It appears that the toy and baby markets are a good place to be during a recession

Mothercare has just reported sales up by almost 10%.

UK sales were up 5%, International sales were up 32% (almost 30 stores were opened during this period) and Home Delivery 17%

Sales in the UK were helped by the Early Learning Centre inserts in Mothercare stores

Mattel's sales were not as positive with sales down 19% but profits jumped by 82%.

The sales decline was put down to cautious retailers who are keeping their inventory tight (Mattel itself has cut its inventory by 13%), and a lack of movie tie-in ranges

There is some less positive news with Toy City the Irish retail chain going in to administration, and Nikko, the RC specialist also going down but all in all the toy sector is proving more resilient than many would have given it credit for

Best Years are a soft toy wholesaler and not in the same league as Mattel and Mothercare but we are pleased to tell you that our sales are up too and we are looking forward to the Xmas season