140 YEARS OF RAILROAD HISTORY IN EAST AURORA Feb 13, 2008
While the railroad may not seem as significant in the town's history as the Roycroft or Fisher-Price Toys, it played an important role in transforming East Aurora from a small settlement into the thriving community that attracted those more famous landmarks ... Peek's lumberyard, at the current site of Oakwood Plaza, constructed several sidetracks to handle railroad cars, and Fisher-Price received raw materials and shipped out finished toys by rail for many years. (East Aurora Advertiser, NY)
Mattel finds H'w'd playmate in CAA Feb 5, 2008
With the success of "Transformers" generating renewed interest in the potential of toys as tentpole fodder, Mattel will work with CAA's marketing arm to set up brands such as Barbie, American Girl, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, UNO, Polly Pocket and Fisher-Price as movies, TV shows, games and other media. Mattel gives CAA another toymaker after Hasbro ankled for William Morris Agency last June, just before the bow of "Transformers.". (Variety)
Group says safety agency slow to report recalls Feb 1, 2008
The products in the 46 cases were recalled and included a toy with a loose nail fastener made by Mattel Inc.'s Fisher-Price division, a treadmill that spontaneously accelerated to 16. 5 miles per hour made by Johnson Health Tech Co. and all-terrain vehicles with loose oil lines that burned 18 consumers, made by Medina, Minneapolis-based Polaris Industries Inc.. (MSNBC -- Business)
Mattel earnings rise despite toy recalls Feb 1, 2008
Mattel's Fisher-Price Brands division posted global sales of $840. 4 million, a 4 percent increase. (MSNBC -- Business)
Mattel Reports Profit Despite Recalls Feb 1, 2008
Mattel Inc., maker of Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price toys, on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 said its fourth-quarter profit rose 15 percent as tax gains helped offset charges related to product recalls. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, file) The Associated Press By ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writer LOS ANGELES Jan 31, 2008 (AP) Font Size. (ABC News -- Wire)
The Hottest Wheels Feb 1, 2008
Fisher-Price preschool toys such as the Smart Cycle exercise bike rose 4. 3. (SmartMoney)
Lawmakers urge Mattel to eliminate lead from all toys Jan 31, 2008
Cummings more recently claimed the company didn't go far enough to address the discovery of "high levels" of lead on a blood pressure cuff contained in a toy medical kit sold under the Fisher-Price brand, a Mattel unit. In the latest letter, the lawmaker contended Mattel only removed the toy from store shelves in Illinois after state officials notified the company that tests showed the cuff contained levels of lead exceeding the state's legal limits. (Boston Globe)
Mattel Posts Higher 4Q Profit Jan 31, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Mattel Inc., maker of Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price toys, said Thursday its fourth-quarter profit rose 15 percent as tax gains helped offset product recall-related charges ... "Considering the challenges we faced in 2007, the business performed fairly well, including strong performances from our international business as well as Core Fisher-Price," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive, in a statement ... Mattel's Fisher-Price division posted global sales of... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Mattel Named One of FORTUNE's 2008 '100 Best Companies to Work For' List Jan 24, 2008
Employee Comments: Deborah Dicochea, associate manager of the Mattel Children's Foundation, said, "If anything, I think morale is even better than before. I've been working here 16 years. People are proud to say they work here, even through these recalls. We've come together as a family." John DeRubes, director of baby gear engineering at Fisher-Price, said, "What sticks in my mind is that our CEO said, 'How you achieve success is just as important as success itself.' I tell my kids that. We saw... (PR Newswire)
Made in China Jan 18, 2008
Between June and September last year, three of the world's largest toy manufacturers, including Mattel and Fisher-Price, were forced to recall more than 20 million toys worldwide because the toys' paint was found to contain lead. While these high-profile incidents are unlikely to stop the thousands of business owners looking to shift manufacturing offshore, they should serve as a clear warning: nothing short of an intricate strategy is needed to make manufacturing in China a success. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Looking Back at 2007 (May - August): Second-third of 2007 highlighted by Candace Grams trial, conviction Jan 16, 2008
August: Fisher-Price recalls toys due to lead paint. Fisher-Price recalled nearly one million toys on Aug. 2, informing the public about lead-painted toy distributed to stores across the United States. (Marlin Democrat, TX)
Funny side up Jan 10, 2008
