Parents told to buy toys now before prices climb
PARENTS are being urged to buy their Christmas presents early this year before the price of children’s toys goes up.
It comes as retailer Smyths confirmed costs will rise in the “next few weeks”.
Meanwhile, one mother noticed there could soon be a €75 hike on a popular Barbie Dollhouse toy.
Jenna McCormack told RTE’s Liveline last week the Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse was priced at €249.99 in Smyths stores but €324.99 in the catalogue.
Increase
It seems the 30 per cent increase will be added nearer to Christmas.
Host Joe Duffy told listeners: “Given the pressure people are under, if there is anyone in your house writing [to Santa] to get the Barbie Day to Night Dreamhouse, today is the day to get it.”
Mrs McCormack also noted many other products in the catalogue had similar rises or were inflated from last year.
Smyths also advised parents to make a start on their Christmas shopping soon in case of stock issues closer to December.
Demand
A spokesperson for the company told the Irish Daily Star: “We expect to be in good stock for the Christmas season but it’s difficult to assess the demand for every toy.
“For that reason, it is always a good idea to avoid disappointment and shop early.”
Another Irish toy store also warned about the cost of toys this year saying it has gone up “a lot”.
Wes Mulligan, a spokesman at Banba Toymaster in Dublin, said: “Parents won’t be able to buy as much as they normally would, especially if they’ve got a couple of kids, they’ll have to really cut back on how much they buy.”