Manhattan Toy Press Releases
Press Releases
Manhattan Toy Expands Groovy Girls’ World of Products and Dolls
April 4, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Minneapolis-based Manhattan Toy is expanding its mega-popular Groovy Girls line of funky dolls and trendy accessories. This summer, the company is adding 12 fresh new items to the already fabulous world of Groovy Girls, the brand that celebrates individualism, diversity and the power of friendship.
"The Groovy Girls are in a world of their own -- one that continues to grow and foster character in all girls no matter what shape, size or ethnic background, says Roger Bildsten, president of Manhattan Toy. And now Groovy Girls fans can showcase their very own personal accessories for the first time.
Beginning in April, Groovy Girls will introduce girls’ funky handbags in four styles classic, tote, cylinder and clutch. In true Groovy Girls fashion, each bag is draped in faux fur and trimmed with bold animal prints and colorful fabrics. Plus, inspiring a sense of do-it-yourself fashion, Groovy Girls will also introduce two new Sticker Snazzmatazz sets. Packaged in a transparent tote, the Snazzmattazz sets feature a Groovy Girls doll with stylish outfit, denim jacket, and 16 reusable embroidered fashion stickers.
In addition, Groovy Girls is launching a playful new line of paper goods including thank you notes, party invitations, postcards, memo pads, and stationery letter sheets. Special Groovy Girls writing kits include postcards, letter sheets and envelopes.
Groovy Girls dolls and products appeal to girls ages three to 12.
Manhattan Toy introduced Groovy Girls as part of its overall collection of distinctive soft toys that inspire creative play. Groovy Girls, the brand that teaches girls to celebrate diversity and their own uniqueness & style, distributes its products through more than 5,000 specialty retailers worldwide. Groovy Girls also features several boy dolls. For more information on the entire collection of Groovy Girls and other products from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Manhattan Toy and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are at it Again with New Additions for 2003.
January 3, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) This year, Manhattan Toy continues to bring the genius of Dr. Seuss to life with four beautifully crafted new toys. Designed in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, each one is designed to be true to the author’s imagination, using only the finest, most unique materials. The 2003 introductions include a new FOX IN SOCKS soft toy and boxed finger puppet set, a new LORAX hand puppet, and the innovative Dr. Seuss™ Sit Upon, featuring HORTON. Each one helps to enhance families’ reading experiences with the classic Dr. Seuss books and inspire exciting, original new story lines.
Children of all ages will love to play along as they read about the tricky FOX IN SOCKS and his antics. The new soft toy is nine inches tall and comes dressed in his signature socks and gloves. The boxed finger puppet set includes SUE, MR. KNOX, the BOX and FOX, giving children lots of opportunities to invent new adventures.
Joining an already well-loved cast of hand puppets is the LORAX, the fuzzy-mustached creature from The Lorax. Families will enjoy collecting this entire puppet line, which includes HORTON, THE CAT IN THE HAT and his jittery pal THE FISH, and THE GRINCH and his faithful dog MAX. Each puppet is 10 inches tall and loaded with whimsical Seussian personality.
One of the company’s most creative debuts is the Dr. Seuss Sit Upon, a 40-inch-long. HORTON that can be used for lounging, as imaginative room décor or simply as a large and playful friend. Big enough to ride and wonderfully soft, this item is sure to turn heads and will make a very special gift.
Other Dr. Seuss toys from Manhattan Toy include the popular Hug Arounds, huggable 52-inch versions of THE GRINCH and THE CAT IN THE HAT; three sizes of classic characters and finger puppets from many of the most popular Dr. Seuss books. For true puppeteers, there are even two soft puppet stages, the Zoom a Zoop Theatre backdrop, and another featuring the cast of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.
Manhattan Toy began collaborating with Dr. Seuss Enterprises in 1999 and in 2002 launched the first of this magnificent character line, which has already become a favorite of many retailers and their customers. It is just one example of the company’s ongoing commitment to creativity, quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty store. For more information about all of the Manhattan Toy lines, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Manhattan Toy Expands its Colorful Whoozit ® Line for Babies
Whoozit ®, by Manhattan Toy, was the first character designed specially to hold babies’ interest. Incorporating groundbreaking graphics and plenty of the developmental features the company is known for, Whoozit toys offer infants a wide variety of challenging activities. This year, Manhattan Toy is updating the Whoozit world with eight new innovative creations that are sure to become favorites.
