Toy Business’ Category

How to predict what toys will become popular

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

It happens all the time.

From Tickle Me Elmo to Animal Rubber Bands, one toy blows up in popularity and eclipses the entire market place. These trends are often unexpected but with a lot of research and using the following tips to spot toy trends that help your research instincts, you can better spot which children’s will become popular to assist the ever changing toy retail business.

Research before you buy

You know what they say, don’t expect to ace the test if you don’t do your homework. Pay attention to the economy, as during economic downturns budget friendly toys and cheap toys online will trend higher than their more expensive counterparts. Read articles from experts in the industry. Ask your wholesale toy company. Find out what competitors are purchasing from their wholesalers and what your wholesaler is stocking up on.

Note trends in other industries

What is popular in every industry will be popular in the child’s toy industry. For example, everywhere you look, from commercials to magazines, companies are advertising natural and organic clothing, food and household items. It is no shock to see that natural is a very big trend because it has crossed into almost every industry. As expected, natural toys have become a very popular wholesale toy item.

Check what is popular in other countries

Pokemon was a big hit in other countries well before it became the new “It” item in America. To better understand toy trends, keep an eye out for what is becoming trendy in countries such as China, where a large amount of toys originate. In fact, the right wholesaler will visit these countries often enough to gain knowledge and perspective in the marketplace.

Follow the seasons

Water guns, toys for the outdoors and inflatable pool toys will always be popular during the summer and similarly, back-to-school learning toys will gain momentum in the fall. Party toys will have a large demand around holiday season and glow toys and toys that light up will trend during Halloween. Your online wholesale distributer will stock items based on seasons as well so check often to see what new season child toys are in stock.

Know the entertainment industry

Pay very close attention to new movies that are coming into theatres with the promise of being a “blockbuster”. For example, if the big movie of the summer is going to be a movie about Pirates, it is safe to assume the pirate theme and pirate toys will increase in popularity. If dinosaurs were the hot ticket of the year, the trend will naturally trickle down to dinosaur toys in the marketplace for bulk toys.
Trying to predict what toys will become popular can seem like a giant puzzle with no solution. However, if you take the time to research the industry and continuously follow up with your wholesale toy distributer you will better know new toy trends and popular toys to carry in your online retail business, classroom and office.

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Going back to the basics – Why simple toys are a better investment.

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
From iPads to smart phones, talking robots to the latest gadgets. It would seem like the best toys to carry in your online toy store, classroom, church or offices are those that offer the latest in technological and scientific advancements. Toys can now walk, talk, light up and surf the Web like never before. However as with many things in life and business, going back to the basics may be better for you and better for children.  Studies have shown that simple toys, and retro child toys are better for children. These include rubber balls, simple building blocks, cheap plush toys and animal toys.

In an article by Science Daily, Temple University psychologist, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, noted this conclusion was based on the principle that children are creative problem solvers and like to discover new ways of doing things. Simple novelty toys, such as yo-yos and harmonicas provide this chance at discovery, while more technological toys and complex toys for children provide no opportunity for this priceless phase of childhood learning.  In short, the more advanced toys do everything for the child and therefore provide no chance to learn or imagine new ideas for amusement and creativity.

Though psychology of childhood learning plays an important role in determining a good toy versus a bad toy, it should also be noted that the phenomenon and universal love of classic toys, retro toys and simplistic novelty toys are due to the very definition that these toys transcend trends and withstand the test of time, giving testament to their purpose and power. The ancient Greeks had yo-yos, the Babylonians played board games, and kites were flown over 3,000 years ago. These low cost toys have had no need to evolve past their basic structure and function because of the need they fulfill at a basic level. This need is fulfilled regardless of age and background making these small toys a better investment for everyone.

Children’s toys, first and foremost, should be platforms for a child to play, not the primary centerpiece. They should be props and supporting actors used as a catalyst for a child’s imagination and creativity. Advanced toys are fun to look at and watch, but they hinder this imagination because a child will have no need for it.  A good toy will spark imagination, enable brain growth, have countless ways for use, and encourage social interaction.

When making the decision about what children’s toys to buy from your wholesale toy distributer, consider what type of provider of children’s toys you would like to be or become.  Do you want to carry the latest in technology or use your toy store, church and classroom as a place to foster learning and growth? While it is always important to keep up-to-date on the latest and greatest trends, your business will thrive on the backs of these classic toys that will never go out of style.

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Tips for building a successful online toy store

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

1. Your website is everything
If you don’t have the tools or skills necessary to build your Website, there are thousands of resources available for your online store to sell toys.  The investment you give to building your online retail Web site for the best toys will make or break your business. You can research design firms and Web site hosting services for a variety of packages and pricing options. However, you must make sure to design the shopping experience for optimal ease of use for your customer.

