CHILDREN’S TOYS IN SANTA’S SLEIGH THIS CHRISTMAS
MEDIA RELEASE
November 19, 2019
CHILDREN’S TOYS IN SANTA’S SLEIGH THIS CHRISTMAS
The Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, said toy retailers would be a treasure trove for children making their lists this Christmas, as the ARA and Roy Morgan predict Australians will increase their spending in the "Other retailing" category, which includes toys, by 3.7%.
Kids across Australia are preparing Christmas wish lists as the festive season approaches. With the ARA and Roy Morgan forecasting Australians to spend over $52 billion across the Christmas trading period, the ARA hopes toy retailers are ready for Santa’s reindeer to deliver their most popular presents.
“We’re seeing parents prepare for Christmas earlier each year as they search for the perfect gift for their child. With the growth of online offers and instore sales, we encourage parents to get in quick and secure their kids’ favourite toys ahead of the big day,” Mr Zimmerman said.
Executive Manager of the Australian Toy Association, Alice Sanderson, says many children’s toy brands have experienced strong interest in a range of toys that are hands-on for kids and stimulate their imaginations.
“Toys that take children into their creative make-believe worlds, instead of technology-driven toys, have come up trumps this year as the kids’ favourites for Christmas,” Ms Sanderson said.
This year’s Christmas stockings will be filled with the plush character Bluey, Barbie’s Dreamplane, and new takes on classic favourites Monopoly and Pictionary. Toys to assemble such as Lego are again proving popular, with the innovative GraviTrax Starter Kit supporting STEM learning for kids aged 8+ featuring on many Christmas lists.
The whole family will be dancing and laughing with a new toy to hit shelves this year – Zuru Pets Alive Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama – a toy for kids aged 3+ predicted to be a Christmas hit at the 2019 Toy Fair. Technology continues to feature, with the Nintendo Switch topping the Amazon charts last week according to the latest Hitwise figures, followed by the hot-selling Pokemon Sword to keep kids entertained on their new console.
“’Tis the season: Christmas happens just once per year, so we think spoiling the kids with ‘just one more’ present is a great idea this festive season,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“With so many products available, parents have a range of gifts to choose from to bring their kids joy. We expect there to be plenty of surprises when kids unwrap their presents on Christmas Day,” Mr Zimmerman concluded.
For more Christmas predictions, visit www.australian-retailers-association.com/christmas-predictions
ENDS…to interview Mr Zimmerman or for more details: Tim Janczuk (m) 0431 045 373 (e) media@retail.org.au
