Toys and Games in France

Mixed performances for toys and games

Toys and games registered significant current retail value growth in 2017 thanks largely to the strong increase of video games. The 2017-launched Nintendo Switch set a new standard in terms of versatility and hybridism, while traditional toys and games experienced saturation and faces a decline of birth rates as well as a drop in the population aged zero to 14 years, therefore reducing the number of potential consumers.

A changing generation for toys and games

The launch of the Nintendo Switch set a new standard for the next wave of innovative consoles themed on the trend of an “Anywhere-Anytime-Anyhow-Anyone” gaming experience, as well as playing as a family. Despite parents’ growing concern about their children spending too much time in front of a screen, the Nintendo Switch encouraged many adults to play with their children.

Toys and games fragmented and highly competitive

Toys and games remained fragmented in 2017, especially within traditional toys and games. Manufacturers, affected by new trends every year, have to adapt their product portfolios very quickly to remain competitive.

Traditional toys and games stores face difficulties, while internet retailing flourishes

Traditional toys and games stores remained the biggest distribution channel for toys and games within store-based retailing, although media products stores was the leading distribution channel for video games. However, traditional toys and games stores will face difficulties due to the financial problems of La Grande Récré and Toys “R” Us, which are likely to lead to store closures in France – mainly for local retailer La Grande Récré.

Slower growth expected

Toys and games is expected to register a slower retail value CAGR at constant 2017 prices over the forecast period compared to that of the review period. Video games will remain the value sales booster, with traditional toys and games hampered by the financial difficulties of some traditional toys and games retailers.

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