Walmart says these will be the 40 toys every kid wants this holiday (WMT)

11/01/18

Retail News

Walmart unveiled its top toys of 2018 list in September, enlisting kids and “toy influencers” to predict the toys every kid will want this holiday.
This year, Walmart’s list has 40 toys in different categories like collectibles, toys delivered from entertainment properties, big brands, and innovation.
Walmart’s VP of toys, Anne Marie Kehoe, said in a September press conference that Walmart is greatly expanding its toy assortment with “more than we’ve ever carried before.”

Walmart kicked off the holiday shopping season with a bang.

The retailer has expanded its assortment with “more toys than we’ve ever carried before,” Walmart VP of toys Anne Marie Kehoe said in a September press conference announcing the plans.

Walmart will be expanding its selection by 40% online, and 30% of the toys it’s stocking in stores will be brand-new. The retailer will also be expanding its toy selection in stores with more toys and more aisles to stock them. This year, Walmart will have 1,000 toys exclusive to the retailer, with 300 that are brand-new and never-before-seen.

The company brought in hundreds of kids to test and play with dozens of toys so the retailer could see what resonated the most. Walmart also enlisted the help of some “toy influencers” to help it decide what to put on its list.

Based on that, Walmart selected the top 40 toys it thinks every kid will covet this year. That’s up from the selection of 25 toys in previous years.

“We’re proud of having kids help us select these toys. They’re the ones that make it happen and show us the way,” Kehoe said.

This year, many of the changes Walmart is making to its toy section, which it is calling America’s Best Toy Shop, are permanent and will last even after the holiday season is over.