|
AUGUST 7, 2025 |
|
Which of these back-to-school essentials do the most US K-12 shoppers intend to purchase this year, according to Civic Science? |
|
A) Writing/art supplies B) Notebooks/books C) Backpack D) Clothes/footwear/apparel |
|
|
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. | | | |
|
TOP STORY |
|
|
|
The US toy industry returned to growth in the first half of 2025 after a flat 2024 and a sales decline in 2023, per a new report from Circana. |
-
Dollar sales rose 6% YoY, and unit sales increased 3%.
-
The average selling price also climbed 3%, its first meaningful increase after three years of stagnation. |
|
What’s behind the growth? “Kidults” are fueling the toy industry’s resurgence. |
-
Sales to consumers 18 and older jumped 18% YoY—outpacing gains among 9- to 11-year-olds (up 9%) and teens 12 to 17 (up 6%).
-
Licensed toys—which accounted for 37% of all toys sold in the US in the first half—gained nearly four share points, with sales up 18%. Every top growth property this year has been tied to content, licensing, or movie releases. |
|
|
|
| | | |
|
IN THE NEWS |
Uber and DoorDash post record Q2 delivery growth. Demand for food delivery strengthened in Q2, DoorDash and Uber said, as more customers become used to ordering restaurant meals and groceries online. Read online |
|
Other headlines: |
-
Capri is optimistic despite Michael Kors’ deepening slump. Michael Kors owner Capri credited a sequential improvement in demand for its better-than-expected quarter and upgraded FY forecast. Read online
-
Coach’s coffee shops help boost brand awareness—and revenues. Coach plans to open more than 20 of its Coach Coffee Shops in retail and outlet stores this year, per Business of Fashion. Read online | | | |
|
ANALYSIS |
|
|
|
Marketers are increasingly concerned about reaching the consumers who avoid them. 41% say ad avoidance or ad blindness is a major area of concern, up from 29% in 2022, according to a November 2024 Mediaocean survey. |
| |
|
Compelling messaging and storytelling is the top creative priority for brands and agencies (64%), per a July 2024 Digiday and Celtra study. While marketers facing budget cuts must prove ROI, consumers are hypersensitive to brand interruptions, which means they can’t afford to replace high-quality narratives with sheer product placements. |
|
|
|
| | | |
|
|
|
Email sent to: |
|
If you cannot view the HTML newsletter, . |
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
