Lay-by toy sales increase

Press, 23 November 1988, Page 9

Lay-by toy sales increase

By

§ARONA lOSEFA

A sharp increase in toys placed on lay-by this year is being blamed on the downturn in the economy. The manager of Toy Warehouse, Mr Ken Waldie, said while turnover was up, lay-bys with the shop had increased 50 per cent on last year, with people trying to spread the load of expenses. Deka Maximart in Shirley had also had an upsurge in lay-bys but

could not give exact figures. The store manager, Mr Alex Raymond, said a special deal offered by the store in October where people could layby goods for $1 was partly responsible for the sudden rise.

Lay-bys at Kut Price Toys have increased 20 per cent, according to the owner-manager, Mr Allen Cockroft. All the managers canvassed said that, unlike other years, there were no real lines that

stood out as “hot” favourites with toy buyers this year. Last year’s G.I. Joe and Thundercat favourites were this year attracting only consistent sales.

“They are still selling better than some other lines, but people certainly are not coming in droves to seek them out,” said Mr Cockroft.

There had been a marked resurgence this year in educational and electronic toys, he said. The most popular is

Learning Lesson One, a computerised electronic toy selling for about $B9.

Basic toys, such as board games, are enjoying a comeback this year, and soft toys are doing well.

Deka Maximart’s Santa bears, which were released in October at $19.95, sold so well it even surprised Deka management. “I suspect it is because they are a good size for their price,” Mr Raymond said.

Jammin’ Jets, a new addition to the shelves this year, are another popular item, but prices vary quite considerably around the toy shops.

Jammin’ Jets are made to fly by a water and air pressure system. Prices range around town from $32.95 to $59.95 for the same item.

In figurine toys, the most popular are the World Wrestling Federation figures, the first shipment of which sold out at the Toy Warehouse.