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Toy Season Softens in Argentina and Mexico as Caution Curbs Buying

Fresh figures show a 6.9% Christmas unit decline in Argentina as the market pivots to electronic payments.

Overview

  • Argentina’s toy sales fell 6.9% in units for Christmas compared with 2024, with CAIJ noting December outperformed a weak November but remained below last year.
  • Electronic methods accounted for roughly 95% of payments in Argentina, online sales held near 25% of the market, and traditional physical retail contracted by about 10%.
  • Domestic toys in Argentina sold relatively better with stable pricing, while imported assortments lagged due to distorted prices, overstock, and inconsistent offerings.
  • Argentina’s consumer authority levied fines exceeding $100 million on importers for toys that failed safety rules, as the industry urges verified purchases ahead of Reyes.
  • In Mexico, sellers reported higher prices on popular items and slower in‑store traffic, with retailers relying on financing, layaway, and experiential events like Juguetrón’s Expo Tus Juguetes; AMIJU cites about 40% of annual sales concentrated in Q4 and a 60/20/20 channel split across chains, e‑commerce, and local markets.