Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
Check Out Line: Can new systems get Best Buy back on its game?
Check out the impending barrage of new video games. 
It is all about motion sensors and 3D as Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony introduce new systems and devices to get more people gaming.
Microsoft has a full-body motion-sensing system called Kinect. Nintendo has a new DS handheld device that can play games and show movies in 3D. Sony has the “Move,” which uses a wand like the Wii to simulate motion in games.
Which system will you buy? Don’t know? Sounds confusing?
That could be just the thing Best Buy needs to boost sales.
The largest U.S. electronics retailer posted worse-than-expected earnings amid sluggish sales and higher costs on Tuesday.
Some analysts are hoping that the new video games and 3D televisions could help lift Best Buy later this year.
Check Out Line: Pink iPod helps lead hot toy parade
Check Out how the iPod finally made it into the Toys “R” Us hot toys list for the 
holidays.
This holiday season, Apple’s pink 8 GB iPod nano, Nintendo’s Wii Fit and the Fisher-Price Sesame Street Elmo Live toy are topping the list of most sought-after toys.
Check Out Line: Here a Nerf, there a Nerf…
Check out that foam-rubber t-shirt!?!
Hasbro is putting the Nerf brand everywhere with a series of licensing deals announced today at the International Licensing Show in New York.
Among the deals is one for Nerf apparel with Fortune Fashion. The plan calls for an array of t-shirts for tween boys this summer, with an array of other items such as hoodies and track pants to follow. (Okay, the clothes will probably not be made of the same stuff as a Nerf ball).
Video game maker Electronic Arts will also come out with the “N-Strike” video game bundle for the Nintendo Wii, combining the fun of shooting foam-rubber weapons with the uber-popular video game. So your fake digital avatar can use your fake foam-rubber gun to shoot at fake stuff on your real television.
“This makes it the first time that Hasbro has put a forceful effort behind the licensing program supporting Nerf,” said Bryony Bouyer, senior vice president of licensing at Hasbro.
We’re guessing Hasbro could use some help in its push to expand the Nerf name. What would you like to see rendered in Nerf?
Also in the basket:
Dubai World buys Wal-Mart property firm Gazeley
Constellation sells some wine brands
(Photo: Reuters)
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