The Whoozit ® character, available in two sizes, has been redesigned with ultra-soft velour fabrics that little hands will love to hold. The new Whoozit ® Car Mobile is designed to attach to the back of a car seat, with dangling pieces that sway as the car moves. It includes baby-safe mirrors that encourage self-discovery and bold colors and patterns proven to keep little ones’ attention.
Busy babies will enjoy reaching for the intriguing playthings hanging from the three-dimensional Whoozit® Gym to Go. The gym folds flat for easy storage and travel and features an outside pocket that holds diapers and bottles. Like all Whoozit toys, the Gym to Go is crafted from bright, soft fabrics that babies can’t resist.
With the Whoozit® Wiggle Ball, babies will learn about cause and effect as they build their developing motor skills. Multi-colored ribbons encourage exploration, and a pull on the Whoozit character activates an exciting jiggling motion.
There are lots of ways to play with the Whoozit® Star Play Panel. Its five engaging activities include a jiggling star, a hide-and-seek game, a baby-safe mirror, textured plastic beads to move and touch, and a pocket with a hidden surprise. Designed with the classic Whoozit colors and graphics, the Star Play Panel ties onto most crib rails and makes a wonderful floor toy as well.
New Toys from Manhattan Baby Help Babies and Toddlers Learn as They Play.
January 24, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - Research proven developmental features and engaging designs have always made Manhattan Baby toys unique. This year, Manhattan Toy adds many exciting new items to its already popular baby lines and introduces two entirely new categories created specially for infants, and toddlers.
The company’s new infant toys are designed and stuffed using ultra-soft materials. Its Snuggle Toys, a unique twist on the traditional baby blanket, include Sue the Duck, Lou the Lamb and Moo the Cow. Made from contrasting cotton velour and satin fabrics, with sewn-in textures babies will love to explore, these unique toys are perfect in the crib or other play area. The soft and floppy new Cuddle Toys, great first-toy friends, feature Miles Monkey, Buster Bear and Bella Bunny. Toe Tappers™ include two sets of whimsically themed booties rockets and butterflies that babies will be drawn to as they discover their feet.
Also new this year are nine new products designed to address the developmental needs and curiosity of busy toddlers ages 18 to 36 months. The Mix & Match Activity Garden has colorful rings and garden critters that can be sorted and stacked onto three soft flower stems. With Itty Bitty Beading Bugs, children can lace soft beads and plastic spacers in a multitude of combinations. The Loopy Links Garden and Loopy Links Zoo support toddlers’ love of linking and feature boldly colored and patterned loops with magnetic snap closures. With the new Peek-A-Pet™ Activity Toy, children can stuff cute creatures into the see-through tummies of increasingly larger pets.
Toddlers will also love Zoolio, a soft travel case filled with six animal-inspired panels that encourage zipping, buttoning, snapping and other favorite toddler activities; and Bellybops, three wearable playmates (a horse, elephant and car) that fit around most children’s waists for hours of imaginative role-play.
The company is also introducing several additions to its successful lineup of bath toys. This year, Wallace Walrus, Plato Platypus and Crocket Crocodile are sure to make a splash with shoppers. These stuffed Tub Toys are made from a soft, quick-drying terry fabric and come with removable life vests.
Manhattan Toy is the official manufacturer and distributor of Wimmer-Ferguson® toys, the original, high contrast graphic products for newborns and infants. These carefully designed, research-based toys help babies with early visual and multi-sensory development. This season, the company has updated the popular line with fresh new colors and shapes, including the new Wiggle & Watch Carrier Spiral, which features visually stimulating dangling pieces for babies to explore, and a patented spiral shape that wraps around most carrier handles.
Manhattan Toy is one of the industry’s most innovative makers of children’s toys and is committed to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty retailer. For more information on all of the company’s baby toys, as well as its other lines, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Long considered one of the industry’s leading makers
of innovative, high quality playthings, Manhattan Toy enters the 2003 season with more than 150 new creations ranging across all of its major product categories, plus an entirely new line designed especially for toddlers. As always, every toy the company manufactures is meticulously designed to delight young children while meeting their age-appropriate developmental needs, and each is carefully hand-crafted from the finest, most unique materials, making them true specialty store standouts.
We expect our toys to be catalysts for great, imaginative fun, says Kiki Foget, Director of Product Development, so we take every opportunity to build in exceptional quality and play value. Our goal is to excite both the specialty buyer and the customer with innovative designs, distinctive fabrics and incredible attention to detail.
