The following extracts have been taken from the Jan 27th press release by the British Toy Fair27 January 2005 - Figures announced today by NPD group at this year"s Toy Fair show that in 2004 the UK toy market remained flat (in value) and increased by 4% in volume1 . It is now estimated to be worth £2.1 billion2. December"s results were shown to be 3% up on last year, despite reports that sales were slow in the run up to Christmas. In fact consumers rushed into shops in the very last week before Christmas which ended up 31% over the same week the year before. Even though 2004 had an extra 2 shopping days versus 2003, all seems to indicate that consumers are shopping later and later in the UK but also in continental Europe......
- UK market flat compared to a slight decline in France (-2%) and Germany (-3%), while Italy enjoyed a 3% growth. The US markets was fairing 5% down at the end of November.
- December sales for 2004 were £352 m compared to £341.5 m for 2003, up by 3%
- 52% of toy sales occurred between October and December 2004
- Biggest growing category for 2004 Robotic/Interactive toys
- Top selling Christmas toy 2004 (value) Robosapien (CHARACTER OPTIONS)
- Toy selling boys toy (value) Ninja Turtles Figures Asst (VIVID IMAGINATIONS)
- Top Fad/Playground Toy Tamagotchi (BANDAI)
- Best selling property 2004 (value) Barbie (MATTEL)
You can read the press release in full on our message board
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