Toys “R” Us Announces Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Toys

June 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

dtn-dynamic-515Toys “R” Us will unveil a selection of plush, play sets, and collectible figures featuring the star of the animated PBS kids TV series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger, and his friends Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, Prince Wednesday, and O the Owl, as part of its new agreement with brand owner, The Fred Rogers Company, and licensing agency, Out Of The Blue Enterprises.

The toy line includes a Daniel Tiger plush sporting his signature red cardigan sweater and matching red sneakers, as well as a plush Katerina Kittycat in her green dress and bow. Among the additional new offerings are a 7-inch mini plush assortment featuring Daniel Tiger and his friends, two-pack sets of 2.75-inch collectible figures of the key characters, collectible figures gift pack featuring all five characters, neighborhood trolley with Daniel Tiger figure, an all-in-one play set with Daniel Tiger and Prince Wednesday figures, Daniel’s imagination bungalow playset with Daniel Tiger figure, and a 3-in-1 imagination Treehouse play set with Tiger, Kittycat, and O the Owl figures.

Other new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood merchandise includes games and puzzles from University Games, books from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing imprint Simon Spotlight and personalized T-shirts available on online and at Toys “R” Us Times Square through partner Ty’s Toy Box. The toy collection will be available exclusively at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and at online beginning in September.

Filed Under: 3-5, 5-8, Licenses, New Products, News Tagged With: , , , ,

Toys “R” Us Counts Down to 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, First Young Athletes Festival

June 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

toys_r_us_logoWith the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games making its debut in New Jersey in just one year, Toys “R” Us, Inc. announced a year-long campaign to drive awareness for the 2014 USA Games, as well as the ongoing works of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Today, the company launched a dedicated web page at Toysrusinc.com featuring a countdown of the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the Games begin, showcasing the company’s commitment to the 2014 USA Games, and featuring profiles and videos of Young Athletes and their families. The page will be updated with new content throughout the year.

In 2012, Toys “R” Us became the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games with a $1 million commitment from the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with the company. In addition, Toys“R”Us will serve as the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Young Athletes Festival at the 2014 USA Games, which will provide opportunities for children ages 2 to 7 and their families to take part in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program, Healthy Athletes for Young Athletes activities,and family seminars geared toward the future stars of Special Olympics. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , ,

Toys “R” Us Introduces Lemon Smiles Challenge to Kick Off ALSF Campaign

June 3, 2013 By

Toys-R-Us-Logo copyToys “R” Us Inc. launched its third consecutive fundraising campaign to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer. From June 1 to July 31, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/AlexsLemonade. To kick off this year’s program, the company has introduced its Lemon Smiles Challenge, a social media campaign designed to encourage Facebook and Twitter users to spread awareness for ALSF by sharing photos of themselves, family, and friends smiling while biting into a lemon slice. Fans who would like to encourage others to do the same and grow the Lemon Smiles movement can share their smiles on the Toys“R”Us Facebook page at Facebook.com/Toysrus or tag @ToysRUs on Twitter using the #LemonSmiles hashtag.

Drawing inspiration from Alexandra “Alex” Scott, the founder of ALSF whose motto was “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” participants can show support for kids fighting cancer, ALSF, and all who continue to search for a cure. Diagnosed before her first birthday, Alexandra “Alex” Scott hosted lemonade stands to raise money to help kids like her until she lost her life to cancer at the age of 8. In 2005, her parents, Liz and Jay Scott, established ALSF to continue her dream of finding a cure for the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, about 11,630 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. Through pediatric cancer research projects, supporting families affected by cancer, and encouraging kids to help other kids in need by hosting lemonade stands, the organization hopes to aid these children and their families, and–ultimately–find a cure. To date, Alex’s legacy has helped raise more than $60 million. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

K’nex Launches New and Improved K’nexpert Search

May 31, 2013 By

knexK’nex announced exciting changes for its 14th annual K’nexpert Search, which launched on May 29. The K’nexpert Search challenges young builders to design and submit a creative, original model made entirely from K’nex parts. The models are judged on creativity, uniqueness, and detail.

For the first time since its launch in 2001, the contest will have four grand-prize winners from four different age groups. Age groups include: 5 to 6 years, 7 to 8 years, 9 to 11 years, and 12 to 14 years (a new category this year). The four imaginative children who win will each receive a prize package valued at $3,650. This year, grand prize winners will receive the coolest K’nexpert prize package yet: $2,500, an iPad Mini, a $250 gift card to Toys “R” Us, and a $500 K’nex credit code good toward a shopping spree at knex.com. An additional eight finalists will each receive a $250 K’nex credit code, a $100 Toys “R” Us gift card, and a K’nex T-shirt. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

Toys “R” Us Becomes Ultimate Despicable Me 2 Destination

May 22, 2013 By

2012-12-10 125Toys inspired by the highly anticipated 3-D, CG-animated, comedy-adventure film Despicable Me 2, from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, have made their debut at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. Through May, Toys “R” Us is the only U.S. retailer to offer an all-new line of toys based on the movie, making it the ultimate Despicable Me 2 destination. Fans eager to get their hands on action and interactive figures, plush, games and more, can find them all at Toys “R” Us.

