Toys “R” Us Dives Into the Underwater World of Octonauts

Toys “R” Us will introduce an assortment of toys from Fisher-Price based on the underwater world of Octonauts, which will splash into its stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com beginning in March. The store will be the first retailer in the U.S. to offer aquatic explorers the opportunity to take an undersea voyage with the preschool line of action figures, playsets, and vehicles based on the show, which airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. [Read more...]

Thomas the Tank Engine Ice Sculpture and Toys “R” Us Enjoy a Playdate

Sir Topham Hatt poses with the Thomas the Tank Engine Ice Sculpture in Times Square and reads a Thomas & Friends story to the kids at Toys “R” Us Times Square on Friday, February 8 to celebrate the launch of the Thomas Wooden Railway Line and the 110th American International Toy Fair.

Storch Stepping Down as CEO of Toys “R” Us, Remains Chairman

Toys “R” Us Inc. has announced that Gerald L. Storch will transition from his role as CEO of the company, while remaining in his capacity as chairman of the board. The company will begin a search for a successor CEO, and Storch will continue in his position as CEO during the transition period.

Storch, 56, joined the company in February 2006 following its acquisition by an investment group consisting of affiliates of Bain Capital Partners LLC, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and Vornado Realty Trust. As chairman of the board, Storch will continue to provide strategic guidance and play a key role in its growth initiatives.

The Toys “R” Us board of directors released a statement, which read, “Jerry has done an exceptional job in rebuilding the company, while successfully leading it through an extremely difficult global economic environment. We are grateful for his leadership over the past seven years and for the strong foundation he has built for the future. Jerry has delivered some of the best financial results in the more than 60-year history of the company, including multiple years of achieving $1 billion or more in adjusted EBITDA. He has been tireless in his efforts to develop best-in-class e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities and in significantly expanding the development of proprietary and differentiated products. Under Jerry’s leadership, we rolled out the integrated store strategy around the world and made a number of strategic acquisitions. Most recently, in acquiring the majority stake in the company’s business in Southeast Asia and Greater China, he has provided the company with a long runway for growth abroad. We thank Jerry for his strategic repositioning of the business.”

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the past seven years,” said Storch. “The Toys ‘R’ Us brand is stronger than ever due to the hard work and dedication of our talented team around the world. Looking to the future, we will always ‘Play to Win.’’’

The Collective Taps Play Visions for Juicy Line of Annoying Orange Novelty Products

Things are about to get sticky for Annoying Orange and his kitchen pals. Leading entertainment management and production company The Collective has partnered with Play Visions, a leading provider of novelty items, to produce new lines, including stickers and temporary tattoos, inspired by Annoying Orange. The deals were brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), the licensing agent for the Annoying Orange brand in North America. [Read more...]

Zeptolab Reveals Expanded Licensing Program at Toy Fair

ZeptoLab, the entertainment and gaming company behind the global mobile phenomenon Cut the Rope, is bringing even more ways for fans to interact with the lovable monster, Om Nom. Debuting at this year’s American International Toy Fair is Om Nom: Candy Flick, a new augmented reality game.

Om Nom: Candy Flick, available on Apple’s App Store, is unlocked via a special tag that can be found on a variety of Om Nom plush toys from toy partner, Round 5. Once downloaded, fans can bring Om Nom to life by positioning their smartphone or tablet’s camera on the tags and watch as he virtually pops out of the tag ready to devour his favorite treat: candy. [Read more...]

Calling Young Portal Masters: Celebrate New York Toy Fair with Skylanders Giants

Months before the Skylanders Giants character Ninjini hits retail shelves, kids and their families are invited to Toys “R” Us to get their hands on the character, while supplies last. To celebrate the American International Toy Fair taking place in New York City this month, Activision Publishing Inc. and Toys “R” Us are partnering to host a special event at Toys “R” Us Times Square, the company’s international flagship store, on February 5 at 4 p.m. The first fans to line up along Broadway for the event will have an opportunity to receive a complimentary Ninjini figure before it is officially available for purchase in North America.

Also at the event, kids will have the opportunity to meet their favorite Skylanders characters, experience the year’s most popular game at in-store game kiosks, and receive other fun Skylanders Giants giveaways.

Delta’s Minnie Mouse Collection Will Delight Little Mouseketeers

Delta Children’s Products recently unveiled their Minnie Mouse collection, featuring the pretty and pink half of the beloved duo. Delta’s Minnie Mouse upholstered chair is the perfect spot in the house for any little one to enjoy herself. With bright, fun colors and adorable stripes, every little mouseketeer will be at optimal comfort.

This item is currently available at Toys “R” Us.

Bravo Sports Corp. to Launch Line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Skateboards

With a new TV series and a major motion picture, coming 2014, Nickelodeon is reinventing the wildly popular and iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters. Bravo Sports Corp. is releasing a new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles skateboards, to be sold at Toys “R” Us beginning in late January.

The line will include the 21-inch Cruiser Shape and the 28-inch Skateboard.

For more information, visit www.bravosportscorp.com/.

Snuggle Up with the Sesame Street Upholstered Chair

Delta Children’s Products has released the Sesame Street Upholstered Chair: Elmo edition. With a hardwood frame and soft foam covering, it’s the perfect place for the kids to sit and enjoy a good story. The fabric is easy to clean with mild soap and water.  In the arm rest, there is a push button to activate the Elmo laugh.

This chair is currently available from Toys “R” Us.

Toys “R” Us to Stay Open for 88 Continuous Hours

With Christmas right around the corner, Toys “R” Us stores nationwide will keep their doors open for 88 consecutive hours of shopping beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, December 21 through 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, providing last-minute gift-givers with “all the toys, all the time.”

Shoppers will also get values each day leading up to Christmas, as well as the company’s Price Match Guarantee, helping them check off everything on their little one’s wish list and stretch their holiday budgets. [Read more...]