The King Jumps into the Action and Joins Forces with Marvel for New “Iron Man 2″-Themed Promotions

MIAMI, Apr 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Burger King Corporation catapults customers into the thrilling world of “Iron Man 2,” opening in theaters everywhere May 7, with an action-packed national promotion featuring the WHIPLASH WHOPPER(R) sandwich. This limited-time addition to the BK(R) menu captures the sharp edge of the film’s villain, Whiplash, with an intense, red-hot flavor combination featuring a flame-broiled WHOPPER(R) sandwich topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, crispy red peppers and spicy mayonnaise. The fiery sandwich will be available for a suggested price of $3.79 at participating restaurants throughout the four-week promotion.

To further mark the return of this popular movie franchise, Burger King Corp. has created an exclusive collection of BK(R) Kids Meal toys that bring the power and attitude of “Iron Man” into restaurants. This collection of eight film-inspired premiums are available with the purchase of a BK(R) Kids Meal and include four lifestyle accessories for girls and four action-packed toys for boys, including an exclusive “Iron Man 2″ figurine that stands a full seven inches tall when assembled.*

“BKC is proud to have been a part of the theatrical debut of ‘Iron Man,’ and we are thrilled to continue our support with ‘Iron Man 2,’” said Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer, North America, Burger King Corp. “We’ve invested more than ever before in our promotional elements so our guests can expect a new cutting-edge, Stark Industry-inspired promotional line-up featuring fan favorites like our collectible toys that are bigger and better, as well as some exciting new elements aimed at satisfying the hungriest of adult heroes.”

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ToySplash.com adds to its online collection of water toys and accessories

Mesa, Ariz. (PRWEB) March 8, 2010 — ToySplash.com, a leading source of water fun, today announced a new addition to its line of Disney themed pool toys. New for 2010 are the Disney Toy Story Dive Sticks, manufactured by Swimways. With the new “Toy Story 3” movie debuting in June of 2010, these water toys are sure to sell out fast. At just $12.99 for Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Alien, they’re the perfect water accessory for children five years and older.

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The 2010 SuperStar Barbie, left, and a reproduction of the 1977 original SuperStar Barbie.

In honor of Barbie’s 51st birthday, Mattel is giving away a glam Barbie.

Entries must come through Twitter by retweeting the following:

Win SuperStar Barbie #BarbiesBday RT this & follow @ParentDish & @BarbieStyle to win Enter by 11:59 p ET on March 8 rules http://ow.ly/1f3yf

All entries must be tweeted before 11:59 pm ET on March 8.

One winner will be selected in a random drawing

The winner will receive each of the following dolls:

Barbie My Favorite Time Capsule 1977 SuperStar Doll

In celebration of Barbie doll’s 50th anniversary, Mattel reproduced the vintage 1977 SuperStar Barbie doll. The package includes a reproduction Barbie doll in a pink halter dress from the era with a boa and matching shoes; an extra reproduction dress, shoes and boa in black; and a collector’s booklet. For ages 3 and up. (retail value $29.99)

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This is the first Barbie commercial that first aired during Mickey Mouse Club!

Ruth Handler watched her daughter Barbara at play with paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles. At the time, most children’s toy dolls were representations of infants. Realizing that there could be a gap in the market, Handler suggested the idea of an adult-bodied doll to her husband Elliot, a co-founder of the Mattel toy company. He was unenthusiastic about the idea, as were Mattel’s directors.

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Hasbro, Inc. announced the introduction of its Iron Man 2 toy line to retailers nationwide.

According to Hasbro, toys in the Iron Man 2 toy line, a Marvel Entertainment offering, include the following:

- The new Iron Man helmet includes mission directives from Jarvis and a “slow release” visor that slides into place. Kids can also attach the Iron Man Arc Chest Light to their shirt.

- An R/C walking Iron Man. The remote control allows boys to send Iron Man walking forward across the floor and fire projectiles from his hands and shoulder rockets. Pressing his chest arc reactor engages other test modes, sounds, and familiar phrases. Available in the fall, this toy is destined to be high on boys’ lists for Santa.

- Rocket Boost Iron Man is designed to allow fans to participate in Iron Man’s adventures. Rocket Boost Iron Man is in 10.5 inch “chunky-type” figure that is suited to young kids’ hands.

Marvel Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics).

Hasbro is a provider of children’s and family leisure time products and services with a portfolio of brands and entertainment properties.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

For full details on Hasbro Inc (HAS) HAS. Hasbro Inc (HAS) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on Hasbro Inc (HAS) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.

Bringing forth an Imaginative Collection of Toys, BuyBoxShip.com eases the mind of parents while offering “Fun & Safe Play” for kids.

