Toys in the News: 5-31-12

By TDmonthly Staff
May 2012

_{SUBMIT your news to TDmonthly.}_{See previous toy industry news.}

_{Toys in the News is updated Mon-Fri at 9:15 am PST}The Avengers' Success Bodes Well For Hasbro. May 31, 2012 — Dividend-growth portfolio holding Hasbro (HAS) reported lackluster first-quarter results in April...

Mega to Create Skylanders Toys. May 31, 2012 — Mega Brands and Activision Publishing have entered a multi-year, global licensing partnership...

Apple Not Interested in Traditional Video Game Business - Chief Executive. May 31, 2012 — Despite the recent success of mobile and social games, "big screen" video games...

Hasbro to Focus on Entertainment. May 31, 2012 — Hasbro Inc. appears all set to boost its Entertainment segment via Hasbro Studios...

How Do Video Games and Modern Military Influence Each Other? May 31, 2012 — Gaming is an ever-growing culture, working it’s way into mainstream platforms...

LeapFrog Partners With Zinkia. May 31, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. and Zinkia Entertainment (Zinkia), brand creator and producer of the hit global multiplatform brand POCOYO, today announced a partnership to bring content from the award-winning animated children's series POCOYO to the LeapPad(TM)...

Hasbro to Focus on Entertainment. May 31, 2012 — Hasbro Inc. appears all set to boost its Entertainment

Economic Impact Report of U.S Toy Industry Measures Jobs, Wages, Value and Output. May 30, 2012 — As part of its ongoing efforts to highlight both the creative influence and fiscal affect of the toy industry in the United States, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) commissioned a well-known research firm to create an easy-to-understand economic and fiscal analysis of the U.S. toy industry...

Toys R Us Recalls Imaginarium Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard. May 30, 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 24,000 Imaginarium 5-Sided Activity Centers, sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and online via www.toysrus.com from August 2009 through September 2010 for about $25. The small wooden knobs attaching the xylophone keys to the end can detach, causing a choking hazard to young children. Toys “R” Us has received eight reports of the knobs detaching. No injuries have been reported to the firm. Consumers should immediately stop using the product, move it out of the reach of young children and return it to a Toys “R” Us store for a refund or store credit.

Survey: Spending by young adults more impacted by green behavior. May 30, 2012 — A survey released Wednesday by Harris Interactive found that spending can be impacted by concern...

Study finds TV can decrease self-esteem in children, except white boys. May 30, 2012 — If you are a white girl, a black girl or a black boy, exposure to today's electronic media in the long run tends to make you feel worse about yourself...

European American Chamber of Commerce Discusses Product and Toy Safety. May 30, 2012 — Similarities and differences in European and U.S. toy safety requirements were the topic for discussion last Thursday (May 24th) as members of the New York chapter of the European American Chamber of Commerce gathered...
Poseable Pioneers: MakieLab's 3D-Printed Challenge To Barbie. May 30, 2012 — Last week saw the announcement that MakieLab had moved into open alpha...
Toys"R"Us Secures U.S. Retail Exclusive for the Fisher-Price Peppa Pig Toy Line. May 30, 2012 — Entertainment One Family (eOne Family) today announces that Toys“R”Us has secured the exclusive retail rights to an all-new line of toys based on the hit animated TV series, Peppa Pig, according to a press release.

Warner Bros. Plans Potter Game. May 30, 2012 — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Eurocom have teamed up for the new “Harry Potter for Kinect” video game...

Yanking G.I. Joe Toys with Retailers. May 30, 2012 — At major retailers nationwide, something is missing from the toy aisles: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" action figures...

Kurio7 Android Tablet for Families Now Available for Preorder. May 30, 2012 — Techno Source today announced that Kurio(7), the advanced Android-based tablet designed for families with children and teens is now available for preorder online at Toysrus.com and will first become available at Toys"R"Us stores across the country beginning in July...
Jakks Pacific begins tender offer at $20 a share. May 29, 2012 — Toy maker Jakks Pacific Inc. said Friday that it has launched...

Kendama craze hits the Twin Cities. May 29, 2012 — There's a new hot toy in the Twin Cities and it's not a video game...

Consumer sentiment at highest level since fall 2007. May 29, 2012 — Consumer confidence in May rose to the highest level since October 2007...

2013 Toy Industry Hall of Fame Nomination Period Open June 1-29, 2012. May 29, 2012 — Toy Industry Association (TIA) members and toy industry stakeholders are invited to submit nominations of deserving candidates for induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in February 2013...

An Average of 12 Downloaded Apps Are Currently on Mobile Devices Used by Kids. May 29, 2012 — According to Kids and Apps: A New Era of Play, the latest report from leading market research company, The NPD Group, there are an average of 12 apps on mobile devices that kids have access to, with 88 percent of those apps being acquired for free...

Va. Girl Is Youngest Ever in National Spelling Bee. May 29, 2012 — The youngest person ever to qualify for the National Spelling Bee was running...

Skylanders Giants Series 2 Figures Get Stats and Ability Upgrades. May 29, 2012 — Anticipating a flood of Skylanders Giants news at E3 I was pleased ...

Why Battleship Falls Flat With College Students. May 29, 2012 — Hasbro's most recent foray into filmmaking, the perplexing, board game-based Battleship...
So What Becomes of the GI JOE: Retaliation Toy Line? May 25, 2012 — With the movie being pushed back to March 29, 2013, what becomes of the toy line...

Winner of the Toy Wars. May 25, 2012 — The toy business is a real doll-eat-doll world. Two major players battle...

Get your own custom 3D-printed doll in Makielabs' public alpha. May 25, 2012 — A startup called Makielab is hoping to disrupt the toy market by 3D-printing customized dolls...

