In This Issue

Managing Marketing

By Julie L. Jones
May 2008

TDmonthly Magazine’s May Issue is full of marketing tips, product reviews, new toys and trend coverage of baby products, travel toys and bath items.

Watch this brief video for the highlights, and read on to learn about some of this month's stories.

KEEPING IT CREATIVE

In “Retailer Spotlight: Creative Kids Toy Shop,” see how one specialty toy-store owner survived long-term neighborhood renovation and a marketing misstep, and continues to thrive after 20 years in business.

RESEARCHING THOSE TOYS

How and when do most specialty storeowners conduct research to fill their stores with great product? Do their efforts ensure success, or could their time and money be better spent? Find out in “Retailing Tips: Finding New Toys,” and see how your methods — whether trade shows, catalogs, reps or online research — stack up against the status quo.

Pick up tips for browsing and searching for products at TDmonthly.com in the following video:

MARKETING FOR TODAY

Manufacturers, prepare for fourth-quarter with a fresh perspective on branding and promotion. See why decades-old ways of advertising fail to meet today’s consumer demands in “Yesterday’s Marketing is Dead: Part 2,” and learn how consistency and a distinctive company culture earn trust from both customers and employees in “Branding Toys: The Promise.”

STAFF PICKS

If you don’t have time to check out the hundreds of new products uploaded to our site last month, start with the ones listed below, and see the rest of TDmonthly’s selections in our May “Staff Picks” article.

Light Magic Ambient Temp Sensor by TALENTOY FACTORY LTD.

Maintaining a stable and comfortable room environment is basic to a baby's health. The sensor lets caregivers know the temperature and humidity of a room at a glance. The sensor is even equipped with visual indicators that advise if the room is a predefined comfort zone. Launch date: June 2008. 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 0 and Up)