Perhaps one of the company’s most exciting additions this year is its line of Toddler Toys, featuring six new items designed to challenge and entertain children ages 18 to 36 months. Colorful and clever, these toys encourage stacking, linking, sorting, zipping, buttoning and other favorite toddler activities.
The company’s 2003 catalog also features 34 new baby toys, including eight additions to the popular Whoozit® line. Highlights include the original Whoozit and Baby Whoozit characters, now revised with ultra-soft velour fabrics; the Whoozit Star Play Panel, featuring five different, engaging activities; the Gym to Go, a portable play space with hanging Whoozit figures to explore; and Whoozit Water Play, a set of soft, colorful nesting stars that scoop, strain and pour water. All of the new toys feature the brand’s signature graphics and developmental features.
Shoppers will also find much that’s new under the company’s Manhattan Baby brand with eight new plush and snuggle toys, additions to the research-proven, developmental Wimmer-Ferguson® line, new activity toys and activity book products. Children will also enjoy several new bath toys as well as Bellybops™, soft wearable characters (a horse, elephant and car) that fit around youngsters’ waists for hours of imaginative fun.
For the slightly older set, children ages three years and up, Manhattan Toy offers a colorful array of new playmates, from its classically styled Mesozaurus dinosaur collection; to four new, highly imaginative Galoompagalots monsters; to an entire family of critters wearing their own fashionable glasses. Another surprise this year is the oversized Rocketpack Jack, a 30-inch-tall super hero with a removable rocket pack that fits most young children and encourages active role-play.
The company is also introducing two new doll collections: Ballesque, featuring three poseable ballerinas that come with removable dancewear and their own wire stands; and Little Majesties, four royal princesses in fanciful dresses of velvet and satin. Plus, the popular Lilydoll collection is expanding to include new accessories and furniture, and a pet dog named Clara.
This year, Manhattan Toy launches Puppettos tm), the new umbrella brand for all of its various hand and finger puppets, Merryonettes, Lollipuppets ® and puppet Theatres. There are new entries into each of these categories, including six new characters built just right for smaller hands, as well as something entirely different: the Prehistoric Pack, an innovative concept in puppet play. This set includes two caveman-themed finger puppets with chairs and blankets, a soft campfire, skewered hot dogs and marshmallows and a wooly mammoth, packed neatly into a playful vehicle/carrying case. Together, they provide all the characters and props children need to invent endless adventures.
Finally, new Groovy Girls ® dolls, accessories and other items will add excitement to the already phenomenal Groovy success story. The 2003 Groovy collection includes three new dolls that carry on the brand’s hip, signature style and multi-cultural focus; trendy new outfits and accessories, including a beach-themed butterfly chair, cabana and wave runner; two new pets named Pogo and Ling; and plenty of fresh revamps of last seasons’ best sellers. Also debuting is a kid-sized Groovy Style ® backpack that’s sure to drive store traffic. The Ultra Pack is designed to hold five dolls and plenty of their stylish stuff, and is designed with the Groovy graphics and detailing girls everywhere have come to love.
Manhattan Toy is dedicated to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty retailer. It distributes its products through more than 9,000 specialty stores worldwide. For more information on its collections, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
The Groovy Girls world, from Manhattan Toy, just keeps getting bigger and better.
Designed to promote individuality, diversity and the power of friendship, Groovy Girls dolls and their stylish lines of outfits and accessories have become a toy sensation and an international household name. This year, the Groovy world is expanding, with three new dolls and all sorts of fashionable new accoutrements.
With the addition of Carissa, Cicely and Celeste, there are now 18 distinctive dolls in all, including two Groovy Boys ® and a Groovy Mermaid ® friend. Each new doll is available in the popular 13-inch size, and Carissa, along with Trini and Kinsey two of last season’s favorites also comes in a 40-inch Supersize.
Part of the fun of going Groovy is collecting the latest clothing and accessories. There are four new Groovy Gear® outfits in 2003 and, as always, they feature high quality fabrics and unique detailing. From the new Hula-la ensemble to the ultra-fabulous Glamour Gown, girls will love adding the newest in Groovy couture to their favorite friends’ wardrobes.
Also new are two exciting clothing/accessory combos under the Groovy Xtravaganza™ brand. Surf Stuff features cool beachwear and a radical surfboard. Slumber Soiree includes jammies, slippers, and a personal, doll-sized phone.
