Toys in the News: 8-31-12

By TDmonthly Staff
August 2012

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_{Toys in the News is updated Mon-Fri at 9:15 am PST}
Lego Earnings 2012: Toy Maker's Profits Surge On Demand For Toys Marketed To Girls. August 31, 2012 — Lego's new line of toys created specifically for girls helped first-half profits jump 35 percent...

Inflatable Recreational Tubes Recalled by Tractor Supply Due to Chemical Burn and Irritation Hazard. August 31, 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 10,900 Traveller Recreational Tubes from Tractor Supply Company, sold at Tractor Supply Stores nationwide from May 2012 through June 2012 for about $20. Contact with the inflatable tube can result in severe skin irritation or burns. Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to any Tractor Supply Store for a full refund.

Mega Bloks Launches 'Halo' Contest. August 31, 2012 — Toy company Mega Bloks is prepping for the second annual Halo Toymation Fest...

A Cash Mob Hits Reopened Curious George Store. August 31, 2012 — The World’s Only Curious George Store in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass., may also hold...

Toy Boat’s Future Looks Brighter A Month After Closure Seemed Sure. August 31, 2012 — A month ago, the owners of Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat announced that the shop was on the brink of closure...

Random House Announces New Titles. August 31, 2012 — Random House Children’s Books has released a series of new licensed titles...

‘Spider-Man’ Producer Avi Arad To Bring Popular Video Game ‘Metal Gear Solid’ To The Big Screen. August 31, 2012 — Sony has announced that they will be bringing “Metal Gear Solid,” the immensely popular video game...

Skylanders Giants: Toys paired with gaming equals success. August 31, 2012 — Skylanders already has one installment in the books since it debut title...

How the video games industry is faring. August 31, 2012 — Companies in the video games business have been reporting earnings for the...

Back to School: Were We Ever Away? August 31, 2012 — Remember the big pre-Labor Day shopping excursion, the reunion with beloved classmates...
Summer Infant Recalls to Repair Baby Bathers Due to Fall and Head Injury Hazard. August 30, 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: About 2 million in the United States and an additional 65,000 in Canada Mother’s Touch/Deluxe Baby Bathers from Summer Infant Inc.. When the bather is lifted and/or carried with an infant in it, its folding wire frame can suddenly disengage from the side hinge, dropping the baby out of the bather, posing a fall hazard and a risk of serious head injury to infants. Consumers should immediately stop using the bathers and contact Summer Infant for a free repair kit that includes a locking strap and instructions. Note: Even with the new locking strap installed, the baby bather product should never be used to lift and carry an infant.

Watch Your Back Hasbro, 3-D Printed Games Have Arrived. August 30, 2012 — 3-D Printers are sometimes called “Santa Claus Machines” because, like Santa, they can create anything...

Disney, Barneys Team for Holidays. August 30, 2012 — Barneys New York and The Walt Disney Company have announced that they will collaborate for the 2012 holiday...

Jim Henson Expands Pajanimals. August 30, 2012 — The Jim Henson Company has extended its licensing agreement with Tomy International...

WeeBot' Experimental Scooter Puts Babies in the Driver's Seat. August 30, 2012 — A makeshift scooter similar to a Segway has babies driving before they can crawl...

Aces foundation, Jakks Pacific to donate 15,000 toys to Northern NV children. August 30, 2012 — The Reno Aces Foundation, in partnership with US toy company JAKKS Pacific, Inc. will distribute 15,000 toys over the next month to underprivileged and deserving children throughout Northern Nevada...

The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 1 Selected as a Dr. Toy’s Best 100 Winner. August 30, 2012 — Monkeying Around is proud to announce The Greatest Dot to Dot Adventure Book 1 has been chosen as one of Dr. Toy’s Best 100 products of 2012...
K'Nex Launches Angry Birds Sets. August 29, 2012 — K’Nex has partnered with Rovio Entertainment to bring “Angry Birds” to life with...

A Lego Movie Is Happening: Movie Stars Sign Up to Play Lego Figures. August 29, 2012 — The first-ever full length theatrical Lego movie is still happening! Slated fo...

TIA Develops Guidance Documents to Aid Members in Compliance with Washington State Children’s Safe Products Act Annual Report Requirements. August 29, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has developed two member-only resource documents...

TIA PR Team Begins Trend Tracking at Fall Toy Preview. August 29, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) communications team is reminding all Fall Toy Preview exhibitors...

Barnes & Noble forms Nook deal with U.K. retailer. August 29, 2012 — U.K. retailer John Lewis has become the first company outside of the...

TAGIE Awards: 2012 Honorees Announced! August 29, 2012 — Despite the fact that nominations are still being taken for some of the TAGIE Awards...

An Inside Look At How GameStop Refurbishes Used Video Games. August 29, 2012 — Gamestop took a gamble back in 2010 by investing $7 million in a factory...

