Toy stocks and toy industry News and Trends

Toy Stocks Directory Update at ToyIndustrystocks.com and Investorideas.com

2009-04-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Toy Stocks Directory Update at ToyIndustrystocks.com and Investorideas.com

Point Roberts WA, Delta BC,- April 12 , 2009 – ToyIndustrystocks.com an investor portal for the toy industry stocks sector within www.InvestorIdeas.com, updates the current directory of toys stocks including retailers and gamers.

Leading Toy Industry Related Stocks:
http://www.investorideas.com/TIS/Stock_List.asp

Partial Toy Stocks Directory:

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Inc (NasdaqGS: ACMR) A.C. Moore is a specialty retailer of arts, crafts and floral merchandise for a wide range of customers. The Company currently serves customers through its 132 stores located in the Eastern United States from Maine to Florida and nationally. E-commerce site: www.acmoore.com

Action Products International, Inc. (NasdaqCM: APII ) Action Products International, Inc. ("APII") is a global manufacturer and distributor of brand-focused consumer products with award-winning brands in the educational toys and crafts product segment. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, APII's product line includes action figures, play-sets, activity kits and premium wooden toys that emphasize educational fun within the themes of arts and crafts, nature and science. Action Toys Inc. products are distributed to and sold by more than two thousand retail stores worldwide. www.apii.com and www.actiontoysinc.com

http://www.investorideas.com/TIS/Stock_List.asp
Note directory under construction – contact us with any additions and changes.

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Toy stocks directory update

2009-04-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Leading Toy Industry Stocks

http://www.investorideas.com/TIS/Stock_List.asp

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Inc (NasdaqGS: ACMR) A.C. Moore is a specialty retailer of arts, crafts and floral merchandise for a wide range of customers. The Company currently serves customers through its 132 stores located in the Eastern United States from Maine to Florida and nationally. e-commerce site: http://www.acmoore.com/
Action Products International, Inc.( NasdaqCM: APII ) Action Products International, Inc. ("APII") is a global manufacturer and distributor of brand-focused consumer products with award-winning brands in the educational toys and crafts product segment. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, APII's product line includes action figures, play-sets, activity kits and premium wooden toys that emphasize educational fun within the themes of arts and crafts, nature and science. Action Toys Inc. products are distributed to and sold by more than two thousand retail stores worldwide. http://www.apii.com/ and http://www.actiontoysinc.com/
Activision, Inc. (NasdaqGS: ATVI) Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
Amazon Com Inc (NasdaqGS: AMZN) Amazon.com, Inc. operates as an online retailer in North America and internationally. It operates various retail Web sites, including amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.de, amazon.fr, amazon.co.jp, amazon.ca, and amazon.cn.
American Greetings Corp (NYSE: AM) For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM - News) has been a manufacturer and retailer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships. The Company's major greeting card brands are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson and Recycled Paper Greetings, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods, American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-wrap and boxed cards and Date Works calendars. American Greetings also has the largest collection of electronic greetings on the Web, including cards available at AmericanGreetings.com through AG Interactive, Inc., the Company's online division. AG Interactive also offers digital photo sharing and personal publishing at PhotoWorks.com and Webshots.com and a one-stop source for online graphics, animations, and more at Kiwee.com. In addition to its product lines, American Greetings also creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.8 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets domestically and worldwide, including Company-owned American Greetings and Carlton Cards stores.
Barnes & Noble Inc (NYSE: BKS) Barnes & Noble, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a bookseller in the United States and the District of Columbia. It sells trade books, including hardcover and paperback consumer titles; mass market paperbacks, such as mystery, romance, science fiction, and other popular fiction; childrens books; bargain books; magazines; gift; music; and movies. The company also sells books through its Web site, Barnes & Noble.com. In addition, Barnes & Noble publishes a range of non-fiction and illustrated books consisting primarily of reference and how-to titles on subjects, such as crafts, food and wine, home design, woodworking, puzzles and games, social issues, current affairs, politics, decorating, outdoor living, photography, and children’s books, as well as books for various brands.
Blockbuster Inc (NYSE: BBI) Blockbuster, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises entertainment-related stores. It offers pre-recorded videos, as well as video games for in-store rental, sale, and trade, and also sells other entertainment-related merchandise.
BJ's Wholesale Club Inc (NYSE: BJ) The company offers food products, such as frozen foods, fresh meat and dairy products, beverages, dry grocery items, fresh produce and flowers, canned goods, and household paper products; and general merchandise products, including consumer electronics, prerecorded media, small appliances, tires, jewelry, health and beauty aids, household needs, chemicals, computer software, books, greeting cards, apparel, furniture, toys, and seasonal items.
Big Lots Inc (NYSE: BIG) Big Lots, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a broadline closeout retailer in the United States. The company offers products under six merchandising categories: Consumables, Home, Furniture, Hardlines, Seasonal, and Other. The Consumables category includes food, health and beauty, plastics, paper, and pet departments. The Furniture category comprises upholstery, mattresses, ready-to-assemble, and case goods departments. The case goods consist of bedroom, dining room, and living room furniture. The Hardlines category includes electronics, appliances, tools, and home maintenance departments. The Seasonal category includes lawn and garden, Christmas, summer, and other holiday departments. The Other category comprises toys, jewelry, infant accessories, and apparel departments
Borders Group Inc (NYSE: BGP) Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP - News) is a leading retailer of books, music and movies with approximately 25,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates more than 1,000 stores worldwide primarily under the Borders® and Waldenbooks® brand names and offers online shopping through borders.com.
Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company and its franchisees currently operate more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR™ space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world, stuffed with fun.

more -
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Investorideas.com Launches “News of the Day” for Toy Stocks and Industry

2008-10-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Investorideas.com Launches “News of the Day” for Food and Beverage,
Organics, Homebuilding Stocks, Toy Industry or Music Industry Stocks and other Leading Sectors

POINT ROBERTS, WA – October 23, 2008, Investorideas.com, a leading global investor and industry research resource reports the InvestorIdeas.com newswire has added new options and upgrades to the Investorideas.com Newswire for public and private companies to gain enhanced market exposure and online visibility on a day- to- day basis to investors and industry following their sector. Companies and publicly traded stocks in food and beverage, organics, homebuilding, music and the toy industry can be featured as the sector news of the day.

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Parenting Magazine Unveils 2008 Mom-Tested Toys Of The Year

2008-10-22T06:36:00.001-07:00

Parenting Magazine Unveils 2008 Mom-Tested Toys Of The Year

Parenting.com Launches Multimedia Shopping Channel and $1000 Toys of the Year Giveaway Sweepstakes

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 22, 2008 -- Parenting magazine gives moms a head-start on the annual holiday hunt for the perfect toy in its November issue: 25 of the year's most fun, innovative and educational toys, tested by hundreds of children around the country, then rated with a final stamp of approval by moms.

