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Figures announced by NPD Group on behalf of the British Toy & Hobby Association show that the toy market in the UK saw a strong performance in 2006. The UK toy market grew by 5 percent by value (1) in 2006 and is now estimated to be worth over £2.2 billion (2). Not only did the UK market for toys, already the largest in Europe, grow faster than other major markets for toys across the EU, but of the 500 best-selling toys in 2007, more than half were new products. In 2005 by contrast the market had witnessed a level performance with 2004. Toy Fair is the largest trade event in the UK for the toy industry, and runs until January 27 at London’s ExCeL. The industry also enjoyed growth of 4.5 percent during December alone compared to the previous year, despite reports that footfall was down. Following the trend set in recent years, the majority of Christmas toy sales occurred later in the month. The final week before Christmas saw the highest turnover, with toy sales of over £100 million. The final quarter of the year accounted for just over half of total annual toy sales. Kevin Jones, Chairman of the British Toy and Hobby Association, commented: “It is great to be able to report 5 percent growth in 2006 for our sector. The industry in the UK is highly competitive and each year an array of exciting new toys is launched from both long-established companies and new players. Companies of all sizes and specialities are working hard to provide great play value for customers of all ages." Toy Facts 2006
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