I think Barbie is in another transitional period.

Toymakers are bringing back proven hits because it’s less risky than betting on something new.

If you look at the business historically, it’s been really cyclical. There have been these major events in her life when she’s been redefined — the early 70s, the early 80s and the late 90s....

Parents are looking for options that allow kids to incorporate physical activity into their play — even at younger ages. Cranium first defined what that active experience should be for preschoolers with its Cranium Hullabaloo...

On one level, the Hollywood-like romance is tongue-in-cheek. But on the other level, it means serious business.

I’m seeing a lot of electronics. I think a good portion of them are stupid.

KB hasn’t articulated a strategy about what they’re doing yet, but need to stock a lot of the hot toys. It isn’t really a destination store but the fact that they’re mall-based helps because parents...

It spreads the wealth around the industry, and acknowledges that not every kid wants the same toys.

What used to distinguish a toy from an adult product was a child’s ability to work it.

Things come and go, but the Ant Farm is very much like Barbie or G.I. Joe or Hot Wheels that have managed to survive. The novelty was creating a whole world that you can see.

If you’re from a city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, you’ve most likely heard jazz. You might not have heard jazz if you’re from a rural area.

When Ruth Handler introduced Barbie in 1959, she didn’t want any story attached to the doll whatsoever, because she wanted the girls to create it all out of their imaginations. Today, girls interact with story...

There are a lot of obstacles and you really have to think and make the best decisions possible. You look at the decisions you make, and that’s really what makes up your score.

We are living in a gadget-driven world, and kids want their own gadgets. It makes them feel like they’re part of the whole culture.

Kids are very comfortable with technology and these toys reflect that. When the microwave and car talk to you it’s perfectly reasonable that toys do. But it comes down to whether it’s fun. All the...

If it’s a way of expanding toys into a year-long business, then electronics and furnishings make sense,

Batman is such a strong property for Mattel, especially among boys between 4 to 6 years old. One recall is unlikely to affect the brand, … Mattel did the responsible thing and I don’t think...

The popularity of plug-and-play games is indicative of what’s happening with technology in general,

When I first started, my shots kept going right and I thought, well, this isn’t that fun. But the more you practice, the better your accuracy and the farther you can throw. Then you start...

Toys ‘R’ Us will close some of its stores but it’s not going away, … You can’t lose sight of how the consumer perceives this retailer. The company has taken a knock but consumers still...

It’s definitely a way to reclaim some market share, but how do you get a kid to want it? Kids are more proficient with technology than Mom and Dad. The traditional barrier to what made...

All of us at NHT are very excited about our new partners, … The combined influences of dramatic market change and the increasing pallet of new technologies to improve audio products make it necessary for...

I think this will really help. Look at what Target has done in establishing itself as a resource for consumers. Toys R Us is struggling to become a destination for toys so it makes perfect...

Moms will probably draw a line on these dolls but they’re a good ‘allowance’ toy for kids on a weekly or monthly budget, … They’re goofy, gross, inexpensive and a classic buy for a 5-year-old...

If you can demonstrate a good value to the consumer, he or she will buy it. But you look at the toys that have done well, and retailers are marking them down. They are leaving...

It’s certainly getting grown-ups like you talking about Barbie, and the metaphor that they are using reflects the majority of people’s fascination with celebrity.

I think he’ll provide a nice balance to the merchants who are running the company.

What we’re really trying to do is to be an integral part of the Pennsylvania jazz scene.

Parents are looking for products, and increasingly they are agnostic about where they get those products. And with gas prices the way they are they want to go where it’s easiest.

He’s a guy who really fosters creativity and creative product development, which is exactly what is needed right now, … By streamlining they’ll be able to respond to the marketplace as it evolves.

Historically, toys have always reflected our culture at any particular point in time, … Today we live in a high-tech world, where technology is being used by kids even at a very young age. Toymakers...

Star Wars’ is a 20-year-old brand. When the next ‘Star Wars’ movie comes out, there’s going to be much more interest in the product.