Amanda Aldridge on Retail: Traditional Toy Stores Face a Christmas Stuffing

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The products might often be cuddly and remind you of a childhood when it was possible to play all day rather than sit in an office. But don't think the toy market is a happy place to be; as Christmas approaches it becomes one of the most cut-throat areas of retail.

It is increasingly hard for toy retailers to make a dime no matter which country they trade in. Earlier this year the famous FAO Schwarz toy chain closed all stores except its New York flagship, KB Toys filed for Chapter 11 asset protection and even the mighty Toys 'R' Us has been rumoured to be considering selling its core toy retailing operation.

Closer to home, it is hard to think of any significant …