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Adults are driving the toy industry’s growth. Why?

A pile of trading cards bearing the name "Pokemon"
Pokemon cards have soared in value in recent years, thanks in part to adult collectors.
(
Martin Lelievre
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

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Topline:
Research group Circana found that in the first half of the year, adult-only households made up 55% of toy sales and are driving industry growth.
Listen 17:03
Adults are buying more toys than ever and not for their kids
How did this happen? James Zahn, editor-in-chief of industry trade magazines The Toy Book and Licensing Book, says this trend accelerated in 2020 because of stimulus checks.

“ Families were flush with cash…and they weren't going out, so they started reconnecting with the things they were interested in," Zahn said during a conversation on AirTalk, LAist 89.3's daily news show.

They also got into:

  • Should you let your kids play with the expensive stuff?
  • Are toys able to compete with digital devices for today’s kids?
  • How is marketing for adults changing the experience for kids?

Listen: to the full conversation above to learn more about adults' renewed love for toys.

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