According to market research company, The NPD Group, U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.47 billion in 2009 compared to $21.65 billion in 2008, a decline of under 1 percent. While sales for children ages 8 and under still represent the lion’s share of total toy sales at 69 percent, the only age group to gain in share and absolute dollar sales was kids ages 9 to 12.
“2009 was a remarkably uneventful year for the toy industry, but in a good way," said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. " In a time of continued economic turmoil, toy industry revenues were very stable, and the uptick in unit sales in the four quarter is a very positive sign for the industry heading into 2010.”
Looking at revenue sales performance across super-categories, building sets and arts and crafts experienced the most significant increases, at 23 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Action Figures and Games/Puzzles saw respective revenue increases of 4 percent and 1 percent. Looking at the opposite side of the revenue sales spectrum, Youth Electronics and Plush experienced the largest declines when compared to 2008, at 17 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
“The increase in Building Sets and Arts & Crafts speaks to the entertainment value these categories deliver," said Frazier. "Both can deliver hours of open-ended play, and Arts & Crafts in particular does so at very attractive price points.”
Counter to what many would expect due to the economy, unit share for toys priced under $5 decreased in 2009, both for the full year and in the forth quarter. In 2009, while overall unit sales were down less than 1 percent (0.5%), the only price range that lost share were toys under $5. In other words, people were buying more toys priced in the mid-range (between $5 and $10).
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 Retail Trends
Value, convenience and selection will remain top-of-mind as the New Year approaches and retailers begin to look back on 2009 and move away from the holiday season. Mike Kraus, Retail Adviser for AllBusiness.com, predicts the following retail trends for 2010.
The continued rise of Ecommerce - as consumers continue to be in value mode, they'll continue to shop online for the best price. But price is only part of the equation. Convenience and selection will also help drive consumers to e-commerce.
The Sameness of Retail … Urgency to Retrench and Retool - as retailers continue to offer uninspired store experiences, and merchandise that is out of step with consumers, we'll continue to see slow growth in the retail sector.
Social Media Becomes Key Driver in Retail Marketing - instantaneous outreach to loyal customers will take hold and exponentially expand through Twitter, Facebook and more. This not only allows retailers to stay in touch, but it allows them to stay up to speed and get involved in an increasingly open and honest dialogue with customers.
Crash-up Retailing – the economic expansion gave rise to the overdevelopment of shopping centers, districts and streets, leaving every shopping area no different from the next. Crash-up retailers, those that combine more than just goods for sale, things such as gallery space, a cafe or coffee bar, a community meeting space, or a performance space are going to drive visits to their locations, simply because they're offering something more - a place to experience versus a place to just sell.
The continued rise of Ecommerce - as consumers continue to be in value mode, they'll continue to shop online for the best price. But price is only part of the equation. Convenience and selection will also help drive consumers to e-commerce.
The Sameness of Retail … Urgency to Retrench and Retool - as retailers continue to offer uninspired store experiences, and merchandise that is out of step with consumers, we'll continue to see slow growth in the retail sector.
Social Media Becomes Key Driver in Retail Marketing - instantaneous outreach to loyal customers will take hold and exponentially expand through Twitter, Facebook and more. This not only allows retailers to stay in touch, but it allows them to stay up to speed and get involved in an increasingly open and honest dialogue with customers.
Crash-up Retailing – the economic expansion gave rise to the overdevelopment of shopping centers, districts and streets, leaving every shopping area no different from the next. Crash-up retailers, those that combine more than just goods for sale, things such as gallery space, a cafe or coffee bar, a community meeting space, or a performance space are going to drive visits to their locations, simply because they're offering something more - a place to experience versus a place to just sell.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Associate Editor Ashley Trent To Lead NYIGF New Buyer Seminars
posted by Mary Gerlach, associate editor
Talcott Publishing is pleased to announce that Associate Editor Ashley Trent will lead the New Buyer Orientations during The New York International Gift Fair, January 30-February 4, 2010. Along with GLM’s Buyer Services Representative Helen Overly, Ashley will provide tips and her own insight to help new buyers navigate the Fair, use the directory and make the most of their time at market. She’ll also answer industry-specific questions.
