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Everything You Need to know About Hobbies & Entertainment
According to a recent study, people spend up to six hours a day on their hobbies. A hobby is an activity that someone does for pleasure – usually during their spare time. Incredibly, RC model airplanes, a favorite pastime among Americans, has existed since 1898, flown by none other than Nikolas Tesla. The Hobbies and Entertainment e-commerce category include sporting goods, toys, DIY & garden products, and crafts & stationery. The value of this market has more than doubled since 2013, to an impressive $23.8 billion.
Amazon.com and Walmart.com account for two of the biggest online retail stores for enthusiasts, these are followed by apmex.com – which is a must-visit for any coin collecting devotee. Toys R Us and Gamestop had a significant impact on the category, but Toys R US grew far slower than the overall hobby industry and failed to utilize e-commerce effectively which unfortunately lead to the behemoth’s downfall. They ceased trading online after filing for bankruptcy in March. Fortunately, this has left a significant gap in the market which is helping smaller merchants, particularly in the toy niche, find their feet in the industry.
Technology has also been instrumental in helping to grow the category. The rise of social media has exposed people to an increasing number of hobbies, this has ensured that there is a hobby for everyone and more importantly, a way to access even the smallest of communities related to it. Online courses, such as those provided by Udemy, have allowed people to familiarise themselves with a new hobby from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, the rise of Youtube has made it easier than ever to pick up a new skill and practice in your free time, whether it is DIY or calligraphy.