Kickstarter.com helps video game developers reboot old titles. May 25, 2012 — Earlier this year, a group of filmmakers came to Tim Schafer with a pitch to make a documentary...

College Video Game Program Grows Into Key Feeder for Industry. May 25, 2012 — In a recent class, Austin Community College student Richard Moss showed off his group's project...
PLAYMAIS Is 8th Company in "Year of Charity" Educational Giveaway! May 24, 2012 — PLAYMAIS — makers of biodegradable, eco-friendly, corn-based modeling/construction kits — has just signed onto TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" back-to-school promotion. They will be donating 100 of their German-produced craft kits. They join Uncle Skunkle, b. dazzle inc., Crossen Creations, Moving Picture Books, Education Outdoors, FindIt Games and Amazing Science DVDs. Specialty toy retailers can win a chance to give away these 800+ educational products to THEIR local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Find out how here.
Doctors report rise in kids eating detergent packs. May 24, 2012 — Miniature laundry detergent packets arrived on store shelves in recent months as an alternative...
Universal to Develop Movie Based on Lego 'Hero Factory' Robots. May 24, 2012 — Universal is in negotiations to acquire the screen rights to Lego’s line...

PlayCon 2012 Attendees Enjoy Rich Content and Networking Activities. May 24, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) PlayCon 2012 was held just outside of Washington, DC last week, bringing leaders from across the toy, play and entertainment industries together for two content-rich days filled with panel presentations, interactive workshops, business networking with industry colleagues and fun...

Fifth Annual Washington, DC Fly-In Brings Together Policymakers and Toy Industry. May 24, 2012 — Representatives of 31 small, mid-size and large toy companies made their way to the nation’s capital last week to attend the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) 5th Annual Washington, DC Fly-In. The nearly three-dozen delegates met with federal lawmakers and regulators to discuss the toy industry’s unique legislative needs and the vital role that it plays in the U.S. economy...

Lego for girls, this time hardware-hacker style. May 24, 2012 — One hacker has her own idea of what a Lego set for girls should be...
New CPSC Data Show Child Drownings In Pools and Spas Still A Leading Cause of Death. May 24, 2012 — Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) kicked off the summer swimming season and the third year of the Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign...

Do Violent Video Games Really Train Deadly Shooters. May 24, 2012 — A new study suggests that playing violent video games that reward “head shots” makes gamers...

Video Games are a Benefit to the Brain. May 24, 2012 — Many parents worry about how much time their children spend playing video games...

Hasbro Delays Release Of 'GI Joe' Sequel By Nine Months. May 24, 2012 — Hasbro Inc. has pushed back the theatrical release for "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" by nine months...

Fitch affirms Toys 'R' Us' IDR at 'B';outlook stable. May 24, 2012 — The cyclical downturn and hence weaker sales in the entertainment category...
Retailers Leveraging Tablets To Elevate Brand, Boost Sales. May 23, 2012 — With more than 60 million Americans forecast to own a tablet computer by the end of this year, retailers say tablets are driving an increasingly larger share of their web revenue. According to the 2012 Shop.org/Forrester Research Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) State of Retailing Online survey, 49 percent of retailers say their average order value via a tablet is now higher than traditional web sales...

VTech Unleashes 2-in-1 Play Experience as its Award-Winning Switch & Go Dinos(TM) Go on Sale Online Today. May 23, 2012 — VTech, in partnership with Amazon, is excited to release its latest innovation in the world of boys toys as four of its award-winning Switch & Go Dinos go on sale online today...

NRF Launches Nationwide Campaign On Sales Tax Fairness. May 23, 2012 — The National Retail Federation today launched a nationwide 60-day campaign to raise awareness among lawmakers and the public on how a loophole exempting online sales from sales tax is hurting local communities and job creation...

Has Mattel Become the Perfect Stock? May 23, 2012 — Every investor would love to stumble upon the perfect stock. But will you ever...

3 Ways To Design Toys That Boost Kids’ Creativity. May 23, 2012 — Quick, find a cardboard box, a magic marker, scissors, one roll of tape...

Tinkerers Unite! How Parents Enable Kids' Creativity. May 23, 2012 — Like a lot of boys, Jacob and Noah Budnitz like to build things. And they like to take things apart...

The shocking truth about toys. May 23, 2012 — You would never give your baby a lead pipe to chew on...
HIT Entertainment & Sakar Expand Thomas & Friends® to Consumer Electronics in the U.S. May 22, 2012 — HIT Entertainment and Sakar International are riding the rails together with a new license agreement that will bring the popular Thomas & Friends® franchise into the consumer electronics space in North America....

'Battleship' Disaster Scuttles Hasbro's Plans For Board Games. May 22, 2012 — Hasbro charted the course of its board games business by way of the movie theatre...

Koelnmesse teams up with TJPA to co-host China Kids Expo from 2012. May 22, 2012 — Koelnmesse and China Toy & Juvenile Products Association (TJPA) recently announced a collaboration which sees the German trade fair organizer co-hosting China's most promising baby and children's supplies industry event...

Bandai Co., Ltd. to Launch New Lifestyle Product Line Based on Tamagotchi(R) Brand in the U.S. May 22, 2012 — Bandai Co., Ltd. has named Los Angeles-based Sync Beatz Entertainment, Inc. as the exclusive United States Licensing Agent and Brand Manager for its hugely popular Tamagotchi(R) brand, which has sold over 78 million units in 54 countries and territories since the world's first virtual digital pet first was introduced 15 years ago...

Leapfrog eyes LeapPad app market, defend turf vs. Android. May 22, 2012 — Leapfrog’s LeapPad is the tablet and content ecosystem of choice for the preschool set...

