Page 28 - Toy & Hobby Dec-Jan 2020

ROUNDTABLE
THE INDUSTRY SPEAKS
Industry Insights
Australian toy retailers and suppliers discuss the business of play, delving into its opportunities, challenges and changes.
JOINING the roundtable is Divisible by Zero managing director Sue Brennan, Johnco Productions owners Claire and Steve Ball, The Therapy Store owner and director
Nick Taylor and Dizzy Toys owner Kerrie Byron.
Imogen: To kick things off can you all please describe your business’ main functions. What products does it specialise in (if any)?
Kerrie: Dizzy is primarily an independent, good-old-fashioned, retail toy store. We try to
steer away from toys that you will find in the majors, but that is becoming increasingly more difficult. We aim to provide good-quality, good- value toys. I place a very high emphasis on ‘play’ and would like to think we are well known for educational toys, wooden toys, creative toys and something ‘a bit different.’ Out of our 8,200 products currently active in our stock listing, a very small handful are battery operated, because as a parent that was something I found very frustrating – flat batteries.
Nick: We specialise in educational and sensory toys, as well as therapy resources for children and young adults with challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADD/ADHD and other developmental hurdles. We work with families, schools and hospitals to make as many fantastic and effective products available as we can.
Claire and Steve: We supply quality educational toys to Australian retailers. Our main focus
is science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) learning which is a main factor in the decision process when introducing new products to the Australian market.
Sue: Divisible By Zero (DBZ) is a wholesaler that specialises in exclusive ranges of products that are unique to Australia and suit the independent market. Our ranges cover indoor and outdoor games and toys, puzzles, plush, models, construction, brain teasers, musical instruments, bubbles, crafts and infant toys.
Imogen: What are some key changes that have occurred in your business in the last three years? How have these changes shifted the way you do business?
Sue: If we ignore the significant shift brought about by technology and changes to reporting, then the most significant ongoing change is the new and exciting products we see entering the market. We continue to be impressed every year by the innovation and creativity shown in the industry. For our business, sourcing new product now
Social media has become increasingly
important for businesses
OPPOSITE: Working remotely
28 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020