UK Toy Retail to Decune 1.8% in 2013

According to IBISWorld, toy retailers will continue to experience tough trading conditions over the next five years to 2017-2018, with "industry revenue forecast to increase only marginally". It says that due to fluctuations in household disposable income, industry revenue is expected to decline at a compound annual rate of 1.8 percent in 2013, to ￡1.23 billion. IBISWorld also reckons 'the top four players' in toy retail will have 54.7 percent share of industry revenue in 2012-2013, including Toys R Us, Early Learning Centre and The Entertainer.

     IBISWorld industry analyst Andrew Johnson said: "Intense pressure from external players such as department stores, supermarkets, variety stores and online retailers has led to significant price-based competition across the industry and has created a challenging marketplace for toy retailers."