This season’s Groovy Accessories ® line debuts a trio of Saucy Skirts, and a Singsational Karaoke Set in leopard print that comes with two microphones and three miniature CDs. There are also two new Groovy Pets ®, Pogo dog and Ling cat. Loaded with personality and decked out in swanky collars, these lovable animal pals come with leashes that fit around a Groovy Girl wrist.
The fun continues with several new Groovy Style ® creations. In 2003, the Groovy girls take to the beach. There’s a breezy cabana, beach-themed butterfly chair and personal watercraft with a removable doll-sized life vest. Girls will also delight in the addition of a rockin’ drum set and an awesome revamp of the Sassy Sleepover bag.
Of course, no Groovy world would be complete without Groovy Style for Girls®, the company’s collection of room décor for real girls. This year, the line includes a soft and swingy, carry-everything backpack. Featuring the Groovy graphics and fabrics that girls love, the Ultra Pack is designed to hold up to four dolls in its main compartment, plus a fifth in a removable case, and includes tons of storage space in a top compartment and five inner and outer pockets. Made of durable nylon oxford fabrics, the pack has adjustable shoulder straps.
Manhattan Toy is one of the industry’s most innovative makers of children’s toys and is committed to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty retailer. Since its introduction in 1998, its Groovy Girls line has become one of the most popular toys for girls in the United States and Europe. For more information on Groovy Girls and other Manhattan Toy lines, visit www.manhattantoy.com. |
|
Further Manhattan Toy Press Releases
Toy Industry Association names Groovy Girls ® T-Series® Girl Toy of the Year and Specialty Toy of the Year
March 4, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) At the U.S. toy industry’s most prestigious awards event, Manhattan Toy’s Groovy Girls® were named Girl Toy of the Year and Specialty Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA). Honors for the Groovy Girls®, huggable playmates that sport trendy hairdos and funky removable outfits, were announced at the TIA’s third annual Toy Of The Year (T.O.T.Y.) gala awards dinner at New York’s Waldorf Astoria on February 15.
Despite a sluggish economy, Groovy Girls, which are only sold in specity retail and fine department stores, have continued their rise as one of Americas most popular dolls amongst girls ages 2 to 12, parents, and other consumers.
According to Tom Conley, president of TIA, the T.O.T.Y. Awards honor the best toys and games for consumers in the United States. "We applaud Groovy Girls’ originality and other positive messages, particularly for impressionable young girls, he said. Manhattan Toy’s Groovy Girls encourage imaginative play and that’s what the T.O.T.Y. Awards are all about."
Inspiring a sense of personal style and positive self-image, each Groovy Girls character is non body-specific and has a unique, one-of-a-kind look expressed in her hairstyle, skin tone and outfit. Groovy Girls’ award-winning “T-Series,” Talli, Trini, and Tomiko represent diverse ethnic backgrounds.
"America has literally and figuratively embraced the Groovy Girls. Fans of the dolls have actually become the inspiration for additions to the Groovy line, says Roger Bildsten, president of Manhattan Toy. Groovy Girls are a very special brand. You can look forward to some amazing innovation as their world continues to grow.
In addition to the T-Series, Groovy Girls has launched more than 85 dolls and accessories since 1998. The dolls are introduced in letter-series, such as K, V, and T. Thus, each doll features a first name starting with its series letter. Making them a hot collectable item, various Groovy Girls dolls graduate each year.
Groovy Girls offers sku’s in fashion accessories, apparel, footwear, party goods, personal care, bedding, and entertainment. Groovy Girls currently licenses games and puzzles and is exploring other licensing opportunities.
Manhattan Toy, based in Minneapolis, MN, introduced Groovy Girls as part of its overall collection of distinctive soft toys that inspire creative play. Groovy Girls, the brand that teaches girls to celebrate their own sense of unique, personal style and diversity, distributes its products through more than 5000 specialty retailers worldwide. Groovy Girls also features two boy dolls. For more information on the entire collection of Groovy Girls and other products from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association (TIA), formerly Toy Manufacturers of America, is recognized by government, trade, media.
