U.S.

U.S. toy sales are up 7% for 2018, despite Toys ‘R’ Us’ downfall. The NPD Group found that toy sales rose to $7.9 billion in the first half of 2018, with the subcategory of Youth Electronics leading the way. That genre grew 43%, thanks to Fingerlings, Tamagotchi, and Star Wars. Dolls proved popular, too, with revenues rising by 17%. L.O.L. Surprise, Hatchimals, and Barbie made up over two-thirds of that category’s growth. (Kidscreen)