2. Build your audience
Without traffic to your Web site, your business will fail.  It is best to look at traffic and audience from a numbers game. The more people you have looking, the more prospective customers for novelty toys you will yield. Out of those prospective customers, your marketing and quality toy products will convert a percentage into a paying customer. There are thousands of free tools you can use to increase your Web traffic but here are some important ones to get you started

• Submit your site to all major search engines.
• Make important words on your Web site both internal and external links as well as Backlinks.
- Internal links are those that link to another page on your Web site.
- External links are links that send customers to another Web site.
- Backlinks are links that are strategically placed on other niche sites to attract visitors to your Web site.
• Install sharing tools to provide easy sharing of products with your visitors such as the “Add This” free tool.
• Take time every day to add your Web site and its various product pages to bookmarking Web sites and online directories.

3. Customer Service is key
Satisfying a customer is the key to getting repeat business.  It should be common sense that a happy costumer will use your online retail business again. Always be available to answer questions, fulfill your orders on time and efficiently, and provide an easy ordering experience for your products. If you subscribe to the adage, a customer is always right, and are willing to go above and beyond to satisfy them, your business will thrive.

4. Be an expert on toys and your wholesale toy company
Ideally, you should know every detail of the products you sell. When selecting from your trusted wholesale company, gather information for each selection. Know the size, weight, materials and origin. You should also educate yourself on the answers of any possible questions that may come up from your customers. For example, a customer may want to know exactly where the product originates from and how it was made. The right toy wholesale company selects wholesale toys with quality and safety in mind and will also be able to answer questions you may have.

5. Marketing
Internet marketing does not have to be expensive. There are free resources you can use to market your online toy store and services. Social Media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs can assist your marketing efforts and even help with customer service. If you have a budget to spend on marketing, purchase a small amount of keywords for pay-per-click campaigns and advertising on other Web sites. Furthermore, you should use marketing tools to assist with your acquisition of repeat customers.  Ask for your customers’ email to sign up for communications and build your database to send out newsletters and promotional offers for cheap toys online.

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Veteran Toy Man predicts strong Christmas sales

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

“Hot” toys get the buzz, but what’s selling are $10-and-under and classic toys, says toy wholesaler Jack Steinfeld

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – December 3, 2009 – Wholesale toy man Jack Steinfeld believes this year’s Christmas sales season will exceed expectations toy-wise, but he urges shoppers to look beyond the major chains and discount retailers where the emphasis will be on the “hot” toys.

“The big stores – Target, WalMart, Toys’R’Us – are concentrating their efforts on the highly advertised, most-hyped toys this year, to the detriment of the classic toys that children really want,” says Steinfeld. “The hot toys are often quite expensive and, as usual, will be hard to find. But what’s really selling this year are toys in the $10-and-under category, classic toys and stocking stuffers, and savvy Santas should look beyond the big-box retailers to find that special toy.”

Steinfeld’s wholesale toy operation, Esco Import Toys, specializes in serving the toy and novelty needs of independent toy stores, as well as a wide range of gift shops, specialty boutiques, airport sundry stores, museum shops, truck stops and more throughout the country. These operations concentrate their toy efforts on a broad array of unique toys, nostalgic toys, themed items, and often inexpensive toys and novelties – exactly the kind of things sure to be in higher demand this season.

“Most of the industry, myself included, is expecting a better Christmas than last year,” says Steinfeld.

Steinfeld exhibits at all of the major toy and novelty trade shows and is in constant contact with toy sellers nationwide, and he says the 2009 Christmas season is looking up toy-wise.

“With the economy in its present shape, items that sell for $10 or less are very popular this season,” notes Steinfeld. “And we’re seeing strong demand for the classics: Dinosaur toys, toy trucks, yo-yos, cap guns, horse figurines, toy trains, bouncy balls – these have been popular for decades with children and they still are.

“We’ve been in the wholesale toy business for more than 60 years, and I can tell you from experience that it’s the classics that sell year after year after year,” he observes.

By all accounts, the big “hot” toy items this holiday season include the Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters, fake but real-looking rodents with sound and “personality,” as well as Barbie Fashion Fever Fashionista Dolls, which come in Glam, Cutie, Girly, Wild, Sassy and Artsy. The major retailers are pushing them with everything they have, but according to numerous news stories on the Internet severe shortages of both items have already been reported five weeks before the Big Day. Think Wii two years ago or Tickle Me Elmo a few years back.

