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The Spin on Flying Toys
By Pennie Hoover
March 1, 2003


From drugstore kites to high-tech flying machines marketed to hobbyists, aviation buffs, and couch potatoes alike, the flying toys market is growing as broad as the horizon. So how is the market responding to its new stature?

New Frontiers


Thunder Tiger Piper J-3 Cub

Thunder Tiger Corp, maker of toy planes and leader in the Taiwan market, reported a 30% sales growth in 2002. “We foresee brighter sales in 2003 as we continuously release new designs,” said assistant manager Royce Lin. New models will feature lighter weight materials, lights, sounds and glow-in-the-dark options. Retailers can also expect better engine performance and low-noise units, along with more replicas of real airplanes and helicopters in response to consumer demand.


AirScooter

New Consumers

Retailers have seen a shift in consumer demographics--away from what was once the domain of die-hard RC flight buffs. Fewer people are willing to spend the time building complicated airplanes, helicopters or rockets. “Also what is happening around the country is flying clubs are losing their fields because of noise complaints," said Dwaine Barnes, President of Airscooter. "People are having to drive farther and farther to get to the space they need.”

Manufacturers are responding by shifting away from gas power to quieter electric motors. According to Karey Koehn of Hobby Town USA, “hobby stores are finding customers interested in products that don’t require hours and hours of building.” Ready-to-fly models have found a growing niche. “This is expanding our market significantly,” said Koehn. “Hobby Town USA celebrated the breaking of the 100-store-mark five years ago.” More than one third of Hobby Town’s customers express an interest in flying toys. (Cont.)

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Flying Toys:
The View From Up There: Kites Just Keep Getting Cooler

Industry Overview:
The Spin on Flying Toys

Product Spotlight: Toys that Take Flight Without a Kite

Ask The Expert: The History of Kites

Cool Company:
DraganFly: Bringing the Wild Blue Indoors

Real Retailer: It’s a Dolly-Doll World

ToyDirectory Mom: A Tomboy Mom with Barbie-Doll Daughters



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