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Tag: toys

  • Smart toys market tipped for massive growth

    Smart toys market tipped for massive growth

    Smart toys will represent a US$18 billion hardware and software market by 2023, up from an estimated $6 billion this year.

    According to a new report from Juniper Research, this increase will primarily be driven by the growing popularity of smartphone-connected toys and related in-app purchases, which are projected to grow by 69 per cent annually over the next five years.

    The new report, Smart Toys: Hardware, Technology & Leading Vendors 2018-2023, found that in-app purchases will become the main driver for growth, with content revenues reaching 25 per cent of the total industry by 2023.

    One example, Merge’s Augmented Reality Cube toy, pictured above, highlights the potential of the smartphone working alongside an established platform for successful content distribution and monetisation.

    Juniper says this growth coincides with the stagnation of the console based ‘Toys to Life’ sector. The report recommended that vendors incorporate smartphones into their proposition to drive new innovative games.

    Privacy and security issues

    Privacy issues continue to hamper overall growth, according to Juniper. It cites the recent prosecution for VTech’s breach of data security as a watershed moment, and a warning to all vendors of the Federal Trade Commission’s increasing focus on data protection violation.

    In addition, the new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules from Europe will increase the risk of fines for vendors.

    However, Juniper cites the increased focus on security as an opportunity. A ‘safe’ reputation is a unique selling point for a vendor, in an industry blighted with security issues.

    Meanwhile, the research found that as connected toys become more affordable, educational toys will find a place in the school curriculum in developed markets. Osmo, for example, has been a leader in this area, with more than 25,000 schools embracing its learning kits. Juniper forecasts the educational toys market will be worth more than US$1.5 billion by 2023.

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  • Mattel Indonesia exports toys worth $150m per week

    Mattel Indonesia exports toys worth $150m per week

    Toy maker PT Mattel Indonesia produces about 2 million toys, including Barbie dolls, a week with total exports worth US$150 million.

    The products of its factory in Cikarang, West Java, account for about 60 percent of the global market, said Mattel Indonesia vice president and general manager Roy Tendean on Monday during the celebration of the company’s anniversary.

    Mattel Indonesia, a subsidiary of Long Angeles’ based Mattel Inc., celebrated its 25 years of operation in Indonesia on Monday.

    He said that the company, which produces Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, etc., planned to set up a link-and-match program with five vocational schools (SMK) in West Java.

    “We want to contribute to human-resources development as education is the responsibility of educational institutions, the business community and the government,” said Roy.

    The five SMK involved in the program are SMK 1 Cikarang Pusat, SMK 1 Cikarang Barat, SMK 1 Cikarang Selatan, SMK Kerawang and SMK Mitra Industri Cibitung.

    “The link-and-match program is to ensure that students receive balanced teaching materials between the theory and real working experience at a company,” he added, during the event attended by Industry Minister Airlangga Hartanto and the Mattel Inc. chief supply chain officer and executive vice president, Peter Gibbons.

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  • Red Ant Asia brings toy-shop mascot to life

    Red Ant Asia brings toy-shop mascot to life

    UK toy retailer The Entertainer has teamed with Hong Kong retail technology company Red Ant Asia so its mascot can talk to online customers.

    They can ask the retailer’s mascot Jack (as in the jack-in-the-box toy), dressed as Santa for the occasion, about items available for the festive season. Jack, who can be addressed by either voice or text, also offers Christmas jokes and information.

    Jack also asks two profiling questions – age and price range – so he can provide an appropriate link to The Entertainer’s gift finder.

    Artificial intelligence via natural language processing identifies and classifies customer questions so Jack can give the most relevant response from his database of answers. Human helpers can continuously refine the process.

    “In many ways, Hong Kong is leading the way when it comes to the adoption of AI and conversational commerce, and it is expected to make a significant contribution to the economy over the coming years,” says Red Ant Asia regional director/co-founder Elisa Harca.

    The Entertainer head of online and digital Rob Wood says the company wanted to use Red Ant’s experience to deliver a virtual assistant that ticks all the boxes. “We wanted something fun, relevant and genuinely useful, and Santa Chat is all three. It also paves the way for future connected retail initiatives.”