Crossover Toys Revealed at Star Wars Celebration VI. August 29, 2012 — Every year, fans and wannabe residents of the “Galaxy Far, Far Away” gather...

Female Engineers Design Toys for Girls That Aren’t Just Pink. August 29, 2012 — Science toys for girls are often, well, terrible. While boys get cool...

FamilyFINDS Launches SuperFINDS Membership to Fix the Daily Deal Model. August 29, 2012 — FamilyFINDS, an offer platform focused on moms, today announced the launch of its SuperFINDS Membership, an innovative twist on daily deals that alleviates both consumers and business of the hassles involved with the old model. FamilyFINDS does not require customers to purchase each deal individually and it does not charge businesses for the partnership...
CPSC Starts Rulemaking to Develop New Federal Standard for Hazardous, High-Powered Magnet Sets. August 28, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted 4 to 0 to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at developing a new federal standard for small, high-powered magnet sets...

When kids play across gender lines. August 28, 2012 — Like many parents, Carrie Goldman was thrilled to learn that Britain's biggest...

Barnes & Noble Debuts My Little Pony Collection for Nook. August 28, 2012 — Hasbro and Barnes & Noble have launched 11 My Little Pony e-book editions exclusively...

NRF Asks Labor And Management To Resume Port Contract Talks. August 28, 2012 — The National Retail Federation today urged labor and management to return to the table in negotiations for a new East Coast and Gulf Coast longshoremen’s contract...

Jerry Nelson, Sesame Street Cast Member and Creator of Muppet Characters, Dies at the Age of 78. August 28, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) and its members join in mourning the passing of Jerry Nelson...

Shopkick honored as most innovative technology startup. August 28, 2012 — Shopkick has been named by the World Economic Forum as one of...

Consumer Confidence In U.S. Declines By Most Since October. August 28, 2012 — Confidence among U.S. consumers fell in August by the most in 10 months...

Fall video game preview 2012: Five questions. August 28, 2012 — If there was ever a time for a rebound in the retail video games market...

How Video Games Could Improve Our Vision. August 28, 2012 — Daphne Maurer made headlines this year with research suggesting...

Neil Patrick Harris teams with Hasbro to promote Scrabble Catch Phrase. August 28, 2012 — Neil Patrick Harris, star of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," announced...

Right at Home: NY Gift Fair serves up a mix of old and new, vintage and high-tech. August 28, 2012 — On this side of the aisle, weathered barn boards and a chipped farmhouse...
Hunger Games Outsells Harry Potter. August 27, 2012 — Amazon.com has announced that the Hunger Games trilogy has outsold the seven-book Harry Potter series...

Hasbro Suffers Missed Gain as Stores Hold Back Avengers. August 27, 2012 — Kids looking to grab an Iron Man toy after being wowed by the hit...

Delivering a ‘Zero Disappointment Experience’ in the age of innovation. August 27, 2012 — Many retailers have been slow to embrace technology in their broader operations...

The Orb Factory Receives ‘The Best Partner Award’ from Learning Express. August 27, 2012 — The Orb Factory is proud to have received The Best Partner Award from Learning Express...

Simon Says Don’t Use Flashcards. August 27, 2012 — Parents who want to stimulate their children’s brain development often focus on things like early reading...

Toxins banned in toys are going back to school with kids in class supplies. August 27, 2012 — An alarming number of school supplies contain a toxic chemical that’s already banned in toys...
Toymaker may settle NYC lawsuit against Lady Gaga. August 24, 2012 — The toy company behind the Bratz doll line says it's working toward settling...

Jakks says Oaktree makes fresh bid for talks. August 24, 2012 — Jakks Pacific Inc said private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management made a revised proposal...

Gender-Neutral Toys: Experts And Parents Discuss How Toys Encourage Stereotypes. August 24, 2012 — Should we blame toy makers for teaching kids that "blue is for boys"...

Fiscal policies hamper Kirti Nagar's toy market. August 24, 2012 — The high rate of VAT applicable on electronic toys is hampering the growth...

Pink stinks, says toy marketing campaigner. August 24, 2012 — Just like their American and British counterparts, German girls are drowning...

Toys'R'Us unveils latest toy guide for differently-abled kids. August 24, 2012 — Toys"R"Us has released the 2012 edition of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids...

Licensing Hotline: August 23, 2012. August 24, 2012 — After two years, books tied to the PBS Kids series Dinosaur Train...

Creating Licensed Property Blockbusters. August 24, 2012 — It’s not a surprise that some of the hottest licensed properties encompass sports...
CareBears Pacifier Recalled by IDM Group Due to Choking Hazard. August 23, 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 119,000 CareBears™ Pacifiers from IDM Group LLC, sold at various discount and dollar stores, Walmart Puerto Rico, children's apparel stores and Consolidated Stores nationwide from October 2009 through June 2012 for about $1. The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The nipples can separate from the base, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and contact IDM Group LLC for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Web Sites Accused of Collecting Data on Children. August 23, 2012 — A coalition of nearly 20 children’s advocacy, health and public interest groups...

