Page 5 - Toy & Hobby Magazine NovDec20Jan21_Mag
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                 EDITORIAL
BY IMOGEN BAILEY
One to remember
 WELL.
What a wild ride.
In the context of the toy
industry overall, we have enjoyed the wild ride of
2020, seeing families shift back to playing, learning and engaging with each other through the products we love.
If we just take a quick glance at the figures, we can truly come to appreciate how instrumental the toy industry has been to not only consumers, but to retail this year.
eBay Australia reported a 787% increase in the puzzles and games category during lockdown, while arts and crafts saw a 128% lift.
In April, the eTailer saw
sales of Lego lift 92% week on week with three items sold every minute during the premier of Lego Masters.
Meanwhile, Big W’s Q1 F21 sales – totalling $1,115 million – were bolstered by toy sales, with Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci calling the category a “standout” contributor.
In the hobby scene, Hobbyco opened a new store and boosted its online sales during the pandemic, while Hobbies Australia expanded into a larger warehouse and sourced new brands for distribution to keep up with demand.
And while the sales results and business success for the industry this year have been encouraging, it speaks to a larger message about the purpose the industry serves to the community.
In times of stress and uncertainty, people turn to toys for happiness, engagement, entertainment and education.
In previous years, discussions around app-enabled and tech-based toys were dominating the discourse.
Yet in 2020, tactile products away from screens – like games, puzzles and arts and crafts – are the hottest thing on the block and everyone from kids, to young adults, to
grandparents have sought out this type of play experience. So much so, that in the early parts of this year retailers
and wholesalers alike couldn’t get enough stock to keep the shelves filled!
Plus, it’s also lovely to see kids playing outside together again.
Scooting, running, skipping, ball-kicking – they’re out there and they’re playing, making the most of not being locked-down inside.
By the time you’re reading this, we will well and truly be in the holiday shopping season.
I know you will have had a fruitful Christmas and I am looking forward to continuing our connection into 2021.
If I don’t see you beforehand, have a wonderful holiday break and I will see you at Toy Fair Digital! ❉
Imogen Bailey – Editor
                  EDITOR
Imogen Bailey imogenbailey@yaffa.com.au
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   NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2021 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER 5
 










































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