The movie, which arrives in theaters on July 3, is the sequel to the 2010 Despicable Me, which became the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. Despicable Me 2 sees the return of super-villain Gru and his arsenal of gadgets and gizmos, his adorable girls, and the unpredictably hilarious Minions.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: 3-5, 5-8, 6-8, 8 and up, 9 and up, New Products Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Babies “R” Us Partners with Operation Shower for Second Year

May 9, 2013 By

OSShowerCaliBabies “R” Us announced that it will continue its commitment to honor families of the U.S. armed forces through a collaboration with Operation Shower, an organization that hosts joyful baby showers for military wives as they experience the journey of pregnancy while their husbands are deployed. To kick off the second year of partnership, consisting of shower events and fundraising efforts, the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys “R” Us, Inc., has donated $100,000 to Operation Shower.

In the coming year, Babies “R” Us will once again leverage its dedicated microsite at Babiesrus.com/OperationShower as an online information and donation portal, where visitors can learn how to support this program and ensure that military moms-to-be receive basic essentials for their newborns. Since launching this digital destination last year, individuals, organizations, and businesses eager to support Operation Shower have donated items from the charity’s official Babies “R” Us Registry, which allows shoppers to purchase much-needed products for these expectant moms and have them sent directly to Operation Shower for use at events throughout the year. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , ,

Geoffrey’s Jungle App Adds Star Wars Island for May 4

May 2, 2013 By

GeoffreyJungleGeoffrey’s Jungle, the interactive free app available for iPad and Android tablets, features Toys “R” Us mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe as he embarks on a safari adventure through different islands full of games and surprises.

Just in time to celebrate May the Fourth, Geoffrey’s Jungle features the all-new Star Wars Island. Kids can now interact and play games featuring their favorite Star Wars heroes and villains, including Yoda and Anakin Skywalker.

The adventure in Geoffrey’s Jungle begins with players customizing their own explorer character for the game, choosing the gender, skin tone and apparel for their explorer, including hat, shirt, pants and shoes. Children can also choose from approximately 20 first and last names for their character, such as Noah Toucana or Sandy Savannah.

Arriving with Geoffrey the Giraffe on their own starship, little adventurers can explore Star Wars Island and play the following games:

  • Whack-a-Sith: Future Jedi can try to “whack” as many Sith as they can with their lightsaber. As Sith pop up, players can use the lightsaber to make them go back down as fast as they can. Featuring Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, and more characters devoted to the dark side;
  • Slide Puzzles: Players can maneuver the pieces of the puzzle to reveal favorite scenes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Three fun puzzles to choose from;
  • Coloring Activity: Adventurers can show off their creative sides with this coloring activity, which allows them to color some of their favorite characters and ones that they love to hate, including Yoda, Darth Maul, and Anakin Skywalker.

Star Wars Island also features a selection of the top Star Wars-themed toys available at Toys “R” Us, including the Star Wars Multi-Troop Transport from Hasbro and Lego Star Wars AT-RT Walker. Children can add their favorites to their Toys “R” Us Wish List with the click of a button.

Geoffrey’s Jungle is available for download on the iTunes store and Google Play Store.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

New Yo Gabba Gabba! Products Arrive at Toys “R” Us

April 17, 2013 By

Now in its fourth season on Nick Jr., Yo Gabba Gabba! is a live-action TV series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base. Jazwares will introduce new Yo Gabba Gabba! figures, plush, and electronics to the Toys “R” Us toy aisles this year. Featuring characters from the series, including Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Toodee, the line includes electronics such as an interactive microphone, articulated figure assortments, and plush. Visit www.yogabbagabba.com or www.yogabbagabbalive.com for more info.  Check out some of the new products below!  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cartoon, Licenses, New Products Tagged With: , , , , ,

Toys “R” Us Kicks Off Campaign to Benefit Autism Speaks

April 5, 2013 By

TRU Logo - High ResToys “R” Us Inc. has announced the launch of its “Shine A Light For Autism” in-store and online fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Now through April 30, monetary donations will be collected at more than 870 Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. In addition, individuals nationwide are invited to join a “Walk Now For Autism Speaks” event in their local community, or “Walk With Geoffrey” online and personally fundraise for Autism Speaks.

All funds raised during this year’s Toys “R” Us campaign will be dedicated to supporting the Autism Speaks Community Grants program, which helps promote services that enhance the lives of those affected by autism, expand the capacity to effectively serve this growing community, and enhance the field of service providers. [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, The Toy Book Tagged With: , ,

Toys “R” Us Withdraws Proposal for IPO

April 1, 2013 By

Toys “R” Us has withdrawn its proposal for an initial public offering, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The big box toy retailer originally filed plans for an IPO on May 28, 2010 with the SEC. The company pulled the IPO on Friday due to “unfavorable market conditions, and the company’s recently announced executive leadership transition,” according to a news release.

The company had postponed its IPO in 2011 due to weak market conditions, and it has continued to struggle with weak sales. Last month, Gerald Storch announced he would step down as the Toys “R” Us CEO, while remaining as chairman of the board, after joining the company in 2006 following an acquisition by investment group Bain Capital Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and Vornado Realty Trust.

On Friday the company released its fourth quarter and full year financial results for 2012. In the fourth quarter, net sales were $5.8 billion, a decrease of $155 million compared to the prior year. For the full year, net sales were $3.5 billion, a decrease of 2.1 percent versus the prior year, driven by a comparable store net sales decline of 4.5 percent.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts