• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Toy retailers set up for holiday sprint

Posted on: Tuesday, 15 September 2009, 08:25 CDT

Industry market analysts said large U.S. toy retailers are gearing up aggressively for the upcoming holiday shopping season, as the recession continues.

Toys R Us is expected to open 80 temporary stores for the holiday season, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

In addition, while expanding 200 established stores with a new line called R Markets, Toys R Us will open 260 smaller stores inside Babies R Us outlets this year.

We're energized, Toys R Us Chief Executive Officer Jerry Storch said.

Industry analyst Anita Frazier at NPD Group said, I think every lever that can be pulled will be pulled.

Sean McGowan, a market analyst with Needham & Co. said Toys R Us seem to be steamrolling.

Meanwhile, discount retail giant Wal-Mart recently opened family night center, featuring $10 to $18 DVDs and $8 board games, the Post said.

We will definitely be ready ... with incredible values across toys from core basics to hot new items, said Laura Phillips, Wal-Mart's chief toy officer and senior vice president of entertainment.

Sears added toy departments to 20 of its stores in August. It's part of a bigger effort. Really, this is our first step, Sears spokesman Tom Aiello said.

Source: United Press International

More News in this Category