Toys ‘R’ Us Start Selling on eBay
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Less than a month after returning to Australian shores with a more focused, digital offering, Toys ‘R’ Us has launched on eBay, adding more than 4,000 items to the marketplace.
According to Toys ‘R’ Us, the move represents an important facet of its omnichannel approach moving forward. It believes it will benefit from exposure to eBay’s more than 11 million unique monthly visitors.
“Toys ‘R’ Us is an icon known and loved by Aussies of all ages, so we’re thrilled to welcome the retailer to eBay as it builds its online offering,” eBay’s senior director B2C of advertising and commercial partnerships Kristian Haigh said.
“This partnership is a natural evolution and we’re proud to help Australian retailers by making it easier for shoppers to access their favorite brands, wherever and however they choose to shop.”
The launch follows an eight-year partnership between eBay and Hobby Warehouse, which is partnering with TRU Kids, the US-based owner of Toys ‘R’ Us, on the toy store’s relaunch in Australia and New Zealand.
Toys ‘R’ Us chairman Kevin Moore noted that some retailers see up to 40 percent of their total sales volume driven by the combination of marketplaces they partner with.
“Online marketplaces are an important part of all online retailers’ service to shoppers,” Moore said.
“Toys ‘R’ Us will continue to partner closely with eBay on toy sales and promotions, and other relevant marketplaces in the future.”
Moore said the brand will explore and embrace new partnership opportunities as they arise.
“Online marketplaces are an important part of all online retailers’ service to shoppers,”
“We have been amazed at the positive reactions of the Toys ‘R’ Us digital re-launch… Hobby Warehouse has benefited from toy buyers looking for adult hobby items too.
“We have had over 70 new suppliers contact us to list their range of toy and hobby brands on both sites.”
Last month, the two companies announced a new format of Toys ‘R’ Us ‘experience centers’ will open across Australia and New Zealand in 2020.
“Our mission is to encourage children to engage with as many forms of play as we possibly can,” Hobby Warehouse chief executive and Toys ‘R’ Us Australia director Louis Mittoni said.
“Hobby Warehouse is a digital native with a keen understanding of how to accelerate and match the requirements of the modern shopper.”
According to IBISWorld data, the toy and game retailing industry is expected to see a revenue drop of almost 16 percent over 2019, with the market expecting to generate around $740 million – down from the $880.2 million seen in the prior year.
IBISWorld senior industry analyst Kim Do said the business’ shift away from physical retail and toward a more online-centric offer would make its re-entry to the Australian market smoother.
At this point in time, it is unclear if Babies ‘R’ Us products will feature on eBay.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason Toys ‘R’ Us has launched on eBay?
What is the primary reason Toys ‘R’ Us has launched on eBay?
Toys ‘R’ Us sees this as a crucial part of its omnichannel strategy, aiming to benefit from exposure to eBay’s over 11 million unique monthly visitors. They also note that online marketplaces are an important part of online retailers' service to shoppers.
Q.What is the financial outlook for the Australian toy and game retail industry?
What is the financial outlook for the Australian toy and game retail industry?
The toy and game retailing industry is predicted to experience a revenue decrease of almost 16 percent over 2019, with the market expected to generate around $740 million, down from $880.2 million in the previous year.
Q.Who is partnering with TRU Kids for the Toys ‘R’ Us relaunch in Australia and New Zealand?
Who is partnering with TRU Kids for the Toys ‘R’ Us relaunch in Australia and New Zealand?
Hobby Warehouse is partnering with TRU Kids, the US-based owner of Toys ‘R’ Us, for the relaunch. Hobby Warehouse has had an eight-year partnership with eBay.
Q.Will Babies ‘R’ Us products be available on eBay?
Will Babies ‘R’ Us products be available on eBay?
The article states that it is currently unclear whether Babies ‘R’ Us products will be featured on eBay. The focus of this launch appears to be on Toys ‘R’ Us items.
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