Is the Handheld Video Games Market Shrinking? Or Just Changing? August 23, 2012 — You’ve probably heard someone, somewhere, claim smartphones are encroaching on handheld gaming’s turf...

Elmo Shows How to Improve Kids' Diets. August 23, 2012 — The image of Elmo may be all that's needed to get kids...

Fox Releases Ice Age App Collection. August 23, 2012 — Fox Consumer Products has partnered with iStoryTime for the new “Ice Age Storybook App Collection”...

David Scher joins The Wish Factory. August 23, 2012 — Montclair, New Jersey-based consumer products company The Wish Factory has appointed...
Mattel Brings Powerhouse Brands to the iPad with Apptivity™ Play. August 22, 2012 — In line with today's modern families and the popularity of iPad at home, Mattel, Inc. launches Apptivity™ featuring screen-safe toys for the iPad that interact with apps...

Hasbro Releases Transformers Game. August 22, 2012 — Hasbro has teamed up with Activision Publishing and High Moon Studios for...

Mattel Plans Monster High Game. August 22, 2012 — Mattel has partnered with game developer Little Orbit for a video game...

Well, Pull My String! New Book Reveals the Making of Toy Story Films. August 22, 2012 — The Toy Story films are undoubtedly the greatest animated trilogy ever. Revealing...

RILA opposed to ‘flawed’ proposed swipe fee settlement. August 22, 2012 — The Retail Industry Leaders Association criticized the proposed swipe fee settlement and urged...

UL Updates Standard to Reduce Battery Ingestion by Children. August 22, 2012 — In an effort to reduce incidents involving the ingestion of coin/button batteries...

France, Belgium Revise Chemical Restrictions in Foam Toys. August 22, 2012 — While the European Union’s Toy Safety Directive (TSD) requirements regarding chemical contents in toys will come...

Record-Breaking Number of Toy Companies to Showcase Products at Fall Toy Preview. August 22, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) reported today that it is expecting a record-breaking number of exhibitors at this year’s Fall Toy Preview...
Kickboard USA Recalls Children's Scooter Due to Laceration Hazard. August 21, 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 5,600 scooters from Kickboard USA, sold at independent toy stores, Amazon.com and Kickboardusa.com for about $85 from May 2012 to July 2012. The one-piece plastic platform that covers the front wheel base can break, posing a laceration hazard to children. Consumers should take this product away from children and contact Kickboard USA for a free replacement product.

Wal-Mart Brings Back Expanded Holiday Layaway. August 21, 2012 — After seeing high customer demand for layaway during last year's winter holiday season...

Study: Discounts as Low as 2.5% Sway Shoppers to Leave Stores, Purchase Online. August 21, 2012 — Forty-five percent of customers shopping in-store at brick-and mortar-locations will walk out...

Little Imaginations Are Better Served By Odds and Ends Than Hi-Tech Gadgets. August 21, 2012 — WHILE parents are spending thousands of dollars on hi-tech gadgets for children, experts say they would be better off with a box of odds and ends...

Action figures, LEGOs, Barbie top Children's Museum's 20 finalists toy list. August 21, 2012 — Action figures, LEGO Toys and Barbie are among the playthings announced Monday...

Simba Toys eyes S. East Asia markets. August 21, 2012 — German toy-maker Simba Toys is gearing up to enter new markets in South East Asia...

Toy Blocks That Form Thousands Of Different Faces. August 21, 2012 — At a time when gaming is being touted as the next-gen educational tool...

TRU grows Babies'R'Us assortment. August 21, 2012 — Toys"R"Us is taking aggressive steps toward becoming a bigger player in the highly...

Rubik’s Cube Twists Back Into Limelight. August 21, 2012 — The clatter of 200 Rubik’s Cubes twisting in unison filled the ballroom...

‘Angry Birds’ Publisher Rovio Entertainment Bolsters Los Angeles Office. August 21, 2012 — Rovio Entertainment, creator of the bestselling Angry Birds game franchise, is expanding...

Fusing Silicon Valley and toys, Nukotoys finally launches its playing-card apps. August 21, 2012 — After years of work, Nukotoys is finally kicking off its grand plan...

Green Toys Now Green Up Your Plates, Too. August 21, 2012 — Is plastic bad? Depends on the plastic. I like soft cloth dolls...
LEGO may make Mars rover Curiosity toy after 10,000 fans vote. August 20, 2012 — NASA's Curiosity Mars rover took a giant leap this weekend toward...

Three female engineers build toys to inspire young girls to love science. August 20, 2012 — When Alice Brooks was a little girl, she asked her father for a Barbie doll...

