Page 24 - Toy & Hobby Magazine Feb-Apr 2021

TREND UPDATE
Looking ahead
Experts reveal key trends across toys and retail that the industry can expect to see this year.
Bluey and Hot Wheels are always popular toys at Christmas time.
We also know that families were spending more family time together and embracing traditional toys that remind them of their childhood. So family board games such as Christmas Monopoly, Jenga, Twister and Uno [were popular choices]. When it came to gaming together, Nintendo Switch was the biggest seller, with great new games like Mario Kart and Just Dance, for the family to enjoy.
Big ticket outdoor toys are always big sellers at Christmas time with pools, trampolines, gym sets and super soaker water blasters topping the wishlists for many kids.
We also saw that many families were looking to ease some financial pressure in the New
Year and were looking to gift Back to School products at Christmas. This included backpacks and lunchboxes, as well as tech essentials for older kids like laptops and headphones.
Interestingly, our research revealed that Aussies living outside of the five capital cities estimated spending $468.90 on Christmas presents in 2020 - significantly more than those living in one of the five capital cities ($382.22).
TOY TRENDS
At Big W, we saw a huge lift in customers choosing to shop with us online and we provided new services like contactless pick
up and direct-to-boot for a safer shopping experience that was easier and more convenient. We also offered faster delivery solutions such as same-day and two-day delivery.
We also saw that customers were shopping earlier than usual for key seasonal events, such as Christmas, and so we were updating availability on our website daily.
WHICH PRODUCTS PROVED POPULAR FOR CHRISTMAS?
Lego, Barbie, Lol Surprise, Nerf, Paw Patrol,
CHRISTINE FAULKNER
Big W chief toy buyer
GENERALLY, HOW DID BIG W SEE COVID-19 IMPACT CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY TRENDS YOU SAW LAST YEAR?
24 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL 2021