ASTRA Presents Internet Sales ‘White Paper'
Playthings Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 6/21/2011 1:18:58 PM
Chicago - At its annual Marketplace & Academy taking place in Anaheim, The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) presented the results of research it commissioned on the implications of internet retailing for the specialty toy industry. Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted the study and presented the white paper to an audience of several hundred specialty toy manufacturers, retailers and sales representatives.
Key findings include:
• Online toy sales have grown by 22 percent over the past year, making toys one of the fastest growing categories in online shopping, which grew 13 percent overall during the same period.
• Shoppers are increasingly using smart phones to compare prices and check product availability while shopping in brink-and-mortar stores.
• State and federal policies tilt the competitive playing field in favor of online retailers by exempting remote sellers from collecting the sales taxes that brick-and-mortar stores are required to collect.
• Internet retailers present a significant competitive challenge for independent brick-and-mortar stores-in many respects, a challenge that is more severe than that of big-box and other chair retailers.
"One of ASTRA's roles is to provide leadership when industry changes threaten the business interests of our members," said Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA. "This study, which documents the issues and offers aggressive but realistic recommendations, is the starting point for further action by ASTRA. Watch for updates from the ASTRA task force that will be shaping ASTRA's response."
This year's ASTRA Marketplace & Academy has posted record attendance, with an estimated 20-30 percent increase in attendees. The 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy will be held during June 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. Dates will be announced.
ASTRA members can find a complete copy of the internet sales white paper on ASTRA's newly updated website.
We would love your feedback!
-
Goal 2012: Master Your Store's Financials
Feb 25, 2012 -
ASTRA to Present Research on Web Discounts
May 16, 2011 -
ASTRA Launches Neighborhood Toy Store Day Site
Aug 23, 2011
Featured Company
-
Wright Labels
Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