Better Deals and More Sophisticated Palates Contribute to Kids Meals Decline, Reports NPD. May 22, 2012 — Kids meals with toys are no longer the draw they once were for the restaurant industry’s youngest customers, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. NPD’s foodservice market research reports that restaurant visits that included an order for kids meals with a toy have been declining for the past several years...

Silicon Valley tech executive nabbed in false barcode scheme involving Lego toys. May 22, 2012 — Ever since smartphones got their own bar code scanners, it's become commonplace...

Video game helps students with fetal alcohol disorder. May 22, 2012 — Playing video games isn't often seen as the healthiest pastime for young people...

PERSPECTIVES: Young Inventor Nicholas Metzler, Creator of "Squashed". May 22, 2012 — Initiated in 1998, National Inventors Month takes place each May to celebrate the inventions...

Survey: Consumers still cutting back, just not on gas, pharmacy or grocery. May 22, 2012 — That trip to the local restaurant is off the menu for consumers today...

National STEM Video Game Challenge Winners Announced. May 22, 2012 — The winners of the National STEM Video Game Challenge, a competition to motivate interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by learning, playing and making video games, were announced today at The Atlantic's Technologies in Education Forum in Washington, DC...
Is This Company the Apple of Toymakers? May 21, 2012 — With giants like Hasbro and Mattel reporting slumps in sales, and the retail video-game business...

Dr. Toy Gives Plan Toys, Inc. Best Green Toy Company Award. May 21, 2012 — Dr. Toy is pleased to bestow the Sixth "Best Green Toy Company Award" to Plan Toys Inc. for its more than thirty years of recycling wood from expired rubber wood trees. According to a press release, Dr Toy commends Kosin Virapornsawan, President of Plan Toys, for his company's commitment to quality durable, eco friendly, and non-toxic products, plus its innovative PlanWood®. made from surplus sawdust and wood chips from production.

Legos sales soar as building blocks prop up toy industry. May 21, 2012 — Legos were pretty basic when Leslie Turner played with them as a girl.

Chart: Sales of building sets increases, but toy sales flat overall. May 21, 2012 — Toys struggle; Legos thrive...

Exhibitors fight Javits teardown. May 21, 2012 — A powerful group of businesses in the trade-show industry has coalesced to fight Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to tear down the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center...

New Research Says Parenting Makes You Happy—If You're a Dad. May 21, 2012 — The body of evidence has mounted over the past decade: Having children doesn't make people happy...

Top 125 Global Licensors. May 21, 2012 — The Top 125 Global Licensors, the exclusive annual retail sales ranking of the world's largest...

Indian toy maker seeking deals with global retailers. May 21, 2012 — Global retail chains are looking towards India for sourcing of toys due to rising labor costs...

LEGO Gender Gap: Sociological Images Blog Maps Toy Company's Gender Marketing Through History. May 21, 2012 — Lamenting the prevalence of toystore gender stereotypes, a wise little girl named Riley once said...

When your cellphone is a toy. May 21, 2012 — If you have kids, you’ve probably gotten used to handing them your phone...

The Unique Toy Design Staff of Child's Own Studio. May 21, 2012 — Vancouver-based Wendy Tsao started Child's Own Studio, a home-based toy design studio with a twist...

Sneak peek: 'The Dark Knight Rises' toy line. May 21, 2012 — Four years after the record-shattering "Batman Begins" sequel "The Dark Knight"...

Youth diabetes, pre-diabetes rates soar. May 21, 2012 — Diabetes and pre-diabetes have skyrocketed among the nation's young people, jumping from 9%...
Obituary: Richard O'Brien, Toy Expert and Author. May 18, 2012 — Richard O'Brien, author and expert on collectible toys, died in a North Carolina hospice today at age 78. Though O'Brien had a varied career as a press agent, gag writer, author of syndicated comic strips, and novelist, he was primarily known as an expert in collectible toys and as the author of ''Collecting Toys'' – now in its 12th edition.
Two Scramble Squares® Puzzles Honored as Dr. Toy's Best Green Products for 2012. May 18, 2012 — b. dazzle, inc. of Redondo Beach, California, has announced that two (2) of its Scramble Squares® 9-piece educational brain teaser puzzles for all ages have been honored by The Institute for Childhood Resources in San Francisco as among only seventeen (17) products selected worldwide as "Dr. Toy's Best Green Products for 2012.” The two honored Scramble Squares® puzzles are “Bald Eagles” and “Salmon.”

Department of Mechanical Engineering's Toy Lab 'PLAYsents' student-built prototypes. May 18, 2012 — Named one of the "30 Awesome College Labs" by Popular Science magazine, ...

Weak video game market hits GameStop in Q1. May 18, 2012 — Decreased demand for new video game hardware and software contributed to GameStop's 12.2% sales decline...

Toys'R'Us plays up QR codes on outdoor toys. May 18, 2012 — Toys"R"Us has added QR codes to more than 20 large outdoor items...

Too Often, a New Baby Brings Big Debt. May 18, 2012 — When it comes to taking time off for a new baby, the best-laid plans often go awry...

Dr. Toy Names "Best Green Toys 2012". May 18, 2012 — Dr. Toy has released on their website the "Best Green Toys 2012" list. The list includes 17 products for kids ages 0m up to 12 years.

The Imagination Engine: Why Next-Gen Video Games Will Rock Your World. May 18, 2012 — When Tim Sweeney is out in the world discussing pedestrian things

Facebook Fuels Brand Engagement. May 18, 2012 — As the Facebook IPO goes public today, the airwaves are abuzz with predictions...

