Games, Playthings and Plush

Hardware and Toy Shops (From page 174) focus is on the outdoor activities of the season. Puzzles for little kids sell more often that the more complex puzzles, Morgan said.

At the approximately 1,000-square-foot Theo’s Toys and Games in Manitou Springs, Colo., Owner and Operator Tony Mogck said their best-sellers tend to be items that people already have a liking for and identify with, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter or Among Us.

When it comes to sales of simple versus complicated toys, Mogck said simple toys almost always outsell complicated ones. “If an adult doesn't understand the product, they don't think a child will be able to understand,” he explained.

According to Mogck, while they did boom during the pandemic, puzzles have always been a popular item at the shop. ❖

Which Games Sell Best and Why?

The 2,200-squarefoot Genuine Toy Company boasts a large board game section. EXIT games are one of their bestsellers. Since they have a large gamer clientele – both die hard and casual – when they hit the shelves for the first time roughly three years ago, these games were popular out of the gate, said Dare. In fact, they keep running waiting lists of about four or five people long for the games.

Customers can always come back to buy new versions of the game, since you have to physically destroy the game to win explained Dare. The price point, at $14.99 to $19.99 for four or five people makes the game a good buy for a night of entertainment, Dare said.

Ticket to Ride is another favorite at Genuine Toy. It’s easy to learn and a game the whole family can enjoy, commented Dare. In the past, she believes some customers may have been dissuaded from picking the game up because the graphics are more intense –and not as cutesy as many game players had become accustomed to. These days, though, they consider the game a new classic. Like- wise, Forbidden Island is another game they think of as a new classic. It’s a cooperative game, where the players must work together to succeed. Customers like a game that’s not cutthroat, Dare said.

At Theo’s Toys and Games, which brings in under $500,000 in annual sales, Mogck said their games with a mid-range complexity mixed with solid mechanics such as Catan or Rebellion tend to sell best.

In the game section at Mayfield Ace, their best-sellers are outdoor games like disc gold and corn hole. “Our customers are drawn to active games that can be done with others,” Mayfield said. Similarly, at Lake Forest, customers mainly stick to purchasing outdoor games like bocce ball and volleyball, and these purchases fluctuate depending on the season. ❖