The toy business has come well-prepared for the holiday season. New gadgets, cheaper prices, and a child’s happiness make toys a must-have for parents. Although the economy has been bad lately, toys weren’t hit as hard as other things, like luxury or electronics. A stay-at-home mom said, “You still want [your children] to have something to open and something to get excited about. Santa doesn’t know about the recession.” This year, toys that are relatively cheap, but come in variety are predicted to do well. Barbie, technology, movie referenced toys, and family games will also top the charts.
It surprised me that toys have not been that affected by the recession. It makes sense to think that parents wouldn’t buy their children as many toys as they have in previous years because the economy hasn’t been helping. However, as a parent, a happy and excited child on Christmas is worth spending a few extra dollars for. The toy companies know this, so new toy ideas are constantly being brought up. Because of the economy, the parent has to choose the right toy; the best toy. The supply and demand principle works here too. The harder it is to get a toy, the more the child wants it, and, in turn, the parent is more willing to track it down and pay for it. It would be helpful to know which toys have always been successful, why, and how those same toys can be improved on to better accommodate the next generation of children (technology-wise or character-wise for newer television shows).
What marketing strategies are used to make sure that the newest toy will be wanted by children and worth paying for to the adults?
I have never really thought about this before, but I think that it is a good point to bring up. Parents are always putting their children's wants before their needs, therefore having to go without other things just to make their children happy. I wonder if the toy industry will continue to go on this way, or if people will slowly start to buy less and less.
ReplyDeleteI am not a parent, but i can see how any parent would want to buy their kid whatever they wanted, especially toys. I have seen a lot of adds lately advertising toys that are convenient, easy to clean up, and the kids can take them anywhere. If i were a parent and was trying to find a toy for my kid that i think they would like, i would assume that i would be the one picking up the pieces to it most of the time, so i would look for something cool for them, but also something conventional to me. Good article to report on.
ReplyDeleteOpening presents on Christmas has always provided great memories for me throughout my lifetime. However, I never got the most amazing or expensive gifts. I commonly got clothes or books, and sometimes a joke gift from certain humorous members of my family. This never bothered me, even though i knew my friends got expensive video games and money ect, because the experience was more about being with family than the presents. Anticipation is everything, not expectations.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that parents think they need to spend more money on toys to make their children happy saddens me. It makes me wonder if those that oppose are way of life have some validity. Sure Christmas is important, but not for the reasons this article assumes.