Major UK Toy Stores to Drop Gender-Specific Aisle Categories

janetmck

On the heels of Hasbro recoloring their Easy Bake Oven and the controversy over the girly themed Lego Friends, which were often found in the doll section rather than among other building sets, a consmuer campaign called Let Toys Be Toys has persuaded several UK retailers, including Toys R Us and Sainsbury’s, to drop “boys” and “girls” sections altogether.

Megan Perryman, Let Toys be Toys campaigner, added: “We’re delighted to be working so closely with a major toy retailer and believe that there is much common ground here. Even in 2013, boys and girls are still growing up being told that certain toys are ‘for’ them, while others are not.

“This is not only confusing but extremely limiting, as it strongly shapes their ideas about who they are and who they can go on to become. We look forward to seeing Toys R Us lead the way to a more inclusive future for boys and girls.”

I suspect you’ll still be able to tell from the box colors which is meant to be which, so this seems like a distinction without a difference. Still, Bronies will now feel more comfortable, I imagine.