The point I was making was the Santa sets are quite specialist and did not seem to sell well the first time around so why re-release in almost the same format. Might have been better to at least change the livery slightly. Was not sure these would sell well this time around. As this was a point about Hornby sales I hardly think the point can be called "tangential and diversionary". Continuing the point I think Hornby need both markets. The train sets, available all year around, will provide the starter for many with the biggest proportion selling at Christmas. This may be the reason for persisting with the Christmas set and, if the top five sellers are to be believed, they seem to be selling well. But what happens after the festive period? No one will play with a Santa set in February. Hornby may hope that will encourage people to buy something else soon after. But chances are they will get put in a box and forgotten about. Surely better marketing to produce a more play orientated train set that could be used all year around? Maybe they could deploy the old car loading ramp, the stone loader / unloaded etc.
I would also question the release of gimic items such as the Fathers Day wagons. Who really buys this rubbish? The only ones that seem to sell are the Christmas wagons which has become collectable.
For me: Hornby's range should include a play based train set for the younger market. The Railroad range should continue to include the cheaper old toolings. Maybe these could be supported by some wagons in recognisable liveries for children, carrying brands they would know (Coca Cola, McDonalds, Toys R Us etc).
The more serious modelling range needs to continue as that is surely their main income through the rest of the year. Of course they need to seriously repair their relationship with local outlets to allow them to maximise their income.