It was reported last week on toy industry website,
Toy News, that HMV were to try and capture a part of the toy market this Christmas. Previously on this blog I stated there were many potential prospectors hunting for the gold now available this Christmas after the closure of the Woolworths chain (which had over 800 branches), however, I completely overlooked HMV.
“Well John, that’s quite, quite understandable” I hear you say, “after all it’s well known that HMV is mainly about things that can be put on a shiny disc.”
You’re very kind dear reader but like the long-odds race horse that meets all the criteria of my careful form study but doesn’t attract my wager and then goes on to win by a distance, I am kicking myself for being so blind.
HMV selling toys makes perfect sense. In fact, they have some advantages over traditional toy retailers.
Firstly, what rolls off toy factory production lines is much broader than things just for children. Which leads me to make the bold assumption that DVD sales of the highly enjoyable but totally base Family Guy are a particular bright highlight in the company’s sales. The characters from this show have their own action figure range and many other items that could be classed as toys.
That’s not all, many items sold in the likes of Forbidden Planet and comic book stores, such as, custom vinyl collectibles and video game action figures would easily match a high-spending portion of HMV’s following.
Then there’s the comic book characters, including the efficient, stylish but immodestly clad super heroines that no self-respecting 7 year old would even pilfer, never mind buy with easily but justly claimed birthday money.
However, this has rather little to do with gaping chasm left in the toy market by the closure of Woolworths. One place in town you can be sure of a fine selection of DVDs these days is HMV. Postman Pat, Peppa Pig and even older titles, such as, the fondly remembered Mr. Benn are in stock, no problem. Licensed character merchandise for avid viewers of C-Beebies, Cartoon Network and their ilk would be a logical move, that’s well worth backing.
A retailer of recorded music, DVDs and video games, may be inexperienced in handling large amounts of fast selling toys at Christmas, however, during my own numerous years experience of toy selling I often wished for better distribution methods for toys; the way CDs are ordered in small quantities at relatively short notice would be a dream come true. Such logistical methods would be too much to ask from a company, straight away; but hopefully HMV won’t be afraid of opening-up the shipping cartons at the warehouse and keeping a record of what exact items are in stock, not just which toy lines.
There’s now a definite fit between general entertainment merchandise and the traditional toy market and HMV have picked an opportune time but they must impress the public this Christmas even if it means being a little over ambition with the inventory.
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Further bad news came today with the revealation that Fusker, a resident cat made out of Lego especially for the house, had gone missing. It is thought that one of the few members of the public that were granted access to the house on Sunday and Monday may have kidnapped it.
James May's Lego House in the news
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