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Hot Holiday Retail Trends in the US in 2018

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Dec 19

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(Originally posted on Spielwarenmesse.de)

This Holiday Season 2018 is certainly shaping up to be an interesting one, not only across North America, but across many international markets. Some retailers are opening new doors and revealing creative options with pop-up shops, stores-within-stores, a diverse product mix and increased toy department footprints.

The resurgence of FAO Schwarz Stores across the USA is a perfect example. The new 20,000 square foot Flagship store opened in New York City, at Rockefeller Center, on November 16th, 2018, with a great expected fanfare.  The store is an experiential, featuring FAO’s iconic life-size piano, magic shows, a baby adoption center, a grocery-shopping area for kids, and a station to construct a remote-controlled car.

FAO Schwarz opened a store at New York Airport LaGuardia.

Airport FAO Schwarz locations will be included in Hudson Airport shops, across the USA, with the first location at LGA Airport in New York. The well-respected David Niggli, the original buyer for the iconic and original FAO Schwarz stores, is back in the buyer’s seat, and it is expected that his well-honed experience will continue to steer the product selections. An FAO Schwarz international pop-up has opened in Selfridges, in the UK, and although it just recently opened, reports are that it is expected to fare well for its first UK Holiday season. FAO is also planning to open pop-up shops in department stores across the world, including Hudson’s Bay in Canada, Myer Australia in Australia, and El Corte Ingles in Spain. Another full store will open in Beijing, China, in 2019 in partnership with Kidsland China, and is expected to occupy 27, 000 square feet.

Mass market retailers have increased their toy footprints for the fourth quarter, adding more toy categories, and building depth within certain thriving categories. They have stepped up their exclusive retailer offerings in order to grab consumer’s attention and drive traffic to their toy departments.

The multinational retail corporation Walmart has partnered with key manufacturers to ensure foot traffic in their toy departments, by offering exclusive merchandise. The retail giant announced in early September that it would expand its toy assortment by 30% in stores and 40% online this Holiday season. Walmart also introduced a new collectibles section in the entertainment department of more than 3,500 stores starting from mid-October. This new destination will features exclusive brick-and-mortar merchandise from the subscription service Loot Crate for collectors.

The department store retailer Target has expanded their home delivery shipments and their click-and-collect features, driving quicker product delivery to consumers.  Their recent purchase of a 3rd party shipment fulfillment service, Ship is driving this new delivery service. The acquisition will accelerate Target’s digital fulfillment efforts, bringing same-day delivery services to approximately half of Target stores by 2018. The service is now offered from the majority of Target stores, and in all major markets. By the end of 2019, same-day delivery will include all major product categories at Target. Target stores have also re-vamped their in-store toy department footprint, and increased selections in their Adult Games section, collectible toys, and more.

Specialty retailers and department stores are broadening their mix

Nordstrom Department Stores has added a range of specialty type products, such as special LEGO exclusives and selections from the Tech Will Save Us portfolio of relevant, hands-on tech projects that inspire kids and delight their gift-givers.

Some stores in the Learning Express franchise have reported an uptick in sales of collectibles, tangibles (think slime offerings, compounds and putty), Harry Potter merchandise, and more. With Kid Focus (a division of MGA Entertainment, USA) now offering L.O.L. Surprise and other highly coveted brands, specialty stores are reporting an unexpected early lift in holiday sales.

Amazon has gone old school, and has released its first Holiday printed catalog, with an expanded Toy, Game, Tech Toys and STEM Toys range of products. The e-commerce giant made $4.5 billion in U.S. toy sales during 2017, up 12% over 2016, according to One Click Retail. In comparison, for the same 2016 annual time period, Amazon grew in the UK, 10% YoY; in Germany, 42% YoY; and in France, 78% YoY.

eBay has launched Toytopia, as a new section of its site dedicated to toys for the holiday season. Toytopia claims to include millions of toys for all ages, including action figures, dolls, STEM toys, family games, trains, and more. According to eBay, they have more than 1 billion listings and 175 million buyers worldwide. They claim that eighty-one percent of eBay merchandise is new, and 89 percent of items are “buy it now,” with no bidding required. They are making a big play for more of the online market dollars.

Even Toys R Us private label branded goods, marketed under the brands of Journey Girls, Animal Zone and Imaginarium are re-surfacing at retail stores such as Krogers (they have 600 nationwide USA locations) for Holiday 2018. This Geoffrey Toy product range is spear-headed by Richard Barry, the ex-Toys R Us executive, and his team, who have re-imagined these once-exclusive Toys R Us brands and are offering them as continuing brands for consumers across America.

Franchises such as Five Below, Party City and Hobby Town have increased their toy departments and even Farm and Fleet stores: Blain, Fred Meyer’s and Meyers have re-energized their offerings, in the wake of a new retail expansion.