Odenton, MD (PRWEB) January 21, 2010 — Online Toy Store Retailer, BuyBoxShip has announced its plans to expand its toy line to include Eco-Friendly toy sensations CitiBlocs, Green Toys, Keva Planks, Sprig Toys & ImagiPlay. “We are very excited about our partnerships with each of these innovative toy manufacturers” states, Antonio Diaz, Founder & President of BuyBoxShip. “As parents we are always looking for toys that stimulate creative play within our children while at the same time giving us a sense of security that what they are playing with is safe from unnecessary toxins. This is why we offer an environmentally safe product line keeping kids active and our planet safe”.

BuyBoxShip launched their store on ebay (in 2008) with a lot of success and decided to branch out with their own eCommerce site. Antonio Diaz brings over 25 years of experience serving customers. He has held key management positions within the service industry and believes in the importance of listening to his customers and building strategies that address their needs while driving towards providing exceptional service experiences with each transaction.

We offer an environmentally safe product line while keeping our children active and their planet safe.

“Our goal is to bring the best in products to you and to provide the highest level of service possible for you. We realize that there are many online stores that provide the same product lines (as we do) but we feel that with our commitment to service it will help separate us”.

BuyBoxShip continues to build their fan base and looks to add an Infant line of Eco-Friendly Toys this Spring. “We will continue to work to hard for our customers to identify innovative toys that provide “Fun & Safe Play” for their kids”.

Celebrate the Day!
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Learning Curve Brands Inc., a subsidiary of RC2 Corp., a maker of toys and infant products based in Oak Brook, Ill., announced the international launch of a new toy line based on Ludorum PLC’s television series, “Chuggington,” a children’s program about talking trains.

“We think the ‘Chuggington’ strategy has the potential to be a game-changer for RC2,” said Craig R. Kennison, senior analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.  Paul E. Purcell, CEO of Robert W. Baird & Co., sits on RC2′s board of directors.

RC2’s stock rose 1.3 percent to close at $15.24 Thursday.

The announcement comes less than a month after RC2 agreed to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty following allegations that it violated product safety rules in 2007.  RC2 recalled 1.5 million “Thomas & Friends” train sets that year after lead was found in surface paint on the wooden trains.

RC2 revenues fell to $437 million in 2008, down from $489 million the previous year, an 11 percent drop.In 2008 RC2 posted a loss of $205 million or $11.82 per diluted share.Subsequently the company cut 15 percent of its workforce and has aggressively sought new opportunities.

Kennison expects that revenue from the “Chuggington” line will help offset “Thomas”-related losses.

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The Most In-Demand Products, Including More Than A Million Zhu Zhu Pets(TM) Hamsters Plus Accessories, Hit Store Shelves Between Now and December 24

WAYNE, N.J., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Toys”R”Us today assured last-minute shoppers, determined to find the toys that top their little ones’ wish lists, that its stores will continue to receive daily deliveries of the season’s hottest toys through Christmas Eve, including more than one million Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters plus accessories, and two million LEGO sets. Offering an unparalleled in-stock position of “must-have” toys further establishes Toys”R”Us as THE one-stop destination for self-proclaimed procrastinators and time-strapped parents seeking that elusive, “gotta-have-it” gift.

Daily Arrivals Make Every Morning Feel Like Christmas for Zhu Zhu Pet-Seeking Shoppers

• Now through Christmas Eve, more than one million highly sought-after Zhu Zhu Pet hamsters plus accessories will be available in Toys”R”Us stores*.
• On Friday, December 18, at least 100 Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters will be available at every Toys”R”Us location nationwide when the stores open at 6am*.
• On Saturday, December 19, to the delight of Zhu Zhu Pets fans, hundreds of thousands of the four newest Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters – Jilly, Winky, Scoodles and Nugget – will make their in-store debut (individual hamsters and exclusive four-packs available). The first 50 customers in line when doors open at 6am will have the opportunity to purchase a Toys”R”Us-exclusive four-pack of the newest Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters*.
• Sunday, December 20 through Thursday, December 24, hundreds of thousands of Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters will be available and ready to find new homes for the new year*.

*Quantities limited per person. Check your local store for details.

Stores Stock Shelves with In-Demand Products Round-the-Clock

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By John Scott Lewinski

It’s hard to classify the new Roboni-i from high-tech toymaker Robonica. And that’s the whole point.

Billed as the world’s first fully programmable, interactive gaming robot, the Roboni-i mixes toy genres to give kids (and adults) multiple ways to experience its mix of robotics and competitive gaming.

Users can employ their personalized Roboni-i machines in real-world, one-on-one or team robo-sports. The system also employs a virtual component, allowing owners to take their robots into cyberspace for more competition.

What sets this robo-entertainment system apart from many of its predecessors is Robonica’s use of genuine artificial intelligence. Its sensors allow the system to read its surroundings and interact with other Roboni-i units.

It has shifting moods and will react differently depending on how it’s used. For example, ignore it for too long, and Roboni-i will wander around your home on its own — before backing away from you and resisting fun and games for a bit to punish your inattentiveness.

At a retail price of about $250, the system is obviously much more than a toy. But for those interested in a more immersive interactive gaming experience, the Roboni-i is indeed a great deal more complex than any toy.