As retailers prepare for the summer season, they’re looking for high-turnover products with strong demand potential. Outdoor toys, particularly low-cost options like water blasters and reusable water balloons, continue to lead the pack, offering an entry-level price point for budget-conscious families while also driving high sales volumes.
With a solid foundation of popularity and recent accolades, ZURU’s XSHOT Water Blasters and Bunch O Balloons offer retailers ideal low-cost, high-volume options for summer stock.
The Popularity and Demand of Outdoor Toys
“Outdoor toys see peak demand during warmer months as families look for fun, accessible ways to keep children entertained,” says Glenn Ambrose, Country Manager at ZURU. “In recent years, affordable water blasters and water balloons have been major drivers of summer toy sales globally, with significant traction in South Africa as well.”
According to NPD Group data, the water toy category has consistently seen growth, with water blasters and refillable water balloon kits leading summer sales. ZURU’s XSHOT range has claimed the No. 1 property ranking in blaster and shooter toys year-to-date as of July 2024, showing a clear market preference for these popular summer items.
In addition, USA Today has recognised ZURU’s products, with the XSHOT Water Warfare Epic Fast Fill named the No. 1 water blaster of 2024.
“Water blasters like ZURU’s XSHOT water blasters are affordable and make a perfect high-volume, low-cost option for retailers. Statistics from previous years’ summer sales consistently show water blasters to be some of the fastest-selling items in the toy section,” says Ambrose. “As outdoor activities become a priority, these blasters offer endless fun, particularly in warm weather. Retailers can attract price-sensitive shoppers with these affordable options while also promoting complementary outdoor products to maximise basket size.”
He adds that XSHOT water blasters are known for their ease of use, affordability, and quick-fill feature, making them a go-to choice for summer fun. “They’re priced to appeal to a broad market base, making them accessible to families who seek value-oriented outdoor toys,” he explains. “Furthermore, their low price point encourages multiple-item purchases, which boosts total sales volume for retailers.”
“Grouping XSHOT water blasters with accessories like kiddie pools or pool floats can also lead to higher average transaction values and with special rapid seal technology, the user can refill in 1 second creating endless hours of fun,” says Ambrose. “Statistics from previous years’ summer sales consistently show water blasters to be some of the fastest-selling items in the toy section, typically ranking them in the top 10 for outdoor summer products across global markets.”
In addition to water blasters, Ambrose says that ZURU’s Bunch O Balloons cater to the growing eco-conscious market segment. “These reusable water balloons fill in seconds and offer easy, repeatable outdoor fun without the mess of traditional balloons, which often leave plastic waste,” he adds. “By positioning Bunch O Balloons as an eco-friendly outdoor toy option, retailers can connect with environmentally aware shoppers, further expanding their customer base.”
“Bunch O Balloons also aligns well with current toy industry trends around sustainability and reusability,” he says. “With an estimated 70% of consumers worldwide willing to pay more for sustainable products, stocking Bunch O Balloons enables retailers to attract customers who are not only looking for outdoor fun but are also mindful of environmental impact.”
Targeting Budget-Conscious Consumers
“One of the most compelling factors for retailers is the entry-level pricing of these products, which suits budget-conscious parents and buyers looking for affordable ways to entertain children over the summer,” Ambrose explains. “Given South Africa’s current economic context, affordable outdoor toys like the XSHOT blasters and Bunch O Balloons are expected to see high demand.”
He says that research shows that price remains a significant decision factor for toy purchases in South Africa, with affordable items experiencing higher sales. For instance, he adds that products in the R100–R300 range often outperform in unit sales during the summer season, a trend that XSHOT water blasters fall into comfortably.
Increasing Cross-Selling Opportunities
“An additional advantage for retailers lies in the cross-selling potential of water toys,” he says. “Parents often purchase outdoor toys as part of a larger selection for seasonal play, which opens the door for strategic upselling opportunities; this approach not only enhances the customer’s shopping experience but also increases the retailer’s average transaction value.”
Optimising the Summer Shopping Experience with ZURU’s Outdoor Toys
“For retailers looking to optimise their summer toy offerings, these types of products not only cater to the season’s needs but also tap into current market trends—like eco-friendly play and budget-friendly, fun-oriented purchases,” he adds. “By strategically placing these items in-store and online, and through bundling with other summer essentials, retailers can drive high-volume sales, providing children with hours of affordable entertainment and parents with value-focused choices.”
For more information contact Glenn Ambrose: glenn@zuru.com.
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