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VIDEO GAMES
New Video Game Consoles to be Released in Late 2005, Early 2006
A new generation of video game consoles are waiting to be born, as both Sony and Microsoft are expected to introduce their new game consoles at the 2005 E3 Expo in Los Angeles, which begins on May 17 (Microsoft is expected to air an MTV special showcasing its product on May 12). ...READ MORE
Video games have often been deemed an "escape" from daily life. However, some game developers in the industry have been saying that perhaps these games are not always a means of running from reality but, rather, dealing with it. ...
Plug and Play video games continue to fly under the radar of more popular game consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation 2. Plug and Play is an excellent introduction to the world of video games for children, and parents are certain to be pleased by the price – $20 will buy a specially designed joystick and as many as 10 video games....
It used to be that there was a time and place for video games: in the TV room, once homework was finished. Certainly those days are over, and a school recess where kids are playing football – on their handheld video game systems – is not uncommon....
ACTION FIGURES
Age Compression Challenges Action Figure Sales
Age compression, the idea that kids are getting older younger, is a term used often among toy manufacturers, retailers and other industry insiders....READ MORE
Without a licensed tie-in to popular media, an action figure faces a challenge that is far more formidable than battling the forces of evil — the battle for the consumer’s dollar....
As the summer is the season of the blockbuster, and action figures precede blockbusters like thunder before rain, toy stores will be literally packed this spring with licensed figures from soon-to-be released feature films....
As summer nears, action figures are hitting store shelves....
TOY CANDY
Toy Candy Fills Sweet Spot in Stores
The novelty candy category is rarely absent from any retail venue since it can boast impressive penetration statistics. Ninety-eight percent of households in the United States purchase candy every year....READ MORE
Some retailers have been taking notice of a trend among novelty candy manufacturers to address consumer desires for healthier sweet treats....
Is it play time or is it snack time? It’s becoming hard to tell. Two favorite pastimes, cooking and crafting, have collided, resulting in the development of the edible-craft kit....
TRAVEL TOYS
Simple, Interactive Creativity—To Go!
As warm weather lures families back out on the road, mom and dad will want to find ways to help pass the time for their children during travels. ...READ MORE
Sick of playing car bingo? Mini-mysteries offer a challenging diversion to keep families occupied while on the road....
Travel games turn boring journeys into fun adventures....
The following travel toys occupy kids so the driving can be left up to the parents, without causing too severe of a distraction....
TDMONTHLY HOT TOPIC
The Counterfeiting Epidemic
For years the most popular items for counterfeiters to rip off were handbags, designer clothes, music, movies, and jewelry, but toys and trading cards are becoming increasingly prevalent....READ MORE
TDMONTHLY POPULAR STORIES
Small Companies Enter Licensing Arena
Though licensed products have been hot for at least 20 years, gone are the days when only the oldest and largest toy companies had a shot at top titles. Today, fledgling companies are crafting toys that feature characters from hit shows like "SpongeBob SquarePants." ...READ MORE
“Low-tech” learning toys have been gaining popularity in a key demographic....
Knitting provides a world of possibilities for retailers and consumers. There is no end in sight to the popular appeal of wooly, fuzzy, glamorous and practical things that a girl – or a guy – can create....
TDMONTHLY TOY BUZZ
Laughing Pizza Serves Up Fun
Laughing Pizza doesn’t come with pepperoni or sausage. Instead, the name refers to a family musical group that serves up a flavorful blend of pop, country and Motown-style tunes. ...READ MORE
RETAILING TIPS
Wrestling with Wal-Mart: How Small Retailers Can Compete Against the Mega Store
TDmonthly Magazine is preparing a report for specialty toy retailers. The TDmonthly report will help the retailers by covering specific ways to turn Wal-Mart´s and other discount mass merchandisers´ weakest points into opportunities....READ MORE
TDMONTHLY COOL COMPANY
Toypresidents Honors a Different Kind of Hero
Founded in 2003 by Jesse Combs, Toypresidents, Inc. has met with tremendous success crafting collectible, battery-operated talking president action figures. This year, Combs expands the concept to include other historical figures by opening Timecapsule Toys....READ MORE
RETAILER SPOTLIGHT
A Niche for Unique Action Figures
As a child, Clark Gray was a fan of G.I. Joe. Then came eBay, which renewed his collector’s spirit....READ MORE
TDMONTHLY BRASS RING
A Sensible Dream: elogIQ
Dror Rom began designing his own puzzles long before he could afford to bring his ideas to fruition. Twenty years later, he is realizing his dream....READ MORE
TDMONTHLY MOM´S PERSPECTIVE
Collecting Memories in the Toy Box
A recent article warned people not to make the mistake of selling valuable collectibles at their annual yard sales: signed pottery, war souvenirs, banana seat bikes. Yes, those vintage kid-movers from the ´70s routinely bring $500 a banana!...READ MORE
TRADE SHOWS
Toys, Toys and More Toys!
Manufacturers have developed many new and innovative products for 2005....READ MORE
TDMONTHLY TOP-10 MOST-WANTED LISTS
TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Lists
The TDmonthly Top 10 lists are mostly used by specialty retailers to better anticipate market demands and trends. These lists are based on thorough research and interviews....READ MORE
This summer is chock-full of potential blockbusters with action figure tie-ins....
Children can pick up one of these activities and enjoy a stimulating escape en route to a destination....
With summer trips planned and just around the corner, retailers would do well to stock up on the following portable games in preparation for excited travelers....
Who can forget playing Frisbee or tossing a Nerf football when they were a kid?...