Retail Refugees

For all of you parents and e-retailers selling toys this year preparing for the holidays, Business Week created a slideshow of “recession-proof” products this year that any child would be happy to get!

They say, “There really is something for everyone this year. The hottest toy on the market, Bakugan Battle Brawlers, is only $5,” says Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of the Web site timetoplay.com, which covers the toy industry. He’s referring to a series of innovative plastic, magnetized balls that, when rolled over metallic cards, pop open to reveal a small action figure. The figures are based on a popular TV show on the Cartoon Network, and their Toronto manufacturer, Spin Master, says that retailers such as Toys ‘R’ Us are fast selling out.”

A new survey of 13,276 consumers conducted by global consultancy Deloitte suggests that Silver has a point. The study, released on Nov. 10, shows that while shoppers intend to cut back on clothing as gifts this year, toys and games remain a steady choice. The poll was conducted online between Sept. 26 and Oct. 7, 2008—when the economic slowdown was well under way.

Savvy shoppers who pay attention to the numerous awards for educational and inventive toys will find that many lauded items are available for less than $50. Snap Circuits Jr., for instance, which won the Toy Industry Assn.’s 2008 award for Specialty Toy of the Year, is available for only $29.95. The kit, made by Elenco of Wheeling, Ill., features electronic components that boys and girls can snap together without tools to create functioning objects such as an AM radio.

Click here for the full slideshow

My personal favourites are the toy car, the ugly dolls, and Suzuka E-racer!