    Founded in 1981 by husband-and-wife team Gary and Catherine Grant, The Entertainer has more than 130 stores in the UK and six internationally. Its e-commerce platform offers a 30-minute click-and-collect service.

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  • Toys R Us Asia mulls IPO

    Toys R Us Asia mulls IPO

    Toys R Us Asia is investigating the feasibility of listing in Hong Kong.

    According to overseas media reports, funds raised from selling shares in the Hong Kong-headquartered joint venture with Fung Group could assist the crippled US parent company with its restructuring under bankruptcy protection.

    The Toys R Us Asia business is performing solidly and the company is in the process of expanding its store network.

    Toys R Us and Fung Group have been discussing the option with investment banks, reports Deal Street Asia. A deal could value the Asia unit – not included in the bankruptcy filing – at as much as US$2 billion.

    Toys R Us owns about 85 per cent of the Asian venture, with the balance held by the Fung Group, the private holding company of Hong Kong billionaire businessmen Victor and William Fung.

    Toys R Us dominates the $20.7 billion Asia Pacific market for traditional toys and games, according to Euromonitor International. It had a 20 per cent share last year of sales of dolls, action figures, puzzles and similar products. Its closest regional competitor had a 1.4 per cent share.

    Growth in Japan and the Asia Pacific helped offset weaker sales in Europe and the US in the quarter to April 29, Toys R Us reported in June. This followed the company combining its Japanese business with a JV running more than 400 stores in greater China and Southeast Asia.

    With 1600 stores internationally, the brand sought bankruptcy protection after being ravaged by online rivals and price wars.

    Toys R Us Asia was set up in 1986. The Fung Group is also the biggest shareholder in Li & Fung, a global supply chain with clients including Wal-Mart Stores.

  • Toys ‘R’ Us to open four new stores in Australia

    Toys ‘R’ Us to open four new stores in Australia

    Global toy retailer, Toys ‘R’ Us, will open four new stores across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales between September and November.

    The four new stores will be located in Robina (Queensland), which will open on September 16 ; Rutherford (NSW), which will open on October 7 ; South Morang (Victoria), which will open on October 14 ; and North Lakes (Queensland). The retailer’s store in North Lakes will be its 15th store to open over a three-year period.

    Dianne Guerreiro, managing director of Toys ‘R’ Us Australia, said they believe the expansion will have a beneficial impact on the local communities.

    “We are committed to giving our customers access to the latest and most exciting toy and baby products in Australia, and with each new location, we can make sure we’re reaching even more toy fans across the country,” Guerreiro said.

    According to Guerreiro, they will be recruiting 60 to 80 new staff in each store.

    Toys ‘R’ Us currently has 39 stores across Australia, employing 2,300 staff members, which rises to 3,000 during the busy Christmas trading period.

    In May, the toy retailer combined its Japan, Greater China and Southeast Asia businesses as part of a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Fung Retailing Limited.

    Toys ‘R’ Us Asia Ltd, which currently operates 223 stores in China and the Southeast Asian markets, entered into an agreement with Fung Retailing Limited to consolidate Toys ‘R’ US Japan, which operates 160 stores in the country, into Toys ‘R’ Us Asia.

    The unified business will now be owned by about 85 per cent by Toys ‘R’ Us, with the remaining percentage held by Fung Retailing.

    Andre Javes, president of Toys ‘R’ Us Asia Pacific, said they have seen growth in expenditure on children’s products in recent years, driven primarily by Asia’s economic growth, rising middle class and rapid urbanisation.

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  • Kioda to enter India via franchise route, open 300 stores

    Kioda to enter India via franchise route, open 300 stores

    Malaysia-based Korean concept retail store Kioda plans to open 300 stores in India by 2021 and has tied up with Franchise India which will invest USD 10 million for expansion and marketing.

    Kioda, which has a product range of cosmetics, gifts, stationery and household items, is looking to source 25-30 per cent of its products locally for Indian stores and rest to be imported from Malaysia.

