PLAYING THE LONG GAME

The games and puzzles category was certainly one of the winners from the pandemic, with sales soaring during that time. Fast forward to 2023 and sales are still strong – testament to the fact that there is still a want and need for educational, yet fun products.

This is a description which ticks all the boxes at Orchard Toys. The company’s Farmyard Heads and Tails is currently its bestseller in the preschool category, while Dress Up Nelly, Dotty Dinosaurs, Mucky Trucks and Old MacDonald Lotto are also favourites with consumers.

New launches for 2023 will include three seasonal products for Christmas (arriving in July) – Countdown to Christmas Activity Book, Christmas Eve Box and Elf Lotto Mini Game. There will also be a new space-themed puzzle coming soon.

“Simple, interactive, fun, short game play is key, and it means our games and puzzles can be played and enjoyed time and time again, alongside a great price point and quality and durable materials, so the product lasts,” says Simon Prest, sales director at Orchard Toys, when asked what attributes a good game or puzzle needs. “Parents love that our products are fun and appealing, while also enhancing children’s learning and educational development, so they support parents to help their child.”

Clementoni is another company which has been performing well in the games and puzzles category, as Paul Fogarty, country manager, UK and Ireland, explains. “YOY we saw a double digit growth, despite the economic challenges and incoming high levels of stock in the overall market place,” he comments.