Toy industry going from strength to strength

The UK game and toy industry has boomed in recent years with the number of shops serving the sector soaring by 533% since 2017, according to data. 

Since 2017 London saw 1,397 new stores open while Glasgow saw a growth rate of 469% across the sector. 

Toys and games were also popular in the Midlands, with Birmingham seeing a growth rate of 447%, as 93 new outlets have appeared since 2017. 

The study by Tyl for NatWest analysed five years of companies house data in the sector.

It said that the UK game and toy market is valued at £4.7bn and saw a 48% increase in the number of new shops opening across the country in 2022. 

Although e-commerce has changed shopping for good, customer footfall is crucial for driving sales in the toy industry because of the importance of face-to-face customer experience, Tyl for Natwest said.

Leicester was the strongest emerging market for games and toys with 33 shops opening their doors and Edinburgh recorded strong growth in the sector, with 29 new outlets appearing since 2017. 

Mike Elliff, chief executive officer of Tyl by NatWest, said: “These findings just go to show how when faced with new challenges, game and toy shops have found a way to not just survive but thrive.”

”The growth observed in local shops competing with large chains is a testament to the very best of British business and the way in which they shape our economy, and our country.”