The Zhu Zhu pets only went on sale in August of this year - but they've already become a huge success. Across the nation, kids are going crazy for these furry little robotic hamsters that utilise artificial intelligence that lets them to react to their surroundings, interact with the kids and also to interact with the other hamsters in the Zhu Zhu pet gang,
As well as the fact that the hamsters are furry and cute, children really seem to adore the interactive nature of this toy. The gang of five Zhu Zhu hamsters - Pipsqueak, Chunk, Mr. Squiggles, Patches and Num Nums - have a collection of forty different sounds which they use when given the appropriate external stimulus. If, for instance, they enter their hamster bedroom, they start to snore. If they go into the bathroom in their hamster fun house then they make toothbrushing noises - etc.
However, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at relatively low volumes this year. This is partly due to the current economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were too high last year. A lot of retailers had to offer hefty price reductions in order to clear their shelves.
It's easy to see how the decision was arrived at - but based on the sales figures to date, the retailers may have got it wrong. Popular toys like the Mattel's Mindflex game and the Zhu Zhu pets are being snapped up quickly. Demand is way higher than supply and it's becoming very hard to find these toys in the shops. The situation is only going to get worse as we approach Christmas.
Many retailers, having realized their error, are now trying to arrange for new deliveries of stock. However, most toys are manufactured in Asia these days, which means that new deliveries will have a sea voyage of a few weeks at least. Building up stock levels in time for Christmas will simply not be possible in many cases.
It's now possible, as a result of the huge gap between supply and demand, to find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling on eBay for more than $ 150. That's way above the normal ticket price - and prices could rise even more as Christmas draws near and parents become desperate. It's a lot of money to pay for a child's toy which, even if it is currently all the rage, will probably be yesterday's news a few months from now.
If value for money is a consideration, then you might like to consider some of the more traditional gifts this year. Children's classics such as a train set, Monopoly, Lego or Scrabble - to name but a few - have stood the test of time for good reason. They are always a great addition to any kid's toy box and will probably still be in use and being enjoyed long after this year's hot, must have toy has been forgotten. - 30443
As well as the fact that the hamsters are furry and cute, children really seem to adore the interactive nature of this toy. The gang of five Zhu Zhu hamsters - Pipsqueak, Chunk, Mr. Squiggles, Patches and Num Nums - have a collection of forty different sounds which they use when given the appropriate external stimulus. If, for instance, they enter their hamster bedroom, they start to snore. If they go into the bathroom in their hamster fun house then they make toothbrushing noises - etc.
However, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at relatively low volumes this year. This is partly due to the current economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were too high last year. A lot of retailers had to offer hefty price reductions in order to clear their shelves.
It's easy to see how the decision was arrived at - but based on the sales figures to date, the retailers may have got it wrong. Popular toys like the Mattel's Mindflex game and the Zhu Zhu pets are being snapped up quickly. Demand is way higher than supply and it's becoming very hard to find these toys in the shops. The situation is only going to get worse as we approach Christmas.
Many retailers, having realized their error, are now trying to arrange for new deliveries of stock. However, most toys are manufactured in Asia these days, which means that new deliveries will have a sea voyage of a few weeks at least. Building up stock levels in time for Christmas will simply not be possible in many cases.
It's now possible, as a result of the huge gap between supply and demand, to find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling on eBay for more than $ 150. That's way above the normal ticket price - and prices could rise even more as Christmas draws near and parents become desperate. It's a lot of money to pay for a child's toy which, even if it is currently all the rage, will probably be yesterday's news a few months from now.
If value for money is a consideration, then you might like to consider some of the more traditional gifts this year. Children's classics such as a train set, Monopoly, Lego or Scrabble - to name but a few - have stood the test of time for good reason. They are always a great addition to any kid's toy box and will probably still be in use and being enjoyed long after this year's hot, must have toy has been forgotten. - 30443
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Find out if the Zhu Zhu Pets are still available - or check out the most traditional gift of all - a Hornby Dublo train set.
