Toys in the News: 10-31-12

By TDmonthly Staff
October 2012

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_{Toys in the News is updated Mon-Fri at 9:15 am PST}
Retailers hit hard by superstorm, economy expected to rebound. October 31, 2012 — While it may be days, even weeks, before the full extent of the damage...

LeapFrog, Disney music partnership the right tune. October 31, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises and Walt Disney Records have come together to bring Disney music...

Store of the future shown. October 31, 2012 — Virtual inventory and dressing rooms, the ability to manage store loyalty cards...

Toy helicopters restricted as China tightens security. October 31, 2012 — Restrictions on the sale of radio-controlled helicopters and planes have been imposed in Beijing...

Hasbro Could See Big Benefits from Disney Deal: Analyst. October 31, 2012 — Walt Disney (DIS) just bought Lucasfilm and its Star Wars franchise for $4 billion. Investors clearly have mixed emotions...

Furby, Cabbage Patch Kids, And Twister Are Suddenly Back In Style. October 31, 2012 — Parents up and down the country will be rushing to get their hands on web-shooting...

Disney to Acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4.05 Bil. October 30, 2012 — Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction..

Christmas and Santa are coming... And so is the Slow Toy Movement. October 30, 2012 — Christmas is coming and with it comes the inevitable clamour from parents...

What Hurricane Sandy means for the economy. October 30, 2012 — The devastation of Hurricane Sandy is likely to create big distortions — though not lasting effects...

Lessons from Irene help retailers cope with Sandy. October 30, 2012 — Retailers preparing for the worst of Hurricane Sandy as it hit the East Coast on Monday...

LeapFrog Sweeps National Parenting Publication Awards. October 30, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., the leader in educational entertainment, today announced that numerous LeapFrog products...

Hasbro, Inc. : Kids' Hit Cartoon Series Comes to Life with Activision Publishing's TRANSFORMERS PRIME ™ Video Game - Available Now. October 30, 2012 — New TRANSFORMERS Action Video Game Launches Exclusively on Nintendo Platforms Today, and on...

Founding Father featured in popular new video game. October 30, 2012 — Wars and video games seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly...

Is GameStop Going The Way Of Blockbuster With Its New ‘Toy-Store’? October 29, 2012 — When the direction a company moves takes them wholly away from their core business...

Chevrolet to make a Hot Wheels version of the Camaro. October 29, 2012 — The Mattel-Chevrolet venture marks the first time the toy company has licensed...

Will Toys Top Tech for Holidays? October 29, 2012 — With November just around the corner, retailers are hoping they've got plenty...

Random House and Penguin Are Negotiating a Merger. October 29, 2012 — In an effort to stave off the challenge from online retailers in...

Bain Capital's role in KB Toys' demise still a point of controversy. October 29, 2012 — Nearly four years ago, KB Toys, a mainstay of the city's economy, ended its 86-year run...

Lean times at Canton Fair. October 29, 2012 — The second session of the 112th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, saw 7.67 percent fewer transactions...

Surveys Predict Strong Holiday Sales. October 29, 2012 — The annual Accenture holiday shopping survey shows that consumers are better prepared...

Retail CFOs worried about economy and healthcare costs. October 29, 2012 — Nearly half (49%) of retail CFOs expect their capital expenditures will increase in the next 12 months...

Scholastic Names Klutz VP. October 29, 2012 — Jeff Pinsker has been named as president of the Klutz “books plus” division...

How games helped rejuvenate LEGO. October 29, 2012 — Toy manufacturer LEGO says that video games have helped the firm beat...

Build-A-Bear stock drops 21 percent on news of Q3 loss, store closings. October 29, 2012 — Workshop Inc.'s stock dropped 22 percent to close at $3.28 a share Thursday...

‘Baby On Board’ signs and kids toys behind over 2m car accidents in UK. October 29, 2012 — Nearly two million drivers in the UK have had accidents due to ‘Baby On Board’ signs and children’s toys that obscure their view...

French toy industry slowly embraces digital revolution. October 26, 2012 — A new exhibit at the museum Arts Décoratifs, connected to the Louvre, highlights over 40 years of toys...

Lynnwood toy company Funko expects to make $20 million this year. October 26, 2012 — Sean Wilkinson has gone from designing bobbleheads in a basement nearly 15 years ago...

Executives From Meijer, Kenneth Cole, Crocs Join RAMA Board Of Directors. October 26, 2012 — The Retail Advertising and Marketing Association (RAMA), a division of The National Retail Federation, announced today...

NRF To Welcome Walmart President And CEO Bill Simon As Keynote At Retail’s BIG Show 2013. October 26, 2012 — The National Retail Federation announced today that Bill Simon, president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S. will keynote Retail’s BIG Show...