Weve partnered with Fisher-Price whove donated thousands of toys and these children who are sick inside the hospital can go to this chest at any time of the day and take any toy they want. Just to make their stay a little easier. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Newsweek: High-techtoys for tots Jan 9, 2008
com Fun and Games: The Easy Link Internet Launch Pad from Fisher-Price helps kids surf the web more safely ... Look no further than venerable toymaker Fisher-Price, which is selling its Easy Link Internet Launch Padfor "safe" browsingto the preschool set. (MSNBC -- Technology)
China toy recalls not hurting sales Dec 25, 2007
Toy safety has been a prevalent issue this holiday season after major toy makers such as and its Fisher-Price brand, as well as , announced recalls of millions of Chinese-made toys this summer due to safety concerns ... In August, the CPSC announced that Fisher-Price was recalling 967,000 toys made in China, including Dora the Explorer and Sesame Street characters, that contained lead paint. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Boom times for toy makers outside China Dec 22, 2007
According to Chris Byrne, a contributing editor to Toy Wishes magazine, some of the hottest toys this Christmas season are made in China, like Hannah Montana dolls, made by Jakks Pacific; Hot Wheels, from Mattel; and Dora the Explorer preschool toys, from Fisher-Price, which also makes Smart Cycles, in which kids play educational games while pedaling. "If you're around 4 to 6, the only country of origin you care about is the North Pole," he said. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
Recalls haunt toy companies in 'Blue Christmas' Dec 22, 2007
5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price items, some of which featured popular preschool characters like Elmo and Big Bird. From the recall through Thursday's close, Mattel's stock had fallen nearly 20 percent. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
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Gary Weber, 38, creates toys for Fisher-Price. Advertisement. (FastCompany)
Hot Tech Toys Worthy of the Buzz? Dec 18, 2007
Fisher-Price, $100, for ages 3-6, plugs into TV.. What's the Buzz. (ABC News)
Shoppers, recall these tips Dec 17, 2007
FISHER-PRICE: (800) 991-2444. TOYS R US: (800) 869-7787. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Toy Story (416) Dec 17, 2007
Fisher-Price, Mattel and other large American companies, many of whom manufacture and assemble their products overseas, have issued huge recalls this fall of some popular toys due to hazardous amounts of lead ... "Obviously, the big companies dropped the ball," Kroll said, adding she doesn't carry Fisher-Price or Mattel products ... Among the recalled toys are popular items such as Mattel's Barbie and Polly Pocket, Fisher-Price's Dora the Explorer toys and Spin Master's Aquadots, as well as... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Jeannie Babb Taylor: Barbie poisoning Dec 15, 2007
Mattel, the maker of Barbie and owner of Fisher-Price, is the largest toy company in America. Lately Mattel has been in the news not because of a hot must-have Christmas toy, but because of tainted toys made in China. (Catoosa County News, GA)
Charities tackling toy recall fears Dec 14, 2007
"If you type in Playskool, that's a long list. Or Fisher-Price.". After awhile, she may become familiar with some recalls but she expects to slot a new volunteer into that role every few hours during the height of the sorting. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Consider these toys for your little ones Dec 14, 2007
(From Fisher-Price, , $100, for ages 3 to 6, plugs into TV) ... (From Fisher-Price, , $24 ... The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is available for $89. (USA Today -- Tech)
TableAndHome.com Offering HABA Toys Dec 14, 2007
com is an authorized dealer for 96 manufacturers of fine house furnishings: Accoutrements, Arthur Court, Avalanche Calendars, Axis Imex, Baldwin, Belleek, Bestever, Breyer, Built NY, C & F, Cabin Critters, Capresso, Charlton, Cornell, Country Artists, Cristal d'Arques, Cypress, Dansk, Denby, Department 56, De Sousa, Dezi, Digital Blue, Emma Bridgewater, Encore, Evergreen, Figi, Fisher-Price, Fitz and Floyd, Folkmanis, Fringe Studio, Fuzzy Nation, Fuzzy Town, FX Schmid, Gemmy, Godinger, Gorham,... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Get a B.A. in toy design Dec 11, 2007
Ellis, who used to teach graphic design at Parsons School of Design in New York, said that FIT students have gone on to work for some of the world's biggest toy companies and inventors groups, such as Mattel Fisher-Price Brands, Lego and Disney. And the college's graduates have designed some of the most popular toys of the last decade, including Tickle Me Elmo and the WWE Bash and Brawl Wrestlers. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Wise To Order Gifts Online Wrapped? Dec 11, 2007
Come visit Dora the Explorer and her family and friends in this Ultimate Talking Dollhouse from Fisher-Price. Dora's quaint, airy, shingle-roofed "casa" with its mango-colored Spanish exterior seems to say "welcome." Kids will love peeking through the open-air windows, but they'll love it even 00000C85 more when they open it wide and learn new words -- as it talks. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Holiday shoppers are slow to bite; retailers try new bait Dec 10, 2007