    Kioda is entering India in a joint venture partnership with Franchise India and will open 300 stores in the next four years, the company said in a statement.

    “We eventually want to source products from India itself especially in the F&B range.Kioda stores will be unique stores which have a Korean concept and experience,”Kioda Managing Director Alvin said.

    The company, which currently has presence in Singapore and China apart from Malaysia, plans to expand to additional 13 countries by 2018.

    The joint venture agreement was signed at the Master Franchise Show here by Franchise India where over 150 companies participated.

    Franchise India Chairman Gaurav Marya said: “India offers a large landscape for brands to access the burgeoning consumer market with international brands taking the top tier space in the hierarchy. Our investments in the JV will help us to quickly ramp up across India.

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  • Mattel plays with digital toys to triple China business

    Mattel plays with digital toys to triple China business

    Mattel expects to grow three to four times in the more than $31 billion toys and games market in China by 2020 through digitally connected toys, as it intensifies its efforts to take on LEGO Group and Hasbro in the country.

    Mattel — which cut its dividend by more than half to fund the new efforts — said its emphasis on e-commerce and repackaging its core brands as educational toys and connecting them to the internet would propel its position in the fragmented market. The toymaker has about 2 percent market share in China, lagging behind construction toy maker LEGO which has 2.8 percent control over the market. Hasbro is catching up with 1 percent, according to Euromonitor International.

    Mattel has been revamping its toys, developing AI Barbie Holograms, smart sensors-enabled Hot Wheels cars and virtual reality powered View-Masters to make them relevant to millennial parents.

    The new, digitally connected toys will be launched globally in fall 2018, the company said on Wednesday.

    “In China, there is a lot of recognition on linear learning and development. There is a real need for development of EQ, primary motor skills and social-emotional skills,” Mattel’s Chief Executive Margo Georgiadis said.

    Georgiadis, a former Google executive, took over the reins of the toy company in February and was hired for her tech expertise and e-commerce know-how.

    Mattel also said it would launch a network of play clubs with retail spaces to sell its toys in a joint venture with investment company Fosun Group (0656.HK) adding to a slew of major tie-ups in China.

    The joint venture is the third major partnership after Alibaba and Baby Tree, aimed at promoting the company’s educational products.

    One such product is Mattel’s Hotwheels Speedometry, play-based lessons which teach children about subjects such as measurement, distance, potential and kinetic energy, through building miniature race tracks.
    The company said it aims to enmesh more educational content with other brands such as Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends, which are popular in the Asian country.

    “As we think about the opportunity in China … it is driven by the basic fact that there are 210 million kids in China, while there are 55 million in the US,” Georgiadis told.

    “Just the sheer size of the market … it’s an enormous market opportunity.”

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  • Toys “R” US to add 40 more stores in China annually

    Toys “R” US to add 40 more stores in China annually

    Toy retailer Toys “R” Us said it will open between 30 to 40 stores annually in China, as the local toy and game market in China took in $31.6 billion in 2016.

    With China’s penchant for toys and consumers preferring to see and touch products before purchasing, Roy Sammartino, managing director of Toys “R” Us China stressed the importance of a growing physical store presence in China.

    “China is our fastest-growing market with more store openings than anywhere else in the world,” Sammartino told China Daily in an interview.

    The American firm’s stores would open mostly in major cities, while regional and online shoppers would be able to access products via its online stores.

    “Internet retailing continues to gain a strong share, as the pricing of products in online stores helps it capture sales from other channels,” Euromonitor International Senior Associate Carol Lu told the leading daily.

    “For toy and game firms, internet retailing is an important tool for marketing their products in regions where they have a limited presence.”

    Meanwhile, popular movies continue to drive the sales of toys and the impact lasts a long time, said experts.

    According to Euromonitor, China’s total toy and game market was worth 218 billion yuan ($31.6 billion) in 2016. Traditional toys and games accounted for around 70 billion yuan.

    Founded in 1948 by Charles Lazarus, Toys “R” Us in headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, in the New York City metropolitan area.