Children's Sales Soar in the First Half of 2012, Says AAP. October 26, 2012 — For all of the industry handwringing, children’s book sales remain strong...

Toy makers in Christmas frenzy. October 26, 2012 — Toy makers in Ganyu, Jiangsu province have started to enjoy their Christmas...

Report: Facebook brand engagement up 896%. October 26, 2012 — Facebook brand engagement has risen 896% on a year-over-year basis, according to...

Study: Engaging consumers through social media boosts brand sales. October 26, 2012 — Social media engagement between a consumer and brand drives both immediate and...

Amazon Posts Loss on Higher Spending, LivingSocial Stake. October 26, 2012 — Amazon.com Inc., the world’s largest online retailer, reported revenue that missed analysts’...

US economic growth up sharply in third quarter. October 26, 2012 — The world's largest economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2% in the third quarter...

The election delays holiday shopping plans. October 26, 2012 — Voting comes before holiday shopping, at least for some consumers. About one quarter...

Is It Worth It? A Look at Layaway and Toy Reservations. October 26, 2012 — Layaway seems harmless enough, but unless you are taking advantage of the free...

Wii U will sell at a loss from launch. October 26, 2012 — As part of Nintendo's semi-annual financial results briefing, company president...

'Made in China' revisited. October 26, 2012 — For the past decade, "Made in China" has driven China's economic engine...

Will Cashiers Still Be Needed This Holiday Season? October 26, 2012 — Most people are aware that economic climates tend to fluctuate—which is why...

Walmart legal troubles mount as Black Friday walkout looms. October 26, 2012 — Walmart workers aren't happy, and they're letting their employer know it...

Foolproof strategies for finding hot toys. October 26, 2012 — It's that season again, when parents begin the scramble for the next toy...

Mattel Launches Masters of the Universe Game App For He-Man's 30th Birthday. October 26, 2012 — Honoring the 30th anniversary of He-Man® and the Masters of the Universe® franchise, Mattel and Chillingo...

Barbie's CMO On 2012 Milestones And What's In Play For Holiday. October 25, 2012 — Stephanie Cota, SVP Worldwide Barbie and Girls Marketing at Mattel, explains that the Barbie brand’s...

Wal-Mart, in China, pushes suppliers down green path. October 25, 2012 — Wal-Mart Stores Inc has given global suppliers five years to comply with its environmental...

The NRF Foundation And 25 Universities Partner To Promote Retail Careers To Students. October 25, 2012 — More than two dozen colleges and universities have joined the NRF Foundation as partners through a program that provides educators and students exclusive access to retail industry research...

Hasbro, TRU Prep for Angry Birds Star Wars. October 25, 2012 — As Rovio Entertainment and Lucasfilm gear up for the Nov. 8 debut of the new “Angry Birds Star Wars”...

Christmas toy sales expected to soar 72% this week (UK). October 25, 2012 — There may still be 63 days to go until Christmas but that...

Survey: Consumers saving up for the holidays. October 25, 2012 — Consumers are planning ahead for the holidays, with 51% saying they have...

Nominations Open: Retail's Rising Stars awards. October 25, 2012 — Do you know a retailer under the age of 40 who is making an impact...

Doctors: Warning labels on magnetic toys aren't enough. October 24, 2012 — Warning labels are not working to prevent children from ingesting Buckyballs and ...

Why Barbie Stumbled in China and How She Could Re-invent Herself. October 24, 2012 — Last March, American toy maker Mattel closed its first flagship Barbie store...

Survey: Most e-commerce companies expect better holiday sales. October 24, 2012 — A survey released Tuesday by Chase Paymentech, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co...

Mattel Publishes Fourth Global Citizenship Report Demonstrating Commitment to Playing Responsibly. October 24, 2012 — Today Mattel announced the launch of its fourth Global Citizenship Report, We Believe Play Matters, which highlights Mattel's commitment to operating as a responsible member of the global business community...

ValcoBaby Booster Seats Recalled Due to Fall Hazard. October 24, 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 975 ValcoBaby "Joey" booster toddler seats for strollers from Unique Baby Products USA LLC, sold at various juvenile product stores, websites and the firm's website valcobaby.com nationwide from June 2011 through June 2012 for between $80 and $100. Consumers should stop using these toddler booster seats immediately and contact ValcoBaby to arrange for a free replacement attachment mechanism.

JAKKS Pacific® Reports Third Quarter Results for 2012. October 23, 2012 — JAKKS Pacific, Inc. reported results for the Company's third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2012. Net sales for the third quarter of 2012 were $314.5 million, compared to $332.4 million reported in the comparable period in 2011...

LeapFrog Partners With Cartoon Network Enterprises To Bring Kid-Favorite Animated Shows To Award-Winning Educational Entertainment Platforms. October 23, 2012 — LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. and Cartoon Network Enterprises today announced a partnership to bring two of Cartoon Network's most popular shows to LeapFrog's award-winning learning platforms...

