"Teletubbies" Toys Say "Eh-Oh" to Children Everywhere;
FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us Report Phenomenal Sales
01:26 p.m May 27, 1998 Eastern
NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 27, 1998--Just over one
week after the introduction of Hasbro's talking Teletubbies toys, key retailers are
proclaiming a tremendous success. The toys, based on the children's television
phenomenon, were introduced on May 16th at FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us
nationwide, with additional distribution to Store of Knowledge, Noodle
Kidoodle, Learningsmith, Imaginarium and Zainy Brainy beginning on Sunday,
May 17th.
"Teletubbies has greatly surpassed my expectations," said Michael Goldstein,
Chairman of the Board of Toys R Us. "In fact, I haven't seen a toy launch this
successful since the introduction of the Cabbage Patch dolls."
"We have seen a very enthusiastic response to Teletubbies," said John Eyler,
Chairman and CEO, FAO Schwarz. "Once parents and children watch the
show, they fall in love with these characters - and we expect this product will be
a big hit this holiday season."
"I am thrilled that the Teletubbies have become a part of the fabric of life in
America as quickly as they have," said Kenn Viselman, president and CEO of
the itsy bitsy Entertainment Company. "The way that children and their caregivers
have embraced the toys solidifies the fact that the series has proven to be a
positive, fun and creative outlet."
Teletubbies, produced by Ragdoll Productions (UK) Ltd., premiered on public
television on April 6th. The series is both entertaining and a learning tool for its
young audience. Above all else, Teletubbies is funny. Children become engaged
in the humor of the program which is deliberately created for their understanding.
The episodes are carefully written and directed so children can learn from each
show.
Teletubbies' unique format and characters were designed to nourish children's
thinking skills. This innovative program encourages young viewers to listen and
anticipate the characters' actions by incorporating movement, repetition and
speech. Full of inventive concepts and original ideas, Teletubbies has been
created to foster children's imaginations even after the television is turned off.
Ragdoll Productions (UK) Limited was founded in 1985 by Anne Wood. The
creator of the award-winning TOTS TV(TM), in association with Carlton
Television and produced in partnership with the itsy bitsy Entertainment
Company, Ragdoll Productions is committed to the development of young
children, capturing their imaginations through fantasy and play and teaching life's
lessons through first-hand discovery.
The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, which recently concluded a merger with
Hadleman Company (NYSE:HDL), was launched to offer creators of unique
properties a strong, dedicated partnership for production, distribution, licensing
and marketing. Founded three years ago by Kenn Viselman, the itsy bitsy
Entertainment Company is known for inspiring "Safehaven Entertainment(TM)" -
programming and products that maintain the highest levels of consideration for
positive parenting while enhancing children's lives, allowing them to dream!
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