Below is a Toys"R"Us, Inc. Press Release announcing Nickelodeon News about Nickelodeon's upcoming "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" merchandise line via
PRNewswire:
Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys Hit Toys"R"Us® Stores Nationwide This Month
Kids Can Have "Turtle Time" With Action Figures, Playsets and Vehicles Available at The World's Greatest Toy Store®
WAYNE, N.J., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys are making their debut at Toys"R"Us® stores nationwide, and Toysrus.com this month. The lineup of action figures, vehicles, role play items and playsets developed by Playmates Toys, will excite and entice fans new and old. The all-new, CG-animated series which explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers training to become heroes in a half shell, premieres Saturday, Sept. 29, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT) with a one-hour special event.
"Nickelodeon has a hit on its hands with this relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and we fully expect kids to be clamoring to play with their favorite heroes in a half shell," said Lisa Harnisch, Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "We worked closely with Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys to create Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles merchandise and be able to offer these items in our stores so fans can experience the magic of 'Turtle power' even before the show airs."
Ninja Turtles Leap From Sewer Lair Into Toys"R"Us Stores
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line is currently displayed within a dedicated space at each Toys"R"Us store. Designed to look like the Sewer Lair of the Ninja Turtles, the area features images of all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles above a grey brick wall that opens into an image of a sewer pipe. Lined with piping to evoke a realistic sewer feel, the area will be expanded once again as more of these products begin to arrive in Toys"R"Us stores in August.
"We're excited that Toys"R"Us is rushing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys to their shelves, proving the strength of 'Turtle Power'," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. Creating the atmosphere of the Ninja Turtle's sewer lair in their stores makes it look like the Turtles are leaping out of our TV series and into kids' hands."
"Working with Toys"R"Us to offer this updated version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their stores is absolutely the best way to reintroduce kids to these iconic characters," Karl N. Aaronian, Sr. Vice President, Boys Marketing, Playmates Toys. "This innovative toy line gives everyone the opportunity to recreate that unique 'Ninja Turtles' experience and fans will love the incredible Toys"R"Us exclusive products based on the show."
Digital Amphibians – Ninja Turtles Take the Fight Online and Get Social
Those interested in purchasing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys online can visit Toysrus.com/NinjaTurtles to browse the spectacular assortment. Beginning in August, the dedicated page will become a hub of ninja excitement with downloadable content for Turtle fans, including wallpapers and coloring sheets. Additionally, kids can preview videos of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV show.
Fans of the Toys"R"Us Facebook will also get "Turtle Time" when they visit Facebook.com/Toysrus with trivia, product information and more about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles posted on the company's wall.
The following Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles items from Playmates Toys are now available at Toys"R"Us stores across the country and online at Toysrus.com/NinjaTurtles. Images of these items can be found at https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d/s669c63df68344b4a.
Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are ready for ninja-action in new figures that flip out of their new animated series. The four brothers, each wearing his signature bandana, are ready for battle and come with their core ninja weapons and an added weapons rack for hours of ninja playing excitement. Individually sculpted, the Turtles range in height from 4.25 to 4.75-inches, reflecting their new look and heights.
Toys"R"Us Exclusive Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10.5-inch action figures
Fans can find 10.5-inch oversized versions of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo based on their new design from the upcoming Nickelodeon animated series with these special edition action figures. Packaged with their signature weapons and additional accessories, each Turtle is individually sculpted with multiple points of articulation. Plus, the back shell on each Turtle opens to offer weapon and accessory storage.
Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Deluxe Power Sounds FX action figures
Each of these 5.5-inch action figures spring to life, delivering realistic battle phrases with awesome sound effects. Kids can grip the arms and legs of their favorite Turtle to hear signature phrases such as, "I'm invincible" and "Hiiiiiiii-yaa!"
Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Gear
Kids can "Turtle up" and take on the role of their favorite character with this selection of role play items. Each set features one of the Turtle's signature bandana and weapon, as well as two ninja throwing stars, allowing kids to transform into Leonardo with his katana, Donatello with his bo staff, Raphael with his sais and Michelangelo with his nunchuks to battle the evil forces of the Shredder.
Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser
When the Turtles need to hit the road and take command and control with them, they all pile into the Shellraiser. Built to run either on the subway rails or on the busy streets of New York City, the Shellraiser delivers all the fire power needed for the Turtles to travel together to take down Shredder and the Foot Clan! With entrances on the top, in the front and on the side of the car, up to eight Basic Action Figures can fit inside. The Shellraiser really packs a punch with Ninja Battle Boost technology, including a spring loaded cannon on the top of the car and a side door that automatically opens with the touch of a button, sending kids' favorite hero in a half shell flying out the side with 360 degree Ninja flip-kicking action, to wage battle on anything standing in its way!
Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vehicles
This assortment of vehicles really helps the Turtles get moving. The Sewer Spinnin' Skateboard looks just like the one featured in the TV show and includes "Ninja Battle Boost" technology that allows it to perform over 10 different skateboard tricks. The Rippin' Rider comes complete with classic Turtle details and textures, including chopper front forks, quadruple rear exhaust and a T-shaped headlight. The Ninja Stealth Bike, with a Raphael action figure, features a textured Turtle shell that reveals its rider with the flip of a button. The Foot Soldiers can try to escape with the Dragon Chopper, which lets riders do a 360 degree flip over the handle bars to lands on their feet, ready for battle. The Dragon Chopper also comes with an exclusive Foot Soldier action figure.
Toys"R"Us Exclusive Nickelodeon™ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset
Kids can bring the Turtles back to their base with this oversized, 42-inch high, playest that recreates the Sewer Lair home and the building above, available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/NinjaTurtles. Packed with 20 different ninja features, the Turtles can keep track of the city with a telescoping periscope, practice battle skills on a Shredder dummy, douse intruders with ooze (not included) and attach lines to objects to rappel into battle and more! Additionally, an elevator can transition the Turtles between floors while Donatello can visit his computer lab to master his latest invention. (Available in August)
Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and Toysrus.com/NinjaTurtles will continue to receive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles items throughout the year.
Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles begins as the turtles emerge from their hidden lair in the sewers for the very first time, ready to confront the wondrous and hostile world of New York City and face enemies more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined. Funnier and with more Ninjutsu than ever before, the show will explore the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be. The premiere episode was executive produced by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & Jeff Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.
The 26-episode, half-hour action-comedy series breathes new life into the wildly popular band of reptile brothers played by Jason Biggs (American Pie) as "Leonardo," Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as "Raphael," Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as "Michelangelo" and Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as "Donatello" (Paulsen also voiced the original "Raphael" from 1987-1996 in the very first TMNT series).
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 874 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 625 international stores and over 145 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys"R"Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HEARTS FOR HEARTS GIRLS and WATERBABIES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).
SOURCE Toys"R"Us, Inc.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.toysrus.com.
Also, from
Kidscreen:
Toys 'R' Us debuts new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo will hit US Toys ‘R’ Us shelves this month with the retail launch of new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, vehicles, role-play items and playsets from licensee Playmates Toys.
The rollout comes in advance of the one-hour US premiere on September 29 (11:00 a.m. ET/PT) of the new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.
The new toy line, which is also available at Toysrus.com/NinjaTurtles, is featured in dedicated areas of each US Toys ‘R’ Us store location and modeled after the Turtles’ sewer lair. The areas will be expanded in August with the release of additional items.
Tags: Playmates Toys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toys 'R' Us
Also, below is a second Toys"R"Us® Press Release from
PRNewswire:
'Why Shop Anywhere Else For Toys? Why?' asks Toys"R"Us®, As It Raises The Curtain On 2012 Holiday Season
During a Special Preview Event, Chairman and CEO Jerry Storch Announced Company's New Hot Toy Reservation Program to Ensure Customers Can Secure the Hottest Toys of the Holiday Season
Toys"R"Us Intends to Compete on Differentiation, Which Includes Depth and Breadth of Product Assortment and Exclusive Items Across All Categories
Free Layaway, Plus Aggressive Marketing Programs, Coupled with Company's Enhanced Omnichannel Capabilities Make Toys"R"Us the Go-To Destination for Toys
WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, Inc. today raised the curtain on its plans for the 2012 Christmas season at a special preview event in New York City, laying out some of the key strategic initiatives it will employ to win with consumers during the important shopping months ahead. Asking 'Why shop anywhere else for toys? Why?' the company detailed its significant customer advantages heading into the holiday season, which include a brand-new Hot Toy Reservation program, along with the previously announced Free Layaway and new additions to its omnichannel capabilities.