Parenting magazine, November 2008
Only those toys that passed the "Mom Test" made Parenting's list - meaning no games with hundreds of little pieces that will end up all over the living room floor, no stuffed animals with annoying musical jingles and no off switch, and no gadgets that moms will spend more time putting together than their kids will end up playing with!

Parenting.com Shopping Channel: Watch, Click, Buy
To kick off the holiday shopping season, Parenting.com introduces the Parenting.com Shopping Channel, a new online video commerce tool developed by BrainBox Digital that enables users to make purchases while they view videos of Parenting editors discussing their favorite product recommendations. The Parenting.com Shopping Channel launches with a series of shopping guide videos highlighting the Mom-Tested Toys of the Year and the Parenting.com Video Game Cheat Sheet, a guide to choosing the right video games for kids.

Parenting.com Toys of the Year Giveaway
Parenting.com will be giving away every toy in the Mom-Tested Toys of the Year feature - valued at over $1000 - to one lucky winner! For official rules and to enter, visit www.parenting.com/giveaways.

Parenting's best toys of 2008 include:

Birth to 1-1/2
'Round the Farm, ALEX
Explore & Learn Helicopter, VTech
Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse, International Playthings
Play Time Activity Center, Infantino
Puppetivity Pal, Earlyears
Count & Compose Piano, Baby Einstein Company

1-1/2 to 3
Ducati Monster, Chicco
Playskook Clipo Creativity Table, Hasbro
Flip Book, Haba
Laugh & Learn Smart Spin Pony, Fisher-Price
50's Diner, Step2

3 to 5
Guess What I Am!, TechnoSource
My Little Pony So Soft Make Me Better Rarity the Unicorn, Hasbro
Octopus Puzzle, ImagiPlay
KidiJamz Studio, VTech
iTeddy, Zizzle
Cookware and Dining Set, Green Toys Inc.

5 to 8
Pengoloo, Blue Orange
FlyTech Butterfly, WowWee
Hyper Jump, Wild Planet
Didj Custom Gaming System, LeapFrog
Royal Rescue, Educational Insights

8 to 12
UNO Flash, Mattel
Pictionary Man, Mattel
Car Design Studio, ArtLab

See all of the Parenting magazine Mom-Tested Toys of the Year.

A one-stop resource for time-saving tips and holiday advice for moms, the Parenting.com Holiday Survival Guide will also feature:

The Parenting Toy Hall of Fame: 2008 inductees to this collection of classic toys include Rubik's Cube, Tickle Me Elmo, Sorry! and Barrel of Monkeys.
The 2008 Parenting Holiday Gift Guide: Parenting's picks for everyone on your list, with special gifts for baby's first holiday, toys under $15, gifts for grandparents and more. (Launches November 18)
Parenting.com Holiday Cookie Contest: Starting November 18, enter your favorite cookie recipe for the chance to win a $250 gift card to Williams-Sonoma. Check out great-tasting, easy-to-make cookies and past contest winners in Parenting.com's Recipes section.
Holiday Fashion for Kids Gallery: The cutest, most comfortable holiday outfits for kids - at affordable prices.
Give More, Spend Less: Money-saving strategies to get the stockings stuffed without empting out the wallet.
Holiday Crafts: Dozens of fun, easy ideas bursting with holiday cheer that kids and parents can create together.
Holiday Travel Tips: Parenting's advice for making the journey less stressful when families travel with the kids in tow.
Holiday Health & Safety: Protect kids from the season's biggest safety hazards - dangerous tree trimmings, unsafe toys, food risks and more.
Time-Saving Holiday Strategies: Get the gifts wrapped, turkey roasted and the songs sung without missing a beat.
Holiday Home Shortcuts: Chic and simple design shortcuts to get the house guest-ready in no time.

About Parenting
Parenting, with a guaranteed circulation of 2,150,000 and a readership of over 11 million, is the nation's premier magazine for moms. It provides the emotional support and affirmation they want and the mom-tested information and ideas they can really use. Parenting is the flagship magazine of The Parenting Group, which includes the monthly Babytalk magazine and its siblings Babytalk First Months and Babytalk Mom-to-Be. The Parenting Group's other extensions include: Parenting.com; MomConnection®, an online research tool; and a custom content unit. Taken cumulatively, Parenting Group properties deliver over 20 million consumer touchpoints each month. The Parenting Group is a division of Bonnier Corporation.

KB Toys Announces the Opening of 30 New Stores

2008-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

KB Toys Announces the Opening of 30 New Stores

Special Stores to Open Across the U.S. for the Holidays!

PITTSFIELD, Mass., Oct. 14 2008 -- KB Toys announced today the opening of thirty new stores to open for the holiday shopping season. These full-size locations will feature a full selection of all the favorite toys, games and video games at the affordable prices KB Toys' shoppers have become accustomed to.
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The stores will be located in leading malls and shopping centers from New York to California, plus Puerto Rico. "These new locations, not only make shopping for affordable toys more convenient, but also bring new jobs to the area", said Andy Bailen, CEO of KB Toys; "the stores will be filled with all the best toys, including video games and family DVD movies from our popular Super Value program."

Front and center in these new stores is the KB Toys recently expanded Super Value Program, which features name brand toys, games, crafts, video games and DVDs. The program offers a unique combination of superior value which allows consumers to stretch their dollars in these challenging economic times. This, plus hundreds of offerings priced at $10 or less makes shopping at KB Toys both fun and affordable.

"Bargains are in every aisle, our helpful associates are ready to assist, the shelves are stocked, we are ready! Guests will have no problem finding all the perfect holiday gifts for the children at KB Toys," added Bailen.

Look for stores to open, starting on October 15 at Natick Mall, MA; followed by stores at Northshore Mall, Peabody, MA; Independence Mall, Kingston, MA; Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, MA; Queens Center, NY; Forest Avenue Shopping Center, Staten Island, NY; Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream, NY; Palisades Mall, West Nyack, NY; Hadley Center, South Plainfield, NJ; Bridgewater Commons, NJ; Kohl's Shopping Center, Morris Plains, NJ; Rockaway Town Square, NJ; Cherry Hill Mall, NJ; King of Prussia Plaza, PA; Tysons Corner, VA; Dulles Town Center, Dulles, VA; Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, GA; Aventura Mall, FL; Tower Shops, Davie, FL; The Parks at Arlington, TX; Vista Ridge Mall, Lewisville, TX; Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee, IL; Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL; Fox Valley Mall, Aurora, IL; Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance, CA; Glendale Galleria, CA, plus Senorial Plaza, Rio Piedras; Plaza Walmart, Guayama; Plaza Isabela, Isabela, Puerto Rico.

You can always find the store nearest you at http://www.kbclubhouse.com.

To help consumer dollars go even further, weekly sales at KB Toys offer even lower prices on select, guest favorites, from famous names like Fisher-Price, Mattel, Hasbro, Disney and more.