The toy retailer will be offering another round of planned discounts this week on such popular toys as Smart Cycle, from Fisher-Price, for $89. 99. (Scranton Times, PA)
Not toying around Dec 8, 2007
This year, Litovchick is refusing to buy Fisher-Price toys for her 9-year-old and 2-year-old daughters because she no longer trusts the brand after it recalled more than 1 million products this summer, including Elmo and Dora and Diego characters, which were made in China. Her shopping strategy now involves movie tickets, coloring books, craft kits and tickets to Cirque de Soleil. (Boston Globe)
Toy recalls bring bad tidings Dec 7, 2007
While some small toy stores report a sales surge in naturally stained wooden blocks and eco-friendly stuffed animals, plenty of Chinese-made mass products are big hits, such as Fisher-Price's Smart Cycle and Jakks-Pacific EyeClops, a handheld device that magnifies objects. Brands that suffered recalls -- such as Mattel Inc.'s preschool brand Fisher-Price and RC2 Corp. -- are rebounding, according to Toys "R" Us officials ... They noted Fisher-Price has done better than other brands hurt by... (CNN -- US)
Buying Safe Toys for the Holidays Dec 5, 2007
Mattel (NYSE: MAT), which makes the popular Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels brands, established new testing procedures after getting battered by repeated recalls. Disney (NYSE: DIS), Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), and Target (NYSE: TGT) have even instituted some independent testing of toys on their shelves. (MSNBC -- Business)
Report: 35 percent of toys contain lead Dec 5, 2007
The First Years First Keys Fisher-Price Amazing Animals Hippo B.R. Bruin Stacking Cups Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack First Play Caterpillar Grasping Toy ... The center and its testing partners found The First Years brand First Keys, Fisher-Prices Rock-a-Stack and B.R. Bruins Stacking Cups were among the 20 percent that contained none of the nine chemicals. (MSNBC -- Race)
Tickle Me Counterfeit: Fake Elmo in Stores Dec 3, 2007
Fisher-Price said it now is investigating the issue. "The company vigorously protects its intellectual property," Fisher-Price said in a statement ... The fake is called "The Laughing Doll" and its Fisher-Price label has been changed, which is a popular practice with fake purses and watches, too. (ABC News)
American gifts hard to find in stores today Dec 2, 2007
"It's Fisher-Price. Well known.". Lane bought the toys, saying, "because it's what my granddaughter asked for.". (Florida Times-Union)
Virginia Veteran Takes Grandparent of the Year Award Dec 1, 2007
Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services -- through traditional and consumer-choice plans -- to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals; Fisher-Price, a well-known brand of toys, with headquarters located in historic East Aurora, New York. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel; and KidsPeace, a 124-year old national children's crisis charity dedicated to giving help, hope and healing to kids facing traumas,... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Toys for the tot in your life Nov 30, 2007
Toy ideas for children. (Handout / November 27, 2007). (Newsday -- New York City)
For toddlers, toy of choice is tech device Nov 29, 2007
com, which includes the Easy Link Internet Launch Pad from Fisher-Price (to help children surf on "preschool-appropriate Web sites") and the Smart Cycle, an exercise bike connected to a video game ... Yunice Kotake, of San Bruno, California, recently purchased a Fisher-Price Knows Your Name Dora Cell Phone for her twin year-old daughters. (International Herald Tribune)
Toy Recalls, Iffy Economy Aid Shoppers Nov 28, 2007
While some small toy stores report a sales surge in naturally stained wooden blocks and eco-friendly stuffed animals, plenty of Chinese-made mass products are big hits, such as Fisher-Price's Smart Cycle and Jakks-Pacific EyeClops, a handheld device that magnifies objects. Brands that suffered recalls such as Mattel Inc.'s preschool brand Fisher-Price and RC2 Corp. are rebounding, according to Toys "R" Us officials ... They noted Fisher-Price has done better than other brands hurt by recalls. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Mom Has Toys Tested For Lead, Surprised At Results Nov 27, 2007
The suit claims companies such as Mattel, Fisher-Price, Wal-Mart and Target failed to provide warnings about the risks. Parents are taking a closer look at toys this year since many containing lead have been recalled and have already gone in the trash. (CBS 4, CO)
10 hot toys for kids this holiday season! (They'll love you) Nov 26, 2007
Easy-Link Internet Launchpad by Fisher-Price ... Elmo represents the Sesame Street site, the two-headed dragon from "Dragon Tales" stands for the PBS site, and the puppy represents the Fisher-Price toys site ... Smart Cycle by Fisher-Price. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Simple fun with simple toys Nov 25, 2007
