FEATURE
BACK TO SCHOOL
Back in the old school yard
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Back to school this year could be quite the thing! Barring any resurgence of Covid-19, this could be the first proper back to school the UK has seen for some time. So could it be a money spinner for toy retailers?
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Toy shops can be the focus for after-school treats, so expect parents to come in for pocket money toys or gifts for birthday parties
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ver the past year, as schools have been open and shut more times than a fridge door during lockdown, parents have probably tried to avoid buying anything new. After all, school shoes and uniforms have barely been worn and then grown out of before school opened again. So, with the vaccination programme steaming ahead, it would be reasonable to expect that when the kids go back for the autumn term in September, parents may be more likely to buy new pencil cases, lunch boxes and bags, in the hope that schools will remain open for a full term - and hopefully a year! We also need to remember that toy shops can be the focus for after-school treats. So expect parents to come in for small purchases such as pocket money toys or for gifts for schoolfriends’ birthday parties. Leon Jarmolowicz, EMEA brand director of Crayola, says the brand offers everything needed to fill school pencil cases “from pencils, crayons, markers to art supplies like
paints and chalks. Quality and range of colour is a key Crayola trait. Parents can send their kids back to school knowing their children have the best utensils for learning and kids can explore creativity with hundreds of colours”. Thames & Kosmos expects back to school to renew interest in STEM kits. “Our Kids First range introduces preschoolers to the fascinating world of STEM, our FEAK series is an affordable Fun Science kits, our Pepper Mint range was recognised recently in The Independent’s top 10 Best STEM toys and our newly bolstered Robotics range features a sell-out Tightrope Walking Gyrobot,’’ says Julia Loeser, science kit sales, marketing & PR manager. What is important, she adds, is fun: “In June, the Massive Erupting Volcano will hit UK shores. This kit simulates the earth-
The kids being in school is a big deal for us because we are near three primary schools, so we do get a stampede at 3.45pm on Fridays for the post-school treat. And that’s when the LEGO minifigures and Pokémon cards fly out. Amanda Alexander, Giddy Goat Toys, Didsbury, Manchester
We have a fabulous range of stationery from Djeco - the Lovely Paper collection of pens, notebooks and so on - that children and parents love because the designs are so beautiful. Simon Russell Crafts4Kids, The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle
In our back to school range, backpacks, lunch boxes and footballs are always our best sellers. Laura Clare & Samantha Clare, Toys Plus, Blackpool and Cleveleys, Lancashire
We always have a range of educational games like those from Orchard Toys and Smart Games but no stationery or school bags. We stock playground toys such as Moon Balls, Tech Decks and Pokémon cards. Julia Wingate,The Trading Post, Devon
shattering power of a volcano in your own home!’’ As diversity and inclusion becomes a hot topic, Crayola has made some important developments, says Leon Jarmolowicz: “The new Crayola Colours of the World range feature. 24 specially formulated colours to represent the skin tones and diversity of people around the world for all races, cultures and ethnicities. Working with a makeup company, Crayola has developed the colours to authentically reflect the full spectrum of human complexions.’’
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