A tale of two toy lists
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. andWAYNE, N.J. — While most consumers have barely started making Halloween plans, the retail industry is looking ahead to the holiday season and predicting what they think will be the most popular toys this year.
Toys“R”Us and Kmart both announced their top toy lists for the holiday season detailed below:
Toys"R"Us
Air Hogs Hyper Actives from Spin Master
Air Swimmers eXtreme from Animal Planet
Lalaloopsy Silly Hair dolls from MGA Entertainment
LeapPad Explorer from LeapFrog
Monster High Fearleading 3-Pack from Mattel
Moshi Monsters Moshling 3-Pack Mini-Figures from Spin Master
My Keepon from Wow! Stuff
Nerf Vortex Vigilon from Hasbro
Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle from Lego Systems Inc.
Poppin’ Park Elefun Busy Ball Popper from Playskool
Power Wheels Dune Racer from Fisher-Price
Radica Fijit Friends from Mattel
Sesame Street Let’s Rock! Elmo from Hasbro
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure from Activision
Kmart
Let's Rock! Elmo
Fijit
I am T-Pain Microphone
Barbie Designable Hair Extensions and Doll
Lite Sprites Lite Wand, Prisma and Pod
Redakai Championship Battle Tin
FurReal Friends Cookie My Playful Pup
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
Mini Lalaloopsy Treehouse Playset
WWE Colossal Crashdown Arena
Transformers Mechtech Ultimate Optimus Prime
LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet
Lazer Stunt Chaser R/C Vehicle
Simon Flash
Consumers looking to comparison shop will notice that both companies have the LeapPad, Nerf Vortex, Fijit and Let's! Rock Elmo on their top toy lists. This could be a concern for Toys"R"Us as Kmart's more aggressive pricing strategy may lure cost-conscious consumers into its stores, especially if they know they can get at least a few of this year's hot toys for less. Where Toys"R"Us can thrive is in the area of exclusives, several of which appear on its top toy list.
“There are so many really terrific new toys available this year, so narrowing down the list of top toys was fun, but challenging,” said Karen Dodge, SVP, chief merchandising officer for Toys“R”Us, U.S. “The Toys“R”Us 2011 Holiday Hot Toy List highlights what we expect will be the most sought-after items this holiday season and the ones that will yield squeals of delight when kids tear off the wrapping paper on Christmas morning.”
Toys"R"Us may be the leading toy retailer, but mass-merchandisers like Kmart continue to gain market share.
“Brands have told us that being chosen for our (toy list) creates an increased demand for the toys on the list,” said Hugo Malan, SVP and president, fitness, sporting goods and toys. “And customers are thrilled that we’re helping them identify the toys that will be the next holiday craze.”
As the holiday season approaches, additional retailers will look to challenge Toys"R"Us' authority with their own top toy lists.