    Toys ‘R’ Us currently has two online stores and 134 physical stores in 55 cities in China. It boasts 883 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam and another 1,049 stores in 37 other countries and regions around the world including Australia.

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  • Asia’s Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens

    Asia’s Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The four-day fairs will continue through 12 January and gather a total of more than 2,900 exhibitors from all over the world to showcase a wide range of innovative and smart products to global buyers.

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has organised close to 120 buying missions from 65 countries and regions, with some 9,000 buyers from around the world to visit and source at the three fairs. These include department stores, specialty stores and retail chains such as Toys”R”Us, Hamleys from the United Kingdom, Tomy Company Ltd. and Aeon Stores from Japan as well as Shinsegae Co. Ltd. from Korea. Besides, buyers representing e-tailers like JD.com, Suning Redbaby and beibei.com from the Chinese mainland and local enterprises including Watsons and Ocean Park offer ample business opportunities for the exhibitors. To facilitate different sourcing requirements, the fairs continue to feature the hktdc.com Small Orders zone with its Online Transaction Platform (https://smallorders.hktdc.com) and offer on-site business matching services.

    Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, said: “The three fairs are presenting a comprehensive line-up of innovative products, including STEM toys that strengthen the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for youngsters. Together with various licensed products, toys that incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, smart baby products as well as stationery items, the fairs will surely satisfy the sourcing needs of global buyers.”

    Asia’s largest toys & games fair features a record of 2,100+ exhibitors

    The 43rd edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair features a record of more than 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, forming the largest event of its kind in Asia, and the second-largest in the world. Among the many exhibitors are newcomers from Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Denmark.

    Six group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the UK, together with the “World of Toys” pavilion featuring mainly European exhibitors, are mounted at the fair this year to present a wide variety of toys and games from around the world. Among them, the UK pavilion has doubled its exhibition space with 17 exhibitors, offering buyers more selections. The signature Brand Name Gallery gathers over 220 renowned brands from 15 countries and regions, such as 4M, Bburago, Eastcolight, Hape, VTech, as well as new exhibitors including the Japanese building block brand nanoblock.

    The Smart-Tech Toys zone showcases various toys and games applying innovative technologies, such as the increasingly popular AR and VR technologies and products operated via mobile apps. As the demand for STEM toys grows, a new STEM Toys Products Display is set up at the fair to help visitors check out the latest educational toys. Two new zones, Pet Toys and Fireworks, also debut at the fair. Pet Toys zone showcases toys and daily supplies for pets, while the Fireworks zone introduces display shells, firecrackers, toy fireworks as well as stage fireworks suitable for use in different events.

    Concurrent Baby Products Fair to maximise synergies

    Now in its eighth edition, the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair hosts a record of about 540 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, with first-time exhibitors from Qatar and Turkey. This year, the Korea pavilion gathers 32 exhibitors, an increase of more than 80 per cent compared with the last edition. Brand Name Gallery features close to 50 renowned brands from 14 countries and regions, including Biba, Evenflo, Joovy and Pali. Another fair highlight, Baby Tech zone, gathers 22 exhibitors of trendy products including those that incorporate high tech and smart home elements. Other special zones include Disposable Baby Products, Baby Learning Toys, Baby Food and Healthcare Products, Baby Bedding Items and Furniture, Baby Fashion Avenue, Baby Gift Sets and Souvenirs, Feeding, Nursing and Maternity Products, Nursery Electrical Appliances as well as Strollers and Gear.

    Diversified events to unveil industry trends

    A series of industry events are organised during the fair period. This year’s Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference (10 January) adopts the theme of “Grasp the Chance: What’s New in the Market and Our Industry?” to explore trends and opportunities in the global market and especially the Chinese mainland market. Seminars featuring industry experts include “STEM Toys – Next Big Wave” (9 January), “A Closer Look into the Key Influencers in Baby Product Trends” (9 January) and “The New Epoch of Virtual Toys” (10 January) to help the industry keep abreast of the latest trends.

