In This Issue

Trade Show Wrap-Ups

By Alison Marek & Julie L. Jones
April 2008

Busy with spring cleaning? Then just browse through highlights of TDmonthly Magazine’s April issue:

KID GLOVES FOR THE WILD CHILD

Have a problem child in the store? How do you deal with the situation without alienating the parents, and losing the sale? Retailers and experts share tips such as remaining calm, addressing the parent only, and giving up the need to be "right." Read more in Retailing Tips: Handling Rowdy Kids.

RECESSION-PROOF YOUR STORE

Afraid the economy is going to send your bottom line sinking? Economists and retail experts say that toys should do well in a pinched economy. Read their helpful hints, such as using money worries to teach kids about spending wisely, giving parents information to help them make informed buying decisions, turning over your inventory and outright asking for the sale. Read all 10 tips in Challenged Economy = Great Opportunities.

PACKAGING POMONA

Curious to know what WTHRA’s West Coast rep show brought to retailers this year? See construction kits, novelties and more in TDmonthly’s Top-10 Pomona Picks, and check out the more than 40 videos of manufacturers demonstrating their new toys. We also have a special article covering the dolls on display at the show.

STAFF PICKS

Here’s a sampling of the products we think might be great for your specialty store [comment below to let us know if you agree!], taken from the hundreds added to our site during the last month. See them all here, and check out our Notable and New Toys for even more.

Bonz Band by CURIOUS TOYS

Bonz Band by CURIOUS TOYS The instrument construction set consists of colorful, anatomically incorrect and interlocking construction pieces that children can use to assemble a variety of distinctive musical instruments. The set includes a CD of original music, a large metallic whistle, a canister with a top that converts into a tambourine and a bottom that converts into a drum, drumsticks, a washboard rattle, sand-filled shakers and four poseable eyes that turn the musical instruments into characters. The 42 construction pieces are all compatible with other Bonz sets. Launch date: February 2008. ( Watch Video) 3/12/2008 (MSRP: $26.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Aminals - Liun by DREAMING LION LLC

Aminals are 100 percent certified organic inside and out, from their world for their world. 3/3/2008