Traditional toys that double up as educational tools. August 20, 2012 — There was a time, not too long back, when we spent our summer...

Upcoming Play Comforts Events to Reach Kids in Puerto Rico, Japan and Hawaii. August 20, 2012 — The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is traveling far and wide this fall to distribute toys to children of military families...

Regulatory Compliance of Aquatic Toys and Aquatic Equipment. August 20, 2012 — Aquatic toys, life preservers and aquatic equipment are all designed for use in or on the water. To ensure regulatory compliance and thereby consumer safety, manufacturers need to make sure to define their products accordingly...

PlaSmart Inc. Signed as Exclusive North American Distributor for DoodleArt. August 20, 2012 — PlaSmart Inc., a global toy company specializing in fun, innovative and engaging toys that bring families together, has been signed as the exclusive North American distributor for mass and specialty retailers for the well-known color-it-yourself poster kit brand The Original DoodleArt...

Vatican nudges Mattel to sell bald Barbie. August 20, 2012 — The Vatican has weighed in on a campaign to compel toymaker Mattel...

Introducing 'drag queen' Barbie. August 20, 2012 — Barbie has served as a female role model for years, donning everything...

App-y Christmas: iPad toys tipped to be top gift. August 20, 2012 — Toys that connect to iPads are being tipped as one of the "must have" gifts...
TRU Continues China Expansion. August 17, 2012 - Toys ‘R’ Us is continuing its expansion across China with the opening of its first stores in Beijing this weekend...

Simba Toys plans to set up 25 stores in India. August 17, 2012 - Germany's Simba Dickie group plans to set up 25 franchise stores across the country, a top company official said...

For Buckyballs Toys, Child Safety Is a Growing Issue. August 17, 2012 - Three years ago, two pals from Brooklyn came up with the idea of creating a desktop toy out of powerful magnets. Their creation, Buckyballs, became an instant hit...

Babylicious Recalls Cloth Crib Fringe Due to Strangulation Hazard. August 17, 2012 - The product is a narrow fabric strip connecting several individual fabric triangles. It is designed to be attached to the side rail of a crib or along window valences or curtain rods. The product was sold in a variety of colors and patterns and with two fringes in each package...

Walmart, Target and others form mobile payments group. August 17, 2012 - Merchant Customer Exchange is the name of a new mobile payments group in which Walmart and other leading retailers are involved...

Children's Place delivers sales growth, but income slips. August 17, 2012 - The Children's Place Retail Stores reported that second quarter net sales increased 5% to $360.8 million, compared with $343.5 million in the second quarter of 2011...
EA Joins Video Game Buyout Rumor Mill. August 16, 2012 — Electronic Arts Inc. has joined the wave of video game companies that may be up for sale...

Mattel signs up Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja and Cut the Rope for Apptivity. August 16, 2012 — Mattel's Apptivity range for iOS is nothing new, taking real toys and allowing players...

Playmobil Plans First Mobile Game. August 16, 2012 — Playmobil has tagged Gameloft to create a mobile game for its Pirates...

The story behind the 'Steelcraft' mark on antique toys. August 16, 2012 — Knowing the name of the maker of any collectible or antique adds value...

Entertainment One Family Announces Debut Of Peppa Pig Toy Line Exclusively At Toys “R” Us®. August 16, 2012 — Entertainment One Family announced today the launch of an all-new line of Peppa Pig toys...

Leap On and Tune In with The TuneablesTM on LeapFrogTM. August 16, 2012 — The Music Intelligence ProjectTM is pleased to announce that the award-winning music program The TuneablesTM is now available on LeapFrog’s award-winning multimedia platform...
July retail sales rose more than forecast. August 15, 2012 — Fueled by strength from department stores, electronics and the automobile sector...

Baby Seats Recalled for Repair by Bumbo International Due to Fall Hazard. August 15, 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 4 million Bumbo Baby Seats from Bumbo International Trust, sold at Sears, Target, Toys R Us (including Babies R Us), USA Babies, Walmart, and various other toy and children's stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through August 2012 for between $30 and $50. Consumers should immediately stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit. A video demonstrating proper installation of the restraint belt and proper use of the Bumbo seat are available at www.recall.BumboUSA.com

LeapFrog Device Moves Past the Tadpole Stage. August 15, 2012 — When parents buy an educational toy for their kids, they generally consider cost...

Kid Brands, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results. August 15, 2012 — Kid Brands, Inc. today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2012...

PERSPECTIVES – Best Practices in Anti-Counterfeiting in the Toy and Game Industry. August 15, 2012 — $27 million. That is the MSRP value of the counterfeit toys and electronic games seized by customs and border patrol in 2011 alone...

Travel Channel’s Toy Hunter Deals Articulated Nostalgia. August 15, 2012 — These days, childhood nostalgia is an easy thing to capitalize on. With retro...

