PITTSFIELD, Mass., Oct. 25 -- KB Toys, the nation's largest combined mall-based and online specialty toy retailer, announced today its annual list of hot toys for the holiday season. With an emphasis on "play value", KB Toys 2001 list is full of items that let children enjoy learning, creating and role-playing long after the holidays are over. These items and more will be available in nearly 1,400 KB Toys stores nationwide and on-line at KBtoys.com
.
"This year parents will be selecting from items which all contain great play patterns," said Tom Alfonsi, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for KB Toys. "Each item is highly interactive and provides a wealth of creative and imaginative play."
Bionicle, by Lego; Rescue Heroes, by Fisher Price; Polly Pocket, by Mattel and an assortment of Hasbro merchandise from the upcoming film Monsters, Inc. feature many different characters, accessories and story lines each providing hours of endless fun.
While KB Toys expects these hot, name brand items to be top sellers, KB Toys' own private label items have caught customers attention and are providing significant educational and play values. "KB Toys continues to focus on providing our customers with maximum play at a great value. Items like the Dance Diva, Interactive U.S. Presidents, Girlbot and Ready Freddie provide children with high-quality educational and musical play at great value prices," said Alfonsi.
KB TOYS 2001 TOP HOLIDAY TOYS LIST (not ranked)
- Dance Diva Home Recording Studio - Ages 8 & up - by KB Toys
- Leap Pad - Ages 4 & up - by Leap Frog
- Interactive U.S. Presidents - Ages 5 & up - by KB Toys
- Lego Bionicle - Ages 7 & up - by Lego
- Monsters, Inc., Assorted Items - Ages 3 & up - by Hasbro
- Rescue Heroes - Ages 3 & up - by Fisher Price
- Girlbot - Ages 4 & up - by KB Toys
- Polly Pocket - Ages 3 & up - by Mattel
- Ready Freddie - Ages 3 & up - by KB Toys
- Jumbo Toy Story Buzz & Woody - Ages 3 & up - by Mattel
KB Toys is the nation's largest combined mall-based and online specialty toy retailer, operating more than 1,300 stores in all 50 states, the American Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, doing business as KB Toys, KB Toy Works, KB Toy Outlet, KB Toy Liquidators, KB Toy Express and with online shopping at KBtoys.com (KBtoys.com) & eToys (www.eToys.com
).
Offering a wide and competitively priced selection of toys and video games, commitment to customer service, convenient mall locations and a growing online shopping site, including the new KBwholesale.com, KB Toys combines the speed of the Internet with the convenience of returns at any store. KB Toys is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and employs more than 13,000 associates nationwide. KB Toys became a privately held company in December 2000 through a management buyout in partnership with Bain Capital Inc.
KB TOYS 2001 TOP HOLIDAY TOYS LIST
Dance Diva Home Recording Studio
Turn your slumber party into a dance party. Use the Dance Diva's dual cassette decks and two microphones to record your own voice with cool effects, or while singing to the music of your favorite stars. A KB Toys exclusive. Ages 8 and up.
LeapPad Learning Center
Watch your child's reading proficiency blossom with the interactive LeapPad Learning Center. This talking book tells captivating stories your child follows with a "magic" pen. Ages 4-7.
Interactive U.S. Presidents
Learn about all 43 U.S. Presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush. Learn the names of the First Ladies, Vice Presidents and more with over 10,000 quiz questions. A KB Toys exclusive. Ages 5 and up.
LEGO Bionicle
Experience the next generation of LEGO construction with LEGO Bionicle. Help the Toa, six mighty heroes, gather the Masks of Power and challenge the evil Makuta for control of Mata Nui. Ages 7 and up.
Monsters, Inc.
Collect all the "Top Scarer" characters from the highly anticipated Disney/Pixar Movie, Monsters, Inc. These funny, interactive action figures gather kid screams to power the monster world. Ages 3-12.
Rescue Heroes
From Fisher-Price, Rescue Heroes action figures represent the best of the best. From firefighters to police officers to medics and mountain rescue teams, Rescue Heroes honor those who help others. Ages 3 and up.
GirlBot
She's a 16" interactive robotic personal assistant, built just for girls. Girlbot dances, talks, answers questions, even wakes you up in the morning with a built-in alarm clock. A KB Toys exclusive. Ages 4-17.
Polly Pocket
Always stylish, Polly Pocket and her friends come with cool clothes easy for little fingers to snap on and off. With Polly backpacks and purses, kids can take her anywhere. Or, pretend at home with fun playsets. Ages 3-11.
Ready Freddie
Electronic "Ready Freddie" the learning robot makes it fun to learn basic reading and math essentials, telling time, tying shoes and more. A KB Toys exclusive. Ages 3-8.
Jumbo Toy Story Buzz
Jumbo Toy Story Woody
Everyone's favorite cartoon toys are larger than life and ready to play. Ages 3 and up.
