A.C. Moore - Competitors

A.C. Moore Competition

Now Viewing A.C. Moore's competition in: Toy and Hobby Stores (primary)

Recent Developments

Downward Pricing Trend Continues - Toy and hobby stores continue to lower prices. The consumer price of toys, games, hobbies, and playground equipment fell 3 percent in March 2008 compared to the previous year. The prices toy and hobby stores charge have declined an average 3.8 percent annually during the past decade. Growth in imports of lower-priced merchandise has allowed toy and hobby stores to buy inventory at reduced cost and pass the savings to consumers.

Toy Imports Skyrocket - Retailers benefit from growth in toy imports, which expand merchandising options and are often lower-priced than the products manufactured domestically. Imports of games, toys, and children's vehicles rose 13.2 percent in the first two months of 2008 from a year earlier, after climbing 62 percent in 2007 from the previous year. Strong growth in 2007 was buoyed by a 73 percent jump in imports from China, the US' largest supplier of toys.

Employment, Wage Gains Indicate Strength - Growth in employment and wages is an indicator of the health of the industry. Hobby, toy, and game store employment rose 7.3 percent in 2007 compared to the previous year, and wages increased 3.8 percent to an average $10.41 per hour. Employment and wages are tied, in part, to consumer spending and demand for service at toy stores.

Competitive Landscape

Population growth among young children (under 12) drives demand for toy stores; population growth among women 35 and older, and consumer spending drives demand for hobby stores. The profitability of individual companies depends on the ability to generate store traffic and effective merchandising. Large companies offer wide selections and deep discounts. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialized products, providing superior customer service, or serving a local market. Average annual revenue per employee is $160,000.

Full Industry Overview For Toy and Hobby Stores

Toy and Hobby Stores Industry Forecast

from Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research

US personal consumption expenditures for toys, dolls, and games are forecast to grow at an annual compounded rate of 5.1 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Spending Growth on Toys, Dolls, Games Steadies

First Research forecasts are based on INFORUM forecasts that are licensed from the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. INFORUM's "interindustry-macro" approach to modeling the economy captures the links between industries and the aggregate economy.