KB Toys also has a huge selection of great stocking stuffer gifts and Holiday Gift Cards for the last-minute shopper. Be sure to check out KB Toys often for best and newest selection and keep saving again and again!

About KB Toys

KB Toys, Inc. is the nation's largest mall-based specialty toy retailer, operating more than 460 Stores across America, the American Territory of Guam and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass., the privately-held company has been delighting children, parents and grandparents alike with the fun of toys for more than 80 years. To find the store nearest you go to http://www.kbclubhouse.com.

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards: The Best Toys for Kids 5 & Up

2008-10-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards: The Best Toys for Kids 5 & Up

NEW YORK-- October 6 2008 The independent consumer organization announces its top picks for the best toys of the year for kids 5 & up. "We found a rich mix of products that include both innovative high tech toys (roaring dinosaurs and night vision goggles) and classics with a twist," notes co-founder Stephanie Oppenheim. "Some of our testers' favorites were toys that made a parent-child connection whether it was a family game or a construction set to work on together. Co-founder Joanne Oppenheim points out: "While prices are up on average 15% from last year, we still found a wide variety of outstanding products for every budget."

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards* for kids 5 & up are:

Bitty Twins Multicultural Collection (American Girl)
Bulls Eye Baseball (Hasbro)
Color Surge (Crayola)
Crayola Digital Camcorder (Sakar)
Circus Collection (Playmobil)
Create Your Own Pop Up Books Kit (Creativity for Kids)
Disney Pix Jr. Digital Camera (Disney)
Double Shutter (Blue Orange Games)
EyeClops Bionic Eye Multizoom (Jakks Pacific)
EyeClops Night Vision (Jakks Pacific)
50s Diner (Step 2)
FlyTech Butterfly and Moth (WowWee)
Fun Fly Stick Magic Levitation Wand (Unitech Toys)
Fundomino (Blue Orange Games)
Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin' Pup (Hasbro)
Go Nuts! (Gamewright)
Glow Station (Crayola)
Horse Farm Pony Set (Playmobil)
Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur (Fisher-Price)
Karito Kids Travel Charmers (KidsGive)
Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur (Playskool)
Lego City Coast Guard Patrol Boat and Tower (Lego Systems)
Lego Creator Stegosaur (Lego Systems)
Miss Corolle Collection (Corolle)
Musical Waltz Dress (Acting Out)
My First RC Dinos (Kid Galaxy)
6 in 1 Town Center Playhouse (Little Tikes)
Road and Rail Play Set Railway Station (Plan Toys)
Sorry Sliders (Hasbro)
Tag Reading System (LeapFrog)
Tiki Topple (Gamewright)
Tonka Bounce Back Racer (Hasbro)
Wooden Dinosaur Animal Set (Cheekeyes)

*Complete reviews can be viewed at www.toyportfolio.com and discussed at toyportfolio.wordpress.com.

About the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

The independent consumer organization was co-founded in 1989 by child development experts (and mother/daughter team), Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio does not take entry fees from toy companies. The Oppenheims are Contributors to NBC's TODAY Show.

Contacts
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Stephanie Oppenheim, 212-598-0502
Co-Founder
stephanie@toyportfolio.com

Hasbro Reports First Quarter Results

2008-04-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hasbro Reports First Quarter Results
PAWTUCKET, R.I.----Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS )Highlights

April 21 2008Net revenues of $704.2 million, an increase of $78.9 million or 13% compared to $625.3 million a year ago, or an increase of 9% absent the impact of foreign exchange; Net earnings of $37.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $32.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share last year; Growth driven primarily by TRANSFORMERS and LITTLEST PET SHOP, as well as PLAYSKOOL, STAR WARS, BABY ALIVE, MY LITTLE PONY and board games; During the quarter, the Company spent a total of $156.0 million to repurchase 6.1 million shares of common stock at an average price of $25.63 per share. Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS - News) today reported net revenues of $704.2 million, an increase of $78.9 million or 13% compared to $625.3 million a year ago, or an increase of 9%, net of the favorable foreign exchange impact of $25.4 million. The Company reported net earnings of $37.5 million or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to $32.9 million or $0.19 per diluted share in 2007.

“We had a strong 2007 and the momentum continues in 2008, with growth driven primarily by TRANSFORMERS and LITTLEST PET SHOP, as well as PLAYSKOOL, STAR WARS, BABY ALIVE, MY LITTLE PONY and board games,” said Alfred J. Verrecchia, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“While it’s early in the year and there is still a lot of business to be done, our first quarter performance reinforces the confidence we have in achieving our full-year financial goals,” Verrecchia concluded.

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2008, the Company reorganized the reporting structure of its operating segments. The Company’s Mexican operations have been transferred from the North American segment to the International segment, and the North American segment has been renamed the U.S. and Canada segment. The attached schedule provides a summary of 2007 segment results reclassified in the 2008 segment reporting format.

Net revenues for the U.S. and Canada segment for the quarter were $428.5 million, an increase of 6% compared to $406.1 million in 2007, with strong performances from TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, STAR WARS and board games. The U.S. and Canada segment reported an operating profit of $37.3 million compared to $45.8 million last year. The decrease in operating profit is primarily due to investments the Company is making to grow its business, including the Wizards of the Coast digital initiative and the CRANIUM acquisition.

Net revenues for the International segment for the quarter were $248.3 million, an increase of 22% compared to $202.7 million in 2007, or an increase of 12%, net of the favorable foreign exchange impact of $21.9 million. All major product categories were up significantly, reflecting growth in core brands including TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY and board games. The International segment reported an operating profit of $13.0 million compared to a ($1.8) million loss in 2007. This improvement is primarily a reflection of higher revenues.

“We are very pleased with the results we reported today and we continue to believe we should grow both revenues and earnings per share in 2008. Our balance sheet is strong and we continue to generate good cash flow, which is being returned to shareholders via our increased dividend and the share buyback program,” said David Hargreaves, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

During the quarter, the Board of Directors increased the May 2008 quarterly dividend by $0.04 per share, or 25%, to $0.20 per share. This is the fifth consecutive annual increase and the highest it has been in the history of the Company. Additionally, the Company spent a total of $156.0 million to repurchase 6.1 million shares of common stock at an average price of $25.63 per share.

The Company will web cast its earnings conference call at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time today. Investors and the media are invited to listen at http://www.hasbro.com (select "Corporate Info" from the home page, click on "Investor Information," and then click on the web cast microphone).