Moshi Monsters Gets Mobile Games. August 15, 2012 — Mind Candy, creator of Moshi Monsters, and mobile gaming company Gree have announced...

Babies'R'Us welcomes arrival of Heidi Klum baby line. August 15, 2012 — Fashionable moms will want to head to there local Babies"R'Us store this fall...

Scrabble player caught cheating at US event. August 15, 2012 — One of the top young Scrabble players in the country has been kicked out...

Video Game Addiction: Not Just For Kids. August 15, 2012 — It’s 3 a.m. And instead of getting the rest you need for a workday that starts in three hours...

Are gender-neutral toys much ado about nothing? August 14, 2012 - A victory for opponents of gender-stereotyping, or much ado about nothing?

Toysmith Recalls Animal Snap Bracelets Due to Laceration Hazard. August 14, 2012 - This recall includes Animal Snap Bracelets in assorted metallic fabrics with animal figures, including: Seahorse, Frog, Snake, Starfish, Crab, Lizard, Dolphin and Fish. Manufacturing date codes between 07/11 and 01/12 are printed on a sewn-in label found on the inside of the bracelet. The label includes the Toysmith name and address. A round paper tag is attached to the product with the product name, Toysmith information, the words "Item # 2360 Animal Snap Bracelet," SKU number and bar code.

Two new TV shows that thrive on telling toy stories. August 14, 2012 - Elyse Luray has never understood why toy collectors don't get the respect they deserve...

Toys R Us Scam: Margaret and Michael Pollara allegedly stole millions in merchandise from stores in massive re-sale scheme. August 14, 2012 - A 70-year-old woman and her adult son allegedly stole more than $2 million in expensive toys by hiding them inside the boxes of cheaper products...

Toy Sales Expected to Stay Strong in 2012. August 14, 2012 - The toy, doll and game manufacturing industry is expected to remain strong and have a modest recovery in 2012...

Retail Sales Increase Demonstrates Confident But Cautious Consumer. August 14, 2012 - Beating economists’ estimates and forecasts, retail sales edged higher in the month of July – breaking three consecutive months of sales declines...

Retail Container Imports Expected To Increase 6.3 Percent In August. August 14, 2012 - Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 6.3 percent in August compared with the same month last year...

Online retail continues to show strength. August 14, 2012 - U.S. online retail recorded its eleventh consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, according to ComScore...

Walmart joins 'Hunger Games' phenomenon. August 14, 2012 - Lest anyone think Walmart would miss out on the opportunity to cash in on the "Hunger Games" phenomenon, the company has followed suit with Target and Toys"R"Us in offering a unique experience for fans...

Lego, the world's most famous toy, turns 80. August 13, 2012 — After getting its start making wooden toys in a single building in a small Danish town in 1932, the company has grown into a global powerhouse with millions of devoted fans...

Kids pick nutritional Happy Meal when no toy offered with less healthy option: study. August 13, 2012 — Children are far more likely to pick a healthier fast-food meal when promotional toys are offered only...

European toy safety campaign. August 13, 2012 — Safeguarding children from any possible harm is undoubtedly every parent’s priority...

Russia’s Mamut Plans German Toy Store Chain, Kommersant Says. August 13, 2012 — Russian billionaire Alexander Mamut plans to open 50 toy stores in Germany by 2014...

Laser pointers becoming a dangerous ‘toy’. August 13, 2012 — When the bright green beam of a laser pointer struck a Coast Guard helicopter...

Soccer, Toys and Companionship for Haiti's Orphans. August 13, 2012 — Our travel group in Haiti is dispersing after three amazing days visiting...

The World's Largest Toy Supplier Plunges, And Says Things Aren't Good In The US And Europe. August 10, 2012 — Shares of Hong Kong listed Li & Fung – the world's largest supplier of clothes and toys to retailers – plunged 19 percent...

After Seven Decades, the 'Boxcar Children' Get a Prequel. August 10, 2012 — Seventy years after its debut, the Boxcar Children series is finally getting a prequel...

Children's Book Sales Are Strong – No Matter Who's Doing the Buying. August 10, 2012 — The AAP’s monthly StatShot shows that children’s books stayed solid in April 2012 compared to April 2011, with overall sales up 24.3 percent...

First Look At Pixar's New Toy Story Short Partysaurus Rex. August 10, 2012 — When the curtain closed on the Toy Story franchise at the end of Toy Story 3...

Show and tell: Jersey's 'Toy Hunter' mines for memories. August 10, 2012 — Jordan Hembrough strides through a storage facility in Westwood, Bergen County...

AAFES, Marvel roll out collaborative issue of comic book. August 10, 2012 — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Marvel Custom Solutions on Thursday announced the 13th collaborative issue of an “Avengers” comic book...

Ouya video game console ends Kickstarter campaign with $8.5 million. August 10, 2012 — Ouya, the concept video game console, is a bona fide success on Kickstarter...

