Board games and puzzles: a steady seller retailers often overlook

Board games and jigsaw puzzles rarely get the attention that light-up toys and figures do, but they quietly do well for many toy shops. They appeal to families looking for screen-free time, to gift buyers who want something that feels thoughtful, and to schools. They also have a useful property for a retailer: they do not go out of fashion quickly.

Why games and puzzles work

• Long shelf life. A classic game sells this year and next year. There is little risk of stock becoming outdated.
• Wide audience. Young children, older children, teenagers, families and adults all buy games.
• Good gift value. A boxed game looks substantial and gives the impression of a considered gift.
• Parents approve. Many parents actively look for alternatives to screens, and games fit that need.

What to stock

A balanced range covers several types:

• Classic family games. Ludo, snakes and ladders, chess, carrom accessories, trading and property games. These are steady year-round sellers.
• Card games. Inexpensive, portable, and popular as add-on purchases.
• Educational games. Word, number and memory games. These sell well to parents and schools.
• Party and group games. Popular with teenagers and adults, especially around holidays.
• Jigsaw puzzles in a range of piece counts and difficulty levels.

Puzzles by age

Jigsaw puzzles are best organised by piece count, which maps roughly to age:

• Large-piece puzzles with few pieces for toddlers and young children
• Around 100 to 200 pieces for primary school children
• 500 to 1,000 pieces and above for older children, teenagers and adults

Adult puzzles are a growing category. Attractive images — landscapes, art, maps — sell to adults buying for themselves or as gifts.

Check the age label

Games and puzzles for young children often contain small parts. Make sure the product carries an age recommendation and that you guide customers accordingly. Do not sell a game with small pieces as a gift for a toddler, even if the customer likes the box.

Display

Games are sold by the box, so the box needs to be seen. Display them face-out where possible, not just spine-out on a shelf. Group them by type or age so customers can browse easily.

An open sample of a popular game or a completed puzzle on display helps customers understand what they are buying. A finished jigsaw framed on the wall can sell the same puzzle many times over.

Pricing

Games span a wide price range, from inexpensive card games to larger boxed games. Have options at several price points so every customer can find something. Inexpensive card games make excellent counter items and add-ons.

Seasonal peaks

Although games sell year-round, demand rises at certain times:

• School holidays, when families look for indoor activities
• Diwali and the end-of-year holidays, when families gather
• Winter, when people spend more time indoors
• Birthdays, as gifts for older children

Increase your game stock ahead of these periods.

Protect the boxes

A game with a crushed or torn box is hard to sell at full price. Store games flat or upright carefully, away from damp, and do not stack heavy items on top. Some shops keep a cellophane-wrapped display copy and sell sealed stock from behind.

The short version

Board games and puzzles have a long shelf life, wide appeal and good gift value. Stock a mix of classic, card, educational and party games, plus puzzles by piece count. Check age labels, display boxes face-out, show a sample, offer a range of prices, and build stock ahead of holidays and winter.