Patti Martin of the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press introduces the phenomenon that is Webkinz and provides a nice “Webkinz Primer” for those not already familiar with the interactive plush toy that is sweeping the nation…

From the article:

A WEBKINZ PRIMER

Don’t know anything about Webkinz? Here’s some information from Webkinz.com:

• Webkinz can get sick, but they won’t die.

• Webkinz membership lasts a year. Once the year is up, you must buy and register another pet for access to the site. The year starts from the latest Webkinz registered. You can’t accumulate years. For example, if you register three Webkinz at the same time, the membership is one year, not three years.

• Earn Webkinz cash by playing games and spend it on furniture and decorations for your pet’s home.

• The Webkinz dictionary constructs chats in the Webkinz world. People are not allowed to type whatever they want.

• A Webkinz pet is sick if it has a green snout or an ice pack on its head. Drop some Webkinz cash at the clinic to make it better.

• Webkinz pets receive virtual cakes on their birthdays.

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The New York Times reports an alarming trend that is affecting many Webkinz pets… Identity Theft. Yes, you heard me right…

“…Shoppers are snatching tiny squares of paper for their digits and, in effect, chucking the actual toy for the animated, digital one. It may well be the first case of identity theft of a stuffed toy.”

To read the full article, click here.

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In an article by Jennifer Muhmel in the Ventura County Star, Cherie Bouchard, owner of a gift shop in California talks about the popularity of Webkinz pets…

“…Webkinz is going to far exceed what Trolls and Ty Beanie Babies did because it’s not just a plush animal, said Bouchard, owner of Cherie Amour, a gift shop at 63 S. California St. in Ventura.

‘I am expecting it to be the most popular item that I’ve ever sold,’ she said.

The toys are becoming so popular that Bouchard, along with many store owners in Ventura County and across the nation, have had problems meeting demand. ‘It’s the hottest toy on the market right now,’ said Bouchard, adding that she receives calls and visitors from out of the area to see what she has in stock…”

To read the full article, click here.

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Just an FYI for members, Webkinz World has recently announced increased the base resolution of its site to 1024 x 768. What this means is the following…

If Webkinz World currently fits on your screen, no change is necessary…

However, if the site’s content does not fit, you need to change your resolution in Windows. Detailed instructions are provided on Webkinz.com, Bulletinz Section.

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This story from the Dallas Morning News comments on the shift in toy makers philosophies to target the techsavvyness of
younger children…

Webkinz let kids toy with the Internet
JOSH DAVIS — The Dallas Morning News
Chris Byrne, a 27-year toy industry veteran, said Webkinz is among the leaders in a growing market giving younger kids access to technology… (Read More)

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In a short article from www.giftsanddec.com, Ganz’s risky entry into the plush toy market is analyzed…

Market Report — Atlanta
Gifts & Decorative Accessories - New York,NY,USA
The company’s showroom has been a beehive of activity every market day, thanks to Webkinz, a little R&D risk that has provided huge rewards. … (Read More)

Also, an article by the AP comments on the development of social networking skills for children under 10 years old…

Sites introduce preteens to social networking
Associated Press
Drawing preteens as young as 6 or 7, sites like Club Penguin and Webkinz are forcing parents to decide at what age they are willing to let their children roam about and interact with friends online. (Read More)

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The CNW Group reports that “Webkinz” topped the Yahoo! Canada search results for the month of June…

June’s Top 10 Searches Overall:
1. Webkinz
2. Paris Hilton
3. WWE
4. Chris Benoit
5. Britney Spears
6. Runescape
7. NHL
8. Perez Hilton
9. NASCAR
10. Rosie O’Donnell

“Toy phenomenon Webkinz remained popular in June, more so among Canadians 35-44 years old, who were likely looking for information on where to buy the toy for their kids.”

…or looking for information on where to buy Webkinz for themselves

For other rankings, click here.

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In an article in the Nashua Telegraph, reporter Stacy Milbouer writes about the success of Webkinz and the troubles stores are having keeping them in stock…

“If you look up the store locater on the Webkinz Web site and type in Nashua or Hudson, the names of three to nine local stores will appear. But that doesn’t mean the stores actually have them. And those that don’t still have to field the Webkinz questions every day. The usual reply is a polite, “We don’t have any and don’t know when we’ll get them again, but thank you.”

Due to the extreme demand and short supply, prices are rising…

“People call us every day. But now that they’re so popular, the prices are going up, and it’s only the bigger stores, like Hallmark stores, that are getting them regularly.” For example, “The much-coveted Chocolate Lab webkinz for example, which originally retailed for $10, is listed for sale for $20.”

The article goes on to explore parental reaction to the Webkinz World and how this online virtual world is affecting their children. To read more, click here.

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In a press release, Beckett Media, the leader in sports and specialty market collectible products, announced a new publication targeting the plush toy market:

“Beckett’s latest magazine covering this emerging group of collectors and kids is titled Plushie Pals and is on sale now. The magazine features the standard price guides for all the hottest plushies as well as games, decorating tips and a full-color poster.”

They go on to explain their entrance into the market:

“We’ve had our eyes on Webkinz for about eighteen months and since the 2007 releases, we’ve seen dramatic increases in value on the secondary market. Seeing a Webkinz like Cheeky Dog sell for over $1500 was incredible. The Webkinz craze has all the same feeling and buzz of Beanie Babies or Pokemon.”

The goal of the “kid-friendly” publication is to accurately list the going rate for all plush toys, including Webkinz pets, and to provide news and other information related to the market. Plushie pals will be published twice a month and have a cover price of $5.99.

For more details, see the press release.

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Webkinz dominate Toy Bestseller List on Amazon
I4U - USA
If you are parent of a preschooler you might already have encountered the cute plush toys called Webkinz. When I explored the toy bestseller list on … (Read More)

Interested in Amazon’s supply of Webkinz? Click on thru to Buy Webkinz on Amazon.com.

Courtesy of Google News

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