May 2010

Monopoly “The Office” to Hit Store Shelves This Summer

USAOPOLY is introducing a brand new Monopoly Collector’s Edition based on NBC’s hit television show The Office. Monopoly “The Office” Collector’s Edition pits players against one another to compete for control of their favorite “Office” location.

In The Office edition, the classic Monopoly game board properties transform into popular locations in the show such as Dunder Mifflin Scranton, Dunder Mifflin Corporate, Michael’s Condo, and the Scranton Art Center. Players might also land on “RUDIT-DIT-D’DOO!” (Community Chest), “That’s what she said!” (Chance), Donation to Rabies Fun Run (Luxury Tax), or Buy a Hug from Phyllis at Crime Aid Auction (Income Tax).

U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Slightly in April

According to Reuters, the U.S. consumer confidence index in April improved slightly to 57.9, compared to 52.3 in March. Many retailers, says Rothman Research, are revising their marketing strategy to attract as much traffic to their stores for the summer. Giant discounters such as Walmart Stores, Inc. and Target Corp. performed extremely well during the recession, and are now trying to attract even more people to these stores as the consumer confidence grows.

Step2 Recalls 21,000 Toy Drums

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, in cooperation with The Step2 Company, has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 21,000 of Step2’s Basic Rhythms Drums.

The toy drums pose a potential choking hazard to young children, because the plastic clips used to attach the drumsticks to the drum can break. The drums were set at Toys “R” Us, Burlington Coat Factory, and other retail stores nationwide from August 2009 through this March for between $10 and $15.

The CPSC advises consumers to immediately take the recalled toy from children and contact Step2 to request a replacement toy.

JAKKS Pacific Founder Dies

JAKKS Pacific founder, Jack Friedman, died on Monday, May 3, after being hospitalized for several weeks. Friedman was 70.

JAKKS’ CEO Stephen Berman said, “Jack was a legendary toymaker and a real titan in our industry. He dedicated his talents to JAKKS Pacific for 15 years, and he will be sorely missed. On behalf of all JAKKS employees, we send our sincere condolences to his wife Karen and his children for their loss.”

Friedman founded JAKKS Pacific in January 1995, and he served as the company’s chairman and CEO through March 31, 2010. He retired from his regular duties at the company to spend more time with his family.

Toys LiFung Asia to Open More Stores in Malaysia

According to The Star Online, Toys LiFung Asia, Ltd., the operator of Toys “R” Us stores in Asia, intends to capture a bigger market share in Malaysia’s rapidly growing toy market.

CEO Pieter Schats says the company currently commands 30-40 percent of the local toy market, and plans to open four to five more stores a year. Schats also says more than half of the toys in Toys “R” Us are not found in other toy stores in the country.