My Best Sellers: Melody’s Choices

Small Novelties, Figurines and Playsets are Customers’ Top Picks

By Brenda Ruggiero
June 2009

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. “Rather than citing items, I must lean towards vendors, as they represent volume in dollars versus specific items,” he said. “These rankings are basked on year-to-date in a very soft economy.”

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Pirates Cove Set by LEARNING CURVE

This adventure-packed set features a fun Pirate Shipwreck, Skull Mountain and Treasure Tunnel. Launch date: May 2008.
— Two of 66 retailers told TDmonthly in July 2008 that Thomas products are a top-selling gift item for boys.
— Thomas items are best sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., as reported by Owner Steve Melody in spring 2009. 5/21/2008 (MSRP: $149.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Hello Kitty 12-Color Twist-Up Crayons by SANRIO

These colorful, non-toxic crayons do not need sharpening as they simply twist from the bottom to expose more crayon. The package measures 5.5” x 3” x 1”.
— The Hello Kitty brand is a consistent top seller at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., Owner Steve Melody told TDmonthly in April 2009. 5/8/2009 (MSRP: $6.95; Age: 4 and Up)

Calico Critters Wilder Panda Bear Family by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

These small characters with removable clothing are poseable and have jointed arms and legs and heads that turn. The parents are approximately 3" tall, while brother and sister are 2.25" tall. The Wilder Panda Bear Family is comprised of Mother Penelope, Father Percival, Brother Phillip and Sister Priscilla. "This miniature animal family allows young girls ages 3+ to interact in imaginative play. As part of a larger line of Calico Critters, the Wilder Panda Bear Family can be combined with any number of other animal family lines, previous homes, detailed furniture environments and ready-to-play sets," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.
— “International Playthings offers lots of consistent sellers,” said Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., in April 2009. 4/9/2009 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Groovy Girls - Lakinzie by MANHATTAN TOY

Glamorous all around, Lakinzie is ready to take on anything. Stylin' in pink, purple and green, her outfit features: purple shoes, pink polka dot orange tights, a cute shiny patterned dress accented with lime green fur and beautiful bright highlighted blonde hair.
— Manhattan Toy’s products were listed as best sellers in spring 2009 by Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark. “Groovy Girls make up a good portion of the sales here, but the line offers much more,” he said. ( Watch Video) 5/6/2009 (MSRP: $20.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Rodeo Bull by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Part of the Farm Life series, this Rodeo Bull is ready to buck. He measures 14.3 x 6.9 x 6.8 cm.
— Schleich’s small animal figures are consistent best sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., as reported by Owner Steve Melody in April 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/7/2009 (MSRP: $5.49)

Tub Tunes Water Drums by ALEX BRANDS

These floating drums introduce kids to rhythm while they bathe, and can be pitch-adjusted according to the amount of water in the drums themselves. They come with a waterproof rhythm chart.
— “We sell tons of Alex's bathtub musical instruments. A dozen or so [per month],” Mary Porter, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— In March 2009, eight of 64 retailers named instruments by Alex-Panline as their best-selling bath toys.
— Alex products are always top sellers for Melody’s Choices, Owner Steve Melody told TDmonthly in spring 2009. “Stock it well and it will sell well,” he said. 4/9/2009 (MSRP: $13.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Sphinx with Mummy by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Sphinx with Mummy by PLAYMOBIL INC. Open the Sphinx’s secret mummy hiding place with your amulet. Includes two figures, skeleton that glows in the dark, and many other accessories. Recommended for ages four and up. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for ages under 3 years.
— Playmobil products continue to be great sellers at Melody’s Choices, as reported by Owner Steve Melody in spring 2009. “Although this line is in the big box, if you support it well, you have something the [big] box does not … selection,” he told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 1/6/2009 (Age: 4 to 12)

My Name Mugs With Sippy Lids by JOHN HINDE LTD.

My Name Mugs With Sippy Lids by JOHN HINDE LTD. These colorful mugs are available in various names so that children can have their own special cup.
— “John Hinde name mugs and sippy cups are a consistent reorder,” said Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., in spring 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/8/2009

Precious Pets Magic Towel by TOYSMITH

Precious Pets Magic Towel by TOYSMITH When placed in water for 30 seconds, this compact package expands into a 12" x 12" cotton towel.
— “Toysmith offers lots of small, inexpensive toys that go out the door consistently,” Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., told TDmonthly in spring 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/7/2009

Come Back Roller Wheel by SCHYLLING

Come Back Roller Wheel by SCHYLLING When rolled gently, this colorful tin wheel returns to the user. It is available in a variety of designs.
— Schylling products were listed as top sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., by Owner Steve Melody in spring 2009. He likes that the vendor has small toys that sell consistently. 5/8/2009 (MSRP: $3.99; Age: 3 and Up)