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

Grand Toys Regains Compliance With Nasdaq Minimum Bid Price and Minimum Market Value Requirements

2008-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Grand Toys Regains Compliance With Nasdaq Minimum Bid Price and Minimum Market Value Requirements

HONG KONG, March 3 ,2008- Grand Toys International Limited (Nasdaq: GRIN - News) today announced that it has received notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market that the Company has regained compliance with Marketplace Rules 4310(c)(4) and 4310(c)(7), relating to the maintenance of a minimum $1.00 bid price and $1,000,000 minimum market value requirements, respectively. Nasdaq previously notified the Company that its common stock had failed to maintain a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share and a minimum market value of publicly held shares of $1,000,000 over 30 consecutive trading days as required by Nasdaq and that the Company had 180 days to regain compliance with the bid price requirement and 90 days to regain compliance with the market value requirement. As the closing bid price of the Company's common stock has recently closed at $1.00 per share or greater and the market value has been $1,000,000 or greater for a period of at least 10 consecutive trading days, Grand Toys has regained compliance with the minimum bid price and minimum market value requirements.

On February 29, 2008, the closing price of the Company's common stock was $1.65 per share.

About Grand Toys International Limited:

Grand Toys International Limited is a reorganized company resulting from the acquisition of Playwell International Limited in August 2004, International Playthings, Inc. in March 2005 and Hua Yang Holdings Co., Ltd. and Kord Holdings, Inc. in December 2005. Grand, through its Hong Kong, PRC and US operating subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and distributes toy and toy-related products throughout the world; prints and assembles books and specialty packaging; and develops and manufactures party goods. Additional information on Grand Toys can be found on its website at http://www.grand.com. Additional information on Hua Yang can be found on http://www.huayangprinting.com. Additional information on Kord can be found on http://www.kordparty.com. Additional information on IPI can be found on its website at http://www.intplay.com.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on Grand Toys management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties and changes in circumstances. All forward- looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to Grand Toys as of the date of the press release, and it assumes no obligation to update or alter its forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further information on risks or other factors that could affect Grand Toys' results of operations is detailed in the filings of Grand Toys International Limited with the SEC, and the filings of its predecessor, Grand Toys International, Inc., now a subsidiary of Grand Toys International Limited.

Contact: David C.W. Howell Chief Financial Officer E-mail: dhowell@grandtoys.com.hk

Source: Grand Toys International Limited

Wildheartranch.com Creates Connectivity to Brands with Characters, Video Games, Animation and Education

2008-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Wild Heart Ranch “Kids Club” Connecting Online and Offline Play with Endangered Animal and Environmental Brands

Wildheartranch.com Creates Connectivity to Brands with Characters, Video Games, Animation and Education

POINT ROBERTS, WA, Delta B.C. February 22, 2008 - Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. (www.WildHeartRanch.com), a publishing, entertainment, and toy company has updated the company website to incorporate better navigation for the Kids Club content and activities created around the well- known brand of nature- environmentally themed brands and characters.

The Company's website, www.wildheartranch.com is rich in content for kids with a Kids Club that features online video games, animation of characters, educational info on wild animals and horses and much more, all based on Wild Heart Ranch original content.

Wild Heart brands are different because they connect children to nature, teach them about endangered animals, comfort them at night with our stars and moons that light up and they were created from the heart, not a marketing team!

The 'Lucky Stars Collection', 'No More Night Mares', 'Armadillo Cowboy Club', 'I Sea Horses', 'Desert of Lop', & 'Favorite Pet Stories' brands, characters, logos, stories, web sites, video games, patents and trademarks, are all properties of Wild Heart Ranch, Inc.
The environmentally themed books and toys encourage parents to read to children and educate them about endangered animals and causes in a magical and mythical format created to entertain. The books also include information and links to non-profits at the back of each book to build awareness and education about the related endangered species.
Wild Heart Ranch Kids Club Activities:

* Play online video games - click here
* Learn about endangered -animals- click here
* Learn about wild Horses - click here
* Read about horse care - click here
* Meet the No More Night Mares - click here
* Watch the No More Night Mares animated video - click here
* Meet Comet the Paint /Pinto - click here
* Meet Moonbeam the Palomino - click here
* Meet Lucky Stars the Appaloosa - click here
* Listen to the No More Night Mares Legend Audio - click here
* Meet the 12 little twinkling lucky star horses - click here
* Meet the Armadillo Cowboys - click here
* Meet Harry the Hedgehog - click here
* Read our other wild horse legend- "The Sky Stallions" - click here
* Listen to Bradford and the Journey to the Desert of Lop Audio in Chinese - click here
* Send us your pictures - click here
* Send us your artwork - click here
* Send us your stories - click here
And lots more - just look around and learn and have fun!

Kids Club:
http://www.wildheartranch.com/kidsclub/kc_home.asp

Wild Heart Ranch's goal is to offer content that can help guide a new generation to understand and protect the environment. The site content is built around themes incorporated into all of Wild Heart’s product lines as they aid and recognize various non-profits in the goal of preserving wild horses, seahorses, wild camels and other wild animals.
The Wild Heart Ranch “Story of the Month” contest asks readers to contribute their stories of altruism and goodwill towards the animal kingdom. The purpose of the contest is to spread the message to participants that "kids can make a difference"; submit your story on how you are helping animals, wild or domestic, to have a better life.

Video and Fun & Games Pages: http://www.wildheartranch.com/kidsclub/kc_games.asp

About Wild Heart Ranch: Follow Us to the Depths of Imagination...
Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. is a publishing, entertainment and toy company that creates and licenses non-violent toys and products based on original ideas, stories and characters. The unique combined elements of light, magic and branded stars and moons on the plush toys identify us in the marketplace. Our stories and characters are based on personal connections with animals and children that have inspired us. From saving wild horses, to endorsing seahorse conservation or educating children and adults about the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel that may hold a possible cure for cancer, our products are designed from the heart.The company currently sells its lines and brands online including Amazon and Chapters and with specialty retailers and has been featured on QVC.

Wild Heart Ranch Books and Toys: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_home.htm

Visit our sites for more info: www.WildHeartRanch.com
For more information contact

Toll Free: 1.888.889.9213

Cali Van Zant sales@wildheartranch.com

World Market for Toys and Games Report is a Comprehensive Guide to the Size and Shape of the Market on a Global Scale

2008-01-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

World Market for Toys and Games Report is a Comprehensive Guide to the Size and Shape of the Market on a Global Scale

January 29, 2008

DUBLIN, Ireland---Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c80999) has announced the addition of "World Market for Toys and Games" to their offering.
Euromonitor’s World Market for Toys and Games report provides a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market for toys and games on a global scale. It provides the latest retail sales data (2001-2006), allowing you to identify growth markets at the regional and national level. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of the factors influencing the market. Forecasts to 2011 illustrate how the market is set to change.
Product coverage includes traditional toys and games and video games.
Why buy this report?
Get insight into trends in market performance (historic and forecasts) Pinpoint growth sectors and trends and identify factors driving change Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands Use Euromonitor’s research as a starting point for exploring new business opportunities With a network of over 600 analysts worldwide, we have the unique capability to develop reliable information resources to help drive informed strategic planning.

