In This Issue

Summarized Conclusions of June Articles

By Julie L. Jones
June 2010

Twisterz Toys, Sandtastik and Shains Popsicles engage head and hands in June’s Staff Picks. _{read more}

Cater to “thinker” types by implementing angled store fixtures, says “Retail Doctor” Bob Phibbs. _{read more}

Upselling is about helping customers, training staff, and believing in products. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Former 1960s furniture store supports South Los Angeles with educational playthings and teacher supplies. _{read more}

The $1.5 million Key West Toy Factory serves up adventure for visiting pirates. _{read more}

Tourists buy up pirate slingshots, sand boxes and “bouncies” at Key West Toy Factory. _{read more}

New business models expand damages potential in infringement cases, vs. toy industry’s relatively predictable outcomes. _{read more}

The designer toy market moves collectibles from grandma’s curio cabinet to kids’ bookshelves. _{read more}

All Baby & Child targets bloggers as events grow in attendance and square footage. _{read more}

BEST SELLERS: Newcomers Jawbones and Cobi mix things up in the top-10 construction toys. _{read more}

BEST SELLERS: Sticky Mosaics reign in activity kit sales, followed by sets from Alex and Melissa & Doug. _{read more}

REVIEWS: Easy Daysies schedule sets instill confidence and routine for kids, families say. _{read more}

REVIEWS: Double-sided Patchwork cards match reviewers’ criteria for strategy and fun. _{read more}

REVIEWS: The Wiggles and Bari Koral Family Rock Band earn 5 stars for strong lyrics and danceable tunes. _{read more}

REVIEWS: In a 10-product summary of online reviews, Dreamlets get hugs and Zubbles color bubble fun without stains. _{read more}

REVIEWS: Father-son bonding and a quill-haired tea party host earn positive ratings among four children’s book reviews. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Plush friends sneeze and buckle up in 23 clips from 2010 trade shows. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Sets show the insides of bodies and cars in 11 clips of educational items. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Wooden and construction toys build up fun in 15 videos from 2010 expos. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Sets put art into dessert and bling onto bracelets in these 18 clips from recent trade shows. _{read more}

VIDEOS: In five clips of musical toys, watch a laser-beam instrument and a strum-worthy necktie. _{read more}

VIDEOS: See MGA Entertainment’s specialty line and Ty’s Li’l Ones in these 12 doll videos. _{read more}

VIDEOS: Watch how preschoolers can puzzle it up and practice life with role-play sets in these 15 video clips. _{read more}