A compact wooden play kitchen with removable sink from Plan Toy retails for $190, comparable to the more elaborate Fisher-Price plastic kitchens. Selecta dollhouses range from $150 to $290. (Toronto Star)
Shoppers crowd US malls in pre-dawn hunt for deals Nov 25, 2007
"The atmosphere, my family, my friends, everybody gets a present, and we have a big, big family.'' "The tougher economic conditions are driving more shoppers to take advantage of early bird specials," said C. Britt Beemer, chair of America's Research Group. Marshal Cohen, chief analyst at NPD Group Inc., agreed. He also noted shoppers were buying selectively. Overall, the biggest draws were consumer electronics, including flat-screen TVs, digital cameras, digital photo frames and laptops. Toy... (Toronto Star)
Shoppers being extra careful when considering toys for gifts Nov 25, 2007
The recalls have included some Diego and Dora toys, some Nickelodeon and Sesame Street toys made by Mattel under the Fisher-Price label, some items from the Thomas and Friends wooden railway toy line, some Barbie sets and some Batman items. Most of the focus has been on lead. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Shoppers seek bargains on Black Friday Nov 25, 2007
In toys, which have been battered by recalls of a slew of lead tainted Chinese toys, there were plenty of hits, including video games such as Activision Inc.'s "Guitar Hero III," toys related to Walt Disney Co.'s "Hannah Montana" and Smart Cycle from Mattel Inc.'s Fisher-Price, toy executives said. Janet Hoffman, managing partner of the North American retail division of the consulting firm Accenture, believes that some parents, concerned about toy safety, may shift their purchases away from toys... (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Retailers Happy With Black Friday Turnout Nov 24, 2007
Major Chains Say Early-Morning Bargains Lured In Bigger Crowds Than A Year Ago. NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2007. (CBS News)
Retailers see green in Black Friday turnout Nov 24, 2007
"Last year, it was Diego this, Dora that. It was all Fisher-Price," said Ms. Black, who has two daughters, ages 4 and 6. "This year, we bought nothing from them.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Stores usher in holiday shopping season Nov 23, 2007
At toy stores, Smart Cycle, from Mattel's Fisher-Price, and Jakks Pacific's EyeClops, a handheld device that magnifies objects, are among the early hits, though sales have been stymied by concerns over Chinese-made toys. At clothing stores, dressses have been a strong seller, according to Dana Telsey, CEO of Telsey Advisory Group, an independent research firm. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Calif. sues Mattel, others over toys containing lead Nov 21, 2007
Its Fisher-Price unit also pulled Sesame Street-themed products from a line of infant and preschool toys. The Center for Environmental Health, an Oakland-based nonprofit agency that seeks to remove harmful chemicals from daily life, applauded the suit. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
California sues 20 companies for toys with unlawful amounts of lead Nov 21, 2007
The state's legal action follows a string of nationwide recalls by Mattel, Fisher-Price and other companies that make popular toys, including some Ernie, Elmo and Big Bird toys in the Sesame Street line, some SpongeBob figures, a "Sarge" jeep from the movie "Cars" and parts of the wooden railway series Thomas ds ... Among others named in the state's lawsuit are Fisher-Price Inc.; Michaels Stores Inc.; Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Costco Wholesale Corp.; Eveready Battery Co.; Kmart Corp.; and Marvel... (San Francisco Chronicle)
10 most dangerous toys Nov 20, 2007
99 by Fisher-Price Ages 18+ months Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potentially dangerous levels of noise ... 99 by Fisher-Price Ages 18+ months Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potentially dangerous levels of noise. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
U.S. official: Outside testing firms needed for toy safety Nov 20, 2007
Said Leavitt: "Rather than just stand at the border and hope to keep things out that would be unsafe," companies "need to make certain that products are safe before they're allowed to come in.' The holiday shopping season has been preceded by headline-making news of high-profile toy recalls involving some of the biggest names in the business, including Mattel and Fisher-Price. Leavitt also took advantage of his stop on Monday to holiday shop for his grandchildren. ?2007 Associated Press. All... (WOKR13 Rochester)
High Tech Baby Toys Nov 20, 2007
Future photographers will appreciate the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera. It also retails for $69. (The Clarion-Ledger)
California sues firms over lead-tainted toys Nov 20, 2007
