Neighbourhood toy stores predict record sales in 2018 following the collapse of Toys R Us.
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has predicted that 2018 will be the best year yet for neighbourhood toy stores nationwide, as consumers flock to these stores in the wake of the closure of Toys R Us.
While big-box stores like Walmart and Target will attempt to take advantage of the vacuum left by the venerable toy giant, ASTRA believes that the unparalleled experience of discovering new and unique toys and games in a friendly, hands-on setting will appeal to parents tired of wandering through warehouses or scrolling through websites in search of that perfect toy.
Kimberly Mosley, president of ASTRA, commented: “Many grownup “Toys R Us kids” are feeling nostalgic, but the magic is still there if you look in the right place. We expect that as many as half of all regular Toys R Us customers will likely visit one of the 3,500 neighbourhood toy stores across North America in 2018, which would result in up to a 20% increase in revenues.”
Some of the key factors driving this boom include high-quality selection from the most popular to the most unique products handpicked by the store owners to spark a child’s imagination; an exceptional customer shopping experience, including expert advice and the opportunity to actually play; experience and use the products, toys and games for every budget and making sure that neighbourhood toy stores are part of the community – interacting with families through in store events, holding special classes and giving back to their neighbours.