Additionally, the company showcased its breadth of product assortment and highly differentiated merchandise mix, which features aisle upon aisle of items that can't be found anywhere else – from proprietary brands to entire lines of exclusives from branded manufacturers.
"At Toys"R"Us, we believe that product differentiation, our unmatched breadth of selection, unique services, great value offerings and our toy-trained team continue to set us apart as a specialty retailer, and will catch the attention of consumers this holiday season," Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. told reporters. "We've been preparing all year long and we're ready to deliver a winning holiday season to toy shoppers as they seek to find that special gift for the children on their wish lists."
'Why Shop Anywhere Else for Toys? Why?'
At the event, Mr. Storch highlighted for retail industry reporters how the company will demonstrate to consumers why Toys"R"Us® is, more than ever, the go-to destination for holiday toy-buying this year. The company will offer customers incredible values each day throughout the season – both in-store and online – whether it be through deals and sales, free shipping offers online or the many special promotions planned in the months ahead. Beyond sales and competitive prices, the company has established a number of programs and offerings to help gift-givers save, including the company's 30 million-member-strong complimentary loyalty program, Rewards"R"Us®.
First-Ever Hot Toy Reservation Builds on Specialty Service Offerings
Today, Toys"R"Us announced its first-ever Hot Toy Reservation program, a complimentary service that will enable customers to reserve the hottest toys of the holiday season, putting an end to frantic searching in the days leading up to Christmas. The service will be available for the 50 items on the company's much-anticipated annual Holiday Hot Toy List – the official guide to Christmas toy-buying. Hot Toy Reservation will begin when the list is revealed – coming soon – and will continue through Halloween in all Toys"R"Us stores nationwide.* By utilizing the service, shoppers can rest assured that their "must have" toy will be under the tree on Christmas morning. The free service will be available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and all 50 hot toys – whether the items are in-stock at a local store or not – will be eligible for reservation.
To take advantage of Hot Toy Reservation, customers can visit the Customer Service desk in all Toys"R"Us stores nationwide to place their orders with a 20% down payment**, and shoppers can reserve items through October 31. Customers will receive an e-mail notification when their orders are available and have until December 16*** to pick up their orders. More information about Hot Toy Reservation will be available soon in-store and online at Toysrus.com/Toyreservation.
The company's significant customer advantages also include the recently announced Free Layaway through Halloween. Taking its layaway program to a whole new level this holiday season, the company is waiving the upfront service fee for all layaway orders created in its stores through October 31. Offering a free, no minimum purchase layaway program early in the season allows customers to take full advantage of the flexible payment terms provided by layaway and give themselves until December 16 to pick up their orders.
Track Record of Solid Financial Performance
During the preview event, Mr. Storch also highlighted for reporters the company's solid track record of financial performance since 2005, which includes an increase in net sales from $11.3 billion in 2005 to $13.9 billion in 2011, as well as three consecutive years of adjusted EBITDA in excess of $1 billion from 2009 to 2011.1 In addition, last December marked the sixth consecutive year of positive comparable store sales growth for the company in the U.S., speaking to the strength and vitality of the Toys"R"Us brand and the place it holds in the hearts of kids and families, especially during the holiday season.
Extensive Breadth of Assortment and Differentiated Product Offerings
A key pillar of the company's ongoing strategy is its highly differentiated assortment, which includes Toys"R"Us proprietary products, exclusive items and entire lines from branded manufacturers, the ability to bring new products to market first, and simply, more toys than any other retailer. Soaring on these strengths, Toys"R"Us has delivered six consecutive years of positive comparable store sales in the U.S. during the month of December, contributing to continued market share growth in the fourth quarter over the last four years.2 At today's preview event, the company showcased many of the thousands of toys that can't be found anywhere, except Toys"R"Us. Pointing to the company's extensive breadth and depth of assortment, Mr. Storch outlined the main components of its differentiated strategy this holiday season:
* Proprietary Products – From Imaginarium® to Journey Girls® and Fast Lane™ to Air Zone®, Toys"R"Us will offer customers great new toys from its 34 proprietary brands. It continues to focus on growing its exclusive brands business by expanding lines with new products and categories while driving quality and innovation. The company highlighted the recently introduced kid-friendly tabeo™, its first-ever wif-fi tablet loaded with the content kids want, as well as safety features desired by parents. tabeo is currently available for pre-sale at Toysrus.com and will be in stores nationwide on October 21.
