ZamzamToysLand News Roundup — September 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of our Toys & Trends news update! At ZamzamToysLand, we’re always keeping an eye on global toy industry shifts, innovations, and what’s trending — so you and your customers can stay ahead of the curve. Here’s what’s happening right now

1. Global Toy Market Showing Resilience in 2025

• In the first half of 2025, U.S. toy industry dollar sales rose by 6%, with unit sales up 3%. The average selling price also climbed 3%, marking a bounceback after prior years of stagnation. The Toy Association

• Globally, the toy market is growing too: dollar sales increased 7%, and unit sales up 4%. The Toy Association

• One major growth driver is licensed & collectible toys—these are seeing strong demand across age groups. The Toy Association+2The Toy Association+2

• Some analysts note that tariffs and supply chain pressures remain a risk, especially for toys manufactured in China. Forbes+1

What this means for you (and your store):

• Stocking items with strong licensing or collectible appeal can help capture demand.

• Watch your cost structure and suppliers, especially for international shipments, since tariffs can cut into margins.

• Emphasize quality, certification, and safety to reassure buyers.

2. AI + Toys: The Next Frontier

• Mattel, the maker of Barbie and Hot Wheels, has partnered with OpenAI to create AI-powered toys and games. Their first smart product is expected later in 2025. Reuters

• At the broader trend level, AI-equipped plush toys and companion bots are emerging—designed to interact with children conversationally, sometimes even adapting over time. Le Monde.fr

• However, experts are sounding warnings: there are concerns about overdependence, potential emotional impacts, and risks to children’s social development. Le Monde.fr

Tip for your store:

• Keep an eye on prototype or early-launch smart toy lines.

• When such items arrive, provide clear guidance to customers on usage, safety, and age suitability.

• You can also use “future-of-play” articles to build interest in your blog or newsletter.

3. The Pop Mart / Labubu Phenomenon (and Counterfeit Risk)

• Pop Mart’s Labubu toy line has been a viral sensation. Its unusual “cute-but-edgy” design has captured global attention. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2

• Pop Mart is going big: they’ve leased a 7,000 sq ft flagship in Times Square (opening in 2026) to increase U.S. presence. New York Post

• Meanwhile, counterfeit Labubu dolls are flooding markets. In the U.K., 90% of fake toys seized at the border were Labubu counterfeits, many failing safety tests and posing choking or chemical hazards. The Guardian+1

• Pop Mart announced efforts to build long-term intellectual property instead of just chasing viral hits. Reuters

What to watch out for:

• If you sell or plan to stock designer-collectible or blind-box styles, screen your suppliers carefully.

• Educate your customers on how to distinguish genuine vs fake items (authentic stamps, QR codes, trustworthy packaging).

• Consider leveraging the hype by offering curated small runs or limited editions.

4. Big Brands Adapting to Cost Pressures

• Hasbro announced a cut of about 3% of its global workforce (≈ 150 jobs) in response to rising tariff costs and supply chain pressures. Reuters

• Despite challenges, some brands are finding pockets of growth. Build-A-Bear is seeing strong performance: their in-store, experiential model is helping them navigate soft mall traffic. AP News

• Miniso is spinning off its collectible toys arm, Top Toy, to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange — a move to give it more financial visibility and independence. Reuters

Takeaway for your business:

• Be nimble: when big brands feel pressure, there’s room for niche or differentiated players.

• Emphasize your value—customer service, trust, authenticity, and curation can distinguish you from mass players.

• Keep an eye on announcements of spin-offs, licensing deals, or restructuring in large brands—they might create new supply opportunities or collaborations.

5. Trends You Should Tap Into Now

Here are some toy & play trends predicted to be important in 2025: The Toy Association+1

Also, the rise of kidults (adults buying toys for nostalgia or stress relief) is fueling demand; adults now represent a substantial share of toy purchases. EMARKETER+2The Toy Association+2

🛒 What’s New at ZamzamToysLand?

We’ve noticed new arrivals on your store’s homepage:

• DIY Instant Digital Camera (Rs. 7,500)

• Doll Balance Car (Rs. 3,330)

• Architect Brick Toy 3109 (Rs. 1,850)

• 360 Stunt Car (battery operated) (Rs. 2,350)

• 4-in-1 Space Model, Aero Space, Backpacks, and more My Store

Suggestions to maximize sales:

• Highlight trending themes like STEM, collectibles, and personalization.

• Bundle slower-moving items with popular ones to increase average order value.

• Use blog posts like this one to link to relevant products (e.g. “Top picks from our 4-in-1 Space Model line”)

• Use social media to spotlight limited stock or unique items to tap into FOMO (fear of missing out).

✅ Final Thoughts & Recommendations

• The toy industry is rebounding, especially for licensed, collectible, and skill-based products.

• Incorporating AI or “smart toy” lines could be a differentiator, but proceed cautiously (safety, privacy, cost).

• Counterfeit risk is real, especially in viral/collector toys — vet sources, verify authenticity, and educate your customers.

• Keep your finger on trends like kidult demand, personalization, and nostalgia-driven revivals.

• Use content marketing (blogs, social, guides) to not only promote your products, but to establish authority, trust, and community.

If you like, I can convert this into a ready-to-publish blog post (with headings, SEO keywords, call-to-actions) or even design a content schedule for your site. Do you want me to prepare that for ZamzamToysLand?