Hornby, the British toy maker known for its model trains and cars, is banking on the popularity of the new James Bond film to get its profits back on track.
The company has launched a range of Scalextric sets inspired by the 007 franchise
The company has launched a range of Scalextric sets inspired by the 007 franchise, featuring iconic cars and scenes from the movies. The sets include a replica of the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, a Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me, and a Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day.
Hornby hopes that the Bond-themed sets will appeal to both children and adults, and boost its sales in the run-up to Christmas. The company has also partnered with the producers of the new film, No Time To Die, to create a limited edition set based on the movie, which is due to be released in November.
Hornby has been struggling with falling revenues and losses for several years
Hornby has been struggling with falling revenues and losses for several years, as it faced competition from online retailers, changing consumer tastes, and supply chain issues. The company reported a pre-tax loss of £3.4 million for the year to March 2023, compared to a loss of £10.1 million the previous year. Its revenues fell by 7% to £37.8 million, as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted its operations and demand.
The company has been trying to turn around its fortunes by cutting costs, streamlining its product range, and investing in digital marketing and e-commerce. It has also launched new products based on popular brands such as Harry Potter, Peppa Pig, and Batman.
Hornby is optimistic about its future prospects, despite the challenges
Hornby is optimistic about its future prospects, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Brexit, and inflation. The company said that it has seen a strong recovery in its sales since April, and that it has a healthy order book for the second half of the year. It also said that it has secured sufficient stock and raw materials to meet the expected demand for its products.
The company’s chief executive, Lyndon Davies, said that he was confident that Hornby would return to profitability and growth in the near future. He said that the company had a loyal and passionate customer base, and that its products had a timeless appeal. He also said that the company was well-positioned to benefit from the release of the new Bond film, which he expected to generate a lot of interest and excitement among fans.
