Toy retailing in turmoil.

Playthings, March, 1996 by Schulman, Milt

The toy business is seeing a new breed of retailing, emphasizing niche marketing, specialty items and in-store services. Squeezed profit margins and a significant shift in consumer demographics are changing the face of toy retailing. Earlier predictions that the toy retail marketplace would be dominated by a handful of giant chains have not proven out.

Instead, an extremely varied retail scene is emerging, featuring a greater emphasis on niche marketing, specialty merchandise and in-store services for consumers. Key developments over the past year have included: the continued expansion of such specialty retail chains as Zany Brainy, Noodle Kidoodle, Imaginarium and others; the great sales success of independent specialty toy stores; and moves by Toy R...

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