D. Tighe
Research expert covering consumer behavior, sporting goods retail, and the global toy industry.
While their form and function may have changed over time, toys have continued to provide entertainment and inspire play for many. Numerous toys, such as building blocks and puzzles are said to stimulate learning and development of new skills, particularly among children. Other toys, such as Frisbees and balls encourage physical activity and coordination. The total revenue of the global toys and games market has exceeded the 120 billion U.S. dollar mark in recent years, and in 2023, the Canadian toys and games market accounted for about two percent of that revenue.
With each coming year up to 2028, the value of the toys and games market in Canada is expected to grow at a steady pace of around one to two percent.
Manufacturers and stores
As of December 2023, there were around 1,500 hobby, toy, and game stores in Canada to keep up with demand. Unsurprisingly, many of these retailers are based in the most populated provinces, such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Ontario specifically accounted for nearly 600 of these kinds of establishments. When it came to actual manufacturers of dolls, toys, and games, the nation accounted for about 100 locations, with Ontario once again accounting for the lion's share.The influence of Christmas
Christmas is a popular time for children to make a wish list, commonly consisting of the most popular toys and games of the year. Coinciding with the holiday and gifting season, Canadian sales of toys and games have consistently surged in the fourth quarter of each year. In the last three years, retail sales figures for toys and games typically hovered around 600 to 800 million Canadian dollars, while that fourth quarter consistently saw sales reach over one and a half billion Canadian dollars.With each coming year up to 2028, the value of the toys and games market in Canada is expected to grow at a steady pace of around one to two percent.
