We chat to Argos trading manager for toys & nursery, Linzi Walker about her top licensed picks.
Star Wars has the potential to once again be one of the biggest licences this Christmas when it comes to toys, according to Argos’ trading manager for toys and nursery, Linzi Walker.
Speaking to The Source at the retailer’s Christmas in July event last week, Linzi said that the momentum for the brand has continued from The Force Awakens movie launch last December, through spring and summer.
“BB-8 just took off last year and we’re really proud to have a brilliant exclusive, which is our remote control BB-8,” said Linzi.
“As a property, Star Wars sales have been really strong ever since the movie and continued through spring and into summer. We have nice momentum, and with Rogue One out in December, I’m expecting it still to be probably one of the biggest licences this Christmas, if not the biggest actually.”
Linzi teased that Argos will be running some big activity for Star Wars again this year, building up to product being available in September, the Gift Guide in October and ramping up to the movie in December.
Elsewhere, Linzi described Paw Patrol as “just phenomenal”, with the brand coming through mid-way through 2015, enjoying a strong Christmas and having remained as Argos’ number one preschool character.
“Anything with Paw Patrol is hot right now. I don’t saw it slowing down any time soon, in fact it’s probably widening as more and more product becomes available.”
Big things are also being planned for DreamWorks movie Trolls – although product is currently under embargo, Linzi believes the film will translate well into the toy space.
Alongside Paw Patrol in the preschool arena, Peppa Pig and Thomas & Friends are also performing well, while Linzi said that My Little Pony has been enjoying “great sales”.
“And I feel it’s a shame not to talk about Frozen,” she added. “It is still a massive property.”
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