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EXCLUSIVELY AT PLAYTHINGS.COM

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Global Toy sales Rose in 2007

Domestic toy sales may have been down in 2007, but worldwide the toy business blossomed 5 percent last year to $71.96 billion, according to The NPD Group. The largest toy markets outside of the U.S. remained Japan and the United Kingdom, while Brazil, Russia, India and China saw growth that outpaced the overall global market. NPD expects global toy sales to top $86.3 billion in 2010, helped by a forecasted rebound in U.S. sales.

U.S. stores help TRU's Q2

Toys 'R' Us tallied a $13 million profit in the second quarter, helped by net sales gains at its three divisions. Sales during the 13 weeks ended on August 2 grew 6.4 percent to $2.77 billion. Domestic toy division sales rose 6.4 percent to $1.058 billion, helped by a 5 percent jump in same-store sales. Babies 'R' Us' sales rose 2.4 percent.

Build-A-Bear Dumps Doll Stores

Build-A-Bear Workshop last month said it would end its foray into make-your-own dolls, announcing plans to close its nine Friends 2B Made concept stores around the country. “We believe the best strategic course for the company is to continue to focus our primary efforts on building Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark of the thinking behind the move.

International Playthings sold

Grand Toys International signed a term sheet last month to sell the assets of its U.S. specialty toy subsidiary, International Playthings Inc., to an affiliate of Japanese toy maker Epoch Co. Ltd., for an undisclosed sum. Epoch is the creator of International Playthings' best-known line, Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners. International Playthings' existing management is expected to continue in place following the sale's completion. The move marks Grand's exit from the U.S. toy business.

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