Hells Angels Sue Toys 'R' Us, and It's All About Yo-Yos. October 23, 2012 — The Hells Angels seem like the kind of guys who would be absolutely allergic...

American Greetings board to consider buyout. October 23, 2012 — Greeting card maker American Greetings Corp. said Friday its board has formed...

Disney defends new Hispanic-influenced princess. October 23, 2012 — The Walt Disney Co. is defending its newest princess following a backlash over her Hispanic-influenced ethnicity...

Wreck-It Ralph Writer Swears He Wasn't Angling for Toy Tie Ins. October 23, 2012 — Wreck-It Ralph watches a beefy video game villain undergo an identity crisis: he’s a villain by trade...

Robot maker brings Skylanders toys to life (try not to hate him). October 23, 2012 — If your children are begging you ... and begging you some more ... to buy them the new "Skylanders Giants" video game...

Mompreneur Turns Down Global Business to Keep 'Made in the USA' Label. October 23, 2012 — When Cathy Berse-Hurley started making her 4-year-old twin boys handmade backpacks for school in 1996...

Dorel Juvenile Group Recalls Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets Due to Infant Suffocation Hazard. October 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 97,000 Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets from Dorel Juvenile Group, sold at Target, Toys R Us and Sears stores nationwide and online at Ebay and other websites from December 2007 through January 2011 for about $150. The bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet. This poses a suffocation hazard to infants. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact Dorel to obtain a free repair kit, which includes a spring and new instructions for assembly.

Moonjar Will Donate 144 Toys to TDmonthly Year of Charity Promotion. October 22, 2012 — Educational company Moonjar became the third company to sign up for the last leg of TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway promotion, joining Schoenhut Piano Company and Douglas Cuddle Company. Moonjar will provide 48 International Money Boxes plus 96 Conversations to Go - the game that has everyone talking TRAVEL card packs. Retailers! Enter now to win the chance to give away these amazing toys to YOUR local charities and schools for the holidays, giving your store a major media-worthy event at the most important selling time of the year!

Hasbro profit beats estimates; to spend more on marketing. October 22, 2012 — Hasbro Inc topped Wall Street profit expectations on Monday as better inventory management and cost controls...

NRF Says Swipe Fee Settlement Still Unacceptable To Retailers. October 22, 2012 — The National Retail Federation said a revised antitrust settlement filed in federal court today scarcely begins to address retailers’ concerns about credit card swipe fees...

Disney, Struggling to Find Its Digital Footing, Overhauls Disney.com. October 22, 2012 — Trying to finally master the Internet the way it has theme parks...

ASTRA Announced 2013 Marketplace & Academy Themes and Dates. October 22, 2012 — The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced today that the theme of its 2013 Marketplace & Academy is "From Ordinary to Extraordinary." The event will take place in Nashville, Tennessee from June 16-19, 2013.

Lego has toys for girls, but no seats on board. October 22, 2012 — Lego’s CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, who is also one of industry advocacy group...

The Myth of the Black Friday Deal. October 19, 2012 — Attention Black Friday shoppers: You're probably wasting your time. After crunching two to six years'...

Dream On Me Recalls Infant Swings Due to Strangulation Hazard. October 19, 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 560 Happy Swing II infant swings from Dream On Me Inc., sold at juvenile products stores and CSN stores nationwide and online at Wayfair and Amazon.com from October 2010 through September 2012 for between about $80 and $130. The opening between the tray and seat or the grab bar and seat can allow a child’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children if the belt is not engaged.

Brand Licensing Europe report: Licensing shows its Turtle Power. October 19, 2012 — This year's Brand Licensing Europe event at Olympia is the 14th in its history...

How to Profit from Small Business Saturday. October 19, 2012 — Small Business Saturday, November 24th, presents a timely opportunity for independent retailers...

QR Codes Versus Same Day Delivery. October 19, 2012 — Walmart, eBay and Amazon are jumping on the latest retailer trend—same day delivery...

Small Business Owners Taking “Wait and See” Approach to Growth, According to Latest American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor. October 19, 2012 — While economic uncertainty persists, there are signs that many entrepreneurs feel more confident...

Why Holiday Price-Matching Could Totally Backfire For Target And Best Buy. October 19, 2012 — In an attempt to compete with Amazon this holiday, retailers including Best Buy and Target...

The Wii price cut won't improve sales, system dead in 2013. October 19, 2012 — When Nintendo announced that its Wii console would drop to $130 with...

Video Game Industry: No Rules Left to the Games. October 19, 2012 — The video game industry is under attack. Every month sales of video games...

STAWAR: Troubles in Toyland. October 19, 2012 — Like high fashion, the American toy industry runs on trends and exclusivity...

