69
More Turtles 8.05
Retro toy sales 3.41
The rise in internet shopping 13.64
Kids tablet sales 6.82
Pocket money toy sales 6.82
WWE sales 2.27
More Furby colours 3.45
LEGO Legends of Chima 12.64
None 5.75 WHICH CURRENT TOY INDUSTRY TREND IS HAVING THE MOST IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS? Furby’s
comeback 4.55
Films driving toy sales 2.27
Apps 2.27
Consumer spend decreasing 7.95
Opinion was largely divided over what market trends were having the biggest impact on retailers, but most said that the increase in customers shopping online was taking away sales from their stores (12 per cent). Seven per cent said the decrease in
average consumer spend affected their business, but another seven per cent enjoyed a resurgence in sales of more traditional toys. Over a quarter of toy stores believe certain popular products made the biggest impact on them, including sales of LEGO, Skylanders, Moshi Monsters, Furby, tablets and pocket money toys. Melton Toys commented: “The success of
pocket money toys is having a big impact on us, following the trend set by LEGO Minifigures. This has vastly improved our repeat business.” Lindsey Bayley from Children’s Choice in
Derbyshire said that the rising popularity of internet shopping is hurting her business. “People come in the shop, look at things, use us a free showroom and then go and use Amazon,” she added.