Retail News - what’s happening on the retail landscape

Shuffle Junior launches range into John Lewis

A new range of games from Shuffle Junior has gained major nationwide distribution through John Lewis & Partners.

Into The Wild is designed to aid cognitive, fine motor, and recognition development in little ones. It includes twists on bingo and dominoes, flashcards, a jigsaw and a giant alphabet and number floor puzzle – all aimed at supporting early years learning, for children aged three and over.

Retail Mentoring Programme breaks records

With 84 delegates from 21 retailers taking part, 2021 was a record-breaking year for Brand Licensing Europe’s Retail Mentoring Programme.

Thanks to the organisers offering a fully virtual as well as hybrid option this year, making it possible for European retailers to participate, GameStop and Bershka were among the first-ever European retailers to take part in the free-to-attend CPDaccredited course held in June. Other new retailers included Maqio, Merlin Entertainments, RSPCA, The Hut Group, and ZSL.

Delegates from Marks & Spencer, John Lewis & Partners, Selfridges, Halfords, Asda George, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Toymaster, The Entertainer and Morrisons are among hundreds of alumni.

Thames & Kosmos supports #ukindieday

Thames & Kosmossupported #ukindieday by offering its customers a little bit of magic.

On Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July independent retail businesses across the UK came together to celebrate Independents’ Day UK 2021: a national campaign to support and promote indies across the UK all year round, but with an annual focus on July 4.

Thames & Kosmos sales director Jo Drage said: “The toy industry has continued to display resilience in 2021 and independent toy and gift shop retailers in particular keep going above and beyond to keep local high streets thriving.”

The company offered customers either a free Magic Hat Display or a Magic Hat Wand Display with any order of £250 net placed between 21 June and 28 June.

RETAIL NEWS Bargain Max stocked for growth plan

Online toy retailer BargainMax.co.uk has secured a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its ambitious growth plans.

BargainMax.co.uk aims to use the funding to increase its product range and stock by over 60% in the next 12 months. This expansion of the business follows consistent successful performance since the start of the company in 2014 and high levels of growth, especially over the past year.

The funding will also be used to increase brand awareness via targeted social media campaigns and support ongoing website development. The expansion means the business is anticipating a staff increase this year in both its Manchester head office and warehouse.

Gigi Mechlowitz, managing director of BargainMax.co.uk, said: “Being an online-only retailer, we were well-prepared when the pandemic started and could continue our two-tofour-day lead time on deliveries while experiencing a significant boost in demand. We will continue to deliver this quality of service through investments in new products and e-commerce solutions.”

Edx Education goes live with retail website

Educational toy brand Edx Education has launched a UK retail website offering deals and discounts to British parents and educators, alongside advice from educational experts to support families on all aspects of home learning.

The launch follows a hugely successful year for UK retailers in the home learning market. Initially fuelled by pandemic school closures, toy trend forecasters predict the growth in the educational toy market is set to continue well into 2022, as parents demand more educational value from toy purchases, alongside inclusive family play opportunities.

Heather Welch, international brand manager at Edx Education, said: “We hope to inspire families to play, learn and bond together with our ever-growing product range and play ideas on shopedx.co.uk. Children have curious minds; they love to explore and experiment - and what better way to do that than through play!”