Dream On Me Recalls High Chairs Due to Strangulation Hazard. October 19, 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 90 Bistro high chairs from Dream On Me Inc., sold at Americas Kids, Kid Pro USA and independent juvenile specialty stores and online at Toysrus.com between November 2011 and September 2012 for about $75. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chair and contact Dream On Me Inc. for instructions on receiving a free replacement high chair.

Retailers crowd shelves with holiday toys. October 19, 2012 — With the holiday season approaching, retailers are rushing to put the latest toys...

Toy firm set to play abroad. October 19, 2012 — Hu Lantian remains confident that her toy business has something special to offer...

Children's Booksellers Share Their Optimism at Northern California Trade Show. October 19, 2012 — Superstar authors, a busy and festive trade show floor, and a traditional English tea...

Trend Lab Recalls Children's Upholstered Chairs Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards. October 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 16,850 units children’s upholstered toddler chairs from Trend Lab LLC, sold online at trend-lab.com, Amazon.com, BabiesRUs.com, Target.com, Walmart.com and Seussland.com, as well as in Buy Buy Baby and other specialty stores from November 2007 to August 2012 for about $100 to $140. Consumers should immediately take the chair away from children and inspect the binding. Contact the firm for a repair kit with instructions.

'Showrooming' remains a problem for retailers. October 18, 2012 — An online consumer survey shows that nearly half of consumers go into brick-and-mortar...

Aqua-Leisure Agrees to $650,000 Civil Penalty for Failure to Report Defective Baby Boats. October 18, 2012 — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc., of Avon, Mass., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $650,000. The penalty agreement (pdf) has been accepted provisionally by a 4-0 vote of the Commission. The settlement resolves CPSC staff allegations that Aqua-Leisure knowingly failed to report a defect involving its inflatable baby boats to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law. The leg strap in the seat of baby boats manufactured from August 2002 to July 2008 can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning.

Toy retailers get an early start on holiday season. October 18, 2012 — With the holiday season approaching, retailers are rushing to put the latest...

Toy and clothes shops the losers as chains shut 32 shops a day (UK). October 18, 2012 — The figures are an increase from 20 a day in the first six months...

'Wimpy Kid' Proves Strong at Retail. October 18, 2012 — Fox Consumer Products EMEA has announced a series of European retail partnerships...

Sorry Santa, Kids Don't Want 'Toys' This Christmas. October 18, 2012 — Here's a grim statistic: The nominal amount of money being spent on traditional toys...

Shoppers To Remain Conservative With Holiday Gift Budgets This Year, According To NRF. October 17, 2012 — Consumers are prepared for a holly, jolly holiday season, though it’s evident most...

Target to match some online prices this holiday season. October 17, 2012 — Target Corp will match certain online retailers' prices this holiday season as the...

Hasbro, TRU Team for G.I. Joe Toys. October 17, 2012 — Hasbro has announced plans for a line of Kre-O building sets and figures based...

Jakks Takes on Rainbow's PopPixie. October 17, 2012 — Rainbow has tapped Jakks Pacific for a line of toys based on its...

Toys"R"Us says 2012 holiday toy trends involve technology. October 17, 2012 — As children begin to write their letters to Santa with care and...

Dixix partners Jakks Pacific to target children's segment in travel retail. October 17, 2012 — Dixix International has teamed up with leading US toy company Jakks Pacific...

Mattel 3Q results beat expectations. October 16, 2012 — Mattel says that cost cuts and higher revenue from toys including Monster High dolls and Fisher-Price helped send net income up 22 percent...

Sector snap: Toy shares fall on analyst caution. October 16, 2012 — Shares of toy companies fell Monday after an analyst said the industry deals...

Soon-Shiong Acquires Stake in Jakks. October 16, 2012 — An investment company controlled by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong has taken a roughly 9 percent...

China trade-surplus report surprisingly strong. October 16, 2012 — In a surprisingly strong economic report, China, the world’s largest exporter, said Saturday that its trade surplus widened...

Is Best Buy Brilliant or Stupid? October 16, 2012 — Best Buy is taking a gamble this holiday season. The struggling consumer electronics giant...

How Videogames Are Changing Disney. October 16, 2012 — There’s a funny thing happening at Disneyland. The California theme park’s familiar...

American International Toy Fair Grabs "Gold" Awards for Growth and Innovation. October 16, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that it has recently received top honors for its American International Toy Fair...

ChiTAG founder doesn’t know meaning of ‘all work, no play’. October 16, 2012 — Lincolnwood’s Mary Couzin works year-round to ensure the annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) goes off without a hitch...

Hasbro builds European presence. October 16, 2012 — Showcasing its brands at Brand Licensing Europe this week, Hasbro said it is...

