What's Selling: New Year, New Sales
Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 3/3/2011 4:13:00 AM
Calico Critters Treehouse by International Playthings. Circle #980
BRILLIANT SKY TOYS & BOOKS, Okemos, MI
With an eye toward 2011, this specialty retail operation continues to keep a watchful eye on consumer trends. Owner Brent Taylor notes some of his clientele's standout hits.
- Magna-Tiles from Valtech
- Hookum from 5 Mississippi
- Bucky Balls from Maxfield & Oberton
- Doinkit Darts from Marky Sparky
- Vapur Bottles from Vapur
Taylor felt encouraged by his customers' holiday spending habits: "Our job as retailers is to remain agile and responsive to consumers' needs and preferences, both in terms of product and price, and then execute properly. Sales are always there... It just takes a little more work to find them."
ROWDY RASCALS TOY STORE, Snohomish, WA
Amidst the bustle of holiday shoppers is an array of popular playthings at this shop, located just north of Seattle. Co-owner Debbie Baillie shares her customers' current top sellers.
- Music Maker from European Expressions
- Magformers from Rainbow Products
- Doodle Track Car from Daydream Toys LLC
- Kanoodles from Educational Insights
- Constructive Eating Utensil Set
An early snowfall put customers in the spirit to start holiday shopping earlier, resulting in stronger sales over last Christmas. Baillie credits more made in the USA lines with reasonable price tags for increasing business. "I think more people are going out of their way to support small businesses," she says.
GO BANANAS, Leesburg and Ashburn, VA
Holiday toy shopping was alive and well in these two Loudoun County independent locations, when Playthings talked with owner Mary Holmes. Among customers' favorites:
- Calico Critters Treehouse, Intl. Playthings
- Sticky Mosaics from The Orb Factory
- Magna-Formers from Mega Brands
- Magna-Tiles from Valtech
- Twilight Turtle and Ladybug from cloud b
- Fire Rescue Activity Set from Playmobil
Counting over 10,000 loyal customers, Holmes relies on repeat business throughout the year. Fourth quarter sales appear to be strong, with most categories selling well across the board and a notable interest in all things science.
HEIM'S DOWNTOWN TOY STORE, Kenosha, WI
This year marks the sixth holiday season for this Midwestern toy store. Co-owner Jen Heim shares some of her customers' favorite things.
- Cheese Touch Game from Pressman Toys
- Ticket to Ride from Days of Wonder
- Magna-Formers from Mega Brands
- Magna-Tiles from Valtech
- Innovation First Labs' Hexbug Nano Habitat
Board games are big this yea. "We're seeing more people spending time at home with their kids," says Heim. She notes an interest in the Cheese Touch Game (inspired by "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series). She does not stock that series, but refers shoppers to this game instead. "People can be sold on the fact that we can show them how to play these games. That's why they'll shop at a specialty store."
We would love your feedback!
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Holiday Sales Ring in the New Year
Jan 13, 2012 -
Post-Holiday Wrap-up
Feb 25, 2012 -
What's Selling for Summer Fun
Jul 25, 2011 -
What's Selling This Spring
Jun 20, 2011 -
Crafts and Kiddies In NE
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