All in all many new retail models have emerged. Retailers are devoting more shelf space than ever to toys as they compete for a bigger chunk of sales.

Visit the Toy Business Forum at the Spielwarenmesse® 2019. Reyne Rice shares a whirlwind view of the newest trends and products found across the toys, games and technology spectrum, as we enter 2019, and beyond. Listen to her at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 30 January 2019. Read the program of the Toy Business Forum.

Canadian Hot Holiday Toys Tour 2017 – Vancouver

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Dec 4

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Thanks to Jason on the CTV Morning News, and Scott on the CTV News at Noon, in Vancouver, for sharing these fun and interactive Hot Holiday Toys with their viewers!  Happy Holidays!

Early Holiday Toys 2015

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Oct 1

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

The holidays are right around the corner and we have an insider’s look at the hottest toys and games of the season!

Guitar Hero Live

Guitar Hero, the pop culture phenomenon from Activision, makes its return with Guitar Hero Live. It’s a first-person, live-action gaming experience where the player is the star of the show! Feel the rush of being on stage and experience the reaction of the crowd. The game also introduces GHTV, a 24-hour playable music video network that lets fans play along to a constantly-updated collection of official music videos from classic rock to the newest hits. Players can compete with their friends, as well as players from across the globe. The guitar controller has been redesigned to feature six buttons so it looks and feels more authentic and is fun for players of all abilities. Learn more about Guitar Hero Live here.

Laser Pegs

Laser Pegs is the original light-up brick construction toy that combines lights and building, two things every kid loves! Imagine the fun children will have when constructing illuminated monster trucks, space jets, cars, animals, tanks, and more! Each kit includes instructions to build multiple models. Laser Pegs come with a patented “Slide, Stack, and Spin” feature. The sets provide STEM learning, hand/eye coordination, creativity, math, spatial and language skills. A great value because they are compatible with the “Leading” brick sets. Learn more here.

Little Charmers

Kids will love role-playing with Hazel, the popular lead character from the new Little Charmers TV show. Bring home all the magic of Charmville with 12″ Hazel Magic Doll from Spin Master. She is dressed in her signature “charmer-in-training” outfit that includes her removable hat and extraordinary cape. Watch as Hazel’s cape magically disappears with just the press of a button! She comes with her charismatic kitty, Seven, her special magic wand, a hairbrush, and can say eight charming phrases! This is great for ages 3+. Learn more here.

New York Toy Fair Sneak Peek 2013

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Feb 10

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

 Skylanders Swap Force Game

LEGO Friends Heartlake High

Pinypons by Famosa

Codigo Cube  

Click here to watch the video of some of this year’s hottest toys and games!

Holiday Toys for Kids 2012

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Dec 1

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

The holidays are around the corner, and have we got a treat for you! Reyne Rice is here with a list of today’s must have gifts for kids! 

Digipals

Available in four adorable animal characters, Digipals are mobile device companions for kids that feature a microfiber compartment fitted for most Smartphones, MP3 players and small point-and-shoot cameras. The unique microfiber allows kids to clean their screens without the use of any chemicals, and the material does not leave behind dust, lint or scratches. Your kids can easily cuddle and clean their screens. They come with a zippered compartment to carry ID’s, money, earbuds or lip balm making them the ideal accessory for protecting children’s devices.

Talking Dave

Bring home your child’s favorite Despicable Me character, Talking Dave! This cute little guy comes with 55 Minion sayings and sound effects in the original voice. To get him to talk simply press his pocket or move his head! Wanna have a silly Minion moment? Switch to banana mode to feed him and hear him fart! Kids (and let’s face it, us adults as well) will laugh and have a lot of fun with adorable Minion! Learn more here.

Pinkie Cooper

Speaking of cute gifts for your kids, check out these adorable dolls! Pinkie Cooper and the Jet Set Pets is a fun new fashion doll line that combines high-style, world travel, hair play … and pet affinity! Your little fashionista will love to share Pinkie’s fashion adventures with her jet-setting BFF’s as they travel the world and report back about their fashion finds on Pinkie’s blog, Pinkie Post. Each doll has trendy mix and match hairstyles to create endless combinations that complement every possible outfit! Learn more about Pinkie Cooper here.

Crayola Melt & Mold Factory

With Crayola’s Melt N Mold Factory, kids can create customized multicolored swirled crayons, rings and more! The fun begins by adding colorful crayon bits to the melting tray and start the timer. Watch the crayons melt together, once melted simply pour the wax into molds to create custom crayons and other fun shapes that leave colorful marks when used. Get more shapes to create with by getting one of Crayola’s expansion packs, sold separately. A great gift for the artistic kid! Learn more here.

Rainbow Loom

Rainbow Loom is a kit used for making super fun rubber band link bracelets. The colorful rubber bands can make different patterned bracelets, rings and more! Because this is such a new product, new patterns are still being discovered! The creative process is endless! Learn more about Rainbow Loom here.

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