Safety 1st Toilet and Cabinet Locks Recalled Due to Lock Failure; Children Can Gain Unintended Access to Water and Dangerous Items. May 18, 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: bout 183,000 toilet locks and 685,000 cabinet locks from Dorel Juvenile Group, sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Burlington Coat Factory, Great Beginnings, Home Depot, Target and Walmart from January 2005 through April 2010 for between $8 and $20 for the toilet locks, and from January 2000 through March 2009 for between $2 and $11 for the cabinet locks. Amazon.com sold both locks through April 2012. Young children can unexpectedly disengage the toilet locks and gain access to water in the toilet, posing the risk of drowning. The cabinet locks are being recalled because young children can disengage the lock, posing the risk of injury from dangerous or unsafe items stored in the cabinet. Consumers should immediately remove the recalled locks and contact DJG for a free replacement lock of a different model.

Aqua-Leisure Recalls Children's Trampolines Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Toys "R" Us Stores. May 18, 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 40,000 First Fitness® Trampolines with Handlebars from Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc., sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide from September 2010 through April 2012 for between $45 and $70. Metal fatigue can cause the handlebar to break away during use, posing a risk of laceration from exposed metal surfaces or other injury from a fall. Consumers should immediately take the recalled trampolines from children and contact Aqua-Leisure’s recall hotline for a full refund.
Corolle Announces Departure of Beau James, Director of Corolle North America. May 17, 2012 — Corolle today announced the departure of Beau James, Director of Corolle North America, effective June 4, 2012. "Serving as Director of Corolle North America for the past 16 years has been an honor and a privilege," said James. "It is time for me to step aside and for Corolle’s new Managing Director, Mathilde Dezalys, to assemble her own team of professionals that will take the company to a new level, inspired by her remarkable passion and vision. I look forward to watching with pride as the company I have truly considered as family continues to grow and prosper." Mr. James will continue his position as President of The Beau James Group and To Market, To Market.
FIND IT GAMES Is 7th Company in "Year of Charity" Educational Giveaway! May 17, 2012 — Find It Games has just signed up with TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" back-to-school promotion. They will be donating 100 of their unique, handheld hide-and-seek game, which strengthens eye-hand coordination. They join Uncle Skunkle, b. dazzle inc., Crossen Creations, Moving Picture Books, Education Outdoors and Amazing Science DVDs. Specialty toy retailers can win a chance to give away these 700+ educational products to THEIR local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Find out how here.
U Nye Loo Lay Doo? Brush Up on Your Furbish: New Furby Coming. May 17, 2012 — Strap in, friends. There’s a new version of the Furby rolling out...

Turbospoke Scoops Gold in 2012 Toyology Outdoor Toy Awards. May 17, 2012 — Turbospoke has fought off stiff competition to take home Gold in the 2012 Toyology Outdoor Toy Awards, according to a press release. Turbospoke is the re-imagining of the ‘playing-card-in-the-spokes’ concept for bicycles, and is a totally unique product for the toy and bicycle sectors. Using variable plastic ‘Motocards’ and a megaphone exhaust pipe, Turbospoke attaches to any kind of bike and generates incredibly realistic motorbike sounds. Turbospoke is distributed by Schylling in the USA.

Obituary: Jean Craighead George. May 17, 2012 — Distinguished children’s book author and noted naturalist Jean Craighead George died on May 15...

10 Toy-Based Movies Ideas That Would Blow Away Battleship. May 17, 2012 — Laugh all you want, but the stupendously silly, alien-riddled Battleship blockbuster...

Hot Toys For Summer: Great Under $30 Options For Youngsters. May 17, 2012 — Whether you covet traditional toys or favour pop culture playthings, there's...

Action video game to aid recovery from stroke. May 17, 2012 — A video game which improves and overcomes the physical symptoms of a stroke...

Hasbro Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend on Common Shares. May 17, 2012 — Hasbro, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per common share...

Mind-controlled robot arms show promise. May 17, 2012 — Two people who are unable to move their limbs have been able...
Five Retailers Agree to Stop Sale and Recall Tots in Mind Crib Tents Due to Strangulation and Entrapment Hazard. May 16, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and five retailers are announcing a voluntary recall to provide refunds to consumers who own crib tents and play yard tents made by Tots in Mind, Inc. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers who own these products that infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and entrapment hazards presented by these products. Tots in Mind recalled the play yard tents in July 2010 and offered a repair kit that is no longer available. The company is no longer in business and has stopped all sales.

Sugar Makes You Stupid. May 16, 2012 — Attention, college students cramming between midterms and finals: Binging on soda and sweets for as little as six weeks may make you stupid...

Genius Brands International Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2012 Results. May 16, 2012 — Genius Brands International, Inc., developer and marketer of entertainment products including the award-winning Baby Genius(R) line of music and education-based products and characters, today announced financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended March 31, 2012...

Circulars in the Digital Age. May 16, 2012 — The steady erosion of newspaper circulations naturally has led many to predict...

Retail sales stagger in April. May 16, 2012 — A Tuesday report by the Commerce Department showed that U.S. retail sales...

K’NEX® Named as Finalist in 2012 American Business Awards. May 16, 2012 — K’NEX was named a Finalist in the 2012 American Business Awards, and will ultimately be a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Award winner in the program...

Patch Products receives statewide recognition as a leader among family-owned businesses in Wisconsin. May 16, 2012 — Due to its strong employee work ethic and unwavering devotion to having fun, Patch Products was recognized for being a leader among family-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin CPA firm Smith & Gesteland honored Patch at the annual Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Awards in Madison, WI this month with a one-of-a-kind Work Hard – Play Hard award.

ASTRA Announces Best Toys for Kids Finalists (PDF). May 16, 2012 — Fifty-seven specialty toys selected from 550 nominations have been named finalists for ASTRA’s 2012 Best Toys for Kids list, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced today. Retailers will have the chance to touch, feel and play with the 2012 Best Toys for Kids finalists at a special display at ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy in Baltimore on June 11th and 12th. Voting for the winning products will be conducted on-site and winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 13, the last day of Marketplace & Academy.

