Financial Ratios Benchmarking of GCC Toys Industry

Market Overview:

The GCC Toys Industry has made significant growth in recent years and is expected to witness remarkable growth in the coming years as well. The industry is driven by factors including Educational and STEM Toys, E-commerce and Online Retailing, and Licensing Agreements. Toy Triangle, Al Khairat, and Happy Time are some of the leading toy distribution companies in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.

Additionally, Toys R US, Al-Hussain, and Hi Kids are some of the retailers that are dominating the GCC Toys Industry. The increasing influence of Western culture and the popularity of global toy brands are impacting the market of toys in the GCC region. Further, globally the GCC region has one of the highest birth rates escalating the demand of toys industry in the region.

The GCC Toys Industry is highly competitive and dynamic. Distributing companies such as Toy Triangle, Al Khairat, Al Shula and Happy Time dominate the market alongside retailers including Toys R US, Al-Hussain, and Hi Kids. Most of the toy companies in the GCC region have their headquarters located in KSA, UAE and QATAR. Among all the distributors, Toy Triangle is a leading distributor that has been operating successfully for over 30 years in KSA.

Competitive Landscape:

Major Distributors’ Companies in the GCC Toys Industry

Major Retailers  Companies in the GCC Toys Industry

• Al Khairat has been Saudi Arabia's top provider of high-end toys and stationery since 1983. They provide premium global brands, backed by cutting-edge technology and a robust sales network, such as Zebra, Stabilo, and Hello Kitty.
• In the SA Kingdom, "Hasbro" toys are distributed by Happy Time for Toys Kids Est. They were founded in 2019 and provide these toys to leading Saudi Arabian merchants as well as BinDawood Holding.
• Rosha Trading Co. LLC is a well-known global corporation that supplies branded goods to retailers all over the world. with exclusive distribution deals in place with a number of the top independent toy companies, including Bladez, Mattel, Totum, Moose Toys, and many others.
• Al Shula Trading Company is present in several industries, such as real estate, insurance, telecom, automotive, consumer products, industrial goods and services, water and power, and financial services. They serve the GCC, which includes the KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, as a top distributor of Mattel toys.
• With an emphasis on importing leading international brands like Intex, Lego, Kiddieland, Rastar, Mattel, and more, Al Ansari International has developed into a profitable company owned and controlled by Qataris.
• Safari House has successfully implemented a company plan that is remarkably efficient and streamlined, allowing them to maximize their inventory turnover. They accomplish this by using strong logistics assistance to strategically acquire products from sub-distributors, mostly based in Dubai, at the beginning of each season.

Recent Developments

• Certain trends, like the country's preference for "hijabi dolls" and the need for "G-Mark" compliance for toy imports, have sparked the interest of other players considering expansion into the GCC toy market. However, the market's potential and development scenario are factors that draw attention.
• Teela, a toy store and gifting e-commerce site based in Kuwait, has raised $3.75 million in a Pre-Series A fundraising round and plans to grow throughout the Middle East to take advantage of the $30 billion gifting industry.
• Recently, Gigantosaurus (Leading global Toys Brand) in partnership with CMC Global has announced its arrival in the Middle East. Gigantosaurus has announced its entry in the GCC region post its huge success with animated Gigantosaurus in the Middle East on Disney+, Netflix, Majid and Disney Junior.

Future Outlook

• The GCC Toys Industry is anticipated to grow significantly in the future driven by growth drivers such as Educational and STEM Toys, E-commerce and Online Retailing, and Licensing Agreements.
• In upcoming years, there will be a rise in the production of smart toys with interactive features and internet connectivity. Children will have fresh and interesting experiences thanks to IoT-enabled toys. Upcoming toys will emphasize cooperative play activities that promote children's socialization and teamwork.
• One major trend that will continue is the use of technology in toys. To make playtime more engaging and immersive for kids, toys will use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. It is also anticipated that the importance of educational toys that support STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education will grow.
• Growing awareness of environmental issues will push toy makers to concentrate on producing eco-friendly and sustainable products. In the future, manufacturers will source, produce, and package their products using environmentally friendly methods to produce sustainable products.