Children's toy market: Diverse but difficult to control

(Baonghean.vn) - This year's children's toy market is generally diverse in design, but most of them come from China and there are still many violent toys of unknown origin.

Children's toy market is bustling

Walking around the streets with many toy stores in Vinh city such as Nguyen Van Cu, Dinh Cong Trang, Le Hong Phong, Tran Phu... it is not difficult to see the atmosphere of International Children's Day filling the streets with a variety of children's toys. The stores display and arrange products in eye-catching, easy-to-observe places to attract parents and children on the street.

Ms. Pham Thi Nga, owner of a children's toy store on Dinh Cong Trang Street, said: "International Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival are the two peak periods of the year for the children's toy market. On this occasion, our store welcomes more than 100 customers every day, double the usual number. The prices of products this year generally do not increase compared to previous years. Assembly toy sets, car models, and familiar cartoon characters cost from 50,000 to 200,000 VND/product. Other high-end items are more expensive but not more than 2 million VND."

Children's toys attract children and parents on International Children's Day. Photo: Quang An

With the criteria of choosing toys that can both entertain and educate children, parents often look for smart toys such as puzzles, letter puzzles, clay sets... with prices ranging from 30,000 - 200,000 VND.

In recent years, consumers have tended to prioritize Vietnamese goods because of concerns about toxic substances in toys of unknown origin. Mr. Pham Quoc Hung, a customer in Ha Huy Tap ward, said: Vietnamese goods are more expensive but safe for children. However, there are still many Chinese products disguised as Vietnamese goods on the market. Last year, I bought toys for my children that the seller introduced as high-quality Vietnamese goods, but when I got home and checked carefully, I saw the label with Chinese characters, so I immediately returned it."

Many children's toys are sold on the market. Photo: Quang An

To stimulate consumption, many children's toy stores have launched many promotional programs: buy more and get gifts, 20% - 50% discount..., incentives for first-time customers.

International Children’s Day coincides with the summer vacation for students, so the number of customers at stores has increased significantly. Especially on weekends, stores have to hire more sales staff and extend working hours to serve the “young customers”.

Not only in the city, in the districts, the toy market is also bustling. At Phu Dien supermarket, Dien Chau district, at this time, many people also asked to buy children's toys. Ms. Cao Thi Hai Hong - Deputy Sales Manager of Phu Dien supermarket said: "On International Children's Day, the supermarket also imported many models of children's toys to serve the needs of "learning while playing, playing while learning" of children during the summer. People's purchasing power for these products increased by 50% compared to normal days".

There are many violent toys of unknown origin.

Violent toys of unknown origin are not a new situation but are always "hot". Currently, in addition to branded stores with goods of verified origin, most retail stores and street vendors selling children's toys are mostly of poor quality and of unclear origin. The most recognizable feature of these items is that they have no labels and are cheap to appeal to consumers' psychology. In particular, violent toys such as guns, swords, spears, horror masks, etc. are still openly sold in crowded places, with students such as schools, parks, playgrounds, etc.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a parent in Hung Phuc Ward, is concerned: Although the media has reported many times about children's toys of unknown origin, affecting children's health, they are still widely sold openly on the sidewalks. Children are excited to see beautiful, eye-catching designs, and parents see cheap, affordable prices so they buy them for their children. I hope that the authorities will take strong action to handle this "problem".

Some violent games originating from China are still sold on the market. Photo: Quang An

To have meaningful gifts for children and ensure quality, consumers need to be wise in choosing toys. In order for children to develop their skills and intelligence comprehensively, when choosing toys for their children, parents need to pay close attention to the origin, brand of the product, safety, and at the same time refer to information on the media...

In addition, authorities need to take drastic action, increase inspection and control of toy stores, and impose strict penalties on those who trade in toxic or violent toys that do not meet safety standards for children's health and development.

Quang An