Consumers Looking For The "Right" Gift This Holiday Season
Market research firm The NPD Group Inc. reported that, according to its annual survey of consumers' holiday spending intentions, 30 percent of consumers plan to spend less this holiday season, which is four points more than last year's results. "I think consumers will be looking for the right gift, rather than the most extravagant or expensive one," says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for The NPD Group. Value, the survey reports, will be the key motivator in determining whether a consumer will purchase an item.
The top 10 product categories consumers will spend their money on during holiday 2009 are, in order, apparel, toys, movies, books, electronics, fashion accessories, music, video games, fragrances and food. The survey results show some upward movement in consumer purchasing intentions for accessories, music and fragrances with each category moving up one spot this year. For the electronics categories overall, the NPD Holiday Survey shows a 20-percent rise in the 18-24 year old demographic saying electronics are the "gift to purchase." "This age group is clearly demonstrating that they feel electronics are no longer a luxury but are in fact a necessity," Cohen says.
"The survey results point to a return of more gifts being made of sweaters, fragrances, music, books, movies and wallets again," Cohen notes. "We are also seeing makeup and TV's showing signs of growth. Other standouts are notebooks/netbooks. They have been growing and will continue to grow through the holiday."
TIA Announces 2010 Toy Industry Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced that John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney/Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, are the 2010 Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductees. The honors will be presented at the 10th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, to be held February 13, 2010 in New York City at Chelsea Piers/Pier 60.
Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame comprises 55 individuals who have been previously honored for their significant contributions to the growth and success of the toy industry. Inductees are nominated by the industry at large and selected based on votes received from TIA's membership.
For more information, visit www.totyawards.org.
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Stride Rite Launches Sensory Response Technology Footwear
Designed especially for new walkers in collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery's Leon Root, M.D., The Stride Rite Children's Group introduced a new collection of baby shoes with patent-pending Sensory Response Technology (SRT). This children's footwear technology improves the way a child learns to walk via a sensory feedback system, an ultra-flexible design that allows for more freedom of movement, and a unique construction that reduces the number of stumbles and falls.
To develop the technology, the company commissioned a multi-phase biomechanics study by Dr. Root to better understand the effects of footwear at the important learning-to-walk stage of a child's development. This study is, the company says, the most in-depth research conducted on children's footwear within the industry to date. SRT's features promote a healthy lifelong walking pattern and improve baby's ability to respond to the surroundings. The features offer children a greater feel of terrain, more natural support and freedom of movement. Shoes in the SRT collection feature moisture-wicking linings, which help keep babies' feet drier longer, and eco-friendly materials such as a recycled EVA heel cup and a partially recycled outsole to protect baby and baby's future environment.
The fall SRT collection includes four boys' styles and seven girls' styles in baby sizes 3-8 in various widths. Additional styles will be released in spring 2010.
Ju-Ju-Be Committed To Breast Cancer Research All Year
"While bags and accessories are our business, supporting breast cancer research and treatment is a driving force and passion," says Kristin Hunziker, co-founder of Ju-Ju-Be. Since its inception in 2005, Ju-Ju-Be has donated a portion of every bag sold to the fight against breast cancer.
Ju-Ju-Be, unique among other companies supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, gives back with each bag purchased all year long. Ju-Ju-Be founders Joe Croft and Hunziker are committed to the fight against breast cancer as it has personally touched the lives of many they love. "Breast cancer is not something that we limit our support to for just one month. We support the fight against breast cancer for the month of October as well as every other month. Until it is cured, every month is breast cancer awareness month at Ju-Ju-Be," they add.
Itzy Ritzy Names New Sales Reps
Chicago-based Itzy Ritzy, a manufacturer of fashion-forward and practical baby, toddler and adult gear, signed two new U.S. manufacturer's representatives to cover 11 states.
Nick Guillen of Nikosales covers California, Idaho, Oregon and Hawaii. In addition to Itzy Ritzy, Nick represents BOB Strollers, ERGObaby and Inglesina. Contact Nick Guillen at nick@nikosales.com.
Dave Knox of Knox and Associates covers Illinois, Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In addition to Itzy Ritzy, Dave
represents bumGenius, Marclaren, Valco Baby, Kid-basix, OiOi Baby Bags
and more. Contact Dave Knox at dave_k_79922@yahoo.com.