Apple Helps Czech Mole Enter $21 Billion U.S. Toy Market. May 16, 2012 — Krtek, the Czech cartoon mole known throughout communist Europe for decades, is seeking to break into the $21 billion U.S. toy market...

Hawaii’s Tanna Dang Wins Top Prize In NRF’s “This Is Retail” Video Contest. May 16, 2012 — Hawaii has a shining star in Ms. Tanna Dang as the Honolulu boutique owner today was awarded the top $25,000 prize in the National Retail Federation’s inaugural “This is Retail” video contest...
Education Outdoors Joins "Year of Charity" Educational Giveaway. May 15, 2012 — Education Outdoors, makers of Camp, Fishing Camp, S'Mores and other fun outdoors-related games, is the latest company to join TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" back-to-school promotion. They will be donating 100 of their games. They join b. dazzle inc., Uncle Skunkle, Crossen Creations, Moving Picture Books and Amazing Science DVDs. Specialty toy retailers can win a chance to give away these 500+ educational products to THEIR local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Find out how here.
FIT's "Playing With Fashion" Installation Is an Ode to Barbie. May 15, 2012 — Last Fashion Week, Barbie set up a (very pink) Dream Closet...

Retailers Mark 22 Consecutive Months Of Growth Even As Retail Sales Soften In April. May 15, 2012 — Unseasonably warm weather in February and March and an early Easter holiday shifted consumers’ spending appetite last month, though retailers in April still reported positive but modest growth...

Toy Industry Association Applauds Efforts of New Jersey Assembly to Heighten Awareness of Children’s Product Safety. May 15, 2012 — Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) applauds the efforts being taken by the Consumer Affairs Committee of the State of New Jersey Assembly to increase public awareness of the importance of play in the lives of children and the need to be vigilant about the safety of children’s products...

1 in 3 autistic young adults having hard time finding work after graduating: study. May 15, 2012 — One in 3 young adults with autism have no paid job experience, college or technical schooling...

Moose Loads up Trash Pack Licensees. May 15, 2012 — Several additional licensees will be joining Moose Toys’ The Trash Pack merchandise...

Offshore Suppliers: Beware of Hidden Costs. May 15, 2012 — Rising wages abroad are a driving force behind more than a trend...

10 Bike-Related Recalls to Check Out Before You Hit the Road This Spring. May 15, 2012 — Now that spring is here, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding consumers to check to see if their bicycles, bicycle components or accessories have been recalled before using them...

HK firm ensures toy safety with PLM tool. May 15, 2012 — Toys are fun to play with, but making them is serious business...
Toymakers Not Looking Like Much Fun for Investors: HAS, LF, JAKK, MAT. May 14, 2012 — While 2011 will be a forgettable one for toy makers like Hasbro...

YetYet Is A Fun Way To Turn Your iPad Into An Interactive Toy. May 14, 2012 — If your house is anything like mine, kids and iPads go together...

Toy Industry Volunteers Fill 5,000 Duffel Bags with Toys & More for Children Living in Foster Care. May 14, 2012 — Duffel bags teeming with brand new toys, clothing, blankets and more will reach the hands of 5,000 foster children across the country who lack basic necessities, thanks to the hard work of nearly 200 toy industry volunteers and special guests who rolled up their sleeves at the Fourth Annual Do Good Stuff-a-thon on Friday, May 11th in Westlake Village, California...

'Angry Birds' Maker to Launch New Game. May 14, 2012 — Finnish mobile game developer Rovio has announced it will launch a successor...

Women in Toys launches Canuck division. May 14, 2012 — The global not-for-profit Women in Toys organization has announced it will open a Canadian division...

Consumer power for China? May 14, 2012 — A vigorous campaign to clean up pollution in electronics giant Apple’s supply chain...

Congressional Hearing Addresses Consumer Privacy Protections. May 14, 2012 — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing on Wednesday, May 9 to examine reports released earlier this year by the Obama Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the need for increased consumer privacy protections...

Visual cues, comparison shopping can sway shoppers to switch brands, research finds. May 14, 2012 — New research that will appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Marketing Research...

Rainmaker Entertainment Announces March 31st, 2012 First Quarter Results and Appointment of Chief Financial Officer. May 14, 2012 — Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. announced today its results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the appointment of Darren Battersby as Chief Financial Officer...

Sippy Cups and Other Little-Known Childhood Hazards. May 14, 2012 — Two months ago, Jackie Sherrill of Grove City, Ohio, was sitting on...

A tower of fun: World's tallest Lego structure unveiled in South Korea to mark toy's 80th birthday. May 14, 2012 — The World's tallest Lego tower has been erected in Seoul, South Korea...
Moving Picture Books Signs on to "Year of Charity". May 11, 2012 — The animated reading book publisher, MOVING PICTURE BOOKS, is the latest company to join TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" back-to-school promotion. They will be donating 100 DVDs of their digital reading program for children ages 0 to 7. They join b. dazzle inc., Uncle Skunkle, Crossen Creations and Amazing Science DVDs. Specialty toy retailers can win a chance to give away these 500+ educational products to THEIR local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Find out how here. Read about the last round of giveaways, with winning stores who donated 115 products each from Schoenhut Piano Company, Safari Ltd., Hape International and Magicforest Ltd.: Jake's Toy Box, Kazoo Toys and Doll House & Toy Store.

MEGA Brands Reports First Quarter 2012 Results (PDF). May 11, 2012 — MEGA Brands Inc. announced its financial results today for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012...

Kid Brands, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2012 Results. May 11, 2012 — Kid Brands, Inc. today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012...

