Group purchases up 4.4% in first half of 2018, as new retail manager welcomed.
Toymaster has confirmed that the first half of 2018 has seen group purchases increase 4.4% on 2017.
This compares to NPD results from the end of May showing that the toy market in the UK is down 9% YTD.
The news comes as the buying group has appointed a new retail manager in the form of Brian McLaughlin.
Brian (pictured) brings a number of years’ experience of the toy trade from his time at both Toys R Us and Early Learning Centre.
A statement from the buying group said: “The timing of this appointment shows the board believes in both the future of independent toy retailers and the opportunities for both member expansion and to gain new members.
“The retail landscape continues to change and the removal of Toys R Us from the marketplace will allow space for specialist toy retailers to open stores in locations now devoid of a destination toy shop.”
