Creating Branded Experiences from the Safety of Home: New Trend Hunter Report

October 30, 2020 | TrendHunter.com’s latest free monthly report for Toy Association members explores how brands’ curated offerings are simplifying the purchasing process amid the pandemic while also targeting specific consumer needs and rituals.

“As COVID-19 continues to impact in-store foot traffic, the latest Trend Hunter report addresses how brands are rethinking how they reach consumers,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “Toymakers are encouraged to use these findings as inspiration for creating their own at-home experiential brand offerings.”

Featured consumer trends within the report include Proximity Escape, which describes how brands are responding to COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders with curated local experiences; Experiential Kit, which highlights brands that are creating at-home experiential kits in place of in-person events; and Local Gift-Box, which highlights how brands are supporting small businesses and local artisans through curated gift boxes.

“A great example of the Local Gift-Box trend in the toy space is how many local toy stores have curated pre-made Easter baskets, birthday boxes, and Halloween-at-home kits amid the pandemic,” added McConnell.

The report also highlights different case studies, such as Home Camping Boxes, which examines how businesses and products helped families with at-home summer camp programming. For example, CAMP Stores created interactive and virtual experiences for kids in partnership with Walmart, and Asmodee’s #PlayItOutdoors board game campaign encouraged players to take their games outside this summer.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies can click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

Members are encouraged to send topic suggestions for future Trend Hunter reports to The Toy Association’s Anne McConnell.

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