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Retailers, consumers and prices

September 25th, 2008

Check Out Line: Pink iPod helps lead hot toy parade

Posted by: Aarthi Sivaraman

Check Out how the iPod finally made it into the Toys “R” Us hot toys list for the toysrus.jpgholidays.

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.

Even though iPods have topped holiday wish lists for years, Toys “R” Us said this is the first time it has included the portable media player on its hot toys list. Late perhaps, but a company spokesman said in an e-mail that the iPod nano in pink makes it “doubly hot” and that Toys “R” Us thinks the iPod appeal is starting to reach kids.

The main question though is, whether it will come loaded with Miley Cyrus tunes?

To avoid disappointing shoppers hungry for the popular Nintendo Wii Fit, which gives gamers some exercise, Toys “R” Us said it expects to get regular shipments of it.

Other top toy picks include EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from Jakks Pacific, Furreal Friends Biscuit, My Lovin’ Pup from Hasbro and the Pink Tag Reading System from LeapFrog.

The Toys “R” Us list comes as the holiday sales season is expected to be gloomy for both consumers and retailers.

Also in the basket:

Rite Aid Q2 loss widens; sees bigger FY09 loss

Holiday sales lose luster for inundated consumers

Longs says FTC is probing Walgreen bid 

Pilgrim’s Pride loss may put it in covenant default

(Photo: Reuters)

June 10th, 2008

Check Out Line: Here a Nerf, there a Nerf…

Posted by: Brad Dorfman

nerf.jpgCheck 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)