Parents are staying away from small toys this holiday season, says a survey from America’s Research Group, and planning instead to buy more expensive tech items.

Bad news for toy retailers like Toys R Us and electronics retailers like Circuit City, but good news for Walmart:

Wal-Mart plans to keep a steadier flow of customer traffic this year by planning out an early discounting season rather than waiting until mid-December to clear out slow-moving merchandise. Consumers’ acceptance of Wal-Mart’s flat-screen TVs and other expensive gizmos is a stark contrast to their rejection of its higher-end clothing. No one wants to say they buy their clothes at Wal-Mart, but anyone will get a Sony there.

“That’s why Circuit City and Radio Shack are closing so many stores,” [Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates, a New York-based retail consultancy], says.

Do you buy electronics at Walmart? Are staying away from small toys this year?

Toy Scare Could Help Wal-Mart [Forbes]
(Photo:bea&tsm)

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