Top surprise toys set to sell out at Big W Toy Mania 2022 sale – but there’s one ‘maddening’ change that’s outraged shoppers
- Big W’s Toy Mania kicked off this year with an online presale on Tuesday
- The sale will take place in physical stores on Thursday – two days later
- There were tweaks to the waiting rules that made some people furious
Millions of Australian parents are set to buy retro-inspired toys for their children at this year’s Toy Mania Sale with pieces inspired by Jurassic Park and the new Buzz Lightyear movie set to sell out.
The sale kicked off online Tuesday with thousands of parents logging on to Big W’s portal to buy Christmas gifts for their children.
But not everyone is impressed with the changes to the terms and conditions of this year’s sale – with “sneaky fees” on online purchases turning many off.
The hottest toys of 2022 have been revealed – and it’s sure to be a very nostalgic year for parents born in the 90s
Toy sales start on Thursday and are expected to be very popular
People can now put things on hold using the online portal, but for each order they will incur a $15 service fee.
Each backorder has a minimum spend of $50 with ten percent of the total cost required up front. They can be canceled at any time for an additional charge of $20.
“Disappointing catalog, you can’t get everything online for a parking lot, so the parking lot fee is $15? We’re cheated again,” said a disgruntled bargain hunter.
There have also been a few “technical issues” since the popular sale went live.
‘Laptop and app could not select anything to add to cart. I’ve been online since before 7am to refresh the page,’ a stressed grandma wrote.
‘Not to mention that half of the toys I went to were only available in stores! Why give the opportunity to pre-sell online if we can’t get half of the products there? another woman said.
Physical sales are expected to be as popular as usual despite the online sale giving tech-savvy shoppers a two-day head start – with the retailer anticipating excited parents to load carts as they organize for the silly season.
“Each year, millions of families turn to our Toy Mania event for inspiration and we are thrilled with another outstanding event. This year, with over 1,300 products on offer and over 150 exclusive to BIG W, it’s an event parents and kids of all ages don’t want to miss,’ said Christine Faulkner, Toy Buying Manager at Big W.
LEGO should be popular again this year – with big kids and little ones
Ms. Faulkner’s job is to understand children and what they want from their next “favorite” toy.
She then searches the wider market to ensure that Big W is offering the best deal possible.
“Our team of toy buyers do one of the best jobs as they uncover the latest toy trends and dig deep into data and buying behavior to ensure the brands and products available at BIG W are the most current and exciting.”
The Toy Mania sale has been one of Australia’s premier toy events for 18 years.
Online queuing is available this year – but the rules are making some people furious
Jurassic Park toys are huge right now as the franchise reboots with a new movie
This year, you have 1,300 toys to choose from, including 300 new brands and 150 exclusive to Big W.
BIG W has also named self-confessed big kid Jimmy Rees as Toy Mania’s official toy director for this year’s party.
‘Toy Mania is such a great time for me as a parent and a big kid! You can stock up on gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and there are so many of the newest and most popular toys.
“My advice to all the big kids is to take advantage of the hottest new products, be prepared, and get in early before they blow away. Write down your wishlists, stretch your legs and get ready,” the YouTuber said.
Toy Mania ends July 13 – however, people are encouraged to get in early while supplies last.
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