Big Boxes Battle for Holiday Shoppers. October 15, 2012 — The National Retail Federation is predicting holiday sales growth of 4.1% to $586.1 billion, higher than...

Consumer Spending Surged In September, According To NRF. October 15, 2012 — Propelled by solid sales in clothing and electronics stores, growth in retail sales

Earnings Preview: Mattel to report 3Q results. October 15, 2012 — Analysts expect that Mattel Inc.'s third-quarter net income and revenue to rise as shoppers...

He's Back: Freaking Out Over the Furby. October 15, 2012 — "Uh-oh!" Who knew that little expression could get so irritating so fast...

NYCC: LEGO builds buzz with superhero, TMNT toys. October 15, 2012 — LEGO is making its first appearance at New York Comic Con one for all...

Dollar General expands branded toy offering. October 15, 2012 — Dollar General has added several name brand items to its toy aisles this year...

Nielsen survey gives retailers reason for holiday cheer. October 15, 2012 — Higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend...

Stan Lee’s Former Company Claims Disney Doesn’t Own Marvel Superheroes; Wants Billions in Damages. October 12, 2012 — Stan Lee Media, Inc. wants the profits from the $5.5 billion it says...

LEGO Plans Turtles Sets. October 12, 2012 — The LEGO Group and Nickelodeon have expanded their global partnership to develop...

Videogames may stay in slump for holidays. October 12, 2012 — Despite coming into their strongest period of the year, videogame publishers are unlikely...

U.S. Videogame retail sales continue to decline as new releases roll in. October 12, 2012 — The U.S. retail game market has seen continuing declines throughout 2012, thanks to...

Toys e-tailing gaining steam in India. October 12, 2012 — With improved infrastructure such as logistics and wider penetration of courier services...

Disney Overhauls Paper Sourcing Policy. October 12, 2012 — The Disney Company said Thursday that it is overhauling its paper sourcing ...

Hasbro Reveals TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS at New York Comic Con. October 12, 2012 — In a packed room filled with TRANSFORMERS fans, Hasbro, Inc. officially unveiled details about TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS...

Why science and engineering toys aren't for girls. October 12, 2012 — Why are so many retailers - and customers - stubbornly clinging to the notion...

Walmart touts e-commerce moves at annual meeting. October 12, 2012 — Neil Ashe, president and CEO of global e-commerce was clearly the most excitable...

Skylanders Giants: Innovator or money-spinner? October 12, 2012 — But mum I need Stumpsmash.’ It’s a refrain heard in toy shops up and down the country...

The Rise and Fall and Rise of the Chemistry Set. October 12, 2012 — The chemistry set had clearly seen better days. Curator Ann Seeger pulls...

3-D Printing Now Revolutionizing the Toy Market. October 12, 2012 — The 3-D printing craze has spawned yet another business idea: one-of-a-kind toys...

Mind Candy Unveils New Brand. October 12, 2012 — Mind Candy has launched a new girl’s brand, Poppet, based on one...

Give the Gift of Language this Holiday Season with Little Pim. October 12, 2012 — With Little Pim’s gift sets, parents and grandparents have the perfect kit...

Pajanimals Adds U.S. Licensees. October 12, 2012 — The Jim Henson Company has signed additional U.S. licensees for “Pajanimals” that...

Hasbro signs major deal for growth in China. October 11, 2012 — Hasbro has entered into a partnership with Alpha Animation, a toy and entertainment company...

Toys R Us to ship products ordered online to 60 countries. October 11, 2012 — Toys R Us has introduced international shipping for orders placed through its toysrus.com and babiesrus.com...

Rovio, Lucasfilm Unveil Products. October 11, 2012 — Lucas Licensing and Rovio Entertainment have unveiled a full range of products...

Consumers plan to spend more this holiday season, NPD finds. October 11, 2012 — It seems that consumers' holiday spending intentions are more positive than last year...

Tablets, electronic toys high on layaway lists. October 11, 2012 — Usually, it's hard to tell what toys will be hot until they're...

PC Sales Slump as Kids Say No to Computers. October 11, 2012 — Kids don’t want computers. That’s one of several striking data points from...

This 14-Year-Old Kid Is a Lego Genius. October 11, 2012 — This is Stijn Oom, a 14-year-old kid from the Netherlands...

Macy's Leasing Toys 'R' Us Space for 24 Holiday-Season Pop-Up Shops. October 10, 2012 — Macy's Inc. agreed to lease toy retailer Toys "R" Us Inc. space at 24 stores...

Fall Toy Preview Total Buyer Attendance Grows by 3%; Global Participation Jumps Nearly 10%. October 10, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association’s Fall Toy Preview 2012 opened its doors last week in Dallas, Texas to more than 700 buyers...

Hasbro Reboots Furby Toy for an IPad-Obsessed Generation. October 10, 2012 — In early 2011, Hasbro Inc. Chief Executive Officer Brian Goldner convened a team...

