Archive for November, 2009
« Older Entries | Newer Entries »This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
NRF: Shoppers to Spend Less on Gift Cards
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday shoppers plan to spend less on gift cards and recipients can expect cards with lower monetary values. The study by the NRF, part of the 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, reported that holiday shoppers will spend an average of $139.91 per person, compared to $147.33 last year. The average value per card, stated the survey, would be $39.80, compared to $40.54 in 2008.
Tags: gift cards, holiday season, NRF
Posted in News | 2 Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Toys “R” Us, Sears Sign Up for Free Shipping Day
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
More than 300 merchants have signed up for Free Shipping Day, a one-day online shipping event on December 17. On that date, participating merchants such as Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, Sears, and Petsmart will offer customers free shipping and guaranteed Christmas delivery. Other participating merchants include JCPenney, Kmart, FAO Schwarz, Meijer, and Buy.com.
Tags: Free Shipping Day
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
First Products Certified Under TSCP
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has announced the first round of products certified under the Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP). The first product to be certified was the Push, Pull, and Ride–––a combination push walker, ride-on, and pullwagon–––by Radio Flyer, Inc. Other products that have been certified include The Magic Card Game Assortment and Tripoley Diamond Edition by Cadaco, Inc., and the Flip & Grip 2 Pack, Sensation Station, Hello Baby! Phone, Carrier Mirror, and Fascination Station by Sassy, Inc. The TSCP was launched on October 1, 2009.
Tags: TIA, TSCP
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Toys “R” Us Announces Early Hours for Black Friday
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Toys “R” Us announced it will start its Black Friday sales at stores nationwide starting midnight on Thursday, November 26. A sneak peak of unadvertised deals will be granted to Facebook users at Facebook.com/Toysrus. On the webpage, consumers can submit an application for a chance to view the more than 100 “Mystery Deals” beginning November 25 at Toysrus.com.
Tags: Black Friday, Crayola, Toys R Us, Zhu Zhu Pet
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
The Toy Book’s Toy Report 11/17/09
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Catch up on last week’s news! Read The Toy Book Toy Report for 11/17/09.
To view click here.
Tags: ASTRA, Brit Chicks, Chorion, CPSC, Disney, FAO Schwarz, Haven Licensing, I-Star, Mattel, Mega Brands, Noddy, Olivia, Otis College, Scrabble, Snuggie Toys, Target Entertainment Group, The World of Eric Carle, Toys for Tots, Toys R Us, Ubisoft, Upper Deck, Veterans Day
Posted in Financial, Licenses, New Products, News, Newsletters | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
California Orders Products Off Shelves for Excessive Lead
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
California Attorney General Jerry Brown has ordered Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, TJ Maxx, and other retailers to pull products from their shelves after the state said it found illegal amounts of lead in items. Brown said that seven toys and other products tested by the Center for Environmental Health were found to have more than the maximum lead amount of 300 parts per million (ppm) allowed by California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act.
Tags: lead, Toys
Posted in News | 2 Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Study: Phthalates Can Affect Boys Play
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
A new study by the University of Rochester found that young boys exposed to high levels of phthalates during their mother’s pregnancy may be less likely to play with male-typical toys such as trucks and toy guns.
(more…)
Tags: phthalates
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Think Wow and Jamba Juice Partner for Toy Blender
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
Jamba Juice and Think Wow Toys have released the EZ-2 MAKE! Jamba Juice Smoothie and Ice Pop Maker, a Jamba-branded toy blender for kids ages 8 and older. Children can make and eat fruit smoothies or frozen treats at home by using the blender and following the included recipes. The smoothie and treat maker is equipped with a safety lid that shuts off the motor once it’s removed.
Tags: Jamba Juice, Think Wow Toys, toy blender
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | 3 Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Poll: More Americans to Buy Toys This Holiday Season
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
According to a Harris Interactive poll, more than half of Americans (54 percent) will buy toys as gifts this holiday season. Last year, 47 percent of those surveyed planned to buy toys. Nearly seven in ten consumers (69 percent) who have children in their home, and 46 percent of consumers who don’t, will buy toys this year.
Tags: Harris Interactive, holiday season
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Indian Court Categorizes Scrabble as Game, Not Puzzle
Monday, November 16th, 2009
In a Supreme Court case in India, it was ruled that Scrabble falls in the category of game, not educational toy or puzzle. The court concluded that since Scrabble was not a puzzle it was liable to special taxes. In a puzzle, said the court, the outcome is pre-determined, such as in a crossword or jigsaw puzzle, and there are clues. In Scrabble, there is no fixed outcome and there’s an element of chance and skill, which the court defined, is absent in educational toys. Toys and games manufacturers Pleasantime Products and Funskool sought a tax exemption, arguing that Scrabble was a puzzle.
Tags: educational toy, game, puzzle, Scrabble
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