Market six

Market six is a toy-industry term for stores outside the standard distribution channels, generally referring to specialty shops with small toy areas, such as drug stores and some department stores. Market six exclusives are relatively uncommon, especially when compared to big-box retailers like Wal-Mart or Target. (Occasionally, some sub-lines will start off in "market six" stores then move to bigger chains in time.)

The term comes from the related idea of the "Big Five". "Market six" is the sixth market, after the five large national retail stores with large toy sections and large orders to fill them. Until recently the "Big Five" were Wal-Mart, Target, Toys 'R' Us, K-Mart, and Kay-Bee; the impending bankruptcy of Kay-Bee may change things.

Examples

• Heroes of Cybertron line (primarily found in drug stores)

• "Battle in a Box" sets (mostly found at Kohl's stores)

• Legends of Cybertron line (an example of line/size class that started in Market Six before moving into large chains)