Good news! Positive toy sales seen as a harbinger of good times

It’s nice to see a financial analyst recognize the significance of toy sales as an economic indicator. That’s what happened in an article posted by Tradingmarkets.com. The article, “Toys Sales Indication of Growing Consumer Spending,” quotes Jack Benassi of Rothman Research  as saying, "if consumers are willing to spend on nonessentials like toys, this could mean that their faith in the economic recovery is slowly, but surely growing…”  The article conflates video game sales with toy sales but, never-the-less, the notion holds true as it states:
 
"The toy and gaming industry…has been on an expansion path in recent years [not if you take out video games RG].  A few reasons driving its growth rate are the surging demand for video games and recent releases of blockbuster Hollywood movies based on franchised brands like Transformers and G.I. Joe… 2010 earnings release is already looking like the toy industry players have some nicely wrapped gifts under their Christmas trees, with the only difference that we are still in April.

So it looks like the toy industry is helping to lead the way back. After the product recalls and accompanying bad press; the high inventories and slow sales of the last couple of years it’s certainly nice to be recognized as the important force the industry is and can be. 

Effective May 1, 2010, I am launching a new website called Global Toy News. I am doing this so that you can have an alternative way of finding my blog. I plan to continue writing for Playthings and Gift & Decorative Accessories but want to make sure that you can always find me…Come visit!