Business Wars Hasbro vs Mattel - Today's Toys | 7
Apr 10, 2019
Sean McGowan, a veteran toy industry analyst and managing director at Loyalys, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of the toy market. He discusses the fallout from Toys R Us's bankruptcy and its profound impact on the industry. Sean highlights how Hasbro and Mattel are struggling to adapt to new consumer behaviors and competition from brands like Lego. He also delves into the rise of collectibles, including Funko Pops, and how gaming is reshaping interests in toys, creating new opportunities for engagement.
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Unexpected Toy Career
- Sean McGowan's toy industry career began unexpectedly.
- A research project on Coleco and Milton Bradley caught the eye of Warner, leading to his toy analyst role.
Toys "R" Us's Downfall
- Toys "R" Us's bankruptcy stemmed from debt and competition, not lack of consumer demand.
- The expectation that other retailers would fully absorb lost sales was incorrect, significantly impacting manufacturers.
Toys "R" Us Revival Challenges
- A Toys "R" Us revival faces challenges due to past leadership and reliance on private label sales.
- Manufacturers may support it to recapture lost sales, conditional on upfront payments and eventual success.