Big Huge Relief: Epic Games hires laid-off video game pros, creates new studio in Hunt Valley. August 10, 2012 — Back in May, one of the biggest video game companies in Maryland...

Kid Brands, Inc. to Discuss Second Quarter 2012 Results on August 14, 2012. August 10, 2012 — Kid Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KID) today announced that management will host a conference call and audio webcast on Tuesday, August 14, 2012...

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. : Leapster GS, The Ultimate Learning Video Game System, Is Now Available. August 10, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., a leader in educational entertainment, today announced that LeapsterGS(TM), the learning video game system, is now available at retail and online...

JAKKS Pacific Acquires Wave Hoops, Image ID Tech. August 10, 2012 — JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has spent the past quarter-year missing earnings estimates, but continues to look at the bright side of things...
Vending Machine Lets You Make Your Own Toys. August 9, 2012 — Roto-a-Matic is a collaboration between Chicago-based product development specialists Squibbles Ink...

Retailers, Industry Experts, And NRF Partner To Launch Integrated Mobile Initiative. August 9, 2012 — The National Retail Federation, in partnership with its member companies, today announced the launch...

Tonner Doll Company to Release Collection Based on Marilyn Monroe Films. August 9, 2012 — Tonner Doll Company, world renowned in the high-end collectibles industry, will release a collection of 16” dolls based on Twentieth Century Fox’s Marilyn Monroe movies in their Fall Holiday Line Release.

Clay, wooden toys struggling to survive in the market (India). August 9, 2012 — The clay and wooden toys are struggling hard to survive in the markets...

Crown Crafts Announces Licensing Deal for New Line of Little Me® Products. August 9, 2012 — Crown Crafts Infant Products, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Mamiye Brothers to create a new line of Little Me® infant products...

Toys R Us CEO talks about revamping stores, knocking down walls. August 9, 2012 — Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, kid-centric Toys R Us Inc. is retooling its strategy...
CPSC Sues Zen Magnets Over Hazardous, High-Powered Magnetic Balls. August 8, 2012 — In an effort to prevent children from suffering further harm, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff filed an administrative complaint today against Zen Magnets LLC, of Denver, Colo., alleging that their products contain defects in the design, packaging, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury to the public...

MGA adds new head of marketing. August 8, 2012 — MGA Entertainment has expanded its team with the addition of a new head of marketing...

The Case For Video Games as an Olympic Sport. August 8, 2012 — If archery is an Olympic sport and shotput is an Olympic sport...

At Starbucks, you may soon pay for your coffee just by saying your name. August 8, 2012 — For some time now, you’ve been able to pay for that overpriced...

Children's Pajamas Recalled by My Clothes Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard. August 8, 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 1,100 sets of Children's Pajamas from My Clothes Inc., sold at children's boutiques and specialty retailers and online nationwide from August 2011 through December 2011 for between $35 and $45.

Angry Birds toys expected to rake in $400 million this year, according to manufacturer. August 8, 2012 — The next time you walk by toy stores and see Angry Birds plushies...

Washington State Requirements for Children’s Safe Products Act – Some Reports Due 8/31. August 8, 2012 — Toy Industry Association (TIA) members are being reminded that reporting requirements for “chemicals of high concern” contained...

Canadian moms offer valuable insight. August 8, 2012 — Walmart Canada got some key insights into its core shoppers when it surveyed...

Toys'R'Us satiates 'Hunger Games' fans. August 8, 2012 — The "Hunger Games" craze is making its way through the retail industry...
eBay Tests Same-Day Delivery With Big Retailers. August 7, 2012 — EBay Inc is testing a same-day delivery service with big retailers including Target Corp, Best Buy Co and Toys "R" Us Inc...

3D printer helps 4-year-old girl who can't use her arms play with toys. August 7, 2012 — A 4-year-old girl with a rare disease that robbed her from using her arms...

Opinion: The problems we face. August 7, 2012 — Last month Magic Beans celebrated eight years in business. And while I'm an incurable optimist most of the time, when people say "Here's to eight more years," I can't help but think that might not happen...

CPSC approves new safety standard for play yards. August 7, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved a new mandatory federal safety standard for play yards...

Toy Brands of Yesteryear Resurface With Rubik's Cube, Furby 2.0. August 7, 2012 — As the world’s eyeballs continue to turn toward screens everywhere like flowers to the sun...

JAKKS Pacific Teams up with Top Action Sports Athletes Rob Dyrdek and Travis Pastrana to Launch Its New Action Shot(TM) Camera System. August 7, 2012 — Leading U.S. toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has signed an agreement with several of action sports most prominent figures...

Raising Successful Children. August 7, 2012 — Phrases like "tiger mom" and "helicopter parent" have made their way into...
More Paperwork for Toy Manufacturers. August 7, 2012 — It is hard to believe but there is a new regulation out there...

