Crafty Toys, Ride Ons and Hot Licenses Join Classics, Electronic Toys on Retailer’s Second Annual Holiday Toy List Chosen by Kids
BENTONVILLE, Ark., 2014-9-12— /EPR Retail News/ — Kids’ tastes in toys are changing, but their appetite for imagination and creativity is unwavering, as evidenced by Walmart’snewly-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.
- Spin Master Sew Cool Sewing Machine
- Moose Toys Beados Quick Dry Design Station
- Maya Group Make Your Case Cell Phone Cover Kit
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.
- Jakks Snow Glow Elsa Doll
- Just Play Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile
- Disney Palace Pets Magic Dance Pumpkin
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.
- Spin Master Flutterbye Light Up Fairy
- Spin Master Zoomer Dino
- Leapfrog LeapTV
- Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch
- Hasbro FurReal Friends Get Up and GoGo My Walkin’ Pup Pet
- Spin Master Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser Racer
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.
- Mattel Hot Wheels Street Remote Control Flying Car
- Nerf N-Strike Elite Demolisher 2-in-1 Blaster
- Zing Airstorm Firetech Bow
- Vtech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Ultimate Amazement Park Playset
- Mattel Barbie Glam Camper
- Mattel Hot Wheels Track Builder Total Turbo Takeover
- Fisher Price Little People Musical Preschool
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 ecommerce 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 visitinghttp://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.