Australian toy sales grew 10% in August 2026 based on professionally collected industry data and are up 12% for the year to date. Games and puzzles were the biggest dollar gainer, up 38%. Building sets rose 16% and explorative toys 55%.
Licensed toys now make up 47% of all toy dollars. Pokémon, Hot Wheels, Marvel, Star Wars and Magic: The Gathering lead the way. The average toy sold for $19.19.
This is good news for local independent toy shops. The question is how to make sure more of that growth comes through your door, not the big-box store’s or an online marketplace’s.
Local indie retailers: compete on what makes you local
You can’t outspend the big players. You can outsmart them.
Local toy shops know their families, schools and community. Tower Systems toy shop software helps you turn that knowledge into sales.
Reward shoppers at the moment of purchase. Our loyalty tools let you give a reward at the counter, as a discount or as points. Shoppers feel the benefit straight away, which gives them a reason to come back to you.
Offer member pricing to local groups. You can set exclusive pricing for members of local schools, kindergartens, community groups and clubs. It is a simple way to build relationships the big chains can’t match.
Run promotions at the register. Set up custom bundles at a set price, or run buy one, get one free offers. Bundles work well for games, puzzles and building sets, the categories growing fastest.
Help people buy more
Smart loyalty is not just about discounts. It is about giving shoppers reasons to add one more item and to come back sooner. A bundle that pairs a board game with an expansion, or a puzzle with a second puzzle, lifts the sale. A reward that lands on the day gives people a reason to return before the next birthday party.
Run the shop more efficiently
Toy deliveries are often assorted, with mixed items from many suppliers. Our software handles assorted stock, and supplier invoices can be imported automatically with built-in AI tools.
You can track high-value items by serial number for warranty claims. You can print assembly instructions, age guidance and care details on the receipt.
Our AI tools are included, not charged as an extra. They can write website product descriptions, compare prices and answer questions about your business reports in plain language.
Sell in-store and online
Tower Systems connects with Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento and WooCommerce. Product details and images flow out to your website, and online sales flow back into the software. Xero integration is available too.
Local software for local shops
Tower Systems software is made locally and supported locally. Our help desk is open six days a week, including Saturday, with after-hours help for urgent system-down issues. Your licence covers unlimited computers in your shop.
The toy category is strong. Let’s help you make the most of it.
Find out more at towersystems.com.au/toy-shops.
AU 1300 662 957 | NZ 0800 444 367 | sales@towersystems.com.au
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