Supply Chain Research

U.S. toy sales increased by 19% year over year in H1’21 according to NPD Group, driven by accelerated sales of outdoor toys and stimulus checks. The toy manufacturers and distributors have had to deal with significant logistics challenges however. Those may be taking their toll with U.S. seaborne imports of toys having dipped 12.7% lower year over year in July after a 23.9% increase in Q2’21. Imports linked to Mattel fell by 29.1% in July, perhaps confirming fears of CEO Ynon Kreiz that there are likely to be “continuing supply chain challenges for the rest of the year”. Hasbro’s shipmen...