Steinfeld notes that a preponderance of toy news around Christmas concentrates on the well-known major outlets, but he argues that their focus on all the “buzz” toys of the season sacrifices shelf space for the classic best-sellers and the unique toys desired by the ultimate toy consumers: children. The veteran toy man suggests looking for the toys and stocking stuffers at the smaller, independent toy stores, along with such non-traditional toy sources as museum shops and gift shops which specialize in theme toys and classics you won’t find at the major chains.

“At the smaller stores and gift shops you will find affordable toys that kids will actually play with for a long time after the big day,” says Steinfeld.

Esco Import Toys has been in the wholesale toy and novelty business since 1946, and carries hundreds of toys and novelties, including many value-priced toys. In addition to its independent toy store and specialty gift shop/boutique target audience, the firm also caters to the toy and novelty needs of school and church fundraisers, and in supplying doctor and dentist offices which specialize in treating children with their reward give-away toys.

For more information on Esco Import Toys visit www.escoimports.com, call toll-free 800-445-3836, or email Darlene@escoimports.com.

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Retail toy sellers prime for a better Christmas in 2009

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Major toy outlets push “hot” toys; independents, gift shops will do well with $10 gifts, stocking stuffers and classic toys, says Esco Imports, a premier toy and novelty wholesaler

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – November 20, 2009 – With the all-important Christmas selling season upon us, toy retailers will be pulling out all of the stops to ensure the Yuletide is as successful as possible. The toy experts at Esco Import Toys, a premier wholesaler of toys and novelties, have good news about this year’s retail toy prospects and some tips to make it even better.

Jack Steinfeld, president of Esco Imports, exhibits at all of the major toy and novelty trade shows and is in constant contact with toy sellers nationwide, and he says the 2009 Christmas season is looking up toy-wise.

“Most of the industry, myself included, is expecting a better Christmas than last year,” says the veteran toy man.trains

There are caveats to his enthusiasm, however, and there are some specific things toy retailers can do to improve their prospects, even at this late date.

Esco Import Toys specializes in serving the needs of independent toy stores, not the major chains or department stores, and it also caters to a wide range of gift shops, specialty boutiques, airport sundry stores, museum shops, truck stops and more. These are the kind of operations that by nature carry a wide array of unique toys, nostalgic toys, themed items, and often inexpensive toys and novelties – exactly the kind of things sure to be in higher demand this season and a distinct advantage for the independent toy seller.

“With the economy in its present shape, items that sell for $10 or less are very popular this season,” notes Steinfeld. “And the major retail chain stores selling toys – Toy R Us, Target, K-Mart, etc. – are really promoting the heavily advertised ‘hot’ toys this year, which gives the independent operator a great advantage in fulfilling the broader toy demand.”

The big “hot” toy items this holiday season include the Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters, fake but real-looking rodents with sound and “personality,” as well as Barbie Fashion Fever Fashionista Dolls, which come in Glamonstersm, Cutie, Girly, Wild, Sassy and Artsy. The major retailers are pushing them with everything they have, but according to numerous news stories on the Internet severe shortages of both items have already been reported five weeks before the Big Day. Think Wii two years ago or Tickle Me Elmo a few years back.

Steinfeld notes, however, that while the major advertising campaigns for the “hot” toys garner a lot of interest and press coverage, the old toy stand-bys remain top sellers and playtime favorites with those who matter: kids.

Dinosaur toys, reptile toys, yo-yos, cap guns horse figurines, toy trains – these have been popular for decades with children and they still are,” says Steinfeld. “We’ve been in the wholesale toy business for more than 60 years, and I can tell you from experience that it’s the classics that sell year after year after year.”

Steinfeld offers these tips to independent toy stores, gift shops and specialty boutiques to ramp up Christmas toy sales in the few weeks remaining in the selling season:

  • With the economy, items that retail for $10 or less are popular – stock up!
  • Retailers should demonstrate items with action to increase sales: Have an employee demonstrate toys, showcase a revolving video, leave an electronic toy running within a confined area.
  • The retail chains really promote the advertised toys (Barbie, Batman, etc), so independent retailers should look for items not easily found in these chains.
  • Stocking stuffers – small unique toys – will be very popular this year. Keep them well stocked.

Esco Import Toys has been in the wholesale toy and novelty business since 1946, and carries hundreds of toys and novelties, including many value-priced toys, for immediate delivery. In addition to its independent toy store and specialty gift shop/boutique target audience, the firm also caters to the toy and novelty needs of school and church fundraisers, and in supplying doctor and dentist offices which specialize in treating children with their reward give-away toys.

For more information and to view the entire catalog of wholesale toy and novelty offerings from Esco Import Toys visit www.escoimports.com, call toll-free 800-445-3836, or email Darlene@escoimports.com.

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