Kids’ tastes in toys are changing, but their appetite for imagination
and creativity is unwavering, as evidenced by Walmart’s
newly-released 2014 Chosen
by Kids Top 20 Toys List.
For the second year, Walmart turned to the real toy experts by gathering
hundreds of kids, ages 18 months to 12 years and turning them loose on
the hottest new toys from suppliers like Hasbro, Mattel, Spin Master and
Zing. The retailer’s top 20 toy list, announced today, revealed kids are
looking for toys that serve as an artistic outlet. Classics are also
popular again this year with toymakers refreshing retro toys to appeal
to today’s kids.
“The kids surprised us this year with their changing tastes in toys, but
we were ready to react to their feedback,” said Anne Marie Kehoe, vice
president of toys at Walmart U.S. “When we saw specific trends emerge,
we worked closely with our toy suppliers to make sure we were stocking
our toy shelves and eCommerce distribution centers with the items kids
really want this holiday season. Parents can trust that we’ll be ready
with these kid-approved toys at great prices all season long.”
The picks from Walmart’s liveliest and loudest focus group of children
unveiled the following toy trends:
Creativity, Crafts Rule This Season
Kids are looking for toys that allow them to be more creative. These
types of toys are one of Walmart’s fastest-growing toy categories.
Big Licenses for Movie, TV Fans
Licensed toys from blockbusters like Disney’s Frozen and popular
TV show Doc McStuffins topped kids’ list this year. Walmart has
responded by adding extra inventory of these toys to meet anticipated
demand.
Revving up with Ride ons, Scooters and Racing Cars
Ride ons and scooters were popular purchases last Christmas and
throughout the year. Walmart added these toys to the kids’ focus group
for the first time and one of those hot picks rose to the top of the
list.
Electronic Toys Resonate with Kids, Again
On Walmart’s first Chosen by Kids toys list, electronic toys dominated.
This year, kids were again drawn to electronic toys that offer
interactive play.
Throwing Back to Classic Toys and Activities
Classic toys with a twist made kids’ top list for the second year.
Parents will recognize many of the brands and types of toys kids chose.
Walmart’s Chosen by Kids Toy List Revealed Timed to Layaway Launch
Walmart’s free holiday layaway program is kicking off in stores Friday,
Sept. 12 with an expanded list of eligible products including toys,
entertainment items and sporting goods.
Starting now and throughout the holiday season, all of the top 20 toys
will be covered under Walmart’s Savings
Catcher online receipt comparison tool. If a top local competitor
offers a lower advertised price on those or other eligible items,
customers get the difference on a Walmart eGift Card.
Customers who prefer to shop online or on their mobile devices can get
free delivery to more than 4,000 Walmart stores nationwide and directly
to their door for select purchases.
For more information on Walmart’s Top Toy List Chosen by Kids, visit www.walmart.com/chosenbykids.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save
money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online,
and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million
customers and members visit our 11,053 stores under 71 banners in 27
countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2014
sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million
associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in
sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.
Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com
on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart
and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com
and http://www.samsclub.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2014