Toys Transform Toddlers into "Little Learners". August 7, 2012 — Back-to school season is just around the corner for millions of kids...

Parents publicly spank their kids in surprising numbers: Researchers. August 7, 2012 — Nearly one in four parents or caregivers randomly observed by researchers publicly settled...
New "Master Moves Mickey" from Fisher-Price and Disney Takes Center Stage in Times Square. August 6, 2012 — Today, the young and young-at-heart headed to New York's Times Square with one collective mission — to get down with Mickey Mouse...

Good Board Games Are Hitting Target, But Are They Missing the Point? August 6, 2012 — All right, board game enthusiasts, this is your warning: For the next...

ShopperTrak: July 2012. August 6, 2012 — Summer retail is heating up. June brought high temperatures and a steady stream of shoppers to stores...

Kronos: Retail hiring slows for second consecutive month. August 6, 2012 — The Kronos Retail Labor Index edged down one-tenth to 4.2% in July...

GameStop has exclusive for Skylanders fans. August 6, 2012 — GameStop has partnered with Activision to offer its customers the exclusive chance...

To Increase Learning Time, Some Schools Add Days to Academic Year. August 6, 2012 — It was the last Sunday in July, and Bethany and Garvin Phillips were...

Kids who watch age-appropriate TV, movies sleep better. August 6, 2012 — Changing the type of DVDs, videos and TV shows that preschoolers watch...

Toy Boat will remain open, owner says. August 6, 2012 — A cash mob may have saved Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat, which was scheduled to close this week...

Garfield Gets New Partners. August 6, 2012 — Paws has announced a slew of new licensees around the world for the Garfield brand...

Zynga and Hasbro make CityVille Monopoly, more, for when you're board. August 6, 2012 — Pretty soon your mom won't need the computer to get her Words with Friends fix...

Designer Toy Awards 2012. August 6, 2012 — Movies, Music, and Designer Toys all are tied together in some way...

California Gift Show Concludes with Strong Performance and High-Volume Order-Writing. August 6, 2012 — Idyllic weather and robust optimism provided the perfect backdrop for an impressive and energized summer Market for California Gift Show®...

Saban Acquires Game Developer. August 6, 2012 — Saban Brands has acquired mobile game developer The Playforge in a move...

Rovio, Intel Launch Facebook Game. August 6, 2012 — Rovio Entertainment, creator of “Angry Birds,” has partnered with Intel to launch...

i-Star Signs on for 1D Plush. August 6, 2012 — i-Star Entertainment has signed on to create plush, pillows and light-up novelty toys...

Harrods unveils its first gender-neutral toy department. August 6, 2012 — Famed British luxury department store, Harrods, opened the doors to its first gender-neutral toy...

Special Features - Previewing Hasbro's Christmas toy line-up. August 6, 2012 — It’s the start of August, and as Olympics draw to a close, and certain...
How ‘Angry Birds’ is Helping Rescue Plush Toys. August 3, 2012 — In 2009, after Lisa Shamus’s father-in-law passed away, she and her husband came ...

‘Cash Mob’ Keeps Toy Boat Afloat, Netting More Than $9,000 in One Day. August 3, 2012 — A cash mob of customers flooded Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat Tuesday...

We’re all in this together - Credit Card Swipe Fees. August 3, 2012 — Walmart and mom-and-pop retailers are usually at odds with one another...

July Jobs Reports Offers Fodder for Both Campaigns. August 3, 2012 — The jobs figures released Friday present a complicated snapshot of a slow economic recovery...

Investors Sour on Video Games. August 3, 2012 — Like many industries in transition to a more digital, mobile world, video games...

Coming This October: Hasbro Transforms Your Favorite Zynga Games Into Board Games. August 3, 2012 — We’re pleased to offer this exciting news from toymaker Hasbro...
LeapFrog Reports Second Quarter 2012 Net Sales Increased 31%. August 2, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012...

Consumer confidence unexpectedly rises in July. August 2, 2012 — Consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in July as Americans were more optimistic about...

Chile Bans Toys in Fast Food to Attack Child Obesity. August 2, 2012 — Facing an uptick in child obesity, Chile is cracking down on the happy meal...

Indie video games get help from a 'big brother'. August 2, 2012 — Every year, big name video game titles extend their franchise footprint across...

65% of London Games products made in China. August 2, 2012 — Chen Jiemin, chairman of Dongguan Zhanhong Weaving String Co Ltd, watched with pride on TV...

Spin Master Launches Doll Line. August 2, 2012 — Spin Master has launched its new fashion doll line, La Dee Da...

Moshi Monsters game makers in talks for feature film. August 2, 2012 — Mind Candy, the company that created one of the fastest-growing children’s games...

