Want More Unique Gift Sales – Try Toys
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 - Posted by Leigh MorrisettToys Business Still Thrives
According to the Toy Association, 84% of kids still play non-computer games. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. Educational toys, board games, puzzles and collectibles are products that appeal to the creative, inquisitive and tactile nature of children.
The driving force behind consumer spending is the search for unique gifts or products that appeal to their basic nature. As the idea of “stay-cation” enters daily life, so does the need for home entertaining. This means more and more families are looking at ways to cut expenses and stick closer to home, yet still entertaining their families and friends. As a retailer, you’ll find that consumers are looking for fun toys and games that are out of the ordinary.
Using Toys To Make Your Store Stand Out
This is where your shop can excel. By stocking your shop with collectible toys, fun board games, puzzles and educational toys, you can knock the boredom out of standard gift giving. Offering products that add fun and excitement to the weekly family entertainment gives you a unique selling proposition and a reason for consumers to shop with you.
It is easy to find the ordinary games and toys, but consumers are looking for an alternative to everyday box-mart board games or puzzles. When consumers come into your shop, offer them items that they can’t find elsewhere – creating a uniqueness in your toy selections.
Below is a breakdown of the different toy categories that fall under the idea of unique gifts. Once you understand how and why people buy these toys, you will be able to create an effective toys product mix for your store. Your toy wholesalers can also help you to choose which items work well in your area.
Educational Toys - Parents want to give children a gift that doesn’t scream “educational” on it, but silently says “play with me and you will learn.” Children today are interested in computer games or interactive toys. Instead of flash cards with math problems, give them a computer program that has cool math games or a dice game that encourages addition. Adults love to show off their knowledge or expertise. Memory or question games with unique twists give adults the opportunity to show off and have fun with their kids at the same time.
Board Games – Unique board games practically sell themselves. Novelty is a big draw. People love interaction. Think outside the box, literally. Offer board games that give consumers the ability to make their own board game pieces. (You can’t get more unique than a board game you create.)
Consumers have many interests. Board games can revolve around these very interests. Games such as math games (Suduko) or “green” earth games (where the goal is making the earth eco-friendly) engage players by involving their interests.
Puzzles – This category has many extraordinary items to choose from; tiny puzzles that are only 4” x 6”, collectible puzzles that have specific themes by artist, travel puzzles, as well as 3D puzzles. All these are unique, fun items that you could incorporate into your sales mix. Consumers love a challenge. Puzzles give them a fun way to challenge themselves.
Collectible Toys - Collectible toys can be in either of the above categories or stand on their own. Die cast cars are big collectibles as well as gifts. Another type of collectible item falls under the category of plush toys. These toys include stuffed bears or other animals. Dolls and other action figures have been considered collectibles for years.
Try incorporating one or more of the above unique gift ideas into your product mix. After all, everyone needs a little entertainment in their lives.
Need help finding the right toys? The FGmarket wholesale toy vendors will be able to offer you a great selection of board games, educational toys, puzzles and collectibles. To jump start your toy search, check out the FGmarket wholesale toy vendors highlighted below.
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