For more information call: or email:
sales@epochmakingtoys.com
Helen Gourley
director, Toy Hub, Dunblane We’ve had a couple of standout products that have been great for us this year. The Zelfs has been absolutely fantastic, and Minecraft has been doing very well. I’m really interested to see the longevity of Minecraft for next year; it’s been a big one for Christmas but whether it holds beyond that will be really interesting. Also, Robofish has been incredible. We bought a lot considering we’re such a wee shop, and I was quite daunted when the delivery arrived, but actually they’ve sold really well; we’re finding that they’re being bought as birthday presents, and because they’re at such a great price point the kids are then coming in with their birthday money to buy more for themselves, so that’s a really good sign. We may struggle to get to any of the shows at the start of the year, even Toy Fair, what with childcare being a logistical nightmare, which is a shame. So this year we may end up being extremely reliant on our reps to show us what’s really good in the ranges and advise us on what’s best for us, as a lot of the smaller indies like us usually get left out for the previews. It’s left us a bit worried for 2014, as it’s too long to wait until Toymaster comes around in May. I think suppliers need to start considering the use of webinars and videos like the one that Argos did, as you don’t need to physically be in the room to preview a product range. The way the industry still works means a lot of missed opportunities, and I think looking into digital solutions to deliver your information would be hugely helpful and cost-effective for both the more progressive independent retailers and the suppliers – just think of all the lunches they wouldn’t have to put on! But I’m happy to say that Lego is all done and dusted;
they’re the only supplier we’ve spoken to in advance. The timing of the Lego movie coming out should give the brand a really good push for Q1. We’re expecting awareness to be strong, and I’m keen to see what other products will be coming out at the start of the year. Also for Q1 I’m hopeful for Minecraft, but there’s a lot
of product available and whether or not this translates into sales is yet to be seen, I’m not 100% sure on it at the moment.
If you would like to get involved with next month’s Talking Shop, please get in touch with Kayleigh:
01442 840 306, @KayleighConners
kayleigh@toyworldmag.co.uk
48 Toyworld Mark Buschhaus and Stephen Barnes, Toy Barnhaus
The independent voice...
viewpoint Indie
Stock levels, highlights and future gazing H
ello all. We wrote this month’s column with a mince pie in our hands and a glass of mulled wine at our lips, as we start the late-night trading at Toy Barnhaus. The ‘Shard’ of stock has gone down about 30 fl oors now; here’s hoping that the remaining 40 fl oors clear over the last few days before Christmas.
There are still some surprises for us, with late runs coming on products as the multiples sell out. The Furreal Daisy the Kitty (that drives us mad meowing on the shelf), has purred its way off our shelves, chased by Cuddles the Monkey. Dominoes Express from John Adams has proved to be a reworking of an old classic, with the TV adverts helping to sell this one. Also, among Lego, the Friends Dolphin Cruiser has proved to be the best seller. Trade through November has been steady, and we were pleased with how we fi nished the month. There was a lot in the press about Black Friday this year, with several of the multiples starting to push it as a big event. Although we did not do anything different for that specifi c weekend, there was certainly the footfall in our stores over it. So even though we did not get the day off for Thanksgiving turkey (unfortunately), it is an event that I think is going to get bigger and bigger each year, following in the footsteps of other American imports such as Halloween. The Monday after this was known as Cyber Monday, and this was a very busy day also. Although we do not have any online presence, there were lots of people out Christmas shopping. This is probably due to the rise of ‘click and collect’ as a very popular method of online ordering driving people into stores to collect orders. Reminiscing over 2013, the highlight for Toy Barnhaus was our award at the Toy Retailers
Awards, which got the year off to a great start. Later in the year, spotting the hot weather early and cornering the market in paddling pools for three weeks set us up for a great Summer. Also, our good friend at Number 11 Downing Street, George Osborne, fi nally did something for retail on business rates. And fi nally, no snow has been forecast before Christmas and hopefully this holds true. Also, we know it is a bit sad, but the award for lunch of the year goes to Roger Dyson and the team at Toymaster for the delicious roast lunch with all the trimmings. On a serious note, bread sauce would make it even better next year.
Looking forward into 2014, we are both excited about the coming trade fairs. With our
rooms and hotels booked for Toy Fair, and our diaries pretty much packed out, it is going to be a busy time. The show seems to get busier for us each year, and with the return of VTech last year, and MGA/Zapf this year, there are even more people and products to see. A good piece of planning is needed to run the diary, and you certainly do need appointments, otherwise G4S will march you off some stands pretty sharp. For the fi rst time this year, we are off to the Nuremberg Toy Fair. We have already been
warned we need trainers, and we’re both prepared to lose 5lb over the days there. Also, with the name Toy Barnhaus, I am sure a lot of people will try to speak to us in German; good luck with that is all we can say! Rest assured though, we are just fi ne at ordering drinks. Here’s to a great start to 2014, wishing everyone all the best, and hope to see many of you at one of the upcoming toy fairs.
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