Wearable Tech Set For Santa's Sack?

Yup, it's that time of year when Autumn hits and we realise just how close Christmas is (gulp) well here's a heads up to what's hot this Christmas!

Wearable tech is destined for a big Christmas this year, but won’t be overshadowing tablets just yet, according to the ToyNews Retail Advisory Board. While it’s not a trend to have taken the adult world by storm thus far, LeapFrog and VTech are leading the children’s wearable tech sector, with smartwatches featuring in retailers’ top toy lists for Christmas across the country.“I think the products from LeapFrog and VTech will sell well on the back of being really great toys,” The Entertainer’s Stuart Grant told ToyNews.“At between £30 and £40, the price points are really strong, and with their level of play value, we expect them to be phenomenal sellers this year.”

Argos is also certainly championing the children’s wearable tech movement this year, with both LeapFrog’s LeapBand and VTech’s KidiZoom Smart Watch making its Christmas predictions list. However, not all are convinced about the longevity of the wearable tech sector, as some retailers believe it will eventually succumb to the price slashing that the tablet market has suffered in recent years.“I am a big fan of the VTech and LeapFrog offerings. I believe their toys help kids learn and progress,” said Brian Simpson, manager of ToyTown.“However, when I got my first glimpse of the watches and bands, I did think it had been taken a step too far. I do believe these items will sell well, but I can directly relate them to tablets. “Tablets were a great piece of innovation that our trade managed to ruin with price wars. My fear is that this would be the case for these bands and watches, too.”

That said, retailers looking towards Q4 are cheered by the prospects of a successful Christmas, spurred by an exciting line- up of tech.“The industry has got a phenomenal line-up of products this Christmas, with some really innovative and clever toys,” added The Entertainer’s Grant.“I think most people will have a pretty good end to the year, thanks to the product coming out.” What's on your Christmas list? Let us know @imagesound.