In This Issue

Holiday Preparations and More

By Julie L. Jones
October 2008

Halloween's here, the smells of Thanksgiving will soon be wafting through the air, and Christmas — no doubt a season you're already planning for — is just around the corner. So, maybe it's time to take a deep breath and see if, for the betterment of your business and the bottom line, there are any other ideas you can add to your (jam-packed) schedule. Compliments of 65 specialty toy retailers, we have some for you in this issue! Read on ...

Securing Holiday Success

From "Midnight Madness" shopping events to a stocking-stuffer frenzy, specialty stores have different ways of drawing in the crowds and ensuring strong sales during the holiday season. In "Retailing Tips: Hosting Happenin' Holiday Events," find out what 65 toy retailers said about their most successful events, how they work with schools and local businesses, and how they open up other opportunities for customer spending.

Topping Sales Charts

Wonder how certain product categories are performing in your fellow retailers' stores? Kids have been "bugged" by Insect Lore's Butterfly Garden and a backyard vacuum, and various science kits are keeping children busy inside. Take a look at "TDmonthly's Top-10 Science & Nature Toys" to see them all.

New Toys!

Whether or not you've been to trade shows to check out the year's latest playthings, you're bound to see some toys, games or gift items you haven't seen in TDmonthly's Notable & New Toys articles, where you can narrow down your product searches by category. Want the abbreviated version? See TDmonthly's October Staff Picks, from which the following three products are pulled:

MAJOR Robot Necklace by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.

MAJOR Robot Necklace by HIGH INTENCITY CORP. This necklace is part of a rugged line for tween boys called MAJOR. Suggested retail price for pieces in the range, including other chains and bracelets, is $3 to $5. Launch date: Summer 2008. 8/28/2008 (MSRP: $10.00; Age: 8 to 12)

Dragon Tire Swing by WILDLIFE CREATIONS INTERNATIONAL INC.

Fire not included! How much fun would it be to take yourself to an enchanted land and tame one of these fire breathing beasts? Handcrafted from shock absorbing recycled tire. Fully assembled. Hanging instructions included. Supports up to 200lbs. ( Watch Video) 9/15/2008 (MSRP: $109.95; Age: 3 and Up)

KeyKatz by JADEN'S WORLD

Cat-shaped KeyKatz gives children a safe way to carry around a house key. The product features an elastic band in the kitty's tail that secures the key, which can be removed when necessary. KeyKatz can be attached to a backpack, belt loop, binder or zipper pull, and the cat's Velcro-closure head can serve as a coin purse. 8/28/2008