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The
Spin on Flying Toys
By Pennie
Hoover
March 1, 2003
Finding
Comfort in Flight
“We
saw an increase in stores after September 11, as many people wanting
to take control of their lives started stores,” said Koehn.
They also found new customers returning to hobbies in search of
family activities, resulting in an increase in sales and two good
holiday seasons. As the target market widens to include younger
shoppers, stores like Hobby Town are also stocking more specialty
toys and impulse items—ranging from water and hand-operated
products to wind-powered toys.
Kites
Keep Up with the Times
Kite
makers today are keeping up with consumer demand for innovation.
Along with upgrading the materials to improve the appearance and
movement of the kite, mainland China kite manufacturers are continuously
developing smaller, foldable models for easier packaging and transport.
Other popular options include artistic designs, lights, and even
whistles. However, sales of the newer electric kites have been below
expectation.
Maggie
Vohs, Executive Director of Kite Trade Association International
(KTAI) says, “ At a time when many associations are suffering,
KTAI is holding it’s own with modest growth.” At a recent
trade show, KTAI manufacturers received over 700 orders, up significantly
from the previous year. Vohs explained she has been seeing increases
over the last ten years as retailers have begun coming to trade
shows armed with purchase plans, discount requests and a desire
to place orders.
Vohs
foresees new entrants in the kite market too. “We are finding
more and more specialty retailers of things like cameras, books,
etc. adding kites to their lines for seasonal boosts.”
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