Video game sales plunge 42% with fewer April releases. May 11, 2012 — With fewer new video games to excite buyers, April sales of game consoles...

A Loser Stock Since 2003, LeapFrog Is Looking Hot. May 11, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises posted a big revenue number recently on its way to a seventh straight positive...

GameStop releases early comps, results not good. May 11, 2012 — Ahead of releasing its first quarter results, GameStop said earnings for the quarter...

Children’s Book Sales Stay Strong in February. May 11, 2012 — Don’t sound the death knell for print just yet. The Monthly StatShot just released...

Booming Licensing Biz Finds New Turf. May 11, 2012 — Licensed merchandise accounts for about $200 billion at retail each year...

First 'Avengers' video game will go to Wii U, Xbox 360. May 11, 2012 — The first in what will be a series of 'The Avengers' video games is called Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth...

NRF Welcomes National Strategy To Spur International Travel And Tourism. May 11, 2012 — The National Retail Federation commends the Obama administration for announcing a national strategy to promote international travel and tourism...

Retail’s BIG Show Places 151st On Trade Show News Network’s Prestigious List. May 11, 2012 — Already the premier trade event for retailers across the world, Retail’s BIG Show has once again been recognized as one of the biggest trade events as well...

Myths about Directors & Officers Insurance. May 11, 2012 — Believing common myths about Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance could put companies and their most valuable...

Consumers vs. shoppers, it all makes sense now. May 11, 2012 — Ever wonder what the difference was between a consumer and a shopper...

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Seeks Bumper Pad Standard, Supports Parental Choice and Opposes Unfounded Recommendations Against Crib Bumper Pad Use. May 11, 2012 — The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) petitioned the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) this week to adopt a rule to define and distinguish between hazardous "soft" pillow-like crib bumper pads and traditional crib bumpers...
Reported Death, Severe Neck Injuries Prompt Recall of Banzai Inflatable Pool Slides Sold by Walmart and Toys R Us. May 10, 2012 — In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. and Toys R Us Inc., of Wayne, NJ are announcing the recall of about 21,000 inflatable Banzai in-ground pool water slides. During use, the slide can deflate, allowing the user to hit the ground underneath the slide and become injured. The slide is also unstable and can topple over in both still and windy conditions and carries inadequate warnings and instructions. The recalled slides, which were manufactured in China by Manley Toys, Ltd, were sold at Walmart and Toys R Us nationwide from January 2005 through June 2009 for about $250. The recalled slides have the barcode number 2675315734 and model number 15734.

50 Fifty (HK) Ltd. passes USA Distribution to DARON World Wide Trading Inc. May 10, 2012 — 50 Fifty HK, known for the Original CHUCKLE BUDDIES Electronic Rollover Plush and Unique Novelty Toys & Gag Gifts has passed US Domestic Distribution to Daron WWT of Fairfield, NJ, according to a press release. Daron, the leader in Collectible and Toy Replica Airplanes, has a strong presence in the Toy, Hobby & Gift channels. The lines naturally complement each other, allowing greater offerings to the specialty and independent retailers. 50Fifty products were formerly distributed by Jumpin Banana.

Kinney, Selznick Win Top Prizes at Children's Choice Awards. May 10, 2012 — The fifth annual Children’s Choice Book Awards were awarded Monday evening...

The Walt Disney Company Reports Second Quarter Earnings. May 10, 2012 — The Walt Disney Company today reported earnings for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended March 31, 2012...

LEGO Lord of the Rings video game confirmed by new toy sets. May 10, 2012 — Warner Bros will release a widely-expected LEGO Lord of the Rings game...

Childrens Educational Toy Store, Kazoo & Company Toys, Launches their Franchising Division. May 10, 2012 — Kazoo & Company Toys’ Inc.’s franchising division, Kazoo Brand Extension LLC, is proud to announce the opening of their first franchised store location in Montgomery, AL on June 1, 2012...

Activision Blizzard's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript. May 10, 2012 — Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Activision Blizzard's Q1 2012 Results Conference Call...

U.K. Retailers Bullish on Avengers. May 10, 2012 — Marvel’s Avengers Assemble (released domestically as The Avengers) has already had a significant positive effect...

Viz Media to Publish Original Kids' Graphic Novels. May 10, 2012 — U.S.-based manga publisher and anime distributor Viz Media made its mark in the American comics scene...

Social Media Marketing Strategies: How 3 Companies Changed Their Fortunes With Digital. May 10, 2012 — When MySpace ruled the social media world in the early 2000s, everyone believed...
Crossen Creations Joins Massive Giveaway Program. May 9, 2012 — Crossen Creations, makers of The Magical Rainbow Boardgame and Playset, just signed onto TDmonthly's latest "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion. They will be donating 100 games to the program. Retailers! You can compete to win these and other great educational toys from b. dazzle, inc., Uncle Skunkle, Amazing Science! DVDs and more, to donate to your local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities. Read how here
JAKKS Pacific Announces Election of Leigh Anne Brodsky to Board of Directors. May 9, 2012 — Leading U.S. toy and consumer products company, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. JAKK -0.52% announced the election of Leigh Anne Brodsky as a new independent member of its Board of Directors and her appointment to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee of the Board...

'Where Wild Things Are' author Maurice Sendak dies. May 9, 2012 — Maurice Sendak didn't think of himself as a children's author, but as an author who told the truth about childhood...

Fewer toxic toys and textiles in EU stores. May 9, 2012 — Europe last year saw its first drop in the number of toxic toys and skin-irritating textiles...

One Direction Gets Global Toy Deal With Hasbro; Lee 'Scratch' Perry Has His Own Figurine. May 9, 2012 — Artists of all ages and genres are getting into the toy business...

