Following the many top toy list released by major retailers, Midco has curated its own predictions for festive best-sellers and urged customers to shop local this Christmas.
Revealing the toys it expects to be most popular this Christmas season, the Toymaster member has confirmed that Midco stores are looking forward to welcoming customers back in December, and says the business has had plenty of time to make sure everything is in ready for reopening, with social distancing measures in place. Owner Dave Middleton has reported that customers have been more prepared this Christmas and many have bought presents earlier than previous years, with the retailer experiencing a 25% increase in sales in October. Midco experienced a busy few days leading up to the lockdown, as shoppers rushed to stock up on Christmas gifts. During lockdown, the retailer’s click and collect service received a high volume of calls, but Dave said: “They are often for unusual toys that people cannot get anywhere else. People need to hold fire as toy shops will have stock and shopping in a toy store is what children remember.”
Dave produced a video during lockdown to highlight his frustration at having to remain closed to customers while “essential” retailers were allowed to continue selling toys. The video attracted a huge amount of attention on social media and generated extensive coverage in the press, even headlining on the front cover of The Burton Mail.
Midco says it has plenty of stock and that customers need not panic buy in long queues at supermarkets. Dave has called upon shoppers to support independent, local retailers. Speaking to Staffordshire Live, he said: “I’ve got fond memories of old toy shops in the area and buying different things from different stores. I don’t remember going to the supermarket to get them. Once these toy shops have gone, they’re gone. When Toys ‘R’ Us closed, people were sad but that’s what’s going to happen if people don’t support local and specialist toy shops.”
The store predicts that the following toys will be its most popular over the coming weeks:
1. Blippi Feature Plush – Jazwares
2. CoComelon Bedtime JJ – Bandai
3. LOL OMG Remix dolls – MGA
4. Rainbow High fashion doll asst – MGA
5. Pokemon Basic Plush asst – Character Options
6. Masters of The Universe Origins Action Figures – Mattel (Exclusive to Toymaster)
7. Studio Creator – Canal Toys
8. Paw Patrol Dino Rescue Figure asst – Spinmaster
9. Hocus Pocus game – Ravensburger
10. Mini Brands Blind Capsule – Zuru