    To provide more promotional channels and facilitate industry cooperation, a number of product demonstrations and launch pads, as well as buyer forums are organised. The Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2017 Presentation Ceremony takes place this evening, followed by tomorrow’s winning products presentation. The Awards honour outstanding toys and baby products with exquisite designs, creativity and high quality, as well as promote the industry’s distinguished achievements. The winning products are on display at Hall 3F-G concourse during the fair period, promoting innovative designs to global buyers.

    International Stationery Fair brings in innovative items

    The 17th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., features five themed zones, including DIY Supplies, Gift Stationery, Kids & School, Pen & Paper and Smart Office. Over 250 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions are showcasing art supplies, kids’ stationery, school stationery supplies, paper products and printing, office supplies, DIY supplies, promotional stationery and more.

    The challenges and business opportunities of the stationery industry under the digital age are spotlighted at today’s seminar “Unfold Opportunities for Retail Digital Age” with representatives from DimBuy and Pinkoi sharing their insights. Another key seminar tomorrow, “A Glimpse into the Forthcoming Design Trend”, will analyse stationery design and market trends. Heavyweight speakers include the “Stationery King”, Masayuki Takabatake, the three-year winner of the Japanese variety show “TV Champion”; an expert from one of Japan’s biggest stationery brands KOKUYO; and a moderator from city’super.

    Joint Opening Ceremony with Licensing Show

    The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (9-11 January) is taking place alongside the Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and International Stationery Fair, generating more cross-sector business opportunities. A joint opening ceremony for the Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and International Licensing Show was held this morning, officiated by the Honourable Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government; Li Jiangang, Deputy Director General, Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China; Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC; Lawrence Chan, Chairman, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee, and Tommy Li, Chairman, HKTDC Design, Marketing and Licensing Services Advisory Committee.

  • Asia’s Largest Toys Fair to Open Next Week

    Asia’s Largest Toys Fair to Open Next Week

    The 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the eighth HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 17th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair are set to open at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) next week. Starting on 9 January and continuing through 12 January, the three fairs will feature more than 2,900 global exhibitors showcasing a dynamic range of innovative and high tech products.

    Hong Kong’s major export products, including toys, are still being affected by the lacklustre global economy. Speaking at today’s press conference, Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, said that Hong Kong’s exports of toy products reached HK$33.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2016. He also noted that the toy industry is the only sector reporting a higher reading in the HKTDC Export Index for the fourth quarter of 2016, indicating growing confidence about the performance of toy exports in 2017. On the other hand, the Christmas sales performance recorded increases in major traditional markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as emerging markets including the Chinese mainland, Mexico, Chile, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Mr Chau added that under the mainland’s “Two-child Policy”, new opportunities are expected to emerge in the coming years for the toy and baby product markets on the mainland since the number of births is likely to rise considerably.

    “STEM toys – that strengthen the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – as well as licensed products and toys applying virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are becoming more and more popular,” Mr Chau said. “Hong Kong companies can look into and explore these products.” He highlighted that the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair gathers a wide range of products from around the globe. The hktdc.com Small Orders zone in the fair, along with the HKDC Small Orders Online Transaction Platform and business matching service offered by the HKTDC, will facilitate product sourcing and building business connections.

    Asia’s largest toys fair draws record exhibitors

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair will gather a record of more than 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, with first-time participants from Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Denmark. The event is the largest of its kind in Asia and second-largest in the world.

    Five group pavilions will be featured in the fair this year, including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the UK, along with a “World of Toys” pavilion showcasing mainly European exhibitors and a global range of toy and game products. This year, the UK pavilion has doubled its exhibition space with 17 exhibitors, offering buyers more selections. The signature Brand Name Gallery will return with more than 220 renowned brands from 15 countries and regions. Among them will be 4M, Bburago, Eastcolight, Hape, VTech, as well as new exhibitors including Japanese building block brand nanoblock and Portuguese brand ELOU for educational toys made with cork.

    The acclaimed Smart-Tech Toys zone will feature a range of toys with innovative technology capabilities. Some of the exhibits have incorporated the increasingly popular AR and VR technologies in their designs, along with mobile apps to make products more interesting and interactive for users. To meet the growing demand for STEM toys in the market, a new STEM Toys Product Display area will be launched at the fair.

