Australia’s families turn to the classics in a time of crisis

SYDNEY, April 7, 2020 – According to global information company The NPD Group, for the week ending March 29, Australia’s toy industry saw dollar increase 69% and unit sales increase 29%, the best performing week in 2020 so far.

Five out of 11 toy supercategories grew in dollar sales for the week ending March 29. Building Sets grew 155% and represented 44% of total dollars gained, followed by Games & Puzzles, which grew 417% and accounted for 37% of total dollars gained. All Games & Puzzles subclasses grew: Family Board/Action Games, Adult Puzzles, Children’s Games accounted for 55% of dollar sales of this supercategory. Other categories that grew included Arts & Crafts, Outdoor & Sports Toys, and Youth Electronics

Gimantha Jayasinghe, Senior Vice President and Deputy Managing Director Asia Pacific at The NPD Group said: “The most recent week saw a strong spike in toy sales and, in fact, is the strongest growth across all global major markets, including UK and U.S.A. This was driven by promotions across a number of retailers; but there are two other factors that drove these record sales numbers: the upcoming Easter holiday, and parents’ attempt to keep their kids engaged amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Top 10 Toys in Australia

Week Ending March 29, 2020

ManufacturerItem Description
THE LEGO GROUPHARRY POTTER HOGWARTS CASTLE 6020 PIECES
THE LEGO GROUPTECHNIC BUGATTI CHIRON CONSTRUCTION KIT 1:5
THE LEGO GROUPSTAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON
THE LEGO GROUPCREATOR ROLLER COASTER 4124 PIECES
HASBRO (CORP)MONOPOLY STANDARD
THE LEGO GROUPTECHNIC LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2573 PIECES
THE LEGO GROUPSTAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON 1351 PIECES
MATTEL (CORP)UNO GAME CARDS
HASBRO (CORP)JENGA CLASSIC
THE LEGO GROUPHARRY POTTER HOGWARTS GREAT HALL 878 PIECES

Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service / Dollar Value

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