Talking retail

Sally Wilde Owner, Planet Sal Honiton, East Devon.

What can you currently not keep on your shelves?

Just at the moment, weirdly, it is Colour-changing Lizards by One For Fun. I wasn’t sure about them at the start, but it just shows how retail is always full of surprises! These are closely followed by their light-up squash monsters and anything at all involving tractors.

What is your current most expensive toy – when does that sell – and to whom?

My most expensive are the Trousselier range of musical jewellery boxes. The most traditional Ballerina one outsells all the others - mainly as a gift for granddaughters. I had one as a child and loved it, so am always happy to sell one. They sell all year, but are especially popular at Christmas.

At the halfway point in the year, how is 2023 shaping up compared with last year?

I am very surprised to be quite a bit up on 2022 so far, but interest rate increases are a worry. I can’t even guess how Christmas will go, so the budgeting will be tricky. Meanwhile, we are at the start of the main tourist season here, which is always great. People still like to treat themselves when they can, and take little gifts back. Toys and books to keep children amused on the rainy days always go well.

Has the hot weather changed your footfall patterns?

It definitely affected Father’s Day sales for me, which really only took off on the Saturday, when it finally cooled down. I had a very busy day, but it did not make up for the slow week, sadly. I worry that customers ordered online, rather than go out shopping in the heat. On the plus side, the weather is perfect this week and I have been really busy.

Peter Allinson Director, WhirligigToys Kent and Sussex

What’s proving popular?

Our adult model-making kits from Robotime are really strong at the moment. We have a new range that is suitable for older children as well. They are really strong projects that involve construction and arts and crafts. Also the Paper Engine Build Your Own Wallace & Gromit activity set

What are you most excited about for the summer season?

Summer is always good for children who love to do arts and crafts, as they have time to work on their projects. So we see lots of young customers coming for things to keep them occupied over the holidays.

Louise Moss Head of Retail, Yorkshire Wildlife Park

What lines have you started stocking recently?

Additional bespoke lines, pin badges, keyrings, bottles with the addition of new eco soft toys also introduced.

What are your current top five best sellers?

In the plush range its Polar Bear, Red Panda, Giraffe, Tiger and Lion but there is an additional Capybaras range that we don’t seem to be able to keep on the shelves for very long at all.

How has trading been for you so far this year?

It has continued to be challenging especially at the beginning of the year as we still had several challenges to work with but I’ve continued to work closely with our key suppliers to understand their current stock holdings and adapt wherever possible to ensure we can continue to provide the wide variety we do. They have all been very supportive and its allowed me to introduce new suppliers into the stores this year as the forward planning has given me the opportunity.

Have you been affected by price rises and stock shortages - if so, how have you dealt with that?

Price increases have been seen throughout but we have tried to limit the impact its had within the stores by gradually increasing where needed.

Have you noticed a change in purchasing patterns as a result of the cost-of-living crunch?

I would like to say yes as this would make it a little easy when planning ahead, however it continues to vary dependant on the month or if we have special event days.

Julia Lowe

Founder, FarmToys Online

farmtoysonline.co.uk based in Ilminster, Somerset.

What can you currently not keep on your shelves?

Our top-selling toys each week usually come from our core range of tractors. However, with the fantastic weather we've been having lately, our garden toys are absolutely flying off the shelves! In this carefully selected collection, I prioritise toys that offer great value and are perfect for sandbox or beach play, catering to customers who are enthusiastic about getting their children playing outside.

Is there anything that is selling surprisingly well – if so why do you think that is?

We've been pleasantly surprised by the remarkable success of our Insect Lore Butterfly Gardens. Admittedly, we were initially sceptical about how it would fit in with the Farm Toys Online product offering. However, thanks to the recommendation of our agent, John Cairn, we decided to give it a chance. Our customers have absolutely loved this range! Its engaging hands-on experience not only educates but also fosters a sense of wonder about the incredible process of butterfly transformation. What is your current most expensive toy – when does that sell – and to whom?

The Britains Fordson Major 100th Anniversary Tractor is among the higher-priced toys in our inventory. As a limited edition replica of a vintage farm tractor, this intricately detailed collectable appeals to dedicated farm toy enthusiasts and devoted Britains collectors. Demand remains consistent throughout the year, with notable surges during special occasions like Father's Day when customers seek out unique gifts. At the halfway point in the year, how is 2023 shaping up compared with last year?

We've certainly had our fair share of challenges in the first half of 2023, with inflation and increased competition from marketplaces and brands selling directly

Debra Maloney Senior manager AustinsToy Store, NewtonAbbot, Devon

What can you currently not keep on your shelves?

Squishmallows, LEGO mini figures, Aphmau

Is there anything that is selling surprisingly well – if so why do you think that is?

Pokémon is consistently a strong seller – it still has such a large fan base.

What is your current most expensive toy – when does that sell –and to whom?

LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR at £179.99 – several of our regular LEGO customers are collectors.

At the halfway point in the year, how is 2023 shaping up compared with last year?

We are 1% up on this time last year.

Brendan Will

Director, and Ellen Will Toy buyer and merchandiser

WillsToy Shop,Aberdeen

What ‘s selling well?

Pokémon, LEGO Toymaster exclusive Mercedes f1, Warhammer, Charlie bears and Hasbro.

How has trading been for you so far this year?

Generally positive, with an upward trend compared to the previous year, though we experienced a slight setback in April, pdue to the impact of Easter and the extra holidays.

What's your current favourite toy or game on your shelves? Kluster, distributed by Big Potato, and happy chick balls; we love the print.

to consumers keeping us on our toes. It's created a highly competitive landscape, but we’re committed to keeping a watchful eye on pricing and maintaining open communication with brand owners to minimise potential conflicts. However, despite these obstacles, I am feeling cautiously optimistic about the upcoming months as we see sales gradually picking up.

Has the hot weather changed your footfall patterns?

The warmer weather has been fantastic for boosting sales of our garden toys! However, on extremely hot days, we do notice a slight dip in sales since customers are naturally drawn to spending time outdoors rather than shopping online.

Bryony Taylor-Edwards Head of Marketing and Home, Gift &Toy Buyer

Yarnton Home & Garden, North of Oxford

What can you currently not keep on your shelves?

At the moment our big sellers are the gorgeous balls from Crocodile Creek. We just love them and so do customers.

Is there anything that is selling surprisingly well – if so why do you think that is?

House of Marbles pocket money toys are doing very well, and travel activity books.

What is your current most expensive toy – when does that sell – and to whom?

A dolls house and a balance bike, these are our big-ticket Christmas items. We also do giant Jellycat bunnies. They are always popular at Christmas time.

At the halfway point in the year, how is 2023 shaping up compared with last year?

We are looking okay; the weather tends to take people up to the plants area but our Magic Garden play barn ensures a steady flow of customers.