The latest news from the world of toy, game and collectibles retailing, including financial results, store openings and closings, promotions and marketing efforts, product exclusives and other business developments.
Market Insight: Retail strategies for startups By Nancy Zwiers - 03/11/2008
March 11—The retail climate is more challenging than ever, and the barriers to entry have never been more daunting. Consolidation continues, with the top three toy retailers (Wal-Mart, Target, and Toys 'R' Us) alone wielding enormous power. More
Toy sales slid 3 percent in 2008 By Staff - 02/11/2009
Feb. 11, 2009—U.S. toy sales fell 3 percent in 2008 following a 5 percent decline in the all-important fourth quarter, market research firm The NPD Group announced today. More
'Maryoku Yummy' lands at Tween Brands' stores By Staff - 01/28/2009
Jan. 28, 2009—Products based on American Greetings Properties’ Maryoku Yummy debuted this week at Tween Brands’ stores nationwide. More
NRF: '09 sales will fall By Staff - 01/27/2009
Jan. 27, 2009—The National Retail Federation is projecting that overall U.S. retail sales will decline 0.5 percent in 2009 despite an expected up tick in the year’s second half compared to 2008.
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TRU tallies $2.7M for Toys For Tots By Staff - 01/20/2009
Jan. 20, 2009—Toys "R" Us said Tuesday that its fifth annual in-store and online campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation raised more than $2.7 million and nearly 200,000 toys during the 2008 holiday season. More
Build-A-Bear sheds headquarters staff By Staff - 01/12/2009
Jan. 12, 2009—Build-A-Bear Workshop held a round of layoff at its headquarters late last week, according to published reports.
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Toys 'R' Us has deal for KB customers By Staff - 01/12/2009
Jan. 12, 2009—Toys "R" Us is offering holders of KB Toys gift cards the opportunity to receive a discount at any TRU store by handing over their KB card, the retailer said today.
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GameStop sets holiday sales record By Staff - 01/08/2009
Jan. 8, 2009—GameStop tallied record sales results for the nine-week holiday period, the video game retailer said Thursday.
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Out of the Toy Box Richard Gottlieb, President, Richard Gottlieb & Associates November 12, 2007 Grown Up Toys
The news for the toy industry has been pretty serious lately so I thought I woul... More
Out of the Toy Box Richard Gottlieb, President, Richard Gottlieb & Associates October 26, 2007 The Local Toy Retailer: A New Era?
We may be witnessing the beginnings of a renaissance for the independent toy store.&n...; More
Out of the Toy Box Richard Gottlieb, President, Richard Gottlieb & Associates September 28, 2007 Rethinking “Made in Mexico”
As U.S. importers continue to rethink their manufacturing options, eyes may once agai... More
New York Comic Con 2008: Mattel Product highlights from Mattel at the 2008 New York Comic Con, including figures from its Batman The Dark Knight, DC Universe and DC Universe Infinite Heroes series; Target-only Justice League Unlimited figures; and San Diego Comic-Con exclusives.
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