Toy trends and emergency kits: what small retailers can do this week

This week two stories are making headlines that matter to anyone running a local shop, café or sports club. First, the BBC reports a bumper year for Christmas toys, driven by squishy toys and building sets. At the same time, a government ‘Be Ready’ campaign has lifted sales of tinned food, bottled water and hand‑sanitiser, as households prepare for emergencies.

Why it matters to you

More families are looking for gifts that are fun but also safe and easy to manage. That means higher footfall for stores that stock the right toys and a chance to cross‑sell practical items like emergency kits. For a small business it can translate into extra cash, new customers and a reputation for being helpful in a busy season.

What you need to watch

• Keep an eye on stock levels – popular toys sell out fast, so order early if you can.
• Check your shelf space for essential emergency items – they are cheap to buy in bulk and have good margins.
• Make sure any promotional material follows the latest consumer‑rights guidance; no misleading claims about safety.

Three practical steps for this week

• Visit your supplier or use an online catalogue to add a small range of the top‑selling squishy toys and a simple building set to your inventory. Order enough to cover the next two weeks of sales, but avoid over‑stocking by choosing a modest quantity.
• Create a small ‘Be Ready’ display near the checkout. Include a few tins of food, a bottle of water and a pack of hand‑sanitiser. Use a clear sign that explains the items are part of the government’s emergency‑preparedness push – this builds trust and encourages impulse buys.
• Promote the new range on your social media and in‑store with a short post: ‘New toys for the kids and handy emergency kits – all in one stop!’ Keep the message short, friendly and include a photo of the display.

How Bilingual Kids Books fit in

Our Bilingual Kids Books give families a real paper storybook that also comes alive with a QR code. When customers pick up a toy, you can suggest the bilingual book as a quiet, screen‑free activity that supports language learning. The printed book is a keepsake, and the free online reading works on any phone – no app needed. It’s a perfect add‑on for parents looking for educational gifts, and it encourages repeat visits as families return for new titles.

Sources

• Christmas toy rush being driven by squishies and building sets · BBC Business
• Sales of tinned food and bottled water jump after 'Be Ready' campaign launch · BBC Business