Innovation First Launches Elite New Toy Force: HEXBUG Warriors Battling Robots with Customizable Battle Sets. August 2, 2012 — The creator of the popular HEXBUG brand of high-tech micro robotic creatures has unleashed the newest members of the HEXBUG family: the rough and tough HEXBUG(R) Warriors Battling Robots...

Teamwork Helps Fat Brain Toys Open New Distribution Center in 48 Hours. August 2, 2012 — Due to a need for additional space sparked by double-digit revenue growth...
Green Toys Recalls Mini Vehicles Due To Choking Hazard. August 1, 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: About 50,000 in the United States and 2,500 in Canada Green Toys™ Mini Vehicles from Green Toys Inc., sold at mass merchandisers, grocery stores and independent toy and specialty stores nationwide and by online retailers from April 2012 to June 2012. The cars cost about $5 each or $18 for the set. The wheels and hubcaps on the toy cars can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should take the product away from children immediately and contact Green Toys Inc. to receive a full refund.

LeapFrog Appoints Brad Rodrigues As Senior Vice President And General Manager Of Digital And Community Development. August 1, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., a leader in educational entertainment, today announced that Brad Rodrigues has joined the company as senior vice president and general manager of digital and community development...

Close The Sales Tax Loophole This Year To Strengthen Local Communities And Create Jobs. August 1, 2012 — The National Retail Federation today urged members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to support legislation that would simplify and streamline the sales tax system...

Organics, mobile top trends among 'hottest' retailers. August 1, 2012 — Desire for more organic food, high-end products and mobile technologies were the driving trends...

Deloitte: Restrictive BTS spending no more. August 1, 2012 — Days of cutting back-to-school spending are over, as nearly 9-in-10 consumers plan to spend...

Morphology Games Announces Richard Gill, Veteran Game Inventor, to its Board of Directors. August 1, 2012 — In a press release Morphology Games, a Twin Cities-based company that aims to foster creativity and imaginative thinking through hands-on board game play, announced the addition of Richard Gill, former co-owner of Pictionary and experienced game developer, to its board of directors.

Video games under development to treat ADHD. August 1, 2012 — According to the American Psychiatric Association, attention-deficit hyperactivity...

Gears of War gets its own line of building toys from Erector. August 1, 2012 — The Halo franchise already has its MegaBlok building set toys and now a Gears of War line...

Walmart Hosts Wimpy Kid Shops. August 1, 2012 — Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has launched a national retail campaign with Walmart...

Hot Wheels on Mars: Mattel to land NASA's Curiosity rover on toy store shelves. August 1, 2012 — Soon after NASA's Curiosity rover lands and becomes the hottest set of wheels...
Liberty Mountain Recalls VAUDE Kenta Child Carriers Due to Fall Hazard. July 31, 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: About 300 in the US and 100 in Canada Kenta and Kenta Plus child carriers from Liberty Mountain, sold at outdoor camping and climbing stores nationwide from January 2010 through May 2012 for about $150 for the Kenta and $170 for the Kenta Plus models. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled child carriers and return the product to an authorized VAUDE dealer for a replacement. Consumers can contact Liberty Mountain to locate an authorized VAUDE dealer.

Toys Start the Gender Equality Rift. July 31, 2012 — The following conversation was overheard one recent morning at Hamleys, London’s best-known toy store...

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Expands Its One-Stop Shopping Destinations with New and Renovated Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® Locations in 21 Markets Nationwide. July 31, 2012 — Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced that by the end of the year it will have opened eight new stores and transformed 13 existing locations to the Side-by-Side model in 2012...

Bastion appointed as Toy Fair agency (UK). July 31, 2012 — London-based PR and communications agency Bastion has been appointed by...

Best Licensed Property Finalists Named in The Licensing Awards 2012. July 31, 2012 — The finalists in the Best Licensed Property categories of The Licensing Awards 2012 were announced this week...

Kids test toys that will make up the Christmas crop. July 31, 2012 — Spider-Man climbs a wall. Tiny cars zip around a loopy track. A penguin...

Toymaker turns hobby into business; sells toys at Local Bounty. July 31, 2012 — The toys Russ Riggle crafts in his Newcomerstown basement are made to be played with...

KFI plans 'cash mob' to help ailing O.C. toy store. July 31, 2012 — Toy Boat, the struggling toy boutique that's been a fixture in the community for nearly 50 years, will get a much-needed boost Tuesday...

Monkeying Around Presents A Day in the Life of a Dot to Dot Puzzle Publisher. July 31, 2012 — As The Greatest Dot to Dot Super Challenge Book 8 was being released to the public...

Sega begins to see payoff from new video game strategy. July 31, 2012 — Sega's move to better focus its video game business appears to be working...

Maxfield & Oberton: The CPSC is busting our Balls! July 31, 2012 — Maxfield & Oberton, creator of Buckyballs©, has launched a video campaign to protest the CPSC's lawsuit to halt sales of their products...