Companies mentioned:
Hasbro Sony Nintendo Leapfrog Microsoft

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c80999
Contacts Research and MarketsLaura Wood, press@researchandmarkets.comfax: +353 1 4100 980

Grand Toys Announces Results of 2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting and Appointment of Advisors

2007-11-26T14:25:00.001-08:00

Grand Toys Announces Results of 2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting and Appointment of Advisors

HONG KONG, Nov. 26 /-- Grand Toys International Limited (Nasdaq: GRIN today reported results for its 2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting held on November 22, 2007. Messrs. Jeff Hsieh, Francis K. Au, Matthew T. Baile, Kenneth B. Fowler, David C.W. Howell, Kevin Murphy and Douglas Van were re-elected Directors of the Company. Also at the Annual General Meeting, the shareholders re-appointed BDO McCabe Lo Limited as auditors of the Company for 2007. The Board subsequently re-elected Messrs. Fowler (Chairman), Van and Baile to serve on the Audit Committee which consists entirely of independent directors and Messrs. Hsieh, Van and Au were also re-elected members of the Compensation and Nominations Committee with Mr. Hsieh as the Chairman.

In addition, the Company also announced that it has engaged Navigant Capital Advisors, LLC, as its exclusive financial advisor to consider a wide range of strategic options, which may include a possible sale of the Company. No assurances can be given that any transaction will be pursued, or if a transaction is pursued, that it will be consummated or the timing of any such transaction. The Company does not expect to make any further public comment on this issue unless and until the Board of Directors has completed the analysis of strategic alternatives and, if appropriate, approved a definitive transaction.

About Grand Toys International Limited: Grand Toys International Limited is an international company resulting from the acquisition of Playwell International Limited in August 2004, International Playthings, Inc. in March 2005 and Hua Yang Holdings Co., Ltd. and Kord Holdings, Inc. in December 2005. Grand Toys, through its Hong Kong and US operating subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and distributes toy and toy related products throughout the world; prints and assembles books and specialty packaging; and develops, manufactures and distributes party goods. Grand Toys' operating subsidiaries have been in continuous operation for up to 45 years. Grand Toys' goal is to become a leading manufacturer, developer, and marketer of toy and toy related products throughout the world.

Additional information on Grand can be found on its website at www.grand.com. Additional information on Hua Yang can be found on www.huayangprinting.com. Additional information on Kord can be found on www.kordparty.com. Additional information on International Playthings, Inc. can be found on its website at www.intplay.com.

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical, including statements about efforts to attract or prospects for additional or increased business, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intend", "will", "goal" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the current expectations of the Company's management and upon information available to the Company as of the date of this press release and are subject to changes in circumstances. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the release due to risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers of this release are referred to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 for further discussion of these and other factors that could affect future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update for actual results or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.

Contact: David C.W. Howell Executive VP Finance E-mail: dhowell@grandtoys.com.hk

Plush Light Up Horses Receive Positive Consumer Response with Australian Specialty Retailer

2007-10-19T13:11:00.001-07:00

Wild Heart Ranch's "No More Night Mares" Plush Light Up Horses Receive Positive Consumer Response with Australian Specialty Retailer

“Australia's love of horses bodes well for Wild Heart's line of magical plush horses and books based on legend about mythical wild horses”

POINT ROBERTS, WA, October 18, 2007– Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. (www.WildHeartRanch.com), a children's toy and publishing company, is pleased to announce that its products are now offered at retail stores “down under”. Wild Heart’s lines of plush horses, the “Lucky Star Collection” and the “No More Night Mares” have traveled half way around the world to Australia and can be purchased in Brisbane, Australia. Cowboy Country, www.cowboycountry.com.au, owned by Kylie Sweeney is the first store in Australia to carry Wild Heart's products

Wild Heart Ranch's line has been recognized by media in the environmental sector for educating children about the environment and endangered animals, as well as receiving numerous toy industry excellence awards for its brands.

For Consumers showcase: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_home.htm
Click under view detailed images to visit showcase

For Retailers Showcase:
http://www.wildheartranch.com/retailers/store_retailersmain.asp

Our Brands: “No More Night Mares” Plush Light-Up Horses:
“No More Night Mares” series of 14" plush horses (three mares, Comet, Moonbeam and Lucky Stars) also have a night light situated on their blaze, (the white triangle shaped spot on a horse's face) that lights up a piece of the sky for children to fall asleep next to. Each comes with a comb and an identifiable Wild Heart gold star horse brand. (Batteries required) To light up the No More Night Mares, (turn light on and off): Squeeze the "light up" button located inside the right front hoof (foot). The characters are based on the original, ‘The No More Night Mares... A Dream of Freedom’ Children's Book about magical wild horses that light up the sky.

The No More Night Mares 14" Toys require 3 AA batteries

*The Lucky Stars Collection - Mini Light-Up Plush Horses
The original characters come to life in a brand new design, to light up imaginations. What do little girls dream of...? Horses of course! Magical mini plush horses that light up with celestial windows of the moon & stars! The 12 mini horses come in realistic colors, with long manes and tails to comb.

Each horse comes with a nametag & poem based on the original story of mystical wild horses - "The No More Night Mares" as well as a secret password to the site. Squeeze them and their blazes will twinkle like the stars in the sky.

*’The No More Night Mares... A Dream of Freedom’ Children's Book

‘The No More Night Mares' book awarded Creative Child Award: Seal of Excellence for 2005

ISBN# 0976176815
Written by Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated by Kim McElroy

Horse people will love this mythical herd of mares destined to light up the night sky. “Night mares prance brilliantly against a background of a black sky and glowing stars to light our way to a time long-forgotten. Gaze up into their bright lights and they will fill you with a magical power. Listen to the call of the wild herd and remember... We don't have to be afraid of the dark.”

*'I Sea Horses: >From Sky to Sea' Children's Book

ISBN# 0976176807
Written by Dawn Van Zant
Illustrated beautifully by her 18 year old daughter, Cali Van Zant

From the mother/daughter creators of Wild Heart Ranch comes this tale of how a herd of wild horses followed the light from a Star and entered the aquatic realm to become the first sea horses. Pegasus, the leader of the herd, has had a bad dream - a vision in which his beloved herd will no longer be free to roam the land unfettered by fences and without human riders.

Acting on instinct, and in response to his dream, he leads his band of mares towards a new home - a home under the waves! There, the sea horses meet their Lucky Star, Marina, who offers a light to guide them in the dark waters. The I Sea Horses story is designed to inspire young children to follow their dreams, and to move beyond their fears into uncharted territory.

*I Sea Horses - Plush Light up Seahorses

6 Collectible Plush Seahorses: The brightly colored six seahorses have bendable tails that wrap around anything - especially your heart!
Squeeze their belly and the magical starfish will light up your imagination. Each seahorse comes with a comb for their long, colorful hair and a nametag with a poem and secret password to the web site.