Retail Container Imports To Increase 9.9 Percent In October As Stores Stock Up For Holiday Season. October 10, 2012 — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 9.9 percent in October...

Graco Recalls Classic Wood Highchairs Due to Fall Hazard. October 10, 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 86,000 in the United States and 3,400 in Canada Graco Classic Wood Highchairs, sold at Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory and other retail stores nationwide and at Target.com and Walmart.com and other online retailers between September 2007 and December 2010 for about $130. The high chair's seat can loosen or detach from the base, posing a fall hazard to the child. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Graco for a free repair kit.

First Effective Date for EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive: Jan. 2, 2013. October 10, 2012 — Two effective dates are approaching for the European Union’s (EU) new Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2) directive 2011/65/EU...

Cabbage Patch Kids and JAKKS Pacific Help Build Voter Awareness with an Auction for 2012. October 10, 2012 — President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan are recreated as highly unique and collectible Cabbage Patch Kids that will be auctioned on eBay starting Tuesday, October 30th...

Predators Use Gaming Systems' Live Video Features to Find Kids. October 10, 2012 — Video games offer children the best of both worlds: Thrills which are...

OnLive's video gaming tech was sold for less than $5m. October 10, 2012 — Cloud video gaming service OnLive was sold to a venture capital group for just $4.8m...

SEGA and Mattel Sign Deal for Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed and Trailer. October 10, 2012 — SEGA and Mattel team up to create an immersive Sonic the Hedgehog...

Douglas Cuddle Toys is Second Donor for Charity Giveway. October 9, 2012 — Douglas Cuddle Company, makers of a variety of innovative plush toys that appeal to both boys and girls, is the second specialty toy company to sign onto TDmonthly's last "2012: A Year of Charity" giveaway, joining return donor Schoenhut Piano Company. Retailers are now competing for the chance to donate 100 or more toys to their local schools and charities. Find out how you can win.

Pixar plots 'Toy Story of Terror' for Halloween 2013. October 9, 2012 — AWN reported on Monday that the "Toy Story" characters that we all know and love will be returning...

FTC Issues Revised "Green Guides". October 9, 2012 — The Federal Trade Commission issued revised “Green Guides” that are designed to help marketers...

Walmart Begins Testing Same-Day Delivery In Select Markets. October 9, 2012 — The world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, Walmart, is today announcing its plans...

Why Zynga Won't Go Private. October 9, 2012 — Rumors suggest that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus might take his company private...

Toymakers move into girls' apparel business. October 9, 2012 — With the national decline in the number of children, two major toymakers...

Slinky is springing back to life at Mich. firm. October 8, 2012 — It has walked down staircases all over the world -- from Moscow's Red Square...

The First Clear Link Between Violent Video Games And Hostility. October 8, 2012 — Teenagers who play violent video games over a number of years become...

Mattel and FremantleMedia score Disney XD deal for Max Steel. October 8, 2012 — Toyco Mattel and FremantleMedia Enterprises have sewn up a US broadcast deal...

Kronos: Fewer people applying for retail jobs. October 8, 2012 — The Kronos Retail Labor Index (RLI) rose to 4.5% in September, the highest...

ShopperTrak: September 2012. October 8, 2012 — The end of back-to-school shopping in the U.S. led to a significant drop...

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:AM) Investor Files Lawsuit to Stop Takeover. October 8, 2012 — An investor in shares of American Greetings Corporation filed a lawsuit to stop...

UK toy supplier spends big to stop counterfeits. October 8, 2012 — A UK toy supplier has run up legal fees to stop the...

Why Rewards of Layaway Outpace Risks: Sears Exec. October 8, 2012 — Layaway provides a lure for customers who might not have cash on hand...

Rego: The Oakland teddy bear controversy of 1907. October 8, 2012 — On Dec. 9, 1907, the Edgar H. Barber Co. on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland placed...

UK’s hard-pressed parents ply children with toys rather than time. October 8, 2012 — Parents in Britain give way to materialist pressures to buy their children...

Schoenhut Piano Signs On Again! October 6, 2012 — Schoenhut Piano Company, the sponsor of the original TDmonthly giveaway contest back in 2009-2010, and the first sign-up to TDmonthly's "2012: A Year of Charity" is again the first company to sign on to our final giveaway promotion for the holidays! Retailers are competing for the chance to give away 100+ toys to their local schools and children's charities. Retailers: enter now to get your store needed publicity for the holiday season!

Activision, the Anti-Zynga. October 5, 2012 — If you don’t have Oct. 19 marked on your calendar, chances are you’re...

Tracking down hot holiday toys. October 5, 2012 — Parents desperate to find that one, hot holiday toy on their kid’s wish list...

