Hot toy still at large

Associated Press

NEW YORK — If there is going to be one really hot toy this holiday shopping season, U.S. retailers have not found it yet.

Unlike last year, when cash registers were ringing thanks to all things Pokemon, toy stores are predicting sales to be spread out among a range of products, many technology-related.

So far, the greatest demand is for scooters, which rolled onto the scene in March, according to PlayDate Inc., a New York marketing company that conducted a nationwide survey of toy sellers.

Other toys expected to be big hits include an interactive doll made by Playmates, called Amazing Babies; electronic pets made by a handful of manufacturers; Mattel’s Harry Potter trivia game; and Hasbro’s Hit Clips, miniature electronic devices that play music.

"Last year, there was a concentration of a half a dozen products. This year is different. It is not as clear," said Sean McGowan, a toy analyst at Gerard Klauer &amp Mattison, who oversaw the PlayDate survey.

The survey of the nation’s top 12 toy retailers was released Tuesday at a gathering in New York of 38 toymakers and retailers.

This holiday season, sales predictions by toy retailers have been complicated by a slowdown in consumer spending and a worldwide shortage of computer chips, which may affect retailers abilities to meet demand for certain high-tech toys.

For instance, Toys ‘R’ Us will not heavily advertise Sony’s PlayStation 2 game consoles because the Tokyo-based company has warned that a chip shortage has forced it to halve its North American delivery, according to George R. Staley, president of the retailer’s U.S. toy division.

"I’m not going to disappoint the customer," Staley said.

What will keep toy retailers busy, Staley says, is the continuing strong demand for scooters, particularly the higher-priced, branded versions. Staley said Toys ‘R’ Us is also banking on consumer interest in robotic pets, particularly Poo-Chi, from Hasbro’s Tiger Electronics division; Tekno, from Manley Quest; and Rocket the Wonder Dog, from Mattel’s Fisher-Price.

Independent toy analyst Chris Byrne says the increasing sophistication of children is giving the toy industry headaches.

"They have a strong consciousness of the vast array of products out there, and they have become discriminating shoppers," he said. "Marketing can make them aware, but it is not going to change their sense of themselves as consumers."

Copyright ©2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.