    Two new thematic zones, Pet Toys and Fireworks, will also be introduced this year. The Pet Toys zone will feature toys and daily supplies tailor-made for pets. The Fireworks zone will introduce festival fireworks, display shells, firecrackers as well as indoor and stage fireworks suitable for use in different events to industry buyers.

    One-stop sourcing at concurrent Baby Products and International Stationery fairs

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will be held alongside the Toys & Games Fair, featuring a record of close to 540 companies from 27 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from Qatar and Turkey. This year, the Korea pavilion will gather 32 exhibitors, an increase of more than 80 per cent compared with the last edition. Brand Name Gallery will feature close to 50 renowned quality brands from 14 countries and regions, while the Baby Tech zone, another highlight of the fair, will bring in 22 exhibitors to help visitors keep abreast of the high-tech product and smart living trends.

    The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, will feature over 250 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, including new exhibitors from Bangladesh, Finland, India, the Netherlands and Spain. Exhibitors will showcase the latest art and craft supplies, back-to-school items, paper packaging and printing goods, office supplies and gift stationery.

    During the fair period, a series of industry events will be organised. The influential “Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference 2017” will be held on 10 January under the theme of “Grasp the Chance: What’s New in the Market and Our Industry?”. Experts will explore the trends and opportunities in the global market, especially those related to the Chinese mainland. Other seminars include “STEM Toys – Next Big Wave”, “The New Epoch of Virtual Toys”, and “A Closer Look into the Key Influencers in Baby Product Trends”. Masayuki Takabatake, the renowned “Stationery King” from Japan and a representative from one of Japan’s biggest stationery brands KOKUYO, will deliver a seminar on “A Glimpse into the Forthcoming Design Trend”.

    A number of product demonstrations and launch pads as well as buyer forums that explore opportunities in emerging markets and seminars analysing retail opportunities in the digital age will be organised during the fair. These events will enable industry players to exchange market information and keep abreast of the latest design and product trends.

    Another highlight will be the “Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2017 Presentation Ceremony” to be held on the first day of the fair (9 January), with a winning products presentation taking place the following day. The award aims to uncover toy and baby products with unique designs, creativity and high quality, as well as to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry. During the fair period, the winning products will be displayed at the Hall 3F-G Concourse.

    Held concurrently with the Toys & Games Fair, the Baby Products Fair and the Stationery Fair is the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, which is the largest of its kind in Asia, and second-largest in the world. It will feature more than 370 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions and showcase over 900 brands and properties. The four parallel fairs will create abundant trading opportunities for crossover business activities among the participants from various sectors.

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  • Toys”R”Us® Opens Its 100th Store In China

    Toys”R”Us® Opens Its 100th Store In China

    Ten years after first entering the market, Toys”R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, today announced that the company has opened its 100th store in China. The milestone achievement was marked by a grand opening celebration event that took place Saturday, January 16, at the APM Shopping Mall in Wang Fu Jing, one of the leading retail districts in Beijing, where Toys”R”Us® opened one of its 27 new stores across the country within the past year.

    “It’s our mission to be the best toy and baby products retail company in the world, and international expansion, particularly throughout China and Southeast Asia, continues to be an important part of our long-term growth strategy,” said Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “The opening of the 100th store in China represents a significant achievement for our business as it allows us to meet the increasing demand for high-quality children’s products and family entertainment experiences in this market.”

    Toys”R”Us opened its first store in China in 2006 and currently operates in 44 cities throughout the country, including six where the company established a presence for the first time last year. China has been one of the most important markets for the company’s global expansion plans, and growth in this region is expected to continue with the planned opening of more than 30 new Toys”R”Us stores in 2016.

    “The grand opening of our 100th store is a major milestone for Toys”R”Us on our exciting journey in China,” said Andre Javes, Managing Director, Toys”R”Us, Greater China and Southeast Asia. “What differentiates Toys”R”Us as a specialty toy retailer is the memorable shopping experience we provide for our customers. This includes a combination of the widest assortment of toys and baby products, including exclusive items not available anywhere else in the market, fun store layouts, interactive in-store experiences, product displays and demonstrations, activities and more.”