About Wild Heart Ranch: www.WildHeartRanch.com, www.ISeaHorses.com, www.FavoritePetStories.com

Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. is a publishing, entertainment and toy company that creates and licenses non-violent toys and products based on original ideas, stories and characters. The 'Lucky Stars Collection', 'No More Night Mares', 'Armadillo Cowboy Club’, 'I Sea Horses', ‘Desert of Lop’, & ‘Favorite Pet Stories’ brands, characters, logos, stories, web sites, video games, patents and trademarks, are all properties of Wild Heart Ranch, Inc.

For more information contact

Toll Free: 1.888.889.9213

Cali Van Zant sales@wildheartranch.com

Despite Predicted Toy Shortage for the Holidays - WildHeartRanch.com Can Help Santa Deliver Toys and Books Themed on Endangered Animal Species

2007-10-04T13:50:00.001-07:00

Despite Predicted Toy Shortage for the Holidays - WildHeartRanch.com Can Help Santa Deliver Toys and Books Themed on Endangered Animal Species

Online Visitors Can View Three Dimensional Images of Plush Light Up Horses, Seahorses, Camels and Children’s Books in Product Showcase

POINT ROBERTS, WA, Delta B.C. October 4, 2007 - Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. (http://www.wildheartranch.com/), a plush toy and children's book company, reports that in spite of the current toy shortages predicted for this holiday season, the Company currently has inventory and stock ready to ship.

Wild Heart Ranch, a small company within the toy and publishing industry, manufactured ahead and maintains an inventory of current products of plush light up horses, seahorses, plush camels and corresponding children’s books. The environmentally themed books and toys encourage parents to read to children and educate them about endangered animals and causes.
Wild Heart’s online store locator and product showcase for children’s toys and books makes Christmas and holiday shopping easier for consumers looking for specialty gift items. Online consumers can view the unique plush light up toys and accompanying children’s books in a multi-view showcase and then make instant online purchases from one of the many online retailers listed in the directory.
As online buying increases, this feature will assist consumers in easily locating retailers that carry Wild Heart's product lines of children and family picture books about endangered animals and magical plush toys that light up.
From saving wild horses and endorsing seahorse conservation, to educating children and adults about the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel that may hold a possible cure for cancer, Wild Heart Ranch's books and toys are designed from the heart.
Wild Heart Ranch's line has been recognized by media in the environmental sector for educating children about the environment and endangered animals, as well as receiving numerous toy industry excellence awards for its brands.
The unique plush toys and characters light up with celestial lights of comets, moons and stars. The Company also brands the plush horses, seahorses and plush camels with moons and stars. From minis to 14" plush, each unique toy is cuddly and comforting for children afraid of the dark. The accompanying storybooks tell magical tales of myth and legends that light up imaginations and educate children and adults alike about endangered animals.
Visit the store locator: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_storeLocations.htm
Visit Online Toy and Book retailers: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_onlineStores.htm

The new online Product Showcase focuses on the unique features for each line that make the product stand out from other brands in the market, as well as show the quality of the products. The Showcase can be found in both the consumer part of the website and the retailer’s only section. With the new product show case, retailers and consumers will get a better sense of the lines before they buy, ensuring that the product is something that will work for them.

For Consumers showcase: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_home.htm
Click under view detailed images to view showcase

For Retailers :
http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_retailersOnly.htm

About Wild Heart Ranch: Follow Us to the Depths of Imagination... Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. is a publishing, entertainment and toy company that creates and licenses non-violent toys and products based on original ideas, stories and characters. The unique combined elements of light, magic and branded stars and moons on the plush toys identify us in the marketplace.
For more information contact
Toll Free: 1.888.889.9213
Cali Van Zantsales@wildheartranch.com

Despite Predicted Toy Shortage for the Holidays - WildHeartRanch.com Can Help Santa Deliver Toys and Books Themed on Endangered Animal Species

2007-10-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Despite Predicted Toy Shortage for the Holidays - WildHeartRanch.com Can Help Santa Deliver Toys and Books Themed on Endangered Animal Species

Online Visitors Can View Three Dimensional Images of Plush Light Up Horses, Seahorses, Camels and Children’s Books in Product Showcase

POINT ROBERTS, WA, Delta B.C. October 4, 2007 - Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. (www.WildHeartRanch.com), a plush toy and children's book company, reports that in spite of the current toy shortages predicted for this holiday season, the Company currently has inventory and stock ready to ship.

Wild Heart Ranch, a small company within the toy and publishing industry, manufactured ahead and maintains an inventory of current products of plush light up horses, seahorses, plush camels and corresponding children’s books. The environmentally themed books and toys encourage parents to read to children and educate them about endangered animals and causes.
Wild Heart’s online store locator and product showcase for children’s toys and books makes Christmas and holiday shopping easier for consumers looking for specialty gift items. Online consumers can view the unique plush light up toys and accompanying children’s books in a multi-view showcase and then make instant online purchases from one of the many online retailers listed in the directory.
As online buying increases, this feature will assist consumers in easily locating retailers that carry Wild Heart's product lines of children and family picture books about endangered animals and magical plush toys that light up.
From saving wild horses and endorsing seahorse conservation, to educating children and adults about the critically endangered wild Bactrian camel that may hold a possible cure for cancer, Wild Heart Ranch's books and toys are designed from the heart.
Wild Heart Ranch's line has been recognized by media in the environmental sector for educating children about the environment and endangered animals, as well as receiving numerous toy industry excellence awards for its brands.
The unique plush toys and characters light up with celestial lights of comets, moons and stars. The Company also brands the plush horses, seahorses and plush camels with moons and stars. From minis to 14" plush, each unique toy is cuddly and comforting for children afraid of the dark. The accompanying storybooks tell magical tales of myth and legends that light up imaginations and educate children and adults alike about endangered animals.
Visit the store locator: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_storeLocations.htm
Visit Online Toy and Book retailers: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_onlineStores.htm

The new online Product Showcase focuses on the unique features for each line that make the product stand out from other brands in the market, as well as show the quality of the products. The Showcase can be found in both the consumer part of the website and the retailer’s only section. With the new product show case, retailers and consumers will get a better sense of the lines before they buy, ensuring that the product is something that will work for them.

For Consumers showcase: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_home.htm
Click under view detailed images to view showcase

For Retailers :
http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_retailersOnly.htm

About Wild Heart Ranch: Follow Us to the Depths of Imagination... Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. is a publishing, entertainment and toy company that creates and licenses non-violent toys and products based on original ideas, stories and characters. The unique combined elements of light, magic and branded stars and moons on the plush toys identify us in the marketplace.
For more information contact
Toll Free: 1.888.889.9213
Cali Van Zantsales@wildheartranch.com

Toy recall at Mattel - 9 million toys

2007-08-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Toys made in China are once again under fire with a massive recall as Mattel recalls 9 million toys considered hazardous to children with magnets and lead being the primary issue .
Magnet toys from 2002 to today are part of the recall. As products from toys to food to pet food produced in China are under scrutiny - new testing and methods will be put in place and may cause a consumer lack of faith.
Mattel assures testing and standards are in place as this , the second recall is in the news. The first recall was over 1 million toys that may have had lead paint.
The first recall is estimated to result in a $30 million charge to Mattel.

