"In addition to inflation, there is an eco-responsible awareness among consumers but also in the sector, because we cannot say that the toy world is very good at this, there is a lot of plastic" , underlines Patrick Jocteur Monrozier, director of the customer center of King Toys.

"We opened the first King Okaz store in May and six others followed. We were already developing ranges of eco-responsible toys, we have an offer of 1,500 spare parts, this second-hand brick was missing", indicates Mr. Jocteur Monrozier, surveying the pilot store in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence.

This new concept launched by the brand, which has 330 points of sale in France, offers one-third second-hand toys for two-thirds new toys, a second-hand board game can thus be offered at half the price just next to its cellophane equivalent.

A King Okaz employee cleans and disinfects a second-hand toy in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, in Drôme, on September 29, 2022 JEFF PACHOUD AFP

“We take back a toy at a third of its new price, paid in the form of a voucher, and we resell at around 50% of the new price, after cleaning and reconditioning if necessary, and with a one-year guarantee. Certain categories, such as comforters, are not included," said Mr. Jocteur Monrozier to AFP.

Behind the counter of this first King Okaz, Loïc Navarro is in full expertise: "we recover the puzzles up to 60 pieces only, because they have to be assembled in front of the person who brings them back to see if a piece is not missing! And for the Legos, the best thing is to bring them assembled to prove that they are complete, and then disassemble them...", he laughs.

Claire Levier, 37, brought back toys that her children "no longer use".

"I usually buy and sell on Vinted or LeBonCoin, but coming to the store is much easier, I don't have to send parcels. And the second-hand prices are interesting too, for current times," she said.

A second-hand toy for Christmas?

Proof that the second-hand toy is anchored in consumer habits, "54% of French people have already bought one in the last 12 months", indicates Frédérique Tutt, world analyst for NPD, a firm which is a benchmark for the market. of the toy and which carried out a study at the end of June with 1,022 people.

"It's a real trend that is becoming more commonplace. There is one last step to take, will we be offering second-hand goods at Christmas?", adds Catherine de Bleeker, general manager of 'Oxybul Awakening and Games.

This sign, which organized twice a year "swaps" of toys and books, is installing permanent second-hand corners in the heart of its 25 stores this October.

A King Okaz employee cleans and disinfects a second-hand toy before it goes on sale in a store in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, in Drôme, on September 29, 2022 JEFF PACHOUD AFP

"From the IDTroc app, we take a photo of the product, we set its price, we print a barcode and then drop it off in the store. The team checks that it is in good condition before it is put on the shelves, the amount will then be credited in gift card. And we sell a lot more than if we deposit on a platform", says Ms. De Bleeker.

JouéClub will also offer a resale operation in early 2023 "in event form", called Troc O'Joué" in its 290 stores, after two "very satisfactory" tests in 2021 and 2022.

Some independent shops have already been offering a second-hand department for years, such as Sous le Préau, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, where Mélusine De Moulins has installed several shelves with games, books, rollerblades and even a small kitchen for children.

"I need my job to also be a bit social, it's a desire to share, for parents with a little less money, or nannies who want to give cheaper gifts", she summarizes. , specifying that a third of the sale price will be donated to an association.

© 2022 AFP