Bassinets Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fall Hazard. May 9, 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 46,000 Kolcraft Tender Vibes & Light Vibes bassinets from Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., sold at mass market and independent juvenile specialty stores nationwide and online from July 2008 through May 2012 for between about $50 and $100. The latches that attach the bassinet base onto the metal frame can appear to be locked in place but still remain unlocked. This allows the bassinet to become detached from the metal frame, causing the bassinet to fall and the infant to be injured.

Tracking Amazon: Sendak's Sales Skyrocket. May 9, 2012 — The day following his death, Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are...

Trampolines Recalled by Sportspower Limited Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Walmart. May 9, 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 92,000 Sportspower BouncePro 14' Trampolines sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide from February 2009 through February 2012 for about $275. The netting surrounding these trampolines can break, allowing children to fall through the netting and be injured. Consumers should stop using the trampolines immediately and contact Sportspower to receive replacement black netting for the trampoline.

LaJolla Sport Recalls Boy's Hooded Flannel Shirts Due to Strangulation Hazard. May 9, 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 600 O'Neill Pluto hooded flannel shirts from La Jolla Sport USA Inc., sold at East Coast Surf Products, Hansens Surfboards, Huntington Surf & Sport, Jacks Surf and Sport, Main Beach Surf & Sport, O'Neill, Riders Outlet, Sports Chalet, Valley Skate N Surf and other surfing specialty stores nationwide between September 2011 and December 2011 for about $60. The hooded sweatshirts have drawstrings in the neck that can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Survey: Consumers want retailers to integrate channels. May 9, 2012 — More than 80% of U.S consumers more likely to become loyal customers...

NRF Calls On Congress To Reform Law Regulating Imported Products Containing Wood Or Plant Material. May 9, 2012 — The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to review and revise controversial rules on the importation of wood products and plant material that retailers fear could lead to unfair government seizure of merchandise ranging from furniture to musical instruments.

Executive Order Aims to Strengthen U.S. Exports, Promote Economic Growth. May 9, 2012 — On May 1, President Obama signed Executive Order (EO) 13609, Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation, which is designed to strengthen U.S. exports...

CBP, EU Sign C-TPAT Mutual Recognition Decision. May 9, 2012 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the European Union (EU) signed today a Mutual Recognition Decision between CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and the EU’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program...

Target.com falls just shy of 'superior' on customer satisfaction list. May 9, 2012 — Though 79 is just one point shy of what ForeSee considers a superior score...

Babies'R'Us supports military moms-to-be with Operation Shower. May 9, 2012 — Babies“R”Us is offering customers a new way to support military moms-to-be through...
Fox Announces Family Guy Video Game. May 8, 2012 — Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has announced the release of an all-new “Family Guy” video game...

Munchkin, Inc. Named "Vendor of the Year" by Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us. May 8, 2012 — Munchkin, Inc., designer and manufacturer of clever infant and toddler products, has received a 2011 "Vendor of the Year" Awardfrom Toys"R"Us, Inc. ...

Manhattan Toy recalls more than 3,000 rattles. May 8, 2012 — Manhattan Toy, in partnership with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, is recalling more than 3,000 Whoozit Starry Time rattles over concerns that the rattles pose a choking hazard...

Increases In Retail Container Traffic Expected Through Back-To-School Season. May 8, 2012 — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports will be flat in May compared with the same month last year, but is expected to see solid year-over-year increases...

Global crisis puts a damper on major trade fair. May 7, 2012 — Despite a slight increase in the number of overseas buyers, the sales volume declined at China's largest trade fair, sending a gloomy signal for the export outlook...

LeapFrog shares jump on 1st-quarter results. May 7, 2012 — Shares of LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. jumped on Friday after the education toy maker reported much better-than-expected first-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance...

Warner Bros. Launches Virtual World. May 7, 2012 — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced the beta launch of Cartoon Universe, a free-to-play, online world for kids...

Final Chapter of LEGO Harry Potter App Released. May 7, 2012 — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Lego game specialist Travellers Tales released the final chapter of the LEGO Harry Potter video game series...

Spaces Left for the Children's Institute at BEA. May 4, 2012 — The American Booksellers Association is extending registration to May 11 for its inaugural one-day Children’s Institute...

Marvel sued by toy company over Iron Man licensing deal. May 4, 2012 — Just as The Avengers arrives in U.S. theaters, a Los Angeles toy company has sued Marvel, accusing the company of committing fraud in a licensing agreement that went sour...

'Battleship' Movie Likely To Boost Hasbro's Toy, Game Sales. May 4, 2012 — Three weeks into its international run, the Universal Studios movie "Battleship" is already a hit...

LeapFrog sales jump on toy tablet demand, early Easter. May 4, 2012 — Toy maker LeapFrog Enterprises Inc posted strong quarterly results, helped by an earlier Easter and strong demand for its LeapPad learning tablet...

Tonner Doll Awarded License for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games. May 4, 2012 — Tonner Doll Company, a manufacturer of high-end collectible dolls and figures, has been granted the license for character figures based on the film The Hunger Games...

LEGO Group Launches Movie Maker App. May 4, 2012 — LEGO Group, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, has launched the LEGO DC Super Heroes Movie Maker app on the iTunes App store...

Retail hiring down in April. May 4, 2012 — The Kronos Retail Labor Index edged down to 3.8% in April from a March level that was revised three-tenths lower...

LeapFrog Boosts App Offerings With Partner-Branded Content. May 3, 2012 — Interactive toy maker LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. has in recent months doubled the amount of digital applications it sells for its devices...

Sunrise Confections To Release Annoying Orange Gummies and Fruit Snacks. May 3, 2012 — Sunrise Confections, a division of Mount Franklin Foods, LLC, is launching Annoying Orange Real Annoying Gummies and Fruit Snacks, based on The Annoying Orange YouTube series....

