Page 6 - Toy & Hobbby Retailer Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

EDITORIAL
BY IMOGEN BAILEY
Wow, what a year
2018 certainly has been a year of change for the toy industry. I began my role at Toy & Hobby Retailer during the global
turmoil of the Toys R Us (TRU) saga, when all was up in the air and nobody knew where it would land.
Now that we’ve reached the end of the year and we reflect on where we’ve been, we can look with hindsight’s wise eye and determine the lessons we need to take away from the turbulent 2018.
The collapse of TRU showed us that complacency
in a changing retail environment – one dominated by e-commerce, instantaneous gratification, experiences and changing shopping behaviours – does not cut it anymore.
However, it also showed us that those with a passion
for specialty toy retailing can make the most out of the opportunities that are now available. Independent retailers, this is your time to shine. Make your impact now; reach
“Independent retailers, this is your time to
shine. Make your impact now; reach out to new customers; do something different; explore
new ways of doing business; and, embrace the opportunities e-commerce brings to your business.”
out to new customers; do something different; explore new ways of doing business; and, embrace the opportunities e-commerce brings to your business.
We’ve also learned that – so far – Amazon in Australia has not been as scary as anticipated.
The online giant was much feared during its impending arrival, however, as far as I can tell, it has not disrupted the toy market as much as we thought it would – yet.
After doing some reading I get the sense that an ‘underwhelming’ arrival is part of the ‘Amazon pattern’ and the e-commerce giant will only build and grow in the years to come. Consulting firm, Bain & Company predicts that Amazon may grow to be the sixth largest retailer in Australia by 2022. So independents, get your skates on now!
Speaking of large retailers, Coles, demonstrated to us this year that they are paying keen attention to what is hot in the toy industry.
The supermarket’s Little Shop campaign capitalised on the hot trends in the toy industry – collectibles and blind bags – to entice consumers into the shop and to spend $30 or more to receive a miniature version of some of the big brands.
This campaign took the country by storm and no doubt was a successful campaign for Coles. According to some reports, the brands involved saw sales increases of up to 50 per cent too.
This year also saw its fair share of acquisitions. Hasbro purchased Power Rangers, Spin Master acquired Gund, Goliath acquired Britz Marketing and Tucker, University Games acquired the Haywire Group, Disney is currently in the process of acquiring 21st Century Fox and US telecomms company, AT&T, acquired media conglomerate, Time Warner. Mattel also opened up a film division this year, so it’s evident that diversification of the product and service offering is becoming vital for businesses to stay relevant and fresh.
It has now come to that time where Christmas comes upon us in a flash. I wish you all the best for a prosperous, happy and safe trading period, Christmas and New Year. ❉
Imogen Bailey – Editor
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6 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018
PHOTO: MINK MINGLE ON UNSPLASH