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  • ClickZ Toys Newsletter - 12.05.2024

ClickZ Toys Newsletter - 12.05.2024

PLUS: NRF’s $989B holiday predictions: toys top the list

Welcome to ClickZ Toys, your essential newsletter for toy e-commerce professionals. As the holiday season approaches, we’re here to help your campaigns play out perfectly and your sales soar!

Top Shelf 🛒

With BFCM wrapped up, marketers are shifting gears to plan for 2025. To help you start strong, here are three essential tips to set your brand up for growth:

1️⃣ Get the Right Measurement in Place: You can’t plan for next year without accurate measurement. Yet, many brands stick with the devil they know—Last Click— despite its fundamental flaws.

With BFCM in the bag, now’s the perfect time to adopt effective full-funnel measurement. Plus, Fospha delivers YoY metrics from the start, so you can dive into budget planning ASAP.

2️⃣ Consider Adjusting Your Channel Mix: What worked last year might not work now. Successful brands adapt by altering their channel mix and ad spend as they scale. We find that as brands mature, they have to focus on expanding their upper funnel spend to create more demand to capture.

3️⃣ Reflect on Peak Performance: Before diving into next year, take time to assess your BFCM performance. Benchmarking data is your compass and gives you data-backed edge for 2025 planning.

For free BFCM 2024 benchmarking data, sign up for priority access to our BFCM 2024 Report here.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

Mark Rappaport's new Bad Rap Javelin is a fresh take on outdoor play. With its innovative design and market timing for family gatherings, it's a smart product to boost online sales. Priced at $29.99, consider how this toy could enhance your e-commerce strategy, driving consumer engagement and seasonal sales growth.

Are you prepared to leverage nostalgia in your e-commerce strategy? Mattel's reintroduction of My Scene Barbie dolls—each with distinctive Y2K fashion—presents a valuable opportunity. These dolls, rooted in early 2000s style, offer a tactical window to engage a generation yearning for the past. Consider the strategic deployment of Barbie's iconic red jacket and Chelsea's faux fur coat—these elements can resonate with nostalgic buyers, fueling cross-generational appeal.

Each My Scene doll replicates its 2002 look, providing a nostalgic yet strategic product to pursue. With a price point of $40 and availability across major platforms like Amazon and Target, the dolls are poised for market impact. Implement them in campaigns that intertwine nostalgia with modern retail strategies, challenging your competitive edge by tapping into Y2K allure with precision marketing tactics.

Dan Huter takes on the role of Director of Specialty Toy Sales at Diverse Marketing, leveraging his experience from Fat Brain Toys and Le Toy Van. His leadership emphasizes strategic collaboration and innovation. E-commerce marketers can draw insights from Huter’s focus on fostering creativity and driving growth in specialized product niches.

The NRF's survey highlights key insights for e-commerce marketing: $902 average holiday spending indicates strong purchasing power, with apparel, gift cards, and toys leading categories. Online platforms dominate gift inspiration. Digital wallets are on the rise, presenting strategic opportunities. Anticipate up to $989 billion in spending, underscoring economic resilience and market potential.

Influencer Corner 📣

Optimization Hub ⚙️

Extended Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales challenge e-commerce marketers, requiring strategic creativity in promotions to maintain profitability, especially for smaller brands. Early sales from major retailers like Amazon emphasize the importance of proactive planning to stay competitive.

Strategically allocate 7-12% of revenue for eCommerce marketing; startups might invest 15-20% for initial growth. Focus on customer acquisition while prioritizing high-return channels and tracking ROI. Assess customer lifetime value for sustainable tactics. Challenge your eCommerce methods by embracing adaptability and regular evaluations to maximize long-term market gains.

BNPL is reshaping holiday marketing strategies by integrating 0% financing with promotions, appealing to budget-savvy shoppers. This strategic approach not only differentiates brands but also offers a creative edge in managing consumer spending. Embrace these insights to enhance your strategic planning in the competitive e-commerce landscape, aligning with evolving consumer expectations.

Customer Relations

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Marketing & Comms

📍 Austin, TX, USA

ClickZ is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division