When the original Toy Story was released on 22 November 1995, it changed animation forever. It was the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film, and for many of us, it became part of our childhood.

Back then, children played with cowboy dolls, action figures, Barbies, Hot Wheels, Lego and stuffed animals. Toys were physical. Imagination happened on the bedroom floor. Adventures were created by little minds with very little technology involved.

Fast forward 31 years.

Today’s children still have toys, but they also have tablets, gaming consoles, AI-powered gadgets, virtual worlds and devices that fit in the palm of their hands. Playtime has evolved. In fact, Toy Story 5 tackles this very topic, exploring the tension between traditional toys and children’s growing attachment to technology.

And as I watched the trailer, I couldn’t help but think:

Marketing has gone through exactly the same transformation.

In 1995, marketing was simpler.

You placed an ad in the newspaper.
You mailed flyers.
You bought radio spots.
You printed brochures.
You hoped the right people would see them.

Businesses spoke.
Customers listened.

Today?

Customers search.
They compare.
They read reviews.
They ask AI.
They scroll social media.
They watch videos.
They form opinions before they ever contact your business.

The power has shifted.

Just as Woody and Buzz have had to learn that they aren’t competing with other toys anymore, businesses have had to realise they aren’t competing only with competitors.

They’re competing for attention.

For trust.

For relevance.

And here’s the part I love most about the Toy Story franchise: the toys that survive aren’t necessarily the newest or the flashiest.

They’re the ones willing to adapt.

Woody didn’t stop being Woody.
Buzz didn’t lose his identity.

They evolved.

And that’s exactly what businesses need to do in 2026.

Your values don’t have to change.

Your expertise doesn’t have to change.

But your marketing?

That absolutely must evolve.

The businesses thriving today are not always the biggest businesses.

They’re the businesses willing to embrace change.
To understand AI.
To invest in digital experiences.
To create content that connects.
To show up where their customers are already spending their time.

Because the truth is:

The world didn’t stop loving toys.

The world simply changed how it plays.

And customers haven’t stopped needing businesses.

They’ve simply changed how they buy.

The question for every business owner is the same question Woody and Buzz are asking in Toy Story 5:

Are you resisting change, or are you evolving with it?

Because in business, just like in Toy Story…

Being loved isn’t enough.

You have to stay relevant too.