Tomy Unveils 2013 Toy Line-up. October 5, 2012 — Tomy International has given a sneak peek of its 2013 product offerings...

Smurfs Toy Firm Seeks New Home. October 5, 2012 — The multinational toy company with the rights to produce figurines of the Smurfs...

Video games sales fall 20% due to economic uncertainity. October 5, 2012 — Not long ago the creators of video games were declaring their medium...

Hasbro Inks New Deal for ‘Monopoly,’ ‘Hungry Hungry Hippos,’ & ‘Action Man’ Movies. October 5, 2012 — Ever since Transformers hit it big at the box office in 2007...

PlanToys to offer ASTRA Member Exclusive in honor of Neighborhood Toy Store Day Event. October 5, 2012 — In support of shopping local, Plan Toys®, leading green manufacturer of eco-friendly rubber wood toys, will be running an ASTRA member exclusive in honor of ASTRA’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day...

The One Big Asterisk in Retailer Price-Matching Guarantees. October 5, 2012 — Toys R Us, Walmart, Best Buy, and other stores have recently announced their latest guarantees...

Sales Soar as Black Friday Evolves. October 5, 2012 — In the ChainLinks 2012 Retail Forecast Report, carried out by the market research group, Terranomics...

Gamestop Headed for Oblivion? Not So Fast. October 5, 2012 — When I began researching Gamestop (NYSE: GME), I thought I was forming...

Rovio Teases Star Wars Themed Angry Birds – Is it a Game or Toy Line? October 5, 2012 — This morning, Rovio is has many folks excited with the above image...

Shopping Habits: The Parent-Shopper Paradox. October 5, 2012 — A new global study into shopping behavior has for the first time identified a paradox in the way parents shop for baby food and toys...

New Specialty Retail Organization Forms to Address Your Needs. October 5, 2012 — As you may already know, the board of ABC has appointed a retail board tasked with launching a new organization for all independent, specialty retailers in our industry...

The Pogo Stick Test: Picking the Perfect Franchisee. October 5, 2012 — When meeting with her first prospective franchisees, Diana Nelson of specialty toy...

Toys R Us gets in the NetFlix game with online movie site. October 4, 2012 — Wayne-based retailer Toys "R" Us, which for years has done a big business selling videotapes...

Disney develops 3D-printed lighting for toys. October 4, 2012 — Disney said the use of 3D-printed parts meant it could test new types...

Retailers Launch Get-Out-The-Vote Initiative: Retail Means Votes. October 4, 2012 — Coming on the heels of the first presidential debate, the National Retail Federation today launched a grassroots get-out-the-vote initiative...

Target to stop reporting monthly sales. October 4, 2012 — Same-store sales at Target increased 2.1% during September, in line with expectations...

Holiday digital sales to grow at least 20%. October 3, 2012 — Research released Monday by Citigroup and published by Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch found that...

Target bets on QR codes, exclusive toys this holiday. October 3, 2012 — Target Corp hopes that letting shoppers scan, buy and ship a selection of toys...

LEGO Releases Hobbit Game. October 3, 2012 — LEGO Systems has partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to release LEGO Games...

Gaming Faces Its Archenemy: Financial Reality. October 3, 2012 — NOT long ago the creators of video games were declaring their medium...

American Greetings Receives Offer To Go Private, Deal Worth $581M. October 3, 2012 — American Greetings Corporation unveiled on Wednesday that a group managed by its CEO and COF desires...

Blue Orange Games to Launch Six Games in 2013. October 3, 2012 — Blue Orange Games, award-winning creators of irresistibly fun and educational games for the whole family, are proud to announce their plans to release six new titles at New York Toy Fair in February 2013...

Dollar rallies broadly, lifted by upbeat U.S. data. October 3, 2012 — The dollar rose across the board on Wednesday after data showed a rise...

TOMY's 2013 Early Introductions Reveal Commitment To Innovation And Global Focus. October 3, 2012 — TOMY International, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of toys...

Hasbro Announces Official 2012 PLAY-DOH Artist of the Year. October 3, 2012 — Today, Hasbro, Inc. announced Ian Williams, age 21 from Rochester, NY, as the winner of the "Official PLAY-DOH Artist of the Year" contest...

JCPenney, Giggle deliver a new baby retailer experience. October 3, 2012 — JCPenney has partnered with baby retailer Giggle to launch specialty shops in...

Toy bricks could help with policy-making processes. October 3, 2012 — Could traditional research methods be missing the big picture? Could visual techniques...

Float Like a Butterfly, Sting like a Lawsuit: Toys “R” Us Joins the Tablet Wars. October 3, 2012 — In a lawsuit filed earlier last week, Fuhu, the maker of the Nabi...

Toys R Us Price Match Policy To Be Offered In Stores This Holiday Season. October 2, 2012 — Toys R Us will offer a price matching guarantee on all of its toys...