Manhattan Toy Introduces Nearly 100 New Products for Christmas 2003
August 22, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Minneapolis-based Manhattan Toy today unveiled nearly 100 distinctive and creative new products for the fourth quarter holiday season. Available exclusively through fine retail and specialty stores, the new products are from Manhattan Toy’s popular Whoozit, Manhattan Baby, Manhattan Toy, Dr. Seuss, Lilydoll, Puppettos, and Groovy Girls brands.
Today’s parents and gift givers are being more selective when it comes to toys, says Kiki Foget, Director of Product Development and Marketing. Our new products break through the mass market clutter to deliver distinctive toys that inspire the imagination and bring out a child’s true character.
Dr. Seuss
In fact, Manhattan Toy is launching items featuring the official 100 Seussentennial The Cat in the Hat logo in time for the upcoming The Cat in the Hat movie launch in late November. The company is offering all favorite Seuss characters to ignite vivid imaginations including a The Cat in the Hat hand puppet and bold and bright Thing One and Thing Two soft toys.
Manhattan Baby
Manhattan Baby’s research-proven developmental features and engaging designs are inherent in 11 new baby products, toddler and infant toys. In addition to several new colorful, cuddly and textured toys in the line, the Loopy Links line has evolved into a fun fishing set and jewelry set; each with vibrant accessories that can be interchanged with other Loopy Links sets.
Whoozit
Manhattan Toy’s Whoozit line, featuring a bold, whimsical character designed to hold babies’ interest, is unveiling five new products including a new friend for Whoozit. Tizoo, a complement to vivid blue Whoozit, is a bright pink heart toy that offers visual stimulation and special noises to perk up little ears.
Soft Toys
From the wide-eyed Langllies and wild, under-stuffed Rarities to caring pup Nursing Nana, Manhattan Toy is announcing eight new soft toy lines. In addition, the company is introducing four line extensions for brands such as the playful creature Lolligags, prehistoric pal Mesozaurs, and mega popular floppy, take-anywhere Dowgs. Even super size friendly action hero Rocketpack Jack is getting a new save-the-day friend, Lightning Bolt Bud.
Lilydoll
Lilydoll is a high-quality soft-doll that girls can appreciate and love for years to come. Adding to the trend-conscience apparel collection are four new chic outfits and a violin with a case and bow as a new accessory. New apparel includes Debut Performance, a lush green evening gown with coordinating purse, shoes, and necklace; Warm and Wonderful, a faux fur coat with gloves and scarf; On Your Toes, a sweet ballerina outfit with hair accessory and toe shoes; and a sassy Round the Block ensemble with t-shirt, jacket, and tennis shoes.
Groovy Girls
Groovy Girls, Manhattan Toy’s hip line of funky dolls and trendy playtime accessories, is launching three new Groovy Girls, Bindi, Britta and Brenna, including a new Supersize Brenna. In addition, Groovy Girls is introducing a new Myra Mermaid doll and three new pets including a dolphin. Two new, edgy boy dolls, Blake and Brandon will hit the groovy scene this fall.
The launch also includes four new clothing lines. Groovy Gear features hip and happenin’ wear such as bohemian retro duds, Boho Poncho and faux suede coat ensemble, Suddenly Suede. Groovy Extravaganza showcases many looks for awesome activities, such as a RahRah Palooza, a cheerleading get-up including mix-and-match outfit, hair accessories and pom-poms.
Groovy Girls is also launching a Groovy Style Sittin’ Pretty salon with hair dryer, sink with water sprayer and large mirror and chair. The Groovy Girls B and C (Celeste, Carissa and Cicely) series is also offering two new zipper pull assortments, perfect for backpacks and purses.
Puppettos
Manhattan Toy’s cast of characters, Puppettos, are hitting the shelves with several new finger and hand puppets including two new boxed sets for gift giving. Whimsical new sets include Nail Biters, thumb and index finger puppets Sallie and Eddie, Merryonettes and Mutt Puppets colorful dogs.
Manhattan Toy distributes its distinctive products through more than 5,000 specialty retailers worldwide including baby toys uk. For more information on the entire collection of products from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com
Manhattan Toys take play seriously. . .
Because play is a noun, a verb and everything in-between. Play is simple - and complex.
Play is discovery and expoloration, and joy, and growth, and learning, and so much more.
So for Manhattan Toys, baby toys are serious work.
Parents can choose from this online toy shop, a wide range of Manhattan Baby toys that are certain to engage babies and generate hours of fun. Equally important is the care taken to ensure the quality, durability, and safety of each toy, including compliance with rigorous international standards. |
|