    Attending the iconic 100th store opening ceremony in the heart of the Capital were: Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us, Inc.; Dr. Victor Fung, Group Chairman, Fung Group; Monika Merz, President, Toys”R”Us, Asia Pacific; Pieter Schats, Executive Director of Fung Retailing Ltd; and Andre Javes, Managing Director, Toys”R”Us, Greater China and Southeast Asia, along with many important business partners and executives from the toy industry.

    As part of the grand opening, families were also invited to meet and greet popular mascots such as Geoffrey the Giraffe, Ultraman, Barbie™, Ninjago Kai, Balala Emma and more.

    Toys”R”Us at Beijing APM Shopping Mall Features Innovative Retail Environment
    The new store showcases the very latest in “retailtainment,” digital technology and customer interaction, making shopping at Toys”R”Us a unique and fun experience for kids and adults alike.

    Upon entering the store, customers are immediately immersed into the world of Star Wars™: The Force Awakens – the first-ever Star Wars movie released on the big screen in Chinese theaters – with life-size characters and dramatic scenes from the movie. Shoppers will also find interactive displays from LEGO® and TOMICA, a Balala magical mirror and more.

    Customers can further interact with the huge, 70-inch digital screen at the store entrance, enabling them to browse through promotional items, make purchases, take “selfies” with special photo frames, play games and easily become members of the company’s “Star Card” loyalty program.

    The Toys”R”Us store at Beijing APM also brings amazing exclusive products and assortments, which are not available anywhere else in the market. These private brands offer great value, quality and innovation from the Toys”R”Us brand consumers know and trust, and include FastLane®, Dream Dazzlers®, Universe of Imagination, Pavilion®, Just Like Home®, Edu Science®, You & Me, STATs® and Avigo®.

    In addition, consumers will find various new features throughout the APM mall, sponsored by Toys”R”Us.

    Toys”R”Us in China
     Toys”R”Us has been the leading dedicated retailer of toys and baby products around the world for more than 65 years. Toys”R”Us opened its first licensed store in Shanghai, China in 2006, and since then, has continued to expand aggressively in the country. In 2011, Toys”R”Us, Inc. formed a joint venture with its long-term license partner in China and Southeast Asia, Fung Retailing Ltd, for its businesses in the region, with stores in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and became 70 percent majority owned and controlled by Toys”R”Us, Inc. and 30 percent owned by Fung Retailing Ltd.

    As of January 2016, the company has 100 stores in 44 cities across China, including: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Jiaxing, Jinhua, Shangyu, Nanjing, Suzhou, Nantong, Wuxi, Changzhou, Yancheng, Kunshan, Harbin, Shenyang, Changchun, Dalian, Tianjin, Baoding, Tangshan, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Yantai, Zibo, Qingdao, Hefei, Wuhan, Changsha, Luzhou, Ganzhou, Xi’an, Kunming, Nanning, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Zhuhai, Jinjiang and Zhongshan.

    Enhanced e-Commerce Business and Omnichannel Capabilities in the Chinese Mainland
    Toys”R”Us launched a T-mall Store in April 2012 and its own dedicated e-commerce website at Toysrus.com.cn at the end of the same year. Toys”R”Us, China also operates a mobile-optimized website, enabling tech-savvy consumers across the country to easily shop while on-the-go. Additionally, the company uses its “Ship from Store” capabilities to effectively transform the country’s existing Toys”R”Us stores into mini distribution centers by leveraging their inventory to fulfill online purchases.

    Now, millions of Mainland customers can access a wide assortment of toys, along with product authenticity and a toy safety guarantee from Toys”R”Us.

    Full Range of Toys
    Toys”R”Us provides a broad assortment of products from trusted domestic and international brands for children and their parents in China. Stores feature enticing product displays, demonstrations, “see-me touch-me” packaging, and a large number of products that are only available at Toys”R”Us. All products are made to the highest quality standards and have passed all required safety tests.

