PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- April 10, 2003 -- Hasbro, Inc.'s BEYBLADE line is one of the hottest toys this spring, as proven by kids who have bought more than five million BEYBLADE tops in the U.S. since the brand's introduction in late 2001. BEYBLADE is clearly the number-one, authentic brand of high performance tops, and kids everywhere are collecting and competing with them.
To celebrate the legions of BEYBLADE fans popping up everywhere, Hasbro and Toys "R" Us will host "BEYBLADE Rip Zone" events at 200 selected Toys "R" Us stores across the country this spring and summer. These events will give kids a place for organized BEYBLADE play, so that they can compete with their BEYBLADE tops and sharpen their skills and strategies. Kids will also get a chance to preview new BEYBLADE products due out this fall, including the BEYBLADE remote control top with launcher.
"We're thrilled about the success of the BEYBLADE brand and the phenomenon it has become in the U.S.," said Brian Goldner, president of Hasbro's U.S. toys group. "With five million tops sold, it's clear that kids in this country have caught BEYBLADE fever, and these events at Toys "R" Us will answer the call of an enthusiastic community of players who already love to compete with BEYBLADE."
The free "BEYBLADE Rip Zone" events begin on April 12th and will take place once a month (the second Saturday of every month) through October at participating Toys "R" Us locations. Toys "R" Us will promote these events via in store flyers, radio spots, and on the web. A schedule of all the events and their locations can be found on www.beyblade.hasbro.com, www.beyblade.com and at www.toysrusinc.com.
"We're really excited to be the exclusive host of the 'BEYBLADE Rip Zone' events," said Jim Feldt, President of Merchandising and Marketing for Toys "R" Us. "At Toys "R" Us, we want to continue to offer kids opportunities they won't get anywhere else. Participants will get to show off their skills and learn from more experienced players. It will be great fun for all children either watching their friends, or trying it themselves, and we're anticipating a lot of interest from eager BEYBLADE fans across the country."
The 2003 BEYBLADE line features new feature-based BEYBLADE tops coming out throughout the year, new deluxe launchers to enhance strategic play, and unique BEYSTADIUM arenas for new twists in the competition. There is even a revolutionary new remote controlled top, due out this fall, to take BEYBLADE matches to a whole new level of challenge when battling for BEYBLADE supremacy!
Through d-rights, Inc. and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana, merchandising agent for the BEYBLADE sports entertainment brand, Hasbro has the rights to manufacture tops and other toys in the U.S. and various other countries.
Corus Entertainment is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is Canada's market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, one of the world's largest international producers and distributors of children's programming and products. The company's other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus' Web site can be found at corusentertainment.com.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
