With the arrival of December, toy stores in the Venezuelan capital anticipate growth in sales compared to 2023, despite economic challenges such as the fluctuation of the official and parallel dollar. In formal toy stores this season offers a greater number of temporary jobs, while informal merchants offer affordable options for families
Since the beginning of November, toy stores in Caracas began to adjust their inventory and prepare to receive the Christmas season, while consumers begin to build their budget to meet the arrival of the «Baby Jesus».
SuchWhich took a tour of stores in central areas such as La Hoyada, El Recreo and La Candelaria to find out which trends are most requested by buyers and how businesses are expanding their offer in the last months of 2024.
The toy offering includes everything from dolls and stuffed animals to technological products that are requested more and more by children every day, with a price range that has been adapted to both the official and parallel dollars, which influences the final costs. The president of the Chamber of Toy Stores explained that «Despite the setbacks with the supply chain, local toy stores have prepared to offer varied products that respond to Christmas demand».
However, he admits that «The exchange rate impacts prices, and this affects both merchants and consumers.».
Quality and variety for all tastes
One of the most sought-after products for this season, according to Caracas Toy sellers at the El Recreo Shopping Center, are realistic dolls, which have become a phenomenon this 2024 due to their detail and finishes that imitate life-size babies; These are at $90.
Another traditional product that continues to be in demand are doll houses, which are offered on average for $80 and «It remains a classic that invites the imagination of girls».
Furthermore, the dolls Barbie They present a range of prices from 15 to 60 dollars, depending on the models and editions. The most popular figures are those from the movie live action that impersonate Margot Robbie and Ryan Reynolds, as well as the dolls Monster High which are gaining popularity again with an approximate price of 60 dollars.
Inline and four-wheeled skates are also highly in demand, with a price of $120, while electric skateboards reach $250 and are an option for older children.
Likewise, electronic toys continue to boom with products ranging from smart watches, at prices ranging between $25 and $45, themed headphones with Disney images, priced between $15 and $20, even mini tablets and kindlesfor serving as entertainment and an element of interactive education, which are offered starting at $70.
The manager of a toy store in Sambil de La Candelaria, who preferred not to reveal his identity, declared that «They are very excited about the arrival of the Christmas season, since it is a time where sales grow significantly».
confirmed that In the sector there is an increase in prices for these products due to demand and exchange rate adjustment, but it is a period that boosts commerce and helps many families.
«Every Christmas we generate additional jobs to support customer service and merchandise replacement, and this continues until January, when we conclude sales for the season.»said the businessman.
For its part, the price difference with the downtown stores is quite palpable.
According to testimonies from merchants who work at La Hoyada, one of the favorite items are makeup palettes for girls, especially when the boxes have images of popular television shows such as My Little Pony either Lalaloopsy which are between $14 and $16. Another classic on the list is the cube Rubikpriced at $3.5, for offering a mental challenge for older kids.
A product out of stock and awaiting replacement for the second week of November are the toy baskets in the shape of food, to simulate a supermarket shopping or a picnic, which cost $5 each.
The type dolls Barbieat a price of $8, offer an economical alternative for those looking for this type of dolls in more affordable versions. And the most sought-after items for kids are multi-piece construction truck sets, which average $20, and electric keyboards at about $15.
Opinions divided on prices
During the tour, consumer opinions were divided between those who prefer original products, those who have chosen to resort to toy stores in the city center or digital platforms in search of more affordable prices that adjust to the economic reality of the country.
«Although I know that everything is a little more expensive, I have seen some affordable and good quality options. I was planning to buy some toys for my children later, and I have found options for all budgets«commented Erika García, a resident of La Hoyada.
He explained that he saved part of his income in dollars for Christmas shopping, but will wait until the first half of December to buy the gifts, because her family’s priority is to cover the budget for the hallacas and clothes for the premieres.
Along similar lines, Pedro Molina, father of two children, maintains that the cost of toys is “within reason.”« considering the devaluation of the currency. “The prices reflect what is happening throughout the country, and I think it is a reality, I always find something within my budget to meet what they asked me for Niño Jesús,” he stated.
However, other buyers find the prices high. Karina Méndez, mother of a two-year-old child, said that is shocked by the increase in prices, specifically since Children’s Day in July.
According to him, his son is currently interested in strollers and skates, but when taking a tour of toy stores in shopping centers, he will choose to buy the gift on Facebook’s Marketplace platform, where he claimed to be able to find cheaper offers.
*Read also: Average purchase ticket in shopping centers is $55.90
Post Views: 470