“During my career in publishing, I’ve covered it all,” says Ashley. “From home décor and gourmet to gifts and juvenile merchandise,” she adds “I’ve had a hand in everything. I’m excited about the chance to work with new buyers and generate excitement for the week ahead.”
“Talcott Publishing has a long-standing tradition of helping buyers at NYIGF not only before and after the show, but during as well. It’s always satisfying for us to lend any assistance we can in supporting the gift industry,” Publisher Daniel von Rabenau adds. He says that this winter, the company’s editors will be in Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas and Dallas, speaking formally and informally with buyers. “This helps us create a better magazine to serve the industry,” he said, “and it also helps buyers get our perspective, and take advantage of our experience in the industry.”
The New Buyer Orientations will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, January 30-February 3, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in room 1E04. The seminars are free of charge. To register for NYIGF, visit www.nyigf.com.
Talcott Publishing is pleased to announce that Associate Editor Ashley Trent will lead the New Buyer Orientations during The New York International Gift Fair, January 30-February 4, 2010. Along with GLM’s Buyer Services Representative Helen Overly, Ashley will provide tips and her own insight to help new buyers navigate the Fair, use the directory and make the most of their time at market. She’ll also answer industry-specific questions.
“During my career in publishing, I’ve covered it all,” says Ashley. “From home décor and gourmet to gifts and juvenile merchandise,” she adds “I’ve had a hand in everything. I’m excited about the chance to work with new buyers and generate excitement for the week ahead.”
“Talcott Publishing has a long-standing tradition of helping buyers at NYIGF not only before and after the show, but during as well. It’s always satisfying for us to lend any assistance we can in supporting the gift industry,” Publisher Daniel von Rabenau adds. He says that this winter, the company’s editors will be in Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas and Dallas, speaking formally and informally with buyers. “This helps us create a better magazine to serve the industry,” he said, “and it also helps buyers get our perspective, and take advantage of our experience in the industry.”
The New Buyer Orientations will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, January 30-February 3, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in room 1E04. The seminars are free of charge. To register for NYIGF, visit www.nyigf.com.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Anatomy Of A Cover
posted by Mary Gerlach, associate editor
[Ed. Note: Blogspot is a lil' fickle this morning, so the above cover looks blurry. Click here for a better view of the Dec/Jan cover a well as past covers.]
Creating the cover is one of my favorite tasks for each issue of Baby & Kids. I imagine each and every magazine has a different way of doing this, but I thought it would be fun to explain how we do it.
I continually gather images that might work for the cover. I look for amazing products as well as fun, engaging photography. It’s the Baby & Kids style to include two images of kids and one room scene on the cover so this provides a little guidance. I try to keep the images timed for buying, which is why the Dec/Jan issue has products for warmer months on the cover.
Once I have a few companies and images, our graphic designer Joanna and I talk about colors and what pictures work together and which don’t. This typically happens weeks before we finish the issue simply because Joanna has wonderful ideas, and I need to time to mull things over.
In fact, the bottom-right image on our Dec/Jan issue was a late substitution. Another company was slated for that spot on the cover. Although this company had great products, the photos just didn’t work out. Knowing what colors I had to work with, I remembered an e-mail from Cynthia at Blue Ridge International and Joanna slipped a stroller accessory in the third and final place.
As for the other images, I found Oilo at the ABC Kids Expo in September and absolutely loved the bedding. I’ve wanted to put furniture other than beds on the cover, so the chair in this image sealed the deal. I met the ladies from Polka Dot Tot Couture at the Atlanta Apparel Market. Once I heard their story and the concept behind the line, I knew I wanted to put them on the cover.
I get a ton of submissions for every issue, and I use about 25 percent of those. However, everything that comes through my In-Box is reviewed and filed away by category. Sometimes it’s weeks before I return to the cover folder to find new products, but I always love looking through the submissions; they’re my favorite.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Trade Shows 101
posted by Mary Gerlach, associate editor
This January during the New York International Gift Fair (Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2010), Baby & Kids’ Associate Editor Ashley Trent will lead the new buyer orientations. Ashley will answer questions, discuss the market and help new buyers make the most of their show.