“HOODIEZ” TOYS

2007-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

“HOODIEZ” TOYS BREAK THE MOLD!

Carl Jones Joins Dreamland Toyworks to Launch New Toy Line

Who: CARL JONES, producer on the top rated animated series The Boondocks

What: Official “HOODIEZ” urban vinyl toy release party.

When: Saturday May 12, 2007
2-6 Signing
6-10pm Gallery mixer with refreshments

Where: Meltdown Comics
7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 851-7223 phone

The “HOODIEZ” are a series of urban vinyl toys that consist of 5 original characters: Boogie, Jazz, Noc, Scrapz and Flip. Boogie has massive arms, with a tiny head, and a sleeveless hooded sweatshirt. Jazz rocks a red hoodie, shades and a geometric beard. Noc wears his hat turned backwards with giant headphones and floppy sneaks. Scrapz is the little shorty with blocky braids and a long white tee. And then there’s Flip, a runt with a backpack and an oversized hat pulled down over his eyes. These vinyl figures range from 4” to 8” tall and are strictly limited to a 1,000 standard edition, a 200 limited gray scale edition and a 200 limited all--black edition. For images and company information go to: http://press.dreamlandtoyworks.com/

Contact: David Fiorito Annie Chen
(610) 322-9356 cell (310) 244-2398 phone
david.fiorito@dreamlandtoyworks.com Annie_Chen@spe.sony.com

Mattel, Inc., - Barbie(R) Launches Global Online Community Designed Exclusively for Girls

2007-04-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Barbie(R) Launches the World's First Global Online Community Designed Exclusively for Girls

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT - www.mattel.com)
Mattel launched the beta site for BarbieGirls.com(SM), a part of its Barbie Girls(TM) platform being unveiled in its entirety on April 26 in New York City. BarbieGirls.com(SM) is the first-ever global online community designed exclusively for girls and celebrates another "first" for the Barbie® brand in launching new forms of media and entertainment.ADVERTISEMENT "Since 2000, Barbie has been a leader in emerging media -- from the launch of Barbie.com which now celebrates 65 million monthly visitors(1) to the tremendous success of our direct-to-home entertainment, dating back to 2001 when toy-driven entertainment for girls was a breakframe idea," said Chuck Scothon, general manager and senior vice president, Girls, Mattel Brands. "Barbie again leads with the introduction of Barbie Girls and what promises to be the next generation of girls' play with a first-of-its-kind experience."
Designed to be a safe place for girls to play and interact online, the beta version of BarbieGirls.com(SM) gives girls the creative power to customize their own virtual character, design their own "room," shop at the mall, play games, hang out and chat live with other girls. Later this month, the entire Barbie Girls(TM) platform and the full range of the BarbieGirls.com(SM) Web site features will be revealed at a global launch event.

more toy stocks info
http://www.toyindustrystocks.com

Mattel Stock Up on Opening on 2006 Financial Results

2007-01-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

Mattel (MAT) Stock Up on Opening on 2006 Financial Results

With Barbie sales up and better than expected numbers Mattel (MAT ) is up on the opening

Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT ) today reported 2006 fourth quarter and full-year financial results. For the quarter, the company reported net income of $286.4 million, or $0.75 per share, compared to last year's fourth quarter net income of $279.2 million, or $0.69 per share. For the year, the company reported net income of $592.9 million, or $1.53 per share, compared to last year's net income of $417.0 million, or $1.01 per share.

full release -
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070129/lam006.html?.v=80

changing face of toys ? - Ugly Betty- now ugly toys

2007-01-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

An interesting article posted in the New York Times on a trend of ugly toys

Toy Story

STEVEN HELLER
Published: January 28, 2007
The (variously) one-eyed, one-horned, purple, red and green people eaters called Uglydolls are among the most successful of a new wave of vinyl, plastic and plush “designer toys.” Originally conceived by the New York design school graduates David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the Uglydoll line has grown into a monstrous franchise with dozens of iterations, collected (ostensibly for their kids) by baby boomers, like me, who have yet to fully embrace maturity. Uglydolls are, however, but one brand among scores — if not hundreds — of patently quirky and deliberately unsightly toy/object characters that have exploded into a minor global phenomenon.
full article -
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/books/review/Heller.t.html

Oscar the Christmas Wiener Dog brings us Joy, as he plays with Bubbles "I Sea Horses" toy...

2006-12-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Oscar the Christmas Wiener Dog brings us Joy, as he plays with Bubbles "I Sea Horses" toy...

This holiday season, there is a new Wild Heart www.wildheartranch.com
family member, Oscar the wiener dog. Oscar is a smooth haired mini wiener dog that was an early Christmas present for the Van Zant family and the Wild Heart office (yes, we bring our dogs to work). At 10 weeks old little Oscar has already found not only a new home, but a new job. Oscar has proudly started his rising career as a model for clothing and accessories for the canine community. His modeling pictures can be found on http://www.k9kloud9.com/ where a variety of fashionable dog coats, accessories and purses can be purchased. Oscar has already accumulated one purse and two coats for the winter. His favorite coat is his army print coat that he loves to wear on his outdoor adventures.
During Oscar’s spare time he enjoys eating shoe laces, sleeping and attacking anything that squeaks, including Churchill and Mackenzie, our other two office dogs. To keep himself in shape Oscar follows a strict regime of playing with his favorite toys 3 to 4 times a day. He has even found that playing and cuddling with Bubbles the orange "I Sea Horses" is not only fun, but educational!
Oscar hopes to continue his career as a model for the next few years and then would like to retire to become a permanent lap dog at the Van Zant residence. Oh, and of course he has been introduced to the barn and the horses and had an up close and personal sniff of horses!

some of our online toy and book retailers

2006-12-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

some of our new online retailers are doing well with our product line of plush animals and books - check out

J. Renee HyzyOwner, All Things Equine, Inc.Specialty gifts, gift baskets & gourmet horse treatsfor horse lovers of all ages and occasions.www.allthingsequineinc.com

Melissa Sipe
Mountain Horse, Inc.
www.MontanaMountainHorse.com

and www.Horsetoys is having a great holiday season with the line

It is really reinforcing to us directly the growth in online sales in toys and books

upcoming Cyber Monday - buying toys online

2006-11-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

with all the buzz on toy shortages for the season for the must haves - there are a lot of online toys retailers to check out - for example some of the retailers that carry our lines also have great toys available and ready to meet the holiday deadlines

Let's go shopping Wild Heart Ranch Balls Barbie, Betty Spaghetty ...- visit : Ltitoys.com -
http://www.ltitoys.com/category.asp?id=40

Horse Toys www.horsetoys.com

Color of Horses- http://www.colorofhorses.com/cat-TOYS.html

Farm Good for Kids http://www.farmgoodsforkids.com/toys/toys-by-brand/wild-heart-ranch-1.html

holiday sales for toys

2006-11-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

They say the toy industry has been hard hit since 911- that’s not news to anyone in it. Since we deal mostly with specialty stores at Wild Heart Ranch-we have seen, heard and felt it first hand.
Retailers have been nervous about taking on inventory too early and we have heard the last few years that a lot of them still had inventory in place going into the season. This year Tickle I Elmo has sparked interest in the toy biz again - on his 10 year anniversary. We have seen a bit of an increase and a better mind frame from our retailer base - especially online. One of our small online toy stores had six orders this week for our products. That’s not a lot for big online retailers, but it’s a good indicator for us.

