Frozen fever takes over Christmas wish-lists

WITH only 40 days until Christmas, toy retailers are preparing for a very merry Christmas trade with toys based on blockbuster films tipped to be the hottest selling gift items for children this year.

While hospitality, food and household goods categories will experience the highest levels of growth this Christmas, toys* are also set to enjoy a significant year on year increase of 2.8 percent, as revealed by peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) official pre-Christmas retail sales figures released in conjunction with Roy Morgan Research.

According to eBay’s Trendwatcher data, retailers should prepare for a huge retro toy revival this year which has largely been influenced by major films such as Frozen, Transformers and the recently released Lego movie.

Topping the list of most sought-after toys on eBay this year are all things ‘Frozen’ related thanks to the Disney films beloved characters becoming household names since hitting Aussie cinemas last December. Frozen ice skating dolls and Frozen costumes are in hot demand, followed closely by cartoon toys and figurines based on Despicable Me, Lego, Transformers and Peppa Pig characters.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said not only are consumers looking to online platforms such as eBay to purchase toys for their children this Christmas but bricks and mortar retailers are also beginning to see an upswing in sales.

“Starting from tomorrow until 24 December, shoppers are expected to spend a whopping $45 billion in retail stores, representing a 4.3 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2013 ($43 billion).

“eBay’s Trendwatcher data not only confirms the hottest children’s toys for 2014 but also illustrates how technology has come a long way and is now reflected in more toys than ever before. The popular ‘My Friend Cayla’ doll, for example, uses speech-to-text Google software synced via Bluetooth with a smartphone or tablet to answer questions regarding general knowledge or sports results. The toy even uses Google’s SafeSearch technology, no doubt providing a level of comfort to parents.

“With less than six weeks before Christmas, retailers are hopeful that shoppers will start their festive shopping a little earlier this year rather than leaving it until late December. However, we also know that the week before Christmas will remain the busiest time for pre-Christmas shopping, and therefore the most profitable time for retailers,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

*Toys fall under the category of ‘other’ in ARA/Roy Morgan figures
 
* Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041

DETAILS:

 

Category	2013 pre-Christmas actual results (billions)	2014 pre-Christmas forecast sales (billions)	Predicted growth
FOOD	17685	18553	4.9%
HH GOODS	7141	7456	4.4%
APPAREL	3401	3395	-0.2%
DEPARTMENT STORES	2871	2964	3.2%
OTHER	6110	6282	2.8%
HOSPITALITY	5974	6383	6.8%
NATIONAL	43183	45034	4.3%

 

State	2013 pre-Christmas actual results (billions)	2014 pre-Christmas forecast sales (billions)	Predicted growth
NSW	13345	14160	6.1%
VIC	10674	11148	4.4%
QLD	9026	9382	3.9%
WA	5176	5238	1.2%
SA	2830	2912	2.9%
TAS	857	908	5.9%
NT	478	493	3.2%
ACT	796	793	-0.4%
NATIONAL	43183	45034	4.3%

ENDS