Random House, Sesame Street Crack Open e-Books
Posted on Jan 30, 2012
Digital titles include Elmo Says Achoo! and Elmo's Breakfast Bingo, both available now, as well as another 19 titles-such as Baker, Baker, Cookie Maker and Big Bird Says...-set to launch later this spring.
"Sesame Street has always aimed to reach children everywhere, and today that includes the evolving digital arena," said Jennifer A. Perry, vice president of worldwide publishing for Sesame Workshop. "With Random House Children's Books, we are creating new ways to enjoy story time with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and our other beloved characters.
Douglas Touts Tatty Teddy
Posted on Jan 30, 2012
On Tuesday, New England-based Douglas Company, one of the biggest plush manufacturers in the U.S., unveiled its latest Carte Blanch Me to You brand line: The Tatty Teddy Birthday collection.
The line features seven bears, including: a 6-inch bear with a blue or purple plush star, an 8-inch bear with a gift box, an 8-inch bear holding a chocolate or vanilla cupcake, a 9-inch bear with a plush flower, and a 12-inch bear holding a fabric gift box. The line, which will hit shelves early this year, will be featured in specialty U.S. and Canadian gift and toy stores.
Social media site Pinterest Driving Significant Traffic to Retailers
Posted on Jan 30, 2012
Pinterest, a 2-year old social media site that allows users to collect and share their favorite photos from the web, is beginning to drive a significant amount of traffic to retailers websites, according to tech blog Mashable.
Sonic the Hedgehog Makes a Comeback
Posted on Jan 23, 2012
Sega is bringing back its popular hedgehog at sonic speed. The brand has signed toy producer Meccano to create a line of Sonic the Hedgehog construction toys including figurines, vehicles and play sets, set to launch in Fall '12. In addition, Sega teamed up with RHM Solutions to launch an online store for Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise. While the site is currently only available in Europe, plans are in place to launch a similar e-commerce site for the U.S. and other American markets in the future.
DisneyBaby.com Goes Live
Posted on Jan 23, 2012
DisneyBaby.com, an online destination and showcase for Disney Baby brand products, was launched Wednesday by Disney. The site, which is exclusively sponsored by Huggies, features Disney Baby Magical Moments-a tool that allows parents to upload their most beloved baby photos and memories to create a community of shared family experiences-and Disney Baby product collections, ideas and tips from real mothers.
Disney Store to Remodel and Open 13 Stores in 2012
Posted on Jan 23, 2012
The Disney Store on Tuesday announced its plans to open 13 news and remodeled locations in North America in 2012, as well as the companys first ever store in China, in Shanghai. The North American openings include the debut of Disneys new interactive format in stores in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Utah and Virginia.
Douglas Company Adopts the Big Red Dog
Posted on Jan 13, 2012
Douglas Company, known for its plush products, has signed an agreement with Scholastic Media to produce Clifford the Big Red Dog plush dogs, as well as fashion plush, such as the Sassy Pet Sak.
The Douglas Clifford collection will target specialty toy and gift stores in the U.S. and Canada and will debut at the Winter Shows and the 2012 International Toy Fair in New York in February.
Jakks Gets Heroic
Posted on Jan 13, 2012
Marvel Entertainment has appointed Jakks Pacific, manufacturer and licensee of assorted toys and figures for brands like Cabbage Patch Kids and The Smurfs, to create a line of plush products based on its Marvel Super Hero Squad.
The line-which ties into the new Marvel virtual online world, HeroUp.com - will launch at specialty retailers this spring and will be distributed in mass retail channels beginning in 2013.
December Sales Beat NRF Forecasts; Children’s Apparel Top Category
Posted on Jan 13, 2012
Holiday sales rose by 4.1 percent, to $471.5 billion, topping the 3.8 percent growth initially predicted by the National Retail Federation, the organization announced Thursday.
December retail sales figures released by the Commerce Department Thursday show total retail sales for the month increasing by only 0.1 percent over November, but by more than 6 percent year-over-year.
Isaac Mizrahi and bon bébé Team Up
Posted on Jan 13, 2012
Womenswear designer Isaac Mizrahi will launch his first line for infants. The line will be manufactured and distributed by the licensor bon bebe. The debut 25-piece collection will be available in department and specialty stores starting this fall. Mizrahi plans to eventually expand the collection to bigger sizes.
