NEWS

Zappies offers route to market during lockdown

Published on: 7th April 2020

The toy and game distributor has seen an upsurge in sales since the lockdown, and is keen to assist suppliers which might be struggling at this time. 

Zappies, based in West Sussex, distributes ranges from many of the biggest names in the toy industry, including Character, Flair, Jakks, Tomy and many more. The company, which counts a number of successful niche online retailers among its customers, has experienced a big upswing in sales since the UK lockdown began on 23rd March; online retail is proving a lifeline for families stuck at home with nothing to do, and in March alone the company was 65% up on the previous year as a result.

“One of our online clients reported that it had one of its busiest trading periods ever over the weekend,” managing director Stephen Suckling told Toy World. “What’s helping is the fact that Amazon has stopped taking on FBA orders, so those companies offering self-fulfilment at the moment are seeing a massive surge in orders. At the same time, brick & mortar stores offering home delivery, which are still able to take goods in and dish them out to the local community, are weathering this far better than some others might be.”

Zappies is keen for suppliers to know that it can provide a solution during the pandemic. Its third party warehouse is staffed by key workers, so trading continues unabated, and turnaround upon delivery is approximately 24 hours, offering suppliers a swift and convenient route to market. Mass-market suppliers in particular are encouraged to contact Zappies – the company’s experience in the online space can provide an attractive stopgap for suppliers whose usual channels have been cut off by lockdowns and the closure of major toy store chains.

“If you’re reading this, and your company is struggling to keep meaningful trade going, then do get in touch – you might have lines to offer that we can pass on to our clients, which can make the most of your brand online,” says Stephen. “I believe that products to keep kids entertained are essential. The upsurge in sales we’ve seen has been in arts & crafts, puzzles and board games, with the latter bringing families together to play in a manner which is usually unheard of outside Q4. People in flats, people without gardens – what are they going to do? Keeping the nation’s kids happy at this moment is vital, otherwise it’s only going to lead to more problems.”

Readers who want to find out more, or are interested in working with Zappies, are invited to email Stephen at stephen@zappies.com.

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