SECTOR FOCUS Inset: Hippychick enjoyed great success with the Trybike last year.
LET'S GO OUTSIDE
The outdoor category was one of the big winners in the toy market last year – the sector grew 15% in 2020 according to NPD data. As the roadmap out of lockdown continues, the weather warms up and holidays look likely to be spent in the UK, this year is shaping up to be another successful one for the category. And demand is already soaring, as PPS discovers.
W
riting this with bright sunshine streaming through the windows ahead of the long Easter weekend, the longawaited longer days, lighter nights and warmer temperatures are no longer simply the stuff of dreams… whisper it, but summer is coming and, along with it, a whole host of new outdoor play opportunities. Whether that’s bikes, trikes or scooters in the park, trampolining
or water and sand play in the back garden, all of the signs are pointing towards another bumper period for suppliers and retailers within the category. REINFORCED VALUE “I do think lockdown has reinforced the value and importance of outdoor play and this is reflected in last year’s sector demand, with growth significantly ahead of the total toy market,” Phil Ratcliffe, joint md
at MV Sports tells PPS. “Outdoor toys (especially wheeled toys) are critical in developing motor skills, balance, hand eye co-ordination and physical development; promoting a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle. “Outdoor play also fosters a sense of freedom, achievement and well-being among children while stimulating young imaginations via role-play activities.” All evidence shows that spend increased across the sector last
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