This Issue's Highlights

What to Read in February

By Julie L. Jones
February 2007

This month in TDmonthly Magazine, innovation is the keyword. Even classic toys, such as dolls and games, get off to a fresh start in 2007. With all of your preparations for Toy Fair and other events, you might not have time to read the entire issue. So here are our top stories in short form, with links to the full articles:

Innovative Games Grab Attention

From the dinner table to the field, manufacturers have come up with some surprising new games for 2007. Wild Planet’s Hyper Dash gets kids running, Tivitz takes math to outer space, and Word Chase! by Beyond Learning (ToyDirectory) introduces children to reading with earth-friendly materials. Click here for the full article.

This is but one of 11 articles covering innovative products in just about every category. So be sure to check out the rest of our Innovations of 2007 section.

Primed for Primping

Nineteen of 35 retailers told TDmonthly they’re seeing the lifestyle — and sales — effects of a cosmetics craze that’s all about looking good and learning while you’re at it. Kits for Crafts, Creativity for Kids projects and Scientific Explorer’s Spa Time are just a few products retailers say are bringing on the beauty. To read the full article, click here.

Booking the Right Books

If you can’t judge a book by its cover, then how do you decide which ones are right for your store? In this month’s Retailing Tips, TDmonthly spoke with retailers and publishing professionals to find out. Questioning reps and considering quality are key, as is a good store analysis. Click here to see what else is important in securing reads to rave about.

At This Store, Play Really Matters

Curious to know how other stores are doing it? In TDmonthly’s Retailer Spotlight, learn how Michael Ziegenhagen opened four Playmatters toy stores in metropolitan Cleveland. “We’re very close to our customers,” he said, “and we maintain innovation and leadership in our product assortment.” To read the full story, please click here.

At a 2006 Toy Fair-related event, Michael Ziegenhagen, owner of four Playmatters toystores, discussed how important it is for retailers to share information.

Watch Our Videos!

Why just read about specialty toys? See them in and out of the box by clicking here. Next month, we’ll be bringing you demonstration videos from the American International Toy Fair in New York City!

Find New Toys

To search for toys that have come into ToyDirectory/TDmonthly during the past three months, click here. Or, to see everything, do an ADVANCED SEARCH (top of the page) and select "All" for your Category.