Brand Showcase: Russ Berrie announces a host of new products for 2005

Russ Berrie (UK) Director of Duty Free Garry Stoner says that the South American markets offer consumers significant duty free savings, much more so than the US

UK. After a nine-year absence, toy and children’s gifts supplier Russ Berrie is to exhibit again at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas from 17 to 21 April in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US.

The show will provide an ideal opportunity for the company to showcase its portfolio of soft toys and other children’s items to buyers from South America and the Caribbean – a key Russ Berrie target market.

Russ Berrie (UK) Director of Duty Free Garry Stoner told The Moodie Report that the South American markets offer consumers significant duty free savings, much more so than in the US.

At a press conference in London this week, the company unveiled a range of toys and children’s items to be rolled out during 2005 [see below]. The main highlights at the Florida show will be the Spider-Man collection from the Marvel License range, the new Sealife range from the Peepers collection, scented animals, the vibrating Mr Meow, the Alice Bear shop collection and promotional packages for airlines.

Existing brands such as the Kids Line infant bedding products, the Oasis-Camel toys, the Applause brand and the seasonal range are also highlighted.

Recent airline listings saw Pup in a Kennel being sold on Cathay Pacific, and the chocolate-scented soft toy taken up by KLM. Russ is now available at the Kaboom toy shop in Singapore Changi Airport, at Zürich Airport, Karachi Airport, at the Linea Aeroportuale Sole (LAS) outlets at Pisa Galileo Galilei International and Bologna G Marconi airports, at the Efsco downtown shop in Cairo, at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and through Alpha Retail at Orlando Sanford International Airport.

In related news, Andrew Gatto has been appointed as the new CEO. He succeeds family member Angelica Berrie who will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.

Gatto will assume his post in May. He has 30 years of experience in the toy industry, most recently as Senior Vice President, Product Development, Imports and Strategic Sourcing for Toys ‘R’ Us.

The 2005 line-ups and highlights for the Florida show include:

	Spider-Man Spider-Man is already available but will be out in some markets in June. The Spider-Man collection will capitalise on the Spiderman 3 movie to be released in 2006. The range focuses on soft-sculpted toy figures and includes wall crawler, web hanger, retractable web swinger, bean bag, suction cup window crawler, backpack clip, and a selection of Spider-Man 3-D Magnets. Travel retail price will be from US$5 to US$20.
	Other Marvel licenses Russ Berrie will roll out more Marvel comic merchandise this year, following Russ Berrie’s recent agreement with Marvel Enterprises. Expect mugs, plush toys, stationery and accessories such as frames and magnets from Spiderman, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk and X-Men. All will be available worldwide, excluding Spain and Portugal, in June.
	The Alice’s Bear Shop The collection of 20 bears with accompanying name tag and story line offers a personalised story book for four of the bears: Tat, Tilly, Ting and Cobby. The book can be purchased separately. A merchandising unit is available to promote the collection, which also includes keyrings. Russ is offering retailers the opportunity to run a ‘Buy a bear and book, and receive a keyring free’ promotion. Bears and books both retail from US$10. The latest developments include a new Tat and Tilly Baby collection, greeting cards for Christmas 2005 and everyday occasions and initial designs for other developments.
	Peepers The new Sealife Peepers collection features a pink with lilac spotted ray, gold and white striped fish, green octopus, red lobster, red and yellow crab, and lilac starfish. This line also falls under Peepers’ collection of soft Caress beanbag animals with bug eyes, which also includes Farm Animals, Jungle Animals, and Cats and Dogs. All Peepers toys are available in 12.7cm, 22.9cm, 35.6cm sizes, as well as 10cm and 16cm for inflight sales. Travel retail prices range from US$5 to US$100 for the jumbo size.
	Dreamworks Plush toys, keyrings and backpack clips, hand puppets, picture frames, figurines with a base and standard mugs will be available in the US and Australia from 15 May.
	Warner Bros Plush backpack clips, balls, baskets, danglers with suction cup, figural dolls, finger and hand puppets, keychains, magnets, photo frames, pull backs and mobile phone covers will be available in the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and US military bases from June.
	Ziggy & Friends Plush and soft-bodied figures, soft 3D dolls, clip-ons, keyrings, puppets, stationery items and resins in all sizes will be available worldwide for shipping in March, April, June and August.
	United Media The likes of Raggedy Ann & Andy, popular in Asia Pacific, will be available in the forms of painted wood products, boxes, wall plaques, plush dolls, puppets and sculpted products. Available to ship to customers in June and August worldwide, except Japan.
	Universal Studios Plush toys of all sizes, with and without electronic components, keychains, ceramic mugs, frames and magnets will be available in the US and its territories, protectorates and military bases from June. 2005.
	Wolverine Worldwide Hush Puppies will be available through the vast network of Hush Puppies licensees in more than 130 countries. The plush toys will be distributed in the US through Russ Berrie to gift, speciality and toy stores.
	Sanrio Finger puppets, plush toys, water globes, trinket boxes, banks, pillows, message boards, stationery, mobile phone cases and keychains will be available in spring 2005.