A set of Lincoln Logs might not make a child’s eyes light up quite like a new video game would, but retailers say parents’ concerns about inundating kids with electronics are making construction sets hot items this holiday shopping season.
“We’re seeing a real resurgence in some of the basic toys,” said Ernie Speranza, chief marketing officer at retailer KB Toys Inc. “Legos, K’Nex and Mega Blocks are all moving better than they have in recent years.”
Lego Systems Inc.’s spokesman Michael McNally said the vast selection of electronics may have some parents unsure of what to buy. “There comes a point when they want to make a safe, easy purchase, and that leads to a retreat back to the classics,” he said.
Sales of traditional Lego blocks are at their highest levels since 2001, McNally said. “Kids may be putting gadgets on the wish list, but parents are also slipping in something traditional.”
The trend got an academic stamp of approval recently when University of Washington researchers published a study, commissioned by Mega Brands Inc., that found children who play with building blocks have improved language acquisition skills.
Toys “R” Us Inc. identified nonelectronic toys as one of the top five trends this season. “It’s back to basics with a mixture of electronics-free new products and updated favorites,” the company said. Top sellers are Cranium’s Giggle Gear Mega Fort building system, Lego’s Mindstorms NXT robotic kit and Mega Brands’ Magtastiks.
More gift cards
Retailers – eager to piggyback off the increasing popularity of gift cards during the holiday season – are giving the old-fashioned gift card another makeover with new gimmicks.
Borders Group Inc. employed the artistry of pop-up book artists Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart, who dressed up the bookstore’s gift card collection in vibrant designs of Santa, teddy bears, gingerbread men and the like. The duo also crafted a gift-card holder that pops open in the shape of a nutcracker doll sporting a festive hat and candy cane.
Nordstrom Inc. also customized its gift-card holder as a pouch that can be tied to a gift such as a scarf or a belt. Fellow department store retailer J.C. Penny broadened its audience by offering a Spanish-language gift card.
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s Cos. rolled out a holographic gift card for the holiday season, and with the slightest tweak, holographic presents magically appear inside stockings dangling in front of a fireplace.
“Gift cards have really grown in popularity,” Lowe’s spokeswoman Karen Cobb said. “They fit all budgets and people can get exactly what they want.”
Holiday lattes
Coffee retailers heat up season with new takes on lattes
Mistletoe … jingle bells … Eggnog Latte! Limited-time only coffee drinks are increasingly becoming a holiday tradition, as more coffee shops offer the specialized treats to frazzled holiday shoppers.
Coffee chain Starbucks Corp., along with its signature red holiday coffee cup, has been rolling out its Eggnog Latte in early November for 21 years, and it has more recently introduced Peppermint Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes. It also serves holiday snacks including Cranberry Bliss Bars and Gingerbread Loaf Cake.
But it’s not alone. Pete’s Coffee &Tea Inc. offers a Gingerbread Caffe Latte, an Eggnog Caffe Latte and a Peppermint Caffe Mocha. On Monday, Dunkin’ Donuts started selling its own Gingerbread Latte. The shop typically offers one holiday-inspired coffee drink – peppermint is one example – each year.
“When you’re out shopping, its a treat people get to reward themselves,” said Dunkin’ Donuts vice president John Gilbert.
Gilbert says drinks give a boost to sales during the holiday season, which is the busiest time of year for Dunkin’ Donuts in some of its largest regions, including New York and New England.
Caribou Coffee this year also introduced a Gingerbread Latte, in addition to its Fa La Latte and Ho Ho Mocha. While Caribou chief executive Michael Coles said it was difficult to determine how much new business the drinks generate, since regular customers often switch to the holiday offerings, the new choices help spur return visits, he said.
“It adds new variety and new taste,” he said.
The Associated Press
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