    As a global retailer, Toys”R”Us ensures country-by-country shopping patterns are taken into account at the local market level. Parents in China place great importance on the educational value of toys that help children learn and develop skills while they play. Within its Learning category, Toys”R”Us provides among the most comprehensive and widest selection of educational toys, including many uniquely designed by the company’s in-house team. These toys encourage skill development such as learning languages, mathematics, geography, color-differentiation and coordination.

    Digital and New Media Platforms
    Digital and new media is a booming business across China, with rapid growth of brands and stores across e-commerce websites and online instant messaging platforms.

    Mr. Javes also commented, “Toys”R”Us has 1 million followers in WeChat and continues to grow. WeChat followers have been expanding rapidly within the recent two years and we are seeing more than 80 percent of members join in our “Star Card” Membership Program via this social platform, where they can easily play our WeChat game, get the latest promotional information and explore bonus features, which enhance the fun of digital interaction. Along with the fast development of digital platforms such as mobile internet in China, we will continue to engage and excite our consumer on all their digital devices.”

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  • Sanpower named in Hamleys bid

    Sanpower named in Hamleys bid

    Chinese language investor Sanpower is reported to be getting ready a bid for worldwide toy retailer Hamleys.

    Sanpower is the corporate which purchased 79 per cent of UK division retailer chain Home of Fraser final yr with the intention of increasing the enterprise into China, paying £480 million ($790.three million).

    UK newspaper The Sunday Occasions studies Sanpower is in discussions with France’s Groupe Ludendo, Hamleys father or mother, in what can be the primary of a number of deliberate investments in European retailing.

    Sanpower is concentrating on retailers with robust manufacturers and lengthy historical past – and with robust cashflow and worldwide presence – to increase the manufacturers into China the place a rising center class clamours for overseas branded items.

    Home of Fraser will open three malls in China’s mainland – in Nanjing, Chongqing and Xuzhou – between subsequent yr and 2017.

    Hamleys, which just lately opened an enormous flagship in Moscow and has this month introduced plans for its Vietnam debut, was based in 1760, initially branded Noah’s Ark.

    It’s London flagship on Regent St opened in 1881. Groupe Ludendo purchased Hamleys from collapsed Icelandic financial institution Landsbanki three years in the past for £60 million.

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  • Walmart China plans major expansion

    Walmart China plans major expansion

    The world’s biggest retailer Wal-Mart Stores believes the best way to achieve profitability in China is to open more stores and lure more customers.

    Walmart China will expand its store network by almost a third between now and 2017 according to CEO Doug McMillon.

    “Our aim is to become an integral part of China’s economy. China is a top priority,” McMillon told a press conference in Beijing.

    Faced with slowing growth in its mature home market, Walmart sees a massive opportunity in China’s rising middle class and booming tier 2 and 3 cities as a means to restoring growth and boosting profits. Cities like Shenzhen and Wuhan.

    But its experiences in China to date have been mixed. Sales declined 0.7 per cent in the quarter to January 31 and same store sales fell 2.3 per cent.

    At the end of January, Walmart had 411 stores in China – and after some underperforming stores are closed should end 2017 with a network exceeding 500.

    The company is also increasing its investment in its online business Yihaodian.com. Launched in 2011 with 18,000 SKUs the online store now boasts more than 8 million products. With more and more Chinese buying online – on both computers and mobile devices – the potential seems unlimited.

    Walmart’s Asian chief, Scott Price, said while the company had seen a softening in sales, it was not all bad news.

    “We’ve gained share in the hypermarket channel.”

  • Toys “R” Us Australia accumulates USD344m in losses

    Toys “R” Us Australia accumulates USD344m in losses

    Toys “R” Us, the self-described “world’s first toy supermarket”, has racked up accumulated losses of almost AUD450 million (USD343.9m) since arriving in Australia.

    The US-based toy and baby products retailer has operated in Australia for more than two decades. It has more than 30 stores, 11 Babies “R” Us Superstores, online operations and about 1600 employees.

    Researchers IBISWorld said it had lost market power over the past five years, but was the second-biggest player in the AUD850 million toy and game retailing industry.

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