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Nov 26 2012
Warnings for Children’s Toys Announced Ahead of Holidays
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group has released its annual “Trouble in Toyland” report and found about a dozen toys on store shelves that could be dangerous to children. PIRG examined more than 200 toys at major retailers and dollar stores and tested about three-dozen toys for lead and phthalates. Of the toys tested, a […]
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Nov 26 2012
E-Retailers Prepare for Cyber Monday
Adobe Systems Inc. forecasts this Cyber Monday to the biggest online shopping day this year, with online retail sales reaching $2 billion, a 18% increase from last year. Black Friday will post the second highest online sales with a 12% increase year over year. To tempt consumers, e-retailers are offering holiday specials and heavily promoting […]
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Nov 26 2012
Retail Tweets Boost Sales
According to a study released by Twitter, nearly 39% of Twitter users bought something after seeing a retail tweet. That is more than the 27% of the overall online population that makes a purchase. The study included data from 7,800 Internet users and 665 retailers such as Apple, Amazon and Wal-Mart.
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Nov 26 2012
NRF Reveals Kids’ Holiday Wish Lists
NRF’s 2012 Top Toys survey conducted by BIGinsight reveals children are adding more electronic gadgets like Nintendo Wii U and iPads to their holiday wish lists. The list also includes some more classic items like toy cars and dolls. This year Furby makes a surprise appearance on the list. The popular 90s toy got a […]
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Nov 19 2012
Dora Parties at Little Gym
The Little Gym International is teaming up with Nickelodeon to offer Dora the Explorer-themed birthday parties at more than 210 locations throughout the U.S. for the 2012 to 2013 season. Nickelodeon set up a to-do list for the party, which includes music and a storyline from the television series where instructors guide party-goers on an […]
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Nov 19 2012
Pajanimals Hit the Road
Red Light Management is partnering with the Jim Henson Company to help the Pajanimals set off an a nationwide tour in the show, “Pajanimals Live: Pajama Playdate.” The performance with feature the characters from the television series, which airs on Sprout and NBC Kids Saturday, Sweetpea Sue, Apollo, Cowbella and Squacky singing and dancing along […]
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Nov 19 2012
PR Guru Celebrates Baby Shower
Last Wednesday, childrenswear industry execs gathered to celebrate public relations rep, and celebrity baby trend expert, Rachel Florio-Urso’s baby shower for her daughter, Brooke Ava. The “Happy Hour Baby Shower,” sponsored by such brands as Giggle, Little Trendstar, Liv & Lily, and The Little Acorn, and magazine and website, The Bump, was held at the […]
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Nov 19 2012
Harrods Opens Virtual Store
Love Harrods but don’t live in London? No problem. Social network Stardoll has partnered with the famed 178-year-old, five-acre department store to sell virtual copies of its children’s wear to the avatars within the game. The virtual store features digital replicas of high-fashion labels including Chloe, Junior Gaultier and Rykiel Enfant.
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Nov 19 2012
Children’s Place Cuts Profit View on Post-Sandy Promotion
The Children’s Place cut its full-year profit forecast citing increased promotions after Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Coast. The children’s clothing retailer, which is based in Secaucus, NJ, saw its inventory rise in the aftermath of the storm, particularly in its outlet business, and expects to aggressively promote its products to clear through the inventory […]
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Nov 19 2012
Shoppers prepare for Black Friday Weekend
The National Retailer Federation Black Friday survey reveals that of the millions of consumers expected to shop next weekend, 71 million will shop online and another 76 million will look in-store for deals. In response, more retailers are opening earlier, offering price-matching discounts and mobile offerings.
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Nov 19 2012
2012 ABC Expo attendance update
The 2012 ABC Expo, held from Oct. 14-17 in Louisville, K.Y., drew close to 800 manufacturers in just under 3,000 booths, a dip from last year’s 3,500 booths. Buyer attendance also dropped to 4,343 from last year’s report of 5,034. The show saw an uptick of interest from international buyers. Visitors from 66 countries including […]
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Nov 19 2012
Advanstar Global Acquires ENK
Last Friday, the multi-platform events and information services company announced its agreement to add ENK International to its line-up. Advanstar Global, whose programs already include Project, Magic, FN Platform, and Licensing International, will now incorporate ENK’s properties such as Fashion Coterie, Accessorie Circuit and Intermezzo into its event program. Advanstar Communications and ENK will be […]
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Nov 12 2012
Spin Master Picks Up Major Licenses
Spin Master has been named master toy licensee for two feature films: Monsters University and How To Train Your Dragon 2. The company struck “one of the biggest” deals with Disney in its 18-year history together for the prequel to Monsters, Inc., which is set to come out in July 2013. Dreamworks’ How To Train […]
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Nov 12 2012
New LeapFrog Films in the Works
Last week, Lionsgate and LeapFrog Enterprises announced plans for four new animated films starring LeapFrog stars Leap, Lily and Tad. The movies, set to come out on DVD and in digital in 2014, will focus on new subject areas to help educate children. “We are thrilled to be growing our DVD entertainment portfolio with Lionsgate […]
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Nov 12 2012
Britax Recalls Thousands of Car Seats
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Britax has issued a voluntary recall of 60,000 convertible car seats. The company reports that the chest pads on the seats pose a choking hazard, as children can bite them and small pieces can come loose. Britax is offering free replacement chest pads made of a […]
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Nov 12 2012
Macy’s Unveils Indoor-Positioning iPhone App
Macy’s has become the first retailer to update its iPhone app with indoor GPS positioning and navigation capabilities. Customers who download the free app will be able to use the search tool or tap on the map feature to discover departments, brands and other points of interest. These points of interest on the map will […]
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Nov 12 2012
Global Kids Fashion Week set for March
London will host Global Kids Fashion Week next March. Events include a showcase of Fall/Winter 2013 trends from top children’s brands and a fashion show sponsored by AlexandAlexa.com. The public can purchase tickets to the show, which will feature the e-tailer’s spring collections. Proceeds from the show will benefit the charity Kids Company. Other activities […]
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Nov 12 2012
Toys “R” Us donates $500,000 to Sandy victims
The Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund donated $500,000 to Save the Children, a charity that is helping families and children affected by Hurricane Sandy. Many Toys “R” Us stores were hit by the hurricane, including the company’s headquarters in Wayne, NJ. The donated funds will help Save the Children to distribute items such as diapers […]
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Nov 5 2012
HarperCollins Goes Digital
Fifty of the top picture books from HarperCollins are being turned into ebooks for the Kindle Fire, Nook and iBooks. Works from authors Michael Bond, Emma Chichester, Judith Kerr and Oliver Jeffers will be featured. Other such famous pop culture entities such as Little Mix, Paddington Bear, Hello Kitty and One Direction will be getting […]
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Nov 5 2012
Disney Buys Lucasfilm
The Walt Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm from founder George Lucas for $4.05 billion. Both were ranked in the Top 15 in License! Global’s annual ranking of the Top 125 Global Licensors. The deal allows Disney to operate live-action film production, visual effects, audio post-production, animation and consumer products. The deal is set to bring about […]