Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Maker
Play
Toy shops integrate customization features to increase involvement.
3.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Maker Play trend?
Maker Play: Seeking to add a level of interactivity to the buying process, brands targeting younger audiences are turning to store enhancements that encourage participation. Allowing kids to customize, alter and interact with goods, brands are providing a laid-back atmosphere that allows consumers to become involved with the products they purchase in a hands-on way. Such examples reflect a shift toward more inclusive buying methods.
Trend themes
Themes within the Maker Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Customization
Toy brands are using store enhancements that promote consumer participation in the buying process, such as customizing and personalizing toys.
02
Experiential Retail
Retail stores are transforming into interactive experiences that entertain and educate customers.
03
STEM Toys
There's an increasing focus on science, technology, engineering, and math toys that help kids develop new skills in a fun, meaningful way.
Industry implications
What the Maker Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Retail
Toy retailers can leverage customization and experiential retail to boost sales by providing consumers with a more personalized buying experience.
For
3D Printing
The rise of 3D printing kiosks provides opportunities for retailers to disrupt traditional manufacturing methods and offer personalized goods on-demand.
For
Education
The emphasis on STEM toys presents opportunities for educators to use fun, interactive tools to help kids learn important skills.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Maker Play
Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 40%, freshness 8%.
Popularity55%
Activity40%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Evidence
Examples of the Maker Play trend
6 featured examples from Jan 28, 2015 to Jun 20, 2016CategoryBusiness
DIY Toy Store Figurines
The 3DplusMe Kiosks Allow Consumers to Create Personalized Action Figures
The retail industry can benefit from incorporating 3D printing technology to provide interactive and personalized experiences for customers.
CategoryBusiness
Interactive Doll Retailers
The American Girl New York Shop is Dubbed "The Store of the Future"
Disruptive innovation can be achieved through interactive and customizable toy offerings.
CategoryLife-Stages
Toy-Creating Kiosks
PieceMaker's 3D Printing Booth Dispenses Tiny Customized Toys
The toy industry can leverage 3D printing booths to offer customized and interactive toy experiences, attracting young consumers.
CategoryBusiness
Skill-Building Toy Shops
Amazon Launched a Store for Featuring Educational and Fun STEM Toys
The increased need for curated online shopping experiences for niche products presents opportunities for online retailers to provide customers with specialized and tailored servic…
CategoryLife-Stages
Entertaining Toy Shops
Hamleys Toy Shop in Moscow Displays Toys Like Amusements in a Theme Park
Innovating the way toy stores are designed and creating interactive retail experiences.
CategoryMarketing
DIY Fashion Design Kiosks
American Girl's Truly Me Signature Studio Lets Users Customize Dolls
Incorporating customizable options and interactive features in toy design could revolutionize the industry and attract a new generation of young consumers.
