Zhu Zhu pets - the gang of five motorized toy hamsters with artificial intelligence that interact with their environment and kids - are, without a doubt, the must have toy for 2009's festive season. In fact, demand is so high that Toys R Us decided not to include them in their Xmas catalog so as not to disappoint shoppers.
Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Patches, Num Nums and Pipsqueak are the names of the five hamsters. As well as the hamsters, a wide range of toys and accessories - which can be connected in a variety of different configurations - are available to stretch the children's imaginations.
Children, both boys and girls, between the ages of 4 and 10 are the target group for these toys. As they contain moving parts and batteries, they are not suitable for very small children.
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.
Demand is outstripping supply right now and prices are beginning to creep upwards - for both the hamsters and their accessories. Sellers on eBay are already cashing in and you can expect to see more of this the closer we get to Christmas.
Cepia expect to sell between $ 300 and $ 400 million of toys over the next twelve months. They intend to extend their range to include hedgehogs, rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels - all of which should have a similar appeal to children as the Zhu Zhu hamsters. - 30224
Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Patches, Num Nums and Pipsqueak are the names of the five hamsters. As well as the hamsters, a wide range of toys and accessories - which can be connected in a variety of different configurations - are available to stretch the children's imaginations.
Children, both boys and girls, between the ages of 4 and 10 are the target group for these toys. As they contain moving parts and batteries, they are not suitable for very small children.
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.
Demand is outstripping supply right now and prices are beginning to creep upwards - for both the hamsters and their accessories. Sellers on eBay are already cashing in and you can expect to see more of this the closer we get to Christmas.
Cepia expect to sell between $ 300 and $ 400 million of toys over the next twelve months. They intend to extend their range to include hedgehogs, rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels - all of which should have a similar appeal to children as the Zhu Zhu hamsters. - 30224