The latest event for Ashley, who also writes for Giftware News and Fancy Food & Culinary Products, got the Baby & Kids editors thinking about what advice we’d offer show attendees. The overall theme: Go everywhere and see everything. Here are a few tips. Any advice you want to share? Leave your tips in the comments.
Ashley
Wear comfortable shoes. I learned this the hard way at my first trade show in Atlanta.
Explore all the divisions of the trade show you're attending, even if they don't pertain to your store. You never know what display ideas, color/texture trends or knowledgeable people you'll come across.
Mary
Look for deals. It’s just like shopping at the mall. If you can save 10 percent by ordering on a specific day, do it. Free freight is another perk showrooms and temps offer. Show management will likely have a list of these exhibitors and showrooms. No matter what the economy is like, there’s never an excuse not to get the best price.
Enjoy the show. It’s busy. It’s crowded. There’s never enough time. But, the new products and exciting designers are why you do what you do. Don’t let the stress of the economy or what may be happening at your store while you’re away decrease the value of the show.
Keep an open mind. Don’t just go to the same old showrooms. If I see something in a rep group’s window that has an interesting color, shape, whatever, I check it out. You don’t have to stay for a long time if nothing catches your eye, but you never know what you’ll find. I once found children’s towels and umbrellas in a Chicago showroom that carried mostly gourmet food (they drew me in with salsa samples).
Barbara
Go into all of the showrooms. You never know what will be in the corner and where the next best thing will come from. Be sure to explore. A lot of showrooms will want to set up an appointment, but you might not have time. Take a little notebook so you can remember what you saw and make fast notes.
Socialize. Plan on attending some of the special events even if you are tired. You’ll be able to meet other retailers and maybe even get new ideas.
This January during the New York International Gift Fair (Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2010), Baby & Kids’ Associate Editor Ashley Trent will lead the new buyer orientations. Ashley will answer questions, discuss the market and help new buyers make the most of their show.
The latest event for Ashley, who also writes for Giftware News and Fancy Food & Culinary Products, got the Baby & Kids editors thinking about what advice we’d offer show attendees. The overall theme: Go everywhere and see everything. Here are a few tips. Any advice you want to share? Leave your tips in the comments.
Ashley
Wear comfortable shoes. I learned this the hard way at my first trade show in Atlanta.
Explore all the divisions of the trade show you're attending, even if they don't pertain to your store. You never know what display ideas, color/texture trends or knowledgeable people you'll come across.
Mary
Look for deals. It’s just like shopping at the mall. If you can save 10 percent by ordering on a specific day, do it. Free freight is another perk showrooms and temps offer. Show management will likely have a list of these exhibitors and showrooms. No matter what the economy is like, there’s never an excuse not to get the best price.
Enjoy the show. It’s busy. It’s crowded. There’s never enough time. But, the new products and exciting designers are why you do what you do. Don’t let the stress of the economy or what may be happening at your store while you’re away decrease the value of the show.
Keep an open mind. Don’t just go to the same old showrooms. If I see something in a rep group’s window that has an interesting color, shape, whatever, I check it out. You don’t have to stay for a long time if nothing catches your eye, but you never know what you’ll find. I once found children’s towels and umbrellas in a Chicago showroom that carried mostly gourmet food (they drew me in with salsa samples).
Barbara
Go into all of the showrooms. You never know what will be in the corner and where the next best thing will come from. Be sure to explore. A lot of showrooms will want to set up an appointment, but you might not have time. Take a little notebook so you can remember what you saw and make fast notes.
Socialize. Plan on attending some of the special events even if you are tired. You’ll be able to meet other retailers and maybe even get new ideas.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mark Your Calendars For Kind + Jugend 2010
posted by Mary Gerlach, associate editor
Last year, juvenile industry companies were presented with a dilemma: the ABC Kids Expo and Kind + Jugend were just one day apart. Located in Las Vegas and Cologne, Germany, respectively, the close show dates meant manufacturers and retailers had to hurry between events or choose one over the other. In 2010, Kind + Jugend officials announced, no such travel overlap will occur. The Kind + Jugend show will take place September 16-19, 2010, in Cologne, and the ABC Kids Expo will be October 10-13, 2010, in Las Vegas.
