5 Essential Factors to Consider When Purchasing Toys at Retail Stores

The toys and children’s products you buy for your kids should provide learning and fun, surprise and delight, emotional growth, and skills practice. They should also be safe. Steer clear of older toys or hand-me-downs from friends and family, as they may not meet current safety standards. And ensure that a toy is not too loud for your child — the noise of rattles, squeaking toys, and musical or electronic toys can damage hearing.

Safety

A toy’s primary job is to help a child play, learn and explore. Unfortunately, many toys can lead to injuries, especially among children under 3. Children may be injured by choking on small parts or by playing with toys that have sharp points or edges. Other dangers include toxic materials such as lead paint and mercury-containing batteries. Most retailers like Walmart follow safety guidelines and label toys for specific age groups. Consumers should always read those labels and pay attention to the recipients’ ages and any warnings. In addition, parents should check to see whether a particular toy has been recalled, as many unsafe toys are not removed from stores and continue to be sold. A toy’s safety also depends on the environment in which it is used. For example, kids under three should not play with toys that contain long strings or ropes that could entangle them. Kids under six should not be given toys that require button batteries or high-powered magnets, as these can pose a choking hazard. In addition, parents should ensure that children wear helmets and other safety gear when they ride bikes, skateboards or scooters.

Quality

One of the most important aspects of a good toy is its quality. A quality toy should be able to perform its intended function and should also be safe for children. Moreover, the toy should be durable and should have a nice design. If you need more clarification about the quality of a toy, try checking online reviews. For example, a toy with a high rating might be of higher quality. In addition to ensuring the safety of toys, retailers should provide that their products meet all required standards. Toys must pass certain tests, including flammability testing and electrical testing.

Additionally, they should comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) guidelines. In addition to ensuring the safety of toys, retail stores should provide a top-notch customer experience. This will help them stand out from competitors and attract new customers.

Value

A toy’s value can vary based on several factors. Retailers can make a toy more valuable than others, as can the age of the toy and its condition. Additionally, a toy’s brand can impact its value. Lastly, popularity can also affect a toy’s value, with certain toys remaining in high demand while others go out of style. Some retail includes sales of traditional and electronic toys, games, and hobby goods. The industry is highly discretionary, making it less sensitive to macroeconomic fluctuations. Despite this, consumer spending has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, driving growth in industry revenue.

Convenience

For many families, convenience is a major factor when selecting toys. This is particularly true for parents of young children who want toys that encourage their children to interact and play with each other. Toys such as puzzles, board games and Jack-in-the-box allow kids of different ages to play together and develop social skills. In addition, toys that encourage motor skill development can help children of all ages build their physical strength and coordination.

Toy sales soared during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but a dip in 2021 saw them return to pre-pandemic levels. With a rebound in cases and consumer comfort levels, store-based toy shoppers are returning to big-box stores and local toy shops.

Variety

A variety of toy stores cater to specific interests and developmental needs. For example, some specialize in educational toys. In contrast, others offer a curated selection of high-quality toys that target a particular storyline, such as the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. In addition, many toy stores also provide accessories and collectibles for popular movies or TV shows, such as Star Wars and the Avengers. As kids age, they want more interaction and adventure from their toys. They enjoy interactive toys that move and light up, as well as those that allow them to create their own stories. Some toys even have social media accounts where kids can share pictures and videos of them playing with them.

Selection

Ideally, children’s toys should provide a balance of learning and fun. The American Occupational Therapy Association recommends toys encourage kids to use their imagination and develop fine and gross motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Balls and riding toys, for example, promote exercise and help children burn off energy. Toys that require interaction between kids of different ages, such as dress-up clothes and costumes, allow kids to learn social skills and foster creativity. Check that all toys don’t have small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children. Also, ensure that any strings or tails on toys don’t form a loop that can constrict a child’s fingers, limbs or neck. A toy store’s reputation in the community and online can greatly impact its value. The more well-known a toy store is, the more it can expect to earn in revenue and profitability.