In This Issue

Holiday Roundup and Outlook for 2010

By Julie L. Jones
December 2009

Before you drop everything and jump into next year’s research full force, make sure your store is on track with December inventory by searching our Holiday Roundup by category for great finds you might’ve missed. You can also check out some best-selling toy highlights and specialty recommendations from retailers’ conversations with TDmonthly Magazine.

TAKING A PEEK AT TOY FAIR

If you are ready to hit the ground running in preparation for the New York toy show in February, take a look at this year’s first-time exhibitors as you consider which booths to make a priority! Some of specialty’s favorite vendors have also given their outlook for 2010, including the types of products they’re introducing next.

COMPETITION CALLS

Is your store one of the 25 percent of retailers that has witnessed the effect of mass-market stores on their business worsen within the last five years? Even if your business is one of the fortunate ones that hasn’t, and may actually be up in sales this year, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on ideas for keeping your competition at bay — whether it’s big-box stores, other local independents or even the Net. In Retailing Tips: Crushing the Competition, 40 specialty retailers told TDmonthly how they drop and add inventory based on mass-market stock, give consumers extra incentive to shop their store through rewards programs, and keep the focus on what makes them special.

STAFF PICKS

Your store may be stuffed full of holiday toys (and hopefully is running out quickly!) but when you get a free second, glance over the condensed version of TDmonthly’s Notable & New Toys, this month’s Staff Picks article. Your three-product, super-condensed preview is here:

Discover Electronics Kit by SPARKLE LABS

Discover Electronics Kit by SPARKLE LABS The Discover Electronics Kit is designed to help users learn the basics of electronics and make their own projects. It contains the most common electronics components as well as a prototyping breadboard. Easy, full-color diagrams teach how to bring ideas to life, helping teenagers become smarter about the world around them. It offers a basic understanding of how things work and that knowledge is a great motivator in figuring out how to solve problems. Not overly simplified, it uses real parts and encourages creativity — not just following directions. "The kit takes you beyond the concept of turning on a light and guides you through the 'how' and the 'why' of electronics so you can get creative yourself," Victoria George, founder of Victoria George Public Relations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 12 and Up)

Maccabees by FLASTERVENTURE LLC

Maccabees by FLASTERVENTURE LLC In 164 BCE, Judah Maccabee led his Maccabean army to liberate the land of Israel and reclaim the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But the Maccabees did not have enough oil to light the menorahs to rededicate the Temple. Now players must lead a band of Maccabees and acquire enough oil to light the new eight-stemmed menorah called a Chanukiah. But beware, there are still remnants of the Seleucid Empire’s army roaming the lands trying to thwart these efforts. This board game is made in the USA and turns the basic game of dreidel into an adventure. The entire game is in English and Hebrew, so it serves as a tool for learning Hebrew. Launch date: September 2009. ( Watch Video) 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 8 and Up)

“My Week” Magnetic Wipe-Off Calendar for Young Children by 2FISH KIDS

MY WEEK is designed to show little ones how days are organized in a way that is colorful, playful and personalized to a child's life. It may be used to introduce the days of the week, seasons, weather, routines and special events. Colours and symbols allow even pre-readers to differentiate each day. MY WEEK includes a magnetic calendar, 58 developmentally appropriate activity magnets, a dry erase marker and a reusable storage bag. "In a nutshell, it helps children to develop a better understanding of the abstract concept of time in an engaging, fun manner! We have found no other products in the market that address this need," Nathalie and Jennifer, owners of 2fish kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009. 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $18.99; Age: 3 to 7)