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Article Archive: General Toys
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Toys In The News 1/6/2025 UPDATED ON 1/7/2024
UPDATED ON 1/7/2024 The Guardian Shoplifters, scams and supersoft toys: how the Jellycat craze inspired a crime wave With the booming resale market for Jellycat rarities, retailers across the UK are reporting a surge in 'stealing to sell'...
1/6/2025
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Set Sail for Adventure: Pirate Ship Playhouses for Kids
Looking to transform your backyard into an adventurous playground that sparks your child's imagination? Pirate ship playhouses are a fantastic way to create an exciting and interactive space for kids. Here's everything you need to know about the best options available, along with pros, cons, and where to buy them...
11/1/2024
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Top Selling This Week 11/13/24
The Marvel Avengers Ultimate Protectors Pack is a set of eight 6-inch action figures featuring popular superheroes: The Hulk, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Black Panther, Captain America, Spider-Man, War Machine, and Falcon. Each figure comes with character-inspired accessories and articulated limbs for poseability. Overall, the...
11/1/2024
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Toy Industry Adapts to 'Underconsumption Core' Trend
The "Underconsumption Core" trend, which emphasizes mindful consumption and sustainability, has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, influencing consumer behavior across various industries, including toys. This movement encourages individuals to prioritize quality over quantity, repurpose existing items, and make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions...
11/1/2024
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Empowering Play: How the 'Healthy Heroes' Trend is Shaping Child Development in 2025
The "Healthy Heroes" trend, anticipated to gain prominence in 2025, seeks to inspire children to adopt healthy habits—such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and nutritious eating—through engaging play. This initiative addresses growing concerns about children's sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time, which can lead to long-term health issues. By integrating relaxation, meditation, and physical activity into play, "Healthy Heroes" aims to create a balanced experience that combines fun with well-being...
11/1/2024
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Navigating 2024 Toy Industry Trends: Sustainability, Nostalgia, and Holistic Play
The toy industry in 2024 underwent a significant transformations influenced by cultural trends, economic factors, and evolving consumer preferences. Key themes such as sustainability, nostalgia, and holistic child development are shaping product development and marketing strategies. This analysis explores these major trends, highlighting opportunities and challenges for toy manufacturers, retailers, and marketers...
11/1/2024
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Toys In The News 11/18/2024
USPS USPS Operation Santa Launches Online Catalog Santa’s Gift Shoppe Powered by Toys“R”Us® WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service is announcing the debut of an online e-commerce catalog for the fulfillment of gifts: Santa's Gift Shoppe, an online... ...
11/1/2024
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Top Toys This Week 11/21/24
This week has seen a surge in sales of various toys and collectibles, appealing to both children and adult enthusiasts. Here's a curated selection of top-selling items, highlighting their standout features, pros and cons, and insider details to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. Barbie Dreamhouse PlaysetThis...
11/1/2024
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Toys in the News 10/1/2024
Live Science Sega Toys Homestar Matataki star projector review How does the Sega Toys Homestar Matataki compare with the fan-favorite Homestar Flux? We put it to the test. . CNN Black-colored plastic used for...
10/1/2024
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Toys in the News 09/3/2024
Lego and Nike Collaboration: Lego and Nike announced a new multiyear deal for co-branded products and experiences. Toy brands like Lego and Barbie are increasingly pursuing sports-related products, which are a growing segment in the toy industry. Toys and sports brand deals: Lego and Nike, Barbie and hockey | Ad...
9/3/2024
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Toy Industry Quick Trends 2024
The toy industry is navigating a complex and dynamic landscape, with ongoing trends shaping its future. Back-to-school sales continue to drive the market, while the evolving entertainment landscape and the growing emphasis on inclusivity present both challenges and opportunities. By understanding these trends and adapting their strategies accordingly, toy companies can continue to thrive and bring joy to children of all ages...
9/3/2024
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Toys That We Like Part I out of II
Linked to Amazon where we earn commission if you buy: BOOKSY Tile Town magnetic building sets The Court of Owls figures Joker Dragon figures Pixel Petz...
9/3/2024
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New Toys 2024
Linked to Amazon where we earn commission if you buy: LEGO Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Set...
9/3/2024
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New Toys
Here are some notable new toys for 2024: Star Wars Doorables Galaxy Peek: Collectible mini figures of Star Wars characters with glittery eyes. $6 to $12 Includes: 4 STAR WARS Doorables toy figures, 1 Death Star-inspired blind capsule...
9/3/2024
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Select Good Toys 8/15/2024
Good Selling Toys 1. Barbie Dreamhouse Buy on Amazon [invalid URL removed] Manufacturer's Site (Mattel) [invalid URL removed] Similar Products [invalid URL removed] Opens in a new window amazon.com Barbie Dreamhouse Toy Target Age Range: 3+ years...
8/14/2024
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Toys in the News 08/9/2024
Week of August 5 - 9 Merger Announcement: The Toy Association™ and People of Play™ Join Forces: The merger of The Toy Association™ and People of Play™ (formerly Chicago Toy & Game Group) promises to create a more robust and unified voice for the toy...
8/14/2024
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The 'Barbie' Movie Conservatives DIDN'T Want You to See: "Barbie" subversive take on gender roles
Conservative Concerns with the Barbie Movie From a conservative perspective, several aspects of the Barbie movie sparked criticism and controversy. Transgender Representation: Example: The inclusion of a transgender actress (Hari Nef) playing a Barbie doll faced backlash from some conservative groups, who argued that it promoted a "woke" agenda and exposed children to inappropriate content. Critique of Patriarchy and Capitalism: Example: The film's satirical portrayal of Mattel's corporate culture, depicted as a male-dominated environment obsessed with profit and control, was criticized by some as an attack on capitalism and traditional business structures. The scenes where the Kens brainwash the Barbies into subservient roles were viewed as a heavy-handed critique of patriarchy, potentially alienating viewers who hold more conservative views on gender roles. Lack of Traditional Family Values: Example: The film's focus on female empowerment and self-discovery, with less emphasis on traditional family structures and motherhood, was seen by some as promoting an individualistic and anti-family message. The absence of clear parental figures or a nuclear family structure in Barbieland was perceived as undermining the importance of traditional family values. Subtle Promotion of Progressive Ideals: Example: Some conservatives argue that the film subtly promotes progressive ideals through its subtext and character arcs. Barbie's journey of self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing her individuality, could be interpreted as advocating for a more liberal worldview. The film's critique of consumerism and its emphasis on inner beauty and self-acceptance could also be viewed as aligning with progressive values...
8/14/2024
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Toys in the News 01/26/2024
Updated 11/21/24: Moose Toys Partners with MrBeast to Launch Innovative Collectible Action Figures Moose Toys has announced an exciting new partnership with digital creator MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) to co-create a new line of collectible action figures featuring innovative designs. Known for his massive YouTube following of over 289...
1/1/2024
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Toys in the News 12/28/2023
NBC Chicago More McDonald's Squishmallows Happy Meal officially launched for a limited time. Here's what to know 1...
12/1/2023
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Toys in the News 11/10/2023
New Predator figure from the sci-fi thriller "Prey," and it's more than just an action figure—it's a tiny, terrifying work of art. Standing at 37 cm, this Predator boasts a hand-painted head with rubber hair (because even intergalactic hunters care about coiffure), lamellar skirt, and interchangeable mandibles with fangs. For...
11/8/2023
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Toys in the News 6/16/2023
McFarlane Toys Rolls Out 'The Witcher' Figures Next Month bookmark_border share more_vert Reedley Exponent Global Toys Market Size and Forecast | Mattel Hasbro Inc., Lego ... 5...
6/16/2023
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Toys in the News 3/16/2023
Why Funko is destroying at least $30M worth of toys Toys R Us shut down its store 24 hours after its re-entry into India bookmark_border share more_vert...
3/16/2023
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Toys in the News 2/15/2023
Mother refuses to force her children to share toys: ‘They deserve the same respect as adults’ seibertron.com Rumoured 2024 Studio Series Toys include Leader Swoop, Core ... bookmark_border share more_vert...
2/15/2023
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Toys in the News 11/16/2022
Pioneering Creator of Black Superhero Figure Sees Trend Toward Futuristic Toys and Media for Children of Color Rutgers Newark Toys R Us Reopens in Macy's Stores: Where to Shop in DC, Maryland & Virginia NBC4 Washington...
11/16/2022
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Toys in the News 10/10/2022
Zamboni introduce electric ride-on toy for children NHL.com8 bookmark_border share more_vert Trending Gift Alert: Retro Toys and Games Are All a Multigenerational Crowdpleaser Yahoo Life8 bookmark_border...
10/10/2022
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Toys in the News 09/01/2022
New Books Tackle Postmodern Buildings and Architects’ Toys The New York Times bookmark_border share more_vert Disney+ Reportedly Eyeing Subscribe-Exclusive Star Wars Toys The Direct bookmark_border...
9/1/2022
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Glo Pixies Hasbro
Glo Pixies Acerca del canal oficial de Baby Alive: Les damos la bienvenida al canal oficial y al hogar de Baby Alive en YouTube. Hemos creado un mundo maravilloso exclusivamente para los fanáticos de Baby Alive...
7/7/2022
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Toys in the News 07/07/2022
Alliance Entertainment Acquires Think 3Fold, Distributor of Toys and Collectibles – Media Play News Media Play News McFarlane Toys announces DC Direct Black Adam statue by Jim Lee Batman- bookmark_border ...
7/7/2022
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Toys in the News 05/12/2022
Axios Mattel unveils new inclusive toys, including Barbie with hearing aids The new line includes a doll with a prosthetic leg and another with vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells. ...
5/1/2022
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TOY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES TOP TOY TRENDS OF 2022
The Toy Association: the top toy trends that are expected to drive consumer spending on toys in 2022. Related: "After previewing hundreds of innovative toys over the past several months, The Toy Association's trends team determined that this year's hottest trends will encompass sustainability...
2/1/2022
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Mattel Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results
Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights Versus Prior Year Net Sales of $1,795 million, up 10% as reported, and 11% in constant currency Reported Operating Income of $257 million, an increase of $69 million; Adjusted Operating Income of $264 million, an increase of...
2/1/2022
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Toys in the News 02/1/2022
Toymaker Spin Master reports higher revenue as sales of toys, digital games climb moosejawtoday.com bookmark_border share more_vert IMC Toys Rings in 2022 With Launch of Bubiloons and Bloopies Fairies PRNewswire bookmark_border share...
2/1/2022
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Bicycle playing cards NFT
Bicycle, a brand that has boldly gone where no other playing cards have gone since its creation in 1885, is today launching its first-ever NFT "Genesis Collection" featuring the brand's iconic cards transformed 1000 years into the future by artist Adrian Valenzuela. The Genesis Collection will start with a Unique drop of 24 NFTs commencing on December 9 through the end of the month...
12/1/2021
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Mattel 10/22/2021: Net Sales of $1,762 million, up 8%
Mattel 10/22/2021: Net Sales of $1,762 million, up 8% as reported, and 7% in constant currency, versus prior year Reported Gross Margin of 47.8%, a decrease of 280 basis points; Adjusted Gross Margin of 47.8%, a decline of 280 basis points Reported Operating Income of $389 million, an increase of $10 million; Adjusted Operating Income of $401 million, an improvement of $4 million...
10/1/2021
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Toys in the News 6/29/2021
share more_vert share more_vert Melissa & Doug Launches PAW Patrol® And Blue's Clues & You! Toys As Part Of Partnership With Nickelodeon Parent Company, ViacomCBS NEW YORK, June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Melissa & Doug, the purpose-driven global toy brand, and...
6/1/2021
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Toys in the News 05/04/2021
Activision has denied claims that Crash Bandicoot 4 studio Toys For Bob has suffered layoffs, and said it will continue to support the platformer alongside its new role on Call of Duty...
5/1/2021
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The Moose Imagination Tree opens at Monash Children’s Hospital
The tree, which was officially opened by The Hon Martin Foley MP, Victorian Minister for Health, has been a labour of love that started from the opening of the Monash Children’s Hospital, creatively imagined and nurtured by The Walt Disney Company and built through the generous support of Moose Toys. This wonderful space has been created for children and adults alike, from the children who have been confined to the hospital due to illness, to those visiting their sick siblings, and to parents who need a small sense of relief and happiness during stressful and worrying times. Guests to the tree are encouraged to explore, restore and play through a variety of sensory experiences...
5/1/2021
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Toys in the News 04/19/2021
Canal Toys Teams Up with Brent Rivera, Lexi Rivera for Launch of New Studio_Creator 2 Video Maker Kit PRNewswire/ -- Global activity kit manufacturer Canal Toys announces the release of the new Studio_Creator 2 Video Maker Kit. The new activity kit includes... Helping people...
4/1/2021
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Toys in the News 3/04/2021
Toys are ditching genders for the same reason they first took them on. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/03/02/toys-are-ditching-genders-same-reason-they-first-took-them/ Conservatives Are Very Angry That Potato Head, A Plastic Toy, Rebranded https://junkee.com/potato-head-gender-neutral-conservatives/288955...
3/1/2021
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Spin Master Reports Q4 and Full Year 2020 Financial Results
Financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. The Company's full Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2020 is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and posted on the Company's web site at www.spinmaster.com/financial-info.php...
3/1/2021
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Michaels Acquired by Apollo
The Michaels Companies Enters Into a Definitive Agreement to Be Acquired by Funds Managed by Apollo Global Management Purchase Price of $22.00 per Share in Cash Transaction Valued at $5.0 billion...
3/1/2021
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ScrunchMiez: Moose Toys Major Retailer's Toy Supplier of the Year
Moose Toys was named the Walmart Toy Supplier of the Year Award. The award was presented during Walmart's seventh annual Supplier Growth Forum, held virtually on March 3. During the event, Walmart shared the company's strategic initiatives, key areas of focus and future growth strategies...
3/1/2021
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2021 Top Toy Trends That Are Expected To Drive Toy Industry Sales
The growing “kidult” trend was fueled by the pandemic, with more adults than ever turning to toys to bring some joy and levity into their lives. Toys and games have been a means of escapism for adults and offer a way to reconnect with their own inner child. This trend includes games fueled by adult topics, social media trends, and other fads; collectibles and building toys that appeal to hardcore fans; crowd-funded toys; and toys that invite casual fans into the fold across a wide range of fandoms...
2/1/2021
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2021 Top Toy Trends
Top 5 Toys For Children In 2021 The Problem with Turning Your House into a Toy Store A summary of the top trends follows: REDISCOVERING PLAY One silver lining...
2/1/2021
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Toys R Us
Toys R Us retrenches, shutters last 2 U.S. stores since comeback attempt (02/01/2021) The moves come as physical stores, particularly mall-based locations, have been hurt by weak customer traffic amid the pandemic. The Toys R Us store at the Galleria mall in Houston shuttered on Jan. 15, while one at...
2/1/2021
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Toys in the News 2/04/2021
Toy store owners find cremated human remains. Your kids could earn £500 and a huge box of toys as a toy tester...
2/1/2021
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Toys in the News 02/01/2021
Toys R Us shutters last 2 U.S. stores. Should Disney Acquire Roku Or Spotify In 2021. Toys Market to Reach USD 212.49 Billion by 2027; Product Innovation by Lego System A/S and Nintendo Co. Ltd. to Create promising Growth Opportunities. The Brain Science Behind Fidget Toys and Dementia. Why Fortnite and GI Joe make a more natural crossover. The best Lego sets 2021...
2/1/2021
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Toy Industry Sales Grew 16% in 2020: $25.1 Billion
Toy Industry Sales Grew 16% in 2020: $25.1 Billion.U.S. retail sales of toys generated $25.1 billion in 2020, an increase of 16% or $3.5 billion. Unit sales for the year were flat while the average selling price increased by 16%*. Much of the growth in 2020 was directly correlated to the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing consumer behavior associated with widespread lockdowns and school closures, the disposable income diverted from other types of entertainment to toys, as well as the onset of federal stimulus checks. While toy sales through mid-March 2020 were flat vs. 2019, widespread lockdown measures led to an abrupt increase in sales...
1/1/2021
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Toys in the News: NPD’s Analysis - Identify Market Trends - January 2021
All the articles featured herein present data collected by NPD 65% of Americans and Canadians Play Mobile Games (01/19/2021) According to the latest report from the NPD Group, and in collaboration with mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower, COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns presented a boon to the Mobile Gaming...
1/1/2021
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Toys in the News 01/18/2021
A Microbiologist Has Issued an Urgent Warning About the Dangers of Bath Toys (01/17/2021) Melbourne doctor Cameron Jones said the bath toys pose a risk to health after he cut open a duck in a laboratory test to find the hidden fungi, yeasts and bacteria. Squirting the murky water that...
1/1/2021
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Toys in the News 01/11/2021
Children Connected Toys Market Analysis with Overview on Top Trends, Investment Strategies, Key Players and Forecast by 2026 | Mattel, LEGO, Hasbro (01/11/2021) The Global Children Connected Toys Market report offers actionable data through the SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Analysis, Competitors Analysis, Products and Sales Analysis. It also includes the...
1/1/2021
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Toys In The News 01/04/2021
These Vintage Toys Could be Worth Millions - Including Barbie Dolls and Disney VHS Tapes (01/04/2021) Trading Cards, Comic Books, Beanie Babies, Barbies, Toys Cars, Board Games, and Disney VHS tapes. If you have them, KEEP THEM. Because while many may scramble to get the latest console or a brand new Lego set, the most valuable toys may actually be those that have been sitting in your storage since childhood...
12/1/2020
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Toys in the News 12/12/2020
It’s not the first time a kid swallows a button battery that popped out of its locking mechanism, nor the first time we pray it will be the last. Experts say, “Batteries can burn through a child’s esophagus in just two hours. Don’t leave batteries out and make sure to use powered household devices that need a screwdriver to open or that can be secured with strong tape."...
12/1/2020
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Toys in the News 12/01/2020
For Current Toy Industry News, See the TDmonthy Toy News Section: https://www.toydirectory.com/monthly/industrynews.asp Who Cares About The No. 1 Toy When You Could Have No. 2? The market remains flush with toys that poop: Gotta Go Flamingo, Poopsie Slime Surprise, Doggie Doo, Fishin' For Floaters. "It's a...
12/1/2020
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2021 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award Finalists Unveiled
The Toy Association: TOTY Awards program recognizes the top playthings on the market. The 117 finalists were announced this morning by a group of well-known online influencers. "Throughout history, the toy community has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inspire generations of play, in both good times and bad. During...
11/1/2020
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Mattel Leads 2021 'Toy of the Year' Award Finalist List
Mattel tops the toy industry for the second year in a row with nine ‘Toy of the Year’ Award nominations across eight categories Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that the company’s portfolio of toys has received nine finalist nominations across multiple categories for The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy of...
11/1/2020
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Toys in the News 11/10/2020
share more_vert STEM Toys Market Size to Reach Revenues of USD 9.5 Billion by 2025 - Arizton In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this global STEM toys market report. Yahoo Finance bookmark_border share more_vert...
11/1/2020
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W.A.T.C.H. REVEALS ITS 2020 NOMINEES FOR THE “10 WORST TOYS” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
t a time when children are spending more time playing at home to curb the spread of Covid-19, toy safety remains a critical concern. World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) today revealed its nominees for the “10 Worst Toys of 2020” and demonstrated why the “Calico Critters Nursery Friends,” “Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber,” “Missile Launcher,” and other potentially hazardous toys should not be in the hands of children...
11/1/2020
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Press Release: Mattel Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Third quarter Net Sales of $1,632 million, up 10% as reported, and up 11% in constant currency, versus prior year. Gross Sales of $1,818 million, up 10% as reported, and up 11% in constant currency. Dolls category Gross Sales up 22% as reported, and up 24% in constant currency; Barbie Gross Sales up 29% as reported, and up 30% in constant currency. Reported Gross Margin of 51.0%, an improvement of 470 basis points; Adjusted Gross Margin of 51.0%, an improvement of 410 basis points. Reported Operating Income of $384.2 million, up 156%; Adjusted Operating Income of $401.3 million, up 131%. Reported Net Income of $316.0 million, up 348%. Adjusted EBITDA of $469.8 million, up 90%...
10/1/2020
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Past TDmonthly Issues
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8/1/2020
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Past TDmonthly Issues
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8/1/2020
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Spin Master and Feld Entertainment Inc. Expand Partnership With New Five-Year Licensing Agreement fo
Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), announced a licensing partnership with Feld Entertainment Inc. (www.feldentertainment.com) as the new global master toy partner for Supercross, the off-road motorcycle racing series, attracting professional riders chasing their dreams in the well-known stadiums to become the Supercross Champion. The five-year licensing agreement begins in...
8/1/2020
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Spin Master Reports Q2 2020 Financial Results
Related Product Clip: TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Spin Master Corp. ("Spin Master" or the "Company") (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children's entertainment company, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. The Company's full Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for...
8/1/2020
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Products We Like On Amazon May 2020
Rechargeable Flashlight,LED Tactical Flashlight Include Battery,Cree XML-T6,High Lumen,3 Modes,Water Resistant,Zoomable,Pocket Size LED Flashlight for Camping Hiking Outdoor Activity Uberstix Ubercutter Craft Kit Schylling Curious George Tin Tea Set Dreambuilder Toy Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Game Set Toys (40...
5/21/2020
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TOYS R US -- SECOND QUARTER 2016
TOYS R US, INC. REPORTS RESULTS FOR SECOND QUARTER 2016 (September 13, 2016) - Operating earnings improved by $3 million to $18 million- International same store sales grew for the tenth consecutive quarter - Net Leverage1 was 6.0x, an improvement of 0.6x versus prior year WAYNE, NJ (September 13, 2016)...
9/1/2016
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See Size Options Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy by Baby Einstein $5.99$9.99Add-on Item Add to a qualifying order to get it by Wednesday, Oct 26. More Buying Choices $4.35new(136 offers) FREE Shipping on...
9/1/2016
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See Size Options Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy by Baby Einstein $5.99$9.99Add-on Item Add to a qualifying order to get it by Wednesday, Oct 26. More Buying Choices $4.35new(136 offers) FREE Shipping on...
9/1/2016
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Ubisoft – short term outlook good; long-term prognosis cloudy
Ubisoft is expected to break for the first time the €1.5 billion revenue mark this year, driven by a whole host of strong games – of which Far Cry Primal and The Division, both in the first calendar quarter, are the prime contributors.The Company’s market share in the U.S. as...
5/1/2016
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Beetlejuice by Mezco
Beetlejuice 8inch Plush The afterlife's leading bio- exorcist is back and the manic Beetlejuice is bringing the creepy and the crazy! Beetlejuice stands 8inches tall and features his black and white striped suite and tangled mass of mossy green hair. His sardonic grimace reveals his trademark...
4/1/2016
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KIDSTUFF PR: NEW CLIENTS
A BABY RATTLE, A MESSAGING APP & A PIGGIES PUZZLE WALK INTO KIDSTUFF PR JOINING ITS CLIENT CAROUSEL!...
4/1/2016
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2016 Toy Fest West Toy Videos
You didn't make it to the 2016 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas? We are happy to share with you a collection of Toy Fest West videos, featuring exciting new products from exhibitors at the show.Founded in 1961, WTHRA is a non-profit organization that is most recognized for producing...
4/1/2016
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Spin Master – an interesting performance
While Spin Master had a very choppy performance in the fourth quarter and would have been in negative territory had it not been for the Cardinal acquisition, the management explained this by saying that they had this year shipped the bulk of their fourth quarter purchase orders early – in...
4/1/2016
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March Staff Picks
From building kits to new STEM-skill building games, these are the toys that caught our eyes this month...
3/1/2016
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February Staff Picks
From arts and crafts to construction kits, these are our February staff picks...
2/1/2016
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Toy Fair 2016 - New Toys
Toy Fair 2016 is here, and toy manufacturers are showing off their latest and greatest toys...
2/1/2016
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2016 Toy Fair Videos
TDmonthly was on the ground at Toy Fair 2016, scouting for the latest and greatest specialty toys...
2/1/2016
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2016 Toy Fair Booths to Visit
It's hard to believe another year has come and gone, but it's time to start preparing for the toy industry's yearly pilgrimage to the Javits Center in New York for the American International Toy Fair...
1/1/2016
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January Staff Picks
Looking for new toys to fill your shelves after a busy holiday season?...
1/1/2016
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 Why We Go To Toy Fair - Or Stay Home!
New York International Toy Fair may be the biggest toy event in the US - but is it the most important? TDmonthly Magazine interviewed several specialty retailers to get the inside scoop on why so many attend the show (starting today, February 16th) - and why others opt out...
1/1/2016
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 6 Tips for Finding Hot New Toys
It's the beginning of the new year, and after the holiday season has left your shelves bare, it's important to start thinking about what new toys you want to bring in to your store...
1/1/2016
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The Role of IP When Growing Your Business by Going Overseas
Whether attracted by the lure of new market potential or reduced production costs, American businesses of all sizes have considered expansion overseas, especially in China. For businesses that rely upon brand recognition, that have know-how or technical advances, or that have a product with a unique appearance, intellectual property is a must to keep copycats and competitors in check...
12/1/2015
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
Just in time for the holidays, we asked retailers about their best-selling toys. See the products that are raking in sales below...
12/1/2015
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December Staff Picks
Looking for some top-notch specialty toys? Then check out these products, our favorites from the past month...
12/1/2015
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November Staff Picks
The holidays are coming, and TDmonthly's Staff Picks for November are all about great gifts...
11/1/2015
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Hello Kitty – a cat on life support?
Hello Kitty has been a doll icon for the past forty years but her reign may slowly come to an end unless some fearless knight comes riding to her rescue...
11/1/2015
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Is ToysRUs getting ready for an IPO?
Ever since TRU was taken private by Bain, KKR and Vornado in 2005, the investment community has been asking when, not if, TRU was going to go public again. Recent developments suggest that it could be as soon as early next year...
10/1/2015
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October Staff Picks
This month's staff picks features a variety of high-quality toys, from scientific superstars to fluffy plush puppets...
10/1/2015
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2015 Holiday Gift Guide
The Back-to-School countdown has begun, which means one thing to retailers - the holidays are right around the corner too!...
10/1/2015
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Top-10 Best-Selling Toys Overall
With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda RuggieroIn August 2015, TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to find out about their best-selling toys across all categories. From ride-on toys to plush, there are the products that are flying off retailers' shelves.*No manufacturer paid to be included in this list. All products...
9/1/2015
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The changing toy landscape in the U.S.
Gurus and experts – there is this talk about how the toy space is changing. You have to give the consumer a new narrative, says one. No, you have to address the fact that mothers now hate the toys they loved as children, says another. Smart phones are taking over...
9/1/2015
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August Staff Picks
This month, TDmonthly's favorite toys included science kits, arts & crafts, and a bouncy ride-on toy...
8/1/2015
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Spotlight on: Women in Toys
This month, we're putting the spotlight on women who have invented toys or started their own toy companies...
7/1/2015
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July Staff Picks
From board games to arts & crafts, this month's staff picks will keep kids occupied when it's just too hot to get outside...
7/1/2015
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Toys to Talk About
TDmonthly researches hundreds of products each month, but some of them deserve extra attention...
7/1/2015
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RedwoodVentures Sues to Protect its IDO3D Brand of 3D Drawing Products
RedwoodVentures, Ltd., an innovator in the toy and 3D Drawing categories, today announced that it has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas against Irwin Toys, Ltd. and Tech 4 Kids, Ltd. and their affiliates.The suit seeks to prevent the continuing infringement...
7/1/2015
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June Staff Picks
Summer is here, and with it, a new selection of our favorite specialty toys...
6/1/2015
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
From construction sets to sticker puzzles, check out the Top-10 licensed toys according to retailers interviewed by TDmonthly...
6/1/2015
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May Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine is always on the lookout for the best specialty toys. You can see our top toys each month in our Staff Picks. This May, we fell in love with train games, mosaic blocks and more! You can learn more about these and all of our favorites below...
5/1/2015
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LeapFrog has lost its way
In the past six years I have written five articles in this space chronicling the ups and downs of LeapFrog...
4/1/2015
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The Current State of the U.S. Toy Space
Some, particularly those not too familiar with the U.S. toy market, are confused by the fact that there are three very distinctly different ways of assessing it...
3/1/2015
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March Staff Picks
Toy Fair has come and gone, and there are a ton of great new toys headed your way in 2015...
3/1/2015
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2015 Toy Fest West Booths to Visit
TDmonthly Magazine will be at the 2015 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas, March 8-11, where we'll be on the hunt for the latest and greatest in specialty...
3/1/2015
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The Western Toy Market
This review of 2014 will look at the two largest toy markets – the United States and Europe; for the latter, the focus will be on the four keystone countries France, Germany, Spain and the UK...
2/1/2015
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February Staff Picks
2015 is underway, Toy Fair is almost here - it's an exciting time for specialty toys!...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 1
You can follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed of our videos on the TDmonthly homepage. 2/14/2015 12:48 PM PST Mattel and Google have finally unveiled their new product - the View-Master® Sizzle. The new...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 1
TDmonthly's Retailer Reporters (meet them here!) are on the floor at Toy Fair, scouting out the best new toys in specialty. See their feedback below! You can also follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 2
TDmonthly's Retailer Reporters (meet them here!) are on the floor at Toy Fair, scouting out the best new toys in specialty. See their feedback below! You can also follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 3
You can follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed of our videos on the TDmonthly homepage. 2/16/2015 11:19 AM PST Alex Toys announced that they won a 2015 Family Fun Award for their Shrinky...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 3
TDmonthly's Retailer Reporters (meet them here!) are on the floor at Toy Fair, scouting out the best new toys in specialty. See their feedback below! You can also follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 4
TDmonthly's Retailer Reporters (meet them here!) are on the floor at Toy Fair, scouting out the best new toys in specialty. See their feedback below! You can also follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 4
You can follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage, and you can see more Toy Fair articles and a live feed of our videos on the TDmonthly homepage. 2/17/2015 1:10 PM PST There have been a lot of calls for Hasbro to release more female character...
2/1/2015
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TDmonthly's Top Toys of 2014
2014 has come and gone, and here at TDmonthly we saw a lot of great toys throughout the year. From Toy Fair debuts to best-selling favorites, our Top Toys of 2014 were selected from our Staff Picks, Top-10 Most-Wanted toy lists, and awards program. Take a look at our favorite...
1/1/2015
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Three Tips to Maximize Retail Sales
If you’ve felt meeting your retail sales projections depends solely on the number of shoppers who show up at your door, then you’re leaving a lot of money on the table...
1/1/2015
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Gamestop – how long can they defy the odds?
Gamestop has turned in another disappointing quarter and it behooves us to ask whether this is a short-term glitch or whether it is a signpost for things to come...
12/1/2014
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
The holidays are upon us, and toys like Elf on a Shelf are back and selling big in specialty...
12/1/2014
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December Staff Picks
Holiday cheer is in the air and TDmonthly Staff is excited to present our December Staff Picks...
12/1/2014
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Sexting Among Teens Linked with Porn Use, Study says
Following the recent influx of research exposing the harms of pornography consumption, another new study, published in Belgium, found that sexting among teens is "significantly associated with pornography use."...
12/1/2014
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November Staff Picks
Whether you're finishing up your holiday buying or getting ready to stock your shelves for 2015, check out these toys...
11/1/2014
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Holiday Dream Toys for Retailers
The holidays are fast approaching, and it's time to start odering the products that will end up being great gifts for your customers to leave under the tree. But what types of toys do you want in your store?...
9/1/2014
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in August 2014 to see which specialty toys were flying of store shelves...
9/1/2014
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectible Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in August 2014 about their best-selling collectibles, we learned that licensed toys featuring Star Wars, Frozen, and Thomas the Tank Engine were all popular...
9/1/2014
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
TDmonthly Magazine wants to keep you up to date on all of the hottest specialty toys. That's why this month we interviewed retailers about their best-selling toys from all categories...
8/1/2014
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 August Staff Picks
In this month's staff picks we cover all manner of specialty toys, from puppets to puzzles to play tents and more...
8/1/2014
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 Developing STEM Skills: Education Through Play
The rise of technology and an increasingly interconnected, global world has made it more important than ever for children in the United States to be given a top-notch education - especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields...
8/1/2014
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 July Staff Picks
Summer is here and kids are clamoring to spend time outdoors. But what happens when it rains?...
7/1/2014
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 STICKMAN STEW® Sticks It to Bullies (But Kindly!)
Bullies, your time has passed! Vampires and other beasts, you may be immortal, but you're irrelevant now. There's a new wave of compassion sweeping the toy industry, and it's being led by a three-dimensional and quite compassionate stick figure...
7/1/2014
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 Are Fashion Dolls Old Hat?
Fashion Dolls have dominated the U.S. doll market since Barbie came onto the scene back in 1959 and they have reigned pretty much without challenge since then...
6/1/2014
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June Staff Picks
Want to liven up your store shelves? Then check out these nine toys...
6/1/2014
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In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the June issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
6/1/2014
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2014 ASTRA Kid Reporter Videos
This year, TDmonthly worked with four talented Kid Reporters at ASTRA Marketplace, where they were on the hunt for the year's most exciting, innovative and FUN toys!...
6/1/2014
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 May Staff Picks
Looking for new specialty toys for your store? You're in luck...
5/1/2014
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 Connect With Your Customers on Pinterest
Pinterest, the social networking site that is easy to use and easy on the eyes, is quickly becoming a common marketing tool for companies looking to reach women and Moms...
5/1/2014
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 Are Your Employees Putting Your Retail Brand At Risk?
If you read my recent posts on my shopping experience at Nordstrom and Radio Shack, you know there is a lot going on at the customer level that most brands simply aren’t acknowledging...and it comes down to how little retail salespeople really want to make a sale...
5/1/2014
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 ToysRUs Has Major Problems
ToysRUs has basically three main businesses in the United States – toys, video games and baby products. Neither has done particularly well...
5/1/2014
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the May issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
5/1/2014
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 2014 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Booths to Visit
The 2014 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy will take place this year from June 8-11th at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. The annual ASTRA show is one of specialty toy retailers' favorite places to commune with other storeowners and scout out the best new specialty kids products...
5/1/2014
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 April Staff Picks
This month's Staff Picks features new toys that we think would do well in specialty toy stores. From games to arts & crafts, these unique toys are worth a second look...
4/1/2014
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the April issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2014
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 A Broader View's Round Table Puzzles Give Every Kid a Chance to Play
Roger Andresen, founder of A Broader View, is a problem solver. When he thought about how families and friends put together jigsaw puzzles, he realized that at least one person is always working upside down or sideways, craning his neck to see the main picture being assembled. As an engineer, he knew there had to be a better way...
4/1/2014
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 Mattel buys Mega – what is the likely impact?
In a flat to declining U.S. toy market place, Building toys have been a very noticeable exception. Between 2003 and 2013, the total market went from $22.9 billion down to $21.7 billion whereas the Building category more than tripled from $600 million to now $2 billion...
4/1/2014
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 15 Retailing Tips for Boosting Springtime Sales
The seasons are changing, and while much of the country is still covered in snow, spring is just around the corner. With that in mind, TDmonthly Magazine recently interviewed retailers about their top tips for boosting retail sales in spring. See their tips below...
3/1/2014
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 March Staff Picks
In this month's Staff Picks, we are featuring some of our favorite science and educational products we recently saw at the 2014 American International Toy Fair...
3/1/2014
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
3/1/2014
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 2014 Toy Fest West Booths to Visit
The 2014 Toy Fest West show, "The Largest Toy Show in the West," will run March 9th-12th this year in Las Vegas. TDmonthly's reporters will be on the floor scouting out the hottest new toys of the year...
3/1/2014
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 2014 Toy Fest West Toy Report
Our reporters were on the floor of the recent 2014 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas, learning more about toys we love and discovering new products for the year ahead...
3/1/2014
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 2014 Toy Fest West Toy Videos
If you didn't make it to the 2014 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas, you're in luck! TDmonthly Magazine is happy to share with you our Toy Fest West videos...
3/1/2014
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 TDmonthly 2014 Toy Fair Videos
If you didn't make it to the 2014 American International Toy Fair in New York, or if you went to the show and weren't able to see all that you wanted, you're in luck! TDmonthly Magazine is happy to share with you our Toy Fair videos featuring exciting new products from exhibitors at the show...
3/1/2014
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 TDmonthly 2014 Toy Fair Retailer Report
Today is the last day of the 2014 American International Toy Fair, and our retailer reporters have been busy telling us about all of their favorite products on the show floor...
3/1/2014
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 New Trends Are the Talk of Toy Fair 2014!
This year, more than 10,000 buyers from 5,000 retail stores walked the floor of the 2014 American International Toy Fair to see 1,153 exhibitors demonstrating more than 150,000 toys. While it's hard to see every toy on display at the show, by tracking the overall trends one can get a better idea of what products will be hot in 2014...
3/1/2014
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 Top-10 Best-Selling Toys Overall
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling toys in a January 2014 survey, we found that many of the toys mentioned had graced the list before...
2/1/2014
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 February Staff Picks
The new year is here and TDmonthly is excited to share with you some new, eye-catching toys for 2014...
2/1/2014
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 The Latest Video Game Consoles Have Launched – Now What?
With recent console launches, the hardcore gaming fanatics lined up around the block to buy the new shiny gizmos and the majority continued to stay away. If this is the case then not only console sales but also game sales will be affected...
2/1/2014
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 Retailers Report: What we want in 2014
With Toy Fair just around the corner and the holidays behind us, it's time to start looking for new toys to stock store shelves. TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to learn more about the products they're excited to bring in for 2014...
2/1/2014
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the February issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2014
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 Your Local Store Owners Are About to Do Something Extraordinary!
You know your local mom-and-pop toy store has toys and gifts that you can’t find anywhere else. You know that each time you venture into their doors, whether for a playtime event or just to shop for gifts, they have something you’ve never seen before on their shelves. Did you ever wonder how it got there?...
2/1/2014
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 Figpickels Gets Kids to Prove That Specialty Toys ARE Special
As if their annual Holiday Board of Directors Toy Testing event and Birthday Bash weren't enough, Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coer D'Alene, Idaho ran a customer-based TDmonthly toy testing and giveaway, thanks to Schoenhut Piano Company, Hohner, HABA USA and Gymnic (Toy Marketing International)...
2/1/2014
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 111th American International Toy Fair Opens Today in New York City
New York City was transformed into a magical playground this morning when hundreds of thousands of innovative playthings were unveiled at the opening of the 111th American International Toy Fair – the largest toy marketplace ever held in the Western Hemisphere – taking place February 16-19, 2014...
2/1/2014
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 6 Retail Pricing Mistakes to Avoid
Retail pricing mistakes happen when the customer is charged the wrong price. You need to charge a price you can make a profit on. Of course, this means that a retailer must be extremely aware of their pricing strategy to ensure that their pricing is done accurately and in a timely manner...
1/1/2014
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 2014 Hot or Not? Retailers Weigh In
The new year is here, so TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty toy retailers which toys they think are going to be HOT in 2014 - and which are not...
1/1/2014
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 Disney – is Infinity leading the way?
Disney is the largest media conglomerate in the world and its avowed goal is to be a major player in every sphere of endeavor in which it operates. The company is engaged in four distinct Segments and is dominant in three of them. The question is – what about the fourth?...
1/1/2014
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 January Staff Picks
The new year is here, and while you're restocking your shelves after the busy holiday season, TDmonthly is scouting out out the latest and greatest specialty toys...
1/1/2014
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the December issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
1/1/2014
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 Toys to Talk About
These toys didn't make this month's Top-10 Most-Wanted lists, but were mentioned by at least one retailer as being a best-seller...
12/1/2013
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
This month TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers who named the Rainbow Loom as a number one seller yet again...
12/1/2013
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 Big Events Test Toys
Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coer D’Alene, Idaho – two-time winner of TDmonthly’s Charity Giveaway contests – was selected this year for a special thank-you promotional giveaway to reward its customers for supporting specialty toys and toy stores...
12/1/2013
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 Retailing Tips: Keeping the Job Fun
Working in a Toy Store can be rewarding - but exhausting. That's why TDmonthly asked retailers: "What are your top tips for keeping the job fun, even when it can be stressful?"...
12/1/2013
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 December Staff Picks
This month's staff picks include arts and crafts projects, musical toys, and other fun products that will spark kids' imaginations...
12/1/2013
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 Christmas 2013 Hot Toys Unveiled
The holidays are almost here, and TDmonthly Magazine is excited to unveil our picks for the hot toys for Christmas 2013...
12/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the December issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2013
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Big Events Test Toys
Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coer D’Alene, Idaho – two-time winner of TDmonthly’s Charity Giveaway contests – was selected this year for a special thank-you promotional giveaway to reward its customers for supporting specialty toys and toy stores...
11/1/2013
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
The holidays are approaching, and it seems like the Rainbow Loom is poised to be a huge hit this season...
11/1/2013
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 The Role of IP When Growing Your Business by Going Overseas
Whether attracted by the lure of new market potential or reduced production costs, American businesses of all sizes have considered expansion overseas, especially in China. For businesses that rely upon brand recognition, that have know-how or technical advances, or that have a product with a unique appearance, intellectual property is a must to keep copycats and competitors in check...
11/1/2013
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 10 Tips For Increasing Holiday Sales
It can be tricky to navigate the holidays. That's why TDmonthly Magazine asked experienced store owners for their best retail tips for the holidays...
11/1/2013
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 November Staff Picks
This month's Staff Picks features a mix of old and new toys that make great holiday gifts...
11/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the November issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the October issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2013
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 New Emphasis on Tech Toys Helps Classic Companies Stay Relevant
It is well known that the use of computers, smartphones, and tablets is on the rise among kids (according to the NPD Group, more than half of kids ages 2-14 are using some kind of smart device at home). With that in mind, this August classic toy company Lionel (maker of Lionel Trains) rolled out an iPad game called "Lionel Battle Train."...
10/1/2013
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Accenture Predicts 11% Holiday Sales Increase
While ShopperTrack predicted a 2.4 percent increase in sales this holiday season, and the NRF a 3.9 percent increase, Accenture Retail says that holiday shoppers plan on spending 11% more this year than last...
10/1/2013
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Mattel Announces Playground Productions
Variety is reporting that Mattel will begin creating original content for its many brands under new company Playground Productions. This new division will be in charge of all aspects of creating entertainment for the company's brands, across all platforms. Many Mattel brands have already seen success with various animated releases;...
10/1/2013
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Happy Birds: May the Force be With You!
Latest data from The NPD Group, a global information company, reveals Angry Birds Star Wars as the best new toy license in the big five* European toy markets in 2013 so far (year to date July 2013)...
10/1/2013
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 Kaleidoscope Toys Gives Toys to Two Charities
Thanks to Safari Ltd., Infinitoy, Glide Bikes, Terry Myers of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock Texas, Children at Heart Ministries and TDmonthly Magazine, some children who have never experienced a birthday or Christmas will have special gifts this year...
10/1/2013
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 Doll House & Toy Store Get Even More Than They Give
For Sari and Sam Powazek, the husband and wife team who own the fun-loving and always cheerful Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Ariz., one of the purest joys of owning and operating a children’s toy store is knowing how happy and excited children get when they receive a new toy...
10/1/2013
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 October Holiday Preview
There's still time to stock up for the holidays! These specialty toys from a variety of categories - from plush to construction and more - could be the perfect fit for your store...
10/1/2013
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 October Staff Picks
The holidays are approaching, and colder weather is here. That's why this month's staff picks focuses on gift-worthy toys and products that make staying inside a joy, not a pain...
10/1/2013
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 Holiday Merchandising & Sales Tips
Creatively merchandising your store for the holidays can help boost sales, toy merchants and marketing experts told TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2013
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 4 Common Patenting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As is commonly known, patent rights confer a limited monopoly. It affords the patent holder the exclusive right to make, use, sell or offer for sale any patented toy for a period of 20 years from the earliest filing date of the patent...
9/1/2013
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 Toy Advertising – The Differing Perspectives
I have asked two friends of mine – a leading ad agency and a prominent toy manufacturer – to tell me how they each see the same issues. David Becker of Blue Plate Media Services, LLC was kind enough to give me the ad agency perspective, and the CEO of a medium sized toy company (who asked not to be identified) gave me his view held on the same subjects...
9/1/2013
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 7 Tips for Managing Cash Flow in September
Retailers have always been at the mercy of the yearly calendar. As the seasons change, so does the climate of the market, which can mean that your cash flow varies drastically from month to month...
9/1/2013
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 September Holiday Preview
The holidays are right around the corner, and experienced retailers know they need to finalize their buying decisions now...
9/1/2013
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 September Staff Picks
This month's Staff Picks focuses on high play-value specialty toys across several key categories...
9/1/2013
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 Holiday Staffing - 10 Tips for Specialty Stores
What's the best way for specialty stores to boost their sales this holiday season? Stand out from the mass-market competition! This means having high-quality specialty products — but a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable staff is just as important...
9/1/2013
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 Top-5 Most-Wanted Collectibles
In an August 2013 survey, TDmonthly discovered that many specialty retailers just aren't that interested in selling collectible items...
9/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the September issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
9/1/2013
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 Figpickels' Towers of Toys Benefit Multiple Charities
When Brett and Susan Sommers of Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho won TDmonthly's Charity Giveaway contest for the second time, they knew they had to do something different to attract the attention of their local press...
9/1/2013
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in July 2013 about their overall best-selling toys, the top products were arts & crafts activities...
8/1/2013
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles
TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in July 2013 to find out about their best-selling puzzles. RAVENSBURGER was the most popular puzzle manufacturer, followed closely by MELISSA & DOUG...
8/1/2013
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 It’s Not Child’s Play: A Handbook for Toy Inventors
A toy inventor’s path to success today requires hard work, slavish attention to detail, foolhardy tenacity, a bit of luck and above all, an appreciation of the unique market forces that shape the toy industry...
8/1/2013
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 Construction Toys - LEGO vs. Everyone Else
The construction toy category continues on its phenomenal growth path. This is extraordinary because all the other toys – with the exception of the Electronic Learning segment of Preschool – continue to flag...
8/1/2013
|
 August Staff Picks
This month's Staff Picks focuses on new, high-quality arts & crafts products and hands-on kits that could be a good fit for your store...
8/1/2013
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the August issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
8/1/2013
|
 July Staff Picks
This month, the TDmonthly staff took a closer look at high-quality specialty toys, educational kits, and innovative construction toys...
7/1/2013
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the July issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
7/1/2013
|
 2013 ASTRA Videos
TDmonthly Magazine was at the 2013 ASTRA Marketplace taking videos of exciting new toys and games...
7/1/2013
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 Tweens and Toys
There are basically three "toy" stages – Baby, Preschool and Tween. This article will focus on the Tween category – arguably the most important of the three...
7/1/2013
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2013 ASTRA Videos - Page 2
Return to Page 1Go to Page 3Yoga Spinner by Upside Down GamesReading Game by Allsaid & Dunn, LLC5ive Straight by WINNING MOVES GAMESSketch-Foam Print Making Kit by EYE CAN ARTLife On The Farm by WE R FUN</iframe<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Flutterby Faries</b> by <b>SPIN MASTER LTD</b><iframe width="450" height="253" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g3Ri0sW0978" frameborder="0"...
7/1/2013
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 TDmonthly Giveaways Gain Speed
This summer will be extra special for needy kids in Coer d’Alene, Idaho; Sarasota, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona and Round Rock, Texas: Their local toy stores won the TDmonthly Charity Giveaway contest earlier this year and are about to bestow the bounty on local charities and schools...
7/1/2013
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 Retailing Tips - When to Buy for 4th Quarter
The holiday season is the busiest of the year for most retailers. That's why TDmonthly Magazine asked a panel of experience specialty store owners when they start their holiday buying. See their answers, and advice, below...
7/1/2013
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 Schoenhut's Warmth Flows Generously
Strong relationships are at the root of success for Len and Renee Trinca, CEO and President of the 140-year-old Schoenhut Piano Company...
7/1/2013
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2013 ASTRA Preview
When heading to trade shows, it's always best to plan ahead. That's why we've asked select manufacturers to share their ASTRA booth numbers, special offers, and products with our readers...
6/1/2013
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 June Holiday Preview
The holidays are the busiest time of year for most retailers, and planning ahead can help you make the most of this profitable season...
6/1/2013
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 Using Barter to Boost Sales
Toy businesses can utilize barter to boost sales production. It’s easy, it’s smart and it works like a charm...
6/1/2013
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 June Staff Picks
For our June Staff Picks, we chose toys that are perfect for sunny days — or summer storms...
6/1/2013
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 Toys – The Cultural Divide
The large toy manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe do not agree on too many things but they do agree on one point – while the business today is in the U.S. and Europe, the long-term potential is elsewhere...
6/1/2013
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the June issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
6/1/2013
|
 2013 Holiday Toy Preview
The skies are blue, the weather is getting warmer...and savvy retailers know that this means it’s time to start planning for the Holidays...
5/1/2013
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 Retailers Share Anticipated Summer Hits
There's still time to stock up on hot new summer toys, so TDmonthly asked retailers to share which products they think will be best-sellers this season...
5/1/2013
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 May Staff Picks
This month's staff picks include highly rated toys, from bikes to construction toys to furniture. Indoors or outdoors, these toys are sure to please...
5/1/2013
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 The Toy Industry – Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Execunet, which is basically a job board for senior executives, saw a clear improvement in the number of high-level management jobs in the most recent years...
5/1/2013
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the May issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
5/1/2013
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
5/1/2013
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best selling toys in a March 2013 survey, we spotted an ongoing trend: Blue Orange's Spot It! is still the overall best selling product for 25% of retailers surveyed...
4/1/2013
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 April Staff Picks
This month's "Staff Picks" focuses on outdoor toys, now that warmer weather is making its way across the country. But, for those rainy Spring days, we've also included a couple of unique toys that will entertain indoors...
4/1/2013
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 Hot New Toys of 2013
We know that retailers are always looking for the "next big thing" - new products that will be exciting to returning and new customers alike. That's why we asked manufacturers to share with us their 2013 products that they think will make the biggest splash in specialty...
4/1/2013
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the April issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2013
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 ToysRUs - Where are They Going?
There have been three pieces of news about ToysRUs lately – sales slipped both in the U.S. and internationally; the IPO awaited since 2010 has been postponed indefinitely; and Jerry Storch is relinquishing his position as CEO...
4/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
3/1/2013
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 Retailing Tips for Boosting Springtime Sales
Now that the holidays are over, what's the best way to keep customers coming in your doors? We asked a few seasoned retailers to share their top tips for boosting springtime sales...
3/1/2013
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 Top Toy Fair Trends 2013
We have selected the toys below as representative of categories that are expected to do well in the coming year. Take a look and decide which trends would fit best with your store...
3/1/2013
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 March Staff Picks
This month, TDmonthly Magazine decided to take a more in-depth look at the toys we feature in our Staff Picks, so that we can present you with more information about the toys that we think really stand out from the rest of the herd - and why...
3/1/2013
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 Hot New Toys of 2013
Which products will be the Hot New Toys of 2013? Retro and non-electronic toys are expected to be a bit hit this year, according to the Toy Industry Association, which is good news for specialty retailers...
3/1/2013
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 TDmonthly's Charity Promotion Can Make Your Store a Star
We knew we could get news coverage for manufacturers and retailers by running a program that donated almost 2,000 toys worth $60,000+, but even we didn't know how extensive and powerful TDmonthly's 2012: A Year of Charity promotional giveaway program would be for sales...
3/1/2013
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 How is the toy space shaping up for 2013?
few days ago, TDmonthly ran an article "2013 Toy Fair – a Review by Lutz Muller" in which I reported the impressions that five national buyers for very large retail chains, three from the U.S. and two from Europe, took away from Toy Fair. I just now went back and asked them how they saw things shaping up for the leading North American public companies for 2013...
3/1/2013
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 TDmonthly's Toy Fair Videos: Games and General Toys
TDmonthly Magazine was at Toy Fair, scouting out the newest toys and hottest trends of 2013. Our videographer captured these new toys on tape, so that retailers who couldn't visit their booths can still get a taste of what these new toys have to offer...
3/1/2013
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 2013 Toy Fair – a Review by Lutz Muller
This year’s Toy Fair was again a resounding success. I received feedback from three national buyers at large U.S. retailers and from two sent by large European stores. According to them, there was both good news and bad news...
3/1/2013
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 Movies and Toys 2013
Movies are big business. Here are the box office estimates over the past few years...
2/1/2013
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 Q&A with Debbie Sterling, creator of GoldieBlox
Stanford University-educated engineer Debbie Sterling was frustrated by how few women pursued careers in engineering. In a toy store, when she noticed a glaring lack of science and math-based toys made for girls, she knew it was a gap in the toy industry she was destined to fill...
2/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the February issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2013
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 February Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine selected the following toys and games as our Staff Picks. Learn about these top quality toys with high play value below,...
2/1/2013
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 5 Time Management Tips For Retailers
Time management isn’t just for accountants — it’s for everyone. Managers and independent retail owners are pushed and pulled in dozens of ways — it’s the nature of the business...
2/1/2013
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 2013 Promotions to Remember
After the holidays, finding new products for your store needs to be a priority. Below, manufacturers have shared with us some of their newest products, along with ordering specials for TDmonthly readers...
2/1/2013
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 Toy Fair 2013: Booths To Visit
Going to Toy Fair can be overwhelming. That's why TDmonthly Magazine compiled this list of booths you should make time to visit when you're scouting out new products at the 2013 New York International Toy Fair...
2/1/2013
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 TDmonthly Giveaway Blasted Figpickels' Biz to Stratosphere
The skyrocketing business experienced by Brett and Susan Sommer of Figpickels Toy Emporium in Couer D'Alene, Idaho -- one of the winners in the last leg of the Year of Charity giveaway -- by far exceeded any of our wildest hopes for the kind of impact the TDmonthly's 2012: A Year of Charity could have...
2/1/2013
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Schoenhut's Warmth Flows Generously
Strong relationships are at the root of success for Len and Renee Trinca, CEO and President of the 140-year-old Schoenhut Piano Company...
2/1/2013
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 Toy Fair 2013 Toy Videos - DAY 1
Couldn't make it to the 2013 New York International Toy Fair? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine is scouring the show floor and the web for the latest and greatest product at the fair. You can see some videos from the show below...
2/1/2013
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 Toy Fair 2013 Toy Videos - DAY 2
Couldn't make it to the 2013 New York International Toy Fair? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine is scouring the show floor and the web for the latest and greatest product at the fair. You can see some videos from the show below, and stay tuned for TDmonthly's exclusive toy video demos...
2/1/2013
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 Toy Fair 2013 Toy Videos - DAY 3
Couldn't make it to the 2013 New York International Toy Fair? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine is scouring the show floor and the web for the latest and greatest product at the fair. You can see some videos from the show below, and stay tuned for TDmonthly's exclusive toy video demos...
2/1/2013
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 What We Want From Toy Fair 2013
It's important to keep up with the latest products in specialty, and TDmonthly Magazine wanted to find out what new toys retailers are excited to find at Toy Fair and bring into their stores for 2013...
2/1/2013
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 Donated Games Help Santa Teach
TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" educational giveaways sleighed straight into the holiday season as the last of the winning retailers wound up her charity events...
1/1/2013
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 Winning Retailers Extend Holidays
The last winning retailers in TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" promotion — Brett and Susan Sommer of Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, and Tim and Cynthia Holliday of Children's World in Sarasota, Fla. — began their charitable giving just before the holidays, but are stretching it out to last through the new year...
1/1/2013
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the January issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
1/1/2013
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 January Staff Picks
Ring in the new year (and re-stock after the holidays!) with these high-quality specialty toys and games...
1/1/2013
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 TDmonthly Top Toy: Seal of Approval Winners
TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our new recognition program for outstanding toys, the TDmonthly Top Toy: Seal of Approval. Over the course of each year our staff researches thousands of toys. We've selected our favorites from 2012 to be honored in our very first TDmonthly Seal of Approval awards, to share with our 31,700+ unique monthly visitors...
1/1/2013
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 January Toy Fair Preview
The 2013 New York International Toy Fair is just a month away (February 10-13th), and one of the best ways to prepare for the show is to research products and companies you might be interested in visiting before you get to New York...
1/1/2013
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 Toy Companies Give Back!
TDmonthly Magazine loves hearing about how different companies within the Toy Industry are contributing to their communities. That's why we asked toy makers what charities they are involved in, and how they hope their products affect kids...
1/1/2013
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 Toy Fair 2013 - To Go, Or Not To Go?
Going to Toy Fair can require a big investment of time and money from specialty retailers. That's why we asked retailers to share with us the reasons why they attend the annual New York International Toy Fair - or, why they stay home...
1/1/2013
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6 Tips for Finding Hot New Toys
It's the beginning of the new year, and after the holiday season has left your shelves bare, it's important to start thinking about what new toys you want to bring in to your store...
1/1/2013
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 Will Online Shopping Follow the Path of Catalogs?
Considering the huge success of this year's Cyber Monday and Black Friday online sales, I thought it would be interesting to see how the online shopping industry of today compares to the catalog shopping industry of 2001...
1/1/2013
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 The Indian Toy Market – a Growing Giant
Even though entering the Indian toy market for a newcomer will continue to be challenging, there are a number of very positive signs that suggest that such an entry should not be delayed too long...
1/1/2013
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
12/1/2012
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ABC KIDS EXPO, CMBE ASIA AND BPA/ HARROGATE NURSERY FAIR FORGE ALLIANCE
As a result of high level meetings during the 2012 ABC Kids Expo in Louisville, KY, USA, the ABC Kids Expo, Children’s Baby Maternity Expo (CBME) and the Harrogate Nursery Fair/Baby Products Association have formed an alliance of mutual cooperation and reciprocal pavilions in each other’s shows...
12/1/2012
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 Retailers: 7 Tips For a Successful Toy Fair
Toy Fair is one of the biggest events of the year for many retailers – but every one of them has different strategies for making their time at the show a success...
12/1/2012
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 Educational Giveaways Impact Thousands
Part II of TDmonthly’s "2012: A Year of Charity" got more than 1,000 unique educational toys into the hands of teachers and students across the country, thanks to generous donations from Crossen Creations, FindIt Games, b. dazzle inc., PlayMais Canada Inc., Amazing Science!, Moving Picture Books, Education Outdoors, We R Fun Games, Uncle Skunkle and The Spelling Bee Game...
12/1/2012
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Holiday Giveaway Is Ready to Go!
Now that Safari Ltd.® has signed onto the final TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway, we have two returning companies – the other is Schoenhut Piano Company (both took part in this year's first giveaway and Schoenhut did something similar in 2010)...
12/1/2012
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 Holiday Shopping List: Great Gifts for Girls
As busy parents, you don't have time to research toys with the best play-value and quality—especially since most of them are not widely advertised! TDmonthly has compiled a series of alternative holiday shopping lists by age...
12/1/2012
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 Holiday Shopping List: Great Gifts for Boys
As busy parents, you don't have time to research toys with the best play-value and quality—especially since most of them are not widely advertised! TDmonthly has compiled a series of alternative holiday shopping lists by age to take the guesswork out of finding unique, fun toys...
12/1/2012
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 December Staff Picks
Whether you're looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas, or toys to stock your store with once the holiday shopping season is over, TDmonthly's December Staff Picks include high-quality toys and games for kids of all ages...
12/1/2012
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 Toy Fair 2013 Preview - New Exhibitors
It's never too early to start preparing for Toy Fair! That's why TDmonthly Magazine has started our 2013 Toy Fair coverage — we want to help retailers like you get ready for one of the biggest buying events of the year...
12/1/2012
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 Toy Fair 2013 Preview - Returning Exhibitors
To kick off our 2013 Toy Fair coverage, we asked seasoned manufacturers to share with us the products they're most excited about presenting to retailers at the show...
12/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the December issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2012
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 Q & A With Dane Scarborough of Uberstix
TDmonthly Magazine had the chance to interview Dane Scarborough, creator of Uberstix. Below, he shares how he got started, how his product encourages kids to up-cycle, and what sets his product apart from the rest...
12/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the November issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2012
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 5 Tips to Make Your Store a Holiday Success
For most retailers, the 4th quarter and holiday season are when the real money is made. With that in mind, TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty retailers, “What are your top tips for boosting sales and ensuring success during the holiday season?” See their advice...
11/1/2012
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
11/1/2012
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 November Staff Picks
Looking for cool new toys and games for your store? Then check out the high-quality products below, our November staff picks!...
11/1/2012
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: November 2012
TDmonthly interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about their overall best selling toys. From the cute and cuddly Squishables to fun family games like Tenzi, you can see all of the Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys below...
11/1/2012
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ABC Kids Expo 2012 Post Show Report
All Baby & Child Corporation, the non-profit parent corporation of the ABC Kids Expo, announced that nearly 800 manufacturers exhibited in just under 3,000 booth locations at the annual event held last month in Louisville, Kentucky...
11/1/2012
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CEO BRYAN G. STOCKTON NAMED CHAIRMAN OF MATTEL
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), the world's largest toy company, today announced that the Board of Directors has named CEO Bryan G. Stockton, 59, as Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2013...
11/1/2012
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Specialty Retailers Report Black Friday Boost
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Black Friday sales this year raked in an estimated 59.1 billion dollars — and specialty toy store owners were more than happy to take home a piece of the pie...
11/1/2012
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 Watch a Heartwarming Charity Giveaway!
Dan and Jill Driver of Jake's Toy Box in Arvada, Colorado have a unique story — that's why they were chosen as one of the winners of TDmonthly's first "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway...
11/1/2012
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 Winning Retailers Ready to Promote YOUR Toys
For TDmonthly's final "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion, two outstanding specialty toy and education stores have been chosen to distribute the specialty products to their local schools and charities during the holiday season...
11/1/2012
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 Charity Is "Instrumental" to Schoenhut Piano Company
Renee Trinca, President of Schoenhut Piano Company and her husband Len, CEO of Schoenhut, have signed on for a third TDmonthly Charity promotion – the second in 2012. What makes the program so appealing to the Trincas is that it is in perfect alignment with their company's mission and their personal goal to bring the joy of making music to as many people as possible. In her own words, Renee shares her passion for Schoenhut's finely crafted instruments...
11/1/2012
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DISNEY TO ACQUIRE LUCASFILM LTD.
ontinuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas...
10/1/2012
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 FINAL GIVEAWAY CONTEST FOR 2012!
TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce the FINAL leg in its "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion! This time, retailers will compete for the chance to give away toys just in time for the holidays!...
10/1/2012
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FINAL GIVEAWAY CONTEST FOR 2012!
TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce the FINAL leg in its "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion! This time, retailers will compete for the chance to give away toys just in time for the holidays!...
10/1/2012
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Safari Ltd® Supports Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Safari Ltd®, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of award-winning replica collections, is providing free giveaway items throughout October to support local toy stores in honor of Neighborhood Toy Store Day...
10/1/2012
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 Retailers: Get Holiday-Ready with Mystery Shoppers
Have you heard of the runaway success of the burger franchise Five Guys? What's one of the big reasons Five Guys is wildly successful? They send mystery shoppers out twice a week to all locations...
10/1/2012
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 Brand Planning: Protect Your Trademarks and Intellectual Property
Toy manufacturers generally have very large trademark portfolios, which tend to accrete over time. Therefore, it is valuable to take time to view them from 30,000 feet to find out what to prune, what to add, and where to focus marketing energy and dollars...
10/1/2012
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 ToysRUs – 2 Strategic Imperatives + 1 Major Potential Problem
A few weeks ago I said in this space that “ToysRUs has gained market share in the overall U.S. toy space – online and total retail - on a continuous basis since 2009"...This prompted me to look more closely into the factors driving TRU’s product strategy...
10/1/2012
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 Q&A w/ Neil Kay, Creator of Digi-Piggy®
Today's kids are digital natives growing up in a down economy. Cisco Sales Corp, creators of the Digi-Piggy®, recognized the unique need for a product that satisfied the modern child's digital aesthetics, while teaching them the increasingly important skill of saving money...
10/1/2012
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 October Staff Picks
Looking for fun new products for your store? Then check out our October Staff Picks, a selection of fun toys and games for kids that share one thing in common: quality...
10/1/2012
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 Social Media Networks and Toys
Toy executives can be slotted into two groups – those who think that Social Media is a passing fad mainly indulged in by teenagers and of very little commercial value, and those who consider it an absolutely essential tool for building relationships with the total existing and prospective consumer universe...
10/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the October issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2012
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
10/1/2012
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: September 2012
TDmonthly Magazine wants to help you learn about products that are selling well in specialty, in case they could be a good fit for your store. So, this month we interviewed specialty retailers to find out about their overall best selling toys and games...
9/1/2012
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 Avoid Holiday Burnout with these 7 Retailing Tips
With all the demands of retail during the holiday season, including longer hours, employees calling in sick, and dealing with gift returns, it is easy to throw up your hands and become the Grinch. But you can’t let that comfortable old “grinchy” feeling in or it will cost you sales...
9/1/2012
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 The Latin American Toy Market
Marketing executives often look upon the Latin American toy market – comprising of all of South America, Central America and Mexico – as small potatoes when compared to North America and Europe, and it tends to be neglected as a result...
9/1/2012
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 September Staff Picks
Looking for unique, fun toys and games? Then check out our September staff picks, featuring high-quality products for kids of all ages...
9/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the September issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
9/1/2012
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 Little David is Threatening the Dollar Goliaths
In April this year, in this space, I talked about the inexorable advance of the Dollar stores. Well, they continue to do very well indeed, but they now have a new competitor – Five Below Inc...
9/1/2012
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 Regulatory Compliance of Aquatic Toys and Aquatic Equipment
Aquatic toys, life preservers and aquatic equipment are all designed for use in or on the water. To ensure regulatory compliance and thereby consumer safety, manufacturers need to make sure to define their products accordingly...
8/1/2012
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 PlaSmart Inc. Signed as Exclusive North American Distributor for DoodleArt
PlaSmart Inc., a global toy company specializing in fun, innovative and engaging toys that bring families together, has been signed as the exclusive North American distributor for mass and specialty retailers for the well-known colour-it-yourself poster kit brand The Original DoodleArt...
8/1/2012
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 Retail Sales Training: 9 Ways To Improve Your Selling
You’ve probably heard it said of someone, “They could sell (snow, ice, a refrigerator) to an Eskimo,” or something similar to that. But how did they get that way? Is the ability to excel at retail selling an instinctive talent that one has to be born with, that can’t be learned?...
8/1/2012
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 August Staff Picks
Our August Staff Picks include high quality toys and games for kids of all ages...
8/1/2012
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 Holiday Savings: 17 Specialty Gifts Under $15
TDmonthly Magazine believes that specialty toys are essential tools for a happy childhood, helping kids develop various cognitive and interpersonal skills all while having fun. This makes them ideal, thoughtful gifts to carry in your store for the holiday season...
8/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
8/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the August issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
8/1/2012
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18 New Chemicals Targeted for Risk Assessment by US EPA
18 chemicals have been selected for risk assessment during 2013 and 2014, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced. Part of the agency's existing chemicals management program, the Work Plan Chemicals has listed these 18 as stipulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)...
7/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
7/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the July issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
7/1/2012
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 Four Toy-Store Owners to Donate 1,025 Products to Schools!
As a way of taking the sting out of the recession and state budget cuts, four new specialty toy-store owners will have the chance to give away hundreds of toys to their local school systems, Headstart programs, and children's charities via TDmonthly's ''2012: A Year of Charity'' latest giveaway promotion...
7/1/2012
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4 Common Patenting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As is commonly known, patent rights confer a limited monopoly. It affords the patent holder the exclusive right to make, use, sell or offer for sale any patented toy for a period of 20 years from the earliest filing date of the patent...
7/1/2012
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 18 Tips on Creating Killer Retail Window Displays
Visual Merchandising is something many retailers feel challenged by. What to put in the store window? What to put with it? How much merchandise should be in the window? These are great questions to ask yourself. After all, your window is your brand...
7/1/2012
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 July Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine's July Staff Picks feature a wide range of high-quality products — from Puzzles to Dolls and more!...
7/1/2012
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 45 Toy Videos from the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy
Didn't make it to the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine's reporters were on the trade show floor in Baltimore, taking 45 videos of exciting products that you can check out below...
7/1/2012
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 Holiday 2012 Toy Trend Spotting: Save ‘n’ Splurge
Trends identified by Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts at the 109th American International Toy Fair are piping hot this summer and expected to sizzle well into the 2012 holiday shopping season...
7/1/2012
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 LeapFrog Announces LeapPad 2™ And Leapster GS™
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., the leader in educational entertainment, today announced two revolutionary new platforms: LeapPad2, the next generation of the #1 kid’s learning tablet LeapPad™, and LeapsterGS, the ultimate learning video game system...
6/1/2012
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 Diamond Announces Top Comic Book Product Sales For May 2012
The battle between Marvel Comics' top teams reaches the surface of the moon in the publisher's Avengers Vs. X-Men #4, the best-selling comic book to specialty retailers in May 2012, according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors...
6/1/2012
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
6/1/2012
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 Safari Ltd.® Let Imaginations Swim
This year, Safari Ltd.® joined TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" promotion and gave away 50 Wild Safari Sealife Flippers, Fins & Fun gift sets and 50 Frontier Land Safari River Ranch gift sets to three winning specialty toy retailers, who then donated them to their local charities...
6/1/2012
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 Magicforest Balanced Learning With Play
Magicforest Ltd. donated a combined total of 50 Sevi Instrument Sets and Balance Games through TDmonthly’s "2012: A Year of Charity." The company is well known by specialty toy retailers for importing unusual and high-quality toys and games from Europe...
6/1/2012
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 Schoenhut Piano Company Tuned In
Schoenhut Piano Company was thrilled with the outcome of their second big TDmonthly charity giveaway. This year, Schoenhut participated in TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion where specialty retailers vied for the chance to give to their local charities more than 100 high-quality toys and instruments from specialty manufacturers...
6/1/2012
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 Retailing Tips: 5 Keys to Unlocking Your Competition
When I do a business makeover, I invite the owner to visit the competition with me. It can be a little like trying to get a child to want to go to the dentist to get a cavity filled. The stress. The doubting. The excuses. But why? What is there to be afraid of?...
6/1/2012
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 18 Summer Toys for Rainy Days
Kids want to be outside in the summer, but mother nature can be unpredictable. That's why TDmonthly Magazine has compiled this collection of toys that are perfect for parents looking for things to do with kids on rainy days...
6/1/2012
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 June Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine's staff picks for June include new games, eco-friendly arts & crafts items, and wooden toys...
6/1/2012
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 QUO VADIS HASBRO?
Hasbro, the world's second largest toy maker, is encountering very choppy waves. Firstly, the Battleship movie sank without a trace and with it, their latest hope to rescue the Board Games business. Secondly, G I Joe went AWOL into 2013, further weakening their 2012 movie offering. Meanwhile, their preschool business is facing a massively strengthened Fisher Price. What does this all mean for their business this year and in 2013?...
6/1/2012
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 Hasbro Strikes Back: Q&A with Wayne Charness, SVP of Corporate Communications at Hasbro
In light of the recent sharp downturn in Battleship movie audience numbers and the postponement of GI Joe into next year, analyst Lutz Muller decided to dive deeper into Hasbro's prospects for 2012 and beyond — and what he found wasn't pretty. Of course, there are two sides to every story, so Muller reached out to Wayne Charness, senior vice president of corporate communications at Hasbro, to hear his take...
6/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the June issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
6/1/2012
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 Jake's Toy Box Giveaways Create Giant Smiles
Dan Driver, owner of Jake's Toy Box in Arvada, Colorado and one of the winning retailers in TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway contest has an extra reason to smile today...
6/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
5/1/2012
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 Q & A With Mia Galison, President of eeBoo Corp.
Mia Galison, President & Creative Director of eeBoo Corporation, launched her first product while mothering three infants and working a full time publishing job, taking on freelance work at night to raise the capital for her first products...
5/1/2012
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 Q & A With Steven Kay, President of The Orb Factory
Steven Kay, President of The Orb Factory Limited, created his first product to raise money so he could visit his long-distance girlfriend. Rising from those humble beginnings, The Orb Factory now produces award-winning products that are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide...
5/1/2012
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 TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners May 2012
TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for May 2012. TDmonthly has selected four high-quality, innovative specialty toys...
5/1/2012
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 May Staff Picks
TDmonthly's May Staff Picks include new toddler toys, new specialty toys, eco-friendly toys, and more...
5/1/2012
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Connect With Your Customers on Pinterest
Pinterest, the new social networking site that is easy to use and easy on the eyes, is quickly becoming a common marketing tool for companies looking to reach women and Moms...
5/1/2012
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 Retailers! You Can Give 100+ Specialty Toys to Your Local Schools!
TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" promotional program is ready for its next round! This time, Retailers, you'll be competing to give away 100+ top-quality educational toys to your local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Already, eight terrific manufacturers have signed up: b. dazzle, inc., FIND IT GAMES, EDUCATION OUTDOORS, MOVING PICTURE BOOKS, CROSSEN CREATIONS, AMAZING SCIENCE DVDs, UNCLE SKUNKLE and now PLAYMAIS!...
5/1/2012
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 Amazon: E-book Pricing, Sales Tax, and Growth
An Amazon is defined as a tall, aggressive, strong-willed woman. This aptly describes the company of the same name. There is little doubt about its size. With an estimated $65 billion in sales this year, Amazon is expected to be in the top 40 of Fortune’s 500 largest American Companies this year...
5/1/2012
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 Kazoo Toys' Donations Thrilled Kids and Families
To get incredible toys from Hape, Safari Ltd., Schoenhut Piano Company,and Magicforest Ltd. straight into the hands of needy kids, Diana Nelson of Kazoo Toys in Denver timed her donations with events her charities had already planned...
5/1/2012
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 Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, the front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments. That may not be unusual for a toy store, but the stacks of toys donated by Schoenhut Piano Company, Hape, Safari Ltd., and Magicforest Ltd. were being given away to two local children's charities, Devereaux House and The Crisis Center, as part of TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway event...
5/1/2012
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Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, The front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments. That may not be unusual for a toy store, but the stacks of toys donated by Schoenhut Piano Company, Hape International, Safari Ltd., and Magicforest Ltd. were being given away to two local children's charities, Devereaux House and The Crisis Center, as part of TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway event...
5/1/2012
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Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, The front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments...
5/1/2012
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Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, The front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments...
5/1/2012
|
Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, The front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments...
5/1/2012
|
Doll House & Toy Store Finds Far-Reaching Charities
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 2:00 pm, The front of The Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Arizona was piled high with boxes of incredible, high-quality specialty toys and children's instruments...
5/1/2012
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 Travel Toys
Family vacations can be a blast - but getting there is another story entirely! Keep kids occupied and happy while traveling with these mass-market and specialty travel toys and games...
5/1/2012
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 Kazoo & Company Plays it Big
When Diana Nelson heard about TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway event, it immediately resonated with her...
4/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
4/1/2012
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 Retailing Tips: Handling Rowdy Kids
Excited children are an everyday component of operating a specialty toy store, but occasionally a child goes out of control — becoming dangerous to a business and its profit margin...
4/1/2012
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 Jake's Toy Box Provides for All
When we announced "TDmonthly's 2012: A Year of Charity" event, Holley Anver, manager of the former Ages and Stages toy store, now owned by Dan and Jill Driver and renamed Jake's Toy Box, was one of the first to enter...
4/1/2012
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 Top-5 Overall Best Selling Toys
Each month, TDmonthly brings you categorical Top-10 lists so you can keep track of what's selling well in specialty. In order not to miss out on the hot sellers that aren't in this month's categories, TDmonthly interviewed retailers to find out what their overall best selling products were...
4/1/2012
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 April Staff Picks
Learning games for preschoolers, funky arts & crafts, and affordable die-cast items, along with other interesting high-quality toys, made this month's Staff Picks...
4/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the April issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2012
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 The Dollar Stores –a factor in toys?
The three Dollar Store chains in the United States are becoming an increasingly important factor in the toy space, against a backdrop of stagnating toy sales and a dismal economy...
4/1/2012
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 Designing and Submitting Toy Inventions
I once pitched an idea for a wearable racetrack to a toy company. I thought it would be a great fit. It wasn’t. Turns out the product wasn’t themed correctly and the cost was too high. Luckily, I was able to talk with the manufacturer and redesign and simplify the product, and then execute a viable idea for the company that would fit...
4/1/2012
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 Get Ready For the Holidays - Now!
At Toy Fair, manufacturers showcase their latest, hottest products, many of which won't be released till Fall, just in time for the holidays. But when do retailers really start ordering?...
3/1/2012
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
3/1/2012
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Games
There were a lot of familiar titles mentioned in this month's Top-10 Most-Wanted Games...
3/1/2012
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 March Staff Picks
Looking for high-quality, well designed toys? Search no further...
3/1/2012
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 Optimism, Innovation Characterize 2012 New York Toy Fair
Didn't make it to Toy Fair? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine kept track of the latest Toy Industry news during the 2012 New York International Toy Fair and closely monitored the hot new trends being spotted on the floor of the Javits Center...
3/1/2012
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
3/1/2012
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 THQ – Digital Gaming's First Victim?
January was another terrible month for video games in the United States, at least at retail, confirming that not only will all future growth in the video game software space going to be in the digital area, but that retail sales of software, hardware and accessories will in fact decline...
3/1/2012
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 News from The NPD Group - The Hottest New Things for Kids
Following are the results from The NPD Kids Industry Data Service (KIDS) survey that was fielded for four weeks in February 2012 in response to the unaided, open-end question: , "What would the kids you know say is the hottest new thing these days?"...
3/1/2012
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 New York Toy Fair 2012 - New Boys Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine asked our reporters to find the most exciting new products for boys at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, they delivered...
3/1/2012
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 Q&A with Scott Jochim, Creator of Popar Toys
Imagine reading a book about bugs...then seeing one spring to life from the pages of the book itself. Popar Toys is using Augmented Reality to help kids experience just that...
2/1/2012
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: Selling Too Much
The pure, anecdotal sales pitch is dead, and few observers are mourning its passing. Have you noticed how difficult it is for anyone with the word “sales” in his or her title to get a simple appointment?...
2/1/2012
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 Sustainability and Toys
Environmental technology is one of the most important movers of the 21st century. But today too little is being done by us in the toy industry...
2/1/2012
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 US Toy Retail Sales Generate $21.18 Bil in 2011
According to leading market research company, The NPD Group, U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.18 billion in 2011 compared to $21.68 billion in 2010, a decline of 2 percent...
2/1/2012
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 Q&A With Dax Logue, Creator of Sqwishland LLC
Entering or leaving a toy store can provide an unbearable temptation for children - there, at the entrance, several small machines dispense candy, stickers, and even small toys, all at kid-friendly prices...
2/1/2012
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 Retailers Speak: 2012's Hot New Toys
It's the New Year, and there is one question on everyone's mind - what will be the hot toy of 2012? TDmonthly had the opportunity to ask retailers what toys they want to bring into their store the most, and how they go about hunting for the best new products...
2/1/2012
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 February Staff Picks
Parents won't have to worry about losing their marbles with Boikido's Wooden Marble Game to keep kids occupied. See this and the other TDmonthly Magazine Staff Picks — new toys we're suggesting for specialty stores — inside...
2/1/2012
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 Schoenhut® Stays In Tune With Children’s Needs
Because charitable giving continues to be a top priority for Schoenhut’s owners, Len and Renee Trinca, this year they wanted to give again and were the second company to sign up to TDmonthly’s new “2012: A Year of Charity” program...
2/1/2012
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 Realism and Altruism Fuel Safari Ltd.®
Safari Ltd. creates astonishing replicas of Nature’s most fascinating and beautiful creatures by hiring expert sculptors with acute observational powers...
2/1/2012
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the February issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2012
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 Toy Fair Preview - Manufacturers' Anticipated Hits
Whether you're looking for new toys from your favorite company, or searching for up-and-comers with the next big thing, doing research for Toy Fair ahead of time with TDmonthly's Toy Fair Previews can help your quest go smoothly...
2/1/2012
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 How to Demo Your Toy on Video
If you've signed up for a TDmonthly Magazine Toy Video demonstration at Toy Fair 2012, there's no need for a script and no need to be nervous!...
2/1/2012
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 Hape Makes the World a Family
Multi-award winning Hape began in 1986 as Hape GmbH, which sold educational wooden toys directly into German kindergartens...
2/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
2/1/2012
|
 2012 Toy Movie Scene – Will it Differ from 2011?
Are the factors that caused a 5.3% drop in movie attendance going to repeat themselves in 2012? Given the incredible importance of films for the toy industry, it is important that we ask ourselves this question now...
1/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
1/1/2012
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 Q&A With Blake English, Inventor of Air Swimmers
When TDmonthly saw the Air Swimmers at Toy Fair 2011 in New York they were already generating a buzz. Now, nearly a year later, Air Swimmers inventor Blake English has won the Rising Star Inventor of the Year TAGIE Award...
1/1/2012
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 Four Ways to Boost Employee Morale
In the current economy, some of your best employees may be working out of necessity, not passion. How can you keep them motivated and enthusiastic about their daily tasks?...
1/1/2012
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 January Staff Picks
As Toy Fair approaches, new products keep rolling in! You can see TDmonthly's staff picks below...
1/1/2012
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the January issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
1/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
12/1/2011
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 Holiday Shopping List for Boys
Tired of TV toys that break the next day? TDmonthly has compiled a series of alternative holiday shopping lists by age to take the guesswork out of finding unique, fun toys that let your little boy really play...
12/1/2011
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 Holiday Shopping List for All Kids
You want to be sure each of your holiday dollars is well spent. Following are tried and tested toys that appeal to both girls and boys of every age...
12/1/2011
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 Holiday Shopping List for Babies
TDmonthly has compiled a shopping list to make finding that perfect gift for Baby just a little easier this holiday season...
12/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Aircraft and Flying Toys
When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in November of 2011 about their top selling flying toys and aircraft, the answers varied from simple balsa wood gliders to the explosive Stomp Rocket...
12/1/2011
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 Exhibitor Tips: Maximize Your Toy Fair ROI
Exhibiting at the American International Toy Fair can be overwhelming ... and expensive! TDmonthly Magazine's videos and articles can help prepare you and even show you what it's like. Here's what one newbie vendor told us...
12/1/2011
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 Toy Manufacturing Costs are Rising – what are the choices?
I predicted earlier this year that toys produced in China were going to be more expensive this year, and I said in the August issue of this magazine that overall, including the effect of the rising Renminbi, the increase would be in the neighborhood of 20%...
12/1/2011
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 Robert Eckert Retires as Mattel CEO
Mattel, Inc., the world's largest toy company, today announced that Robert A. Eckert, 57, has informed the Board of Directors of his decision to retire as chief executive officer...
11/1/2011
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 Serious Falls Continue from Bumbo Baby Seats
Due to the serious risk of injury to babies, CPSC and Bumbo International Trust of South Africa ("Bumbo International") are urging parents and caregivers to never place Bumbo Baby Seats on tables, countertops, chairs...
11/1/2011
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Holiday Merchandising & Sales Tips
Creatively merchandising your store for the holidays can help boost sales, toy merchants and marketing experts told TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2011
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 Sea Change in Toy Land - Mattel Acquires HIT
The announcement that Mattel had bought HIT Entertainment came as a major surprise to many, and was a very ominous piece of news to a number of Mattel’s competitors...
11/1/2011
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
11/1/2011
|
 November Staff Picks
From technological innovation to deceptive simplicity, November's staff picks offer something for everyone...
11/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the November issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2011
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
10/1/2011
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 Retailing Tips: Storing Holiday Inventory
One of the biggest challenges of managing a retail store during the holidays isn't deciding what to order — it's finding somewhere to put the merchandise once it's delivered...
10/1/2011
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 It's Unanimous: Manufacturers Say ABC Expo Is Essential
The ABC Kids Expo commenced in Louisville, Ky. September 23-26. TDmonthly was there to take videos of exciting new products, and we got to speak with manufacturers about what they thought about this year's show...
10/1/2011
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 The Shrinking Toy Space
There are increasing indications that U.S. retail, particularly the super store chains [Wal-Mart, Target, and ToysRUs], are engaged in an ongoing process designed to reduce the retail space devoted to toys...
10/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Items
When TDmonthly asked retailers about their best selling novelty items in a September 2011 survey, they listed everything from portable Pocket Volcanoes to a toy Broom and Dustpan...
10/1/2011
|
 Are You Really Ready For PR? Part 1
Many toy or game companies see others using public relations successfully, whether they are companies with a full-time, in-house employee managing their PR, working with an outside PR agency or freelancer, or both...
10/1/2011
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 October Staff Picks
Our October Staff Picks are Mmm Mmm Good, including the new Campbell Soup Alphabet Dice Game from TDC GAMES INC...
10/1/2011
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the October issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectibles
When TDmonthly interviewed 14 retailers about their best-selling collectibles in Summer 2011 five named dolls from Alexander Doll Co. (Madame Alexander) as their best-sellers...
9/1/2011
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 Giving Feedback to Your Retail Employees
Creating a culture of exceptional experiences for customers can happen only when we give exceptional thought to how we give feedback and train our employees...
9/1/2011
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
9/1/2011
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 September Staff Picks
The TDmonthly staff has been on the lookout for the most promising, interesting, and innovative new toys...
9/1/2011
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 Top-7 Most-Wanted Action Figures
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers for a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling action figures, four out of the 14 said that figurines from Papo were their best-sellers...
9/1/2011
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
8/1/2011
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 U.S. Toy Market Outlook 2011
The two weeks leading up to Easter this year had been better for toys than the national buyers had expected and this led them to believe that this was a harbinger of things to come...
8/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed 12 retailers about their best-selling puzzles in Summer 2011, items from Melissa & Doug and Ravensburger were far and away the favorites...
8/1/2011
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 What Makes a Toy Educational?
Do “educational toys” actually deliver what they promise? A psychologist slices through the hype and offers words of wisdom for the discerning parent...
8/1/2011
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 Top-10 Must-Have Toys
Lots of toys come and go, but these toys have remained on our Top-10 lists for years...
8/1/2011
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 August Staff Picks
August's Staff Picks feature a wide variety of items, including the affordable Venomous Creatures Toob from SAFARI LTD and "What She Said!" from SHAINSWARE, an innovative bracelet making game for tweens...
8/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the August issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
8/1/2011
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
7/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets
When TDmonthly interviewed 15 retailers about their best-selling Plush and Puppets in late Spring 2011, more than half of respondents said animal puppets from Folkmanis were their best-sellers...
7/1/2011
|
 Expert Advice For Specialty Retailers
When you're busy managing employees, ordering product, dealing with toy reps, traveling to trade shows, keeping track of inventory, updating your web site and otherwise being swamped by the million tasks that accumulate each day when running your business, you sometimes don't have the personal resources to deal with yet another problem...
7/1/2011
|
 July Staff Picks
We've been sorting through our recent product submissions to find the best, high-quality, and innovative products to share in our July staff picks...
7/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the July issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
7/1/2011
|
 The Ups and Downs of LeapFrog
Leapfrog has had its ups and downs since the company was founded in 1995, and it appears they on their way up again- but are they really?...
6/1/2011
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 Get Online Before It's Too Late
Customers searching for a nearby toy store more likely turn to Google, Yahoo or Bing than the phone book, so if you're not on the web, you're losing foot traffic as well as online sales...
6/1/2011
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 How Survivor Guilt Prevents Sales
Survivor’s guilt plays out by projecting our worries onto our customers. It’s like the salesperson adopts a losers limp. On an irrational level, these individuals wince at their privileged escape from death’s clutches or worry they are next...
6/1/2011
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 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Preview
ASTRA's Marketplace & Academy is taking place June 19-22 in Anaheim, Calif., and TDmonthly Magazine tracked down specialty retailers who had previously attended to find out why it's an event not to be missed...
6/1/2011
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 June Staff Picks Part I
TDmonthly searched high and low to find these exciting products to share with you in our first installment staff picks...
6/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed 12 retailers around the country about their best-selling construction toys in Spring 2011, building sets from LEGO topped most lists...
6/1/2011
|
 June Staff Picks Part III
The 13 products showcased in this third installment of June Staff Picks include cooperative games, talking monkeys, and more...
6/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
In late Spring 2011, TDmonthly interviewed 12 retailers about their best-selling licensed toys. There was one property that was mentioned almost across the board: Star Wars...
6/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the June issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
6/1/2011
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Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated daily...
6/1/2011
|
 ASTRA Preview: New Companies
Check out products from some of the newer companies who will be exhibiting at this year's ASTRA Marketplace & Academy...
6/1/2011
|
 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated daily...
5/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine asked retailers what their best-selling bath toys were, 11 of the 12 surveyed mentioned products by ALEX-PANLINE USA INC...
5/1/2011
|
 Manage Your Time, Part II: Preparation & Vacation
One of the prime reasons to take time to organize is so that you'll avoid some of the costliest mistakes of running a toy store: over-ordering, under-ordering and ordering too late or too early...
5/1/2011
|
 How to Create a Commission Structure That Motivates
I believe in commissioning sales. Whether that means employees get an hourly rate and a % of sales they make like Sandy, a bonus at the end of the month or a chance to win at trip. Call it what you want but the best bosses share the wealth, not hoard it...
5/1/2011
|
 The Hub Channel And Its Competitors
The Hub Channel is a very interesting new venture from the side of Hasbro and very much inline with their strategy to reach the consumer directly- their fourth link after video games, movies, and their own website...
5/1/2011
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 May Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine's May Staff Picks brings you new toys from the WTHRA show and beyond...
5/1/2011
|
 How to Turn Motherhood Into Money
Added to the challenges of parenthood are the myriad small problems that complicate your daily routine. Some moms turn those problems into solutions and the solutions into products...
5/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the May issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
5/1/2011
|
 Toys in the News: 05-27-11
Disney Interactive Studios is developing Disney Universe, a multiplayer action adventure game, for PlayStation3, Xbox 360, Wii and Windows PC/MAC...
5/1/2011
|
 The Worst Advice Ever ...
Opening and running a small business not only creates anxiety in the proprietors, but in family, friends and total strangers. Sometimes, this superfluity of emotion erupts in well-meant advice that doesn't really do anyone any good...
4/1/2011
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Outdoor Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine quizzed 15 specialty retailers about their best-selling outdoor toys, the results were clear...
4/1/2011
|
 Top-10 New Toys at the WTHRA Show
The WTHRA Show in Long Beach this year was marked by innovation. From plastic potato-chip-shaped pieces that can be used to build kickable balls and sets of armor to a dollhouse that folds into a small cardboard box to a doll that mimics parents...
4/1/2011
|
 Toy Fair Wrap-Up
TDmonthly's seasoned toy experts were on the floor at Toy Fair 2011, and on the lookout for the latest trends, hottest toys, and intriguing newcomers...
4/1/2011
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 Toy Fair 2011 Top Trends
TDmonthly Magazine's toy experts went to the American International Toy Fair to scope out the year's hottest trends...
4/1/2011
|
 Let's Get Physical
Some speculated that the number of toys encouraging movement and outdoor fun were a result of Michelle Obama's “Let's Move” campaign...
4/1/2011
|
 Mass-Market Madness
Every year there are mass-market manufacturers who put out toys that get lots of attention, even before Toy Fair...
4/1/2011
|
 Specialty Standouts
Of course the mainstream, mass-market toys caught a lot of buzz at Toy Fair in New York. But what about the little guys?...
4/1/2011
|
 Toy Fair And The Year Ahead
This year, several specialty items caught attendees' attention by the merits of their design and execution alone...
4/1/2011
|
 Want to Find a Good Retail Location? Check the Trash
If you want to open a retail business because you, “think it will be fun,” “want something to do,” or feel a need for “a change,” don’t do it. It would be like going into a bar at closing time, finding the worst possible person for you and then marrying them. If you think a divorce could be messy, wait until you see what happens to get out of a five or ten-year lease...
4/1/2011
|
 April Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine's April Staff Picks is full of unique finds. Use mosaics to create fun toy crowns— for boys— with Sticky Mosaics Crowns of Kings. Get a much closer look at nature with the MicroViewer 200x, or snuggle up with the self-assured Squaredy Cats from Gund...
4/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the April issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2011
|
 Toys in the News: 04-29-11
The Encore Group, currently holder of the license to use the Russ Berrie brand name, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy...
4/1/2011
|
 WTHRA Coverage
TDmonthly Magazine will be traveling to Long Beach later this month to cover the Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association trade show...
3/1/2011
|
 How to Pick a Winner
Learn a strategy for determining whether a game will be fun enough and involving enough to keep your customers' interest. Find out how hit movies can affect toy sales...
3/1/2011
|
 Stay Ahead of the Holidays
Since the Christmas holiday season is the busiest of the year for toy-store owners, how you handle it can make or break your year...
3/1/2011
|
 Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys
In early 2011, TDmonthly Magazine's regional correspondents spoke with 12 specialty toy retailers from around the country about their best-selling wooden products...
3/1/2011
|
 How to Spot a Bully
All of us who are parents believe that our child, who is sweet and lovable at home, behaves and shows the utmost respect while at school...
3/1/2011
|
 Toy Videos From Toy Fair 2011
Watch new videos of games from Buffalo Games, Silly Slapz from Silly Bandz, RC toys from Wild Creations and more...
3/1/2011
|
 March Staff Picks
Bring the carnival to your backyard with the new Cycle Fly'r, teach kids about animal rescue with a game from Petsapalooza, or use one of six trillion card combinations to create a story with The Storymatic...
3/1/2011
|
 Top New Specialty Tech Toys at Toy Fair
Although specialty toy manufacturers and retailers are devoted to products that stimulate learning and imagination through active rather than passive play, some companies were able to integrate these trends into their low-tech concepts...
3/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
3/1/2011
|
Toy Fair Coverage 2011
Visit our Blog for Exclusive Daily Videos and Pictures of the Hottest Toys of Toy Fair...
3/1/2011
|
 Avoid Redundancy in Your Toy Store
For a retailer, redundancy is costly – that’s your money sitting there! How many redundant products do you have on your shelf?...
3/1/2011
|
 Top-10 Toys at Toy Fair 2011
Out of the thousands of toys presented by more than 1,000 exhibitors at the American International Toy Fair in New York, several hotly anticipated toys have emerged into the media spotlight...
3/1/2011
|
 Top-10 Girls Toys at Toy Fair 2011
Over 1,000 exhibitors showed their products at the American International Toy Fair in New York this week- these toys for girls were the standouts...
3/1/2011
|
 Top-10 Boy Toys at Toy Fair 2011
One of the most prevalent trends this year at the American International Toy Fair in New York was the huge amount of movie-tie ins. This seemed to be especially true of the most talked about boys' toys...
3/1/2011
|
 2011: The Year of Social Toys
In an exclusive video interview with TDmonthly Magazine, Reyne Rice, Toy Trend Specialist for the TIA, confirmed early suspicions that 2011 is the year of the app...
3/1/2011
|
 Most Anticipated Toys of 2011
When TDmonthly’s regional correspondents asked 14 specialty toy retailers what toys they most anticipated for 2011, three mentioned Perplexus by Plasmart...
2/1/2011
|
 Toy Fair Videos!
Whether you made it to Toy Fair or not, TDmonthly is coming back with dozens of videos of the latest and greatest toys for you to peruse...
2/1/2011
|
 How to Make Your Store Special
While sex appeal may seem out of place in a toy store, most paying customers and staff are adults and are at least subliminally aware of some sort of attraction...
2/1/2011
|
 A Taste of Toy Fair
Get ready for Toy Fair 2011 by acquainting yourself with some of the newest companies and products...
2/1/2011
|
 February Staff Picks
Leave a new personalized message every day in your child's lunchbox with Princess Linens' Doodlebugz Crayola Chalkboard Lunchbox, customize classic board games from I Built It Games, and create music with instruments by Zither Heaven made from sustainable wood...
2/1/2011
|
 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the February issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2011
|
 Disney and Warner – who is winning?
In September 2009, just after the acquisition of Marvel by Disney, I suggested that this acquisition was a defensive move from the side of Disney because they saw Time Warner encroaching upon their territory. Where are the two companies now, 16 months later?...
2/1/2011
|
 Toy Market 4Q and 2011
The toy space in the fourth quarter 2010 was an interesting place. One upside factor was online toy sales which, to judge what I hear from friends in the industry, were up by some 10%...
1/1/2011
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 January Staff Picks
Kids construct a fun day with new LaQ Zodiac Collection and Nanodots magnetic constructors...
1/1/2011
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 What We Want From Toy Fair
When TDmonthly Magazine's regional correspondents first surveyed retailers across the country about their Toy Fair plans in 2006, roughly half said they were planning to brave potential blizzard in their quest to find something new and different...
1/1/2011
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 Innovations of 2010
According to 16 specialty toy store owners during 4Q 2010 by TDmonthly Magazine, the most notable trend last year was a move away from innovation and technology toward simplicity and value...
1/1/2011
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 Top Halloween Gifts
Of 23 specialty retailers interviewed by TDmonthly Magazine's regional correspondents about their top-selling Halloween items, only 14 saw sales that were specific to that holiday...
1/1/2011
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the January issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
1/1/2011
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 Keep Cash Flowing Freely
Poorly managed cash flow and inventory can suck a store under, especially when business slumps...
1/1/2011
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 How to Buy at a Trade Show
Information is power. Lew Platt, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, once famously said: “If HP knew what HP knows, we would be three times as profitable!” Information is all around us but the trick is, what to do with it...
1/1/2011
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 Get Ready for Xmas!
You haven't even replenished your shelves from the 2010 holidays yet, but it's not too soon to start planning for 4Q 2011...
1/1/2011
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 Toy Fair at Your Door
Whether you're braving the NYC cold or staying home this year, TDmonthly Magazine will bring Toy Fair to you once again via our on-site video coverage...
1/1/2011
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 Price High, Sell More
The trick to pricing isn't to find the lowest price, but to find the price the excites the customer. From perceived bargains to perceived quality, it's all a matter of psychology and numbers...
1/1/2011
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 How to Hook Your Customers
It's wonderful when a new customer walks in your door. But how do you make sure he or she returns...
1/1/2011
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 Set Your Store Apart
With all the online toy stores competing for your customers' dollars, it's more essential than ever that your brick-and-mortar presence be unforgettable...
1/1/2011
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 The House Jakks Built - Sequel
Eighteen months ago I wrote an article in this space on "The House that Jakks built". I then postulated that Jakks had two major skills...
12/1/2010
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the December issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2010
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 What You Miss By Missing Toy Fair
Thinking about saving a few bucks and staying home in February? January's TDmonthly Magazine will SHOW you why that decision might not be financially wise...
12/1/2010
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 December Staff Picks
New craft kits allow kids to batik their own shirts and bake their own cups...
12/1/2010
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 How to Organize Your Workspace
We often get questions about personal work areas: “What is the best way to organize a desk space, bookshelves, and my whole office? What special gadgets or tools can help me organize the work most efficiently?...
12/1/2010
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 Ostriches Never Win
Remember how Kirstie Alley famously lost weight the same time as Valery Bertinelli in 2007? Valerie has kept the weight off, Kirstie has put on more than ever...
12/1/2010
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 How to Have the Hottest Holiday Toys
While parents battle each other over the last Lalaloopsy doll at the big-box store, or fill their pockets with Squinkies, you can offer simliar items to moms and dads on a search for something just a little different...
12/1/2010
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the November issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2010
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 How to Manage Your Time in Three-D
For many years I have been teaching about the horizontal and vertical aspects of productivity. “Horizontal” represents the ability to quiet distractions and maintain a complete and total inventory of things to do across the whole spectrum of our day-to-day engagements...
11/1/2010
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 November Staff Picks
MAYFAIR GAMES INC celebrates the 15th anniversary of it's award winning Settlers of Catan while Silly Bandz spooks its fan with a Halloween pack...
11/1/2010
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 Summary of Online Toy Reviews
Our Review Scout scours the Web weekly for reviews of new and hot products so you don’t have to spend your time searching...
11/1/2010
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What's HOT: Toys That Draw the Masses
What are the most buzzed-about toys right now? Online sales show Squinkies from Blip Toys and Sing-a-ma-Jigs from Fisher Price to be the hottest...
10/1/2010
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 TDmonthly Goes Inside ... Kazoodles, Vancouver, WA
Bob and Mary Sisson had to drive all the way from Vancouver, Wash., to Portland, Ore., to buy toys for their grandchildren because there were no quality toy stores in their hometown. That's when they had an epiphany:...
10/1/2010
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 Summary of Online Toy Reviews
Our Review Scout scours the Web weekly for reviews of new and hot products so you don’t have to spend your time searching...
10/1/2010
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 Will Thomas the Train Rescue Mega Brands?
Mega Brands has for the first time in years had two consecutive growth quarters in their toy sector. This comes after a grim struggle to get out of the hole dug by their RoseArt acquisition back in 2005 and the subsequent recalls of Magnetix...
10/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 10-29-10
Using the glowing blue and black color scheme from the movie, Disney's new Tron toys include headphones, a mouse, a keyboard, Xbox and Wii controllers, a pen set and an iPod dock surrounded by a glowing blue disc...
10/1/2010
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries from the October issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2010
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 Stop Micro-Managing Your Mind
One of the greatest traps in growing a business is also a pitfall for self management: if you don’t trust your system, you can’t let go of operational details and you’ll limit your ability to create at a bigger level...
10/1/2010
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 October Staff Picks
Aurora World Inc. adds a Halloween twist to its much-loved YooHoo & Friends line, and O.B. Designs rolls out a whimsical plush carryall...
10/1/2010
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 How Groupons Can Bust Your Business
Just because millions of merchants have fallen under the spell of Groupon, a PR juggernaut, and their like, it doesn’t mean you should. It’s a killer alright, a profit-killer...
10/1/2010
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 Design a Buying Space, Part II: Be Buyer Friendly
Though you may want to cram your store full of wonderful products and ingenious displays, Tom Moseman of Envirosell, Inc. — a company that videotapes shoppers to see what they buy or avoid and why — said customers want to be able to find a product quickly and be on their way...
10/1/2010
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 Design a Buying Space, Part III: Analysis
When analyzing your sales per square foot, you can try comparing it to equivalent stores to evaluate your success. Jonathan Brandow, principal of BizMiner, an industry reporting agency, recommends requesting 10K reports from the Securities Exchange Commission on publicly traded toy stores...
10/1/2010
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 How to Handle a Man
Men buy differently than women. For one thing, they're apt to wait until the last week before the holidays before they get serious and show up in your store...
10/1/2010
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys and Games
Toy sales are experiencing a radical shift as summer turns to fall, an August 2010 survey of 43 specialty retailers revealed...
9/1/2010
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 What's HOT: Toys That Draw the Masses
What are the hottest toys on the market? Online sales reveal that Vtech, Baby Einstein, Munchkin and Manhattan Toy are among the most sought-after brands...
9/1/2010
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 Don't Sabotage Your Business With Busy-ness
Recently while coaching a leader, I discovered another level of the busy trap — the syndrome: “If I can just do something that feels like I’m working with focus, I don’t have to deal with the angst about all the other stuff I should be doing.”...
9/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 9-29-10
Chorion has introduced a new Little Miss character, Little Miss Princess, in honor of the Mr. Men and Little Miss brands' 40th anniversary in 2011...
9/1/2010
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 Design a Buying Space
In the October issue of TDmonthly Magazine, experts in retail flow, fixture design and even feng shui will help you learn about how a retail environment can make customers buy more...
9/1/2010
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 Summary of Online Toy Reviews
Review Scout scours the Web weekly for reviews of new and hot products so you don’t have to spend your time searching...
9/1/2010
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 My Best Sellers: Figpickels Toy Emporium
At Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “please don’t touch” is never part of the vocabulary. Customers are encouraged to play with toys and shoot each other with rubber band guns...
9/1/2010
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 Watch Toy Videos of the Day (9/1/10 - 9/10/10)
We want you to see the toys we see, so you can determine if they're right for your store! Check this space every weekday to see brief video clips of new and specialty products...
9/1/2010
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 August Staff Picks
Mishidesign transforms play with an adaptable wooden baby walker that later converts to a ride-on and even a trolley for older children's playtime...
8/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 8-30-10
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Claire's are teaming to launch an exclusive "Glee"-inspired jewelry collection...
8/1/2010
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 What's HOT: Toys That Draw the Masses
Want to know the hottest toys out there? Online buying activity reveals that Silly Bandz from BCP Imports, LeapFrog, LEGO and Melissa & Doug are among the most popular playthings...
8/1/2010
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Experience Comic-Con 2010 — on Video!
Comic-Con 2010 was filled with fun characters, new exhibitors and Hollywood celebs — "Twlight" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg and indy animator Bill Plympton — sharing their plans with attendees. TDmonthly Magazine's video crew was there, too, to bring you back a taste of the show...
8/1/2010
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 WATCH VIDEOS: ASTRA Marketplace 2010
Equating Rhode Island's "intimate setting, and its celebration of self-determination and reinvention" with the specialty toy market's top qualities, organizers at ASTRA chose the smallest state to host their biggest event...
7/1/2010
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 Mayfair Games Plays to Hobbyists and Families
The world’s largest publisher of railroad games is building a bridge between families and hobby gamers. Mayfair Games hopes to make titles such as Hey, That's My Fish appeal to both uber-gamers and...
7/1/2010
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 Place an Order, Get a Rebate!
The 4th-quarter rush is coming! Throughout the month of August, multiple vendors will be presented as an extension of TOYDIRECTORY and TDmonthly Magazine's new Retailer Rebate Program...
7/1/2010
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 Steps to the Next Great Idea
In the August issue of TDmonthly Magazine, toy designer Peter Wachtel, who's created playthings for Hasbro, Mattel and MGA Entertainment, shares the ins and outs of inventing...
7/1/2010
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 Retailer Spotlight: Dancing Bear Toys Ltd.
The Evers family dubs Dancing Bear Toys Ltd. an “upside-down” family business. In 1989, Sarah Evers began working for the store’s previous owner, and four years later the shop went on the market...
7/1/2010
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries as you dive into the July issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
7/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 7-30-10
Stevanne Auerbach, PhD, known as Dr. Toy, has revealed the winners of the fourth annual Dr. Toy Best Green Product Awards...
7/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 6-29-10
TOMY Corporation has announced plans to introduce TOMICA, a best-selling die-cast car and train brand in Japan, to North America...
6/1/2010
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 Visit Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats
Take a trip to Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., in the July issue of TDmonthly Magazine. Owner Jeanette Lauture explains on video what makes her store unique...
6/1/2010
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 June Staff Picks
Kids can practice fine-motor skills while exercising the brain with Twisterz Toys' line of ring-turning tubes that build words, tell stories and match letters to colorful images...
6/1/2010
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 My Best Sellers: Key West Toy Factory
At Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., shoppers are seeking fun vacation toys that are easy to take on a cruise ship and then on a plane back home...
6/1/2010
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 Embracing the Art of Upselling
Some storeowners believe upselling is a questionable practice — a way of forcing customers into buying something they might regret...
5/1/2010
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 Retailer Spotlight: Jillie Beans Toys & More
Owner Valerie Elsea of Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., has found that the store’s namesake, her 9-year-old Jillian, is a terrific buying assistant for products for tween girls...
5/1/2010
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 Retailing Tips: What Matters in Merchandising
Thirty-eight specialty toy retailers across the nation were asked about the best merchandising tip they’ve ever received, or an approach that’s been the golden ticket for their store. Let customers play, they told TDmonthly, and don’t be afraid to shake things up...
4/1/2010
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 Retailer Spotlight: Club Tabby
Club Tabby lets little girls’ dreams come true for a day. Whether they want to be a movie star, rock star or princess, they can feel pampered and be the center of attention with parties and makeovers, or while shopping in a boutique that offers everything...
4/1/2010
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 Why Toy Sales Will Strengthen But Won’t Beat ‘03
During this year’s Toy Fair and its aftermath, it became very clear that the buyers on my retail panel are taking a much more positive view of the U.S. toy market than they did a year ago...
4/1/2010
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 Patents in the Toy and Game Industry: Part I
The commercial success of iconic toys and today’s hottest-selling electronic games is helped or hindered by intellectual property (IP). In the United States, IP rights include trademarks, copyrights and patents. Each has an appropriate role in protecting toymakers from unscrupulous imitators...
4/1/2010
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 Western States Toy Show Gets a Boost in New Venue
The Western States Toy & Hobby Show isn't known for high traffic or bustling activity ... But this year, ditching its 20-year post at the fairgrounds in Pomona, Calif., for the more tourist-friendly shores of Long Beach, the expo regained momentum...
4/1/2010
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 In This Issue
This issue is rather dark, given reports of a gothic haze over the IDEX doll convention, a review of a vampire guide that's sure to keep fans of Twilight's Edward and Bella in the know, and Kamhi World's crazy-cute, blood-thirsty Vamplets...
3/1/2010
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 WTHRA Show Wows the WEST
The annual Western States Toy and Hobby Show is heading to the Long Beach Convention Center at the end of March, and so are we! TDmonthly Magazine's crew will be there to get updates...
3/1/2010
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 Watch Videos From Toy Fair 2010!
These passionate toymakers braved the Northeastern weather and forewent a traditional Valentine's Day to bring their dreams to market at Toy Fair 2010...
3/1/2010
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 Retailer Spotlight: Shenanigans
In 1973, Kai Rady was a new mom in a new town. She and her husband had just moved to Charlottesville, Va., and discovered there was a shortage of good toys available in the area to stimulate and entertain their young son...
3/1/2010
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 TIA President Predicts Surge of Creativity in Toys
The fourth quarter of 2009 took the toy industry by surprise as customers swept clean the shelves of toy stores across the nation. The lead-paint and safety scares of 2007 had mostly faded from memory, and even recession fears began to recede...
3/1/2010
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 How to Leverage Your Patent Portfolio
In TDmonthly Magazine's April issue, Susan Pan, partner at global intellectual property firm Sughrue Mion PLLC, will offer practical scenarios and tips on protecting your company's innovations...
2/1/2010
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 More Toy Videos to Beat the Cold
Snow and rain can keep kids inside during February, so take a look at some toys that will make home feel cozy and fun...
2/1/2010
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Toy Fair 2010's Hottest Products: Day 1
Come fall, puppy dogs will join the Twitter revolution with a special Puppy Tweets collar attachment from Mattel, and word-loving Scrabble fanatics will...
2/1/2010
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Toy Fair 2010's Hottest Products: Day 2
See TDmonthly Magazine's day-by-day coverage of Toy Fair 2010 and follow-up videos and reports in our March 2010 issue. Hasbro is planning on a Fall 2010 release of new Transformers Battle Ops toys, bringing them to life with electronic lights and sounds while 1 Bakugan and 6 Bakugan Traps band...
2/1/2010
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Toy Fair 2010's Hottest Products: Day 3
See TDmonthly Magazine's day-by-day coverage of Toy Fair 2010 and follow-up videos and reports in our March 2010 issue. With upcoming kid and teen movies How to Train Your Dragon from Dreamworks, Pixar's Toy Story 3, and Disney's Tangled come a massive collection of licensed action figures, play sets, and...
2/1/2010
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Toy Fair 2010's Hottest Products: Day 4
VTECH has a plethora of new products coming out in 2010 with technologically advanced toys while Mattel is focusing on a plethora of different types of action figures...
2/1/2010
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 February's Toy Videos Are All Heart
While kids are scribbling their Valentine's cards, they can take a look at these new toys, which are sure to set off a spark of love...
2/1/2010
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 TDmonthly Goes Inside ... Sparrow, Los Angeles
When Terrie Owen became pregnant with her daughter and couldn't find the kinds of eco-friendly, organic toys and products she wanted, she realized she'd stumbled onto a business...
2/1/2010
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 Mission-Minded Toymakers Touch Lives Around the World
Some toy companies practice charity all year long. Whether their mission is focused on social efforts or one that engages in specific charitable projects, they are wonderful examples of the importance of reaching out to make the world a better place...
1/1/2010
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 The Acorn Store's PLAN Showroom
Behind the Acorn Store is another store, and another one, too ... three separate showrooms help give this little toy store a big presence in kids' imaginations...
1/1/2010
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 What You Won't Miss at Toy Fair
You aren't alone in your quest to find the best products at Toy Fair. TDmonthly Magazine's pre-show research and booth visits will yield daily reports Feb. 14-17 to guide you in the right direction...
1/1/2010
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 Lead and Testing Under the CPSIA
If you’re a toy manufacturer, you know the regulatory landscape for your business was dramatically altered in summer 2008 with the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)...
1/1/2010
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 Retailing Tips: How to Tackle Toy Fair
If you’ve been in the toy industry long enough — or in any field that banks on multi-day market extravaganzas — you know the No. 1 rule for attending Toy Fair is to … yes, wear comfortable shoes!...
1/1/2010
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 Toy Fair: From the Exhibit Hall
Come Feb. 14, New York City's Javits Center will be abuzz with the latest toys and games from hundreds of exhibitors. To help you sort through the plethora of options, TDmonthly Magazine will provide daily updates...
12/1/2009
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 In This Issue
Before you drop everything and jump into next year’s research full force, make sure your store is on track with December inventory by searching our Holiday Roundup for great finds...
12/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Crushing the Competition
About 25 percent of 40 specialty retailers polled by TDmonthly Magazine indicated this fall that the impact of mass-market stores on their business is greater than it was five years ago...
12/1/2009
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 Specialty Items for your Specialty Store
Find some last-minute ideas for your retail store from our list of select vendors below. Many of the following new and notable products have special discounts...
12/1/2009
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 Sharks Show Up on Holiday Videos
From a football game in a deck of cards to a pool table that welcomes sharks, these surprising games and toys encourage family fun...
11/1/2009
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 Holiday Price Wars: Toys for $10 and Under
Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Toys “R” Us and other mass merchandisers have embarked on their usual seasonal price cuts on toys and other items for holiday sales...
11/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelties
If your specialty toy or gift store doesn’t carry Iwako erasers from BC Industries, you should take a second look at the sales of these tiny, collectible, puzzle erasers...
11/1/2009
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 TDmonthly Goes Inside … Can You Imagine
If you’re looking for boys’ toys, tween items, novelties and things that are just plain fun and imaginative, you might want to step into the Can You Imagine showroom...
11/1/2009
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 Safe and Eco-Friendly Shine at ABC Kids
Folkmanis was one of the many toy vendors at this year’s ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas — a show that over the past several years has progressively attracted an audience beyond the traditional juvenile products market...
10/1/2009
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 In This Issue
Once again, TDmonthly Magazine brings you a video-focused issue, so you don't have to make buying decisions based on text and images alone...
10/1/2009
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 Toy Fair Preview: Take 1
Get a head start on the 2010 American International Toy Fair, scheduled for Feb. 14-17 in New York City! TDmonthly Magazine's December issue will launch our annual Toy Fair Preview...
10/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 10-30-09
All Baby & Child announced today that the ABC Kids Expo, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September, saw a 2.2-percent increase in buyer attendance this year...
10/1/2009
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Private Labels Are Coming to Toy Land
A Nielsen report from late November 2008 states that sales of private-label brands in the United States in all categories grew to $81 billion in 2008, a 10.2 percent year-on-year increase versus 2007...
10/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Riding Out the Recession
There’s no time like a recession to try new things. At least that’s what the majority of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly Magazine about how they’ve approached 2009...
10/1/2009
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 Resilience in the Recession
Recessions call for creativity, do they not? Many of the specialty toy-store owners who have spoken with TDmonthly Magazine have shown they're up to the challenge...
9/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 9-29-09
The Toy Industry Association and American International Toy Fair were honored at Trade Show Executive Magazine's "Gold 100" awards recognizing the largest U.S. trade shows...
9/1/2009
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 Fresh Videos Take Flight
Now's the time to order, so this month TDmonthly has a new batch of toy videos to help you make decisions for fourth quarter...
9/1/2009
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 In This Issue
Since holiday ordering may be more difficult than ever this year, TDmonthly Magazine has boosted its video coverage of new and best-selling toys, so you can see them up close and in action...
9/1/2009
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 Retailer Spotlight: The Tutoring Toy
A desire to work together as a family first led Diane and Bill Sartain to investigate opening a toy store, and the opportunity to help parents understand the value of play clinched the deal in 1988...
9/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Revising Your Business Plan
A business plan is a living document, meant to be revised periodically. It is your one-, three- and five-year plan, which, at any given time, should reflect your plans for the next few years...
9/1/2009
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 My Funniest Toy Store Stories
Shortly after we started our Awesome Bucks reward program, a little boy came into the store. He was so small he couldn’t see over the counter...
9/1/2009
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 FREEBIES: No-Cost, High-Value Add-Ons
TDmonthly Magazine offers lots of unique, free ways for specialty retailers to help their customers learn more about what makes their toys an incredible value. This month marks TDmonthly's first-ever in-house VIDEO BLITZ...
9/1/2009
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 TDmonthly’s 2009 Award Finalists!
Toys, games and baby items poured in for the fall installment of TDmonthly Magazine’s 2009 awards program. The submissions have been narrowed by about 40 percent...
8/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 8-31-09
The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment have reached agreement for Disney to purchase the company of superheroes in a stock and cash deal...
8/1/2009
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: Harvesting Leads for Sales
In TDmonthly Magazine’s July issue, Part I of this article series covered setting measurable objectives and creating a lead system that will allow event staff to collect the right information in preparation for follow-up with potential clients...
8/1/2009
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 Get Ready to Order: Holiday Specials
Below is a list of discounts and specials available to you from select toy and hobby suppliers who have been screened and are recommended by ToyDirectory.com, Inc...
8/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Baby Gifts
Recently, TDmonthly Magazine spoke to 47 specialty retailers about the most in-demand baby gifts at their stores...
8/1/2009
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 My Best Sellers: Moon Rabbit Toys
At Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., the focus is fun for all ages, and customers are encouraged to try out products before they buy them...
8/1/2009
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 Why Twitter May Be Worth the Time
Near the end of July, Flying Pig Games was celebrating its first order via Twitter — direct from a toy store that had recently been introduced to the new Jukem football card game during an in-store demo by the inventor...
8/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles
In June 2009, TDmonthly Magazine asked 47 specialty retailers about their best-selling puzzles...
8/1/2009
|
 In This Issue
This month in TDmonthly Magazine, find out how BANDthology and Restoration Gallery’s Global Green Pals fared with reviews and ratings from our Roundtable families, in addition to gaining some tips for business-boosting events...
7/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls
“All of a sudden, we've had a surge on dolls,” Bill Rayment, owner of Toy Crossing in Harbor Beach, Mich., told TDmonthly Magazine during a recent survey of 43 specialty toy stores...
7/1/2009
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 Video Highlights of ASTRA 2009
The 2009 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy in St. Paul, Minn., had plenty to offer in terms of creative plush, fun games, cool ride-ons and inventive accessories — and TDmonthly Magazine caught more than 150 toys on tape!...
7/1/2009
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 Retailer Spotlight: At Once All Agog
Since September 2006, Candace Gooch has been working to ensure that her toy store, At Once All Agog in the Upper Limerick Village Historic District of Maine, lives up to its name...
7/1/2009
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 My Best Sellers: At Once All Agog
Owner Candace Gooch of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, encourages her customers to play with the toys in her store and experience their craftsmanship. Here are the items she told TDmonthly Magazine shoppers want most...
7/1/2009
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 Bigfoot & Pickle Face Creations Stamp For Fun
Developing a product that encourages creativity and can grow with a child presented an exciting challenge for Cheryl Marchek, owner and founder of Bigfoot & Pickle Face Creations...
6/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys
In April 2009, TDmonthly Magazine surveyed 49 specialty retailers about their sales of construction toys for children. This foundational category continues to provide strong sales in independent stores...
6/1/2009
|
 TDmonthly’s Book Expert
This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s Book Expert followed a pirate on a search for his peg leg, watched as the whimsical kiss of a mother blew around the world, and learned that imaginary gardens can be as inspirational as the real thing...
6/1/2009
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 HDS Technology Offers Practical Alternative for Lead Testing Toys
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently reconfirmed use of ICP-OES as the gold standard for determining lead content in paint and painted surfaces, approving the paint-scrape and chemical analysis method for laboratory testing of toys and other children’s products...
6/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 6-26-09
The Canadian Toy Association has announced that its annual toy and hobby trade show will now be held alongside the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association's Show at the Toronto International Centre each January/February...
6/1/2009
|
 Watch Magical June Videos
June's videos are full of magic and surprises: rocks that melt into toys, wishes that fly through the air and fairytales that kids make up themselves...
6/1/2009
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 Just Jump It Offers Perfect Twist of Fun and Safety
In 1992, 17 years after the founding of Cressline Rope Works, a sales rep for the bulk-rope purveyor suggested to Owner Darrel Cresswell that the company create a jump rope. Darrel and his partner at the time, Don Meeker, jumped at the opportunity to give it a try...
6/1/2009
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 Blog Entry Leads to Buy-Local Blitz
Cinda Baxter calls the 3/50 Project a “happy accident” that started with a March 11 blog she wrote for her AlwaysUpward.com website. In the entry, she asks readers to pick three of their favorite independent retailers and spend a total of $50 a month among those stores...
6/1/2009
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 How to Increase Your Website's Visibility
How much of an edge does your online toy store have over all the others out there in cyberspace? How well is your brand-building web page really working? And how crucial is that SEO thing...
6/1/2009
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 Submissions Open for 2009 TDmonthly Awards
TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce open submissions for its annual awards program, which recognizes superior products in the toy industry via TDmonthly’s Top Toy, Top Seller, Classic, Innovations and In the Lab awards!...
6/1/2009
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 Retailer Spotlight: Melody’s Choices
When Steve Melody got into the specialty toy business, he was no stranger to the retail world, having owned a gift and collectible store in Fayetteville, Ark., for 39 years...
6/1/2009
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 My Best Sellers: Melody’s Choices
Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., shared with TDmonthly Magazine which companies are responsible for the top sellers in his store...
6/1/2009
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TDmonthly Goes Inside … Puzzle Zoo, Part II
If you venture down the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif., you'll find the first of six Puzzle Zoos. Here are a few more of the products you'll see inside:(View the main article) Get my toy on TDmonthly's Toy Videos! Broadcast TDmonthly Toy Videos From Your Website!...
6/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Ordering What Customers Want
All retailers are faced with an inventory dilemma. Spend a lot of money now to have fully stocked shelves and a great product selection, with no guarantee that customers are going to want what was purchased, or go with products known to sell and take customer requests, possibly driving away shoppers...
6/1/2009
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 Regional Reports: What's Selling … And Where
Magformers by Rainbow Products are hot sellers for Mike DiAndrea of Hardware Centre Inc. in Paoli, Pa. He noted that between the brick-and-mortar store and the website, they sell about 100 to 150 sets per month. “I’m reordering every three weeks,” he told TDmonthly Magazine...
6/1/2009
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Followup: Toy Space at Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. recently denied “new plans to reduce allocated shelf space for toys companywide” as a statement of response to a TDmonthly Magazine article, “Wal-Mart Cuts Toys and Crafts in Clean-Up Campaign,” written by TDmonthly contributor Lutz Muller...
5/1/2009
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: Why the CIA Is Your Friend
For the purpose of this article, CIA does not stand for Central Intelligence Agency. Rather, it stands for Competitive Intelligence Advantage. Your CIA must be kept current at all times and requires a clear strategy for application...
5/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant & Toddler Toys
Infants and toddlers, or at least the consumers who buy for them, especially love Rhino Toys’ Oball and Taggies blankets, a TDmonthly Magazine survey of 64 specialty retailers revealed...
5/1/2009
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 Steps for Supporting Shop Local
Have you heard of The 3/50 Project? In TDmonthly Magazine's June issue, find out how specialty storeowners are grabbing on to this and other shop-local initiatives...
5/1/2009
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 Biz in the Twitterverse
This issue offers some insight into the experiences of avid — and brand new! — bloggers and Facebookers who are using online platforms to promote their toy stores...
5/1/2009
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 ASTRA Video - Straight to Your Store!
In addition to keeping you posted on the manufacturers exhibiting at this year's ASTRA Marketplace & Academy, June 14-17 in Minnesota, TDmonthly Magazine's video crew will hit the show floor...
5/1/2009
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 Benefiting From Business in the Blogosphere
You barely have time to design or sell product, fill orders, and market your business in all the traditional ways, so why blog? Because the benefits of successful blogging are many...
5/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Marketing for the Most Return
When I saw that we only received three coupons back from a particular newspaper advertisement that cost $300 … it was easy to see that it still wasn't worth the cost when the newspaper discounted the advertisement...
5/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 5-29-09
Today marks the long-awaited U.S. debut of the Disney/Pixar animated feature "Up," reported Variety. It's booked at 3,766 theaters, including 1,530 that project in 3-D...
5/1/2009
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 Retailers Take Home Extras in Toy Giveaway
Want to score some great samples for your store, or really get to check out new toys by having them in hand? TDmonthly Magazine's new Weekly Toy Giveaway Sweepstakes for Storeowners gives your store the chance to bring in extra product...
5/1/2009
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 Is Another Toy Retailer Biting the Dust?
After the demise of KB Toys, the only second tier, year-round toy retailer left is Kmart. More and more insiders are whispering that Kmart, and its owner, Sears, could hit the dust this year...
5/1/2009
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: April 2009
This month, there are some exciting breakthrough additions to the traditionally steady list of best sellers for the specialty toy industry — namely, sustainable Eco Aquariums from Wild Creations and the HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures from Innovation First...
4/1/2009
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 More Than 180 Videos From Pomona!
Looking for toy videos to increase conversions on your selling site? TDmonthly Magazine went to the Western States Toy & Hobby Show in Pomona, Calif., and filmed more than 180 toy and game videos...
4/1/2009
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 Social Networking for the Virtually Impaired
You've heard about timely tweets on Twitter, "friending" on Facebook, and marketing on Myspace. But why would any businessperson take time out of a busy schedule to "chirp" online ... daily?...
4/1/2009
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 Timing Your Marketing for the Most Return
Have you ever had a great promotion that just didn't catch attention, or a full-fledged marketing effort that fell on its face? In TDmonthly Magazine's May issue, tap into other storeowners' experiences...
4/1/2009
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: Green Means Go
Buying signals are all around us. We just have to learn to recognize them. They’re very much like a traffic light — red, yellow and green signals to stop, proceed with caution, or continue...
4/1/2009
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-On Toys
Whether it's toddlers just learning to make full use of their growing legs, or adolescents racing their friends around the park, riding toys in a variety of shapes and sizes can provide hours of healthy, active entertainment indoors and outdoors...
4/1/2009
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 New ABC Conference Aims to Inform
The ABC Kids Expo is in its seventh year, with plans to take over the Las Vegas Convention Center again this September. But this year, All Baby & Child is also offering something completely new...
4/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 4-30-09
Hasbro and Discovery Communications are joining forces to create a television network and Web programming featuring educational and entertaining shows for kids...
4/1/2009
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 Video Lessons From Educational Toys
TDmonthly went to Toy Fair 2009 and brought back videos of learning toys so you could learn more about them before you order. From books to kits, these products help kids expand their horizons...
4/1/2009
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 Toy Fair 2009 Wrap-Up
With more than 1,100 exhibitors and in excess of 100,000 products to see in the four days of Toy Fair that overtook New York City, TIA's annual toy show issued a high calling for the 10,000+ retail buyers who walked the aisles of the Javits Convention Center...
3/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 3-30-09
Former Massachusetts employees of Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us will receive their overdue pay for earned vacation time in a $100,000+ settlement resulting from a self-audit...
3/1/2009
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The Toy Market Stages a Turnaround
As a rule, the first quarter represents about 15 percent of the year in terms of U.S. toy sales. The first two months of 2009 were, to say the least, very challenging...
3/1/2009
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys
Classic and durable wooden toys have been a mainstay for generations, and in today’s market the focus is shifting to sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safe more than ever before, TDmonthly Magazine learned during a survey of 56 specialty retailers...
3/1/2009
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 New Toys at Pomona
Though not near the size of Toy Fair, the annual Western States Toy & Hobby Show consistently delivers a broad selection of creative toys and games for the specialty market...
3/1/2009
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 Access Safety COCs Here
Now that the Feb. 10 effective date regarding important requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act has come and gone, you may be left wondering which products on your shelves or on order are in compliance...
3/1/2009
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 Watch Videos From Toy Fair 2009!
Whether you flew to New York or stayed snug at home, you can still see some of the best new products from the 2009 American International Toy Fair by watching TDmonthly Magazine's demonstration videos. You even get to meet Stephan Pastis, creator of the nationwide cartoon sensation "Pearls Before Swine," as he demonstrates his new plush line by Aurora World...
3/1/2009
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 ASTRA's Top Toy Fair Picks
During a gathering of more than 100 members of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association at Toy Fair 2009, specialty toy-store owners shared their favorite finds, highlighting must-see new products among the thousands at the show...
3/1/2009
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 See Post-Toy Fair Specials - Limited Time!
If you didn't make it to Toy Fair, or are still deciding what to order, don't worry: You haven't missed out on Show Specials yet! TDmonthly Magazine gathered show specials for you in one video...
3/1/2009
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 These New Toys Know How to Move
Spinning seals, crawling bugs and a bunny that looks so realistic it could just hop away — February's toys are all about action...
2/1/2009
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 Film from the Fair
During the four days of Toy Fair, February 15-18, TDmonthly Magazine’s video crew will capture hours of exciting show footage, including product demonstration videos performed by manufacturers themselves...
2/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Researching New Toys
In the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine, find out what your fellow specialty toy-store owners and experts have to say about finding the best new products...
2/1/2009
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 What Does the CPSIA Stay Really Mean?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted Jan. 30 to issue a one-year stay on select testing and certification requirements outlined in paragraphs 14 (a) (1), (2) and (3) of the Consumer Product Safety Act...
2/1/2009
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Stay on Tests Provides No Rest
The Consumer Product Safety Commission's one-year stay of testing and certification requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act has received largely disgruntled reactions from the toy industry...
2/1/2009
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 Economy Puts Toy Sales on Clearance
January typically accounts for about 5 percent of yearly toy sales. If these first 31 days are any guide for the future, we are looking at a really difficult year...
2/1/2009
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 Watch Toy Fair 2009 Videos
Whether you flew to New York or stayed snug at home, you can still see some of the best new products from the 2009 American International Toy Fair...
2/1/2009
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: February 2009
This month, the story is much the same with best-selling specialty toys. In short, PlaSmart's PlasmaCar is still on the list (joined by the EzyRoller), Legos are still making their mark in the construction category after decades of success...
2/1/2009
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 Retailer Spotlight: HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA got its start in 1980 when Merlin Hayes and Thom Walla purchased a single store in Lincoln, Neb., and launched into franchising five years later...
2/1/2009
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 Toy Fair 2009 Products of the Day
TDmonthly Magazine's editorial team brings you highlights on the most exciting toys, games and gifts at the show, researching hundreds of booths and pinpointing the items that are most likely to be solid matches for specialty stores...
2/1/2009
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 Toy Fair 2009 Overcomes Doom and Gloom
Toy Fair 2009, Feb. 15-18, managed a decidedly positive buzz despite recession woes and admitted hardships over compliance with the lead- and phthalate-restricting CPSIA...
2/1/2009
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 Get Your Toy Fair Toys Here!
Whether you're at the show, or snug at home with your laptop, you can access the best specialty toys from Toy Fair right here at TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2009
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 "Law of the Land" Forces Compliance Amid Confusion
"Well-intentioned laws sometimes end up having unintended consequences." That statement, made by Chairman Nancy Nord of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, embodied the reason for this year's Toy Safety Update Seminar at Toy Fair 2009...
2/1/2009
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 Sales Tracking - End of January 2009
Bananagrams keeps getting stronger. Though Quadrilla still sold fairly well for some, even Christmas didn't totally rev up this former star. Ruckus, a big hit in some stores, isn't impressing other owners...
2/1/2009
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 Harry Potter Movies Will Lead in Toys
Most of the very successful toys in 2008 were driven by movies — “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “The Dark Knight,” Wall-E” and “Iron Man” – and it hence behooves us to look at what films are awaiting us this year and next...
1/1/2009
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 HEXBUGs Trio Plays With Technology
If a robot toy were crossed with an insect, what would you get? A HEXBUG! For Innovation First, the result has been a sellout, with demand overwhelming supply in the products’ first year...
1/1/2009
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: Selling Too Much
The pure, anecdotal sales pitch is dead, and few observers are mourning its passing. Have you noticed how difficult it is for anyone with the word “sales” in his or her title to get a simple appointment?...
1/1/2009
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 Multipurpose Goes to the Multiplex
Blankets that turn into balls or dragons. Toy carts that are mobile libraries. Necklaces that make wishes come true: These TDmonthly Toy Videos demonstrate that 2009 will be bringing plenty of innovative products into retailers' and kids lives...
1/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 1-30-09
Jacabee Inc. is releasing the first book in a 12-title series inspired by the American paintings of artist F. Luis Mora...
1/1/2009
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 In This Issue
It's a fresh, new year ... and time to think about how your 2009 is shaping up...
1/1/2009
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Heavy Metal
It’s finally happened: my assistant went on vacation. Once a year, I’m thrown into confusion by this and swear I’m going to automate...
1/1/2009
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 Talk of the Fair
Four days of the latest offerings from companies big and small — plush, games, construction toys, science kits, educational products and more! Will you be able to see it all?...
1/1/2009
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 How to Demo Your Toy on Video
If you've signed up for a TDmonthly Magazine Toy Video demonstration at Toy Fair 2009, there's no need for a script and no need to be nervous...
1/1/2009
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 Loyal Customers Kept Specialty Afloat for Holidays
Despite the gloomy economy, only two of eleven specialty toy-store owners told TDmonthly Magazine that their holiday sales were significantly lower than last year's. Everyone else's responses ranged from "okay, considering ... " to "much better than expected."...
1/1/2009
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 Exhibitor Tips: Maximize Your Toy Fair ROI
Exhibiting at the American International Toy Fair can be overwhelming ... and expensive! TDmonthly Magazine's videos and articles can help prepare you and even show you what it's like. Here's what one newbie vedor told us...
1/1/2009
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 Wisdom for the Web
How does your website compare to those of other specialty retailers? Find out in the ShopTalk section of TDmonthly Magazine's February issue, where former retailer Adeena Mignogna will reveal what storeowners are doing right...
1/1/2009
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 Retailing Tips: Allocating Post-Holiday Cash
In my retail store, there were several holiday seasons where sales exceeded our expectations. If you don’t have a plan for this situation ahead of time, you can find yourself spending wildly and blindly — to the detriment of your business...
1/1/2009
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 TDmonthly's Greedy Grown-ups Xmas List
The job of a TDmonthly Magazine staffer is to analyze and evaluate each new toy that passes through our office. Some of them we write about; some we dismiss. Here are the ones we'd like to keep...
12/1/2008
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 Retailers and Manufacturers Scramble for Safety
As the Dec. 12 deadline approaches for online retailers to post specific warnings alongside select children’s products under requirements in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008...
12/1/2008
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 My First Toy Fair: New Exhibitors
In addition to visiting your tried-and-true vendors at Toy Fair 2009, you'll also want to catch the companies whose products are just making it onto the market...
12/1/2008
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 Top-10 Holiday Toys on VIDEO!
Ever wonder why most top-10 hot toys lists show you the same old things over and over? Many of the biggest toy companies pay spokespeople to inundate the media with their products during the holiday season...
12/1/2008
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 What to Expect When You're Exhibiting
You've spent months, years and sometimes decades devising, designing, refining and producing your new toy or game. You've visualized yourself cashing that first big check and "seen" your baby on toy-store shelves all across America...
12/1/2008
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 We’ll Track the Toys for You
During the four days of Toy Fair, February 15-18, TDmonthly Magazine will provide daily updates and new product lists from the show floor in New York’s Javits Center...
12/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 12-31-08
Bratz-maker MGA Entertainment was given permission to continue producing their star product until February 11, 2009...
12/1/2008
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 Don't Miss These Holiday Discounts!
Whether you're still holding out for great holiday deals or need to replenish stock that's flown out the door thanks to early shoppers, don't miss out on these specials...
11/1/2008
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 Place Your Last-Minute Orders Here
Several specialty toy-store owners have told TDmonthly Magazine that they are ordering later than usual this holiday season, owing to the uncertain economic climate...
11/1/2008
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 Watch Before You Buy
You've heard about SpinMaster's Bakugan Battle Brawlers, but are they right for your store? Now you can see for yourself. TDmonthly's videos let you try out toys without meeting a rep or boarding a plane...
11/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 11-26-08
Eighty migrant laborers demanding more severance pay after a layoff at Kai Da toy factory in Dongguan, China, sparked a 500-protestor-strong riot outside the factory Wednesday...
11/1/2008
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 New Standards, New Expenses
The high cost of testing is just one challenge manufacturers are facing under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that passed in August...
11/1/2008
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 Top-20 Holiday Toys on Video
If you're expecting good value for your holiday dollars, TDmonthly can show you 20 great toys that kids will play with long after the celebrations are over...
11/1/2008
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 Positive Toys for a Promising Future - Free Report!
The Consumer Version of the 2008 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report: Positive Toys for a Promising Future is now available for free to moms, dads, grandparents and anyone else looking for detailed information on the newest and most exciting toys on the market, including eco-friendly and American-made...
11/1/2008
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 November Staff Picks
From colorful paper constructions to useful items for babies and toddlers, the products in TDmonthly Magazine's Staff Picks this month offer fun ways to decorate, educate and play...
11/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: No Downturn for Toys
“I don’t care if the economy’s in the crapper!” I screamed into my phone, my no-news-is-good-news accountant to the stars (and me) on the other end of the line...
11/1/2008
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 Early Edition: Toy Fair
Find out which hot, new toys will be on display at the American International Toy Fair in New York with TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Fair Preview in December and January. Before February rolls around...
11/1/2008
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 Stuff Those Stockings!
Wondering how to fill customers' stockings this year? Take some advice from a few dozen specialty toy-store owners who recently gave their recommendations...
11/1/2008
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 Top-20 Holiday Toys on Video
If you're expecting good value for your holiday dollars, TDmonthly can show you 20 great toys that kids will play with long after the celebrations are over...
10/1/2008
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 ABC Kids Expo Booths Needed Help!
At the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas last month, Charles W. Allen of the C. W. Allen Group was shocked by the uninspired booth designs that prevented great companies from attracting the kind of traffic they deserved...
10/1/2008
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 Branding Toys: Perception
To wrap up our series on Branding Toys, this month we look at the last of the 4Ps: perception...
10/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 10-31-08
Ganz announced it is now contracting with Brandwise to use its SalesOptimizer program, which will allow the maker of Webkinz to access key sales data, including purchasing trends on a Google map...
10/1/2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alison Marek, Managing EditorPhone: (310) 979-4330 E-mail: alison@toydirectory.comwww.tdmonthly.comwww.toydirectory.com BUY INNOVATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL TOYS WITH TDMONTHLY MAGAZINE’S 2008 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Shopper-Friendly Advertising Venue Offers Original Finds and Click-Through Convenience Los Angeles, Calif. (October 21, 2008) – Parents can forget...
10/1/2008
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 Don't Miss These Holiday Discounts!
As you're finalizing your list of must-have products for the holiday season, remember to take a look at the ordering specials below...
10/1/2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alison Marek, Managing EditorPhone: (310) 979-4330 E-mail: alison@toydirectory.comwww.tdmonthly.comwww.toydirectory.com FREE SPECIALTY TOYS REPORT OFFERS SOUND INVESTMENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...
10/1/2008
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 October Staff Picks
As you welcome all that exciting holiday fare into your store, be sure to keep your radar out for new and interesting products...
10/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Keep Connecting
I love the new technology, even if I’m a little out of the demographic. That’s a good thing for me, because Hollywood is all about the new technology ... even if they don’t understand it worth a byte...
10/1/2008
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 Toys in the News
To see the most recent toy industry news in TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2008
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 Attracting New Customers
You know your primary customer base, but what about those who don't frequent — or even know about — your store already?...
10/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Hosting Happenin’ Holiday Events
Holiday shoppers are intent on finding the right gift for the special people in their lives, and sometimes, hosting a special event can encourage them toward that perfect gift … right in your own store...
10/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Gifts for Girls
While some of the 66 specialty toy retailers recently polled by TDmonthly Magazine reported a dip in arts and crafts sales, that category, along with dolls, dominates when it comes to girly gifts...
9/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys
Playmobil and Ganz’ Webkinz are still tops at many toy stores, a summer survey of 66 specialty retailers revealed. And through the summer months, indoor games as well as outdoor toys for active play made a big impression on the bottom line...
9/1/2008
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Don't Miss These Holiday Discounts!
As you're finalizing your list of must-have products for the holiday season, remember to take a look at the ordering specials below...
9/1/2008
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 One Year Later: Beyond China, Beyond Lead
Despite an onslaught of scientific reports, enacted legislation and consumer calls-to-action since the 2007 toy recalls for lead hazards and defective designs, hard statistical data on the effect and risks of phthalates is still being gathered and assessed...
9/1/2008
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 TDmonthly 2008 Awardees Get Moving
See for yourself why these products won awards over the thousands of toys and games that TDmonthly staff evaluated over the past year...
9/1/2008
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 Preview Holiday Play
As wallets warm up for holiday spending, take some time to browse through what other retailers believe will be the season's hottest items...
9/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Hiring for the Holidays
Many of the 68 specialty retailers who spoke with TDmonthly Magazine said their part-time employees just work more hours to cover the busy holiday season.....
9/1/2008
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 Get a Glimpse of 2009
In TDmonthly Magazine's November issue, check out the latest innovations from mass-market (and some specialty) manufacturers, see which big trends may be coming your way...
9/1/2008
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 Big Sellers Turn into Big Disappointments
What’s hot one year may not be the next, and even some of the market’s most popular items — Learning Curve’s Thomas & Friends and HaPe’s Quadrilla — can end up destined for a last-chance markdown in some stores, TDmonthly Magazine learned...
9/1/2008
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Have Virtual Playgrounds Played Out?
At the beginning of the year, I said in my article “Is All This Talk About Webkinz Good?” that the top six virtual playgrounds were beginning to face challenges.....
8/1/2008
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 Event Marketing Guru’s Corner: 5 Steps That Sell
Each of us is bombarded with more than 5,000 promotional and marketing messages daily. To be more effective in communicating in today’s marketplace, your message must cut through informational and promotional clutter...
8/1/2008
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 Branding Toys: Personality
Continuing from last month’s article, “Branding Toys: The Position,” we now look at the third of the 4Ps of branding: personality...
8/1/2008
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 Catch a Break With These Discounts!
As you continue to prepare for the holiday season and order the best specialty toys for your customers, be sure to take a look at these holiday specials...
8/1/2008
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 See What Attendees Said About ASTRA 2008
At the end of June, ASTRA retailers converged at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut to see some of the newest products from specialty toy manufacturers, and TDmonthly was there with our camera crew...
8/1/2008
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 Watch ASTRA Marketplace Videos on TDmonthly
Even if you were at the ASTRA Marketplace at the end of June, you can still use the videos TDmonthly Magazine shot to introduce your customers to new products by putting the videos on your website...
8/1/2008
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 Final Nominees Announced!
Submission forms and product samples rolled into our offices throughout the month of June, and evaluations have yielded a new crop of nominees for Positive Toys for a Promising Future: TDmonthly Magazine's 2008 Report on Specialty Toys...
8/1/2008
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 Sales Tracking - Summer 2008
TDmonthly Magazine surveyed 12 specialty retailers throughout the country to find out which hot sellers were still doing well...
8/1/2008
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 Retailer Spotlight: Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats
Frustrated by a long commute and determined to fill a need for quality children’s toys in her community, Jeanette Lauture opened Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, NJ, in March 2007...
8/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 8-29-08
The state court of Connecticut has dismissed anti-trust and bribery claims levied against JAKKS Pacific by World Wrestling Entertainment...
8/1/2008
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 Weekly Toy Newscast: 8-17-08
The much-anticipated toy safety bill lowering acceptable lead limits in children's products and overhauling the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has been signed into law. Find out the major provisions...
8/1/2008
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 What Not to Turn Down in a Downturn
Tempting as it may be, a potential economic downturn is not the time to turn tail and run. As my Granddad always told me, “You’ll never win the kitty if you sit out the hand.”...
7/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: The French Connection
“Why did it have to be the French?” Yeah, yeah ... we all joke about Parisians’ rich food and snooty attitudes, but who doesn’t want to see the City of Lights? Me, that’s who...
7/1/2008
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 Conversations With Keithley: Toys Will Survive
Between fighting for a national toy safety standard and educating presidential candidates, the Toy Industry Association’s agenda has been a lot more about politics than play these days...
7/1/2008
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 Branding Toys: The Position
Picking up from May’s article on the branding promise, we’ll now look at the second of the 4Ps of branding: positioning — the compact and clear definition of what your company offers...
7/1/2008
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 Final Nominees for Specialty Toys Report!
Submission forms and product samples rolled into TDmonthly Magazine's offices throughout the month of June, and evaluations have yielded a new crop of nominees for the 2008 Specialty Toys Report...
7/1/2008
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 July Staff Picks
Coasting through the summer? Ringing up lots of sales? Well, here's a chance to see some toys you might've missed...
7/1/2008
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 Get Ready to Order!
To help you prepare for the 2008 holiday season (really, it’s just around the corner!), TDmonthly’s August Get Ready to Order Issue will feature hundreds of new products in addition to multiple manufacturer specials...
7/1/2008
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 Sales That Sell
Is it a good idea to hold sales in your specialty store? Find out what other retailers say about the when, why and how of marking down items.....
7/1/2008
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 ASTRA Comes to You
Visit the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s annual Marketplace & Academy after the show!...
7/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Action Figures
Which action figures are the last ones standing? Knights, pirates, dinosaurs and mythical creatures are strongest in battle, 55 retailers told TDmonthly Magazine, with Papo figures by Hotaling Imports dominating...
7/1/2008
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 See Your ASTRA Colleagues on Video!
Meet your colleagues before you hit the ASTRA Marketplace floor by watching these videos TDmonthly Magazine shot during ASTRA's Party With the Stars at FAO Schwarz during Toy Fair 2008...
6/1/2008
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Indiana May Trump Iron Man at Toy Sales
When I first wrote about toy-related films roughly six weeks ago, I overlooked the fact that there is yet another entrant into the toy sweepstakes — “Wall-E” by Pixar.....
6/1/2008
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 Yesterday’s Marketing is Dead: Part 3
Today, we're witnessing a collage of poor marketing that seemingly duplicates one another's unoriginal poor marketing. The culprit? Platitudes.....
6/1/2008
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 ASTRA Trade Show Highlights
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s annual Marketplace & Academy is set for June 22-25 in Mashantucket, Conn...
6/1/2008
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 What Toys to Stock
Not quite sure which products will do well in your store for ‘08?...
6/1/2008
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 Get Ready to Order!
TDmonthly Magazine’s July Holiday Preview issue will continue to highlight the newest products for the 2008 holiday season...
6/1/2008
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Deadline Extended for Specialty Toys Report!
A number of manufacturers pointed out to TDmonthly Magazine that they never received our initial email requesting samples for the TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report and TDmonthly Top Toy Awards...
6/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 6-30-08
Disney/Pixar's "Wall-E" was well received at the domestic box office this weekend, pulling in $62.5 million and beating Universal's "Wanted,"...
6/1/2008
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 Weekly Toy Newscast: 6-15-08
Which cartoon characters are due for a makeover? And how is Mattel's case against MGA Entertainment shaping up? Find out in TDmonthly's Weekly Toy Newscast...
6/1/2008
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 How Wal-Mart’s Beating Target at Toy Placement
It is now pretty clear that we are looking at the worst year this century for the U.S. toy market. Why? Three reasons: gasoline prices, housing implosion and run-away inflation. We all know about the first two, but the third deserves a closer look...
6/1/2008
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 Bumpy Ride Ahead, Economists Predict
The country’s in recession or it’s not, claim economists as they continue to debate the strength and depth of our current financial woes...
6/1/2008
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 How to Prepare for Stricter Safety Legislation
In January, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairwoman Nancy Nord scolded the toy industry for widespread failure to comply with safety laws, particularly violations of the 600 parts-per-million (ppm) federal limit on lead in surface paints and coatings...
5/1/2008
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 Get Ready for the Holidays Now
Fourth-quarter sales are the game-breaker for independent retail businesses, but the other 75 percent of the year is just as critical, because that's when decisions are made about what product will be there for the crush of holiday shoppers...
5/1/2008
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'08 Films are a Match for Merch
This year brings an unprecedented lineup of films designed to affect toy sales — seven in the action figure arena and two in other toy categories:...
5/1/2008
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 Weekly Toy Newscast: 5-25-08
TDmonthly Magazine's Weekly Toy Newscast for the week of May 25, 2008, covers the newest Indiana Jones film, rodent trouble at New York City's FAO Schwarz...
5/1/2008
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When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get an Endcap
There is little doubt that things are tough in toy land. By the end of April, my retailer panel reported declining sales by 5 percent over all categories compared to the same period last year...
5/1/2008
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 New Toys for Boys
Toys in the mass market aimed at boys are still heavy with super powers...
5/1/2008
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 New Toys for Girls
What's up in the mass market for girls? Lots of dolls and pink, of course...
5/1/2008
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 In This Issue
TDmonthly Magazine's May Issue is full of marketing tips, product reviews and trend coverage of baby products, travel toys and bath items.....
5/1/2008
|
 Marketing Your Store
Retailers: How might you compel customers to step into your store time and time again?...
5/1/2008
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 What’s Hot at ASTRA?
The ASTRA Marketplace & Academy in June is a great place for specialty retailers to hook up with specialty toy makers. TDmonthly Magazine will be there, too...
5/1/2008
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 Saying Goodbye to Yesterday's Marketing
Marketing evolves as quickly as the next car design. In TDmonthly Magazine’s June issue, learn how to leverage your marketing momentum by following a simple equation.....
5/1/2008
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 Branding Toys: The Promise
Picking up from last month’s article, “Branding Toys Isn’t a Game,” we will now look at one of the 4Ps of branding:...
5/1/2008
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 Yesterday's Marketing is Dead: Part 2
The reason most strategic advertising and marketing does not work today is that most companies’ inside reality and outside perception do not match...
5/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Finding New Toys
Staying up-to-date with current trends, finding innovative manufacturers who’ve just hit the market, and looking for the toys your customers request are necessary parts of business, but retailers often feel they don’t have time...
5/1/2008
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 Store Closings Hit Specialty Market
A mid-April “New York Times” article reported that midsize retailers such as Sharper Image and Levitz have declared bankruptcy thanks to falling sales and overwhelming debt. The winds of change are sweeping the toy world, too...
5/1/2008
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 How to Survive a Fallen Economy
Despite reports of store closures and economic challenges, many stores are surviving, and even thriving, as mid-year approaches. Several toy-store owners gave TDmonthly Magazine these eight tips for making it through rough waters:...
5/1/2008
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Which Movies Will Win?
Consensus among my retailer panel and the buyers I speak with has it that the nine movies in the table below will be instrumental in providing growth in a variety of toy categories this year.....
4/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's April Staff Picks
Need some fresh stock to go along with springtime renewal? Check out these offerings culled from the hundreds of products recently added to TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2008
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 Toys That Got Us Hot
The 2008 orders are in and more than half of 45 storeowners surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine are revved up about the new toys coming their way...
4/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 4-29-08
Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi, the prosecutor general of Iran, has denounced the smuggling of Barbie, Harry Potter items and other toys from the West, warning that such products will harm the country's culture...
4/1/2008
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 Get These Toys!
A new hot item to watch for may be the Bakugan Battle Brawlers line of strategic card games and marbles that transform into robots...
4/1/2008
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 Easter Sales Hopped Up and Down
Easter sales were all over the place at 17 specialty stores across the country, TDmonthly Magazine learned, with five stores reporting an increase or numbers in line with last year, and others suffering from the infamous recession, still-wintry weather and vacant towns due to Spring Break...
4/1/2008
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 Retailer Spotlight: Puzzle Zoo
Although he didn’t intend to get into the toy business, Puzzle Zoo Co-owner Jay Demircift is living his dream, he told TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2008
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 My Best Sellers: Puzzle Zoo
According to Co-owner Jay Demircift, excellence in merchandise and customer care work together to create a successful environment at Puzzle Zoo toy stores...
4/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Handling Rowdy Kids
Excited children are an everyday component of operating a specialty toy store, but occasionally a child goes out of control — becoming dangerous to a business and its profit margin...
4/1/2008
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 How to Sell Without Being a Jerk
Earning respect and earning money are similar, in that everyone loves to have both, yet not everyone is willing to do what is required to earn them. Selling without being a jerk means that you earn both simultaneously.....
4/1/2008
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 In This Issue
Busy with spring cleaning? Then just browse through highlights of TDmonthly Magazine’s April issue:...
4/1/2008
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 Branding With Promise
Manufacturers: What is it that keeps customers coming back for your products? In the May issue of TDmonthly Magazine, find out how your brand promise can support a consistent customer experience and retain strong employees...
4/1/2008
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 Finding New Toys
Trade shows, catalogs, the Internet, sales reps, retailer networks … there are a lot of ways to find new products!...
4/1/2008
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 Running on Ratings
Read “TDmonthly’s Psychologist Mom” in our May issue to get an expert mom’s opinion on some of the newest toys and DVDs on the market. And see how Zoobies fared.....
4/1/2008
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 Challenged Economy = Opportunity
Talk of recession and comparisons to the Great Depression in the media fuel consumer anxiety, but most experts predicted to TDmonthly Magazine that toy stores will fare well in a challenged economy...
4/1/2008
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 Geospace Skyrockets to Success
After Magnetic Marbles launched into space aboard a U.S. Space Shuttle as part of NASA’s 1993 “Toys in Space II” program, the toy received a much-deserved name change: Geospace® Magnetic Marbles.....
4/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Picks from Pomona
At the Western States Toy & Hobby Show in Pomona, Calif., in March, artful clowns balanced, toothpicks got “jig”gy and the classic sock monkey acted like a yo-yo...
4/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles
Specialty retailers shared with TDmonthly magazine that the most popular selling puzzles were wooden puzzles, floor puzzles and wooden floor puzzles. Melissa & Doug and Ravensburger managed to produce all three...
4/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-Ons
Plasmart’s Plasma Car continues to ride the popularity wave in specialty stores. Over 28 percent of retailers singled out the Plasma Car as their absolute best-selling ride-on toy...
4/1/2008
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Toy Fair: Acquisitions in the Aftermath
In my January article, “Six Predictions for the Toy Industry in 2008,” I stated the following: “A number of small- to medium-sized toy manufacturers will be bought out or shut down in 2008 because of disappointing 2007 results...
3/1/2008
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
In addition to more than 120 video demonstrations we've brought you of the best toys at Toy Fair 2008, we've uploaded hundreds more to make your new year ordering a breeze...
3/1/2008
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 In the Spotlight: Toy Fair 2008
It’s more than 320 days until Toy Fair hits again, so while you wait, check out TDmonthly Magazine’s extensive coverage of the latest toy show that, once again this year, took New York by storm...
3/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Expert Mom
TDmonthly Magazine's Expert Mom, Sibylla Nash, is reminded of a mother’s love for a newborn baby, gets out to explore nature with Hello Kitty, and questions the utility of a simple craft kit...
3/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Dealing with Insurance
Deciding on insurance to ensure your business doesn’t go down the tube after theft or fire — or even an accident that results in a lawsuit — isn’t a job for the faint of heart...
3/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's March Staff Picks
You may be exhausted from all the products you encountered at Toy Fair, so TDmonthly Magazine has compiled a “short list”...
3/1/2008
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 In This Issue
Chances are you’re busy placing orders from Toy Fair or getting in more new products for ‘08!...
3/1/2008
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 Picks from Pomona
Toy Fair may be over, but there are plenty of other shows to explore!...
3/1/2008
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 Watch Toy Fair Documentary
Perhaps you’ve already seen some of the product demo videos from Toy Fair 2008 in the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
3/1/2008
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 Retailer Spotlight: Kazoodles
After Bob and Mary Sisson became grandparents, they discovered they were making a lot of interstate trips to buy toys for their grandchildren...
3/1/2008
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 My Best Sellers: Kazoodles
Co-owner Mary Sisson of specialty toy store Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., was so excited about ordering toys when her store first opened that the stock nearly overtook her home!...
3/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
Once she took a break from keeping a beat, learning Spanish and brushing-up on her ABC’s, Dr. Wright, TDmonthly Magazine’s Psychologist Mom, rated five products with 1 to 5 TD stars (for TDmonthly!)...
3/1/2008
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Is it Time for RFID?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) first emerged as a concrete issue when Wal-Mart unveiled the new technology as its technological super weapon in 2003...
3/1/2008
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 Retailer Spotlight: Clever Kids Toy Shop
A good number of businesses are started by everyday people who see a need and decide to fill it. Such was the case for Michelle Beyer, owner of Clever Kids Toy Shop in Rochester, Minn...
2/1/2008
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 Our Favorite Videos
We're about to bring back a whole documentary from Toy Fair '08, so we thought it was time to look back through the history of TDmonthly's Toy Videos...
2/1/2008
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 Tips: Finding Space for Success
Two related challenges for successful toy-store owners are finding sufficient storage space when the trucks roll up to their doors and deciding what to do with merchandise that won’t budge from the shelves...
2/1/2008
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 Top-10 Toy Fair Picks
Sorting through the offerings of the more than 1,300 exhibitors at Toy Fair may seem a daunting task — whether you’re at the show or not!...
2/1/2008
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 TOY FRENZY! Hits the Fair
Not only will TDmonthly Magazine be shooting its signature demo videos of new products at Toy Fair this year; we’ll also be shooting our first-ever documentary, “TOY FRENZY! Only the Fun Survive.”...
2/1/2008
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 Oodles of Kazoodles
A few years ago, grandparents Bob and Mary Sisson took the plunge to open a specialty toy store in their long-time community of Vancouver, Wash...
2/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Do Oscars Predict Toy Sales?
“Barricade the doors! Board up the windows! It’s the end of the world as we know it!” Yup, it’s the time of year we vote for those little golden statues that mean so much to our egos and so little to the world in general...
2/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
TDmonthly Magazine’s Psychologist Mom recently became a baby frog, learned the origins of common expressions, threw an “X” through the park and more...
2/1/2008
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 My Best Sellers: Clever Kids Toy Shop
Owner Michelle Beyer of Clever Kids Toy Shop in Rochester, Minn., is picky when it comes to choosing products, and her customers seem to appreciate the extra attention she gives to a small space...
2/1/2008
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 TOY FRENZY! — We’ve Found Our Subjects!
Every year, toy manufacturers and retailers clamor to get inside the Javits Center in New York City, host to the annual American International Toy Fair...
2/1/2008
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 Exhibitor Tips: How to Connect at Trade Shows
Marketing before and after a trade show is just as crucial as the exhibition itself when it comes to attracting the right booth traffic and increasing sales, Charles W. Allen, chairman and CEO of The C.W. Allen Group and co-founder of the Trade Show News Network, told TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top 10: Lower Level
You’ve seen games, stuffed animals, arts and crafts, hobby products and some great items for the specialty market...
2/1/2008
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TDmonthly’s Top 10: Upper Level
Every year at Toy Fair, the “big hall” in Javits Center packs in thousands upon thousands of exciting new toys — novel electronics, realistic and cuddly plush, fun family games, and playsets with every piece one could ever need...
2/1/2008
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 In the Spotlight: Toy Fair 2008
Check out TDmonthly Magazine’s extensive coverage of the toy show that, once again this year, took New York by storm...
2/1/2008
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 In This Issue
Get your new Toy Fair toys and monthly news in video form...
2/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's Top 10: Specialty Source
Toy Fair's Specialty Source and new Fundamentals section went all out this year, playing up the show's green theme with battery-free toys and natural materials...
2/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's February Staff Picks
Even before you hit the show, you’ll need to know what new companies are out there and the latest offerings from vendors you trust. TDmonthly Magazine looked through this month’s nearly 500 uploaded products...
2/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 2-28-08
CNNMoney featured the following products/lines as breakout hits at Toy Fair 2008: Karito Kids by KidsGive, which broke its single-day sales record at this year's show; Pressman Toy, for its licensed offerings The Office Trivia Game, ESPN Jeopardy and Disney Wheel of Fortune...
2/1/2008
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 Storeowners Step Out for Toy Fair
Two-thirds of the 24 specialty retailers surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine this month said they’ll be attending the American International Toy Fair in New York City next week.....
2/1/2008
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 ASTRA's Top-20 Toy Fair Picks
Retail members of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association know well that there's a lot to see at Toy Fair!...
2/1/2008
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Is All This Talk About Webkinz Good?
Virtual playgrounds are a fairly recent phenomenon. While there are now hordes of them out there, there are really only six that matter as far as the toy space is concerned...
1/1/2008
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 Still Innovative
Though these products debuted up to two years ago, they're still fresh and deserve a closer look...
1/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 1-31-08
Fueled by activists' concern over the safety of children's products, Connecticut lawmakers assembled Wednesday to put forth a bill to ban lead in toys...
1/1/2008
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 Six Predictions for the Toy Industry in 2008
Here’s a glimpse of what the toy industry can expect in 2008 — a year of increasing costs and decreasing demand that may favor innovation within the specialty market, but squelch risk-taking in the industry overall...
1/1/2008
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 TDmonthly's January Staff Picks
When restocking shelves, be sure to check out these new or unusual companies and products, picked by TDmonthly Magazine staff for specialty stores...
1/1/2008
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 My Best Sellers: Dark Delicacies
Best-selling items at Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., have that extra touch of scary that’s just right for the only book and gift store in the United States dedicated exclusively to horror...
1/1/2008
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 Toys for Just Plain Fun
Children who need a break from having their brains challenged can relax with these new toy toys...
1/1/2008
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 Retailing Tips: Is “Hot” Too Hot for You?
Specialty toy stores aren’t the traditional place to find the “hot” toys seen in TV commercials and plastered throughout holiday advertisements, but every once in awhile, a toy will steam up in even the most sedate mom-and-pop store (anyone heard of Webkinz?)...
1/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Starz in Their Eyes
The new year. What a drag. Come off two months of nothing but lying by the pool and drinking piña coladas (Hollywood doesn’t do anything in November and December), and now the bright, shiny future is whacking me over the head with a two-by-four called production...
1/1/2008
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 In This Issue
Stop reading! TDmonthly Magazine is highly scannable this issue, so you can grab the points you need and then get back to your orders and Toy Fair plans...
1/1/2008
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 January Toy Videos
Old slumber-party games, such as Truth or Dare and fortune telling, have cropped up in vendable forms for 2008...
1/1/2008
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 Conversations With Keithley
Toy Fair is just around the corner, as is a new program for product testing standards and — sooner or later — legislation granting CPSC reform...
1/1/2008
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 Retailer Spotlight: Dark Delicacies
A 13th anniversary is a significant milestone for any store, but the number is particularly fitting for one that specializes in horror...
1/1/2008
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 These Bills Affect Toy Safety
The following 2007 and 2008 Congressional bills relating to toy safety are listed in order of introduction, from the most recent. They are accompanied by a brief summary...
1/1/2008
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 Top-10 Best-Selling Holiday Toys for Boys
What boys’ toys took off like a rocket during the 2007 holidays? According to 27 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly Magazine from Dec. 26 to 28, planes and rockets...
1/1/2008
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 Top-10 Best-Selling Holiday Toys for Girls
Six of 27 toy-store owners reported to TDmonthly Magazine Dec. 26 to 28 that Calico Critters by International Playthings were the most-bought girl toy for the holidays 2007...
1/1/2008
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 Top-10 Most-Anticipated Toys for 2008
Christmas is over, so let the ordering begin! Based on fairly spectacular holiday sales, specialty retailers told TDmonthly Magazine Dec. 26 to 28 that they’re eager for more...
1/1/2008
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 Get These Toys!
Suddenly out of out-of-door toys and have to order fast? This month, two retailers spontaneously mentioned...
12/1/2007
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What’s Selling Now!
Dec. 13, 2007 – With the holiday season in full swing, TDmonthly Magazine spoke with 23 specialty retailers to find out the latest in sales news...
12/1/2007
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Tips to Prevent Lead Exposure
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead...
12/1/2007
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If We Were Kids ... Xmas List
If you're caught in a bind of last-minute-I don't know what I wanna get, here's a list from TDmonthly and Playzak staffers...
12/1/2007
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 The Best Gifts for Christmas and the Holidays
Nobody wants to give a forgettable gift. To find toys and games that kids of all ages will remember and treasure for years to come, check out TDmonthly Magazine's Holiday Gift Guide...
12/1/2007
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Stocking Stuffers
Cuddly and interactive is the way to go when it comes to holiday stocking stuffers. Of 58 retailers who shared their thoughts with TDmonthly Magazine, 14 believed Webkinz by Ganz would fare best...
12/1/2007
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Wow Toys
As retailers gear up for the holiday season, they’re stocking their shelves with items that are sure to wow their customers. Among 58 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly Magazine, 16 mentioned play kitchens as their ultimate consumer attention-grabber...
12/1/2007
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 Dr. Toy Urges Awareness in the World of Toys
TDmonthly Magazine recently caught up with child development expert Dr. Stevanne Auerbach, known as “Dr. Toy,” on her way to Washington D.C. to kick off the annual “Toys for Tots” program. She gave her thoughts on the troubled toy industry and child’s play today:...
12/1/2007
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 Retailer Survey: Holiday Sales Soar High
The majority of the 79 retailers TDmonthly Magazine surveyed in early November anticipated a strong holiday selling season: 59 percent believe sales will be better than last year, 24 percent think sales will be the same, and 9 percent fear they’ll be worse...
12/1/2007
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 What the Kids Like
Emmy Award-winning actress Nancy Cartwright is best known as the voice of spike-headed underachiever Bart Simpson, but also gives voice to Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz, Todd Flanders and various others in the town of Springfield...
12/1/2007
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 Toys in the News: 12-31-07
Walt Disney and Warner Brothers plan to soon launch several virtual worlds as interactive online sites for children such as Webkinz World and Club Penguin continue to gain popularity...
12/1/2007
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Nick Grows Up
There comes a time when every Hollywood-ite must decide if he or she is going to grow up. Because in Hollywood, you don’t have to...
12/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Brain Station & Tree Town Toys
When Hans and Tricia Masing started their lives together, they each worked in fields completely unrelated to toys. Tricia was an engineer in the auto industry and Hans was in information technology, they shared with TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2007
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 Selling “Time” Pays Off
The first prototype for a Mark-My-Time digital bookmark came out of Maureen Farinella’s constant struggle to track her children’s required reading times, she told TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2007
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 Parents Still Shy Away from China
Given the millions of “Made in China” toys recalled this year, some parents are opting for products made in Europe and the United States, retailers and manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2007
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 Retailing Tips: Create a Profitable Mix
Mixing toys with other merchandise is a method used by several specialty toy-store owners to help increase traffic, customer base and sales, they told TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Specialty retailers are predicting a better-than- average holiday season, which means you'll be busy, busy, busy! So get your news in a flash with TDmonthly's issue highlights...
12/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
All of the following toys were among 300+ nominees for TDmonthly Magazine's first-ever toy awards — see them in and out of the box in full motion!...
12/1/2007
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 Toy Fair 2008 Preview
If you're going to Toy Fair, you might want a quick glimpse at some of the newest companies to exhibit. If you're not going, you'll still want to know what's new...
12/1/2007
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 TDmonthly Top Toys 2007 on VIDEO!
The 2007 TDmonthly Toy Awards have been announced and the first-ever TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report is out! Now all of the TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 and TDmonthly Innovations 2007 products also have videos attached...
12/1/2007
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 Toy Sleuth: Playing It Cool With RC
TDmonthly Magazine’s December Toy Sleuth looked about for what's hip, what's happening and what's "Charlie," and lo-and-behold, all sorts of interesting things popped up...
12/1/2007
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Walt Goes Wild
“Get thee to a toy store!” I yell at my assistant as she brings me my mocha latte. “I can’t keep track of all of this.”...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's November Staff Picks
Want to wade through more than 400 new products we uploaded since last month? How about 30 TDmonthly Magazine picked for you?...
11/1/2007
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 Toy Fair Preview
Get the scoop on what will be on view at the American International Toy Fair in New York with TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Fair Preview articles coming in December and January...
11/1/2007
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 Videos From New York
For the third year in a row, TDmonthly Magazine’s ToyTV video crew will be at the American International Toy Fair in New York … We're also hoping to get some hot footage from the Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair in Nuremburg, Germany!...
11/1/2007
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 American and European Toys Rule
Even without the recent toy recalls, savvy shoppers have been looking for products that are well made and environmentally sound...
11/1/2007
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 Don’t Stop at Toys
Perhaps you’ve toyed with the idea of expanding your store, or offering something a little different to give it that extra edge...
11/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Click on TDmonthly Magazine’s ToyTV newscast for a glimpse at this month’s features:...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it...
11/1/2007
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 Carter Keithley Speaks Out on Toy Fair
At the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas last month, TIA President Carter Keithley shared with TDmonthly Magazine the top three reasons specialty retailers should attend Toy Fair in 2008...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Gifts for Girls
What will girls want from Santa this year? Webkinz by Ganz are sure to stick around, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine, and younger girls are likely to clutch onto the latest dolls from Corolle and Madame Alexander...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Gifts for Boys
Specialty retailers recently told TDmonthly Magazine that popular holiday gifts for young boys this year should include Learning Curve's Percy and Carnival Set as well as action figures from Playmobil and Papo...
11/1/2007
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 Brass Ring: Poppo Pops Out Awards
Family games by Poppo Brands took off with a "pop" when they hit the market in February 2007. Since then, the word puzzle games, Poppo! and Zotto, have collectively earned 12 awards...
11/1/2007
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 Toy Sleuth: It’s a Big, Big World
TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Sleuth got a yen for travel, so we scoured the globe for the latest and greatest toys, some of which are so “latest” they’re still on the drawing boards...
11/1/2007
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Holiday Roundup
Prepare for Christmas by looking through these great toys, sorted by category...
11/1/2007
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 Twelve Toys of Xmas
Technological wizardry and creative diversity are going to top the list of toys for British kids this Xmas, according to a survey carried out by Playzak...
11/1/2007
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 Watch Fall Toy Preview VIDEOS!
TDmonthly Magazine's camera crew wound its way through the maze of the Dallas Marketplace exhibit rooms, seeking some of the coolest new toys for 4Q and 2008...
11/1/2007
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 Get These Toys!
What, besides Webkinz, is heating up for the holidays? Dolls and trucks, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2007
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 Toys in the News: 11-30-07
Sudanese protestors rallied for an hour in Martyrs Square Friday against the sentence given to British school teacher Gillian Gibbons, whose students at Khartoum's Unity High School named a teddy bear Muhammad...
11/1/2007
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Brown Sues Toy Companies For Lead
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Los Angeles City Attorney Rockard J. Delgadillo today sued twenty companies for manufacturing or selling toys with “unlawful quantities of lead.”...
11/1/2007
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 Retailing Tips: Winning Windows Entice Customers
Specialty retailers and Donna Geary, founder and executive director of Impact Visual Merchandising and author of “Maximizing Store Impact: A Retailer's Guide to Profitable Visual Merchandising” shared with TDmonthly Magazine 11 tips for creating attractive — and often profitable — window displays:...
11/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Juggles
It was during her early ‘80s quest to begin a children’s bookstore that mother and teacher Idanna Smith, along with a friend, discovered a toy store for sale and took the plunge into ownership...
11/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Juggles
At Juggles in Wakefield, R.I., owner Idanna Smith has noticed that kids like to build. Anything!...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s Psychologist Mom watches gladiators fight in a Roman arena, marvels over a diaper change kit, scrambles to have the last word and more, rating each product with 1 to 5 TD stars (for TDmonthly!); 5 is the top mark...
11/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Silly Goose
Ten years ago when Diane Robinson first saw the Essex, Mass., building that now houses Silly Goose toy store, she immediately knew the location was perfect for starting her retail business, she told TDmonthly Magazine...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Multimedia Expert
TDmonthly Magazine’s Multimedia Expert has devoted her career to watching and listening to imaginative creations in a variety of media. Here she shares her opinions on multimedia products for kids, rating each one with 1 to 5 TD (for TDmonthly!) stars; 5 is the top mark...
11/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Silly Goose
“Wondrous, Whimsy, and Worldly Wares for kids of all ages” is the motto for Silly Goose toy store in Essex, Mass. So it’s not surprising to find some unusual items for both kids and adults among the toy store’s 10 best sellers...
11/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Expert Mom
Sibylla Nash, mother and author of parenting and entertainment articles, shares her views on the latest toys with TDmonthly Magazine readers, rating them with 1 to 5 TDs (for TDmonthly!); 5 is the top rating...
11/1/2007
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 Get These Toys!
If you're just starting your toy store and don't know what to stock, here's what successful specialty retailers say are musts...
10/1/2007
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 Kid and Youth Marketing Power Conference, Madrid
Seventeen experts in youth marketing and 15 specialist businesses came together in Madrid, Spain, last month for a three-day conference organized by IQPC to offer cutting-edge marketing advice to companies ... and TDmonthly Magazine was there...
10/1/2007
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 Hollywood ToyBoy – China Out? Time Out!
Everyone in La-La Land has jumped on the get-the-lead-out bandwagon. Even the most SUV-loving, oil-guzzling, strip-mining movie moguls have seen the anti-lead-in-toys light. “Think of the children!”...
10/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Really don't have time to read? Now you don't have to! TDmonthly Magazine's ToyTV brings you a monthly newscast with quick article summaries...
10/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s Psychologist Mom goes head to “headz” at a loud baseball game, parties in the swamp with Shrek and much more, rating each product with 1 to 5 TD stars (for TDmonthly!); 5 is the top mark...
10/1/2007
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 "Best-for-Kids" Toys
Each year, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), releases a list of the best play products for children...
10/1/2007
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 Toys in the News: 10-31-07
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the companies named below, has announced voluntary recalls of the following products due to high levels of lead...
10/1/2007
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 Get These Toys!
If you want to get the hottest specialty toys for the holidays, check these out...
10/1/2007
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 Conversations With Keithley
President Carter Keithley of Toy Industry Association recently took time out from his demanding schedule to speak with TDmonthly Magazine about a topic that’s on everyone’s minds this fall — toy safety...
10/1/2007
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Good Company/Bad Company: Who Plays Nice With Toys
Via phone and email, 129 specialty toy- and gift-store owners named for TDmonthly Magazine their favorite and least favorite toy companies. If you're interested in supporting quality toys and games...
10/1/2007
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The 2007 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report
The 2007 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report will be offered to the general public, retailers and the press at the end of October 2007. Its mission is to help consumers make informed buying decisions for the holidays and to introduce them to companies and products they will not find in mass-market outlets...
10/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it...
10/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Toys: ABC Kids Expo
Cookie doll clothes, crazy French plush and plaster baby feet? These are just a few of the toys that TDmonthly Magazine captured on tape at the ABC Kids Expo...
10/1/2007
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 Innovations of 2007
Play isn't just about play anymore, according to manufacturers who've spoken to TDmonthly Magazine. Even fashion dolls are educational...
10/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Red Wagon Toy Company
Owner Kim Smith of Red Wagon Toy Co. in Woodstock, Vt., told TDmonthly Magazine that an important part of her retail success has been “figur[ing] out what I want to be, and what my customer wants me to be.”...
10/1/2007
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 Fall Toy Preview Coverage
By special invitation from companies attending TIA’s Fall Toy Preview in its new location — Dallas, Texas! — TDmonthly Magazine will be shooting the latest toys...
10/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's October Staff Picks
Last month, we uploaded more than 500 new toys! Since you don't have time to look at them all, we looked at them for you...
10/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Red Wagon Toy Co.
After returning to her hometown of Woodstock, Vt., in 2001 after living in Florida for a few years, Kim Smith realized that her surrounding community lacked any kind of children’s shop, she told TDmonthly Magazine...
10/1/2007
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 Magnolia Floats Above the Competition
President and Owner Qi Liu of Magnolia Trading Company revealed to TDmonthly Magazine that she did not have a background in toys before starting the business and importing Chinese toys...
10/1/2007
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 Show Them the Way
What do you do when a mass-market customer walks into your specialty toy store...
10/1/2007
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 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report: FINALISTS
TDmonthly Magazine's staff has had a tough couple of weeks, testing everything from one-eyed "gags" to ride-on toys, trying to whittle down our Top Toy award nominees to the finalists' list...
10/1/2007
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 Open Windows of Opportunity
It never hurts to have a savvy window display, and there’s no better time than the holiday season to attract customers from the outside in...
10/1/2007
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 Toy Recalls Shake Up Shoppers
As the holiday season approaches on the heels of a slew of toy recalls, U.S. consumers have gone on the defensive, and toy manufacturers are proactively seeking to pledge product safety, sources told PlayZak...
9/1/2007
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 Finding Safe Toys
Even as Congress investigates toy safety in the wake of massive recalls of toys made by Mattel and others in China, consumers appear to be taking matters into their own hands by buying more playthings made in Europe or America ― even if they cost more...
9/1/2007
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 How to Find the Coolest Christmas Toys
If you want to know how to find the best quality, most innovative toys in the market, take some tips from the people who do that for a living: specialty toy-store owners...
9/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Really don't have time to read? Now you don't have to! TDmonthly Magazine's ToyTV brings you a monthly newscast...
9/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it...
9/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Boing! JP's Toy Shop
Since her store opened in Jamaica Plain, Mass., six years ago, Owner Elaine Hackney of Boing! JP’s Toy Shop has learned lots of lessons about inventory...
9/1/2007
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 Discounts for TDmonthly Readers
Need free shipping to make your budget work? These specialty toy companies may give you a break if you mention ToyDirectory or TDmonthly Magazine...
9/1/2007
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 Play Goes Green
“Going green” is the catchphrase of the new millennium, and more than the auto industry is finding it profitable to “save” our planet...
9/1/2007
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 Toys, Games and Gifts for $10 and Under
Need last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers and things that kids can buy with their holiday money? TDmonthly Magazine picked out 30 new toy and gift items for you...
9/1/2007
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 Toys, Games and Gifts for $10 to $20
If your customers are looking for affordable gifts for their nieces, nephews and kids, here's a list of toys and games from $10.00 to $20.00 that will still impress the little ones...
9/1/2007
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 Toys, Games and Gifts From $20 to $50
The holidays are the time to splurge, so be sure to provide your customers with plenty of pricier, though still reasonable, new toys and games. Here are some that TDmonthly found for you...
9/1/2007
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Cartoon Network
My ol’ pappy used to say, “Nothing creative ever comes out of a committee.” And since Hollywood is one big committee ... where does that leave everyone who depends on its toys?...
9/1/2007
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 Homeschoolers Go Loco
This month, our Homeschool Roundtable participants found that the way to win is to prevent others from getting ahead in Buffalo Games’ Nacho Loco...
9/1/2007
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 Nostalgia Never Fades
Nostalgia and retro are all the rage, according to owners of specialty shops and chain stores in the southeastern United States...
9/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Toys in the Attic
Lynn Robillard knew from 16 years of running a custom jewelry store in Manchester, Vt., that in retail, it’s crucial to “always to look for quality, and to have unique things that you don’t find everywhere else”...
9/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Expert Kid
TDmonthly Magazine uses experts from all facets of the toy business to review the products that come our way every month. With this guest reviewer, we go straight to the horse’s mouth, or, in this case, the kid’s mouth...
9/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's September Staff Picks
Last chance for Holiday orders! If your catalogs are so dog-eared you can't read the fine print, take a look at this list...
9/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Toys in the Attic
Although Owner Lynn Robillard of Toys in the Attic in Manchester, Vt., had a hard time pinning down individual best-selling items, there’s no shortage of customer excitement for many of the brands in her store...
9/1/2007
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 Get These Toys!
It's no surprise that Webkinz is the hottest selling line in specialty stores across the country...
9/1/2007
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 2007's Innovations
Water construction toys, charitable dolls, flying disks that talk, and MP3s for infants...
9/1/2007
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The 2007 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report
The 2007 TDmonthly Specialty Toys Report will be offered to the general public, retailers and the press in mid-October 2007. Its mission is to help consumers make informed buying decisions for the holidays and to introduce them to companies and products they will not find in mass-market outlets...
9/1/2007
|
 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
Dr. Wright doesn’t just look at toys; she analyzes them. In and out of the box, she scrutinizes them for playability, appropriateness and educational value...
9/1/2007
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 Toy Sleuth: The Final Frontier
TDmonthly Magazine’s September Toy Sleuth looks high, low and even under rocks this month, gathering glimpses of toys and games that will call up fond memories and watery Armageddon in a single bound...
9/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Expert Mom
Each month, Sibylla Nash shares her views on the latest toys with TDmonthly Magazine readers,...
9/1/2007
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 Mattel Recalls 9.5 Million More Toys
August 14, 2007 – Washington, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mattel Inc. announced today a voluntary recall of more than 9 million toys...
8/1/2007
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Check Out These Holiday Discounts!
If you’re looking for a break while ordering, check out the companies below. Just for mentioning ToyDirectory or TDmonthly Magazine you may get anything from free shipping to 10 percent discounts!...
8/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Skim these TDmonthly Magazine stories to find out what you need to know for the ordering season...
8/1/2007
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 Retailing Tips: Brand Your Store
Branding, whether it’s burning a ranch symbol into the hides of cattle or slapping a designer’s name on a pair of jeans, is nothing new...
8/1/2007
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 Is "Made In China" the Kiss of Death?
Mattel’s recall of more than 10 million toys this month has made parents and retailers rethink buying and stocking decisions, sources told TDmonthly Magazine...
8/1/2007
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 How to Survive a Monster Hit
You dream of it and dread it: A specialty toy explodes into the mainstream consciousness. Your sales skyrocket, your foot traffic becomes a stampede, and then ... you run out of the toy...
8/1/2007
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 Thank You, Canada!
In recognition of the importance Canada plays in the specialty toy market, TDmonthly Magazine spoke with retailers, manufacturers and experts north of the border to find out how much of their business is U.S.-driven, and what the pluses and minuses are...
8/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's August Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine uploaded more than 650 new toys and games last month! To make your job easier, we sifted through them and selected the ones we think might do well in specialty stores...
8/1/2007
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 Retailers Speak Out at ASTRA
TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty toy-store owners to pick their favorite toys at the ASTRA Marketplace in Las Vegas...
8/1/2007
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 Watch ASTRA Marketplace Symposia
In addition to networking with peers and discovering new manufacturers, retailers at trade shows have a great opportunity to learn or review skills that increase the bottom line...
8/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
TDmonthly's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it...
8/1/2007
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 ASTRA Marketplace: Specialty at Its Best
With “specialty” in sharp focus, the 2007 ASTRA Academy & Marketplace, June 24 to 27 at Las Vegas’ SouthPoint Hotel & Casino, proved to be an upbeat and successful show...
7/1/2007
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 Get Ready to Order!
In August and September, TDmonthly will have special Get Ready to Order issues to facilitate your holiday purchasing...
7/1/2007
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
TDmonthly Magazine has more than 11,000 products in our searchable database and adds hundreds more each month, so you can increase your chances of finding this Holiday's Hits .....
7/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
TDmonthly's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it...
7/1/2007
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 NuOp Design Thrives on Originality
In 2005, Frank Frisari and John McCoy pooled their talents to create geometric magnets and the flexible plastic Q-Man. Two years later, they have a line of colorful novelties...
7/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
Dr. Wright doesn't just look at toys; she analyzes them. This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s Psychologist Mom packs up a fuzzy backpack, puzzles out an alphabetical dragon and more...
7/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's July Staff Picks
From an optical-illusion construction kit to books that reach the underserved audience of biracial kids, July's toys are all about relationships...
7/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
If you don't have time for the whole issue of TDmonthly, check out the companies specialty retailers say are fair...
7/1/2007
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 How to Manage a Monster Hit
Some store owners smell a hit and go for it. Others keep away. What could be wrong with a best-selling toy?...
7/1/2007
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 Thank You, Canada!
Canadian toy companies and retailers have a close relationship with their counterparts across the border...
7/1/2007
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 Dolls on the Uprise
Over the past couple of months, several retailers have told TDmonthly that baby dolls are enjoying renewed popularity...
7/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Henry Bear's Park
After 31 years in business, Owner Sally Lesser of Henry Bear’s Park in Massachusetts, knows that staple items and best sellers go hand in hand...
7/1/2007
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 Made in the USA Toys
American toy companies can save 50 percent or more on manufacturing costs by taking production outside U.S. borders. And yet, some refuse to set sail...
7/1/2007
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 Toys for the Old Folks
Toymakers and retailers may complain about age compression, but some say the market’s opened up on the other end: The way to lure kids back to toys is to sell to the adults...
7/1/2007
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UPDATE: TIA's Member Code of Conduct
As reported in prior issues of TDmonthly Magazine, a committee headed by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Toy), and Marshall Gavin (b. dazzle, inc.) among others, has worked assiduously to develop...
7/1/2007
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 Trish Garlock
There are a lot of sad children in La Grange, Ky., this spring...
6/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Toy Videos
If a picture's worth 1,000 words, a video's worth volumes. Use TDmonthly's Toy Videos to get a better look (and listen) at some of the latest toys on the market...
6/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
No leisure? Get the gist with these story summaries, and then click the links to read on...
6/1/2007
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 Awesome Kids Adds Animation
Animation targeted to children aged 5 to 8 is gradually becoming one of Awesome Kids’ biggest successes...
6/1/2007
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 Esco Imports Imports Great Fun
Jack Steinfeld, president of Esco Imports, knows a lot about the toy business: His family founded and has been successfully running toy importer and distributor Esco Imports since 1946...
6/1/2007
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
If you're ready to order for the holiday season, or if you're just getting ready to think about it, click on the categories to find the hundreds of toys TDmonthly Magazine has uploaded since last month...
6/1/2007
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 Homeschoolers Go for Fantasy
This month, our Homeschooling Roundtable participants met an imaginary creature named Freddy in Once Upon a Blue Moon, and took a break on the collectible, adoptable and customizable Big Freddy Chair...
6/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Developmental Expert
Christina Liu uses toys to help kids with or at risk for developmental delay reach their full potential. This month, her kids put it together big time, learn to chase words, hop through the Amazon and more...
5/1/2007
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Tradeshow Videos
Want to know what your favorite specialty vendors are up to in 2007? See them demonstrate their newest games and toys by clicking on the links...
5/1/2007
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 How to Keep Your Toy Store Thriving
Running a toy store isn't easy. High costs and competition snuffed out at least one neighborhood specialty store within the past two years...
5/1/2007
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 Easter Brought Bucks
Despite a dearth of Ganz’s Webkinz, 12 specialty toy-store owners told TDmonthly that Easter 2007 was...
5/1/2007
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 The Few, the Proud, the Award-Winning Toys
Thousands of products are introduced to the toy industry every year, but only a limited number are good enough, playable enough and innovative enough to garner an award...
5/1/2007
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 Award-Winning Toys
Don't have time to test every toy yourself? Luckily, there are plenty of others who want to do it for you...
4/1/2007
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 Holiday Preview
Now that Toy Fair is over, all those new toys seem just so … old. So what’s next?...
4/1/2007
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 Convergence and Culture
Ever wonder how changing media patterns and cultural experience could affect your business?...
4/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
Want to know what other specialty retailers look like? And sound like? And what they want in their stores for 2007?...
4/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Pomona Picks
From an a-maze-ing marble-run construction kit to a whack-y ball that exercises the mind, the WTHRA show took buyers and reps into a creative realm of fun and interactivity...
4/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's April Staff Picks
While we were looking for special toys for kids of all ages, the following products came across our desks at TDmonthly Magazine...
4/1/2007
|
 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
Dr. Wright doesn't just look at toys; she analyzes them. In and out of the box, she scrutinizes them for playability, appropriateness and educational value...
4/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: G. Willikers, N.H.
The Breneman family has been in the toy business since 1978. Almost 30 years of success have taught them a thing or two about toys, dolls and games...
4/1/2007
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 Preschoolers: Unpuzzling the Puzzles
Roundtable participants liked the analytical challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with doing puzzles regardless of whether they are small and done individually or large and worked on cooperatively...
4/1/2007
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 Homeschoolers Puzzle Over Football
This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s Homeschool Roundtable played new kinds of ball games with Top Toss Pro and BlongoBall, scored with K and T Toys’ Touchdown, and got an eyeful of prehistoric creatures with Safari’s Dinosaur Panorama Puzzle...
4/1/2007
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
Last Easter, specialty toy retailers saw Ganz's Webkinz explode. What toys will overflow the Easter baskets this year?...
4/1/2007
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 Watch Games Expo VIDEOS!
More than 200 exhibitors showed off their new games at the debut of Games Expo last month in Las Vegas...
4/1/2007
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 Cool Toy VIDEOS From Pomona
The TDmonthly Magazine video crew moseyed out to Pomona to capture manufacturers demonstrating their new toys at the annual WTHRA show...
4/1/2007
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 Retailers Speak Out at Toy Fair
While at Toy Fair 2007, TDmonthly Magazine interviewed specialty toy retailers about new products they've spotted...
4/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's March Staff Picks
Pencils and cameras ready, TDmonthly Magazine trolled the aisles of Toy Fair for special toys for specialty shops. Lucky for us, other toys came straight to our office, too...
3/1/2007
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 Specialty Stores Share Toy Fair Favs
TDmonthly Magazine spoke with specialty retailers during and after Toy Fair TDmonthly Magazine spoke with specialty retailers during and after Toy Fair to find out which toys they liked the most...
3/1/2007
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 How HABA Stays Fresh
Lea Culliton started in retail and worked her way up to become the vice president of sales and marketing at HABA USA...
3/1/2007
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 Homeschoolers: Think to Win
Think, think, think! Games that entertain while exercising the brain were the focus of this month's Homeschooling Roundtable...
3/1/2007
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 Toy Sleuth: It's Granny by a Nose
Sometimes what's bubbling under the surface can be revolutionary. Sometimes it can be evolutionary. And sometimes, it's just plain weird and wonderful...
3/1/2007
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 Watch Toy Fair VIDEOS Here!
We've now uploaded all of the 150-plus product demonstrations TDmonthly Magazine shot at Toy Fair 2007...
3/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Coolest Toy Fair Toys
TDmonthly was at Toy Fair, too, and here are some of the toys we think kids of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities would have a hard time resisting:...
3/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's Developmental Expert
Christina Liu uses toys to help kids with or at risk for developmental delay reach their full potential. This month, her kids make up new animals, break secret codes, learn story structure and more...
3/1/2007
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 Report on the Survey on the Code of Ethics
For the past two years, a committee of concerned members of the toy and game industry has been studying and discussing a proposed Code of Ethics. The Proposed document has been accepted for review by the Toy Industry Association...
3/1/2007
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 Retailing Tips: Pricing for Profit
In a Toy Fair Session sponsored by the Toy Industry Association, Nick Morolda ... offered nine tips on how to build and support a successful toy store...
3/1/2007
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 TIA Snubs New York and Heads West
New York is out and Texas is in. After months of controversy, the Toy Industry Association announced after a meeting of its Executive Committee on Tuesday that this year’s Fall Toy Show will be in Dallas, October 8 to 11...
3/1/2007
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Cool Toy VIDEOS from Pomona
The TDmonthly Magazine video crew mosied out to Pomona to capture manufacturers demonstrating their new toys at the annual WTHRA show...
3/1/2007
|
 TDmonthly's Psychologist Mom
This month, TDmonthly Magazine's Psychologist Mom takes her kids to the races, prepares them for retirement and more...
3/1/2007
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 Retailer Spotlight: Playmatters
A milestone birthday and a visit to the Nuremburg Toy Fair helped nudge Michael Ziegenhagen to launch Playmatters in Cleveland in the early 1990s...
2/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Playmatters
In this issue of TDmonthly, Michael Ziegenhagen, owner of Playmatters in Cleveland, Ohio, shares some of his best-selling toys...
2/1/2007
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 Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Before you get out your parka and Ugg boots to prepare for another trek to the Javits Center...
2/1/2007
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 TDmonthly's February Staff Picks
TDmonthly Magazine is always on the lookout for new and exciting toys and games that might do well in specialty toy stores...
2/1/2007
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 February Videos
If you want to know what a toy will look like on your shelf, TDmonthly Magazine lets you see it before and after it comes out of the box...
2/1/2007
|
 Spider-Man Turns Mean
"Spider-Man 3," "Shrek the Third" and, yes, "Pirates of the Caribbean" (Part 3) are predicted to be the monster hits of 200 ... 7...
2/1/2007
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 Toy Sleuth: February
Take something commonplace, look at it from a new angle and …Voila! The next big toy...
2/1/2007
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 Simple Toys Teach Best
Two-thirds of the retailers TDmonthly surveyed indicated that educational purchases begin with ages 4 and younger...
2/1/2007
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Top Trends of Toy Fair
The American International Toy Fair in New York City brought together hundreds of the industry's biggest and smallest players...
2/1/2007
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On-the-Floor Toy Fair Coverage
To help specialty retailers get the most out of Toy Fair, TDmonthly Magazine provided daily tradeshow updates...
2/1/2007
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Toy Fair 2007 Toys
While sitting in the airport, waiting for your plane to New York, or back in the hotel after a day working the aisles, take a look at the toys...
2/1/2007
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 VIDEOS: See Toy Fair Toys in Action
The more than 150 product demonstrations TDmonthly Magazine shot at Toy Fair 2007 are a great way to revisit products before you place that final order...
2/1/2007
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 This Issue's Highlights
This month, TDmonthly Magazine is all about communication: books, DVDs, online, offline...
1/1/2007
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 January Videos
If you want to know what a toy will look like on your shelf, TDmonthly Magazine lets you see it before and after it comes out of the box...
1/1/2007
|
 Innovations of 2006
TDmonthly Magazine asked manufacturers about their most notable and innovative toys from 2006...
1/1/2007
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 My Best Sellers: Treehouse Toys
In this issue of TDmonthly, Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys in Portsmouth, N.H. and Portland, Maine, and co-owner of Magicforest, shared some of the qualities that have made her specialty toy stores a success for more than 10 years...
1/1/2007
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
It's time to reorder, so check here first to see all of the toys that have come our way via manufacturers' or retailers' recommendations...
1/1/2007
|
 TDmonthly's Psychology Expert
Want an expert's opinion on toys kids will love? This month, Dr. Carroll examines a book that aids with grieving, puts together a crystal radio, spins a web and more...
1/1/2007
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 What Makes an Award-Winning Toy
TDmonthly Magazine is happy to congratulate the dozens of honorees whose names appear on lists for this year’s toy awards...
12/1/2006
|
 Toy Industry Code of Ethics
Recurring headlines in the toy industry reflect continuing agitation and the escalation of the costs of legal issues, as one company after another files copyright infringement suits...
12/1/2006
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 December Videos
If you want to know what a toy will look like on your shelf, TDmonthly Magazine lets you see it before and after it comes out of the box...
12/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's Expert Mom
She’s taught kids. She's raising kids. She knows what’s good for them ... and what they like...
12/1/2006
|
 Homeschoolers Glide Into History
Five homeschooled families ventured back into history as they built a replica of a Wright glider, jammed with legendary jazz greats, rode into the outlaw West with Billy the Kid, and revisited Troy...
12/1/2006
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 This Issue's Highlights
Overloaded this holiday season? We've summarized some of our top stories to help you make the most of your time at TDmonthly Magazine...
12/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's December Staff Picks
TDmonthly staff members are always looking at new toys, hoping to find something that will sit well (for a very short time) on specialty retailers' shelves...
12/1/2006
|
 Hot Toys for Christmas
If you've shopped 'til you dropped at your local specialty toy stores and still haven't found the perfect gift for the perfect people on your list, you've come to the right place...
12/1/2006
|
 Reasons to Keep on Celebrating
As our 10th anniversary celebration officially winds down, we look back over the years with a sense of satisfaction...
12/1/2006
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 Notable and New Toys by Category
All of the toys, games, dolls and gift products that have come our way in the last three months have been gathered into one place...
12/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Gifts for Girls
Manhattan Toy’s Groovy Girls, Calico Critters by International Playthings, and Calin from Corolle prove that doll and critter power rules when it comes to last-minute gift ideas for girls...
12/1/2006
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 This Issue's Highlights
Time is precious. So TDmonthly Magazine has summarized some of our top stories for a quick scan...
11/1/2006
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 Fly High With Kites
Kites continue to intrigue young and old — and when they’re used as part of a toy store’s décor, they can attract attention...
11/1/2006
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 Grandpa Pushes Trains on Kids
Parents and grandparents who are trying to wean their youngsters from videogames tend to promote the toys they liked best when growing up...
11/1/2006
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 All in the Family Toy Store
He may have thought he was just playing, but when Greg Bonner grabbed a jack-in-the-box as a child, he was really training himself to take over his family’s toy store...
11/1/2006
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 November Videos
If you want to know what a toy will look like on your shelf, TDmonthly Magazine lets you see it before and after...
11/1/2006
|
 Secrets of Successful Toy CEOs
Large or small, when you’re the head honcho of a toy company, how you parcel out each moment can mean the difference between success and failure...
11/1/2006
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Surprise Hits
When TDmonthly Magazine asked 57 specialty toy retailers about some of their surprise sellers of 2006, Webkinz and PlayFoam were the most impressive...
11/1/2006
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 TDmonthly's Top-10 Most-Wanted Classics
Thomas the Tank Engine keeps chugging along, bringing with him dolls by The Alexander Doll Company and Corolle, construction by K’Nex and plush by Gund...
11/1/2006
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 Why We Go to Toy Fair ... or Don't
Ninety-eight specialty retailers across the country were surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine to see how many will be attending Toy Fair...
11/1/2006
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 TDmonthly's Expert Mom
Emilie Hill has taught kids of all ages everything from swimming to physics for more than 15 years...
11/1/2006
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 TDmonthly's Psychology Expert
Beth Carroll, Psy.D., is a professional psychologist who specializes in child intervention and development...
11/1/2006
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 Hot Toys for Christmas 2006
Nobody wants to give a boring toy. But that's probably what you'll get if you go to the same store to buy your bread, toilet paper and toys...
10/1/2006
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 Rubies for Rottweilers
If your plush puppies aren’t strung with pearls, you’re missing one of the hottest tween-girl toy trends...
10/1/2006
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 Girls Like Gross, Too
Tweenettes may dress in pink and wear rhinestones, but that doesn’t mean they don’t wanna get down and dirty with creepy crawlies...
10/1/2006
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 October Videos
All toys, out of the box! TDmonthly Magazine lets you see what a product will look like on your shelf .....
10/1/2006
|
 Homeschoolers Say: Robots Rule!
Moms and kids agreed: Toys by OWI and National Geographic were loads of fun, and could be used as part of a homeschooling curriculum, too...
10/1/2006
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 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
Five homeschooling families in North Carolina evaluated three new toys, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5, with "5" being the highest score and "1" being the lowest...
10/1/2006
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 New Toys: Find Your Holiday Winners
Every day, toys huff and puff their way into TDmonthly Magazine. We hear about them from retailers, we hear about them from manufacturers...
10/1/2006
|
 Toy Sleuth: Helicopting Head Turns Heads
Scouring the globe for the latest, greatest new toys and knickknacks, the TDmonthly Magazine Toy Sleuth picked up electrical ants, locomoting luggage, robots that eat pencils, and a helicopting head...
10/1/2006
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 This Issue's Highlights
TDmonthly Magazine tells you how kids pass each other the good word, what collectibles are filling their shelves and emptying their pockets, and why they’re so plugged into electronics toys. But if you haven’t time for the whole issue...
10/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's Psychology Expert
Beth Carroll, Psy.D., is a professional psychologist who specializes in child intervention and development...
10/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's Expert Mom
Emilie Hill has taught kids of all ages everything from swimming to physics for more than 15 years...
10/1/2006
|
 September Peeks
We at TDmonthly Magazine like toys, and these are the toys we wished they'd made when we were kids...
9/1/2006
|
 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
Five homeschooling families* in North Carolina evaluated 2 new toys, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5, with “5” being the highest score and “1” being the lowest...
9/1/2006
|
 September Videos
Mr. TOYDirectory is on vacation. So this month we have Ms. TOYDirectory presenting new, fun toys, including Piggies! by Merrymakers...
9/1/2006
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 Game and Toy Creation - Part 3
After protecting your concept and making the decision to launch your own company, promoting and marketing your invention is the next step...
9/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly's Psychology Expert
Beth Carroll, Psy.D., is a professional psychologist who specializes in child intervention and development...
9/1/2006
|
 This Issue's Highlights
This month, TDmonthly Magazine asks specialty toy stores for tips on selling CDs, Back-to-School Supplies and other items that many mom-and-pop shops avoid...
9/1/2006
|
 August Peeks
The following new toys caught the attention of TDmonthly staffers...
8/1/2006
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 From the Minds of Babes
In the 1880s, a teenager founded his own toy company based on a game he invented. Over 100 invented games later, George Parker and his company, Parker Brothers, were an institution...
8/1/2006
|
 Personalizing the Shopping Experience
It shouldn’t take a new study claiming social isolation to be at an all-time high to remind us that people appreciate a little one-on-one...
8/1/2006
|
 TDmonthly’s Psychology Expert
Beth Carroll, Psy.D., is a professional psychologist who specializes in child intervention and development...
8/1/2006
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 This Issue's Highlights
This month, TDmonthly Magazine examines award winners, finds out what's up with dolls, gives kids' furniture a once-over, and discovers what's new in plush and puppets...
8/1/2006
|
 Wal-Mart Goes Niche
In a June 2 press release, Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott pledged to “build more experimental stores to help the company broaden its appeal to Hispanic customers, rural customers and Baby Boomers.”...
7/1/2006
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 Toys on Tape: Video Demos
Mr. TOYDIRECTORY is back in action! We have added more than 50 new videos and 3 new categories! Check out the tons of new games that will keep your summer days filled with excitement!...
7/1/2006
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 July Peeks
With summer in full swing, manufacturers are enjoying the heat while preparing for the end of year sales season...
7/1/2006
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 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
See how five homeschooling families evaluated four new educational arts and crafts toys...
7/1/2006
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 Preschoolers Rate Toys
This month, four families and three preschool classrooms evaluated three new toys...
7/1/2006
|
 June Peeks
School's out for the summer and it's time to get down to play!...
6/1/2006
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 New and Exceptional Toys
Toy manufacturers pull out all the stops this month as they begin gearing up for holiday season 2006...
6/1/2006
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 Ariel’s Child Turns 20
Toy store owner Ricki Block is expert at networking and developing solid relationships...
6/1/2006
|
 Lend a Toy, Gain a Sale
Although selling toys is understandably the focus for retailers, lending them is a trend that may hook customers...
6/1/2006
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 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
Kids and parents of all ages and genders loved the K’NEX and Uberstix building kits, but the little boys were the biggest fans of TriKing Games’ historical battle card game, Anachronisms...
6/1/2006
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 Toys on Tape: Video Demos
Why settle for a picture, or even a thousand words, when you can watch a toy move for itself?...
6/1/2006
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 New and Noteworthy Toys
There will be a heatwave of new products released by toy manufacturers this summer...
5/1/2006
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 Toy and Pet Industries Meet
Luxury for pampered pets along with games and gifts with an animal theme may be a retailer's best bet in stocking shelves this year...
5/1/2006
|
 Preschoolers Rate Toys
This month, four families and three preschool classrooms evaluated three new toys...
5/1/2006
|
 The TDmonthly Toy Sleuth
Early warning detection is the key to staying ahead of the curve, and TDmonthly Magazine is always on the lookout for the fresh, the innovative and the brand-spankin’-new...
5/1/2006
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 Manufacturer Video Demos
Trade events are so brimful with new toys that sometimes it's hard to keep them all straight...
5/1/2006
|
 Building Entrepreneurs the Build-A-Bear Way
Last month, I had the opportunity to interview entrepreneur icon, Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop, while attending Office Depot’s 6th Annual Success Strategies for Businesswomen conference...
5/1/2006
|
 How to Judge a Gift By Its Package
TDmonthly Magazine caught up with Bill Goodwin to ask him a few questions about the significant role packaging plays in selling toys...
5/1/2006
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 May Peeks
TDmonthly staff members have become enamored with the following toys...
5/1/2006
|
 Toy Companies Play Fetch
Luxury for pampered pets along with games and gifts with an animal theme may be a retailer's best bet in stocking shelves this year...
4/1/2006
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 April Peeks
When these toys caught the numerous eyeballs of TDmonthly staff, heads did turn...
4/1/2006
|
 The Origin of the Playthings
TDmonthly Magazine interviewed long-time toy inventor Joe Wetherell to get an originator’s thoughts on the status of the industry and give pointers on where “the next big thing” may come from...
4/1/2006
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 Homeschoolers Blast Off on Toys
This month, TDmonthly Magazine’s homeschooled tweens and their parents had strong and different opinions on the toys evaluated, depending on the kids’ inherent interest in the subject...
4/1/2006
|
 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
This month, five homeschooling families evaluated three new toys (rating them on a scale of 1 to 10, with “1” being the best and “10” being the worst)...
4/1/2006
|
 Ten Years of ToyDirectory: Retailers Talk Back
TDmonthly asked retailers who use ToyDirectory and its sister site, TDmonthly Magazine, to tell you in their own words how they’ve been able to research new products for their stores, contact manufacturers and stay abreast of what’s happening in the specialty toy market...
4/1/2006
|
 WTHRA Show Wrap-Up
Held March 11-14, the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association Show has become a reliable hands-on search engine for retail and wholesale buyers...
4/1/2006
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 WTHRA Show 2006 Video Roundup
The compact size of the Western States Toy and Hobby Show, held annually in Pomona, Calif., allows smaller manufacturers to shine without being overwhelmed by the shadows of the Big Boys...
4/1/2006
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 Manufacturer Video Demos
TDmonthly Magazine sent its camera crew to Toy Fair and has brought back more than 180 video interviews with manufacturers, listed here in alphabetical order...
4/1/2006
|
 Toys on Tape: Video Demos
While April showers bring May flowers, stay dry inside watching Mr. TOYDIRECTORY's latest batch of toy videos...
4/1/2006
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 Toys Caught on Tape
Watch Mr. TOYDIRECTORY's 10- to 20-second videos that reveal product size relation, dimensions and playability...
3/1/2006
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 Retailers Talk About Fav Toy Fair Toys
While at Toy Fair 2006, TDmonthly Magazine interviewed several retailers on the floor about what new products they planned to bring into their stores for 2006, or what had been some of their best sellers for 2005...
3/1/2006
|
 March Peeks
Now that Toy Fair's over, what new toys are hopping into the stores for spring? Here are our picks of the fresh new crop...
3/1/2006
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 View New and Unique Toys
Take a look at a few new and new-to-you toys that may not have made it onto your radar screen...
3/1/2006
|
 WTHRA Show Recap
Held March 11-14, the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association Show attracts a unique audience to those that appear in New York...
3/1/2006
|
 Watch New Toys From Toy Fair
TDmonthly Magazine sent its camera crew to Toy Fair and has brought back some of the best toys and interviews with manufacturers, presented in alphabetical order...
3/1/2006
|
 Pomona Toy Show 2006 Video Roundup
The compact size of the Western States Toy and Hobby Show, held annually in Pomona, Calif., allows smaller manufacturers to shine without being overwhelmed by the shadows of the Big Boys...
3/1/2006
|
 Retailers Give Buying Strategies via Video
Trade shows can be overwhelming, but a retailer with a plan can emerge from the chaos with the best products for her particular store. At the ASTRA Party With the Stars event at FAO Schwarz, held in conjunction with Toy Fair 2006, specialty retailers spoke with TDmonthly Magazine about strategies for stocking toy shelves...
3/1/2006
|
 View New Toys
New products abound in TDmonthly's Toy Fair product review...
3/1/2006
|
 February Peeks
With all eyes on Toy Fair this month, the TDmonthly staff has discovered a few amazing toys that should not be overlooked...
2/1/2006
|
 Learning Express CEO Knows Specialty Retail
Sharon DiMinico, CEO and founder of Learning Express, the largest specialty toy retailer in the country, recently shared details of her successful business model with TDmonthly Magazine...
2/1/2006
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 Make My Year: 2005 Did It
2004 was a good year for selling toys, but 2005 was better, 16 of 25 specialty toy retailers told TDmonthly Magazine this January...
2/1/2006
|
 Selling Toys as Tools
In many professions, the shopping list includes toys. Knowing how to market to these individuals can help grow business...
2/1/2006
|
 Winning the Game
Thinking inside, rather than outside, the (big) box may be counterintuitive, but original problem solving is one reason long-term storeowners heap on the years...
2/1/2006
|
 Toy Fair 2006 Video Roundup
TDmonthly Magazine sent its camera crew to Toy Fair and has brought back more than 180 video interviews with manufacturers, listed here in alphabetical order...
2/1/2006
|
 International Trademarking a Click Away
Frequently, many of us find that we have come up with an idea that has the capacity to be successful not just in the United States, but worldwide as well. But how do we protect our ideas … "out there?"...
2/1/2006
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 Toys Gone Wild!
These videos are getting hotter and hotter! Mr. Firefighter puppet put out that fire! Be sure to see the new videos with Mr. ToyDirectory's new buddy!...
2/1/2006
|
 Lighting a Fire Under a Toy
There’s nothing quite as discouraging as a toy that sits on a shelf week after week. What do you do with such slow-movers?...
2/1/2006
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 Biggles Toys Relies on Providence
Cory Johnson took a little Manhattan savvy, added a cuddly teddy bear, and Biggles Toys was born on November 1, 2005, in a city with a promising outlook in the midst of revival...
2/1/2006
|
 This Issue's Highlights
This month, TDmonthly Magazine explores arts and crafts, exciting kid jewelry and a world of new toys and business tips sure to make your 2006 profitable...
2/1/2006
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Toy Fair 2006 Video Highlights
From New York, it's Toy Fair 2006! TDmonthly Magazine brought a video crew to the New York Toy Fair to show you the highlights...
2/1/2006
|
 Homeschoolers Rate Toys
Five homeschooling families evaluated three different toys. Here are their numerical ratings, based on a scale of 1 to 10...
2/1/2006
|
 New Design Center for Unique Toy Co.
TDmonthly Magazine spoke with Brian Kessler, founder and president of Maui Toys, on his company's new Southern California design center...
1/1/2006
|
 Holiday 2005 Sales Surprises!
TDmonthly Magazine spoke with experts on the manufacturing and retail side to see what blips appeared on the holiday radar this year...
1/1/2006
|
 This Issue's Highlights
Books, tween gadgets and the best toy business advice: It's all in this month's issue of TDmonthly...
1/1/2006
|
 Retailer Toy Fair Checklist
TDmonthly has compiled 10 useful tips to help retailers make the most of their visit to this year's Toy Fair...
1/1/2006
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General Toys
The following products are from manufacturers you won't find at the 2006 Toy Fair...
1/1/2006
|
 Accepting Payment the Easy Way
Implementing the right payment processing solution is vital to maximize your profits in the competitive toy industry...
1/1/2006
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 January Peeks
TDmonthly Staff has discovered a few amazing toys that deserve special mention...
1/1/2006
|
 A Growing Needs Niche
According to the number of people served by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, approximately 7 million children have special needs, representing more than $3.5 billion each year in toy purchases...
1/1/2006
|
 And ... Action!
Toys have made their way out of the North Pole and in front of our camera! See that book, watch that doll, dig the new board game. They're all here...
1/1/2006
|
 How Stealth Marketing Can Improve Store Sales
When it comes to breathing new life into an established toy store, it can be a real challenge to dream up rewards for loyal customers, incentives to attract new patrons and ways to get a leg up on the competition...
1/1/2006
|
 A Few of Their Favorite Things
These are a few toys that didn't make TDmonthly's 2005 Top-10 lists but which retailers picked as their favorite things in 2005...
1/1/2006
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 Watch This! Toys On the Loose
The weather outside is frightful and these toys have found their way under the warmth of the spotlight in front of the camera...
12/1/2005
|
 Donate School Supplies to New Orleans
Communities In Schools of New Orleans Inc. is requesting donations of products (no cash) that can help rebuild schools in New Orleans that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina...
12/1/2005
|
 Let’s Put on a Show
Since the first cavemen went door-to-door demonstrating fire, retailers have been drumming up business by exhibiting the goods...
12/1/2005
|
 The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
According to research conducted at the University of Tennessee, the failure rate of new businesses in the first year is a staggering 70 to 80 percent! How do fledgling manufacturers survive?...
12/1/2005
|
 Video-On-Demand Changes Advertiser Focus
TDmonthly Magazine has been following recent changes in the television business model caused by the introduction of video-on-demand, the chaos in the affiliate structure and the search for how to make advertising work in the new realm...
12/1/2005
|
 The Electronic Revolution Captures Kids’ Attention
Although toys are still tops with younger kids, the appeal of electronics is spreading from older kids to their younger counterparts faster than you can e-mail a digital photo from your My Scene Prepaid Cell Phone...
12/1/2005
|
 December Peeks
With the following products in stock, we here at TDmonthly Magazine think you won’t have any problem moving merchandise...
12/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Quick Gifts for Girls
The customer’s on his way to a holiday party and just remembered that the host has kids. All girls. What do you hand him when he’s in a hurry and has only $20 to spend per kid? Fifteen retailers around the country gave TDmonthly Magazine their suggestions...
12/1/2005
|
 Designing Toys for Tomorrow
How do toy designers satisfy everyone? TDmonthly Magazine spoke with a number of toy makers to find out...
12/1/2005
|
 Eagle Magic Stands Test of Time
A small business has to build relationships and loyalty with their customers that cannot be copied at a big box outlet. Larry Kahlow’s Eagle Magic and Joke Store has built its business on an impeccable relationship strategy with hobbyists, professionals, children and grandmothers...
12/1/2005
|
 The Doctor May Be In
British popular culture has had a tremendous impact on America. Many of our science fiction and fantasy films originate in the United Kingdom, such as the "Harry Potter" series and "War of the Worlds." These days, "Doctor Who" is re-taking the nation by storm. American retailers would do well to pay attention to the BBC as it reintroduces well-loved shows of the past...
12/1/2005
|
 One to Watch This Holiday Season
The Sony PSP may be set to become one of the holiday’s hottest products less than a year after the console’s launch failed to meet the high expectations of the electronics community. A number of factors, including popular new games and a slew of movie titles, have been stirring up excitement in the gaming world and could lead to a spike in sales during the gift-giving season as the PSP catches its second wind...
12/1/2005
|
 Brand New World Takes Fresh Approach
Doing what you love has a way of paying off — especially if your name happens to be Kathy Palker. For Palker, the energetic vice president of sales and marketing for Brand New World, a company that designs educational toys for kids in childcare and school, making a career of what she loves has led to one success after another...
12/1/2005
|
 Are Your Kids Registered?
You register kitchenware for weddings, why not toys for Christmas? Think of the time and money it would save, not to mention concern over whether you bought a duplicate gift...
11/1/2005
|
 Are Educational Toys Educational?
Just how effective are educational toys? Some argue that children learn more during pretend-play time than with structured educational products...
11/1/2005
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 More Power Plays
TDmonthly Magazine talked with Jay Gissen, founder, CEO and creator of Riot Media, to find out what tween boys want for Christmas...
11/1/2005
|
 All About She
A few companies are flourishing with 8 to 12 year olds by creating products that help the girls define themselves...
11/1/2005
|
 Hot for the Holidays
TDmonthly spoke with specialty retailers across the country to discover their picks for what will be top sellers this Christmas season...
11/1/2005
|
 Keeping Track of Sales
How can small toy retailers best keep track of their ever-changing inventory?...
11/1/2005
|
 Motion Picture Marketing: An Interview With Jeff Walker
One of the owners of The Thinking Cap Company, a former licensing business, Jeff Walker is now a prominent consultant in Hollywood with a marketing company that specializes in science fiction films. In his own words, Walker describes his diverse career creating and promoting licensed products...
11/1/2005
|
 Marketing to Homeschoolers
If you’re looking for a perfect niche market for your specialty toys, you might try homeschoolers...
11/1/2005
|
 It´s a Holiday Toy Frenzy!
Search by category to find some of the newest and most amazing toys to hit store shelves this new season...
11/1/2005
|
 November Peeks
After perusing new and unusual items that have come through our office, across our desks and popped up on our computer screens, we have selected the following eye-catching products...
11/1/2005
|
 Toys on the Move
Mr. TOYDIRECTORY climbed into the toy box and recorded videos of toys on the go...
11/1/2005
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TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2006 Preview
Think you'll be able to find the next top toy at this year's Toy Fair? With only 4 days to visit over 1,250 ToyFair booths? TDmonthly is here to help...
11/1/2005
|
 Toys in the Hand: An Expert Opinion
Maryam Seyedhosseini has studied, worked with and lived with children for a number of years. She uses her unique perspective to review toys for TDmonthly...
10/1/2005
|
 Toys on the Move
Mr. TOYDIRECTORY shows you size relation, dimensions and playability in the following 10 to 20-second videos. The Toys are sorted by categories...
10/1/2005
|
 October Peeks
We feel the following products have what it takes to make it big in the real world...
10/1/2005
|
 Could Your Small Business Ride Out Katrina?
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, followed within a few weeks by Hurricane Rita, all eyes turned to the nightly news coverage of the horrific destruction. When such natural tragedies occur, many people find themselves asking, would I be able to survive such a catastrophe? And many small business owners wonder, would my business?...
10/1/2005
|
 Awesome Kids Thinks Inside the Box
Joan De Souza, Awesome Kids´ CEO and company founder, simply got fed up with stepping on her son´s toys. She wanted something moveable, packable and stackable. So, doing what any ordinary mom would do, she started her own company...
10/1/2005
|
 Wild Planet Spies on the Future
Since the company´s inception in 1993, Wild Planet´s ability to tap into a thriving toy market with groundbreaking designs — such as Spy Gear — has brought them to the top...
10/1/2005
|
 The Bead Shop Follows Fashion Trends
Bored with retail, Goldi and Mark Miller launched The Bead Shop to design and manufacture girls’ products. But the couple never shuttered their women’s apparel store in Milwaukee, which today functions as a living lab for a business that — after only seven years — boasts sales around the world...
10/1/2005
|
 Word of Mouth Gives Mileage to Shoestring Budgets
So many advertising trends. So many new promotional technologies. So little budget? Struggling to compete against the advertising war chests of national chains and big box retailers is a challenge most mom-and-pops face daily. The good news for retailers advertising on a tight budget? With word of mouth, most don’t have to compete...
10/1/2005
|
 The Staff in The Wizard’s Chest
How do you find a staff as committed to your store as you are? Who are willing to learn about new products and teach customers how to use them? The answer might be as close as your selling floor: at The Wizard’s Chest in Denver, Colo., several devoted employees started out as devoted customers...
10/1/2005
|
 Be the Monster
Classic monsters such as Frankenstein and the Wolfman are making a comeback, according to Luke Rook, owner of Lulubell: A Toy Bodega in Tucson, Ariz., who’s noticed that kids like them, too...
10/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Glow-in-the-Dark Toys
Why should a kid have to stop playing with her toys just because it’s getting dark outside? That problem is happily solved by glow-in-the-dark toys, which provide illumination as well as entertainment...
10/1/2005
|
 China: Toy Empire, or Enemy?
TDmonthly Magazine has been keeping a close eye on Chinese manufacturing and labor ethics. So has the toy industry, which, through its CARE Process, is auditing practices at foreign factories...
10/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Natural Toys
Throughout most of Toyland, plastic is king. But all-natural toys are carving out their own niche in the industry and finding plenty of consumers ready to purchase them...
10/1/2005
|
 Taking Responsibility for Toys
Where do toy producers draw the line between their obligation to stockholders and their responsibility to children?...
10/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly’s October Recommendations
What’s hot in the shops, now that the weather’s started to cool? TDmonthly Magazine spoke with 16 retailers across the country to find out...
10/1/2005
|
 The Economics of Toy Trouble
Are traditional toy retailers and manufacturers in trouble? Tough times for some of the country’s largest companies have raised eyebrows around the industry, sparking speculation as to the immediate and long term economic future of the toy business...
10/1/2005
|
 Toy Industry Provides Hurricane Katrina Relief
In the aftermath of one of the most devastating natural catastrophes in U.S. history, the toy industry has stepped up to help Hurricane Katrina survivors through fundraising and contributions...
10/1/2005
|
 The Economics of Toy Trouble
TDmonthly examines the new economics of the toy retailer from a Wall Street point of view in next month´s issue...
9/1/2005
|
 Kids For Kids´ Sake, and Money for All
What happens when violence sells more than peace, and edgy sells more than family? Where are the lines, and where do the toy companies stand in the difficult tight-rope walk between accounting and accountability?...
9/1/2005
|
 And the Toy Winners Are ...
Many innovative toy manufacturers have won awards this year for creating unique designs that both educate and entertain children...
9/1/2005
|
 September Toys on the Move
If you really want to get to know a toy, you´ve got to see it move. Or quack. Or do whatever it is that toy was meant to do. Mr. TOYDIRECTORY examines these new products in the following brand new videos produced just for specialty retailers like you. Tickets, please! It´s time for the show...
9/1/2005
|
 The Hollywood Toyboy: Put It Where the Movie Does Shine
This month we´re gonna talk about PRODUCT PLACEMENT and how it affects the retailer. Face it, when kids see something in a movie, they want it. Remember the run on Reese´s Pieces after "E.T."? More recent is the push on Uglydolls after kids started seeing the "Zathura" movie trailer where the lead, Danny (Jonah Bobo), is wearing an Uglydoll T-shirt. Want to get a jump on a toy trend? Watch the movie trailers...
9/1/2005
|
 Christmas Bombs and Booms
TDmonthly Magazine surveyed 16 toy shops from coast to coast to find out which toys fell flat and which flew high in Christmas 2004...
9/1/2005
|
 Plastic Death: Truth, or Scare?
Around half of all toys are made of plastic. What if a large percentage of that plastic, PVC plastic, were causing serious health problems in our children … or worse?...
9/1/2005
|
 Conversations With Conley: The China Syndrome
Tom Conley, president of the Toy Industry Association (TIA), recently took the time to talk with TDmonthly Magazine about China’s increasing foray into toy design and development...
9/1/2005
|
 Opening Up to Children with Disabilities
When specialty toy retailers have even a rudimentary knowledge of the conditions that affect special-needs kids, a new market opens up to them. Although reports vary, most studies show that the number of U.S. children with special needs ranks in the millions...
9/1/2005
|
 September Peeks
We here at TDmonthly have seen quite a few toys in our time and according to us, the following may be something special...
9/1/2005
|
 Toys! Quiet on the Set!
Just click on the following links to see what antics the toys got up to with their beloved friend, Mr. Hands...
9/1/2005
|
 August Peeks
These products are either unexpectedly great sellers or something we just think is cool. Take a look: Maybe they’ll work for you!...
8/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Die-cast Cars
Die-cast cars have always been solidly made and solidly sold. But lately, there’s a lag at the smaller retail levels. Certain stores are having slow sales, or even getting out of the die-cast arena altogether. Yet, on the Internet and at the higher end, TDmonthly is getting reports of sold-out shelves...
8/1/2005
|
 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Bath Toys
Bath time is craft time, splash time and quiet time for girls and boys. Many of the best-selling tub toys let kids go wild with color without worrying about cleaning up afterwards...
8/1/2005
|
 Five Ways to Tell a Product Will Be a Winner
If you could recognize a product destined for success before your competitors, you’d be rich by now, right? While there’s no recipe for identifying toy glory, we’ve culled the advice of industry experts to determine what to look for when stocking your shelves...
8/1/2005
|
 Learning to e-Tail the eLearningtoys.com Way
Thinking of starting your own online retail toy outlet? Anne Yates, president of Manchester, N.H.-based eLearningtoys.com, recommends a solid business model, business plan and financing...
8/1/2005
|
 Plastic Prices Disturb Toy Industry
Seventy-one percent of all toys are made of plastic. Seventy-one percent! Why? Plastic is safe, easy to work with, and above all … cheap. Not anymore...
8/1/2005
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 Zizzling Hot
Everybody knows: Roger Shiffman, the mastermind behind Tiger Electronics’ phenomena Furby and Giga Pets, is coming out of retirement. But what everybody wants to know is: what’s brought Shiffman back and what, exactly, is he working on?...
8/1/2005
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 Move It, or Lose It
Obesity In Children. It strikes terror into the hearts of parents, teachers and government officials. But no matter what anyone proposes, the problem’s not going away...
8/1/2005
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 TDmonthly´s August Recommendations
As we enter the heart of summer, TDmonthly Magazine has been hot on the trail of top-selling toys. After talking with two dozen stores across the country, here’s what the retailers are saying:...
8/1/2005
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 Plastic: Life, or Death?
“Toxic Toys? No Thank You!” “Toys That Can Kill” “PVC – The Poison Plastic” These headlines are bombarding the globe. But can the claims be substantiated? Is this a hoax?...
8/1/2005
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 Signs Point to Sales
Toy shopping can be overwhelming. If toy stores were set up more like grocery stores, customers may find it less so...
7/1/2005
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 Expanded Lines Narrow the Competition
A toy store can create a merchandise niche by carrying the complete lines of just a few brands, a strategy that has worked wonders for The Essence of Nonsense...
7/1/2005
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 Making Your Niche “Unbeatable”
Creating a niche focused on collectibles is a time-honored way to keep customers coming back. However, it is a difficult niche in which to succeed, requiring great knowledge of what collectors desire...
7/1/2005
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 TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted RC Toys for Girls
Radio-controlled vehicles are becoming ever more sophisticated, even employing robot technologies in their designs. There are plenty of products designed just for girls, but many of these toys are genderless...
7/1/2005
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Toy Fair 2005 Preview Articles
It’s time once again for TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Fair 2005 Preview articles. They include product information on some of the newest and most unique items offered by toy manufacturers who will be presenting at this year’s Toy Fair 2005 in New York...
7/1/2005
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TDmonthly Recommends
After talking with seven well-established retail storeowners in the Los Angeles and New York areas, TDmonthly recommends the following toys for the month of June...
6/1/2005
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 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
6/1/2005
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 More Toys!
Manufacturers have developed many new and innovative products ready for display during this year´s upcoming holiday season...
6/1/2005
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 Countering the Counterfeiter
For years, items such as designer clothing, handbags, and jewelry have been prime targets for counterfeiters. And while they’ve always dabbled in toys and trading cards, these days, they’ve stepped up production...
6/1/2005
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 Kazoo & Company Reaches Top 5 ... Again
Kazoo & Company has a right to be proud. The full-service toy store in Denver, Colo., was chosen as one of the Top 5 Specialty Retail Toy Stores in North America by the Toy Industry Association in 2002, 2003 and 2004...
6/1/2005
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 Parents Today: Gen X Grows Up
Generation X has taken the lead as the most common age group for parents in the United States, according to a still current study. Their numbers are growing, and the toy industry is eagerly taking notes on their buying preferences and habits...
6/1/2005
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 Parents Today Part II: Just Wanna Have Fun
Generation X members are entering the parenting arena in increasing numbers. These young parents, ranging in age from 25 to 40, are more concerned about their overall quality of life than playing super-parent. They want fun, and smart retailers are listening...
6/1/2005
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 The Counterfeiting Epidemic
For years the most popular items for counterfeiters to rip off were handbags, designer clothes, music, movies, and jewelry, but toys and trading cards are becoming increasingly prevalent...
5/1/2005
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 Collecting Memories in the Toy Box
A recent article warned people not to make the mistake of selling valuable collectibles at their annual yard sales: signed pottery, war souvenirs, banana seat bikes. Yes, those vintage kid-movers from the ´70s routinely bring $500 a banana!...
5/1/2005
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 Simple, Interactive Creativity—To Go!
As warm weather lures families back out on the road, mom and dad will want to find ways to help pass the time for their children during travels...
5/1/2005
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 Travel Toys: Leave the Fun to Us
The following travel toys occupy kids so the driving can be left up to the parents, without causing too severe of a distraction...
5/1/2005
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 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
5/1/2005
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 TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
4/1/2005
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 TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Sand Toys
Sand play helps to develop physical, social, and mental skills. While any beachgoer will admit that the sand itself can attract a child’s attention for many hours, adding accessories will only increase the “fun-factor” and learning opportunities...
4/1/2005
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 An Annual Pilgrimage
“Do you know any toy stores?” asked my cousin. This question confused me at first. Sure, we live an hour from just about everywhere, but we do have plenty of department stores nearby that stock toys...
3/1/2005
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 Toy Fair Review & Preview Articles
The TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Fair Preview and Review articles include product information on some of the newest and most unique items offered by toy and hobby manufacturers, many of whom presented in the past months at international toy trade shows...
3/1/2005
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 RFID Technology Creeps Into the Toy Box
Radio Frequency Identification, otherwise known as RFID, is a nearly 30-year old technology beginning to pop its head into practical use. Toy retailers have begun to use the technology’s similarity to the bar code to track products, while manufacturers are utilizing the technology to create a new generation of interactive toys...
3/1/2005
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 TDmonthly Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
3/1/2005
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TDmonthly Magazine´s Most Visited Stories and Sections
To find a variety of TDmonthly Magazine popular stories sectioned off by category, click on the following links: Action Figures Arts & Crafts Board Games Collectibles Construction Die-Cast Dolls Educational Furniture Halloween Merchandise Hobby Goods Infant & Toddler Licensed Products Magic Sets Outdoor Fun Plush TDmonthly Top 10 Most Wanted...
3/1/2005
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 Toys ´R´ Us, Inc. Announces Agreement to Be Acquired
Toys "R" Us, Inc. Announces Agreement to Be Acquired by KKR, Bain Capital and Vornado for $26.75 Per Share in $6.6 Billion TransactionWAYNE, N.J.--March 17, 2005--Toys "R" Us, Inc. (NYSE: TOY) announced today that it has concluded its strategic review and reached a definitive agreement to sell the entirety of...
3/1/2005
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 Toy Fair 2005 Coverage
Top-bidding at this year’s Toy Fair, held annually in New York City, was given to high-tech toys, highlighting the blurring line between toys and electronics...
3/1/2005
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Protect Your Toy Designs
(This article was first published in the January issue of TDmonthly Magazine.)So, you’ve come up with the next best toy design since the Yo-Yo. Hello tropical adventures! But wait: The idea is so good that it’s bound to spawn similar designs from other well financed, but less clever, competitors. What...
3/1/2005
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 TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Die-Cast Airplanes
The world of die cast airplanes can be a confusing one for the inexperienced. Planes can be found in many sizes and varieties, while models range from the Wright Brothers’ first plane to Air Force One. Here is a list of some of today’s most wanted planes...
3/1/2005
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TDmonthly Magazine´s Most Visited Stories and Sections
To find a variety of TDmonthly Magazine popular stories sectioned off by category, click on the following links: Action Figures Arts & Crafts Board Games Collectibles Construction Die-Cast Dolls Educational Furniture Halloween Merchandise Hobby Goods Infant & Toddler Licensed Products Magic Sets Outdoor Fun Plush TDmonthly Top 10 Most Wanted...
2/1/2005
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 Would Mattel Buy Leapfrog?
Mattel, the nation’s No. 1 toy maker, was rumored to consider a deal to acquire LeapFrog Enterprises, an innovator of learning toys and games...
2/1/2005
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 TDmonthly Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
2/1/2005
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Toy Fair 2005 Preview & Review Articles
It’s toy time. Last month, international toy fairs took place in Hong Kong, Paris, London and Toronto, while this month, new toys will be shown at top trade shows in New York and Nuremberg, Germany...
2/1/2005
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TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Building Sets
According to the NPD Group, building set sales totaled $416.3 million in 2004. Winners with kids of all ages, these sets also get a thumbs-up from parents, encouraging active involvement rather than passive observation...
2/1/2005
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Toy Industry News Briefs
Leading Retailer to Deliver Presentation; Radica Games Continues Sega Partnership; Toys R Us 2004 Announces Holiday Sales Webcast; Three THQ Titles Awarded: THQ Inc., ; Action Products Shows Big Gains...
1/1/2005
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Toy Fair 2005 Preview & Review Articles
It’s time once again for TDmonthly Magazine’s Toy Fair 2005 Preview & Review articles. They include product information on some of the newest and most unique items offered by toy manufacturers presenting at this year’s Toy Fair 2005...
1/1/2005
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 TDmonthly Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews...
1/1/2005
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Cast of Characters: Children Ages 5 to 8 Find Familiar Playmates
Article Synopsis With licensing agreements expanding to every facet of the toy industry, children aged 5 to 8 years old are delighting in toys with familiar faces.Hasbro has taken advantage of box-office hits by creating Shrek and Donkey dolls as well as The Incredible Mr. Incredible action figures.Popular items which...
1/1/2005
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Collectible Card Game Hot List
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Master Collection Set ($39.99, Ages 8 & up) by Upper Deck Entertainment. This gift set will light up the eyes of any player or collector of the red-hot Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. Presented in a stylish gold Egyptian-themed binder, it features one booster pack from each of the...
1/1/2005
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 TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Boys: Infant to Preschool
High-tech gadgets and retro favorites are hot commodities for little boys. Electronic gaming has reached the preschool set, with companies like VTech, Leap Frog and Fisher-Price hoping to corner the market with educational game systems. Meanwhile, Learning Curve and Radio Flyer bank on the classics by updating old-time toys...
12/1/2004
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 TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Girls´ Plush
The hottest toys of previous seasons have successfully combined interaction and cuddliness and created rage sensations among tots and parents alike. According to Michelle McLaughlin, director of retail development for Nickelodeon Consumer Products, interactive plush is on the rise. This year, these toys are tackling some difficult tasks including singing, walking, dancing, and even potty training...
12/1/2004
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Back in Black: Online Store and the Big Day
No, it’s not a Vincent Price movie. “Black Friday” is the name anxious retailers have given to the day after Thanksgiving, when holiday shoppers hit the malls in greater numbers (we hope) than on any other day of the year. The “Black” stands for black ink—handy for warding off creditors...
12/1/2004
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Activity Kits
Pal Toys, LLC Join in on the fun when you engage in this cool activity that enhances your child’s development in coordination, language, as well as color and shape recognition. Bright Ideas for Mommy & Me by Pal Toys, are entertaining activity card decks. Activities range from “Masking Tape...
10/1/2004
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Music
Koch Vision Based on the “Popular Mechanics for Kids” series on the Discovery Kids channel, Koch Vision (ToyDirectory) released "Slither & Slime and Other Yucky Things” in July 2004. This DVD contains more than 90 minutes of exploring dirty areas filled with things that are gross, yet interesting...
10/1/2004
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 Be Prepared for the Holiday Shopping Rush
Be prepared for the holiday shopping rush with these timely released products. This is the second in a series of two sections that will feature products to stock-up on in time for the holiday season...
9/1/2004
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 Toys to Talk About
"Toys to Talk About" features dozens of exciting companies and products! So, make sure you´re clued in and see what everyone´s talking about...
9/1/2004
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 Toys to Talk About
"Toys to Talk About" features dozens of exciting companies and products! So, make sure you´re clued in and see what everyone´s talking about...
8/1/2004
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COLLECTIBLES
Jakks Pacific Inc. New Dragon Ball Z action figures and play sets feature intricate sculpts and paint details. Also available are energy blasting figures with sound effects and voice recordings from programming, double pack sets, collectible action figures based on Dragon Ball Z movies and play sets that bring...
8/1/2004
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 Toys to Talk About
"Toys to Talk About" features dozens of exciting companies and products! So, make sure you´re clued in and see what everyone´s talking about...
7/1/2004
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 Spinning Into The Future
Resembling something that’s a cross between a UFO and a classic spinning top, the I-Top ($10.00) by itoys, inc. is a dramatic reinvention of a toy that most have grown up with...
7/1/2004
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FURNITURE
Cartstens, Inc. Carstens, Inc. designs each of their Friendly Footstools® with a wooden frame capable of supporting several hundred pounds. The frame is then padded and upholstered with the most luxurious of sheepskins. The Friendly Footstools® are the perfect pet substitute and are not only for children as they make...
7/1/2004
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HOBBY
Duncan Toys In celebration of their 75th anniversary, Duncan Toys is releasing commemorative reproductions of four of their vintage yo-yos. The Super Tournament, Jeweled Tournament, Imperial, and the Butterly ($5-7 each), will be modeled after the original 1950’s and 60’s designs. All styles are wooden except the Imperial. Also available...
7/1/2004
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Toys to Talk About: Part II
This is the second of three articles in the series, “Toys to Talk About.” To read parts I and III, clicke here:...
6/1/2004
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The Top 10 Toys for May
Nostalgia, fashion and entertainment characterize the toy industry´s current focus. Here is a forecast of the top ten toys for the 2004 holiday season...
4/1/2004
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EDUCATIONAL
Tools for a Brainy Baby Parents have been flocking in droves stocking up on the latest Brainy Baby products that "support brain development." Brainy Baby´s new line of VTech products combine VTech´s technology and educational insight with Brainy Baby´s development philosophy to create interactive, visually appealing learning toys...
3/1/2004
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Top Ten Toys for February 2004
Here are the Top Ten Toys for February 2004, arranged in no particular order: 1) The PlayStation 2 ($179.99) is equipped with a 128-bit Emotion Engine processor that enables lightning-fast gameplay and impressive graphics power. The console builds on its home entertainment value by doubling as a DVD player and...
1/1/2004
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 Our Top Ten Toys of 2003
From a new toy that makes kids part of the video game action to fashion-savvy dolls with celebrity panache, 2003 brought some much needed excitement to a rebounding toy industry.....
1/1/2004
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