Companies named in the suit include: Mattel, Fisher-Price, Michaels Stores, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, KB Toys, Costco Wholesale, A&A Global Industries, RC2 Corporation, Eveready Battery Company, Kids II, Kmart, Marvel Entertainment and Toy Investments. A spokeswoman for Mattel welcomed the lawsuit, and said the toy giant had co-operated with authorities continuously. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Calif. Attorney General sues toymakers, retailers Nov 20, 2007
The lawsuit alleges that the companies -- including toymakers Fisher-Price and Mattel, and national retailers Wal-Mart, Target Corp. and Toys R Us -- exposed people to lead and failed to issue a warning about the risk. Under a California law, businesses cannot expose people to hazardous chemicals without posting a clear warning. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Checking toys twice Nov 17, 2007
Earlier this month, Fisher-Price Canada recalled about 15,000 Laugh and Learn Kitchen Toys after pieces of the set were found to pose a choking hazard ... Theyre not looking for Fisher-Price or Mattel. (Edmonton Sun)
The hotter the toy, the harder it is to find Nov 17, 2007
Fisher-Price Elmo, TMX Special Edition ... Fisher-Price Smart Cycle. (AZCentral -- News)
New Elmo doll laughs, hiccups into holiday season Nov 9, 2007
Fisher-Price Inc, a unit of the world's largest toy maker Mattel Inc, said T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition would hit U.S. shelves on Nov. 13, relatively late into a holiday season that has so far lacked a dominant toy ... Fisher-Price said it will post weekly clues on new hidden features on its Web site between Nov. 19 through Dec. 17. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Another Mattel Toy Recall Nov 8, 2007
WASHINGTON (AP) - Mattel Inc. on Tuesday recalled more than 172,000 Fisher-Price kitchen toys in the United States and Europe because several children choked and gagged on small, detachable parts ... "We take toy safety very seriously, so we do everything we can to ensure the safety of our toys," Fisher-Price spokeswoman Juliette Reashor said ... For a free repair kit, toy owners should contact Fisher-Price at 888-812-7187. (WTVR.com, VA)
Dreaming of a pink Christmas Nov 8, 2007
Manufacturers such as Hasbro Inc. and Fisher-Price have created all-pink, girl-oriented versions of classics such as Monopoly and the Lil' People School Bus, and Wayne, N.J.-based Toys "R" Us has made sure its shelves are stocked with those products. "For the holiday season, Toys R' Us owns the color pink," said Bob Giampietro, senior vice president of trends and innovation for the retailer. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Fisher-Price Kitchen Toys Recalled in U.S., Europe For Choking Risk Nov 8, 2007
Mattel has recalled more than 172,000 Fisher-Price in the United States and Europe because several children choked and gagged on small, detachable parts. The company has received 48 reports of small parts separating from these toys, which feature a sink, a refrigerator and a range. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Online freedoms under threat, says Amnesty Nov 7, 2007
Wednesday June 6 2007. Internet repression is eroding freedom of expression online as more governments block sites and arrest bloggers, a human rights group warned today. (Yahoo News -- Human Rights)
Fisher-Price Canada recalls 15,000 toys Nov 7, 2007
com: Fisher-Price Canada recalls 15,000 toys. Fisher-Price Canada recalls 15,000 toys ... TORONTO Fisher-Price Canada has announced the recall of nearly 15,000 toys. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Mattel recalls kitchen toys on choking danger Nov 7, 2007
The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Kitchen Toys were sold worldwide from May through October for about $70 each, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said yesterday ... About 196,000 of the items were recalled worldwide, Fisher-Price said. (Boston Globe)
Iron Chef Feenie says he was forced out of his Vancouver eateries Nov 7, 2007
Fisher-Price has announced a global recall of about 155,000 kitchen toys because they pose a choking danger to young children ... Fisher-Price has announced a global recall of about 155,000 kitchen toys because they pose a choking danger to young children. (CBC Manitoba)
Mattel forced into fifth toy recall Nov 6, 2007
The firm warned small parts could come off the Fisher-Price Laugh 2-in-1 Learning Kitchen ... Last month, it recalled 55,500 Fisher-Price Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boats worldwide because their paint included an unacceptably high level of lead. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
more » Nov 4, 2007
here was a time when I wouldn't shop at the dollar stores, and I would only buy brands I had heard of like Fisher-Price and Mattel ... e feel very fortunate that we have not been affected by the recall of the Mattel and Fisher-Price lines because we do not carry those lines of toys, Covert said ... This year's list of the op 12 Toys of Christmas from Wal-Mart are: Kid Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price; Smart Cycle from Fisher-Price; Air Hogs Havoc Heli by Spinmaster; Spider-Man 3 Movie... (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
