Mothercare Q3: No Recovery from Last Year’s Frostbite

by The Toy Detectives on 12 January 2012

Mothercare has announced yet another decline in the performance of its UK stores, in its third quarter trading update. Like-for-like sales in UK stores fell by 3.0%, during the 13 week period ending on 7th January 2012. Overall sales on home soil dropped by 6.9%; in part due to the company’s plan to close-down 110 shops within a three year period.

These disappointing UK trading figures follow a poor 2011, which the firm blamed on snow during December. Read more

Filed under Early Learning Centre, Industry Digest, Mothercare, News

Tags: Early Learning Centre, Mothercare

TP Toys Bought Out of Administration by Mookie

by The Toy Detectives on 5 January 2012

TP Toys, which went into administration in early December, has been acquired by Mookie Toys for an undisclosed sum.

Mookie all ready supplies a wide range of outdoor toys, including the Smart Trike range of award winning tricycles. Read more

Filed under Industry Digest, Mookie, News, TP Toys

Tags: Mookie, TP Toys

My Little Pony to Trot onto LeapPad Screens

by John Mc Glinchey on 4 January 2012

LeapPad and Leapster Explorer owners will soon be able to enjoy episodes of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, The Adventures of Chuck and Friends and Pound Puppies.

A deal struck with Hasbro means that more downloadable videos will be available through the LeapFrog Connect app centre this month. Each of these downloads will contain two episodes from the chosen animated TV show and will sell for between $5 to $10. Read more

Filed under Coming Soon, LeapFrog, LeapPad Explorer, My Little Pony, News

Tags: Hasbro, LeapFrog, LeapPad, Leapster, My Little Pony, Pound Puppies

Raid the War Chest for Monopoly Military Edition

by The Toy Detectives on 7 November 2011

A military version of Monopoly has been launch by luxury leather-goods makers Pemberton & Milner and Garrard the jeweller.

Monopoly Military Edition replaces street names and train stations with Royal Navy ships, Army and Royal Air Force bases. The limited edition game has its own set of playing pieces as well, including: Household Cavalry helmet, Royal Marines commando dagger and a RAF jet fighter plane. Read more

Filed under Monopoly, News, Shopping

Tags: Garrard, Monopoly, Pemberton & Milner

Free Meccano Construction Starter Case at Toys R Us

by The Toy Detectives on 23 October 2011

Toys R Us are offering a free Construction Starter Case when you spend £35 or more on Meccano building toys. This deal lasts until 27th November 2011.

FREE Construction Starter Case
when you spend over £35 on Meccano

Filed under Meccano, Shopping Forecast

Tags: Meccano, Toys R Us

Recall to Repair: Mothercare Swinging Cribs and Gliding Cribs

by The Toy Detectives on 20 October 2011

Mothercare has recalled a number of its swinging and gliding cribs due to “an issue with [the] bolts supplied”.

The affected products were produced between September 2010 and May 2011. The batch code labels of the affected cribs are dated between 01-09-10 and 31-05-11. Read more

Filed under Mothercare, Recalls, Safety

Tags: Child Safety, Mothercare, Recalls

Save 60% Off Monopoly Revolution

by The Toy Detectives on 18 October 2011

Monopoly Revolution is a special version of the world famous property trading board game and The Entertainer are willing to do deal with you, by selling it for less than half price.