BIG W’s Toy Mania is back – and this year there’s a twist

As Australia’s favourite toy sale, BIG W’s Toy Mania is renowned amongst parents and kids. With over 1000 toys on sale at up to 50% off, the annual event is circled on many family’s calendars as the perfect way to nab a good deal and stock up on early Christmas presents.

In previous years, shoppers have queued up to be the first through the doors at midnight. Part of the fun was racing around the store on a mad trolley dash to get the best deals, with many parents reporting they’d spent thousands of dollars on mega bargains. However, last year’s COVID restrictions meant things had to change, so customers were able to shop the toy sale online, and take advantage of contactless pick-up and home delivery, as well as lay-by items that were bought online.

As we get used to a post-COVID world and retailers understand that not everyone can - or wants to - go into stores, this year BIG W have taken things a step further. The 2021 Toy Sale will introduce a new augmented reality tool, so shoppers are able to try items before they buy – all from the comfort of their own home.

All you need to do is click on the website, and the AR experience will pop up on your phone. Then, you just need to ‘place’ the objects you’re thinking about buying in your real-time location through the camera, and explore them in 360° in your own space. Should the cubby house go under the tree or by the fence? Move it around and see which spot you like best. Once you’re happy with how things look, simply click the object and put it in your shopping cart. There are no unwelcome surprises, and no stressful guessing games.

The innovative technology is ideal for big ticket items such as swing sets and water-play inflatables which can be tricky to view in-store, and often need a bit of extra thought around measurements.

If you’re thinking about buying the Timber Cubby House but your kids have their heart set on the grey version, then AR is the answer. BIG W’s augmented reality lets you pop it in your backyard, move it around, and work out which colour works best – all before you spend any money.

Unsure whether the Action Sports Climbing Wave or the Action Sport Monkey Bars will work better in your yard? Switch between placing the two virtual options on your grass, and see which shape and size works best for your space.

Height of outdoor toys can be particularly hard to visualise, and it’s important to make sure water-play inflatables aren’t being touched by low branches or wires. The Happy Hop Double the Fun Splash Zone Water Slide is only a few centimetres taller than the Happy Hop Jump and Splash Double Water Slide, but by working out which fits better in the backyard by using AR, it could save you plenty of time and stress.

This year BIG W’s Toy Mania is taking the great prices and deals that people love, and moving them into the future.

BIG W Toy Mania starts online 15th June 7am EST and in-store 16th June, runs to July 14. To try toys before you buy, use the AR Experience on your smartphone here.