As I write this a giant toy convention is taking place in Hong Kong.  It will be interesting to see the news and reports coming from editors and trade in China.

A recent issue of trade mag Plastics News (December 17, 2007) looked into US toymakers attempts to capitalize on recalls of Chinese made toys.  In it John Gessert, President of American Plastics Toys company, predicted that, “in the abscence of more recalls, consumer confidence in Chinese-made toys could return in time for the next Christmas season.”  Only 7% of parents noted LEAD, 3% RECALLS and 2% CHINA as concerns in a poll before Christmas by Anderson Analytics.  According to this report ‘confidence’ wasn’t lost but was replaced with indifference.

“Toys from China will continue to be dominant in the US market, where they hold about 85% market share,” according to Frank Clarke of the Toy Industry Association.  Brian Dobson - a PR guy with ties to the toy industry and prez of Dobson Communications - noted that for many years, ”the toy industry has basically closed its operating plants in the USA for offshore production.” 

For all the chatter on this “Made in China” issue, Plastics News offers an interesting perspective by pointing out that, “the 25 million toys recalled this year represented less than 1% of the US $3 billion annual toy market.”  Maybe consumer indifference is justified?

Either way, they didn’t stop shopping.  In the weekend of December 21 to December 23 retail sales rose 18.7% compared to the same period last year.