We continue to be optimistic as we head into the season and hope that our non violent basic plush toys that are cuddly and cute will be endearing enough to compete with high tech toys.

To visit our online retailers and store locations:
To check out our product showcase and get the next best thing to actually hugging one of our plush toys- visit

Visit the new store locator: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_storeLocations.htm Visit Online Toy and Book retailers: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_onlineStores.htm
The new online Product Showcase focuses on the unique features for each line that make the product stand out from other brands in the market, as well as show the quality of the products. The Showcase can be found in both the consumer part of the website and the retailer’s only section. With the new product show case, retailers and consumers will get a better sense of the lines before they buy, ensuring that the product is something that will work for them.
For Consumers showcase: http://www.wildheartranch.com/toysBooks/tb_home.htm Click under view detailed images to view showcase
For Retailers Showcase: http://www.wildheartranch.com/retailers/store_retailersmain.asp

another building toy for kids - just add water

2006-10-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

This news was forwarded to me today and felt it was worth considering for kids toys -

Bridge Street Toys Introduces NewHYDRODYNAMIC Building Sets For Children
‘Just Add Water And Your Imagination’

Weston, MA – October 31, 2006 – Bridge Street Toys, which began selling “new” Girder and Panel Building Sets in October 2005, has introduced its latest toys in time for Christmas: HYDRODYNAMIC™ Building Sets with which children ages 10 and up can build models of an ice cream factory, an oil refinery, a water treatment plant, and other industrial structures – all with working tanks, pipes, valves, and pumps.

“Just add water and your imagination to have hours of creative fun,” said Carol Flack, president and co-founder of Bridge Street Toys (www.bridgestreettoys.com). “When people see the flowing water and sets that really work, they are amazed the toys were built by children, which gives kids an extra sense of accomplishment at an early age. Children can build many different structures using the sets and the instruction book, which contains several examples.”

“The HYDRODYNAMIC™ Building Sets are fascinating toys for both children and adults,” added Carol. “Everyone loves playing with water. While having fun, children learn about the basic principles of fluid dynamics, such as how a siphon works. They can balance the water flow through the plant by adjusting the valves.”

· HYDRODYNAMIC™ Deluxe Building Set – which retails for $85 – includes electric pump, siphon tank, large square tank, small and large round and cone bottom tanks, float valve, tilt scale, ball flow meter, water wheel, spray head, and assorted valves, pipe holders, and pipe. The set contains about 300 pieces.

· HYDRODYNAMIC™ Starter Building Set – which retails for $50 – includes hand pump, siphon tank, small round bottom tank, large cone bottom tank, tilt scale, ball flow meter, and assorted valves, pipe holders and pipe. The set contains about 180 pieces.

· Four HYDRODYNAMIC™ Accessory Kits – which each retail for $12.50 – are available to expand the sets by adding roadways, a factory office, additional tanks, and pipes and valves.

The HYDRODYNAMIC™ sets are part of Bridge Street Toys’ Girder and Panel® line of educational construction toys. All parts are interchangeable between the HYDRODYNAMIC™, Girder and Panel®, and Bridge and Turnpike™ construction sets.

There are six other types of Bridge Street Toys Girder and Panel sets currently available by ordering directly from Bridge Street Toys’ website at www.BridgeStreetToys.com and from many hobby and specialty toy stores across the U.S. They are:

· Tektôn Bank, which sells for $24.95
· Tektôn Fire Station Building Set ($24.95)
· Tektôn Truss Bridge Set ($42.95)
· Tektôn Tower Building Set ($44.95)
· Tektôn Plaza Building Set ($76.95)
· Tektôn Bridge Mania Set ($76.95)

“Mix and match all the sets from Bridge Street Toys to build cities complete with roadways and manufacturing plants,” added Carol.
Bridge Street Toys Girder & Panel™ sets were selected as one of Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys for 2006 www.drtoy.com

A small, family-owned company based outside of Boston, Bridge Street Toys’ Girder and Panel Sets are modeled after the toys Kenner Products originally introduced in 1957, and are designed to appeal to children ages 6 years old and up.

The original Girder and Panel sets were created when Kenner Products co-founderAlbert Steiner was inspired by the modern steel beam and girder structure of a new office building in Kenner’s home town of Cincinnati back in 1956. Kenner Products sold around 3.5 million Girder and Panel sets between 1957 and 1968.

Girder and Panel sets consist of realistic HO scale parts which allow children to create structures that are built similarly to real buildings. “Girder and Panel sets motivated many children – including me – to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, and technology,” said Paul Flack, 49, who with his wife, Carol, founded Bridge Street Toys. Both have more than 20 years of engineering experience.

The Flacks saw an opportunity to re-launch Girder and Panel sets when Paul wanted to give his son, Paul, one as a gift, and learned that they were out of production. The patents on the toys had expired, and the trademarks had been released into the public domain. Bridge Street Toys acquired the trademarks in 2003, and immediately started engineering the new toys.

The Flacks’ two children are also involved in the running of Bridge Street Toys. Daughter Ruth, 12, is vice president of marketing, and son Paul, 10, is vice president of product development. They participate in product design and testing, marketing, web site development, product costing, and quality.

“We wanted to teach our children something about the business world, as well as how buildings and structures are made,” said Carol.
MEDIA CONTACT:Sal Vittolino215-264-0644sal@salvitt.com For photos of the new HYDRO toys, please e-mail sal@salvitt.com

Lego shortage for Christmas - what is Santa to do ?

2006-10-31T11:32:00.000-08:00

It says a lot for the toy industry when a well- known toy that has endured over time is telling consumers there may be a shortage for Christmas. Lego is telling the industry it can't keep up with current demand and there may be a shortage in toy stores for Christmas!
Industry says that may represent a substantial decrease in sales for the company over the season

I guess Santa has to kick in and help- for every little boy or girl that has their heart set on Lego for the holidays

Visit Lego at http://www.lego.com