* Exclusive Products from Branded Manufacturers – The company spends the year tracking the hottest items across the globe and works closely with manufacturers and inventors to offer special items from hot properties, like Lalaloopsy Sisters™ from MGA Entertainment® and Nickelodeon® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset from Playmates, which will be offered exclusively at Toys"R"Us this holiday season.
* Similarly, the company worked to identify and create opportunities to carry exclusive lines from branded manufacturers. This season, the Technic line from LEGO® Systems, Inc., which includes 20 vehicles – will be only available at Toys"R"Us stores and online at Toysrus.com. Among others, it will be the exclusive home of Gelarti™ from Moose Toys, a new line of gel stickers with a twist, and Peppa Pig™ from Fisher-Price®, a collection of toys based on the popular TV series.
* More Toys from Branded Manufacturers – With more than 15 million square feet of dedicated toy-selling space in the United States alone, Toys"R"Us simply has more toys than any other retailer, offering an unmatchable breadth of assortment. While Toys"R"Us carries popular key items from LEGO, Playskool, Barbie and Fisher-Price sold by mass merchants, it also offers aisle upon aisle of additional products and line extensions from branded manufacturers.
* First to Market – Branded manufacturers – big and small – continue to choose Toys"R"Us as THE place for product launches, providing the company with early insights on consumer preferences. Over the last year, for example, the company has first introduced customers to hot items and lines such as Kurio®, True Hope® dolls and The Original Big Wheel™.
* 2013 Toys Available for Holiday 2012 – To the delight of children everywhere, Toys"R"Us will offer new toys for 2013 during the 2012 holiday season. The infusion of newness to its product offerings late in the season is sure to be welcome by parents and kids alike.
The company is supporting its differentiated product offerings with a fully integrated marketing program, inclusive of a Big Brand Sale catalog which features 47 dedicated pages showcasing the company's exclusive brands and products. In addition, consumers will find significant savings throughout the catalog, as well as 46 coupons providing even more value offerings. This is the beginning of an aggressive marketing cadence that will continue throughout the holiday season.
Strong e-commerce Growth Driven by Omnichannel Capabilities
The company's $1 billion e-commerce business continues to grow, increasing a significant 29% from 2010 to 2011 and either matching or outpacing the industry growth during key junctures in 2011, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday and November and December. Last year, Toysrus.com averaged more than 33 million unique visitors per month, compared to an average of 15 million in 2010. In addition, nearly 55 million unique visitors in November and December propelled the company's e-commerce business to claim an 18.6% toy share in the U.S. in 2011.3
The company's omnichannel strategy has contributed significantly to drive additional visits to its stores and provide the opportunity for add-on sales while customers shop in physical locations.
New this holiday season, the company will roll out "Ship to Store," which will allow customers to ship select online purchases to their local Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store free of charge. Additionally, enhancements to existing programs, such as "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store," will be available, including merchandise pick up kiosks and dedicated omnichannel teams to streamline the in-store pick-up process.
*Hot Toy Reservation is not available at Express or Outlet stores
**Certain electronics items will require different payment terms
***Required pick up date will vary for select electronics items
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 635 international stores and over 145 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys"R"Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
1 Toys"R"Us Japan was not consolidated in 2005. Toys"R"Us Japan had sales of approximately $1.6 billion in 2005.
2 The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service
3 The NPD Group
SOURCE Toys"R"Us, Inc.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.toysrusinc.com.
Also, from
The Huffington Post:
Toys R Us Hot Toys List 2012
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair
Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset by Playmates, $119.99: 42-inch playset that recreates TMNT's lair.