In a press release from Kind + Jugend, Mike Curry, creative director for Bumbleride Strollers said “in the past it has been incredibly difficult to split time between those two shows especially for smaller companies as key employees in our company were forced to be present at both events. I look forward to the separation of the shows next year.” Similar sentiments were shared by Jeff Cornelison, executive vice president of international for Kids II: “We certainly appreciated the time gap between the two major shows. Exhibitors now can use their corporate booth design at both events. It will also make it far easier to properly staff those two major trade shows. We expect to see more fellow North Americans at Kind + Jugend based on those date changes.”
Last year, juvenile industry companies were presented with a dilemma: the ABC Kids Expo and Kind + Jugend were just one day apart. Located in Las Vegas and Cologne, Germany, respectively, the close show dates meant manufacturers and retailers had to hurry between events or choose one over the other. In 2010, Kind + Jugend officials announced, no such travel overlap will occur. The Kind + Jugend show will take place September 16-19, 2010, in Cologne, and the ABC Kids Expo will be October 10-13, 2010, in Las Vegas.
In a press release from Kind + Jugend, Mike Curry, creative director for Bumbleride Strollers said “in the past it has been incredibly difficult to split time between those two shows especially for smaller companies as key employees in our company were forced to be present at both events. I look forward to the separation of the shows next year.” Similar sentiments were shared by Jeff Cornelison, executive vice president of international for Kids II: “We certainly appreciated the time gap between the two major shows. Exhibitors now can use their corporate booth design at both events. It will also make it far easier to properly staff those two major trade shows. We expect to see more fellow North Americans at Kind + Jugend based on those date changes.”
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Pantone Spring 2010 Color Forecast
posted by Mary Gerlach, associate editorTalk to enough children’s apparel designers and you’ll notice a trend: they look to the runways of New York, Pair and Milan for design and color inspiration. Pantone, meanwhile, does the same. Looking to fashion and deign, color trend reports are a guiding force for designers and retailers. Here’s a look at the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010.
The top colors for women’s fashion for spring 2010 are:
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise
PANTONE 18-1661 Tomato Purée
PANTONE 16-1543 Fusion Coral
PANTONE 16-3320 Violet
PANTONE 16-1219 Tuscany
PANTONE 12-0642 Aurora
PANTONE 18-3945 Amparo Blue
PANTONE 12-1107 Pink Champagne
PANTONE 17-0627 Dried Herb
PANTONE 15-0513 Eucalyptus
According to this season’s report, vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the palette, especially when set against practical neutrals that provide a safety net for cautious consumers.
Spring and summer naturally evoke feelings of calm ocean waters and tranquil beach vacations in cool, vibrant, tropical Turquoise. This soothing hue from the blue-green family conjures feelings of escape, especially when paired with Amparo Blue. With more warmth than the typical spring navy, this particular shade of blue is extremely appealing because of its brighter, more energetic attitude. Like the scent of a blossoming flower, Violet lends a romantic air to the warm-weather palette. This intriguing purplish hue is a distinctive addition to any wardrobe.
Yellow has made its mark on fashion and spring will further this trend with gleaming Aurora. Reminiscent of the first glimpse of yellow as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, this shimmering, slightly greenish yellow adds a bold infusion. Energy continues to surge throughout the warmer hues, leading to provocative Fusion Coral. This inviting orange connects directly to tangy Tomato Purée, this season’s classic red. Pair it with Turquoise for a retro look.
Thoughtful, cautious neutrals provide a dependable backbone to the brights of spring. Kick back and enjoy the bubbly luxury of Pink Champagne. This delicate, wispy tint is the season’s newest neutral. The melding of Pink Champagne, Tomato Purée and Amparo Blue is a refreshing take on the classic springtime combination of red, white and blue.
Three additional neutrals round out the palette. Tuscany, a warm beige hue, provides the perfect backdrop and works well as a solid base with dynamic accents like Fusion Coral or Violet. Dried Herb is the ultimate green neutral, pairing well with all other colors. Ideal for bigger ticket items, cool Eucalyptus is the eternal, practical gray. Choose this nuanced neutral and add brightly colored exclamation points in shoes, jewelry and handbags.
For more information about the report and to read about Pantone’s other color resources, visit www.pantone.com.
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