As the holiday season continues, retail sales are expected to increase.
According to a report by the National Retail Federation, it’s predicted that, during this year’s holiday season, the profit of retail stores is expected to increase by six percent and eight percent from 2021. Stores are expected to earn between $942.6 billion to $960.4 billion in revenue.
As sales increase for major companies, here are five Black-owned companies to show support for by buying gifts for children.
- Teni & Tayo Creations: Created by entrepreneur Omobola Imoisili, also known as author Simisayo Brownstone, Teni & Tayo Creations was the product of Imoisili’s daughters noting a lack of diversity in the media they were consuming and the neighborhood they were living in California. In response, she focused on buying them books and toys that focused on their African heritage.
Realizing that she could also do this, Imoisili created Feyi Fay, a Nigerian fairy who helps solve everyday problems for kids, as a mascot for Teni & Tayo Creations. Products include toys like the “Build Your Own Solar Powered Car,” “Feyi Fay’s Charming Jewelry Making Kit” and a “Build Your Own 3D Hologram.” Books include “Feyi Fay and the Disappearance of Captain Nosa” and the “Legendary African Queens: Coloring Book For All Ages.”
- Lily Frilly: Lily Frilly’s is a company that’s led by someone who knows the toy department very well- seven-year-old CEO Lily Adeleye. With support from her mother, Adeleye was able to combine her interests in business, toys and other accessories. Since the company’s inception, the business has grown, collaborating with Walmart for the second time in an effort to inspire young girls. Products range from slime to bows to watchlets to notebooks and gel pens.
- Because of Them We Can: While Because of Them We Can isn’t primarily a place to shop, the organization has always been focused on teaching kids about the history of the African diaspora. Launched in 2013 by Eunique Jones Gibson, the movement has grown from Gibson just wanting to educate her sons, now impacting millions of people.
One of the main things that has gotten attention for Because We Can is their BOTWC Box for children. Based on the child’s age, the organization sends a subscription box to customers to help their children learn about Black history. Featured on CNN, the box primarily features educational activities and toys to help them learn about important figures and events in Black history.
- Proper Gnar: Founded by Latosha Stone in 2012, Proper Gnar is considered as being the first Black woman-owned skateboard company. Through her company, Stone’s main purpose is to create an inclusive space that’s accepting of everyone regardless of age, gender or orientation. Each product- mainly the skateboards- is an original design by Stone. Besides skateboards, the company also sells apparel.
- The Black Toy Store: Featured in Vogue, the New York Times, Essence and Ebony, The Black Toy Store focuses on promoting toys that celebrate the African diaspora. The products range in age, offering customers toys and books by Black-owned companies for both toddlers and kids in their middle childhood. Amongst the products sold by The Black Toy Store are the “Black Girl MATHgic Subscription Box,” “The ABCs of HBCUs,” and the “Amanda Gorman Doll.”
