Retail trade Stable toy market in the first half of the year

Sales in the Swiss toy market remained at the previous year's level in the first half of the year. Although retailers sold fewer toys, they sold them at higher prices, as the market research company GfK reported on Tuesday.

The number of toys sold fell by 4.8 percent compared to the previous six months. However, total sales remained stable because prices rose by an average of 5 percent, GfK wrote.

One of the main winners was the category of building blocks. Lego and Co. recorded an 18.8% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. This was followed by youth electronics (+10%), soft toys (+3.7%) and vehicles (+2.3%).

According to GfK, the biggest losers in the first half of 2024 included sports and outdoor articles (-13.9%), action figures (-10.5%) and pre-school toys (-7.5%). However, the decline in the outdoor category is not surprising due to the persistently heavy rainfall so far this year.

The market surveyed by GfK reportedly comprises 67% of the entire Swiss toy market. In addition to the three major players Migros, Manor and Coop, the panel also includes Spar, Globus, Interdiscount, Microspot, Media Markt, Galaxus, King Jouet, Brack and Fnac. Smyths Toys, Franz Carl Weber and the drugstore Müller, Otto's, Landi as well as kiosks and petrol station stores are not included.

SDA