Buzzfeed’s toy store plans, if true, reflect both the opportunity left by the demise of Toys R Us and the appeal of New York City for brick-and-mortar retail. The gossipy news site already sells various types of merchandise, including its own beauty brand and kitchen supplies offered exclusively through Walmart.
Meanwhile, Walmart, Target and Amazon, which all helped set the stage for Toys R Us’s collapse in bankruptcy, are expanding their offerings in the category. Walmart said last month that it would boost its toy assortment by 30% in stores and 40% online. Target soon followed with announced plans to double its new and exclusive toys for the season. Meanwhile, Amazon, which is reportedly planning a toy catalog this year, could boost its toy sales by as much as 30% in some categories this season, according to One Click Retail.