NRF, Shop.Org Expect Solid Growth This Holiday Season. October 2, 2012 — Tempered by political and fiscal uncertainties but supported by signs of improvement in consumer confidence, holiday sales this year will increase 4.1 percent to $586.1 billion...

Hess Toy Truck Available Online for First Time. October 2, 2012 — Hess Corp. said that the Hess Toy Truck, a holiday tradition for 48 years on the East Coast...

LEGO 'Monster Fighters' appeal to all boys and ghouls. October 2, 2012 — Things are getting monstrous in the toy aisle, one scary — but safe...

WiCM Rebrands as Children's Media Association. October 2, 2012 — Women in Children’s Media has re-launched as the Children’s Media Association, in...

Safari Ltd® Supports Neighborhood Toy Store Day. October 2, 2012 — Safari Ltd®, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of award-winning replica collections, is providing free giveaway items throughout October to support local toy stores in honor of Neighborhood Toy Store Day...

TIA Board of Directors Approves Strategic Plan. October 2, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Strategic Plan for 2013-2015 was unanimously approved...

Fall Toy Preview Opens Today; Expected to Draw Diverse, Global Crowd to Dallas. October 2, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) annual Fall Toy Preview opened its doors in Dallas, Texas today...

TIA Joins Coalition Urging for Economic Analysis of CA "Green" Chemistry Regulations. October 2, 2012 — The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has published a statement requesting that the Department of Toxic Substances Control...

DONATED EDUCATIONAL TOYS MAKING IMPACT ON COUNTRY. October 1, 2012 — Part II of TDmonthly’s “2012: A Year of Charity” is in full swing, raising spirits of educators across the nation. Early reports are that donations by Crossen Creations, FindIt Games, b. dazzle inc., PlayMais Canada Inc., Amazing Science!, Moving Picture Books, Education Outdoors, We R Fun Games,Uncle Skunkle and The Spelling Bee Game have caused principals to nearly jump with excitement, hug storekeepers and generally raise emotions to a high, productive pitch...

Toy maker Jakks Pacific lowers FY guidance. October 1, 2012 — Jakks Pacific, the company that makes Pokemon and Hello Kitty toys under license...

Official 'The Hobbit' film-inspired toy line comes to stores today. October 1, 2012 — Earlier this year, Warner Bros. revealed its licensing agreement with The Bridge Direct...

Toys Cars Offer Mobility to Children with Disabilities. October 1, 2012 — At the 2012 USA Science & Engineering Festival, children swarmed a National Science Foundation...

Owners of Diamond Bar toy company plead guilty to international laundering of drug money. October 1, 2012 — Three Diamond Bar residents have pleaded guilty for their participation in an...

JAKKS Pacific and NantWorks Take Play to New Heights with DreamPlay™ Toys Joint Venture. October 1, 2012 — Toy manufacturer JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and technology innovator NantWorks LLC, entered into definitive agreements to create a joint venture company, "DreamPlay Toys LLC" to develop, market and sell toys and consumer products incorporating NantWorks' proprietary iD (iDream) image recognition technology...

Hasbro, Inc. : Hasbro Makes Double-Digit Gains on the 2012 Carbon Disclosure Project Index. October 1, 2012 — Global branded play leader Hasbro, Inc. has achieved a 29 point year-over-year improvement in its Carbon Disclosure Project...

Radio Flyer airs first TV ads in 20 years. October 1, 2012 — Representatives at Radio Flyer say the toy maker will be releasing television advertisements...

Nintendo Already Has A Hit On Its Hands With Sold Out Wii U Consoles Nationwide. October 1, 2012 — Months before the official November 18 launch of Nintendo Wii U, it appears that Nintendo...

Toy Story 2012: Hot items expected to sell out early. October 1, 2012 — Aggressive layaway programs by retailers, combined with conservative ordering by store chains trying...

Captain Cutlass Pirate Toy Guns Recalled by Dillon Importing Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard. September 28, 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 6,970 Captain Cutlass Toy Pirate Pistols from Dillon Importing Co., sold at Halloween and specialty stores nationwide from April 2008 through May 2012 for about $6.50. Consumers should immediately take the recalled pistol toys away from children and contact Dillon Importing for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Not Just Child's Play: Mattel Seeks New Ways To Give Back. September 28, 2012 — Here’s the stereotype: a big corporation needs some PR and a tax...

2 newcomers, 10 previous finalists compete for Toy Hall of Fame. September 28, 2012 — Ten previous finalists will compete against two new contenders for induction into...

Chicago Toy & Game Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary with "Week of Play". September 28, 2012 — The Chicago Toy & Game Group will celebrate its 10th anniversary this November...

Former Toy Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud. September 28, 2012 — The former owner of an Edina-based toy company pleaded guilty...