America is rediscovering the joys of board games

  • Wednesday, December 19, 2001 9:00pm
  • Business

Associated Press

NEW YORK — The recession and fears of terrorism may be killing business most places, but not at Marvin Gardens.

From Monopoly to Scrabble to Cranium, board games are enjoying a surge in sales as people try to enjoy themselves in the safest, most economical place they know — their homes.

Families are spending more time together following the Sept. 11 attacks, and the recession is forcing many people to spend less. Retailers and manufacturers say that kind of behavior typically sends sales of games and puzzles up, and it has so far this year.

Hasbro says sales of its classic board games — including Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Clue, Pictionary and Scrabble — have seen a low, double-digit rise during the first three quarters of this year, compared with the same period in 2000.

"What’s significant is to see that much growth," said Mark Morris, a spokesman for Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro Inc., owner of Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley. "You have to remember, these games have been around for a while. Scrabble is 53, Candy Land is 52 and Monopoly is 66 years old. It really speaks to a trend that people have rediscovered board games."

Susan Nielsen, 39, said she and her husband introduced her two boys to Tripoley when they were visiting her parents over Thanksgiving in Walla Walla, and were instantly hooked.

"I think it’s wonderful family time," said Nielsen, of Spokane. "It gives us time to visit and talk and be with each other."

A self-proclaimed board game fanatic, Nielsen said she plans to give Tripoley, which combines Michigan Rummy, Hearts and Poker, to three different people as Christmas presents.

AreYouGame.com, a San Francisco-based Web site that sells board games and puzzles, expects volume to more than double this year, said company president Jim Stern. Cranium, Battle of the Sexes, Harry Potter games, chess, backgammon and mah-jongg are doing particularly well, he said.

"There’s nothing better than doing things that really bring people together, especially during a time of uncertainty," Stern said. "Also, we’re seeing an increase in online sales because people are taking more comfort in shopping in the safety of their own homes."

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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