Toys and Games in the United Kingdom

COVID-19 impact on toys and games

Before the onset of COVID-19, which presented further challenges to traditional toys and games in 2020, value growth of toys and games overall was continuing to slow down in 2019. Traditional toys and games recorded negative growth for the third consecutive year, reflecting an inability to adapt to the loss of major retailer Toys “R” Us still.

COVID-19 country impact

On 16 March, large gatherings in the UK were banned, and the Prime Minister called on everyone in the country to stop all non-essential contact with other people. People were required to cease all unnecessary travel and to work from home where possible, while avoiding pubs, clubs, theatres and other social spaces.

Interest in video games shows no sign of slowing down as e-sports generates higher interest and participation among gamers in 2019

Video gaming is highly popular in the UK and consumer interest was showing no signs of slowing down in 2019. With the constant release and reboot of popular games, be they online games, storyline games or sports games, there is plenty of choice no matter what one’s preference is.

LEGO buttresses its leading position in the traditional realm, while Nintendo Switch bypasses Sony to lead video games hardware in 2019

LEGO maintained its lead within traditional toys and games in the UK despite the challenging political situation that the industry faced in 2019. The company’s strength lies in its continuous innovation and the well-established image of Lego as a positive development brand for children, but it also provides a fun hobby for adults, which were gave LEGO some advantages over other manufacturers and retailers that were more affected by the difficulties of the political and economic environment.

Prospects for toys and games are set to improve over the forecast period abetted by clarity that will come from a concrete Brexit plan

Barring a pandemic-related global economic recession post-COVID-19, and contingent on whether Brexit-related economic uncertainty results in further disruption, the forecast for toys and games is looking positive in the UK. Traditional toys and games will likely experience more stability that comes from a more concrete Brexit plan, negative or positive, so long as it provides at least some further clarity as to what consumers can expect.

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