There's not much doubt that Zhu Zhu Pets - the family of five robotic hamsters which feature artificial intelligence which allows them to interact with children and their environment - are the must have toy for Christmas 2009. They are in such high demand that Toys R Us have not listed them in their Christmas 2009 catalog in order to avoid disappointing prospective buyers.
The Zhu Zhu hamsters are Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums, Chunk, Pipsqueak and Patches. In addition to the hamsters themselves there is a wide range of toys and accessories available which can be use in different ways and which allows the children to use their imagination.
The Zhu Zhu pets are aimed at children in the age range of 4 to 10 years old and appeal to both boys and girls. They are not suitable for very small children as they contain moving parts and batteries.
The manufacturers, Cepia, are based in St. Louis and were founded in 2004. Six million units have been shipped since the Zhu Zhu Pets were launched in August 2009. Between now and Xmas, a further six million sales are predicted. At the moment, the Zhu Zhu Pets are spending, on average, between 30 seconds and 3 minutes on the shelf before being purchased.
Prices are starting to creep up as demand outstrips supply - both for the hamsters and their accessories. You can already find these for sale on eBay. Prices are, of course, higher than retail and can be expected to rise the closer we get to Xmas.
Cepia are predicting sales of between $ 300 and $ 400 million over the next twelve months. This will be from not only the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they intend to expand their range to include hedgehogs, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Presumably any small, cute and furry woodland animal which children would find appealing could make it onto their list in future. - 30443
The Zhu Zhu hamsters are Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums, Chunk, Pipsqueak and Patches. In addition to the hamsters themselves there is a wide range of toys and accessories available which can be use in different ways and which allows the children to use their imagination.
The Zhu Zhu pets are aimed at children in the age range of 4 to 10 years old and appeal to both boys and girls. They are not suitable for very small children as they contain moving parts and batteries.
The manufacturers, Cepia, are based in St. Louis and were founded in 2004. Six million units have been shipped since the Zhu Zhu Pets were launched in August 2009. Between now and Xmas, a further six million sales are predicted. At the moment, the Zhu Zhu Pets are spending, on average, between 30 seconds and 3 minutes on the shelf before being purchased.
Prices are starting to creep up as demand outstrips supply - both for the hamsters and their accessories. You can already find these for sale on eBay. Prices are, of course, higher than retail and can be expected to rise the closer we get to Xmas.
Cepia are predicting sales of between $ 300 and $ 400 million over the next twelve months. This will be from not only the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they intend to expand their range to include hedgehogs, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Presumably any small, cute and furry woodland animal which children would find appealing could make it onto their list in future. - 30443
About the Author:
Want to find out more about the Zhu Zhu Pets, then visit Harold Peterson's site on Zhu Zhu Hamsters and find out where you can still find them.