Plush Partner Added to Roobarb And Custard Program. May 3, 2012 — Bulldog Licensing has formed a partnership with Brazier & Co to create a plush line based on classic animation property Roobarb and Custard...

Warm weather helps Target deliver Q1 comps growth. May 3, 2012 — April same-store sales at Target increased 1.1% and helped the company achieve a 5.3% first-quarter comps increase that was the highest in six years...

Aéropostale to offer exclusive Battleship, G.I. Joe apparel. May 3, 2012 — Hasbro has partnered with teen retailer Aéropostale for an exclusive line featuring the Battleship and G.I. Joe brands...

HSN profit rises in Q1. May 3, 2012 — Multichannel shopping retailer HSN Inc. reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended March 31 climbed 29% to $26.2 million, from $20.3 million in the year-ago period...

Jazwares Introduces Lalaloopsy Electronics. May 2, 2012 — Jazwares announced a new licensing agreement with MGA Entertainment to develop the first line...

Check Your Home for These Recalled Recreational and Home Products Now that Spring is Here. May 2, 2012 — Spring has sprung. Warm weather means kids are playing outside and families...

PopCap Merchandise Coming Soon. May 2, 2012 — Remember all of this teasing we did a few months ago? Well today we can finally announce our exciting news...

NRF Says Fed Report Shows Debit Swipe Fees Haven’t Fallen Far Enough. May 2, 2012 — Numbers released by the Federal Reserve today show debit card swipe fees collected by the nation’s largest banks have dropped significantly...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces IPR Interim Final Rule. May 2, 2012 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection today published in the Federal Register an Intellectual Property Rights Interim Final Rule (IFR) which takes effect immediately upon publication...

ShopperTrak: Expect more sales and shoppers this Mother’s Day. May 2, 2012 — A report released by ShopperTrak found that consumers are expected to shop and buy more...

LeapFrog Partners With Little Pim To Bring Foreign Language Learning To The Award-Winning LeapPad(TM). May 2, 2012 — Little Pim foreign language videos in the LeapFrog App Center will help children discover a new world this summer...
Uncle Skunkle Signs On to Charity Giveaway. May 1, 2012 — TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" promotional program is ready for its next round! This time, Retailers, you'll be competing to give away 100+ top-quality educational toys to your local schools, Headstart programs and children's charities! Already, three terrific manufacturers have signed up: AMAZING SCIENCE DVDs, b. dazzle, inc., and UNCLE SKUNKLE! That's already 300 toys worth thousands of dollars that will be making their way to kids in some lucky retailers' neighborhoods this August and September, and more manufacturers are sure to sign on. Find out how to enter here.

Millennial shoppers hit hard by economic downturn. May 1, 2012 — Millennial shoppers (consumers ages 18 to 34 years) now represent the highest percentage of Americans who do not have enough money to cover their basic needs...

Jay@Play Brings MushABellies To Life. May 1, 2012 — Jay@Play’s MushABellies®, one of the most buzzed about products at the 2012 American International Toy Fair, launched today...

Top Undervalued High Dividend Toys And Games Stocks Being Accumulated By Mega Funds. May 1, 2012 — What do the world's largest money managers like among companies in the toys & games group...

NRF Announces Final 3 “This Is Retail” Video Contest Winners. May 1, 2012 — The National Retail Federation today announced the final three winners of its “This is Retail” video contest...

TIA Submits U.S. “State of the Industry” Report for Consideration at London ICTI Meeting. May 1, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA), U.S. member of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), has submitted a 2012 State of the Industry Report...

PlayCon 2012 Agenda Includes “Top Shelf” Speakers, Industry Experts. May 1, 2012 — Toy industry thought-leaders from across the country will convene in Washington, DC from May 16-18 to network with peers...

Greater consumer confidence not loosening purse strings. May 1, 2012 — Consumers’ confidence in their personal finances is returning to levels seen in first quarter 2011...

American Girl Encourages Reading and Fun with Read-A-Palooza™. May 1, 2012 — For more than 25 years, American Girl's award-winning books have helped millions of girls discover the joy of reading and have earned the trust of parents and educators. This summer, to celebrate books and encourage girls to keep their reading skills sharp while school is out, American Girl is introducing Read-a-palooza, a summer reading program created for girls ages 8 to 12...

Toy Trends Inspired By Pop Culture, Technology, Social Causes. May 1, 2012 — We were at the Time To Play toy showcase yesterday to keep an eye on the trends...

Toy Distributor to Turn Around Performance. May 1, 2012 — Toy distributor Funtastic expects a $48 million turnaround in its performance in fiscal 2012...

Bigjigs® Toys Launches Online Store to Sell Extensive Collection of Quality Wooden Toys in U.S. Market. May 1, 2012 — Bigjigs® Toys arrived in the U.S. specialty toy market in 2011 to rave reviews...
Is Mr Potato Head to blame for 'pester power' ads? April 30, 2012 — It is 60 years since Mr Potato Head starred in the world's first television toy advert...

Mattel's San Diego Comic Con 2012 Exclusive Preview. April 30, 2012 — Here’s your first official look at the products we’re planning to have...

Why has Hollywood gone toy crazy? April 30, 2012 — Battleship launched a broadside at the UK box office last week, cruising to an impressive £3.8m haul...

'Rayman Legends' leaked trailer shows Wii U toy functionality. April 30, 2012 — The video reveals how Near Field Technology works for Nintendo's new console...

Pressman Toy is Game for Big Nate. April 30, 2012 — HarperCollins Children’s Books and Pressman Toy have teamed up to create games and puzzles...