COLUMN RETRO ACTIVE BLUEPRINT LICENSING www.blueprintlicensing.com
T H E R E S U R G E N CE OF RE T RO TOY T RE NDS The resurgence of retro toy trends, particularly those from the 1980's & 90’s presents a fascinating case study in the Australian toy industry. Beloved brands like Pokémon, Super Mario Bros, Care Bears, Star Wars, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Barbie and Hot Wheels are experiencing a remarkable comeback in Toy Aisles reflected in Global industry sales trends.
Nostalgia: The Heart of Retro Appeal The nostalgia factor plays a crucial role in the resurgence of these retro toys. For many adults who grew up in the 1980s & 90’s, these toys represent a cherished part of their childhood. The resurgence is not just about the toys themselves; it's about recapturing a slice of youth, a simpler time before the
complexities of adulthood set in. Brands like Care Bears and Hot Wheels evoke fond memories of carefree days filled with free to air cartoon programming, trading Pokémon cards in the schoolyard & hours spent trying to complete Super Mario Bros on the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
These Super Brands are tapping into a deep vein of nostalgia while appealing to multiple generations simultaneously which also plays into retail buyers' preference for established brands like Barbie and Pokémon over new, unproven brands which involves deep understanding of the dynamics of the toy industry, emerging overseas trends, consumer behaviour, and the inherent risks of the ever changing retail market. www.buggreport.com.au
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