Cartoon Inspired Kids Wear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Kids Wear, Toys, Merchandise), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Cartoon Inspired Kids Wear Market Trends

The global cartoon inspired kids wear market size was valued at USD 67.05 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2023 to 2030. Wearing graphic apparel has become immensely popular, as reflected by current trends in the fashion industry. Additionally, customers' rising disposable income allows them to spend on attractive clothing. To make their children happy, parents often let their children wear clothes that are printed with their favorite cartoon characters.Some of the popular characters among kids are Batman, Barbie, and Mickey Mouse, and the entertainment business is helping the market flourish. For instance, Mickey Mouse and Doraemon have a significant fan following. Kids are drawn to clothes, toys, and merchandise that feature these characters, which drives parents to spend money on them. This pattern is anticipated to substantially support market expansion in the coming years.

The toys industry in the U.S. supports almost 627,110 employees, where 95% of the toy manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers are small businesses. According to a survey by the Toy Retailer’s Association in October 2020, 56% of the parents have been spending more time with their children and 88% of them believe that toys have been a major force in bonding. The ‘kidult’ trend was popular among adults during the pandemic, and brands such as LEGO and MONOPOLY, which offer games for kids and adults, were popularized during this time.

The expanding digital media access as well as the impact of big international toy and game brands support the raised demand for licensed toys. In addition, children are now being exposed to internationally recognized toys and games like Ben 10, Barbie, and Toy Story, which is fueling the desire for cartoon-inspired toys throughout the region due to increased urbanization and an increase in higher-income households.

Parents in industrialized nations like the U.S. and the U.K. are increasingly buying sustainable toys as they become more aware of the health risks linked to plastic toys. Additionally, governments all over the world are requiring businesses to use recyclable materials in the production of a variety of goods, including toys, in an effort to lessen their carbon footprint. The Toy Safety Directive (TSD) (Directive 2009/48/EC) governs toy safety in Europe.

Product Insights

The kids wear segment dominated the market with a market share of around 51.9% in 2022. The segment includes tees, pajamas, dresses & rompers, sweatshirts & sweaters, pants & joggers, shorts, swimwear, socks, and underwear. These are inspired by a large number of cartoon characters, which vary from region to region. For instance, Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Domo, Sailor Moon, and Astro Boy are Japanese cartoon characters, Asterix, Lucky Luke, Tim, and Struppi are famous European cartoon characters, and Bugs Bunny, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck are American.

The toys segment is anticipated to showcase strong growth in the coming years and is expected to with the highest CAGR of 7.5%. The toys segment consists of puzzles, activity mirrors, stacking blocks, squeeze toys, plush toys, rattle toys, toy pacifiers, display dolls, dollhouses, fashion & styling dolls, nurturing dolls, mini dolls, figurines, playsets, and accessories. Toys have been observed to play an important part in a child’s motor, mental, and physical development. These engage a child’s senses, spark their imagination, and encourage them to interact with others.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline distribution channel segment captured the largest market share of around 68.3% in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance in the coming years. In the U.S., owing to favorable government regulations, many supermarkets and hypermarkets operate until midnight. This factor, coupled with greater product visibility and the availability of innovative educational toys, has led to a surge in the sale of toys and merchandise through these channels.

The online distribution channel segment of the market is anticipated to have the fastest growth in the CAGR with a share of 8% over the forecast period of 2023-2030. In order to better serve consumer requirements and increase profit margins, manufacturers in the market have recognized the potential of the online channel and are putting their items on shopping websites. Online marketplaces run by third parties prioritize building a reliable supply chain that spans national and international boundaries when selling goods made by both large manufacturers and small producers. Due to a strong supply chain and distribution network, consumers can easily obtain the products of multinational corporations through online channels.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market with a share of more than 32% in 2022. The growing popularity of movies and television shows based on fictional characters and the listing of baby toys in magazines attract children’s attention and are expected to influence market demand positively in the forecast period. According to a research article published by the National Library of Medicine, in June 2020, 85.7% of mothers in China believed that cartoons had a very high influence on children’s physical and mental health.

Middle East and Africa is expected to witness strong growth for cartoon inspired kids wear market which is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. Due to the Middle East's robust economic growth and rising household incomes, it is anticipated that consumer spending on children's clothes and footwear would increase. Additionally, Middle Eastern nations are becoming increasingly urbanized, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the population of high-net-worth individuals is growing. This fuels the Middle Eastern market for children's clothes and opens up a ton of potential for luxury children's clothing businesses to enter the region's clothing sector.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Many big players are increasing their focus on the growing trend of the landscaping services market. Players in the market are diversifying their service offerings in order to maintain market share.

• In July 2022, H&M launched back-to-school fashion for kids. The new launch consists of denims, t-shirts, hoodies, functional outwear, shoes, backpacks, and accessories. H&M back-to-school kids’ wear is available in stores and online.

• In February 2021, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced global toy rights with SEGA of America, Inc. for Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The company designed and produced branded toys such as action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys, and collectibles based on the film, which released in 2022.

Some of the key players operating in the global cartoon inspired kids wear market include:

• The LEGO Group

• BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.

• Hasbro

• Mettel

• The Children’s Place, Inc

• Gap, Inc.

• JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

• Carter's Inc.

• H&M Hennes & Mauritz Co., Ltd.

• The Walt Disney Company

Cartoon Inspired Kids Wear Market Report Scope

Global Cartoon Inspired Kids Wear Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cartoon inspired kids wear market based on product, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Kids Wear

  • Toys

  • Merchandise

• Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa