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Toys in the News: 2-29-12
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Toys in the News is updated Mon-Fri at 9:15 am PST
Consumer Confidence up Dramatically in February. February 29, 2012 — Consumer confidence in February shot up from last month to the highest level since a year ago...
Papa Bear Loungeabouts Children's Pajamas Recalled by Retailers Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard. February 29, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: Estimate of 10,000 plus children's pajamas and sleepwear from Papa Bear Loungeabouts, sold at children's clothing and specialty retailers nationwide and online from January 2004 to December 2011. The garments fail to meet federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injury to children. Consumers should stop using the recalled sleepwear immediately and return the product to the retailer where the product was purchased for a refund, exchange or store credit.
International Toy Fair Features Playthings That Are Perfect for Libraries. February 29, 2012 — Move over Mr. Potato Head. There's a new generation of toys in town...
Sandbox Summit @MIT Tackles Mobile Revolution & Play; Discounted Hotel Rates Available through March 12. February 29, 2012 — Educators, toy and game designers, developers, child psychologists, digital media producers, analysts and more will come together to present discussions and lead workshops at the 2012 Sandbox Summit, Going Mobile, Going Global: Tracking the Anywhere/Everywhere State of Play, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from April 17-18, 2012.
Physical Video Games: No Health Benefits. February 29, 2012 — A new study has found that active video games like Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit Plus do not make children exercise...
Toy Giant Aims to Bring Personality Into Play. February 29, 2012 — Already one of the biggest players in the toy industry, Mattel further increased its size...
Hasbro Strengthens Euro Team. February 28, 2012 — Hasbro is expanding its European licensing team, naming Markus Pfitzner senior licensing director for Northern Europe...
UT Researcher Helps Develop Green Toy Standards. February 28, 2012 — Catherine Wilt, director of the Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, is working to make toys healthier...
Long Lines Drive Smartphone Users Away. February 28, 2012 — A survey sponsored by in-store commerce provider AisleBuyer found that nearly...
Obituary: Jan Berenstain. February 28, 2012 — Jan Berenstain, co-creator of the Berenstain Bears series, died on February 24 at the age of 88...
Rejected Star Wars Toys: George Lucas is denying you an inflatable Emperor’s Throne. February 28, 2012 — Four years ago, Jason Geyer from Action Figure Insider blew the lid off...
 Spanish Toy Research Institute Proposes “Common Iconography” for Toys. February 27, 2012 — The Spanish Toy Research Institute (AIJU) announced plans at the Nuremberg Toy Fair (Feb. 1-6, 2012) to design a free, universal iconography for the global toy industry...
Go Directly, Digitally to Jail? Classic Toys Learn New Clicks. February 27, 2012 — Generation after generation, Monopoly money stacked up in piles of pink, green and gol...
Mattel Creating 'The Hunger Games' Barbie Doll Inspired by Katniss. February 27, 2012 — It seems a Barbie doll inspired by The Hunger Games movie is in the works...
Astronaut Builds LEGO Space Station Inside Real-Life Space Station. February 27, 2012 — It took more than 200 astronauts from 12 countries more than a dozen years...
Babies"R"Us Launches New Loyalty Card. February 27, 2012 — Babies“R”Us launched the Very Important Baby (V.I.B.) program...
 Expert Argues Princess Culture Is Not a Fairy Tale. February 24, 2012 — Ask a little girl to name the Disney Princesses and chances are...
Optimistic Toy Fair Crowds Face 'Augmented Reality'. February 24, 2012 — The approximately 30 publishers exhibiting at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair...
The Throwback: Mr. Potato Head Turns 60. February 24, 2012 — This month marks 60 years of spud-tastic memories for an iconic toy industry staple...
Mattel Defeats Bratz Doll Maker Antitrust Lawsuit. February 23, 2012 — Mattel Inc has won the dismissal of an antitrust lawsuit brought by bitter rival MGA Entertainment Inc...
Digging Into Apple's U.S. Job Creation Engine. February 23, 2012 — A funny thing happened at Toy Fair this week. Not funny as in funny toys or funny games...
Danish toy maker Lego invests nearly $534 million in German offshore wind farm. February 23, 2012 — Danish toy maker Lego says its parent company is investing nearly 3 billion kroner...
FAO: Toys "R" Us Trying to Capitalize on Iconic Brand. February 23, 2012 — FAO Schwarz and the Apple Store stand next to each other at Fifth Avenue...
Lil’ Cutesies Twins in Stroller by JC Toys Wins Doll of the Year Award (DOTY). February 23, 2012 — JC Toys has received a 2012 Doll of the Year Award for the Lil’ Cutesies Twins in Stroller. The award was presented to JC Toys in the Children’s Play Doll category during the IDEX Doll Show in Orlando, FL.
 Kelty Recalls Jogging Strollers Due to Fall and Injury Hazards. February 23, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 3,000 Kelty Single and Double Jogging Strollers, sold at juvenile product stores and sporting goods stores nationwide and by Web retailers, including www.kelty.com, from January 2010 through February 2012 for between $375 and $475. The front wheel can come loose during use and cause the stroller to tip over, posing a fall and injury hazard to children in the stroller and adults pushing the stroller. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Kelty to receive free updated assembly and maintenance instructions.
CPSC Adopts New Federal Standard for Portable Bed Rails. February 23, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted (4-0) to adopt a new federal standard to make portable bed rails safer for children. A portable bed rail is used on the side of an adult bed to keep children, typically age 2 to 5 years old, from falling out of the bed. The mandatory standard contains safety requirements for bed rails and addresses consumer assembly and installation problems that have resulted in child deaths.
FAO Schwarz Celebrates 150th Anniversary by Presenting Gallery of Historic Toys. February 23, 2012 — Since 1862, one brand has embodied whimsical, high-quality, innovative toys. Now celebrating its 150th Anniversary, FAO Schwarz is marking this rare milestone in the world of retail by unveiling a special gallery featuring prototype, original and early editions of some of the best-known toys in the world, alongside some nostalgic items from the FAO Schwarz archives.
American International Toy Fair – Largest Toy Trade Show in Western Hemisphere – Grows in 2012. February 22, 2012 — The 109th American International Toy Fair opened its doors to colossal crowds last week as nearly 27,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries converged in New York City...
 Penguin and Activision land Skylanders deal. February 22, 2012 — Penguin Children’s Books has inked a global licensing partnership with Activision...
Rare Skylanders sell for more than $1,000 at auction. February 22, 2012 — The supplemental toys surrounding Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure have become the latest...
Hasbro Reboots Classic Board Games. February 22, 2012 — Hasbro has partnered with USAOPOLY and Blizzard Entertainment for a World of Warcraft-themed Monopoly board game...
Jakks posts $20M 4Q loss on steep drop in sales. February 22, 2012 — Toy maker Jakks Pacific Inc. said Tuesday that it posted a $20 million net loss for the fourth quarter...
Babies make friends, jokes before learning to talk, say Australian researchers. February 22, 2012 — Not being able to talk doesn’t keep babies from enjoying a good laugh and even forming friendships...
8th Annual Wonder Women of Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Awards Honor Achievements of Women. February 22, 2012 — Female executives and entrepreneurs who made an impact in the toy, media/entertainment and licensing industries in 2011 were honored at the 8th Annual Wonder Women of Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Awards Dinner...
FTC Publishes Report on App Privacy Disclosures; Announces Public Workshop. February 22, 2012 — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published a staff report called “Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing,” highlighting the lack of information available to parents prior to downloading mobile apps for their children...
More Americans Serious About Saving Tax Returns This Year, According To NRF Survey. February 22, 2012 — Whether they’re putting it aside for a rainy day or a big getaway, a recent survey finds more Americans this year plan to save – not spend – their tax refunds...
Slick Web App Slaps Stereotypes by Remixing Toy Commercials. February 22, 2012 — A handy web app called the Gendered Advertising Remixer mashes toy commercials together, tweaking the concept of “girls’ stuff” and “boys’ stuff"...
JAKKS Pacific’s Tollytots® Division Signs Master Toy Deal for Roma Downey’s LITTLE ANGELS. February 22, 2012 — Tollytots®, the infant and preschool division of U.S. toy company JAKKS Pacific, has signed a worldwide master toy license to manufacture, market and distribute a line of preschool and early learning toys for infants and toddlers based on the LITTLE ANGELS.
 Playmobil Sells More Toy Sets Worldwide. February 21, 2012 — Global toy manufacturer Playmobil has announced the record sale of 55 million toy sets worldwide in 2011...
"Toys" Shake-up Continues With Resignation of President. February 21, 2012 — Neil Friedman, president of U.S. operations for Toys “R” Us, the second-highest-ranking executive at the Wayne-based retailer, has resigned...
Walmart had a “great” Christmas. February 21, 2012 — Walmart’s U.S. stores division regained customer traffic during the fourth quarter to post a 1.5% same-store sales increase...
Health Canada issues warning about excessive lead in two children's toys. February 21, 2012 — Health Canada is warning consumers about two children’s toys with excess amounts of lead that could cause serious health affects if ingested...
Warner Bros. Partners with Jakks Pacific. February 20, 2012 — Warner Bros. Consumer Products has signed Jakks Pacific's Creative Designs International division...
Imperial Toy Awarded Best in Play Toy of 2012 From Parenting Magazine. February 20, 2012 — Imperial Toy debuted the Company's new product portfolio at the New York Toy Fair to a prestigious Best In Play 2012 Toy Fair Award from Parenting Magazine for its new ZOOMA(TM) Splat X(TM) Smackshot(TM) launcher.
Toy maker Revell's US and German operations coming together. February 20, 2012 — After 56 years of separately serving model builders of all ages, Revell’s operations in the United States and Germany are coming together...
Kids' Music Technology Dominates Toy Fair 2012. February 20, 2012 — From sensor-equipped stuffed animals to action figures with companion apps and Barbie dolls...
Small Specialty Retail Stores in the US Industry Market Research Report. February 20, 2012 — Despite the economy's turnaround, small specialty retail stores will have a difficult time surviving...
Build-A-Bear Workshop posts Q4 loss; to unveil new store design. February 20, 2012 — Build-A-Bear Workshop reported a loss of $9 million for the fourth quarter, down from a profit of $8.3 million...
Survey: 3-out-of-4 people shopping with tablet in hand respond to on-site messaging. February 20, 2012 — Three-of-every-4 consumers using smartphones and tablets respond to a call to action after seeing a location-specific message...
Toy Buyers' and Industry Expert's Opinions on Toy Fair. February 17, 2012 — Toy industry analyst Lutz Muller got the scoop on Toy Fair 2012 from two national toy buyers at very large toy retailers. He has generously shared his and their insights and opinions with TDmonthly Magazine
Tumblekins Toys Recalled by International Playthings Due to Choking and Laceration Hazards. February 17, 2012 —
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 31,000 Tumblekins Toys from International Playthings LLC, sold at Juvenile product stores, mass merchandisers and other stores nationwide and on various websites from March 2011 through December 2011 for between $14 and $35. The toys can break into small pieces with sharp points, posing choking and lacerations hazards to children. Consumer should take the recalled toys away from children immediately and contact International Playthings to receive a free replacement toy.
FAO Schwarz Celebrates 150 Years. February 17, 2012 — FAO Schwarz kicked off a year-long celebration this week for its 150th anniversary...
Toymakers Hope Parents Are Ready to Splurge. February 17, 2012 — Are parents more willing to splurge on toys for their kids? Toymakers think so...
More evidence of "show-rooming" effect. February 17, 2012 — It's a common dilemma for retail stores; customers come in to check out the latest merchandise....
TDmonthly Magazine Announces Top 10 Toys of Toy Fair. February 16, 2012 — TDmonthly Magazine has released their Top 10 Toys, Top 10 Toys for Girls, and Top 10 Toys For Boys lists from 2012 New York International Toy Fair.
High-tech and low-tech play out at Toy Fair. February 16, 2012 — Toy buyers, manufacturers, retailers and others, simply curious about the latest trends...
Aurora World Inks Licensing Deal with Hasbro to Create Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy Plush Doll Line. February 16, 2012 — Aurora World Inc.has announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Hasbro, Inc. to bring to market a new line of plush dolls based on the iconic RAGGEDY ANN and RAGGEDY ANDY brand, according to a press release.
How to Play It: Sizing up the toy market. February 16, 2012 — At the annual American International Toy Fair in New York this week...
2012's hottest toy trend: Nostalgia. February 16, 2012 — It may be 2012, but the toy industry is starting to look a lot like it did...
Inventist's 'hoverboard' learns a thing or two from the Segway. February 16, 2012 — The big Toy Fair rumor this week was that Mattel had developed a Back to the Future-like hoverboard...
Children's Slides Recalled by Landscape Structures due to Fall Hazard. February 16, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 900 Slalom GliderS from Landscape Structures Inc., sold to schools and other facilities with playground equipment nationwide between January 2006 and December 2011 for about $2300. The Slalom Glider is a playground slide that lacks a transition platform on the top and sides of the chute. Children can fall when moving from the ladder to the slide and when descending the chute. Consumers should immediately stop children from using the recalled gliders and owners will be contacted by Landscape Structures regarding removal instructions. Customers will be given the option of replacing the Slalom Glider with another piece of playground equipment, receiving a refund, or receiving credit towards a future purchase.
Reyne Rice Tells TDmonthly Which Trends to Look Out For in 2012. February 15, 2012 — TDmonthly Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Toy Industry expert Reyne Rice...
Toy Drive at Toy Fair 2012 will Bring Play to 25,000 Children in Need. February 15, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association's charitable organization, the Toy Industry Foundation, is conducting...
Retail Sales up 4% in January. February 14, 2012 — According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales were up 4% over last year in January...
Mattel Announces Barbie Set to Honor British Royals. February 14, 2012 — Mattel has announced their new William and Catherine Royal Wedding Barbie Giftset...
At 6–9 months, human infants know the meanings of many common nouns. February 14, 2012 — It is widely accepted that infants begin learning their native language...
MGA Entertainment Announces Line of Bald "True Hope" Bratz and Moxie Girlz. February 12, 2012 — MGA has announced a new line of bald dolls, of which a portion of the proceeds will go to cancer charity City of Hope. But are MGA's intentions as pure as they seem?
App-Based Toys Make a Splash at 2012 New York International Toy Fair. February 12, 2012 — It started with last year's launch of Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, and now other companies are following suit and introducing toys that combine a physical component with apps for smartphones and tablets...
 Zynga, Hasbro Partner to Make Toys, Games. February 10, 2012 — Is a Mafia Wars board game on the way, or a cuddly toy horse from FarmVille...
New Doll Line Aims to Empower Girls of All Races. February 10, 2012 — When Stacey McBride- Irby, a long-time Barbie lover and designer, noticed that her 4-year-old daughter wasn’t playing with dolls...
These Hot Wheels can be Controlled With Your iPhone or iPad. February 10, 2012 — Mattel’s Hot Wheels, which has long been king of toy cars, has entered the 21st century and released an iOS app...
Mattel Unveils 2012 Toy Portfolio. February 10, 2012 — At the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, leading toymaker Mattel, Inc. MAT -0.25% will showcase its newest toys...
iPhone, Meet Laser Blaster. Is This 2012′s Hottest Toy? February 10, 2012 — iPhones aren’t cool. You know what’s cool? Shooting your friends with your iPhone...
2012 Not Looking Good for Consumer Spending. February 10, 2012 — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index, released Thursday, continued downward in January...
Toy Fair Showcases New Toys From Around the World. February 10, 2012 — The 109th International Toy Fair is the largest gathering for toys and products...
VTech Hatches Switch & Go Dinos in New Toy Aisle. February 10, 2012 — VTech is evolving beyond its educational roots with the launch of new Switch & Go Dinos, bringing what they do best in technology and toys to the vehicle aisle for the first time...
Are Floppets the Next New Toy Craze? February 10, 2012 — Kids are collecting machines. Give them something cute, fun...
 Jakks Pacific Tries to Spur Recovery with Monsuno Toy Franchise. February 9, 2012 — The Malibu company, which has been struggling with largely declining sales for three years...
NYC Tinkerers Bring Their Playthings to Toy Fair at the Javits Center. February 9, 2012 — These entrepreneurs aren’t kidding around when it comes to Toy Fair...
London's Toy Fair Gets Active. February 9, 2012 — The mood at the London Toy Fair, held Jan. 24-26 and promoted by the British Toy & Hobby Association, was optimistic...
Toy Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors. February 9, 2012 — A federal judge Wednesday sentenced the former owner of a Twin Cities toy company...
Cars 2: Plenty More Fuel in the Tank. February 9, 2012 — Disney's Cars has become an international success story in just six years...
K’NEX BRANDS Releases First Line Of Angry Birds Building Sets. February 9, 2012 — K'NEX is pleased to introduce its first line of officially licensed building sets inspired by Angry Birds...
Why Retailers Should Be Interested in Pinterest. February 9, 2012 — Imagine an online pin board where users can pin up photos of what interests them...
 Scholastic Media Inks Deal With Bendon Publishing International, Inc. For Clifford The Big Red Dog®. February 8, 2012 — Scholastic Media today announced a new deal for Clifford The Big Red Dog with Bendon Publishing International, Inc. Bendon will develop a series of Clifford®-branded coloring and activity books, workbooks, flashcards, activity sticker books and coloring box sets, according to a press release.
Best Apps From London Toy Fair. February 8, 2012 — It seems as though there's an app to help you through each and every one of life's little challenges these days...
Disney Properties Win Toy Awards. February 8, 2012 — Disney properties Minnie Mouse and Cars 2 were honored at this year’s Nuremberg...
Mattel's Monster High(TM) and Universal Home Entertainment Form New Worldwide Marketing and Distribution DVD Partnership. February 8, 2012 — Mattel and Universal Pictures today announce a worldwide marketing and distribution alliance for the first ever feature-length DVDs from the hugely successful Monster High(TM) franchise.
TIA Submits Comments to CPSC Regarding Testing and Labeling and Third Party Testing. February 8, 2012 — On January 23rd, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) submitted written comments on behalf of the industry to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)...
Save the Date: TIA’s Second Annual California Toy Day in April 201. February 8, 2012 — Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that it will hold its Second Annual California Toy Day this spring in Sacramento, CA...
 New Start Date Improves Internationality of the International Toy Fair. February 7, 2012 — Altogether 77,500 buyers and retailers from all over the world poured into the 63rd Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nürnberg...
Positive Parenting During Early Childhood May Prevent Obesity. February 7, 2012 — Programs that support parents during their child's early years hold promise for obesity prevention...
Magnet Toy Class Action Settlement. February 7, 2012 — On December 15, 2011, the Honorable Susan D. Wigenton, U.S.D.J., granted final approval of a class action settlement in the lawsuit Chris Doering, et al. v. MEGA Brands, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:08-CV-1750 (SDW) (MCA). Defendants MEGA Brands, Inc., et al. agreed to settle legal claims surrounding certain Magnet Toy products, many of which were subject to recalls instituted by MEGA Brands in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission ("C.P.S.C.").
Study: Child Abuse Affects More U.S. Kids than SIDS. February 7, 2012 — When it comes to child abuse, the first year of life is the most dangerous for children...
Konami Unveils Simpsons Game. February 7, 2012 — Konami Digital Entertainment has partnered with Gracie Films and Twentieth Century Fox...
Spielwarenmesse awards Seal of Excellence 2012. February 7, 2012 — Two Chinese exhibitors receive quality label for high-quality products and a successful presentation at the fair...
Activision Toys Around with a ‘Skylanders’ Sequel. February 7, 2012 — Activision Blizzard, the maker of intense videogames such as “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft,” isn’t known...
These Are Your New, Super-Sized Skylanders Giants Toys. February 7, 2012 — Activision mashed up collectible toys and video games last year to create a surprise...
Toy Fair 2012: Tons of Universal Terror Coming From Mezco; Living Dead Dolls Start Marching. February 7, 2012 — Our man Nomad just checked in with some more madness coming out of this year's Toy Fair...
Toys 'R' Us Names Chief Merchandising Officer. February 7, 2012 — Toys “R” Us has named Richard Barry as senior VP, chief merchandising officer, Toys“R”Us...
Hasbro 4Q Net Income Down 1 Percent. February 6, 2012 — It was a blue Christmas for Hasbro. The No. 2 toy maker said Monday ...
 Weeplay Kids Recalls Infant Bodysuits Due to Choking Hazard. February 6, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 128,000 Carter’s Watch the Wear Bodysuits and Sleep ‘n Play Garments from Weeplay Kids LLC, sold at Big Lots, Century 21, Conway, Cookies, Cost Mart, DD’s Discount, Edison Childrenswear, Gabriel Bros., Kiddy Time, Kids Place, Kidstown, National Stores, Pamida Stores, Real Value, Regine’s, R.H. Reny, Ross, Shoppers World, Valley Wholesale, Variety Wholesalers and Youngland stores nationwide. Recalled garments sold from November 2010 through August 2011 for about $4 to $9. The snaps can detach from the fabric of the garment, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children. Consumers should immediately discontinue use of garments and contact Weeplay to receive free replacement garments.
Toys Meet Tech: Augmented Reality to Play out at Toy Fair. February 6, 2012 — Does your kid want to play with unicorns? You should check out...
Toy Makers Join Dividend Party. February 6, 2012 — Toy makers are giving investors something to cheer about this week...
Licensing Industry Luminaries Featured at “Children’s Content Connection” Panel Discussion During American International Toy Fair. February 6, 2012 — Leaders from Saban Brands, Sesame Workshop and Mind Candy will discuss...
Veggies Serve Up Helping of Crafts. February 6, 2012 — The Orb Factory Limited, a Canadian designer and manufacturer...and Big Idea Entertainment, a leading studio and producer of children’s and family programming, announced today that they have partnered up to introduce the VeggieTales® collection.
Retail Sales Gain in January. February 3, 2012 — Retail same-store sales increased 4.9 percent in January, which was up over December’s 3.6 percent gain...
 Bumbleride Recalls Indie & Indie Twin Strollers Due to Fall Hazard. February 6, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 28,000 (an additional 2,700 were sold in Canada) Bumbleride Indie & Indie Twin Strollers from Bumbleride Inc., sold at uy Baby and other baby product stores nationwide, online at Bumbleride.com, and other online retailers between January 2009 and January 2012 for between $500 and $700. The front wheel can break at the axle hub, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Bumbleride to receive a free front wheel retrofit kit.
The NPD Group Signs Point-of-Sale Cooperation Agreement With Walmart. February 3, 2012 — The NPD Group, Inc., a global leader in consumer and retail market research for a wide range of industries, has reached an agreement with Walmart to receive and analyze its point-of-sale information, according to a press release.
Top toys for 2012 in video from London Toy Fair. February 3, 2012 — With just 46 shopping weeks until Christmas, we've been getting a sneak preview...
Consumer confidence rises in U.S. February 3, 2012 — The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index revealed Thursday that consumer confidence in the U.S. climbed...
K’NEX Brands and Rovio Announce New Licensing Partnership. February 3, 2012 — Young Angry Birds fans will soon be able to build and play with characters from their favorite App with new licensed building toys by K’NEX®, according to a press release.
Facebook’s future and the implications for retail. February 3, 2012 — Social media has transformed the way brands connect with consumers...
Toy Fair preview: Movie toys coming in 2012. February 3, 2012 — With the 109th annual Toy Fair International in New York just around the corner...
Licensing Hotline: February 2, 2012. February 2, 2012 — One of the strongest current licenses for Modern Publishing—which was acquired...
'Turtles' Return to Toy Fair. February 2, 2012 — Nickelodeon and Playmates previewed their extensive new Teenage Mutant Ninja  Turtles product line...
Mattel Names HIT Execs. February 2, 2012 — Mattel has completed its acquisition of HIT Entertainment, and has appointed David Allmark...
Winners of the ToyAward 2012 at the International Toy Fair in Nürnberg. February 2, 2012 — An independent jury has selected the ToyAwards for the International Toy Fair in Nürnberg...
Trend for Augmented-Reality, App-Enabled Toys Grows. February 2, 2012 — IPad-compatible toys featuring augmented reality that combine physical objects with on-screen displays...
12 Best Children's Museums In The U.S.. February 2, 2012 — When families travel, one of the hardest challenges facing parents is keeping their kids entertained...
How a Mother's Love Changes a Child's Brain. February 1, 2012 — Nurturing a child early in life may help him or her develop a larger hippocampus...
Mattel Completes Acquisition of HIT Entertainment. February 1, 2012 — Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) announced today that it completed the acquisition of HIT Entertainment from a consortium of funds led by Apax Partners for $680 million in cash...
Mattel Raises Toy Prices to Fight Higher Costs. February 1, 2012 — Prices of Mattel Inc (MAT.O) toys like Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars have gone up...
 The Container Store Recalls Brightly-Colored Power Strips Due to Fire Hazard. February 1, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product: About 7,200 Lush Life® power strips from The Container Store Inc., sold at the Container Stores nationwide and on the firm’s website www.containerstore.com from October 2011 through December 2011 for about $15. The power strips have undersized wiring, and the wiring and plastic strip fail to meet the requirements for fire resistance, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the recalled power strips immediately and return them to any of The Container Store locations for a full refund plus a $15 merchandise card.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products Announces Worldwide Licensing Program for The Dark Knight Rises. February 1, 2012 — The Bat-Signal has summoned "The Caped Crusader" to an adventurous Toy Fair season...
Tablets for Kids Help Leapfrog Rule Toy Fair. February 1, 2012 — The LeapPad, which is pitched as a learning tablet for four- to nine-year-olds, was voted Toy of the Year by retailers last week at the British Toy and Hobby Association's Toy Fair...
Toy Fair 2012: Excitement Builds for Show Activities. February 1, 2012 — With less than two weeks away until the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) 109th American International Toy Fair (February 12-15, 2012) opens its doors in New York City, registration continues to soar...
Sell More, Lose More was Amazon’s Q4 Motto. February 1, 2012 — Amazon.com enjoyed tremendous sales growth in the fourth quarter, but it came at a steep price...
Baby Girls Make Dads More Interested in Equality. February 1, 2012 — There's a trend among fathers documented http://socialforces.unc.edu/content/90/1/209.abstract by sociologists Emily Shafer and Neil Malhotra....
Teens Migrating to Twitter - Sometimes For Privacy. February 1, 2012 — Teens don't tweet, will never tweet - too public, too many older users...
 U.S. Toy Industry Retail Sales Generated $21.18 Billion in 2011. January 31, 2012 — 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.
Toy Company Owners to Be Sentenced in Drug Scheme. January 31, 2012 — For more than four years, a Los Angeles toy company that sold cuddly stuffed animals...
Toy Fair Expands Exhibitor Space to Accommodate Wait-List. January 31, 2012 — After selling out all available exhibit space, the 109th American International Toy Fair is expanding this year's event at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The newly added 5,900 square feet of exhibit space will be made available in Special Events Hall 1D, immediately adjacent to the Toy Fair Press Center, according to a press release.
Mattel 4th-quarter profit climbs 14 percent on strong holiday demand for Barbie, Hot Wheels. January 31, 2012 — Strong holiday demand for toys including Barbie and Monster High dolls helped push Mattel Inc....
Aurora World Announces All New Plush Lines for Infants, Toddlers. January 31, 2012 — Aurora World Inc. today announced details for three brand new plush gift lines geared towards new parents and their children. Infants and toddlers can get cozy with Aurora’s western-themed Lil’ Howdys, an interactive collection of Crinkle Friends “Brights,” and Quizzies – a plush line using the most luscious and comforting fabric in the marketplace, according to a press release.
Mattel's Acquisition of 'Thomas & Friends' Maker HIT Entertainment to Close on Wednesday. January 31, 2012 — Toy giant Mattel on Tuesday said its $680 million acquisition of HIT Entertainment...
Teenagers in focus as Nuremberg Toy Fair set to open. January 31, 2012 — Teenagers will be a new focus of this year's Nuremberg Toy Fair...
Lego Reveals More 'Lord of the Rings' Minifigs Including Gollum and Other Foes. January 31, 2012 — The Fellowship of the Ring assembled for a group shot in a display showcased during the UK Toy Fair last week...
Silly Dragon, Robots Are for Toddlers. January 31, 2012 — I noticed the trend starting at Toy Fair last year: robots for kids...
Toy Industry Association Joins The Sustainability Consortium. January 31, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA), the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, has announced its membership with The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), an independent organization of diverse global participants working to design and implement credible, transparent and scalable science-based measurement and reporting systems accessible for all producers and users of consumer products.
The Saga of STRETCH ARMSTRONG: Universal and Lautner Toss, Relativity Toys With Project. January 31, 2012 — In what’s turning into the tortured ballad of Hasbro toy STRETCH ARMSTRONG and his journey to Tinseltown...
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